Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: A refrigerator is communicable with a server, and comprises an acquisition unit, a cooling unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit can acquire a control command from the server. The cooling unit cools a plurality of storage units included in the refrigerator. The control unit can control the cooling unit with a first cooling control executed based on a user's operation or a preset condition, and a second cooling control executed based on the control command acquired by the acquisition unit. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit preferentially executes the first cooling control, and determines execution content of the second cooling control based on the types of storage units to be cooled by the first cooling control, which are included in the plurality of storage units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator that controls a compressor and a fan based on an instruction from a server is known. By the way, further improvement in convenience is expected for the refrigerator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator according to the embodiment is a refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, and includes an acquisition unit, a cooling unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit can acquire a control command from the server. The cooling unit cools a plurality of storage units included in the refrigerator. The control unit can control the cooling unit by a first cooling control executed based on a user operation or a preset condition and a second cooling control executed based on the control command acquired by the acquisition unit The second cooling control is cooling control executed based on a collective control command for the plurality of storage units, and is cooling control for raising the set temperature of each of the plurality of storage units for a predetermined time. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit suppresses the execution of the second cooling control for the storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units and executes the first cooling control, and determines whether to execute the second cooling control based on the type of the first cooling control for one or more storage units different from the storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same or similar functions. And the overlapping description of those configurations may be omitted. In the present application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX", and may include cases based on other elements in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, and may include cases based on those obtained by performing calculations or processing on XX. In the present application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, and may include both XX and YY. This is the same when there are three or more selectable elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

[0008] In this application, "acquire" is not limited to actively acquiring by sending a transmission request, but may also include acquiring by passively receiving information transmitted from other devices. In this application, "suppress" means at least partially suppressing, and may include, for example, suppressing only during a predetermined period or within a predetermined temperature range.

[0009] (Embodiment) <1. Overall Configuration of Refrigerator System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator system 1 according to an embodiment. The refrigerator system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100 and a server 200. The refrigerator system 1 may include a terminal device 300 (or a home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300) described later. The refrigerator system 1 is an example of an "information processing system". The network NW described later may be used according to the situation, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines or dedicated lines.

[0010] The refrigerator 100 is installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to the network NW via, for example, a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 can communicate with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0011] The server 200 is a management server that manages the refrigerator 100. The server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (for example, a cloud server). The server 200 may be referred to as a "server system". The server 200 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. 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 or the like.

[0012] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by the user U of the refrigerator 100. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a portable terminal device, and may be a personal computer or the like, or may be an audio dialogue device such as a smart speaker. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301 including a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information, and an input device 302 capable of receiving an input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided overlapping the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, etc. provided in the terminal device 300.

[0013] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. The application program P is an application program for managing the refrigerator 100. Hereinafter, the application software started by executing the application program P is referred to as a "home appliance management app APP".

[0014] <2. Refrigerator> First, the refrigerator 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

[0015] The housing 10 has heat insulation properties and is formed in a rectangular box shape. Inside the housing 10, a plurality of storage chambers 30 are provided. The plurality of storage chambers 30 include, for example, a refrigerating chamber 31, a chilled chamber 31A, a vegetable chamber 32, an ice-making chamber 33, a small freezing chamber 34, and a main freezing chamber 35. The refrigerating chamber 31 and the vegetable chamber 32 are storage chambers in the refrigerating temperature range (for example, a temperature range of 1 to 4°C). The chilled chamber 31A is a storage chamber in the chilled temperature range (for example, a temperature range of -1°C to +1°C). The ice-making chamber 33, the small freezing chamber 34, and the main freezing chamber 35 are storage chambers in the freezing temperature range (for example, a temperature range of -10 to -20°C). Hereinafter, when the refrigerating chamber 31, the chilled chamber 31A, and the vegetable chamber 32 are not distinguished, they may be referred to as "storage chamber 30R". Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the refrigerating temperature range and the chilled temperature range may be collectively referred to as the "refrigerating temperature range". Hereinafter, when the ice-making chamber 33, the small freezing chamber 34, and the main freezing chamber 35 are not distinguished, they may be referred to as "storage chamber 30F".

[0016] Each of the above-described refrigerating chamber 31, chilled chamber 31A, vegetable chamber 32, ice-making chamber 33, small freezing chamber 34, and main freezing chamber 35 is an example of a "storage section". Note that the "storage section" referred to in the present application is not limited to the above example, and may be a partial chamber cooled to a partial temperature range (about -4°C to -2°C), a temperature-switching chamber in which the temperature can be switched in a plurality of temperature ranges (for example, the refrigerating temperature range and the freezing temperature range), or the like. In the present embodiment, the storage chamber that is the cooling target of the first cooling control described later among the plurality of storage chambers 30 is an example of a "first storage section". On the other hand, one or more storage chambers different from the first storage section among the plurality of storage chambers 30 are examples of a "second storage section".

[0017] The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 30 are closed by a plurality of doors 20 so as to be openable and closable. The plurality of doors 20 include left and right refrigerating chamber doors 21A and 21B that close the opening of the refrigerating chamber 31, a vegetable chamber door 22 that closes the opening of the vegetable chamber 32, an ice-making chamber door 23 that closes the opening of the ice-making chamber 33, a small freezing chamber door 24 that closes the opening of the small freezing chamber 34, and a main freezing chamber door 25 that closes the opening of the main freezing chamber 35. Hereinafter, when the left and right refrigerating chamber doors 21A and 21B are not distinguished, they are referred to as "refrigerating chamber door 21".

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a door opening / closing detection sensor 110, a temperature sensor 120, a cooling unit 130, an ultraviolet irradiation device 139, an operation unit 140, a communication unit 150, a control device 160, and a storage unit 190.

[0019] <2.1 Door Opening / Closing Detection Sensor> The door opening / closing detection sensor 110 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 20. The door opening / closing detection sensor 110 includes, for example, a refrigerator door sensor 111 that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 21, a vegetable compartment door sensor 112 that detects the opening and closing of the vegetable compartment door 22, an ice making compartment door sensor 113 that detects the opening and closing of the ice making compartment door 23, a small freezer compartment door sensor 114 that detects the opening and closing of the small freezer compartment door 24, and a main freezer compartment door sensor 115 that detects the opening and closing of the main freezer compartment door 25. The detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 110 is output to the control device 160.

[0020] <2.2 Temperature Sensor> The temperature sensor 120 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage compartment 30 (for example, the air temperature inside the storage compartment 30). The temperature sensor 120 includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 that detects the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 31 (refrigerator compartment temperature), a chiller compartment temperature sensor 122 that detects the temperature of the chiller compartment 31A (chiller compartment temperature), and a main freezer compartment temperature sensor 123 that detects the temperature of the main freezer compartment 35 (freezer compartment temperature). The detection result of the temperature sensor 120 is output to the control device 160.

[0021] <2.3 Cooling Unit> The cooling unit 130 is a device that cools a plurality of storage compartments 30. The cooling unit 130 includes, for example, a first cooler 131, a second cooler 132, a compressor 133, a three-way valve 134, a first blower 135, and a second blower 136.

[0022] The first cooler 131 is arranged corresponding to the storage chambers 30R (refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, and vegetable compartment 32) in the refrigerated temperature zone. The second cooler 132 is arranged corresponding to the storage chambers 30F (ice making compartment 33, small freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35) in the frozen temperature zone. The compressor 133 supplies refrigerant to the first cooler 131 and the second cooler 132.

[0023] The three-way valve 134 is switched between a first state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 133 is supplied to the first cooler 131 and a second state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 133 is supplied to the second cooler 132. The first blower 135 supplies the cold air cooled by the first cooler 131 to the storage chambers 30R (refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, and vegetable compartment 32) in the refrigerated temperature zone. The second blower 136 supplies the cold air cooled by the second cooler 132 to the storage chambers 30F (ice making compartment 33, small freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35) in the frozen temperature zone.

