Refrigerator and refrigerator system

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a refrigerator body having a storage chamber; a door provided on a front surface of the storage chamber; an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the door; an internal temperature sensor installed in the storage chamber for measuring an internal temperature that is the temperature inside the storage chamber; and a control device. The control device calculates a temperature falling speed of the internal temperature from the opening of the door to the closing of the door, on the basis of a detection result of the opening / closing sensor and a measurement result of the internal temperature sensor, and determines an internal load of the storage chamber on the basis of the results of comparison of the temperature falling speed with a falling threshold value.

Description

Refrigerators and refrigerator systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerators and refrigerator systems for cooling stored items such as food.

[0002] Conventionally, refrigerators that estimate the amount of items stored in a storage compartment and control the cooling capacity based on the estimated amount of items stored in the storage compartment have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that includes a light-emitting element such as an LED and a light amount detecting element such as an illuminance sensor in the storage compartment, and that estimates the amount of items stored in the storage compartment based on the amount of light detected by the light amount detecting element.

[0003] Patent No. 5440644

[0004] In the refrigerator of Patent Document 1, a light-emitting unit and a light amount detecting unit need to be provided in the storage compartment in order to estimate the storage capacity of the storage compartment, which increases the number of parts and assembly steps, leading to an increase in product costs.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-described problems, and aims to provide a refrigerator and a refrigerator system that can determine the internal load of a storage compartment without increasing costs.

[0006] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a refrigerator body having a storage compartment, a door provided on the front of the storage compartment, an opening / closing sensor that detects whether the door is opened or closed, an internal temperature sensor installed in the storage compartment that measures the internal temperature, which is the temperature inside the storage compartment, and a control device. The control device calculates the rate of temperature drop in the internal temperature from when the door is opened and then closed based on the detection results of the opening / closing sensor and the measurement results of the internal temperature sensor, and determines the internal load of the storage compartment based on the results of comparing the temperature drop rate with a drop threshold.

[0007] A refrigerator system according to the present disclosure includes the refrigerator described above and a terminal device that communicates with the refrigerator, and the refrigerator further includes a communication device that communicates with the terminal device. If the rate of temperature drop is greater than an error threshold that is greater than a first drop threshold, the control device sends a notification from the communication device to the terminal device urging the user to organize the storage compartment, and the terminal device displays the notification.

[0008] According to the refrigerator and refrigerator system of the present disclosure, the load inside the storage compartment can be determined using the detection results of the opening / closing sensor and the measurement results of the inside temperature sensor, thereby eliminating the need to install additional sensors, etc., thereby reducing costs.

[0009] 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a change in internal temperature T and an internal load associated with the opening and closing of a refrigerator compartment door. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a change in internal temperature T and an internal load associated with the opening and closing of a refrigerator compartment door. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in internal temperature T and an internal load associated with the opening and closing of a refrigerator compartment door. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a change in internal temperature T and an internal load associated with the opening and closing of a refrigerator compartment door. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in internal temperature T for each internal load associated with the opening and closing of a refrigerator compartment door. FIG. 11 is a table illustrating a determination pattern of internal load by a determination unit according to embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to embodiment 3. FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a temperature rise rate a and an internal load. FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a temperature fall rate b and an internal load. FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a temperature fall rate b and an internal load. Fig. 10 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to embodiment 4. Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigerator system according to embodiment 5.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a refrigerator and a refrigerator system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, components with the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent, and this is common throughout the specification. Other executable steps may be included between each step in the flowchart of the present disclosure. In each drawing, the relative dimensional relationships or shapes of each component may differ from those in reality.

[0011] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of Refrigerator 1> FIG. 1 is a front view of refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a view of refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 cut along line A-A and viewed from the direction of the arrow. In the following description, to facilitate understanding, terms indicating directions, such as "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "this side," "rear," and "back," are used as appropriate, but these terms are for the purpose of explanation and do not limit the embodiment. Furthermore, in the embodiment, "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "this side," "rear," and "back" are used when refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front.

[0012] 1 and 2, refrigerator 1 includes refrigerator body 101 having an open front and a storage space formed therein. Refrigerator body 101 includes steel outer box 102, resin inner box 103, and heat insulating material 104 filled in the space between outer box 102 and inner box 103. The storage space formed inside refrigerator body 101 is divided into a plurality of storage compartments for storing food by partition members with heat insulating properties.

