Cooling system

Abstract

To provide a cooling system in which the time required for completing a cooling product is hardly extended.SOLUTION: The cooling system 100 is a cooling system 100 for generating ice slurry undiluted solution Y12 which is turned into ice slurry by applying at least an impact. Cooling system 100 includes cooling box 20 and notification processing unit 44. The cooling box 20 produces ice slurry undiluted solution Y11 from liquid Y11 by cooling the liquid Y12 stored in the box. The notification processing unit 44 performs notification according to the progress of the generation of the ice slurry undiluted solution Y12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As a related art, a cooling system (a beverage supercooling device) is known that supercools a beverage such as a carbonated drink by cooling a beverage container containing the beverage with ice water mixed with salt (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The cooling system according to the related art comprises a reservoir of ice water mixed with salt and a rotor.

[0003] The rotating body has a container holder that holds a beverage container, and rotates back and forth around the rotation axis in forward and reverse directions within the reservoir, with the beverage container constantly in contact with ice water. Multiple container holders are provided around the rotation axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-177812 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the cooling systems of the related art described above, it is difficult to determine when the cooled product (supercooled beverage) is complete. For example, if a user removes a beverage that is not supercooled, the beverage may need to be cooled again, which may actually increase the time required for the cooled product to be completed.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling system that is less likely to extend the time required to complete a cooling product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cooling system for producing an ice slurry concentrate that is converted into an ice slurry upon at least the application of an impact. The cooling system includes a cooling chamber and a notification processor. The cooling chamber produces the ice slurry concentrate from a liquid by cooling the liquid contained therein. The notification processor issues a notification according to the progress of production of the ice slurry concentrate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a cooling system can be provided that is less likely to extend the time required to complete a cooled product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the opening and closing of a door body of a cooling system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a temperature change in the refrigerator of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of a temperature change in the refrigerator of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the cooling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall overview First, an overview of a cooling system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The cooling system 100 according to this embodiment cools a cooling target made of a liquid Y11 to produce an ice slurry stock solution Y12 as a cooling product. The ice slurry stock solution Y12 is a liquid that can be turned into an ice slurry at least when subjected to an impact. That is, the cooling target (liquid Y11) is cooled in the cooling system 100 to produce the ice slurry stock solution Y12, and the ice slurry stock solution Y12 is turned into an ice slurry by applying an impact to the ice slurry stock solution Y12, thereby obtaining an "ice slurry." In other words, the cooling system 100 is a manufacturing apparatus that produces the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the base material for the ice slurry, as a cooling product, and is a manufacturing apparatus that is responsible for part of the ice slurry manufacturing process.

[0013] In this disclosure, "ice slurry" refers to a slurry-like (mud-like) fluid in which fine ice particles (crystals) are dispersed in a liquid. "Ice" here does not only refer to frozen water, but also refers to any frozen (solidified) liquid to be cooled. In other words, ice slurry has a relatively high fluidity because the many fine ice particles are not bonded to each other and can move through the liquid.

[0014] In this embodiment, a liquid Y11 made of a beverage is particularly targeted for cooling, and an ice slurry concentrate Y12 is produced from the liquid Y11. Specifically, various beverages such as dairy / lactic acid bacteria beverages, tea / coffee beverages, sports drinks, fruit / vegetable beverages, carbonated beverages, or drinking water are used as the liquid Y11 to be cooled. The ice slurry produced from the ice slurry concentrate Y12 produced by cooling the liquid Y11 made of such beverages is a drinkable fluid that is taken into the human body through the mouth, similar to general liquid beverages.

[0015] Because ice slurry as a beverage contains a large amount of fine ice particles, it has the characteristic of being lower in temperature than beverages that are completely liquid. Also, unlike beverages such as frozen drinks or smoothies, which are made fluid by crushing ice into small pieces, ice slurry as a beverage has the characteristic of being highly fluid because the ice particles are very fine (tiny). Therefore, compared to other beverages (complete liquids, frozen drinks, smoothies, etc.), ice slurry as a beverage is lower in temperature, but is less likely to cause the so-called ice cream headache, is smooth to the throat, has a mellow taste, and is easy to drink, so it can efficiently lower the internal temperature (core body temperature) of the body.

[0016] For example, in recent years, as heat has become a social problem due to the effects of significant global warming, various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and retail, are required to take measures to prevent heatstroke during work, regardless of whether the work is indoors or outdoors. Furthermore, in various activities, such as sports, physical education, commuting to work or school, and walking, it is also required to take measures to prevent heatstroke during work, regardless of whether the work is indoors or outdoors. Since hydration and body cooling are effective measures against heatstroke, consuming ice-slurried beverages is a suitable measure against heatstroke.

[0017] That is, for example, when performing various tasks or activities in a high-temperature environment, consuming an ice-slurried beverage before starting the task or activity or during a break can lower core body temperature, thereby suppressing subsequent increases in body temperature and acting as a countermeasure (including prevention) for heatstroke. In particular, when wearing work clothes or uniforms, where it is difficult to regulate body temperature through sweating, lowering core body temperature is extremely useful, as body temperature tends to rise. As mentioned above, ice slurry is low in temperature but easy to drink, so consuming it before starting the task or activity or during a break can efficiently lower core body temperature.

[0018] The cooling system 100 according to this embodiment is suitable for use in producing the ice slurry concentrate Y12 that is the base for such an iced slurried beverage. That is, the cooling system 100 cools the beverage made of the liquid Y11 as the cooling target, thereby producing the ice slurry concentrate Y12 as a cooled product. When an impact is applied to the produced ice slurry concentrate Y12, the ice slurry concentrate Y12 turns into an iced slurry, and an iced slurried beverage is obtained.

[0019] The cooling system 100 is, for example, an electrical device that operates by receiving power supply from a power system (AC power supply). That is, the cooling system 100 operates to cool a liquid Y11 that is a cooling target by receiving power supply, and generates an ice slurry concentrate Y12 that is a cooling product.

[0020] 1, the cooling system 100 is used while being placed on an installation surface X1, which may be, for example, the ground outdoors, a floor indoors, or the top surface of a piece of furniture such as a desk. The cooling system 100 stands on the installation surface X1 while being placed on the installation surface X1. In other words, the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment is a freestanding and portable device, and a user can freely carry the cooling system 100 and install it at any position on the installation surface X1.

[0021] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the vertical direction when the cooling system 100 is installed on the installation surface X1 is defined as the up-down direction, the left-right direction when the cooling system 100 is viewed from the front as the left-right direction, and the front side of the cooling system 100 as the front. However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction of the cooling system 100 (the direction during use).

[0022] In this embodiment, the cooling system 100 cools the liquid Y11 (here, a beverage) filled (contained) in the container Y2 together with the container Y2. That is, the cooling system 100 cools the liquid Y11 in the container Y2 by cooling the container Y2 filled with the liquid Y11. As an example, the container Y2 is a 500 mL plastic bottle. The capacity of the container Y2 may be other than 500 mL, and the container Y2 may be made of glass, ceramic, a paper carton, or other materials than a plastic bottle.

[0023] Here, the cooling system 100 includes a cooling device 2 for cooling a liquid Y11 that is an object to be cooled. The cooling device 2 includes a cooling cabinet 20 that forms a cooling space (cooling chamber), and a cooler 22 (see FIG. 2) that cools the internal space (cooling space) of the cooling cabinet 20. The cooling device 2 cools the object to be cooled (liquid Y11) by cooling the internal space of the cooling cabinet 20 with the cooler 22, with the cooling cabinet 20 accommodating the object to be cooled together with a container Y2. In other words, the cooling device 2 cools the object to be cooled (liquid Y11) in the cooling cabinet 20 by lowering the temperature of the cooling space, which is the internal space of the cooling cabinet 20, with the cooler 22.