[0024] <2.4 Ultraviolet irradiation device> The ultraviolet irradiation device 139 is an irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the inside of the storage chamber 30 or the handle and inner surface of the door 20. Ultraviolet rays are light that has the effect of suppressing bacteria or viruses. The sterilizing ultraviolet irradiation device 139 is arranged, for example, in one or more of the refrigerator compartment 31, the chilled compartment 31A, or the vegetable compartment 32. The ultraviolet irradiation device 139 irradiates ultraviolet rays when the sterilization mode is set as the control mode of the refrigerator 100.

[0025] <2.5 Operation unit> The operation unit 140 is an operation unit capable of receiving operations from the user U for the refrigerator 100. The operation unit 140 includes, for example, one or more buttons provided on the surface of the door 20 or the inner surface of the housing 10. By operating the operation unit 140, the user U can set various cooling control modes, power-saving modes, or sterilization modes, etc., which will be described later, as the control mode of the refrigerator 100. In this application, "setting the control mode" means turning the control mode on. The operation unit 140 may be capable of receiving the operation of the user U for setting (i.e., turning on) the learning control mode, which will be described later, instead of / in addition to the terminal device 300.

[0026] <2.6 Communication unit> The communication unit 150 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 150 can communicate with the server 200 via a wireless router WR and a modem M arranged in the user U's residence.

[0027] <2.7 Control device> The control device 160 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 100. The control device 160 includes a control command acquisition unit 161, a reception unit 162, a control unit 163, a state management unit 164, and a transmission unit 165. These functional units are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 100 executing a program. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0028] The control command acquisition unit 161 acquires a control command regarding the cooling control of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200. In the present embodiment, when the learning control mode is set, the control command acquisition unit 161 acquires from the server 200 a control command regarding the cooling control of the refrigerator 100 generated by the server 200. The above control command is, for example, an operation instruction for a special operation to reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. In the present embodiment, the operation of the refrigerator 100 includes a plurality of operation modes (cooling modes). The plurality of operation modes include, for example, normal operation, eco operation (first special operation), and pre-cooling operation (second special operation). Details of each of these operation modes will be described in the description regarding the server 200. The control command acquisition unit 161 is an example of an "acquisition unit".

[0029] The reception unit 162 can receive a change in the priority order between one or more of various control modes included in the main body cooling mode described later and the server instruction cooling mode based on the operation of the user U on the operation unit 140 or the terminal device 300. For example, the reception unit 162 can receive an instruction from the user U to give priority to the server instruction cooling mode over one or more of the various control modes included in the main body cooling mode described later.

[0030] The control unit 163 controls the cooling unit 130 to cool each storage chamber 30 by the cooling unit 130. For example, the control unit 163 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage chamber 30 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 120. For example, the control unit 163 controls the compressor 133, the first blower 135, and the second blower 136 included in the cooling unit 130 by feedback control such as PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage chamber 30 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120. The "set temperature (target temperature)" referred to in the present application means, for example, the lower limit value of the set temperature range described later.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the learning control mode described later is set, the control unit 163 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the control command (control command from the server 200) acquired by the control command acquisition unit 161. That is, the control unit 163 executes the normal operation, eco operation, or precooling operation instructed by the control command. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the eco operation or the precooling operation, the control unit 163 may interrupt the eco operation or the precooling operation and perform the normal operation. The above-mentioned predetermined condition is, for example, that the conditions (number of times the door is opened and closed, temperature rise in the storage chamber 30) used for setting the eco operation or the precooling operation described later are not satisfied.

[0032] The state management unit 164 causes the storage unit 190 to store information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 (hereinafter referred to as "state information"). The state information includes, for example, learning state information 191 used for generating a control command for the refrigerator 100 by the server 200 and execution result information 192 indicating the execution result of the operation of the refrigerator 100.

[0033] The learning state information 191 includes door opening / closing information 191a indicating the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 110 and temperature information 191b indicating the detection result of the temperature sensor 120. The door opening / closing information 191a includes information regarding door opening and closing every predetermined unit time (for example, 1 hour). For example, the door opening / closing information 191a includes information indicating the number of times the door is opened and closed or the door opening time every predetermined unit time. The "door opening time" is the total time during which the door is in the open state. The temperature information 191b includes information regarding the temperature of the storage chamber 30 every predetermined unit time (for example, 1 hour). For example, the temperature information 191b includes information indicating the average value of the deviation degree of the temperature sensor 120 from the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage chamber 30.

[0034] The execution result information 192 is information indicating the type of operation mode actually executed by the refrigerator 100 during the time period when the operation mode is instructed by the control command from the server 200. The execution result information 192 is information indicating the type of operation mode actually executed by the refrigerator 100 every predetermined unit time.

[0035] The transmission unit 165 communicates with the server 200 via the communication unit 150, and transmits the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 to the server 200. For example, the transmission unit 165 transmits the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 to the server 200 at a predetermined period.

[0036] <2.8 Memory Unit> The memory unit 190 is a functional unit that stores various information. The memory unit 190 is realized by a combination of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or SSD (Solid State Drove). The memory unit 190 stores the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192.

[0037] <3. Server> Next, the server 200 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210, a driving plan generation unit 220, a control command transmission unit 230, a display information transmission unit 240, and a memory unit 290.

[0038] The information acquisition unit 210, the driving plan generation unit 220, the control command transmission unit 230, and the display information transmission unit 240 are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU installed in the server 200 executing a program. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware. Note that these functional units may be divided and provided in a plurality of server devices. Also, one or more of these functional units may be provided in the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 instead of the server 200.

[0039] <3.1 Information Acquisition Unit> The information acquisition unit 210 acquires the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 transmitted from the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 accumulates the acquired learning state information 191 as part of the learning accumulation information 291, and accumulates the acquired execution result information 192 as part of the execution result accumulation information 292.

[0040] <3.2 Driving plan generation unit> Based on the usage status of the refrigerator 100 for a predetermined period (for example, the past two weeks) obtained from the learning accumulation information 291, the driving plan generation unit 220 analyzes the living pattern (usage pattern of the refrigerator 100) of the user U, and generates a driving plan for the refrigerator 100 according to the living pattern of the user U. In other words, the driving plan generation unit 220 is a learning function unit that learns the living pattern of the user U. In this application, "learning" is not limited to machine learning using a neural network or the like, but broadly means updating past decision contents based on new information.

[0041] In this embodiment, the driving plan generation unit 220 generates a driving plan for the next same day of the week based on the learning state information 191 of the same day of the week in the past two weeks included in the learning accumulation information 291. For example, the driving plan generation unit 220 generates a driving plan for the next Monday based on the learning state information 191 of the previous and the week-before-previous Mondays. The same applies to Tuesday to Sunday.

[0042] In this embodiment, the driving plan of the refrigerator 100 is a plan that defines the time zone when the refrigerator 100 executes normal operation and the time zone when the refrigerator 100 executes special operation. The special operation is an operation that reduces the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the special operation includes an eco operation (the first special operation) and a precooling operation (the second special operation). Hereinafter, an example in which the eco operation is executed based on the number of door openings and closings will be described. Instead of / In addition to this, the eco operation may be executed based on the door opening time.

[0043] (Normal operation) Normal operation is the basic operation of the refrigerator 100. For example, normal operation is the operation set when learning is not performed by the operation plan generation unit 220. For example, normal operation is an operation premised on the refrigerator 100 being used by the user U (for example, the door 20 being opened and closed). That is, normal operation is an operation in which a somewhat lower set temperature (target temperature) is set so that the temperature of the storage compartment 30 can be suppressed below a certain level even when the door 20 is opened and closed.

[0044] (Eco operation) Eco operation is an operation that increases the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage compartment 30 compared to normal operation during a time period when it is estimated that the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed is small, and suppresses the operation of the cooling unit 130 to reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. For example, in eco operation, by increasing the set temperature of the storage compartment 30 by 1°C or 2°C compared to normal operation, the operating frequency of the compressor 133, the rotational speed of the first blower 135, or the rotational speed of the second blower 136 is decreased.

