Cooling time prediction system

Abstract

To provide a cold insulation time predicting system capable of preliminarily predicting a cold insulation time during power failure.SOLUTION: A cold insulation time predicting system includes: a refrigerator 10 provided with a cooler 20 cooling the inside of the refrigerator; and a server control part 41 acquiring a predicted cold insulation time during power failure on the basis of a set temperature inside the refrigerator 10 or an actually-measured temperature inside the refrigerator and notifying the time to a user. Accordingly, the predicted cold insulation time during power failure is acquired and notifies the time to the user by the server control part 41, so that a cold insulation status inside the refrigerator 10 during power failure is grasped and thereby the food management inside the refrigerator can be performed at the time of power failure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cold retention time prediction system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a commercial power outage occurs and the power is restored, a temperature detection unit detects the temperature in the storage compartment, and if the temperature in the storage compartment is higher than a predetermined alarm temperature, a power outage alarm unit issues an alarm. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-160422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigeration time prediction system that can predict in advance the refrigeration time during a power outage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A cooling time prediction system according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerator having a cooler that cools the interior of the refrigerator, a control unit that, when a power outage occurs, calculates a predicted cooling time during the power outage based on a set interior temperature of the refrigerator or an actually measured interior temperature of the refrigerator and notifies a user of the predicted cooling time, a refrigerator management server that can communicate with the refrigerator, and a terminal device that can communicate with the refrigerator and the refrigerator management server, wherein the control unit is a server control unit of the refrigerator management server, and the server control unit has a database in which cooling times based on the set interior temperature are calculated in advance, and the server control unit calculates predicted cooling times for a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment of the refrigerator during the power outage based on the database, and the terminal device calculates a predicted cooling time for a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment of the refrigerator during the power outage from the predicted cooling time by the server control unit. 、The remaining cooling time for the refrigerator and freezer compartments is calculated by subtracting the time from the power outage until the user operates the confirmation button, and is displayed on the same screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The refrigeration time prediction system disclosed herein uses a control unit to calculate the refrigeration time during a power outage and notify the user, allowing the user to understand the refrigeration status inside the refrigerator during a power outage and manage food inside the refrigerator during a power outage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the cooling time prediction system [Figure 3] Graph showing an example of predicted cooling time in a refrigerator compartment [Figure 4] Graph showing an example of generating a predicted cooling time based on an actual measurement value of the temperature inside a refrigerator compartment [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a touch panel of a terminal device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where a cooling time is predicted using a database based on information acquired in advance in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing another example of a case where a cooling time is predicted using a database based on information acquired in advance in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of predicting a cooling time using a database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where a refrigerator predicts a cooling time in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which a terminal device predicts a cooling time in the first embodiment. [Figure 11]A timing chart showing an example of predicting a cooling time based on an actual measurement value in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A timing chart showing an example of predicting a cooling time using a database in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] A timing chart showing an example of predicting a cooling time based on an actual measurement value in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] A timing chart showing an example of predicting a cooling time based on an actual measurement value in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] A timing chart showing an example in which a refrigerator predicts a cooling time based on an actual measurement value in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which a terminal device predicts a refrigeration time based on actual measurements in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea for this disclosure, there was technology in place that, when a commercial power outage occurs and power is restored, a temperature detection unit detects the temperature in the storage compartment, and if the temperature in the storage compartment is higher than a predetermined alarm temperature, a power outage alarm unit would issue an alarm.

[0009] In conventional technology, when power is restored after a power outage, a notification is given if the temperature inside the refrigerator is high, but if the refrigerator's cooling time inside the refrigerator is known during a power outage, the user can manage the food inside the refrigerator, etc. However, the inventors discovered that it is difficult to predict the cooling time inside the refrigerator, and have come to form the subject of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a cold storage time prediction system that can predict in advance the cold storage time during a power outage.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. [1-1.Configuration] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, refrigerator 10 has a box-shaped housing 11 with an open front. A refrigerating compartment 12 is formed in the upper part of housing 11, and a freezing compartment 13 is formed in the lower part of housing 11. A partition wall 14 is provided between refrigerating compartment 12 and freezing compartment 13. The refrigerator 10 has a side-opening door 15 that can be opened and closed at the opening on the front of the refrigeration compartment 12. The freezer compartment 13 has a drawer 16 for storing food.

[0013] A duct 17 is provided at the rear of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 13 of the refrigerator 10, communicating vertically. A plurality of refrigerating outlets 18 communicating with the duct 17 are formed at the rear of the refrigerating compartment 12. Further, at the rear of the freezing chamber 13, a plurality of freezing outlets 19 communicating with the duct 17 are formed. A cooler 20 functioning as an evaporator is disposed in a position of duct 17 corresponding to the rear of freezer compartment 13. A cooling fan 21 is disposed above cooler 20 in duct 17. A damper 22 is provided in a position of duct 17 corresponding to partition wall 14 to adjust the amount of cool air cooled by cooler 20 by driving cooling fan 21 and sent to refrigerator compartment 12.