[0024] The cooling device 2 may employ various types, such as a direct cooling type or an indirect cooling type (fan type). In a direct cooling type cooling device 2, the cooler 22 is disposed inside the cooling compartment 20, and the cool air from the cooler 22 directly cools the inside of the cooling compartment 20. In an indirect cooling type cooling device 2, the cooler 22 is disposed outside the cooling compartment 20, and the air from the cooler 22 is sent into the cooling compartment 20 to indirectly cool the inside of the cooling compartment 20. Furthermore, the cooling device 2 may be of a type that does not use a compressor, such as a Peltier type. In this embodiment, as an example, the cooling device 2 is assumed to be an indirect cooling type (fan type).

[0025] The refrigerator 20 is made up of a hollow housing 21. That is, the cooling device 2 has the housing 21, and the interior of the housing 21 forms the refrigerator 20. In this embodiment, as an example, the housing 21 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped having a length in the vertical direction. The housing 21 has a box body 211 and a door body 212. The box body 211 is formed in a box shape with one side (the front side in this embodiment) open. The door body 212 is attached to the box body 211 in a state in which the opening side (the front side in this embodiment) of the box body 211 can be opened and closed.

[0026] 1, when the door 212 is in a closed state (closed position), the refrigerator 20 formed inside the housing 21 is sealed, and as long as the inside of the refrigerator 20 is cooled by the cooler 22, a rise in temperature inside the refrigerator 20 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the door 212 is in an open state (open position), as shown on the right side of FIG. 1, the refrigerator 20 is exposed from the front surface of the box body 211, and it becomes possible to take the container Y2 in and out of the refrigerator 20.

[0027] Therefore, the user first places the container Y2 filled with the liquid Y11 into the cooling chamber 20 with the door 212 open, and then closes the door 212. In this state, the cooler 22 cools the internal space of the cooling chamber 20, thereby cooling the liquid Y11 together with the container Y2, and producing the ice slurry concentrate Y12. After the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed, the user opens the door 212 and removes the container Y2 containing the ice slurry concentrate Y12 from the cooling chamber 20.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cooling chamber 20 can accommodate a plurality of containers Y2 filled with the object to be cooled (liquid Y11). Here, the number (upper limit) of containers Y2 that can be accommodated simultaneously in the cooling chamber 20 is determined by the volume and shape of the cooling chamber 20 and the size and shape of the containers Y2. In other words, basically, the larger the volume of the cooling chamber 20, the more containers Y2 can be accommodated simultaneously in the cooling chamber 20, and the more objects to be cooled (liquid Y11) can be cooled at once.

[0029] Furthermore, the internal space (cooling space) of the refrigerator 20 can be divided into a plurality of areas. In this embodiment, as an example, the internal space of the refrigerator 20 is divided into two levels, an upper level and an lower level, by a partition plate. That is, the internal space of the refrigerator 20 is divided into two areas in the vertical direction, a first area 201 on the upper level side and a second area 202 on the lower level side. Each of the first area 201 and the second area 202 can simultaneously accommodate a plurality of containers Y2.

[0030] 1, it is assumed that the containers Y2 are introduced into each area at different times, such that first, multiple containers Y2 are introduced into the second area 202, and then multiple containers Y2 are introduced into the first area 201. Therefore, in the state on the right side of FIG. 1, the ice slurry concentrate Y12 has been completed in the second area 202, where the containers Y2 were introduced first, while the ice slurry concentrate Y11 is still in a liquid state in the first area 201.

[0031] When the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed in the cooling system 100, the user removes the container Y2 filled with the ice slurry concentrate Y12 from the cooling chamber 20 and applies an impact to the ice slurry concentrate Y12 to obtain an ice slurry. For example, the user applies a mechanical impact to the ice slurry concentrate Y12 in the container Y2 by shaking, hitting, or rotating the container Y2 removed from the cooling chamber 20, thereby turning the ice slurry concentrate Y12 in the container Y2 into an ice slurry.

[0032] That is, when external energy is applied in the form of an impact to the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is in a supercooled state relative to the liquid Y11, fine ice particles are generated in the ice slurry stock solution Y12, turning it into an ice slurry. However, since the ice slurry stock solution Y12 does not completely freeze just by being subjected to an impact, the ice slurry obtained from the ice slurry stock solution Y12 can be consumed as a beverage in the state it is contained in the container Y2 without losing its fluidity.

[0033] [2] Detailed configuration Next, a more detailed configuration of the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] 2, the cooling system 100 includes, in addition to the cooling device 2, an alarm device 3, a control device 4, a detection device 5, and a communication device 6. In this embodiment, the cooling device 2, the alarm device 3, the control device 4, the detection device 5, and the communication device 6 are all provided in a housing 21.

[0035] As described above, the cooling device 2 includes the refrigerator 20 (see FIG. 1) that forms a cooling space, and the cooler 22 that cools the internal space (cooling space) of the refrigerator 20. In this embodiment, the cooling device 2 further includes a defroster 23 and a temperature sensor 24.

[0036] In this embodiment, as an example, the cooling device 2 is of an indirect cooling type (fan type), so that the cooler 22 is disposed outside the cooling compartment 20, and the air emitted from the cooler 22 is sent to the cooling compartment 20 through an air outlet provided in the cooling compartment 20 to indirectly cool the inside of the cooling compartment 20. As described above, the internal space (cooling space) of the cooling compartment 20 is divided into a plurality of areas (first area 201 and second area 202), and each area can simultaneously accommodate a plurality of containers Y2 filled with the liquid Y11 to be cooled. The cooling device 2 simultaneously cools the cooling target (liquid Y11) in the plurality of containers Y2 accommodated in the cooling compartment 20 using the cooler 22.

[0037] Here, the coolers 22 are individually provided for each of the multiple areas (first area 201 and second area 202) in the refrigerator 20. Therefore, the coolers 22 can individually cool the first area 201 and the second area 202, and it is possible to make the temperatures inside the refrigerator different between the first area 201 and the second area 202, for example.

[0038] The defroster 23 has a defrosting function to remove frost that has formed inside the refrigerator 20. Specifically, the defroster 23 includes a heat source such as a heater, and removes frost that has formed inside the refrigerator 20 by melting it with heat generated by the heat source when power is applied. Therefore, when the defroster 23 is activated, the frost is removed, while the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 rises.

[0039] Temperature sensor 24 has a function of detecting (measuring) the temperature inside refrigerator 20 (also referred to as "inside temperature"). Specifically, temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of a part of the inner surface of box body 211, for example, and outputs an electric signal according to the detected inside temperature to control device 4.

[0040] Here, like the cooler 22, the defroster 23 and the temperature sensor 24 are provided individually for each of the multiple areas (first area 201 and second area 202) in the refrigerator 20. Therefore, for example, the defroster 23 can defrost the first area 201 and the second area 202 individually, and it is also possible to defrost only one of the first area 201 and the second area 202. For example, the temperature sensor 24 can detect the temperature inside the refrigerator individually for each of the first area 201 and the second area 202, and if the temperatures in the first area 201 and the second area 202 are different, it is possible to detect the respective temperatures.

[0041] The notification device 3 is a device that issues various notifications to the user. In this embodiment, as an example, the notification device 3 has a lighting unit that uses a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED), and issues various notifications depending on the lighting state of the lighting unit. That is, in this embodiment, the notification device 3 issues various notifications by display (including the lighting state).