[0045] In the present embodiment, when the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed per predetermined unit time (for example, 1 hour) is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 5 times or less) in the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks, the operation plan generation unit 220 executes eco operation in the same time period on the next same day of the week. On the other hand, when there is a day in the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks in which the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed per the predetermined unit time exceeds the predetermined number, the operation plan generation unit 220 does not execute eco operation in the same time period on the next same day of the week, but executes normal operation.

[0046] Note that the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed is, for example, the total value of the number of times the doors 20 (the refrigerator compartment door 21, the vegetable compartment door 22, the ice making compartment door 23, the small freezer compartment door 24, and the main freezer compartment door 25) included in the refrigerator 100 are opened and closed. Alternatively, the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed may be the total value of the number of times a representative specific door (for example, the refrigerator compartment door 21, the vegetable compartment door 22, and the main freezer compartment door 25) is opened and closed.

[0047] (Pre-cooling operation) The precooling operation is an operation that, when a large temperature rise (a temperature rise exceeding the threshold value) is expected in the storage compartment 30, pre-cools the temperature of the storage compartment 30 (performs so-called cold injection) to cut the peak of the temperature rise in the storage compartment 30, suppress the decrease in the cooling efficiency (COP: Coefficient Of Performance), and reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the temperature rise in the storage compartment 30 that is the target of the precooling operation is referred to as a "temperature rise exceeding the threshold value". For example, in the precooling operation, for a predetermined unit time in which a temperature rise exceeding the threshold value is estimated to occur in a specific storage compartment 30, the set temperature (target temperature) of the specific storage compartment 30 is set lower than that in the normal operation for the predetermined unit time and the immediately preceding predetermined unit time, and the temperature of the specific storage compartment 30 is pre-lowered. For example, in the precooling operation, by lowering the set temperature of the storage compartment 30 by 1°C or 2°C compared to the normal operation, the operating frequency of the compressor 133, the rotation speed of the first blower 135, or the rotation speed of the second blower 136 is increased.

[0048] In the present embodiment, when a temperature rise exceeding the threshold value is detected in the storage compartment 30 at the same time zone on the same day of the week in the past two weeks, the operation plan generation unit 220 executes the precooling operation in the next same time zone on the same day of the week and the immediately preceding time zone. On the other hand, when there is a day in the past two weeks in which a temperature rise exceeding the threshold value is not detected in the storage compartment 30 at the same time zone on the same day of the week, the operation plan generation unit 220 does not execute the precooling operation on the next same day of the week, but executes the normal operation or the eco operation.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the operation plan of the refrigerator 100 is a plan that defines which of the normal operation, the eco operation, or the precooling operation is to be performed every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour). Note that when the scheduled execution of the eco operation and the scheduled execution of the precooling operation overlap in the same time zone, the operation plan generation unit 220 preferentially sets the precooling operation.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan created by the operation plan generation unit 220. The example shown in FIG. 5 shows a case where an operation plan for the next Monday is generated based on the learning state information 191 for the previous and the week-before-previous Mondays.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 5, for each time period from (A) 0:00 to 6:00, the number of door openings and closings on the previous and the week-before-previous Mondays is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and no temperature rise exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected either. Therefore, it is assigned as the time period for implementing the eco-operation in the operation plan for the next Monday. For each time period from (B) 6:00 to 8:00, since a temperature rise exceeding a predetermined threshold was detected between 7:00 and 8:00 on the previous and the week-before-previous Mondays, it is assigned as the time period for implementing the precooling operation in the operation plan for the next Monday. For the time period from (C) 8:00 to 9:00, although no temperature rise exceeding a predetermined threshold was detected on the previous and the week-before-previous Mondays, since there was a day when the number of door openings and closings was equal to or more than a predetermined number, it is assigned as the time period for implementing the normal operation in the operation plan for the next Monday. For each time period from (D) 9:00 to 11:00, the number of door openings and closings on the previous and the week-before-previous Mondays is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and no temperature rise exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected either. Therefore, it is assigned as the time period for implementing the eco-operation in the operation plan for the next Monday.

[0052] <3.3 Control Command Sending Unit> The control command sending unit 230 sends a control command corresponding to the operation plan generated by the operation plan generation unit 220 to the refrigerator 100. For example, the control command sending unit 230 sends a control command regarding the next predetermined unit time to the refrigerator 100 every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour). In this embodiment, the control command includes any one of an execution command for normal operation, an execution command for eco-operation, or an execution command for precooling operation.

[0053] <3.4 Display Information Sending Unit> The display information transmission unit 240 generates information to be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 (hereinafter referred to as "display information"), and transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 300. The display information includes information indicating the execution result of the operation of the refrigerator 100 generated based on the execution result information 192.

[0054] <3.5 Memory unit> The memory unit 290 is realized by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or SSD, etc. The learning accumulation information 291 and the execution result accumulation information 292 are stored in the memory unit 290.

[0055] <4. Terminal device> Next, the terminal device 300 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 has, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, an operation reception unit 320, a display control unit 330, and a memory unit 390.

[0056] The information acquisition unit 310, the operation reception unit 320, and the display control unit 330 are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU mounted on the terminal device 300 executing an application program P. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the operation reception unit 320, and the display control unit 330 are software functional units included in the home appliance management application APP.

[0057] <4.1 Information acquisition unit> The information acquisition unit 310 acquires information received from the server 200 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the display information generated by the server 200 from the server 200.

[0058] <4.2 Operation reception unit> The operation reception unit 320 receives the operations of the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation reception unit 320 receives the operations of the user U on the operation unit displayed on the display screen 301a. The operation reception unit 320 transmits a signal indicating the content of the received operation of the user U to the server 200. Thereby, the processing corresponding to the content of the received operation of the user U is performed on the server 200.

[0059] In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 320 receives the setting of the learning control mode (that is, turning on the learning control mode) based on the operation of the user U. In this embodiment, when the user U sets the learning control mode on the terminal device 400, learning is performed by the server 200, a control command regarding the cooling control of the refrigerator 100 is generated by the server 200, and the generated control command is transmitted from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100.

[0060] <4.3 Display control unit> The display control unit 330 controls the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 by controlling the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. For example, the display control unit 330 causes the display information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 to be displayed on the display screen 301a.

[0061] <4.4 Memory unit> The memory unit 390 is realized by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or SSD, etc. The memory unit 390 stores the application program P.

[0062] <5. Refrigerator operation mode> <5.1 Basic operation> Next, the basic operation of the refrigerator 100 will be described. As the basic operations of the refrigerator 100, the control unit 163 executes a "refrigerating operation" and a "freezing operation". The "refrigerating operation" means an operation in which the three-way valve 134 is switched and refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 133 to the first cooler 131. On the other hand, the "freezing operation" means an operation in which the three-way valve 134 is switched and refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 133 to the second cooler 132.

[0063] The control unit 163 controls the cooling unit 130 so that the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone are maintained in their respective predetermined temperature zones, for example, by alternately performing the refrigerating operation and the freezing operation. For example, the control unit 163 alternately repeats performing the refrigerating operation for a first predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) and performing the freezing operation for a second predetermined time (for example, 40 minutes).

[0064] Note that, during the refrigerating operation, the control unit 163 may end the refrigerating operation and start the freezing operation even in the middle of the first predetermined time when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaches the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating chamber 31 (or when the temperature of the chilled chamber reaches the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the chilled chamber 31A), or when the temperature of the freezer chamber detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaches the upper limit value of the set temperature zone of the main freezer chamber 35. Also, during the freezing operation, the control unit 163 may end the freezing operation and start the refrigerating operation even in the middle of the second predetermined time when the temperature of the freezer chamber detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaches the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the main freezer chamber 35, or when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaches the upper limit value of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating chamber 31 (or when the temperature of the chilled chamber reaches the upper limit value of the set temperature zone of the chilled chamber 31A).