[0014] A compressor 23 is disposed at the rear upper portion of the refrigerator compartment 12. The compressor 23, a condenser (not shown), an expansion mechanism, and the cooler 20 are connected by refrigerant piping to form a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant is then discharged from the compressor 23, whereby the refrigerant is cooled to a predetermined temperature and exchanges heat with the air flowing through the duct 17 to generate cool air. The cool air is circulated through the refrigerator compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 13 by the cooling fan 21, thereby cooling the interiors of the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13.

[0015] [1-1-2. Configuration of the cold storage time prediction system] Next, the cooling time prediction system 1 using the above-mentioned refrigerator 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the cold storage time prediction system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the cold storage time prediction system 1 is a system in which devices connected to a global network GN control a refrigerator 10 via the global network GN. The global network GN includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks. The cold storage time prediction system 1 includes a refrigerator 10, a refrigerator management server 40, and a terminal device 50.

[0016] First, the control configuration of the refrigerator 10 will be described. The refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerator control unit 30, a refrigerator communication unit 31, a cooling unit 32, and a sensor unit 33. Refrigerator control unit 30 is configured with a processor that executes programs, such as a CPU or an MPU, and includes refrigerator storage unit 34. Refrigerator control unit 30 reads the control program stored in refrigerator storage unit 34 and controls refrigerator 10 through cooperation between hardware and software.

[0017] The refrigerator storage unit 34 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the refrigerator control unit 30 and data processed by the refrigerator control unit 30. Refrigerator storage unit 34 stores control programs executed by refrigerator control unit 30, setting data related to settings of refrigerator 10, and various other data. Refrigerator storage unit 34 has a non-volatile storage area. Refrigerator storage unit 34 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for refrigerator control unit 30.

[0018] Refrigerator communication unit 31 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard as controlled by refrigerator control unit 30. Refrigerator communication unit 31 communicates with refrigerator management server 40 according to the predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by refrigerator communication unit 31 may be a wireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) or a wired communication standard.

[0019] Cooling unit 32 cools each storage compartment of refrigerator 10 under the control of refrigerator control unit 30 using mechanisms such as compressor 23, cooling fan 21, and damper 22 that cool each storage compartment of refrigerator 10.

[0020] The sensor unit 33 includes various sensors such as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator 10 and an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 15 and drawer 16 provided in the refrigerator 10, and outputs the detection value of each sensor to the refrigerator control unit 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor unit 33 includes a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 35 and a freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 as temperature sensors. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 35 is provided at a predetermined position in the refrigerator compartment 12 and detects the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12. The freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 is provided at a predetermined position in the freezer compartment 13 and detects the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 . The ambient temperature sensor 37 is provided at a predetermined position outside the refrigerator 10 and detects the ambient temperature of the refrigerator 10 .

[0021] The refrigerator control unit 30 is controlled in either a normal operation mode or a pre-cooling operation mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 10 is lower than that in the normal operation mode. In the normal operation mode, the refrigerator 10 can perform cooling operations in the refrigerator compartment 12 and / or the freezer compartment 13 at "weak," "medium," and "strong" levels, respectively. For example, when the refrigerator compartment 12 is in the normal operation mode, the temperature is set to 5°C for "weak," 4°C for "medium," and 3°C for "strong." When the refrigerator compartment 12 is in the pre-cooling operation mode, the temperature is set to 3°C. Also, for example, when the freezer compartment 13 is in the normal operation mode, the temperature is set to -18°C for "weak," -20°C for "medium," and -22°C for "strong." When the freezer compartment 13 is in the pre-cooling operation mode, the temperature is set to -28°C.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the refrigerator management server 40 will be described. The refrigerator management server 40 includes a server control unit 41 and a server communication unit 42.

[0023] Server control unit 41 is configured with a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and includes server storage unit 43. Server control unit 41 reads out control programs stored in server storage unit 43 and controls each unit of refrigerator management server 40 through cooperation of hardware and software.

[0024] Server storage unit 43 has a storage area for storing programs executed by server control unit 41 and data processed by server control unit 41. Server storage unit 43 stores control programs executed by server control unit 41, setting data related to settings of refrigerator management server 40, cold storage management database 44, and various other data. Server storage unit 43 has a non-volatile storage area. Server storage unit 43 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for server control unit 41.

[0025] The cold storage management database 44 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of the refrigerator 10. The cold storage management database 44 stores the refrigerator ID, predicted cold storage time information of the refrigerator 10, and the like.

[0026] Server communication unit 42 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of server control unit 41. In the present embodiment, server communication unit 42 communicates with refrigerator 10, terminal device 50, and the power outage prediction server.

[0027] The cold storage management database 44 stores predicted cold storage time information of the refrigerator 10 as described above. The predicted cooling time information for each refrigerator 10 is obtained in advance through experiments or the like and stored in a database for the cooling compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 based on the internal temperature of the cooling compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 13, the ambient temperature, and the amount of storage inside the cooling compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 13.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a predicted refrigeration time in the refrigerator compartment 12. As shown in Fig. 3, for example, when the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 12 is 5°C and the ambient temperatures of refrigerator 10 are 16°C, 25°C, and 32°C, the cooling time for each storage capacity of refrigerator compartment 12 is calculated. In the example of Fig. 3, for example, when the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 12 is 5°C, the ambient temperature is 25°C, and the storage capacity of refrigerator compartment 12 is 50%, it is found that the cooling time is 8 hours. Similarly, the predicted cooling time in freezer compartment 13 is calculated in advance based on the temperature inside freezer compartment 13, the ambient temperature, and the storage capacity of freezer compartment 13, and a database is created. The cooling time means the time until the temperature reaches 10°C in the refrigerator compartment 12, and the time until the temperature reaches -15°C in the freezer compartment 13. This is set taking into consideration the effect on food in the refrigerator, but the reference temperature for the cold storage time can be changed as appropriate. For example, the reference temperature for the cold storage time for the refrigerator compartment 12 may be set lower or higher than 10°C. Similarly, the reference temperature for the cold storage time for the freezer compartment 13 may be set lower or higher than -15°C.