[0042] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the alarm device 3 is disposed on the front surface of the housing 21 (door body 212 thereof). The alarm device 3 has a plurality of lighting units including a first lighting unit 31, a second lighting unit 32, and a third lighting unit 33. The first lighting unit 31, the second lighting unit 32, and the third lighting unit 33 are arranged in a line from top to bottom in this order. In the present embodiment, as an example, each of the first lighting unit 31, the second lighting unit 32, and the third lighting unit 33 can be lit in a plurality of colors such as blue, red, yellow, and green.

[0043] The alarm device 3 issues an alarm according to at least the progress of production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12 based on the lighting states of the first lighting unit 31, the second lighting unit 32, and the third lighting unit 33. The manner of notification by the alarm device 3 is not limited to the lighting states of the first lighting unit 31, the second lighting unit 32, and the third lighting unit 33, but may also be a display on another display unit, a sound, transmission to an external terminal, or other means, or a combination of these.

[0044] The detection device 5 is a device that detects conditions other than the temperature inside the refrigerator in the cooling system 100. Specifically, the detection device 5 has an open / close sensor that detects the open / closed state (open position / closed position) of the door body 212, a weight sensor that detects the weight acting on the bottom surface of the refrigerator 20, and a vibration sensor that detects vibrations of the housing 21. The detection device 5 outputs an electric signal to the control device 4 according to the detection result (open / closed state of the door body 212, etc.).

[0045] The communication device 6 is a communication interface for executing data communication with an external device such as a terminal device 7 (see FIG. 3 ) in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication device 6 is capable of mutual communication with the terminal device 7. In the present disclosure, “capable of communication” means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a communication network or a repeater, using an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication (communication using radio waves or light). For example, the communication device 6 of the cooling system 100 is capable of mutual communication with the terminal device 7 via a communication network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public telephone line, a mobile phone network, a packet network, or a wireless LAN. Here, the communication device 6 and the terminal device 7 are each wirelessly connected to the communication network.

[0046] The terminal device 7 is a general-purpose information processing device that can be carried by a user, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The terminal device 7 has a display unit that displays various information and an operation unit that accepts operations. The display unit includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit includes, for example, a touch panel, a physical switch, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0047] The control device 4 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and performs various processes (information processing).

[0048] 2, the control device 4 includes a cooling control unit 41, an information acquisition unit 42, a setting processing unit 43, a notification processing unit 44, and a presentation processing unit 45. In the present embodiment, as an example, the control device 4 is mainly configured as a computer system having one or more processors, and these multiple functional units (such as the cooling control unit 41) are realized by the one or more processors executing a control program. These multiple functional units included in the control device 4 may be provided in separate housings or may be provided in a single housing.

[0049] The control device 4 is configured to be able to communicate with devices provided in each part of the cooling system 100. In other words, the control device 4 is electrically connected to at least the cooling device 2, the alarm device 3, the detection device 5, the communication device 6, etc. This allows the control device 4 to control the cooling device 2 (the cooler 22 and the defroster 23), the alarm device 3, the communication device 6, etc., and to acquire electrical signals from the temperature sensor 24 of the cooling device 2, the detection device 5, the communication device 6, etc. The control device 4 may exchange various information (data) with each device directly, or indirectly via a relay or the like.

[0050] The cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2. Specifically, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooler 22 of the cooling device 2 so that the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 (internal temperature) becomes a target temperature. The "target temperature" referred to in the present disclosure may be a temperature that is specified with pinpoint accuracy, such as "-3.0°C," or a temperature that is specified within a certain range, such as "-4.0°C or higher, -3.0°C or lower." Specifically, the cooling control unit 41 controls the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 by adjusting the on / off or operating strength (strong / weak) of the cooler 22.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, the cooling control unit 41 can control the defroster 23 of the cooling device 2. That is, the cooling control unit 41 can defrost the inside of the cooling cabinet 20 by operating the defroster 23.

[0052] The information acquisition unit 42 executes an information acquisition process to acquire information about the liquid Y11 to be cooled. Here, the information about the liquid Y11 is, for example, information that identifies attributes such as properties and characteristics unique to the liquid Y11. Specifically, this type of information includes information that indirectly indicates the properties and characteristics unique to the liquid Y11, and information that directly indicates them. Examples of indirectly indicating information include the type of liquid Y11, the product (product name, product number, model number, etc.), capacity, raw materials or component ratios, etc.

[0053] The information acquiring unit 42 acquires information about the liquid Y11 by various means, such as user operation input, optical reading input, or input via near-field wireless communication from an electronic tag or the like. As an example, the user inputs information about the liquid Y11 by operating the operation unit (or the terminal device 7), and the information acquiring unit 42 acquires the information. The information acquiring unit 42 may also acquire information about the liquid Y11 by optically reading an image, a two-dimensional code, a barcode, or the like of the container Y2 filled with the liquid Y11 using an optical sensor (including a camera) installed in the housing 21. Alternatively, the information acquiring unit 42 may acquire information about the liquid Y11 by reading via near-field wireless communication from an electronic tag or the like attached to the container Y2 filled with the liquid Y11 using a tag reader installed in the housing 21. The volume of the liquid Y11 can be determined from the weight detected by a weight sensor.

[0054] The setting processing unit 43 executes a setting process for setting a target time point. In the present disclosure, the "target time point" refers to a time point that specifies the target timing for completing the ice slurry concentrate Y12, which is the cooling product. The setting processing unit 43 may directly set the target time point as a time, such as "14:00," or may indirectly set the target time point as a time relative to the current time point, such as "four hours later." The setting processing unit 43 is set, for example, by a user's operation on the terminal device 7, and is acquired from the terminal device 7 via the communication device 6.

[0055] The notification processing unit 44 executes a notification process to provide notification according to the progress of production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12. As an example in the present embodiment, the notification processing unit 44 provides notification according to the progress of production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12 by the lighting states of the lighting units (the first lighting unit 31, the second lighting unit 32, and the third lighting unit 33) of the notification device 3.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification processor 44 also issues a notification when the cooled product (raw ice slurry solution Y12) is not completed by the target time point. In this case, the notification processor 44, for example, when setting the target time point, sends a notification signal to the terminal device 7 via the communication device 6, thereby notifying the user that the cooled product will not be completed by the target time point by displaying a message on the display unit of the terminal device 7, etc.

[0057] The presentation processing unit 45 executes a presentation process to present the cooling start time required to complete the cooling product by the target time. In the present disclosure, the "cooling start time" refers to the time that specifies the final timing by which cooling of the cooling target (liquid Y11) should be started in order to complete the ice slurry concentrate Y12, which is the cooling product, by the target time. For example, when setting the target time, the presentation processing unit 45 presents the cooling start time by displaying it on the display unit of the terminal device 7, for example, by transmitting a presentation signal to the terminal device 7 via the communication device 6.

[0058] In addition to the above configuration, the cooling system 100 also includes, as appropriate, a power supply unit, an operation unit (including a power switch, etc.), a display unit, a sound output unit, etc.

[0059] [3] Operation Next, the operation of the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] In the following, as an example, a liquid Y11 made of a beverage other than a carbonated beverage is assumed to be cooled, and an ice slurry concentrate Y12 is produced from the liquid Y11. More specifically, the liquid Y11 made of a lactic acid bacteria beverage is taken as an example of the cooling target.