[0065] Here, while the refrigeration operation is being performed, the air temperature in the storage chamber 30R in the refrigeration temperature zone decreases, but the air temperature in the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone increases. On the other hand, while the freezing operation is being performed, the air temperature in the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone decreases, but the air temperature in the storage chamber 30R in the refrigeration temperature zone increases. For this reason, the air temperature in the storage chamber 30R in the refrigeration temperature zone and the air temperature in the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone each repeatedly rise and fall in a sawtooth pattern.

[0066] <5.2 Set Temperature Zone> Next, the "set temperature zone" will be described. The "set temperature zone" means the temperature range in which the air temperature of the storage chamber 30 (for example, the refrigerator compartment 31, the chilled compartment 31A, or the main freezer compartment 35), which is the main target of temperature control, is maintained in each of the refrigeration operation and the freezing operation. The "set temperature zone" means a temperature range defined by an upper limit value and a lower limit value. The control unit 163, for example, performs PID control based on the refrigerator compartment temperature (or the chilled compartment temperature) and the freezer compartment temperature, so as to keep the air temperature of the storage chamber 30, which is the main target of temperature control, between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature zone.

[0067] Here, as the "set temperature zone", a plurality of stages (a plurality of levels) are provided for each of the refrigeration operation and the freezing operation. For example, when a three-stage set temperature zone is provided as the set temperature zone for the refrigeration operation, the set temperature zone for the refrigeration operation includes a strong refrigeration operation setting (hereinafter referred to as "R strong setting"), a medium refrigeration operation setting (hereinafter referred to as "R medium setting"), and a weak refrigeration operation setting (hereinafter referred to as "R weak setting"). The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the "R strong setting" are lower than the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the "R medium setting". The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the "R medium setting" are lower than the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature zone of the "R weak setting".

[0068] Similarly, when, for example, a three-stage set temperature range is provided as the set temperature range for the refrigeration operation, the set temperature range for the refrigeration operation includes a strong refrigeration operation setting (hereinafter referred to as "F strong setting"), a medium refrigeration operation setting (hereinafter referred to as "F medium setting"), and a weak refrigeration operation setting (hereinafter referred to as "F weak setting"). The upper and lower limit values of the set temperature range of the "F strong setting" are lower than the upper and lower limit values of the set temperature range of the "F medium setting". The upper and lower limit values of the set temperature range of the "F medium setting" are lower than the upper and lower limit values of the set temperature range of the "F weak setting".

[0069] <5.3 Various control modes> Next, several control modes that can be executed by the control unit 163 will be described. The setting of each of the various control modes described below (that is, turning on each control mode) is executed based on, for example, an operation of the user U on the operation unit 140 of the refrigerator 100 or a preset condition. Note that the "basic operation" described below is assumed to perform the refrigeration operation in the "R medium setting" and the freezing operation in the "F medium setting". Also, the "normal chill" that appears in the following description means the state of the chill compartment when the refrigeration operation is performed in the "R medium setting".

[0070] (Special chill) The control mode of "special chill" is a control mode that alternately repeats the time when the chill compartment 31A is cooled in the low temperature range and the time when the chill compartment 31A is cooled in the high temperature range. In the control mode of "special chill", the chill compartment 31A (that is, the storage compartment 30R) is the storage compartment 30 to be cooled.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the change in the temperature of the chill compartment when the control mode of "special chill" is executed. In the control mode of "special chill", the control unit 163 alternately repeats the low temperature cooling control for cooling the chill compartment 31A in the first temperature range Ta and the high temperature cooling control for cooling the chill compartment 31A in the second temperature range Tb higher than the first temperature range Ta.

[0072] The first temperature zone Ta is the set temperature zone of the chiller compartment 31A during low-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the first temperature zone Ta is, for example, -5°C. The average temperature of the first temperature zone Ta is a temperature below the freezing point and less than 0°C. The first temperature zone Ta is the temperature at which the surface of the food in the chiller compartment 31A is slightly frozen. The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature zone that can create a frozen layer only on the surface, rather than freezing the food all the way to the middle. The low-temperature cooling control is carried out over a predetermined implementation time Sa (for example, 2 hours).

[0073] The second temperature zone Tb is the set temperature zone of the chiller compartment 31A during high-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb is, for example, +1°C. The average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb is a temperature higher than the freezing point and 0°C or higher. The second temperature zone Tb is the temperature at which the slightly frozen layer formed on the surface of the food in the chiller compartment 31A can be melted. The high-temperature cooling control is carried out over a predetermined implementation time Sb (for example, 7 hours), which is longer than the implementation time Sa of the low-temperature cooling control.

[0074] According to such a control mode of "special chill", by alternately repeating low-temperature cooling control with an average temperature of, for example, -5°C for a predetermined implementation time Sa and high-temperature cooling control with an average temperature of, for example, +1°C for a predetermined implementation time Sb, only the surface of the food is slightly frozen, thereby suppressing the drying and oxidation of the food. As a result, the freshness of the food can be maintained longer compared to normal chilling. The control mode of "special chill" includes control to lower the temperature of the chiller compartment compared to normal chilling. When the control mode of "special chill" is set to the ON state, it continues until the ON state is released by the user U.

[0075] (Rapid Chill) In the "rapid chill" control mode, the temperature of the chill compartment is rapidly decreased compared to normal chill, thereby rapidly lowering the temperature of the food newly placed in the chill compartment 31A and suppressing the deterioration of the freshness of the food. In the "rapid chill" control mode, "R strong setting" is selected for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes). Here, the phrase "for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes)" does not mean that refrigeration operation is continuously performed during that predetermined time. Instead, it means that during the "predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes)", refrigeration operation and freezing operation are alternately performed, and the setting of the refrigeration operation during that time becomes the "R strong setting". This definition is the same in the following explanations. In the "rapid chill" control mode, the temperature of the chill compartment falls within a certain temperature range with an average temperature of, for example, 0.5°C. In the "rapid chill" control mode, the chill compartment 31A (i.e., the storage compartment 30R) is the storage compartment 30 to be cooled.

[0076] (Defrosting mode) The control mode of the "defrosting mode" is a control mode that raises the temperature of the chill compartment compared to normal chill to promote the defrosting of the food in the chill compartment 31A. In the control mode of the "defrosting mode", "R weak setting" is selected for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes). In the control mode of the "defrosting mode" of the present embodiment, during the execution of the control mode of the "defrosting mode", "F strong setting" is selected, or the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 30F are each set lower by a predetermined temperature (for example, +1°C). That is, by lowering the set temperature regarding the storage compartment 30F in the freezing temperature range, the time for which the freezing operation is performed is lengthened, and by delaying the switching from the freezing operation to the refrigeration operation, the rise in the temperature of the chill compartment is further promoted. In the control mode of the "defrosting mode", the temperature of the chill compartment falls within a certain temperature range with an average temperature of, for example, 1.5°C. In the control mode of the "defrosting mode", the chill compartment 31A (i.e., the storage compartment 30R) is the storage compartment 30 to be cooled.

[0077] (Rapid freezing) The "rapid freezing" control mode is a control mode that rapidly reduces the temperature of the freezer compartment compared to the basic operation. According to such "rapid freezing", by rapidly passing through the temperature range of -1°C to -5°C at which the moisture of the food freezes, cell damage to the food during freezing can be suppressed. In the "rapid freezing" control mode, "F strong setting" is selected for a predetermined time (for example, 120 minutes). In the "rapid freezing" control mode of the present embodiment, while the "rapid freezing" control mode is being executed, "R weak setting" is selected, or the upper and lower limit values of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 30R are each increased by a predetermined temperature (for example, +1°C). Thereby, while increasing the time for which the refrigeration operation is performed and accelerating the switching from the refrigeration operation to the freezing operation, the temperature drop of the storage compartment 30F is further promoted. In the "rapid freezing" control mode, the small freezer compartment 34 or the main freezer compartment 35 (that is, the storage compartment 30F) is the storage compartment 30 to be cooled.