[0013] The refrigerator 1 includes multiple storage compartments: a refrigerator compartment 11 located on the top level; an ice-making compartment 12 and a switchable compartment 13 located below the refrigerator compartment 11; a vegetable compartment 14 located below the ice-making compartment 12 and the switchable compartment 13; and a freezer compartment 15 located on the bottom level. The temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 is set, for example, between 0°C and 6°C. The temperature of the ice-making compartment 12 is set, for example, to -18°C. The switchable compartment 13 can be switched to multiple temperature zones based on user instructions. For example, the switchable compartment 13 can be switched to temperature zones such as soft freezing (-10°C to -4°C, for example, -7°C), chilled (-3°C to 0°C, for example, approximately 0°C), refrigerated (for example, approximately 3°C), and vegetable (for example, approximately 6°C). The switchable compartment 13 can also store food in a supercooling freezing mode, which will be described later. The temperature of the vegetable compartment 14 is set, for example, to 6°C. The temperature of the freezer compartment 15 is set, for example, to -18°C.

[0014] The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is a bottom freezer type in which the freezer compartment 15 is formed in the lower part, but the arrangement of each storage compartment is not limited to the example in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the refrigerator 1 may be a top freezer type in which the freezer compartment 15 is formed in the upper part.

[0015] An opening formed in the front of refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with a double-hinged refrigerator compartment door 110 that opens and closes the opening. Refrigerator compartment door 110 is attached to refrigerator body 101 via a pair of hinges 105 provided on the front side of the ceiling of refrigerator body 101. Ice making compartment 12, switchable compartment 13, vegetable compartment 14, and freezer compartment 15 are configured to be opened and closed by drawer-type ice making compartment door 120, switchable compartment door 130, vegetable compartment door 140, and freezer compartment door 150, respectively.

[0016] An operation display unit 106 is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 110. The operation display unit 106 includes an operation unit 106a that accepts operations from the user and a display unit 106b that displays the temperature of each storage compartment, the operation mode of each storage compartment, and notifications for the user. The operation unit 106a has multiple operation buttons, and the user can set the temperature and operation mode of each storage compartment by operating the operation unit 106a. The display unit 106b is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the temperature of each storage compartment, the operation mode of each storage compartment, and notification messages for the user. The operation display unit 106 may be configured as a touch panel in which the operation unit 106a is integrally formed on the display unit 106b.

[0017] A control device 50 that controls each part of the refrigerator 1 and adjusts the temperature of each storage compartment is provided on the top of the refrigerator 1. The control device 50 is provided on the upper back surface of the refrigerator main body 101. The control device 50 is composed of a processor such as a CPU and a memory that stores software executed by the processor and instructions or data included in signals from various devices. The control device 50 may also be composed of hardware such as a circuit device that realizes its functions.

[0018] Further, on the rear side of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 1, there are provided, as a cooling mechanism for supplying cold air, a refrigerant circuit including a compressor 31, a condenser (not shown), a pressure reducing device (not shown), and a cooler 33, and a blower 34 for transmitting the cold air supplied from the refrigerant circuit to each storage compartment. The compressor 31 draws in and compresses low-pressure gas refrigerant, and discharges it as high-pressure gas refrigerant, which is sent from the condenser to the cooler 33. The cooler 33 and the blower 34 are housed in a cooling compartment 16 provided on the rear side of the vegetable compartment 14.

[0019] The cooler 33 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The cooler 33 functions as an evaporator, and generates cool air by cooling the air in the cooling chamber 16 using the refrigerant flowing inside. The blower 34 is provided at the outlet of the cooling chamber 16. The blower 34 is, for example, an axial fan, and sends the cool air generated by the cooler 33 to each storage chamber. The rotation speed of the blower 34 is controlled by the control device 50.

[0020] Additionally, air passages 111, 131, 141, and 151 are provided on the rear side of each storage compartment to transmit the cold air generated by the cooler 33 to each storage compartment. The cold air supplied by the blower 34 is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11 via air passage 111, to the switchable compartment 13 via air passage 131, to the vegetable compartment 14 via air passage 141, and to the freezer compartment 15 via air passage 151. Although not shown in FIG. 2 , an air passage is also provided on the rear side of the ice-making compartment 12 to transmit the cold air generated by the cooler 33 to the ice-making compartment 12. The cold air supplied to each storage compartment is returned to the cooling compartment 16 via a return air passage. By circulating the cold air in this manner, each storage compartment is cooled to a target temperature.