[0061] The cooled product, ice slurry concentrate Y12, is used, for example, by a plurality of workers working outdoors during their breaks to lower their core body temperature and thus prevent heatstroke. Therefore, a case is assumed in which a plurality of containers Y2, each filled with the liquid Y11 to be cooled, are cooled by the cooling system 100 during work breaks so that ice slurry concentrate Y12 for the plurality of workers is completed.

[0062] [3.1] Basic operation First, a basic operation of the cooling system 100, that is, the operation of the cooling system 100 for cooling the liquid Y11 as the cooling target and producing the ice slurry stock solution Y12 as the cooling result, will be described.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the transition of processes "I" to "VII" in the basic operation of the cooling system 100. In Fig. 4, the door 212 of the housing 21 is not shown so that the state inside the refrigerator 20 can be seen, but the notification device 3 is shown. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changes in the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 (internal temperature) accompanying the basic operation of the cooling system 100.

[0064] In process "I", the cooling system 100 is powered off and in a non-energized state, so the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 (internal temperature) is room temperature. At this time, no container Y2 is housed inside the refrigerator 20, and the refrigerator 20 is empty. When the cooling system 100 is powered on and enters a powered state, a transition occurs from process "I" to process "II".

[0065] In process "II", when the refrigerator 20 is empty, the cooler 22 of the cooling device 2 operates with the door 212 closed, thereby performing pre-cooling. At this time, the cooling control unit 41 operates the cooler 22, thereby lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator to a predetermined temperature T3, as illustrated from time t1 to time t2 in FIG. 5. In other words, the cooling control unit 41 performs pre-cooling control by controlling the cooler 22 to control the temperature inside the refrigerator to the predetermined temperature T3. During pre-cooling, the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 (the temperature inside the refrigerator) decreases over time.

[0066] In this embodiment, in pre-cooling, the cooling control unit 41 operates the cooler 22 at "high" so that the cooler 22 performs rapid cooling operation, and the temperature inside the refrigerator drops relatively rapidly to a predetermined temperature T3. When the temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature inside the refrigerator has dropped to the predetermined temperature T3, the process transitions from process "II" to process "III."

[0067] In step "III," the cooling control unit 41 maintains the temperature inside the refrigerator at a predetermined temperature T3 by intermittently operating the cooler 22. Step "III" is a state in which the temperature inside the refrigerator has dropped to the predetermined temperature T3, and the refrigerator is waiting for the container Y2 filled with the liquid Y11 to be cooled to be introduced. When the container Y2 is introduced into the refrigerator 20 in this state, the process transitions from step "III" to step "IV." At this time, the door 212 opens to the open position to introduce the container Y2 into the refrigerator 20, and the temperature inside the refrigerator temporarily rises from the predetermined temperature T3, as illustrated from time t2 to time t3 in FIG. 5.

[0068] Furthermore, the fact that container Y2 has been placed in refrigerator 20 is detected, for example, when the opening / closing sensor of detector 5 detects the opening / closing of door 212 and the weight sensor of detector 5 detects an increase in weight on the bottom surface of refrigerator 20 that is equal to or greater than a threshold. In other words, when these conditions are met, a transition occurs from process "III" to process "IV."

[0069] In process "IV", with a plurality of containers Y2 accommodated in the cooler 20, the cooler 22 of the cooling device 2 operates with the door body 212 closed to cool the liquid Y11. At this time, the cooling control unit 41 operates the cooler 22, and as illustrated at time points t3 to t4 in FIG. 5, the temperature inside the cooler drops to a predetermined temperature T2 (<T3). That is, the cooling control unit 41 performs this cooling control to control the temperature inside the cooler to the predetermined temperature T2 by controlling the cooler 22. During this cooling, the temperature inside the cooler 20 (the temperature inside the cooler) drops over time, and the temperature of the liquid Y11 inside the cooler 20 also gradually drops.

[0070] The predetermined temperature T2 is a temperature near the freezing point of the liquid Y11 to be cooled. In this embodiment, as an example, when the freezing point is 0°C, the predetermined temperature T2 is set to be 0°C or higher and 7°C or lower.

[0071] Furthermore, in this cooling, the cooling control unit 41 operates the cooler 22 at "weak", causing the cooler 22 to operate in a weak cooling mode, and the temperature inside the cooler drops relatively gently to the predetermined temperature T2. That is, in this cooling, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooler 22 so that the drop in the temperature inside the cooler per unit time (the rate of drop) is smaller than at least during preliminary cooling. As a result, in the liquid Y11 inside the cooler 20, cooling proceeds relatively slowly, and the temperature of the liquid Y11 drops below the freezing point without the liquid Y11 freezing. When the temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature inside the cooler has dropped to the predetermined temperature T2, the process transitions from process "IV" to process "V".

[0072] In process "V", similar to process "IV", with a plurality of containers Y2 stored in the cooler 20 and the door body 212 closed, the cooler 22 of the cooling device 2 operates to cool the liquid Y11. At this time, the cooling control unit 41 operates the cooler 22, and as illustrated at time points t4 to t5 in FIG. 5, the temperature inside the cooler drops to the target temperature T1 (<T2). That is, the cooling control unit 41 performs this cooling control to control the temperature inside the cooler to the target temperature T1 by controlling the cooler 22. During this cooling process, the temperature inside the cooler 20 (the temperature inside the cooler) drops over time, and the temperature of the liquid Y11 inside the cooler 20 also gradually drops.

[0073] The target temperature T1 is a temperature lower than the freezing point of the liquid Y11 to be cooled. However, the target temperature T1 is not a temperature far from the freezing point of the liquid Y11, but is a temperature several degrees Celsius (about 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C or 5°C) lower than the freezing point of the liquid Y11. In this embodiment, as an example, when the freezing point is 0°C, the target temperature T1 is set to be -1°C or lower and -7°C or higher.

[0074] Furthermore, in this cooling process, the cooling control unit 41 operates the cooler 22 at "weak", causing the cooler 22 to operate in a weak cooling mode, and the temperature inside the cooler drops relatively gently to the target temperature T1. That is, in this cooling process, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooler 22 so that the drop in the temperature inside the cooler per unit time (the rate of drop) is smaller than at least during preliminary cooling. As a result, in the liquid Y11 inside the cooler 20, cooling progresses relatively slowly, and supercooling of the liquid Y1 becomes possible without the liquid Y11 freezing. When the temperature sensor 24 detects that the temperature inside the cooler has dropped to the target temperature T1, the process transitions from process "V" to process "VI".

[0075] In process "VI," the cooling control unit 41 maintains the inside temperature at the target temperature T1 by intermittently operating the cooler 22. Process "VI" is a state in which the inside temperature has dropped to the target temperature T1, the liquid Y11 to be cooled has been completely supercooled, and the ice slurry concentrate Y12 has been produced from the liquid Y11 in the container Y2. In this state, when the container Y2 is removed from the cooling chamber 20, the process transitions from process "VI" to process "II." At this time, the door 212 opens to the open position to remove the container Y2 from the cooling chamber 20, and the inside temperature rises from the target temperature T1.

[0076] On the other hand, if a certain time has passed in process "VI" without the container Y2 being removed from the cooling chamber 20, the liquid Y11 will have cooled too much after the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed. In this case, the process transitions from process "VI" to process "VII".

[0077] In process "VII," the cooling control unit 41 maintains the temperature inside the chamber at the target temperature T1 by intermittently operating the cooler 22. Process "VII" is a state in which the cooling of the liquid Y11 has progressed too far after the ice slurry raw solution Y12 is completed. In this state, when the container Y2 is removed from the cooling chamber 20, the process transitions from process "VII" to process "II." At this time, the door 212 is opened to the open position to remove the container Y2 from the cooling chamber 20, and the temperature inside the chamber rises from the target temperature T1.