[0029] In this case, in this embodiment, in addition to creating a database of predicted refrigeration time information in advance, the refrigeration time may be generated based on, for example, the actual measured values ​​of the temperatures inside the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of generating a predicted refrigeration time based on an actual measurement value of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12. In this case, first, refrigerator control unit 30 detects the inside temperature using sensor unit 33 when compressor 23 is not operating, for example, when compressor 23 is stopped or during defrosting, and sends this detected value to refrigerator management server 40 via refrigerator communication unit 31. The refrigerator compartment temperature information and the freezer compartment temperature information are detected temperature information of the refrigerator compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 13 detected by the sensor unit 33.

[0030] Server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 calculates a prediction of an increase in the refrigerator temperature based on changes in the received detected value of the refrigerator temperature. For example, by predicting a subsequent increase in the refrigerator temperature from changes in the detected value of the refrigerator temperature every five minutes, a temperature increase prediction curve is generated as shown in Fig. 4.

[0031] The server control unit 41 calculates the cooling time in the event of a power outage based on the predicted cooling time stored in the cooling management database 44 or the predicted temperature rise curve for the predicted cooling time calculated by the server control unit 41. This cooling time is transmitted to the terminal device 50, which will be described later.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 50 will be described. The terminal device 50 includes a terminal control unit 51, a terminal communication unit 52, and a touch panel 53.

[0033] The terminal control unit 51 is configured with a processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes programs, and is equipped with a terminal storage unit 54. The terminal control unit 51 reads out the control program stored in the terminal storage unit 54 and controls each unit of the terminal device 50 through cooperation of hardware and software.

[0034] A cold storage support app is pre-installed in terminal device 50. Cold storage support app 55 is read from terminal storage unit 54 by terminal control unit 51 and executed, causing terminal device 50 to notify the user of a predicted cold storage time.

[0035] The terminal storage unit 54 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the terminal control unit 51 and data processed by the terminal control unit 51. The terminal storage unit 54 stores the control programs executed by the terminal control unit 51, setting data related to the settings of the terminal device 50, the cold storage support app 55, a user ID, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 54 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal storage unit 54 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the terminal control unit 51.

[0036] Terminal communication unit 52 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of terminal control unit 51. Terminal communication unit 52 communicates with refrigerator management server 40 according to the predetermined communication standard by a function of cold storage support app 55. The communication standard used by terminal communication unit 52 is a wireless communication standard.

[0037] The touch panel 53 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor that is overlaid on or integrated with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 51. The touch sensor detects touch operations and outputs the detected operations to the terminal control unit 51. The terminal control unit 51 executes processing corresponding to the touch operations based on input from the touch sensor.

[0038] For example, warning information based on weather information such as typhoons and power outage risk prediction information is sent as a push notification from the power outage prediction server 60 to the terminal device 50. The push notification may be sent to the terminal device 50 on a predetermined date and time, for example, the first day of each month. When terminal device 50 receives warning information or the like from power outage prediction server 60, terminal control unit 51 executes cold storage support app 55 to request the prediction result of the cold storage time from refrigerator management server 40. When the prediction result of the cold storage time is sent from refrigerator management server 40 in response to this request, touch panel 53 displays the cold storage times of refrigerator compartment 12 and freezer compartment 13 of refrigerator 10 in the event of a power outage. Alternatively, the cold retention time may be predicted by the user executing the cold retention support application 55 without the push notification.

[0039] [1-2. Operation, etc.] Next, the operations of refrigerator 10 and cooling time prediction system 1 in the first embodiment will be described. First, with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, an operation for predicting a refrigeration time based on the database stored in refrigeration management database 44 of refrigerator management server 40 will be described.

[0040] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display on a touch panel of terminal device 50. Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where a refrigeration time is predicted using a database based on information acquired in advance. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 10 periodically measures the current internal temperature and ambient temperature, and sends the measurement results to the refrigerator management server 40. The refrigerator management server 40 stores the sent internal temperature information and ambient temperature information in the server storage unit 43.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, when a push notification such as warning information is sent from the power outage prediction server 60, the terminal control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 displays a confirmation button on the touch panel 53 to check the cooling time in the event of a power outage.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5(a), when a push notification is sent, the terminal control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 launches a cold storage support app. When the cold storage support app is launched, the touch panel of the terminal device 50 displays the current operation mode of the refrigerator 10 (in Fig. 5, the operation mode is displayed as the normal mode) and a confirmation button for estimating the cold storage time. When the user operates the confirmation button, the terminal control unit 51 displays an icon for selecting the storage capacity of the refrigerator 10 on the touch panel, as shown in FIG. 5(b). The user operates the storage capacity selection icon to input the storage capacity of the refrigerator compartment, and then operates the "Next" icon. Similarly, the user also inputs the storage capacity of the freezer compartment (not shown).