[0021] Dampers 112, 132, and 142 are provided in the air passages 111, 131, and 141 to adjust the amount of cold air supplied to each storage compartment. When the dampers 112, 132, and 142 are open, cold air is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11, the selectable compartment 13, and the vegetable compartment 14. When the dampers 112, 132, and 142 are closed, the supply of cold air to the refrigerator compartment 11, the selectable compartment 13, and the vegetable compartment 14 is stopped. The amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11, the selectable compartment 13, and the vegetable compartment 14 is adjusted by adjusting the angles of the dampers 112, 132, and 142. The opening ratios or angles of the dampers 112, 132, and 142 are controlled by the control device 50. Although not shown in FIG. 2 , a damper is also provided in the air passage of the ice making compartment 12 to adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the ice making compartment 12. No damper is provided in the air passage 151 of the freezer compartment 15.

[0022] Each storage compartment is provided with an internal temperature sensor 113, 133, 143, and 153 for measuring the temperature within the storage compartment. Although not shown in FIG. 2 , ice making compartment 12 is also provided with an internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of ice making compartment 12. Each temperature sensor is, for example, a thermistor. The temperature measured by each temperature sensor is sent to control device 50.

[0023] Each storage compartment door is equipped with an open / close sensor 114, 134, 144, or 154 to detect whether the door is opened or closed by the user. Although not shown in FIG. 2 , ice making compartment 12 also has an open / close sensor to detect whether ice making compartment door 120 is opened or closed. Each open / close sensor consists of an actuator located on the rear side of each door and a detector located on the front side of each storage compartment, i.e., near the actuator. The detector is, for example, a magnetic sensor such as a reed switch or a low-voltage Hall IC operating at 48 V or less. The actuator is, for example, a magnet, and activates the detector when brought close to it. Each open / close sensor may also be a standalone device, such as a push button switch.

[0024] The detection results of each open / close sensor (a signal corresponding to the door being open or a signal corresponding to the door being closed) are output to the control device 50. When at least one of the open / close sensors detects that a door has been open for a long period of time (for example, five minutes or more), the control device 50 can notify the user that the door is open by displaying a graphic, text, lighting up an LED, or by voice via the operation display unit 106 or a speaker (not shown). Note that open / close sensors do not need to be provided on the doors of all storage compartments, and open / close sensors may be provided only on storage compartments that require open / close detection.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the refrigeration compartment 11 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the refrigeration compartment door 110 of the refrigeration compartment 11 and a portion of the side wall of the outer box 102 are removed. As shown in FIG. 3, an air passage guide 111b is provided on the rear surface 11c side of the refrigeration compartment 11. The air passage guide 111b covers the air passage 111, and the air passage 111 is formed inside the air passage guide 111b. The air passage guide 111b is provided with a plurality of air outlets 111a, and cold air is supplied to the refrigeration compartment 11 through the plurality of air outlets 111a. The cold air supplied to the refrigeration compartment 11 circulates within the refrigeration compartment 11 and returns to the cooling compartment 16 through a return air passage from a return port (not shown) provided in the partition 11b that forms the bottom surface of the refrigeration compartment 11.

[0026] An internal temperature sensor 113 is also disposed in the air passage guide 111b. The internal temperature sensor 113 is disposed approximately 3 cm away from the nearest air outlet 111a. The internal temperature sensor 113 is also disposed in the center between the shelves in the refrigerator compartment 11 in the vertical direction. This reduces the effect of cold air blown out from the air outlet 111a on the internal temperature sensor 113, allowing the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 to be measured. The location of the internal temperature sensor 113 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3. However, it is preferable that the internal temperature sensor 113 be disposed behind the center between the front opening 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the back surface 11c of the refrigerator compartment 11 (towards the back surface 11c).

[0027] <Operation of Refrigerator 1> Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that Fig. 4 only shows the damper 112, the internal temperature sensor 113, and the opening / closing sensor 114 of the refrigerator compartment 11, but the dampers, internal temperature sensors, and opening / closing sensors of the other storage compartments are also connected to the control device 50 in the same manner.