[0078] Furthermore, the removal of container Y2 from refrigerator 20 is detected, for example, when the opening / closing sensor of detector 5 detects the opening / closing of door 212 and the weight sensor of detector 5 detects a decrease in weight on the bottom surface of refrigerator 20 that is equal to or greater than the threshold. In other words, when these conditions are met, a transition occurs from process "VI" or process "VII" to process "II".

[0079] As described above, the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment is a cooling system 100 that produces an ice slurry stock solution Y12 that turns into an ice slurry at least when an impact is applied. The cooling system 100 includes a cooling device 2 and a cooling control unit 41. The cooling device 2 accommodates a container Y2 filled with a liquid Y11 in a cooling chamber 20 and cools the liquid Y11. The cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2 so that the ice slurry stock solution Y12 is produced from the liquid Y11.

[0080] According to this configuration, the liquid Y11 can be cooled by storing the liquid Y11 together with the container Y2 filled with the liquid Y11 in the cooling chamber 20 and lowering the temperature inside the cooling chamber 20 (internal temperature) using the cooling device 2. Therefore, compared to cooling a beverage by bringing a beverage container into contact with ice water containing salt, as in the cooling system of the related art, temperature control of the liquid Y11 (beverage) is easier and uneven cooling is less likely to occur. Therefore, the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment can easily turn not only specific beverages such as carbonated beverages but also various liquids Y11, such as lactic acid bacteria beverages, into ice slurries. As a result, a cooling system 100 can be realized that can easily turn various liquids Y11 into ice slurries.

[0081] As described above, the cooling control unit 41 controls the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 (internal temperature) to a target temperature T1 that is lower than the freezing point of the liquid Y11 and within a predetermined range from the freezing point. That is, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooler 22 to lower the internal temperature to the target temperature T1 from process "V" to process "VI" (or process "VII"), thereby supercooling the liquid Y11 inside the refrigerator 20 and producing the ice slurry concentrate Y12. As a result, by changing the target temperature T1 depending on the liquid Y11, it is easy to turn various liquids Y11, such as dairy and lactic acid bacteria beverages, into ice slurry.

[0082] Furthermore, the cooling control unit 41 performs pre-cooling control to pre-cool the cooling chamber 20 to a state suitable for pouring in the liquid Y11. That is, in step "II", the cooling control unit 41 performs pre-cooling by controlling the cooler 22 to lower the temperature inside the chamber to a predetermined temperature T3 suitable for pouring in the liquid Y11. This allows the cooling of the liquid Y11 to be started in a stable environment inside the cooling chamber 20, making it easy to turn the liquid Y11 into an ice slurry even when a variety of liquids Y11, such as dairy and lactic acid bacteria drinks, are to be cooled.

[0083] Furthermore, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2 so that the liquid Y11 reaches a specific state before the ice slurry raw solution Y12 is completed. The specific state here refers to a state in which the temperature of the liquid Y11 follows the temperature inside the storage compartment and drops to a predetermined temperature T2 in the process "V." As a result, although the ice slurry raw solution Y12 is not yet completed, it is possible to generate a sufficiently cooled liquid Y11 by cooling the liquid Y11 to the specific state.

[0084] The cooling system 100 according to this embodiment includes an information acquisition unit 42 that acquires information about the liquid Y11. The cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2 based on the information.

[0085] Specifically, the information acquisition unit 42 acquires information about the liquid Y11, such as the type of liquid Y11, the product, the volume, the raw materials or component ratios, etc., by various means, such as user operation input, optical reading input, or input via short-range wireless communication from an electronic tag or the like. The volume of the liquid Y11 (including the number of containers Y2) is not limited to the weight detected by a weight sensor, and can also be determined, for example, from the rate of decrease in the temperature inside the container. The cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2 based on such information about the liquid Y11, and thereby, for example, the target temperature T1 and the control pattern of the cooler 22 (such as the rate of decrease in the temperature inside the container) can be appropriately set according to the liquid Y11.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2 for each of a plurality of areas (first area 201 and second area 202) divided into sections within the cooling chamber 20. For example, the cooling control unit 41 can individually control the first area 201 to perform pre-cooling when the first area 201 is empty and no container Y2 is accommodated therein, and the second area 202 to perform main cooling when the container Y2 is accommodated therein. Therefore, the cooling chamber 20 can be efficiently used to produce the ice slurry stock solution Y12.

[0087] Moreover, in this embodiment, the cooling device 2 has a defroster 23 that defrosts the inside of the cooling compartment 20. The cooling control unit 41 further controls the defroster 23. This makes it possible to suppress the formation of frost inside the cooling compartment 20. Furthermore, if the liquid Y11 is cooled too much after the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed, the liquid Y11 may freeze. Therefore, for example, in step "VII", the cooling control unit 41 operates the defroster 23, thereby efficiently preventing the liquid Y11 from freezing.

[0088] However, it is preferable to avoid a rise in the temperature inside the refrigerator due to defrosting, which would inhibit the production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12. Therefore, it is preferable that the cooling control unit 41 activates the defroster 23 at a time when the ice slurry stock solution Y12 is not being taken out, such as during the nighttime.

[0089] Alternatively, the cooling control unit 41 may control the cooling device 2 to temporarily melt the ice slurry stock solution Y12. Depending on the liquid Y11, it may be preferable to temporarily melt the ice slurry stock solution Y12 after the ice slurry stock solution Y12 is completed, return it to the liquid Y11, and then cool it again to form the ice slurry stock solution Y12. Therefore, it is possible to realize the cooling system 100 that can easily turn a wider variety of liquids Y11 into ice slurries.

[0090] The cooling control unit 41 may also control the temperature inside the refrigerator 20 to fluctuate over time. That is, in step "VI" or step "VII," as illustrated in FIG. 6, the cooling control unit 41 may intermittently operate the cooler 22 to fluctuate the temperature inside the refrigerator around the target temperature T1. In the example of FIG. 6, the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates between a temperature T4 higher than the target temperature T1 and a temperature T5 lower than the target temperature T1. This allows for a cooling system 100 that can easily turn a wider variety of liquids Y11 into ice slurries.

[0091] In addition, it is preferable to continuously circulate air within the refrigerator 20, for example, so as to make the temperature within the refrigerator 20 as uniform as possible. Here, if the cooling device 2 is an indirect cooling type (fan type), the wind from the cooler 22 may be used to circulate the air within the cooler 22.

[0092] Furthermore, if a specific change occurs in the internal environment of the refrigerator 20 during the preliminary cooling in step "II" or during the main cooling from step "IV" to step "V," the process may be returned to the previous step. That is, if the temperature sensor 24 detects an increase in the temperature inside the refrigerator, if the opening / closing sensor detects that the door 212 has been opened and closed a predetermined number of times or more, or if the vibration sensor detects vibration of the housing 21, it may be determined that the progress of production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12 has been hindered, and the process may be repeated from the previous step.

[0093] [3.2] Notification function Next, a description will be given of the function of the notification process for making a notification according to the progress of the production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12 in the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0094] 7, like Fig. 4, is a schematic diagram showing the transition of processes "I" to "VII" in the basic operation of the cooling system 100. In Fig. 7, the door body 212 of the housing 21 is not shown so that the state inside the cooling cabinet 20 can be seen, and an enlarged view of the alarm device 3 is shown in a balloon.

[0095] In the process "I", the cooling system 100 is in a non-energized state with the power supply turned off, and therefore all lighting units (first lighting unit 31, second lighting unit 32, and third lighting unit 33) of the alarm device 3 are turned off. The state of the alarm device 3 at this time is referred to as a first alarm state.