[0043] When the user operates the confirmation button, an instruction is issued to send the amount of storage space input by the user from the terminal device 50 to the refrigerator management server 40.

[0044] When the storage volume inside the refrigerator is transmitted to refrigerator management server 40, server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 extracts the corresponding predicted refrigeration time from the database stored in refrigeration management database 44 based on the transmitted storage volume information, pre-stored refrigerator temperature information and ambient temperature information, and transmits the predicted refrigeration time to terminal device 50.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5(c), terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time transmitted from refrigerator management server 40 on touch panel 53. In the case of the refrigerator compartment 12, the predicted refrigeration time may not only be displayed as the time from the present time until the temperature reaches 10°C, but may also be displayed as the temperature inside the compartment after several hours have passed, for example.

[0046] In this case, for example, if a frozen PET bottle or the like is placed in the refrigerator compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 13, a suggestion that the predicted refrigeration time will be extended may be displayed. In this case, for example, by allowing the user to select the capacity of the PET bottle, the predicted extension time of the cooling time according to the capacity of the PET bottle may be displayed.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing another example of a case where the refrigeration time is predicted using a database based on information acquired in advance. In this embodiment, refrigerator 10 automatically acquires the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator. That is, refrigerator 10 periodically measures the current temperature inside the refrigerator and the ambient temperature, and automatically measures the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator and sends the measurement results to refrigerator management server 40. The amount of storage space inside the refrigerator is measured based on, for example, the illuminance, weight, images, etc. inside the refrigerator. The refrigerator management server 40 stores the sent internal temperature information and ambient temperature information in the server storage unit 43.

[0048] Then, when the user operates the confirmation button in response to the push notification, confirmation operation information of the terminal device 50 is sent to the refrigerator management server 40. When confirmation operation information is sent to refrigerator management server 40, server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 extracts the corresponding predicted refrigeration time from the database stored in refrigeration management database 44 based on the pre-stored internal temperature information, ambient temperature information and storage volume information, and sends the predicted refrigeration time to terminal device 50. Terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time transmitted from refrigerator management server 40 on touch panel 53.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of predicting the refrigeration time using a database. As shown in Figure 8, when a push notification such as warning information is sent from the power outage prediction server 60, the terminal control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 displays a confirmation button on the touch panel 53 to check the cooling time in the event of a power outage. When the user operates the confirmation button, the terminal device 50 instructs the refrigerator 10 to measure the current internal temperature, ambient temperature, and amount of storage inside the refrigerator, and to send the measurement results to the refrigerator management server 40.

[0050] When the measurement results are transmitted to refrigerator management server 40, server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 extracts the corresponding predicted refrigeration time from the database stored in refrigeration management database 44 based on the inside temperature information, ambient temperature information, and inside capacity information transmitted from refrigerator 10, as described above, and transmits the predicted refrigeration time to terminal device 50.

[0051] Terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time transmitted from refrigerator management server 40 on touch panel 53.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example in which the refrigerator 10 predicts the cooling time. In this embodiment, a database of predicted refrigeration time information is stored in advance in refrigerator storage unit 34. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, when a push notification such as warning information is sent from the power outage prediction server 60, the terminal control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 displays a confirmation button on the touch panel 53 to check the cooling time in the event of a power outage. When the user operates the confirmation button, the terminal device 50 instructs the refrigerator 10 to measure the current internal temperature, ambient temperature, and storage capacity inside the refrigerator.

[0053] Based on the measured internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage volume information within the refrigerator, refrigerator control unit 30 extracts the corresponding predicted cooling time from the database stored in refrigerator memory unit 34 based on the internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage volume information, and transmits the predicted cooling time to terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time transmitted from the refrigerator 10 on the touch panel 53.

[0054] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the user may input the storage capacity inside the refrigerator 10 via the terminal device 50, and the storage capacity information may be sent to the refrigerator 10, so that the refrigerator control unit 30 can extract the predicted cooling time. In this example, the predicted refrigeration time can be calculated in refrigerator 10 and displayed on terminal device 50 without using refrigerator management server 40. Therefore, even if there is no facility for connecting to a global network GN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the predicted refrigeration time can be obtained as long as there is short-range communication facility such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0055] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which the terminal device 50 predicts the refrigeration time. In this embodiment, a database of predicted refrigeration time information is stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 54.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, when a push notification such as warning information is sent from the power outage prediction server 60, the terminal control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 displays a confirmation button on the touch panel 53 to check the cooling time in the event of a power outage. When the user operates the confirmation button, the terminal device 50 instructs the refrigerator 10 to measure the current internal temperature, ambient temperature, and storage capacity inside the refrigerator.

[0057] The refrigerator control unit 30 sends the measured internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and internal storage amount information to the terminal device 50. Based on the internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage volume information sent from refrigerator 10, terminal control unit 51 extracts the corresponding predicted cooling time from the database stored in terminal memory unit 54, and displays the predicted cooling time on touch panel 53.