[0078] (Rapid ice making) The "rapid ice making" control mode is a control mode that rapidly reduces the temperature of the freezer compartment compared to the basic operation. According to such "rapid ice making", the ice making time can be shortened compared to the basic operation. In the "rapid ice making" control mode, "F strong setting" is selected for a predetermined time (for example, 480 minutes). In the "rapid ice making" control mode of the present embodiment, while the "rapid ice making" control mode is being executed, "R weak setting" is selected, or the upper and lower limit values of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 30R are each increased by a predetermined temperature (for example, +1°C). Thereby, while increasing the time for which the refrigeration operation is performed and accelerating the switching from the refrigeration operation to the freezing operation, the temperature drop of the storage compartment 30F is further promoted. In the "rapid ice making" control mode, the ice making compartment 33 (that is, the storage compartment 30F) is the storage compartment 30 to be cooled.

[0079] (Vegetable freezing) The control mode of "Vegetable Freezing" is a control mode that gradually reduces the freezer compartment temperature compared to the basic operation. According to such "Vegetable Freezing", it is possible to suppress the cell destruction of vegetables and freeze the vegetables. In the control mode of "Vegetable Freezing", "F Weak Setting" is selected for a predetermined time (for example, 180 minutes). In the control mode of "Vegetable Freezing", the small freezer compartment 34 or the main freezer compartment 35 (that is, the storage compartment 30F) is the storage compartment 30 to be cooled.

[0080] (Power Saving Mode) The power saving mode is a control mode that reduces the power consumption of the refrigerator 100 compared to the basic operation. When the power saving mode is set, "R Weak Setting" is selected and "F Weak Setting" is selected. Instead of this, in the power saving mode, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 30R may be increased by a predetermined temperature each, and the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 30F may be increased by a predetermined temperature each. The power saving mode is a control mode in which a control mode for reducing the power consumption of the refrigerator 100 is always executed, different from the learning control mode described above. The power saving mode, when set to the ON state, continues until the ON state is released by the user U. In the control mode of the "Power Saving Mode", the storage compartment 30R and the storage compartment 30F are the storage compartments 30 to be cooled.

[0081] (Defrosting Mode) The defrosting mode is a control mode that raises the temperature of the first cooler 131 or the second cooler 132 when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and melts the frost adhering to the first cooler 131 or the second cooler 132. The defrosting mode includes precooling that performs pre-cooling, energization of a defrost heater (not shown), and control to return the cooled compartment with the increased temperature to the set temperature range. The defrosting mode is a control mode that is executed based on sensor values provided in the refrigerator 100 and the like, rather than being set by the user U. In the control mode of the "Defrosting Mode", the storage compartment 30R and / or the storage compartment 30F are the storage compartments 30 to be cooled.

[0082] (Sterilization Mode) The sterilization mode is a control mode in which when predetermined conditions are satisfied (for example, when the door 20 is closed), the ultraviolet irradiation device 139 irradiates ultraviolet rays into the refrigerator 100 to suppress bacteria or viruses. The sterilization mode, when set to the ON state, continues until the ON state is released by the user U. In the control mode of the "sterilization mode", the storage chamber 30R and / or the storage chamber 30F is the storage chamber 30 to be cooled.

[0083] <6. Duplicate setting of multiple control modes> Next, the duplicate setting of multiple control modes will be described. In the present embodiment, a control mode (hereinafter referred to as the "main body cooling mode") executed based on an operation of the user U on the operation unit 140 of the refrigerator 100 or a preset condition, and a control mode (hereinafter referred to as the "server instruction cooling mode") executed in the refrigerator 100 based on a control command transmitted from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 can be set in duplicate. That is, the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode can be set to the ON state in duplicate.

[0084] The main body cooling mode is, for example, the special chill, rapid chill, defrost mode, rapid freezing, rapid ice making, vegetable freezing, power saving mode, defrosting mode, or sterilization mode described above. The main body cooling mode is an example of the "first cooling control". The server instruction cooling mode is, for example, the learning control mode. The server instruction cooling mode is an example of the "second cooling control" and an example of the "server instruction cooling mode that cannot be set on the refrigerator side". The server instruction cooling mode is, for example, cooling control related to a plurality of storage chambers 30 (the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone).

[0085] In the present embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the main body cooling mode and determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of the storage chamber 30 to be cooled in the main body cooling mode.

[0086] "When the main body cooling mode and the server - instructed cooling mode overlap" means the case where the main body cooling mode and the server - instructed cooling mode are both set to the ON state and overlap. "When the main body cooling mode and the server - instructed cooling mode overlap" means, for example, a state where one of the main body cooling mode and the server - instructed cooling mode is first set to the ON state, and then the other is set to the ON state. In other words, "when the main body cooling mode and the server - instructed cooling mode overlap" means the case where the planned execution of the main body cooling mode overlaps with the planned execution of the server - instructed cooling mode.

[0087] "The type of storage compartment" means, for example, whether the cooling target of the main body cooling mode is the refrigerator compartment 31, the chilled compartment 31A, the vegetable compartment 32, the ice - making compartment 33, the small freezer compartment 34, or the main freezer compartment 35. Alternatively, "the type of storage compartment" may mean whether the cooling target of the main body cooling mode is the storage compartment 30R in the refrigerated temperature zone or the storage compartment 30F in the frozen temperature zone.

[0088] "Determining the execution content of the server - instructed cooling mode" means, for example, determining (e.g., selecting) one of two or more selectable options available for the server - instructed cooling mode, such as whether to execute the server - instructed cooling mode as it is, execute it only in part, or not execute it at all. For example, "determining the execution content of the server - instructed cooling mode" means determining which controls included in the server - instructed cooling mode to execute and which controls to suppress execution of. What is meant by "determining the execution content of the server - instructed cooling mode" in the present application may include determining to execute the server - instructed cooling mode as it is without changing it or determining not to execute the server - instructed cooling mode (i.e., not executing all the controls included in the server - instructed cooling mode).

[0089] In this embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 different from the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode among the plurality of storage chambers 30 of the refrigerator 100. That is, the control unit 163 determines whether to execute the server instruction cooling mode as it is, partially execute it, or not execute it for the storage chamber 30 that is not directly cooled by the main body cooling mode among the plurality of storage chambers 30.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode and the type of cooling in the main body cooling mode. The "type of cooling in the main body cooling mode" means, for example, whether the type of cooling in the main body cooling mode is control to lower the temperature of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode compared to the basic operation (such as special chill, rapid chill, rapid freezing, rapid ice making, etc.), or control to increase the temperature of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode compared to the basic operation (such as defrost mode).

[0091] In this embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode, the type of cooling in the main body cooling mode, and the type of cooling planned to be executed in the server instruction cooling mode. The "type of cooling planned to be executed in the server instruction cooling mode" is the type of cooling instructed by the control command from the server 200. The "type of cooling planned to be executed in the server instruction cooling mode" means, for example, whether the type of cooling in the server instruction cooling mode is control to lower the temperature compared to the normal operation (such as pre-cooling operation), or control to increase the temperature compared to the normal operation (such as eco operation).

[0092] Hereinafter, specific examples will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the execution details of the server-instructed cooling mode when the main body cooling mode and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap. In FIG. 8, the "refrigerating chamber" means the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone, and the "freezing chamber" means the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone. In FIG. 8, "main body priority" means that for both the storage chamber 30R and the storage chamber 30F, control based on the main body cooling mode is executed, and the control of the server-instructed cooling mode is suppressed. In FIG. 8, "refrigerating chamber only" means that the main body cooling mode is executed for the storage chamber 30F, and the server-instructed cooling mode is executed for the storage chamber 30R. In FIG. 8, "freezing chamber only" means that the main body cooling mode is executed for the storage chamber 30R, and the server-instructed cooling mode is executed for the storage chamber 30F.