[0096] In step "II", the notification processing unit 44 lights only the first lighting unit 31 of the notification device 3 in the first lighting state (for example, lighting in yellow), and turns off the second lighting unit 32 and the third lighting unit 33. The state of the notification device 3 at this time is called the second notification state. In other words, when the notification device 3 is in the second notification state, the user is notified that the cooling system 100 is in pre-cooling mode and is not in a state where the container Y2 can be inserted or removed.

[0097] In the process "III", the notification processing unit 44 lights only the first lighting unit 31 of the notification device 3 in the second lighting state (for example, lighting in red), and turns off the second lighting unit 32 and the third lighting unit 33. The state of the notification device 3 at this time is referred to as the third notification state. In other words, when the notification device 3 is in the third notification state, the cooling system 100 is in a state waiting for the container Y2 to be introduced, and the user is notified that the container Y2 can be introduced.

[0098] In process "IV", the notification processing unit 44 lights only the second lighting unit 32 of the notification device 3 in the first lighting state (for example, lighting in yellow), and turns off the first lighting unit 31 and the third lighting unit 33. The state of the notification device 3 at this time is called a fourth notification state. In other words, when the notification device 3 is in the fourth notification state, the user is notified that the cooling system 100 is in the process of main cooling the liquid Y11 and is not in a state where the container Y2 can be inserted or removed.

[0099] In the process "V", the notification processing unit 44 lights only the third lighting unit 33 of the notification device 3 in the third lighting state (for example, lighting in green), and turns off the first lighting unit 31 and the second lighting unit 32. The state of the notification device 3 at this time is called the fifth notification state. In other words, when the notification device 3 is in the fifth notification state, the cooling system 100 is in the middle of the main cooling of the liquid Y11, and although the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is not yet completed, the user is notified that the liquid Y11 is in a sufficiently cooled state (ready to drink as liquid Y11).

[0100] In step "VI", the notification processing unit 44 lights only the third lighting unit 33 of the notification device 3 in the fourth lighting state (for example, lighting in blue), and turns off the first lighting unit 31 and the second lighting unit 32. The state of the notification device 3 at this time is called a sixth notification state. In other words, when the notification device 3 is in the sixth notification state, the user is notified that the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is complete and the container Y2 can be removed.

[0101] In step "VII", the notification processing unit 44 lights only the third lighting unit 33 of the notification device 3 in the second lighting state (for example, lighting in red), and turns off the first lighting unit 31 and the second lighting unit 32. The state of the notification device 3 at this time is called the seventh notification state. In other words, when the notification device 3 is in the seventh notification state, the user is notified that a certain time has passed since the ice slurry concentrate Y12 was completed, and is prompted to remove the container Y2.

[0102] Here, the lighting states of the lighting units (first lighting unit 31, second lighting unit 32, and third lighting unit 33) described above are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the third alert state is not limited to a state in which only first lighting unit 31 of alert device 3 is lit, but may also be a state in which all of first lighting unit 31, second lighting unit 32, and third lighting unit 33 are lit. The lighting in the second alert state is not limited to red lighting, but may be lighting in another color, or lighting in a specific blinking pattern, etc.

[0103] As described above, the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment is a cooling system 100 that produces an ice slurry stock solution Y12 that turns into an ice slurry at least when an impact is applied. The cooling system 100 includes a cooling chamber 20 and a notification processor 44. The cooling chamber 20 cools the liquid Y11 contained therein to produce the ice slurry stock solution Y12 from the liquid Y11. The notification processor 44 issues a notification according to the progress of production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12.

[0104] According to this configuration, the notification processor 44 issues a notification corresponding to each of the above-described steps "I" to "VII." This makes it easier to know when the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the cooled product, will be completed. As a result, it becomes easier to avoid a situation in which, for example, the user removes the incomplete ice slurry stock solution Y12, which requires the liquid Y11 to be cooled again, thereby extending the time required to complete the cooled product. This makes it possible to provide a cooling system 100 that is less likely to extend the time required to complete the cooled product.

[0105] In particular, in this embodiment, the notification processor 44 issues a notification when the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed. That is, in the process "VI" in which the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed, the notification device 3 enters the sixth notification state, thereby issuing a notification indicating that the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed. Therefore, the user can easily avoid taking out the incomplete ice slurry concentrate Y12 by taking out the container Y2 when the notification device 3 enters the sixth notification state.

[0106] Furthermore, the notification processor 44 issues a notification when excessive cooling of the liquid Y11 occurs after the completion of the ice slurry concentrate Y12. That is, in the process "VII" after a certain time has elapsed after the completion of the ice slurry concentrate Y12, the notification device 3 enters the seventh notification state, thereby issuing a notification urging the removal of the container Y2. This makes it easier to avoid the liquid Y11 from freezing due to excessive cooling.

[0107] Furthermore, when a specific condition is satisfied, the notification processing unit 44 issues a notification that opening and closing of the door body 212 is prohibited. In the present embodiment, as an example, the specific condition includes a condition in which pre-cooling is in progress (phase "II") and a condition in which main cooling is in progress and the ice slurry raw solution Y12 is incomplete (phase "IV"). That is, in phase "II", the notification device 3 enters the second notification state, thereby issuing a notification that opening and closing of the door body 212 is prohibited. Similarly, in phase "IV", the notification device 3 enters the fourth notification state, thereby issuing a notification that opening and closing of the door body 212 is prohibited. Therefore, it is easy to avoid a delay in the completion of the ice slurry raw solution Y12 due to an increase in the temperature inside the refrigerator caused by opening and closing the door body 212 during pre-cooling or main cooling.

[0108] Furthermore, the notification processor 44 issues a notification when the cooling compartment 20 is in a state suitable for pouring the liquid Y11. That is, in the process "III" when the preliminary cooling is completed, the notification device 3 enters the third notification state, thereby issuing a notification that the cooling compartment 20 is in a state suitable for pouring the liquid Y11. Therefore, it becomes easier to pour the liquid Y11 into the cooling compartment 20 at the appropriate time.

[0109] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 44 issues a notification when the state of the liquid Y11 reaches a specific state before the completion of the ice slurry concentrate Y12. That is, in the process "V", the notification device 3 enters the fifth notification state, thereby notifying that the liquid Y11 is in a sufficiently cooled state (ready to drink as liquid Y11). Therefore, even in a situation where it is not possible to wait until the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed, it becomes easier to take out the liquid Y11 at an appropriate time.

[0110] Furthermore, the notification processor 44 changes the notification mode depending on the internal temperature (internal temperature) of the refrigerator 20 and / or the temperature of the liquid Y11. As an example, when the internal temperature drops to the target temperature T1, the process transitions from process "V" to process "VI," and the notification mode of the notification device 3 changes from the fifth notification state to the sixth notification state. This makes it easier to know when the ice slurry concentrate Y12, which is the cooled product, is complete.

[0111] Meanwhile, the notification processor 44 may change the notification mode in accordance with the time elapsed since the start of cooling of the liquid Y11, in addition to or instead of the temperature inside the refrigerator and / or the temperature of the liquid Y11. As an example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the container Y2 was placed in the cooling refrigerator 20, a transition may occur from process "V" to process "VI," and the notification mode of the notification device 3 may change from the fifth notification state to the sixth notification state. This makes it easier to know when the ice slurry concentrate Y12, which is the cooled product, is complete.