[0028] 4, the control device 50 of the refrigerator 1 includes a storage unit 51, a cooling control unit 52, and an internal load determination unit 53. The cooling control unit 52 and the internal load determination unit 53 are functional units that are implemented when the processor of the control device 50 executes a program stored in the storage unit 51. Alternatively, at least one of the cooling control unit 52 and the internal load determination unit 53 may be implemented by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0029] The storage unit 51 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a flash memory, a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, or an HDD. The storage unit 51 stores programs executed by the control device 50 and information used in the programs. For example, the storage unit 51 stores setting information input via the operation display unit 106, as well as programs or thresholds for the interior determination process described below. The storage unit 51 may be provided separately from the control device 50.

[0030] The cooling control unit 52 controls the temperature of each storage compartment based on the detection results of various sensors in the refrigerator 1, setting information input via the operation and display unit 106, and the determination result of the internal load determination unit 53. Specifically, the cooling control unit 52 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 31, the rotation speed of the blower 34, and the opening and closing of the dampers 112, 122, 132, and 142 so that the temperatures measured by each internal temperature sensor become the set temperatures set via the operation and display unit 106. The cooling control unit 52 also controls the rotation speed of the compressor 31, the rotation speed of the blower 34, and the opening and closing of the damper 112 in accordance with the internal load determined by the internal load determination unit 53.

[0031] The internal load determination unit 53 determines the internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor 114, which detects the opening / closing of the refrigerator compartment door 110, and the measurement result of the internal temperature sensor 113, which measures the internal temperature T, which is the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11. The internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is an index indicating the amount of items stored in the refrigerator compartment 11. The internal load determination unit 53 has a temperature rise rate calculation unit 531, a temperature fall rate calculation unit 532, and a determination unit 533. The temperature rise rate calculation unit 531, the temperature fall rate calculation unit 532, and the determination unit 533 are functional units realized by the processor of the control device 50 executing a program stored in the memory unit 51. Alternatively, at least one of the temperature rise rate calculation unit 531, the temperature fall rate calculation unit 532, and the determination unit 533 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0032] The temperature rise rate calculation unit 531 calculates a temperature rise rate a of the inside temperature T measured by the inside temperature sensor 113 after the opening of the refrigerator compartment door 110 is detected by the opening / closing sensor 114. The temperature rise rate a is the rate of change of the inside temperature T during a predetermined first period of time after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened and before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed. In this case, the first period of time may be any period of time that allows calculation of the temperature rise rate a, and may be within one minute, for example. Furthermore, measurement of the first period of time may be started immediately after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened, or may be started after the inflow of outside air has stabilized.

[0033] The temperature drop rate calculation unit 532 calculates a temperature drop rate b of the inside temperature T measured by the inside temperature sensor 113 after the opening / closing sensor 114 detects that the refrigerator compartment door 110 has been closed. The temperature drop rate b is the rate of change of the inside temperature T during a predetermined second time period after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed. In this case, the second time period may be any time period that allows calculation of the temperature drop rate b, and may be within one minute, for example. Furthermore, measurement of the second time period may be started immediately after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed, or may be started after the inflow of outside air has stabilized.

[0034] The determination unit 533 compares the temperature rise rate a calculated by the temperature rise rate calculation unit 531 with the first rising threshold ath1 to determine the first internal load, which is the internal load before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened. The determination unit 533 also compares the temperature fall rate b calculated by the temperature fall rate calculation unit 532 with the first falling threshold bth1 to determine the second internal load, which is the internal load after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened. The first rising threshold ath1 is the lower limit of the temperature rise rate a when the internal load of the refrigerator compartment door 110 is "standard," and the first falling threshold bth1 is the lower limit of the temperature fall rate b when the internal load of the refrigerator compartment door 110 is "standard." The first rising threshold ath1 and the first falling threshold bth1 are determined by experiments or the like and stored in the memory unit 51 of the control device 50. The "standard" internal load of the refrigerator compartment door 110 refers to a state in which, for example, 70% or less of the capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is stored.