[0093] In the present embodiment, when a normal operation is instructed as the server-instructed cooling mode, in all control modes that are the main body cooling mode, for both the storage chamber 30R and the storage chamber 30F, control based on the main body cooling mode is executed, and the execution of control specific to the server-instructed cooling mode is suppressed. Therefore, hereinafter, the case where an eco operation or a pre-cooling operation is instructed as the server-instructed cooling mode will be described.

[0094] (When the main body cooling mode is not set) When none of the control modes are set as the main body cooling mode, the control unit 163 executes an eco operation for both the storage chamber 30R and the storage chamber 30F in response to a control command for the eco operation from the server 200, and executes a pre-cooling operation in response to a control command for the pre-cooling operation from the server 200.

[0095] (Special chill) The special chill is a control mode for cooling the storage chamber 30R (for example, the chill chamber 31A) in the refrigerating temperature zone. When the special chill and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 executes the special chill with priority, and executes the server-instructed cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 (for example, the storage chamber 30F) that are different from the cooling target of the special chill.

[0096] As a specific example, when the special chill and the server - instructed cooling mode overlap, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature zone, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the cooling based on the special chill and suppresses the execution of the server - instructed cooling mode. On the other hand, for the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the server - instructed cooling mode (eco - operation or pre - cooling operation). That is, for the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the eco - operation in response to the control command of the eco - operation from the server 200 and executes the pre - cooling operation in response to the control command of the pre - cooling operation from the server 200.

[0097] (Rapid Chill) The rapid chill is a control mode for cooling the storage chamber 30R (for example, the chill chamber 31A) in the refrigerated temperature zone. Here, the server - instructed cooling mode, as the cooling control for the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone, includes control (such as pre - cooling operation) that affects the cooling of the rapid chill for the chill chamber 31A. That is, although the rapid chill needs to quickly cool the chill chamber 31A within a set time, if the pre - cooling operation for the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone is executed, the cooling time (cooling time by refrigerated operation) for the chill chamber 31A becomes short, which affects the cooling of the rapid chill. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the rapid chill and the server - instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the rapid chill and also suppresses the execution of the server - instructed cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 (for example, the storage chamber 30F) different from the cooling target of the rapid chill. For example, when the rapid chill and the server - instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server - instructed cooling mode based on the type of cooling (for example, whether it is eco - operation or pre - cooling operation) scheduled to be executed in the server - instructed cooling mode.

[0098] In this embodiment, the server-instructed cooling mode includes, as the cooling control for the storage chamber 30F, a first control (pre-cooling operation) that affects the rapid chill cooling for the chilled chamber 31A, and a second control (eco operation) that has a smaller impact on the rapid chill cooling for the chilled chamber 31A compared to the first control. The eco operation is a control that raises the temperature compared to the normal operation (basic operation), and even when the eco operation is executed, it does not or hardly has an adverse effect on the rapid chill cooling for the chilled chamber 31A. Therefore, when the rapid chill and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 executes the second control (eco operation) and suppresses the execution of the first control (pre-cooling operation). In this application, "having a small impact" may include the case where the impact is zero.

[0099] As a specific example, when the rapid chill and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature zone, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the cooling based on the rapid chill and suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode. On the other hand, for the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone, as the server-instructed cooling mode, the control unit 163 executes the eco operation but suppresses the execution of the pre-cooling operation. That is, for the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the eco operation in response to the control command for the eco operation from the server 200, but suppresses (for example, does not execute) the execution of the pre-cooling operation even if there is a control command for the pre-cooling operation from the server 200.

[0100] (Defrosting mode) The thawing mode is a control mode for cooling the storage chamber 30R (e.g., the chilled chamber 31A) in the refrigerated temperature zone. Here, the thawing mode includes control that affects the temperature of the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone (e.g., lowering the set temperature zone of the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone). That is, when the thawing mode is executed, in order to shorten the refrigeration operation time, the freezing operation time is extended. As a result, the temperature of the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone decreases compared to the basic operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the thawing mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the thawing mode and also suppresses the execution of the server instruction cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 (e.g., the storage chamber 30F) different from the cooling target of the thawing mode. For example, when the thawing mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of cooling scheduled to be executed in the server instruction cooling mode (e.g., whether it is an eco operation or a precooling operation).

[0101] In the present embodiment, the server instruction cooling mode, as the cooling control for the storage chamber 30F, includes a third control (eco operation) affected by the temperature change of the storage chamber 30F caused by the thawing mode for the chilled chamber 31A, and a fourth control (precooling operation) with less influence on the temperature change caused by the thawing mode for the chilled chamber 31A compared to the third control. The precooling operation is a control for lowering the temperature compared to the normal operation (basic operation). The temperature change of the storage chamber 30F caused by the thawing mode and the temperature change of the storage chamber 30F caused by the precooling operation are temperature changes in the same direction. Therefore, when the thawing mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, as the cooling control for the storage chamber 30F, the control unit 163 executes the fourth control (precooling operation) and suppresses the execution of the third control (eco operation). In the present application, "less influence" may include the case where the influence is zero.

[0102] As a specific example, when the thawing mode and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature zone, the control unit 163 preferentially executes cooling based on the thawing mode and suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode. On the other hand, for the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the pre-cooling operation as the server-instructed cooling mode, but suppresses the execution of the eco operation. That is, for the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the pre-cooling operation in response to the control command for the pre-cooling operation from the server 200, but suppresses (for example, does not execute) the execution of the eco operation even if there is a control command for the eco operation from the server 200.

[0103] Note that when the control unit 163 simultaneously executes the main body operation mode (for example, the thawing mode) and the server-instructed cooling mode and the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage chamber 30F deviates from a predetermined temperature range set in advance, the control unit 163 suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode (for example, the pre-cooling operation). For example, when "F strong setting" is selected along with the execution of the main body operation mode (for example, the thawing mode), if a setting to lower the set temperature range for the pre-cooling operation is additionally made while "F strong setting" is selected, the set temperature range of the storage chamber 30F will be set too low. In this case, the control unit 163 also suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode for the storage chamber 30F (for example, does not execute the pre-cooling operation). "Deviating from the predetermined temperature range" means, for example, that the set temperature drops below the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the "F strong setting".

[0104] (Rapid freezing) Quick freezing is a control mode for cooling the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone. Here, quick freezing includes control that affects the temperature of the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone (for example, increasing the set temperature range of the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone). That is, when quick freezing is executed, the refrigerating operation time is shortened in order to increase the time of the freezing operation. As a result, the temperature of the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone rises compared to the basic operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when quick freezing and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 preferentially executes quick freezing and also suppresses the execution of the server instruction cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 (for example, the storage chamber 30F) different from the cooling target of quick freezing. For example, when quick freezing and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of cooling scheduled to be executed in the server instruction cooling mode (for example, whether it is an eco operation or a pre-cooling operation).

[0105] In the present embodiment, the server instruction cooling mode includes, as the cooling control for the storage chamber 30R, a third control (pre-cooling operation) affected by the temperature change of the storage chamber 30R caused by the quick freezing for the storage chamber 30F, and a fourth control (eco operation) with less influence on the temperature change caused by the quick freezing for the storage chamber 30F compared to the third control. The eco operation is a control for raising the temperature compared to the normal operation (basic operation). The temperature change of the storage chamber 30R caused by quick freezing and the temperature change of the storage chamber 30R caused by the eco operation are temperature changes in the same direction. Therefore, when quick freezing and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, as the cooling control for the storage chamber 30R, the control unit 163 executes the fourth control (eco operation) and suppresses the execution of the third control (pre-cooling operation).