[0112] The notification processor 44 may also notify an external terminal (such as the terminal device 7). That is, the notification processor 44 may notify an external terminal such as the terminal device 7 in accordance with the progress of the production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12, for example, by displaying and / or outputting sound on the external terminal, rather than by the notification device 3. In this case, even users who are not near the cooling system 100 can be notified of the progress of the production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12.

[0113] Furthermore, if a specific change occurs in the internal environment of the refrigerator 20 during the pre-cooling in step "II" or during the main cooling from step "IV" to step "V," the process may return to the previous state, and accordingly, the notification by the notification processor 44 will also return to the notification of the previous process. Furthermore, for example, if the vibration sensor detects vibration of the housing 21 in step "VI" after the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed, the ice slurry concentrate Y12 may turn into an ice slurry, which may lead to freezing. Therefore, if such a change occurs in the internal environment of the refrigerator 20, the notification processor 44 preferably issues a notification urging the user to check the interior of the refrigerator 20.

[0114] [3.3] Target time setting function Next, the function of setting the target time point in the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0115] The setting processing unit 43 of the cooling system 100 sets a target time point as a guide for the completion of the ice slurry concentrate Y12. At this time, the target time point is set by a user's operation on the terminal device 7 and is acquired from the terminal device 7 via the communication device 6. The target time point is set to coincide with a work break time. For example, if there is a 15-minute break from 15:15 to 15:30, the target time point is set to 15:00 so as to arrive in time for the start time of the break (15:15).

[0116] The cooling control unit 41 of the cooling system 100 controls the cooling device 2 so that the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the cooling result, is completed in accordance with the target time point thus set. Specifically, the cooling control unit 41 calculates the required time required to produce the ice slurry stock solution Y12 from the liquid Y11 based on information about the liquid Y11 acquired by the information acquisition unit 42 when the container Y2 is placed in the cooling box 20. Then, the cooling control unit 41 controls the cooler 22 to start cooling the liquid Y11 (main cooling) at a time point that is the required time before the target time point, for example.

[0117] As an example, if the target time is set to "15:00" and the required time is "4 hours," the cooling control unit 41 adjusts the timing to start the main cooling of the liquid Y11 so that the cooling (main cooling) of the liquid Y11 starts at "11:00." As a result, the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed at the target time of "15:00." However, it is not essential that the cooled product (ice slurry concentrate Y12) be completed exactly at the target time; it is sufficient that the cooled product be completed at the target time at the latest. Therefore, the cooling control unit 41 may control the cooling device 2 so that the cooled product is completed at a timing that is a predetermined time earlier than the target time.

[0118] That is, the cooling system 100 according to this embodiment is a cooling system 100 that produces a cooling product (raw ice slurry Y12) by cooling a cooling target (liquid Y11). The cooling system 100 includes a cooling device 2, a setting processing unit 43, and a cooling control unit 41. The cooling device 2 cools the cooling target. The setting processing unit 43 sets a target time point. The cooling control unit 41 controls the cooling device 2 so that the cooling product is produced at the target time point.

[0119] According to this configuration, the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the cooling product, is generated according to the set target time point. Therefore, it is easy to know when the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the cooling product, will be completed. As a result, it is easy to avoid a situation in which, for example, the user removes the incomplete ice slurry stock solution Y12, which makes it necessary to re-cool the liquid Y11, thereby extending the time required to complete the cooling product. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cooling system 100 that is less likely to extend the time required to complete the cooling product.

[0120] In particular, when the timing for taking out the cooled product is fixed, such as during a work break, setting the target time so as to meet this time allows the cooled product to be completed at the required timing, thereby preventing the cooled product from being completed unnecessarily early and making it possible to provide the cooled product produced at the appropriate timing.

[0121] Here, the setting processing unit 43 sets the target time point according to a user operation, and therefore it is possible to control the cooling device 2 so that the cooled product is completed at the time point (target time point) desired by the user.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cooling control unit 41 can adjust the cooling intensity of the cooling device 2 by the amount of cold air and / or the set temperature, etc. Therefore, the cooling control unit 41 adjusts the cooling intensity of the cooling device 2, for example, so that the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the cooling result, is completed at the target time. In other words, if there is sufficient time until the target time, the cooling intensity of the cooling device 2 is set to "weak" to slowly cool the liquid Y11, whereas if there is not sufficient time until the target time, the cooling intensity of the cooling device 2 is set to "strong" to relatively quickly cool the liquid Y11. As a result, if there is sufficient time until the target time, slowly cooling the liquid Y11 makes it easier to produce the ice slurry stock solution Y12, which is the cooling result.

[0123] The cooling device 2 also has a defroster 23 that performs defrosting. The cooling control unit 41 controls the defroster 23 based on the target time point. That is, if there is a spare time until the target time point during which the liquid Y11 is not cooled, the cooling control unit 41 can effectively use the spare time to perform defrosting by operating the defroster 23 during that spare time.

[0124] In this embodiment, the notification processor 44 issues a notification when the cooled product will not be completed by the target time. That is, if the required time calculated by the cooling controller 41 is longer than the remaining time until the target time, the cooled product will not be completed by the target time. In this case, the notification processor 44 issues a notification via the notification device 3, the terminal device 7, or the like, that the cooled product will not be completed by the target time. This allows the user to know that the cooled product will not be completed by the set target time.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the presentation processor 45 presents the cooling start time required to complete the cooled product by the target time. In other words, the cooling start time is the time preceding the target time by the required time calculated by the cooling controller 41. As an example, if the target time is set to "15:00" and the required time is "4 hours," the cooling start time is "11:00." The presentation processor 45 presents the cooling start time via the notification device 3, the terminal device 7, or the like. This allows the user to know by what time the container Y2 needs to be placed in the refrigerator 20 in order for the cooled product to be completed by the target time.

[0126] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the cooling system 100 related to the target time point setting function.

[0127] 8, the setting processing unit 43 sets a target time point as a guide for the completion of the ice slurry raw solution Y12 in response to a user's operation on the terminal device 7 (S1). The cooling control unit 41 calculates the time required to produce the ice slurry raw solution Y12 from the liquid Y11 based on information about the liquid Y11 acquired by the information acquisition unit 42 when the container Y2 is placed in the cooling box 20 (S2).

[0128] In step S3, the notification processor 45 presents the cooling start time, which is the time preceding the target time by the required time. In step S4, the notification processor 44 determines whether the ice slurry raw solution Y12 will be completed by the target time. If the current time is after the cooling start time, the notification processor 44 determines that the ice slurry raw solution Y12 will not be completed by the target time (S4: No), and notifies the user that the cooling product will not be completed by the target time (S5).

[0129] On the other hand, if the current time is before the cooling start time, the notification processor 44 determines that the ice slurry raw solution Y12 will be completed by the target time (S4: Yes), and skips step S5. In step S6, the cooling controller 41 starts cooling the liquid Y11 (at the cooling start time).

[0130] However, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate.

[0131] The cooling system 100 is an apparatus for producing a cooled product (raw ice slurry solution Y12), and the operation of the cooling system 100 can also be regarded as a method for producing a cooled product. That is, the method for producing a cooled product according to this embodiment is a method for producing a cooled product using a cooling device 2 that produces a cooled product by cooling a cooling target. This production method includes setting a target time point and controlling the cooling device 2 so that the cooled product is produced at the target time point. This makes it possible to provide a method for producing a cooled product that is less likely to take longer to complete.

[0132] [4] Variation Below, we will list some modified examples of embodiment 1. The modified examples explained below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0133] The cooling system 100 of the present disclosure includes a computer system in the control device 4. The computer system is mainly composed of one or more processors and one or more memories as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the control device 4 of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. In addition, some or all of the functional units included in the control device 4 may be configured with electronic circuits.