[0058] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the user may input the storage capacity inside refrigerator 10 via terminal device 50, and terminal control unit 51 may extract the predicted cooling time based on the storage capacity information, the ambient temperature information, and the input storage capacity information sent from refrigerator 10. In this example, the predicted refrigeration time can be calculated in refrigerator 10 and displayed on terminal device 50 without using refrigerator management server 40. Therefore, even if there is no facility for connecting to a global network GN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the predicted refrigeration time can be obtained as long as there is short-range communication facility such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0059] Next, an operation will be described in which refrigerator management server 40 predicts a refrigeration time based on an actual measurement value. FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of predicting the cooling time based on actual measurements. As shown in Figure 11, when a push notification such as warning information is sent from the power outage prediction server 60, the terminal control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 displays a confirmation button on the touch panel 53 to check the cooling time in the event of a power outage. When the user operates the confirmation button, an instruction is issued to send the predicted refrigeration time from terminal device 50 to refrigerator management server 40.

[0060] A detected value of the inside temperature while compressor 23 is stopped is sent in advance from refrigerator 10 to refrigerator management server 40, and server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 calculates an expected temperature rise curve for the predicted refrigeration time based on the inside temperature sent from refrigerator 10, as described above, determines the refrigeration time if a power outage occurs at the current time, and sends the predicted refrigeration time to terminal device 50.

[0061] Terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time transmitted from refrigerator management server 40 on touch panel 53. In this case, as described above, the temperature inside the refrigerator after several hours may be displayed, or a suggestion that the predicted refrigeration time be extended may be displayed.

[0062] Although the operation for predicting the refrigeration time based on the actual measurement value has been described, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of acquiring inside temperature information of refrigerator 10 in advance, refrigerator management server 40 may be configured to send to refrigerator management server 40 a detected value of the inside temperature when compressor 23 is stopped that has been stored in advance in refrigerator storage unit 34 when the user operates the confirmation button. In this case, it is preferable to send to refrigerator management server 40 the latest detected value of the inside temperature before the user operates the confirmation button, that is, the detected value of the inside temperature when compressor 23 is stopped. At least two detected values ​​of the inside temperature must be sent to refrigerator management server 40. More than two detected values ​​of the inside temperature may be sent to refrigerator management server 40. Furthermore, the detected value of the inside temperature may be stored in a temperature sensor. Furthermore, similarly to the case where the cooling time is predicted using the database described above, not only refrigerator management server 40 but also refrigerator 10 or terminal device 50 may predict the cooling time.

[0063] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, this embodiment includes refrigerator 10 equipped with cooler 20 for cooling the interior of the refrigerator, and server control unit 41 (control unit) that, when a power outage is predicted in advance, calculates a predicted cooling time in the event of a power outage based on the set interior temperature of refrigerator 10 or the actually measured interior temperature, and notifies the user of the result. As a result, the server control unit 41 calculates the predicted cooling time in the event of a power outage and notifies the user of this, so that the cooling status inside the refrigerator 10 in the event of a power outage can be grasped and food inside the refrigerator can be managed during a power outage.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 41 (control unit) has a database that pre-determines the cooling time based on the set cabinet temperature and ambient temperature, and the server control unit 41 determines the predicted cooling time in the event of a power outage based on the database. This makes it possible to easily predict the cooling time based on the database.

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 41 (control unit) acquires the actually measured internal temperature when the cooling of the refrigerator 10 is stopped, and the server control unit 41 calculates the predicted cooling time in the event of a power outage based on the acquired internal temperature. This makes it possible to predict the cooling time in the event of a power outage based on the actual measured temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 41 (control unit) acquires the ambient temperature of the refrigerator 10 and the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator, and calculates the predicted cooling time in the event of a power outage based on the temperature inside the refrigerator, the ambient temperature, and the amount of storage space. This makes it possible to predict the cooling time in the event of a power outage.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, a terminal device 50 capable of communicating with refrigerator 10 and refrigerator management server 40 is provided, and terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time calculated by server control unit 41 to notify the user. This allows the terminal device 50 to notify the user of the predicted refrigeration time in the event of a power outage.

[0068] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. [2-1.Configuration] In this embodiment, the configurations of refrigerator 10 and cooling time prediction system 1 are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will be described using the drawings used in the description of embodiment 1, and the same parts will be given the same symbols and their description will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the refrigeration time before a power outage is predicted, whereas in the present embodiment, the refrigeration time during a power outage is predicted.

[0069] As in the first embodiment, refrigerator management server 40 is provided with cold storage management database 44, and cold storage management database 44 stores predicted cold storage time information of refrigerator 10 in a database format. In the first embodiment, the server control unit 41 calculates the predicted refrigeration time based on the refrigerator 10's internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and internal storage capacity information, but it is difficult to obtain this information during a power outage. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, refrigerator 10 is provided with a battery or the like that can drive only sensor unit 33 and refrigerator communication unit 31, and in the event of a power outage, the battery is used to transmit the actual measured value of the inside temperature to refrigerator management server 40. Then, server control unit 41 is configured to predict the refrigeration time from refrigeration management database 44 based on the inside temperature information.