[0106] As a specific example, when the rapid freezing and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, for the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the cooling based on the rapid freezing and suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode. On the other hand, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the eco-operation as the server-instructed cooling mode, but suppresses the execution of the pre-cooling operation. That is, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone, the control unit 163 executes the eco-operation in response to the control command of the eco-operation from the server 200, but suppresses the execution of the pre-cooling operation even if there is a control command of the pre-cooling operation from the server 200 (for example, does not execute).

[0107] In addition, when the main body operation mode (for example, the rapid freezing mode) and the server-instructed cooling mode are executed simultaneously and the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage chamber 30R deviates from a predetermined temperature range set in advance, the control unit 163 suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode (for example, the eco-operation). For example, when "R weak setting" is selected along with the execution of the main body operation mode (for example, rapid freezing), if a setting to raise the set temperature range for the eco-operation is additionally made in the state where "R weak setting" is selected, the set temperature range of the storage chamber 30R will be set too high. In this case, the control unit 163 also suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode for the storage chamber 30R (for example, does not execute the eco-operation). "Deviating from the predetermined temperature range" means, for example, that the set temperature becomes higher than the upper limit value of the set temperature range of the "R weak setting".

[0108] (Rapid ice-making) When the control mode of rapid ice-making and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, it is the same as the case where the above-mentioned rapid freezing and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap. In the case of rapid ice-making, in the above description of rapid freezing, "rapid freezing" may be read as "rapid ice-making".

[0109] (Vegetable freezing) Vegetable freezing is a control mode that cools the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature range. When the vegetable freezing mode overlaps with the server-instructed cooling mode, the control unit 163 executes the server-instructed cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 (for example, storage chamber 30R) that are different from the cooling target of the vegetable freezing mode.

[0110] As a specific example, when the vegetable freezing mode overlaps with the server-instructed cooling mode, for the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature range, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the cooling based on the vegetable freezing mode and suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode. On the other hand, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature range, the control unit 163 executes the server-instructed cooling mode (eco operation or pre-cooling operation). For example, for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature range, the control unit 163 executes the eco operation in response to the control command of the eco operation from the server 200 and executes the pre-cooling operation in response to the control command of the pre-cooling operation from the server 200.

[0111] (Power-saving mode) When the power-saving mode overlaps with the server-instructed cooling mode, the control unit 163 executes the cooling based on the power-saving mode for both the storage chamber 30R and the storage chamber 30F and suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode.

[0112] (Defrosting mode) When the defrosting mode overlaps with the server-instructed cooling mode, the control unit 163 executes the control based on the defrosting mode for both the storage chamber 30R and the storage chamber 30F and suppresses the execution of the server-instructed cooling mode.

[0113] (Sterilization mode) When the sterilization mode overlaps with the server-instructed cooling mode, the control unit 163 executes the sterilization mode for both the storage chamber 30R and the storage chamber 30F and also executes the server-instructed cooling mode (for example, eco operation or pre-cooling operation). Since the "sterilization mode" is a control that does not depend on the set temperature range, it can coexist with the server-instructed cooling mode.

[0114] <7. Control flow> Next, some control flows will be described. Here, the case where a special tilde is set as a representative of each of the above-described control modes will be explained.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the first control example. First, when an operation of user U who sets a special tilde is performed on operation unit 140, control unit 163 of refrigerator 100 sets the special tilde (S101). Thereby, control unit 163 starts cooling storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone based on the control mode of the special tilde.

[0116] Next, server 200 transmits a control command regarding the operation of refrigerator 100 to refrigerator 100 at a predetermined cycle (for example, once per hour) (S102). Thereby, control command acquisition unit 161 of refrigerator 100 acquires the control command from server 200 (S103). FIG. 9 shows an example in which a control command for eco operation is transmitted from server 200.

[0117] Next, when the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, control unit 163 of refrigerator 100 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target of the main body cooling mode. In the example shown in FIG. 9, for storage chamber 30R that is the cooling target of the main body cooling mode (special tilde), the main body cooling mode is prioritized, and for storage chamber 30F that is different from the cooling target of the main body cooling mode, it is determined to execute the server instruction cooling mode (eco operation or pre-cooling operation). In the example shown in FIG. 9, since the server instruction cooling mode is eco operation, eco operation is executed for storage chamber 30F (S104).

[0118] And when an operation by user U to cancel the special chill setting is performed on the operation unit 140, the control unit 163 of the refrigerator 100 cancels the special chill setting (S105). Thereby, the control unit 163 determines to execute the server-instructed cooling mode (eco operation or pre-cooling operation) for both the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone. In the example shown in FIG. 9, since the server-instructed cooling mode is the eco operation, the eco operation is executed for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage chamber 30F in the freezing temperature zone (S106).

[0119] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the process of the second control example. The second control example is an example in which the special chill and the rapid freezing are set.

[0120] First, when an operation by user U to set the special chill and the rapid freezing is performed on the operation unit 140, the control unit 163 of the refrigerator 100 sets the special chill and the rapid freezing (S201). In the present embodiment, when the setting of the special chill and the setting of the rapid freezing overlap, the control unit 163 preferentially executes the rapid freezing. Thereby, the control unit 163 starts cooling the storage chamber 30 in the freezing temperature zone based on the control mode of the rapid freezing (S202).

[0121] Next, the server 200 transmits a control command regarding the operation of the refrigerator 100 to the refrigerator 100 at a predetermined cycle (for example, once per hour) (S203). Thereby, the control command acquisition unit 161 of the refrigerator 100 acquires the control command from the server 200 (S204). FIG. 10 shows an example in which a control command for the eco operation is transmitted from the server 200.

[0122] Next, when the control unit 163 of the refrigerator 100 determines that the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, it determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of the storage chamber 30 to be cooled in the main body cooling mode. In the example shown in FIG. 10, for the storage chamber 30F to be cooled in the main body cooling mode (rapid freezing), the main body cooling mode (rapid freezing) is given priority, and for the storage chamber 30R that is different from the object to be cooled in the main body cooling mode, it is determined to execute the server instruction cooling mode (eco operation). In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the server instruction cooling mode is eco operation, the eco operation is executed for the storage chamber 30 in the refrigerating temperature zone (S205).

[0123] Next, when the predetermined time (for example, 120 minutes) set as rapid freezing has elapsed, the control unit 163 of the refrigerator 100 ends the rapid freezing and starts the special chill (S206). Thereby, the control unit 163 starts cooling the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerating temperature zone based on the control mode of the special chill.

[0124] In this case, the control unit 163 of the refrigerator 100 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode again based on the type of the storage chamber 30 to be cooled in the main body cooling mode, assuming that the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap. In the example shown in FIG. 9, for the storage chamber 30R to be cooled in the main body cooling mode (special chill), the main body cooling mode is given priority, and for the storage chamber 30F that is different from the object to be cooled in the main body cooling mode, it is determined to execute the server instruction cooling mode (eco operation or pre-cooling operation). In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the server instruction cooling mode is eco operation, the eco operation is executed for the storage chamber 30F (S207).

[0125] When the user U's operation to cancel the special chilled setting is performed on the operation unit 140, the control unit 163 of the refrigerator 100 cancels the special chilled setting (S208). As a result, the control unit 163 determines to execute the server instruction cooling mode (eco operation or precooling operation) for both the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature zone and the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone. In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the server instruction cooling mode is the eco operation, the eco operation is executed for the storage chamber 30R in the refrigerated temperature zone and the storage chamber 30F in the frozen temperature zone (S209).

[0126] <8. Advantages> When, for example, the control mode of rapid freezing is set as the control mode set on the refrigerator 100 side, if the refrigerator 100 is operated based on a control command (for example, an eco operation instruction) from the server 200, the performance of "rapid freezing" may be reduced. On the other hand, if multiple control modes cannot be set simultaneously, it can be a function that is inconvenient for the user U.