[0134] Furthermore, it is not essential for the cooling system 100 that at least some of the functions of the cooling system 100 be concentrated in one housing 21, and the components of the cooling system 100 may be distributed across multiple housings. Conversely, in the first embodiment, functions that are distributed across multiple devices (for example, the housing 21 and the terminal device 7) may be concentrated in one housing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the cooling system 100 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0135] The ice slurry obtained from the ice slurry stock solution Y12 as a cooled product is not limited to being consumed by humans, but may also be consumed by, for example, animals other than humans. The ice slurry is also not limited to being consumed by humans, but may also be used, for example, as an ice pack that is applied to the skin of the human body to cool it, or as an ice pack for cooling food or the like.

[0136] Furthermore, the object to be cooled is not limited to the liquid Y11, but may be, for example, a solid object (solid) such as meat (including processed meat). When the object to be cooled is a solid object, the frozen solid object becomes the cooling product.

[0137] Furthermore, the door 212 is not limited to a single-door type that opens on the left side, but may also be a right-side door, a double-door type, a double door type, a sliding type, etc. Furthermore, the box 211 is not limited to being open on the front side, but may also be open on the top side, for example, and in this case, a top-opening door 212 is installed on the top side of the housing 21.

[0138] Furthermore, the cooling system 100 is not limited to being a freestanding and portable type, but may be, for example, a built-in type that is incorporated into a building, a wall-mounted type that is fixed to a wall, or an in-vehicle type that is installed in a vehicle.

[0139] Furthermore, it is not essential that the cooling system 100 operates by receiving a power supply from a power system (AC power supply), and the cooling system 100 may operate by receiving a power supply from a battery (including a storage battery, a solar cell, etc.).

[0140] Furthermore, the method of applying an impact to the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is not limited to a user performing an operation such as shaking, hitting, or rotating the container Y2, and the operation of applying an impact to the ice slurry concentrate Y12 may be automated by the cooling system 100 or another device. As an example, the cooling system 100 may apply an impact to the container Y2 by dropping the container Y2 when discharging the container Y2.

[0141] Furthermore, the specific means of notification by the notification processing unit 44 or presentation by the presentation processing unit 45 is not limited to the lighting state of the lighting units (first lighting unit 31, second lighting unit 32, and third lighting unit 33) of the notification device 3 or the display on the display unit of the terminal device 7. In other words, the specific means of notification by the notification processing unit 44 or presentation by the presentation processing unit 45 may be display on another display unit, sound, transmission to an external terminal, other means, or a combination of these.

[0142] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 24 may detect the temperature of the liquid Y11 in addition to or instead of the temperature inside the cabinet. As an example, the temperature sensor 24 can detect the temperature of the liquid Y11 in a non-contact manner by using a non-contact thermometer.

[0143] Furthermore, it is not necessary for the internal space of the refrigerator 20 to be divided into two areas (first area 201 and second area 202), but it may be divided into three or more areas, or the internal space of the refrigerator 20 may be a single area.

[0144] (Embodiment 2) 9, the cooling system 100A according to this embodiment differs from the cooling system 100 according to the first embodiment in that notification devices 3A and 3B are provided for each of a plurality of areas (first area 201 and second area 202) divided into areas within a refrigerator 20. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0145] In this embodiment, the notification device 3A located on the upper side indicates the state of the first area 201, and the notification device 3B located on the lower side indicates the state of the second area 202. In other words, the notification processing unit 44 distinguishes between the first area 201 and the second area 202 and issues notifications according to the progress of production of the ice slurry stock solution Y12.

[0146] As an example, when the first area 201 is in process "VI" where the ice slurry concentrate Y12 is completed and the second area 202 is in process "IV" where the liquid Y11 is being cooled, the notification processing unit 44 sets the notification device 3A to the sixth notification state and the notification device 3B to the fourth notification state. This makes it possible to prevent the container Y2 from being mistakenly refilled into the first area 201 when the cooling box 20 is refilled with the container Y2, resulting in the uncooled liquid Y11 being mixed with the ice slurry concentrate Y12.

[0147] As described above, the notification processor 44 issues a notification for each of the multiple areas divided within the cooling chamber 20. This allows the multiple areas within the cooling chamber 20 to be used more efficiently to produce the ice slurry concentrate Y12, which is the cooling product.

[0148] The configuration according to the second embodiment can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified examples) described in the first embodiment.

[0149] [Appendix to the invention] The following will provide an outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0150] <Appendix 1> A cooling system for producing an ice slurry concentrate that is turned into an ice slurry by at least applying an impact, a cooling chamber that cools a liquid contained in the chamber to produce the ice slurry concentrate from the liquid; and a notification processing unit that notifies the user according to the progress of the production of the ice slurry stock solution. Cooling system.

[0151] <Appendix 2> The notification processing unit issues a notification when the ice slurry concentrate is completed. 10. The cooling system of claim 1.

[0152] <Appendix 3> The notification processing unit issues a notification when the cooling of the liquid progresses excessively after the completion of the ice slurry raw liquid. 3. The cooling system of claim 1 or 2.

[0153] <Appendix 4> The notification processing unit changes the notification mode depending on the elapsed time from the start of cooling of the liquid. 4. The cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0154] <Appendix 5> The notification processing unit changes the notification mode depending on the internal temperature of the refrigerator and / or the temperature of the liquid. 5. The cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0155] <Appendix 6> The notification processing unit issues a notification that opening and closing of the door body is prohibited when a specific condition is satisfied. 6. The cooling system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0156] <Appendix 7> The notification processing unit issues a notification when the cooling chamber is in a state suitable for pouring the liquid. 7. The cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0157] <Appendix 8> The notification processing unit performs notification via an external terminal. 8. The cooling system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7.

[0158] <Appendix 9> The notification processing unit issues a notification when the state of the liquid reaches a specific state before the completion of the ice slurry raw liquid. 9. A cooling system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8.

[0159] <Appendix 10> The notification processing unit issues a notification for each of a plurality of divided areas within the refrigerator. 10. The cooling system according to any one of appendices 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 2 Cooling device 7 Terminal device (external terminal) 20 Refrigerator 44 Notification processing section 100,100A cooling system 201 (1st) Area 202 (2nd) Area 212 Door body Y11 liquid Y12 Ice slurry concentrate

Claims

1. A cooling system for producing an ice slurry concentrate that is turned into an ice slurry by at least applying an impact, a cooling chamber that cools a liquid contained in the chamber to produce the ice slurry concentrate from the liquid; and a notification processing unit that notifies the user according to the progress of the production of the ice slurry stock solution. Cooling system.

2. The notification processing unit issues a notification when the ice slurry concentrate is completed. The cooling system of claim 1 .

3. The notification processing unit issues a notification when the cooling of the liquid progresses excessively after the completion of the ice slurry raw liquid.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The notification processing unit changes the notification mode depending on the elapsed time from the start of cooling of the liquid.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The notification processing unit changes the notification mode depending on the internal temperature of the refrigerator and / or the temperature of the liquid.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The notification processing unit issues a notification that opening and closing of the door body is prohibited when a specific condition is satisfied.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The notification processing unit issues a notification when the cooling chamber is in a state suitable for pouring the liquid.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The notification processing unit performs notification via an external terminal.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The notification processing unit issues a notification when the state of the liquid reaches a specific state before the completion of the ice slurry raw liquid.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The notification processing unit issues a notification for each of a plurality of divided areas within the refrigerator.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2.

Images