[0070] Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the cooling time may be determined based on the actual measured values ​​of the temperatures inside refrigerator compartment 12 and freezer compartment 13. In this case, first, refrigerator control unit 30 detects the inside temperature using sensor unit 33 when compressor 23 is not operating, for example, when compressor 23 is stopped or during defrosting, and sends this detected value to refrigerator management server 40 via refrigerator communication unit 31. Server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 calculates a prediction of an increase in the inside temperature based on a change in the received detected value of the inside temperature.

[0071] In this case, in this embodiment, since there is a power outage, the refrigerator 10 is currently stopped and the temperature inside the refrigerator 10 cannot be acquired. Therefore, when predicting the refrigeration time based on the actual measurement value of the inside temperature, the refrigeration time may be predicted based on the actual measurement value acquired before the power outage. Furthermore, as described above, during a power outage, the actual measurement value of the inside temperature may be transmitted to refrigerator management server 40 using a battery.

[0072] Furthermore, during a power outage, the refrigerator management server 40 is in a state where it cannot determine whether the refrigerator 10 is experiencing a power outage or not. Therefore, for example, the refrigerator management server 40 communicates with the refrigerator 10 at predetermined time intervals, and if there is a response, it can be determined that there is no power outage. Similarly, when the cooling time is predicted based on the actual measured value, if the actual measured value of the temperature inside the refrigerator 10 is not transmitted for a certain period of time, it may be determined that there is a power outage. Furthermore, the user may operate the terminal device 50 to transmit to the refrigerator management server 40 a message indicating that a power outage is occurring.

[0073] [2-2. Operation, etc.] Next, the operations of the refrigerator 10 and the cold storage time prediction system 1 in the second embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 12, an operation for predicting a refrigeration time based on the database stored in refrigeration management database 44 of refrigerator management server 40 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of predicting the refrigeration time using a database. As shown in FIG. 12, the refrigerator 10 periodically measures the current internal temperature and ambient temperature, and also automatically measures the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator, and sends the measurement results to the refrigerator management server 40. The refrigerator management server 40 stores the received in-fridge temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage amount information in the server memory unit 43.

[0075] When a user operates the confirmation button of the terminal device 50 during a power outage, confirmation operation information of the terminal device 50 is sent to the refrigerator management server 40.

[0076] When confirmation operation information is sent to refrigerator management server 40, server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 extracts the corresponding predicted cold storage time from the database stored in cold storage management database 44 based on the internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage amount information sent from refrigerator 10.

[0077] In this case, since there is a power outage, new internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage volume information are not sent from the refrigerator 10, so the cooling time is predicted based on the internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and storage volume information sent immediately before the power outage. As described above, for example, refrigerator management server 40 communicates with refrigerator 10 at predetermined time intervals, and if there is no response, it can be determined that a power outage has occurred. Therefore, refrigerator management server 40 stores the time when the power outage occurred, and calculates the remaining cooling time by subtracting the time from the power outage to the time when the user operates the confirmation button from the predicted cooling time.

[0078] Terminal device 50 displays the remaining refrigeration time transmitted from refrigerator management server 40 on touch panel 53. At the same time, it displays the inside temperature. In this case, similarly to the first embodiment, the temperature inside the refrigerator after several hours may be displayed, or a suggestion that the predicted refrigeration time will be extended may be displayed.

[0079] Next, an operation will be described in which refrigerator management server 40 predicts a refrigeration time based on an actual measurement value. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the operation when the refrigeration time is predicted based on the actual measurement value. In this embodiment, for example, only sensor unit 33 and refrigerator communication unit 31 of refrigerator 10 are provided with a battery capable of driving the refrigerator, and during a power outage, the battery can be used to transmit the actual measured value of the inside temperature to refrigerator management server 40. Note that a temperature sensor that is separate from the refrigerator and is used during a power outage may also be configured to transmit the actual measured value of the inside temperature to refrigerator management server 40. In this case, the temperature sensor that is used during a power outage is battery-powered and has the same functions as sensor unit 33 and refrigerator communication unit 31 of refrigerator 10. As shown in FIG. 13, when the user operates the confirmation button of terminal device 50, an instruction is issued to send a predicted refrigeration time from terminal device 50 to refrigerator management server 40.

[0080] Refrigerator management server 40 calculates a predicted temperature rise curve for the predicted cold storage time based on the detected value of the inside temperature during the power outage that has been sent in advance, and determines the predicted cold storage time. Then, refrigerator management server 40 calculates the remaining refrigeration time based on the predicted refrigeration time and transmits the calculated time to terminal device 50.

[0081] Terminal device 50 causes touch panel 53 to display the remaining refrigeration time and / or the refrigerator temperature transmitted from refrigerator management server 40.

[0082] Next, an operation for predicting the refrigeration time based on the actual measurement value will be described. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing an example of predicting the refrigeration time based on actual measurements. In this embodiment, for example, refrigerator 10 is provided with a battery that can drive refrigerator control unit 30, sensor unit 33, and refrigerator communication unit 31, and in the event of a power outage, the battery can be used to transmit the actual measured value of the inside temperature to refrigerator management server 40. Note that a temperature sensor used during a power outage, separate from refrigerator 10, may be configured to transmit the actual measured value of the inside temperature to refrigerator management server 40. In this case, the temperature sensor used during a power outage has the same functions as refrigerator control unit 30, sensor unit 33, and refrigerator communication unit 31 of refrigerator 10.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 14, when a user operates the confirmation button on terminal device 50, terminal device 50 instructs refrigerator 10 to measure the current inside temperature and send inside temperature information including the measurement result to refrigerator management server 40. This inside temperature information also includes the result of measuring the inside temperature during the power outage before the user operates the confirmation button. At least two inside temperature measurement results must be sent to refrigerator management server 40. More than two inside temperature measurement results may be sent to refrigerator management server 40. In this case, refrigerator storage unit 34 stores the inside temperature during the power outage. Note that when refrigerator control unit 30 is not driven, sensor unit 33 may have a function to store the inside temperature during the power outage.