[0127] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 100 of the embodiment includes a control command acquisition unit 161 and a control unit 163. The control command acquisition unit 161 can acquire a control command from the server 200. The control unit 163 can control the cooling unit 130 by a main body cooling mode executed based on the operation of the user U or a preset condition and a server instruction cooling mode executed based on the control command acquired by the control command acquisition unit 161. When the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the main body cooling mode is preferentially executed, and the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode is determined based on the type of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target of the main body cooling mode. According to such a configuration, the relationship between the main body control mode set in the refrigerator 100 and the server instruction cooling mode based on the instruction from the server 200 can be clarified, and multiple control modes can coexist (multiple control modes can be set simultaneously). As a result, for example, the server instruction cooling mode can be partially executed while maintaining the performance of the main body cooling mode such as "rapid ice making" or "rapid freezing". Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be improved.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server-instructed cooling mode for one or more storage chambers 30 different from the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode. According to such a configuration, the server-instructed cooling mode can be executed within a range that does not affect or hardly affects the main body cooling mode. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0129] In this embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server-instructed cooling mode based on the type of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode and the type of cooling in the main body cooling mode. According to such a configuration, the server-instructed cooling mode can be executed within a range that can be executed according to the type of cooling in the main body cooling mode. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the main body cooling mode and the server-instructed cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server-instructed cooling mode based on the type of the storage chamber 30 that is the cooling target in the main body cooling mode, the type of cooling in the main body cooling mode, and the type of cooling planned to be executed in the server-instructed cooling mode. According to such a configuration, the server-instructed cooling mode can be executed within a range that can be executed according to the type of cooling planned to be executed in the server-instructed cooling mode. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0131] In this embodiment, the plurality of storage chambers 30 includes a first storage part that is the storage chamber 30 to be cooled in the main body cooling mode, and a second storage part that is different from the first storage part. The server instruction cooling mode includes control that affects the cooling in the main body cooling mode for the first storage part as the cooling control for the second storage part. When the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 suppresses the execution of the server instruction cooling mode. According to such a configuration, the server instruction cooling mode can be executed within a range that does not give or hardly gives an adverse effect to the main body cooling mode. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0132] In this embodiment, the plurality of storage chambers 30 includes a first storage part that is the storage chamber 30 to be cooled in the main body cooling mode, and a second storage part that is different from the first storage part. The main body cooling mode includes control that affects the temperature of the second storage part. When the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode overlap, the control unit 163 determines the execution content of the server instruction cooling mode based on the type of cooling scheduled to be executed in the server instruction cooling mode. According to such a configuration, the server instruction cooling mode can be executed within a range that is not affected or hardly affected by the temperature caused by the main body cooling mode. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0133] In this embodiment, the plurality of storage chambers 30 includes a first storage part that is the storage chamber 30 to be cooled in the main body cooling mode, and a second storage part that is different from the first storage part. When the control unit 163 simultaneously executes the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode and the temperature of the second storage part deviates from the predetermined temperature range, the control unit 163 suppresses the execution of the server instruction cooling mode. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the set temperature in the refrigerator 100 from becoming higher than the predetermined temperature range and affecting the stored food, or to prevent the set temperature in the refrigerator 100 from becoming lower than the predetermined temperature range and causing risks such as freezer burn.

[0134] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 further includes a reception unit 162 that can receive a change in the priority order between the main body cooling mode and the server instruction cooling mode based on the operation of the user U. According to such a configuration, for example, when it is desired to prioritize the control operation according to the lifestyle pattern, the priority order can be changed on the home appliance management app APP or the like. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0135] As described above, one embodiment has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, the server instruction cooling mode is not limited to the learning control mode, and may be a control mode set based on an operation on the home appliance management app APP of the terminal device 300 (for example, a cooling mode dedicated to the home appliance management app APP).

[0136] According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator can control the cooling unit by the first cooling control executed based on the user's operation or preset conditions and the second cooling control executed based on the control command from the server. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the first cooling control is preferentially executed, and the execution content of the second cooling control is determined based on the type of the storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control. According to such a configuration, the convenience can be improved.

[0137] Although some 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0138] 1… Refrigerator system, 100… Refrigerator, 130… Cooling unit, 140… Operation unit, 160… Control device, 161… Control command acquisition unit (acquisition unit), 162… Reception unit, 163… Control unit, 200… Server, 300… Terminal device.

Claims

1. A refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring a control command from the server, a cooling unit that cools a plurality of storage units included in the refrigerator, a control unit capable of controlling the cooling unit by a first cooling control executed based on a user operation or a preset condition and a second cooling control executed based on the control command acquired by the acquisition unit, comprising: The second cooling control is a cooling control executed based on a collective control command for the plurality of storage units, and is a cooling control that raises the set temperature of each of the plurality of storage units for a predetermined time, When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit suppresses the execution of the second cooling control for the storage units to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units and executes the first cooling control, and determines whether to execute the second cooling control based on the type of the first cooling control for one or more storage units different from the storage units to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units. Refrigerator.

2. A refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring a control command from the server, a cooling unit that cools a plurality of storage units included in the refrigerator, a control unit capable of controlling the cooling unit by a first cooling control executed based on a user operation or a preset condition and a second cooling control executed based on the control command acquired by the acquisition unit. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the first cooling control is preferentially executed, and the execution content of the second cooling control is determined based on the type of the storage units to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units, comprising: The plurality of storage units include a first storage unit that is a storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control and a second storage unit different from the first storage unit, The second cooling control includes, as a cooling control for the second storage unit, a control that affects the cooling of the first storage unit by the first cooling control for the first storage unit, When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit suppresses the execution of the second cooling control. Refrigerator.

3. The second cooling control includes, as cooling control for the second storage unit, a first control that affects the cooling of the first cooling control for the first storage unit, and a second control that has a smaller impact on the cooling of the first cooling control for the first storage unit than the first control. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit executes the second control and suppresses the execution of the first control. The refrigerator according to claim 2.

4. A refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, An acquisition unit capable of acquiring a control command from the server, A cooling unit that cools a plurality of storage units included in the refrigerator, The cooling unit can be controlled by a first cooling control executed based on a user operation or a preset condition and a second cooling control executed based on the control command acquired by the acquisition unit. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the first cooling control is preferentially executed, and based on the type of the storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units, a control unit that determines the execution content of the second cooling control. Comprising The plurality of storage units include a first storage unit that is a storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control and a second storage unit that is different from the first storage unit. The first cooling control includes control that affects the temperature of the second storage unit. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit determines the execution content of the second cooling control based on the type of cooling scheduled to be executed by the second cooling control. Refrigerator.

5. The second cooling control includes, as cooling control for the second storage unit, a third control affected by the temperature change of the second storage unit caused by the first cooling control, and a fourth control having a smaller impact by the temperature change than the third control. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the control unit executes the fourth control and suppresses the execution of the third control. The refrigerator according to claim 4.

6. A refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, An acquisition unit capable of acquiring a control command from the server, A cooling unit that cools a plurality of storage units included in the refrigerator, The cooling unit can be controlled by a first cooling control executed based on a user operation or a preset condition and a second cooling control executed based on the control command acquired by the acquisition unit. When the first cooling control and the second cooling control overlap, the first cooling control is preferentially executed, and the execution content of the second cooling control is determined based on the type of the storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control included in the plurality of storage units, and a control unit; comprising; the plurality of storage units include a first storage unit that is a storage unit to be cooled by the first cooling control and a second storage unit different from the first storage unit; the control unit suppresses the execution of the second cooling control when the set temperature of the second storage unit deviates from a predetermined temperature range when the first cooling control and the second cooling control are executed simultaneously, a refrigerator.

7. further comprising a reception unit capable of receiving a change in the priority order between the first cooling control and the second cooling control; the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the first cooling control is a cooling control executed based on the user operation; the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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