[0035] 5 to 9 , the patterns of internal load determined by the determination unit 533 will be described. When the cooling capacity is constant, the internal temperature T measured by the internal temperature sensor 113 of the refrigerator compartment 11 behaves differently depending on the internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11. The internal load is determined by the volume of the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 11, such as food, the heat content of the items, and the location of the items within the storage compartment. When the internal load is small, the heat capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is smaller than when the internal load is large, and the resistance to the cold air circulating in the refrigerator compartment 11 due to the stored items is reduced. Therefore, when the internal load is small, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 is more likely to fluctuate compared to when the internal load is large, in response to the inflow of cold and warm air with constant temperature and mass. In other words, when the internal load is large, the heat capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is larger than when the internal load is small, and the resistance to the cold air circulating in the refrigerator compartment due to the stored items is increased. Therefore, when the internal load is large for an inflow of cold air and warm air with constant temperature and mass, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is less likely to fluctuate up and down compared to when the internal load is small. Therefore, the internal load can be estimated based on the temperature rise rate a and temperature fall rate b, which indicate the temperature change when the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened and closed.

[0036] 5 to 9 are diagrams showing the change in internal temperature T and the internal load associated with the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 110. As shown in Fig. 5 to 9, the internal temperature T before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened is the set temperature T0. When the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened, the internal temperature T rises due to the inflow of air from outside the refrigerator, and when the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed, the internal temperature T drops due to the circulation of air inside the refrigerator.

[0037] First, as shown in Fig. 5, if the temperature rise rate a1 is greater than the first rise threshold ath1 and the temperature fall rate b1 is greater than the first fall threshold bth1, the determination unit 533 determines that both the first internal load and the second internal load are "standard." Also, as shown in Fig. 6, if the temperature rise rate a2 is equal to or less than the first rise threshold ath1 and the temperature fall rate b2 is equal to or less than the first fall threshold bth1, the determination unit 533 determines that both the first internal load and the second internal load are "high."

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the temperature increase rate a3 is greater than the first increase threshold ath1 and the temperature decrease rate b3 is equal to or less than the first decrease threshold bth1, the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load is "standard" and the second internal load is "high." That is, FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the internal load is "standard" and the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened, new items are stored in the refrigerator compartment 11, and the internal load increases. In this case, immediately after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened, the heat capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is small and the resistance to the cold air caused by the stored items during air circulation is small, so the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 easily rises with a certain amount of warm air flowing in. Then, after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed, the heat capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is large and the resistance to the cold air caused by the stored items during air circulation is large, so the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 does not easily decrease with a certain amount of heat absorption.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the temperature increase rate a4 is equal to or less than the first increase threshold ath1 and the temperature decrease rate b4 is greater than the first decrease threshold bth1, the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load is "high" and the second internal load is "standard." That is, FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the internal load is "high" and then the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened, an item is removed from the refrigerator compartment 11, and the internal load decreases. In this case, immediately after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened, the heat capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is large and the resistance to the cold air due to the stored items during air circulation is large, making it difficult for the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 to decrease with a certain amount of heat absorption. After the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed, the heat capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 is small and the resistance to the cold air due to the stored items during air circulation is small, making it easier for the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 to increase with a certain amount of warm air flowing in.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 , if the temperature drop rate b5 is greater than the error threshold be, the determination unit 533 determines that an item has been placed in front of the air outlet 111a. The error threshold be is a value greater than the first drop threshold bth1, which is determined in advance through experiments or the like and stored in the memory unit 51. If an item is placed in front of the air outlet 111a before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed, the resistance of the cold air blown out from the air outlet 111a increases due to the item. As a result, the cold air flowing into the refrigerator compartment 11 from the air outlet 111a does not circulate throughout the refrigerator compartment 11, but remains on the rear surface 11c of the refrigerator compartment 11 where the internal temperature sensor 113 or the air outlet 111a is located. As a result, only the limited area around the internal temperature sensor 113 is rapidly cooled, causing the internal temperature T measured by the internal temperature sensor 113 to drop sharply. In this case, the determination unit 533 determines that the internal load cannot be determined.