[0084] When the inside temperature information is transmitted to refrigerator management server 40, server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 calculates a predicted temperature rise curve for the predicted refrigeration time based on the inside temperature information, obtains the predicted refrigeration time, calculates the remaining refrigeration time based on the predicted refrigeration time, and transmits the remaining refrigeration time to terminal device 50. Alternatively, when the user operates a confirmation button, terminal device 50 may instruct refrigerator 10 to measure the current inside temperature and send the measurement result to refrigerator management server 40. In this case, when the measurement result is sent to refrigerator management server 40, server control unit 41 of refrigerator management server 40 calculates a predicted temperature rise curve for the predicted cooling time based on the detected value of the inside temperature during the power outage that has been sent in advance, obtains the predicted cooling time, and calculates the remaining cooling time based on the predicted cooling time and sends the remaining cooling time to terminal device 50. Terminal device 50 causes touch panel 53 to display the remaining refrigeration time and / or the refrigerator temperature transmitted from refrigerator management server 40.

[0085] Next, the operation of the refrigerator 10 when predicting the cooling time based on the actual measurement value will be described. FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing an example in which the refrigerator 10 predicts the cooling time based on the actual measurement value. In this embodiment, for example, refrigerator 10 is provided with a battery that can drive refrigerator control unit 30, sensor unit 33, and refrigerator communication unit 31, and in the event of a power outage, the remaining cooling time and / or the actual measured value of the inside temperature can be transmitted to terminal device 50 using the battery. A temperature sensor used during a power outage, separate from refrigerator 10, may be configured to transmit the remaining cooling time and / or actual measured values ​​of the refrigerator temperature to terminal device 50. In this case, the temperature sensor used during a power outage is battery-powered and has the same functions as refrigerator control unit 30, sensor unit 33, and refrigerator communication unit 31 of refrigerator 10.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 15, when the user operates the confirmation button on terminal device 50, terminal device 50 instructs refrigerator 10 to measure the current internal temperature and to calculate the predicted cooling time and / or remaining cooling time based on the internal temperature information including the measurement result. This inside temperature information also includes the results of measuring the inside temperature during the power outage before the user operates the confirmation button. At least two inside temperature measurements are required. More than two inside temperature measurements may be required. In this case, refrigerator storage unit 34 stores the inside temperature during the power outage. Note that when refrigerator control unit 30 is not driven, sensor unit 33 may have a function to store the inside temperature during the power outage. The refrigerator control unit 30 calculates a predicted temperature rise curve for the predicted refrigeration time based on the actual measured temperature inside the refrigerator, determines the predicted refrigeration time, calculates the remaining refrigeration time based on the predicted refrigeration time, and transmits the calculated remaining refrigeration time to the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 displays the remaining cooling time and / or the internal temperature transmitted from the refrigerator 10 on the touch panel 53.

[0087] In this example, the remaining cooling time can be calculated in refrigerator 10 and displayed on terminal device 50 without using refrigerator management server 40. Therefore, even if equipment for connecting to global network GN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) cannot be used during a power outage, the remaining cooling time and / or the inside temperature can be obtained as long as there is short-range communication equipment such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0088] Next, an operation when the terminal device 50 predicts the refrigeration time based on the actual measurement value will be described. FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing an example in which terminal device 50 predicts the refrigeration time based on actual measurements. In this embodiment, for example, refrigerator 10 is provided with a battery that can drive sensor unit 33 and refrigerator communication unit 31, and in the event of a power outage, the battery can be used to transmit the actual measured value of the temperature inside the refrigerator to terminal device 50. A temperature sensor used during a power outage, separate from the refrigerator 10, may be configured to transmit the actual measured value of the temperature inside the refrigerator to the terminal device 50. In this case, the temperature sensor used during a power outage has the same functions as the refrigerator control unit 30, sensor unit 33, and refrigerator communication unit 31 of the refrigerator 10.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 16, when the user operates the confirmation button on the terminal device 50, the terminal device 50 instructs the refrigerator 10 to measure the current internal temperature and transmit internal temperature information including the measurement result to the terminal device 50. This inside refrigerator temperature information also includes the result of measuring the inside refrigerator temperature during the power outage before the user operates the confirmation button. At least two inside refrigerator temperature measurement results must be sent to terminal device 50. More than two inside refrigerator temperature measurement results may be sent to terminal device 50. In this case, refrigerator storage unit 34 stores the inside refrigerator temperature during the power outage. Note that when refrigerator control unit 30 is not driven, sensor unit 33 may have a function to store the inside refrigerator temperature during the power outage. The terminal control unit 51 calculates a predicted temperature rise curve for the predicted cooling time based on the inside temperature information sent from the refrigerator 10, determines the predicted cooling time, and calculates the remaining cooling time based on the predicted cooling time. The terminal device 50 displays the calculated remaining cold storage time and / or the temperature inside the refrigerator on the touch panel 53.