[0041] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed by the control device 50 of the refrigerator 1. First, it is determined whether the refrigerator compartment door 110 has been opened (S1). Whether the refrigerator compartment door 110 has been opened is determined based on the detection result of the open / close sensor 114. If the refrigerator compartment door 110 has not been opened (S1: NO), the refrigerator waits as is. On the other hand, if the refrigerator compartment door 110 has been opened (S1: YES), the temperature rise rate calculation unit 531 calculates the temperature rise rate a of the internal temperature T (S2).

[0042] Then, it is determined whether the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed (S3). Whether the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed or not is determined based on the detection result of the open / close sensor 114. If the refrigerator compartment door 110 is not closed (S3: NO), the process remains on standby. On the other hand, if the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed (S3: YES), the temperature drop rate calculation unit 532 calculates the temperature drop rate b of the inside temperature T (S4).

[0043] The determination unit 533 then determines whether the temperature drop rate b is greater than the error threshold be (S5). If the temperature drop rate b is greater than the error threshold be (S5: YES), the determination unit 533 determines that an item is placed in front of the air outlet 111a, as shown in FIG. 9, and that the internal load cannot be determined (S6). The user is then notified to organize the refrigerator compartment 11 (S7). This may involve displaying a message on the operation display unit 106, illuminating a display prompting the user to organize, or providing a voice prompt. This allows the user to organize the items upon receiving the notification, thereby reducing the resistance of the cold air flowing around the internal temperature sensor 113 to the items. As a result, it is possible to prevent insufficient cooling capacity due to an incorrect determination of the internal load or to prevent food near the air outlet 111a from accidentally freezing.

[0044] If the temperature drop rate b is equal to or less than the error threshold be (S5: NO), the determination unit 533 determines whether the temperature drop rate a is greater than the first increase threshold ath1 (S8). If the temperature drop rate a is greater than the first increase threshold ath1 (S8: YES), the determination unit 533 determines whether the temperature drop rate b is greater than the first decrease threshold bth1 (S9). If the temperature drop rate b is greater than the first decrease threshold bth1 (S9: YES), the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load and the second internal load before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened are "standard," as shown in FIG. 5, and that the second internal load after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed are also "standard" (S10). In this case, the internal load has not changed, so the cooling control unit 52 does not change the cooling capacity.

[0045] If the temperature rise rate a is greater than the first rise threshold ath1 (S8: YES) and the temperature fall rate b is equal to or less than the first fall threshold bth1 (S9: NO), the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened is "standard" and that the second internal load after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed is "high" (S11), as shown in Fig. 7. In this case, since the internal load has increased, the cooling control unit 52 increases the cooling capacity (S12).

[0046] For example, when the internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "standard," the cooling control unit 52 controls the compressor 31, the blower 34, and the damper 112 so that the rotation speed of the blower 34 is 1200 rpm, the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 50%, and the temperature of the cooler 33 is -22°C. The opening ratio of the damper 112 is the ratio of the time the damper 112 is open to the time the damper 112 is closed. When the determination unit 533 of the internal load determination unit 53 determines that the internal load has increased from "standard" to "large," the cooling control unit 52 controls the damper 112 so that the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 70%, for example, to increase the cooling capacity. This increases the amount of cold air flowing into the refrigerator compartment 11 and increases the amount of heat absorption, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the stored items in the refrigerator compartment 11 and improving the preservation quality.

[0047] Furthermore, if the temperature rise rate a is equal to or less than the first rise threshold ath1 (S8: NO), the determination unit 533 determines whether the temperature fall rate b is greater than the first fall threshold bth1 (S13). If the temperature fall rate b is greater than the first fall threshold bth1 (S13: YES), the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened is "high," and that the second internal load after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed is "standard" (S14), as shown in Fig. 8. In this case, since the internal load has decreased, the cooling control unit 52 reduces the cooling capacity (S15).

[0048] For example, when the internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "high," the cooling control unit 52 controls the compressor 31, the blower 34, and the damper 112 so that the rotation speed of the blower 34 is 1200 rpm, the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 70%, and the temperature of the cooler 33 is -22°C. When the determination unit 533 of the internal load determination unit 53 determines that the internal load has decreased from "high" to "standard," the cooling control unit 52 controls the damper 112 so that the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 50%, for example, to reduce the cooling capacity. This reduces power consumption and allows sufficient cool air to be distributed to other storage compartments even when the internal load in the other storage compartments increases, thereby improving the performance of the refrigerator 1 as a whole.