[0090] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, this embodiment includes refrigerator 10 equipped with cooler 20 for cooling the interior of the refrigerator, and server control unit 41 (control unit) that, in the event of a power outage, calculates a predicted cooling time based on the set interior temperature of refrigerator 10 or the actually measured interior temperature, and notifies the user of this. This allows the server control unit 41 to calculate the remaining cooling time during the power outage and notify the user, allowing the user to understand the cooling status inside the refrigerator 10 during the power outage and manage the food inside the refrigerator during the power outage.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 41 (control unit) has a database that pre-determines the cooling time based on the set internal temperature and ambient temperature, and the server control unit 41 determines the remaining cooling time during a power outage based on the database. This makes it possible to easily predict the cooling time based on the database.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 41 (control unit) acquires the internal temperature of the refrigerator 10 that is actually measured during the power outage, and the server control unit 41 calculates the remaining cooling time during the power outage based on the acquired internal temperature. This makes it possible to predict the cooling time during a power outage based on the actual measured temperature inside the cabinet.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 41 (control unit) acquires the ambient temperature of the refrigerator 10 and the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator, and calculates the remaining cooling time during the power outage based on the temperature inside the refrigerator, the ambient temperature, and the amount of storage space. This allows you to predict the cooling time during a power outage.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, refrigerator management server 40 capable of communicating with refrigerator 10 is provided, and the refrigerator includes a sensor unit that detects the inside temperature and a battery that supplies power to the sensor unit during a power outage, and the refrigerator transmits the inside temperature to refrigerator management server 40 during a power outage. This allows you to predict the cooling time during a power outage.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, a terminal device 50 capable of communicating with refrigerator 10 and refrigerator management server 40 is provided, and terminal device 50 displays the predicted refrigeration time calculated by server control unit 41 to notify the user. This allows the terminal device 50 to notify the user of the predicted refrigeration time in the event of a power outage.

[0096] Note that, as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application, the first and second embodiments have been described. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] As described above, the refrigeration time prediction system of the present invention can be suitably used as a refrigeration time prediction system that can check the refrigeration time during a power outage and can perform food management in the warehouse based on the refrigeration time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Cooling time prediction system 10. Refrigerator 11. Housing 12 Refrigerator 13 Freezer 14 Partition Wall 15 Doors 16 drawers 17 Duct 18 Refrigerated outlet 19 Refrigeration outlet 20 Cooler 21 Cooling fan 22 Damper 23 Compressor 30 Refrigerator control unit 31 Refrigerator Communication Unit 32 Cooling section 33 Sensor section 34 Refrigerator memory unit 35 Refrigerator temperature sensor 36 Freezer temperature sensor 37 Ambient temperature sensor 40 Refrigerator management server 41 Server control unit 42 Server Communication Department 43 Server storage unit 44 Cold Storage Management Database 50 Terminal Equipment 51 Terminal control unit 52 Terminal communication unit 53 Touch Panel 54 Terminal memory section 55 Cooling support app 60 Power outage prediction server GN Global Network

Claims

1. a refrigerator equipped with a cooler for cooling the interior of the refrigerator; a control unit that, when a power outage occurs, calculates a predicted cooling time during the power outage based on a set internal temperature of the refrigerator or an actually measured internal temperature, and notifies a user of the predicted cooling time; a refrigerator management server capable of communicating with the refrigerator; a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the refrigerator management server, the control unit is a server control unit of the refrigerator management server, The server control unit includes a database in which a cooling time based on the set internal temperature is calculated in advance, and the server control unit calculates predicted cooling times of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator during a power outage based on the database, The terminal device is a cooling time prediction system characterized in that the remaining cooling time of the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment calculated by the server control unit by subtracting the time from the power outage to the time the user operates the confirmation button from the predicted cooling time, displays on the same screen.

2. a refrigerator equipped with a cooler for cooling the interior of the refrigerator; a control unit that, when a power outage occurs, calculates a predicted cooling time during the power outage based on a set internal temperature of the refrigerator or an actually measured internal temperature, and notifies a user of the predicted cooling time; a refrigerator management server capable of communicating with the refrigerator; a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the refrigerator management server, the control unit is a server control unit of the refrigerator management server, the server control unit acquires temperatures inside the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator that are actually measured during the power outage, The server control unit calculates a refrigeration time during a power outage based on the acquired inside temperature, The terminal device is a cooling time prediction system characterized in that the remaining cooling time of the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment calculated by the server control unit by subtracting the time from the power outage to the time the user operates the confirmation button from the predicted cooling time, displays on the same screen.

3. The cooling time prediction system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit acquires the ambient temperature of the refrigerator and the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator, and calculates the cooling time during a power outage based on the temperature inside the refrigerator, the ambient temperature, and the amount of storage space.

4. The refrigerator includes a sensor unit that detects an internal temperature of the refrigerator and a battery that supplies power to the sensor unit during a power outage, 4. The refrigeration time prediction system according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator transmits an internal temperature to the refrigerator management server during a power outage.

Images