[0049] Furthermore, if the temperature rise rate a is equal to or less than the first rise threshold ath1 (S8: NO) and the temperature fall rate b is equal to or less than the first fall threshold bth1 (S13: NO), the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load before the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened is "high" and that the second internal load after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed is also "high" (S16), as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the internal load has not changed, so the cooling control unit 52 does not change the cooling capacity. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1, and the internal load is estimated each time the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened or closed, and the cooling capacity is controlled in accordance with the change in the internal load.

[0050] As described above, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the internal load is determined using the rate of increase and decrease of the internal temperature T measured by the internal temperature sensor 113 when the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened and closed. This allows the internal load to be determined using the internal temperature sensor and opening / closing sensor that are typically installed in the refrigerator 1 to maintain the internal temperature and prevent the door from being left closed, eliminating the need for a separate optical sensor or weight sensor for determining the internal load. This allows the internal load of each storage compartment to be determined without increasing costs. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the storage capacity of the storage compartment, which would be caused by the need to install a separate sensor for determining the internal load. Furthermore, by controlling the cooling capacity according to the internal load, the temperature of each storage compartment can be maintained appropriately, thereby improving the performance of the refrigerator 1.

[0051] In the first embodiment, both the first internal load and the second internal load are determined based on the temperature rise rate a and the temperature fall rate b, but the determination unit 533 may determine at least one of them. For example, the determination unit 533 may determine only the second internal load after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is closed based on the temperature fall rate b.

[0052] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 will be described. In embodiment 1, a two-stage determination is made as to whether the internal load is "standard" or "large." However, embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that a three-stage determination is made as to whether the internal load is "standard," "large," or "small." The configuration of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 2 is the same as that in embodiment 1.

[0053] FIG. 11 shows changes in the internal temperature T for each internal load associated with the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 110. In FIG. 11 , the solid line indicates the temperature change when the internal load is "small," the dashed line indicates the temperature change when the internal load is "standard," and the two-dot chain line indicates the temperature change when the internal load is "high." As described in the first embodiment, when the internal load is small relative to the inflow of cold and warm air of constant temperature and mass, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 fluctuates more easily than when the internal load is large. In other words, when the internal load is large relative to the inflow of cold and warm air of constant temperature and mass, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 fluctuates less easily than when the internal load is small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 , the relationship between the temperature rise rate a6 when the internal load is "small," the temperature rise rate a1 when the internal load is "standard," and the temperature rise rate a2 when the internal load is "high" is a6 > a1 > a2. Similarly, the relationship between the temperature drop rate b6 when the internal load is "small," the temperature drop rate b1 when the internal load is "standard," and the temperature drop rate b2 when the internal load is "large" is b6 > b1 > b2.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a table showing the internal load determination patterns performed by the determination unit 533 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the determination unit 533 in this embodiment determines that the first internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "small" if the temperature rise rate a calculated by the temperature rise rate calculation unit 531 is greater than the second rise threshold ath2. The second rise threshold ath2 is greater than the first rise threshold ath1. Furthermore, the determination unit 533 determines that the second internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "small" if the temperature fall rate b calculated by the temperature fall rate calculation unit 532 is greater than the second fall threshold bth2. The second fall threshold bth2 is greater than the first fall threshold bth1 and less than the error threshold be. Note that a "small" internal load on the refrigerator compartment door 110 refers to, for example, a state in which the refrigerator compartment 11 is filled with items that occupy 50% or less of its capacity.

[0055] Furthermore, the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "standard" when the temperature rise rate a is greater than the first rise threshold ath1 and is equal to or less than the second rise threshold ath2. Furthermore, the determination unit 533 determines that the second internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "standard" when the temperature fall rate b is greater than the first rise threshold ath1 and is equal to or less than the second fall threshold bth2. Furthermore, the determination unit 533 determines that the first internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "high" when the temperature rise rate a is equal to or less than the first rise threshold ath1. Furthermore, the determination unit 533 determines that the second internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "high" when the temperature fall rate b is equal to or less than the first rise threshold ath1. Note that the determination based on the error threshold be is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, the cooling control unit 52 controls the cooling capacity when the first internal load and the second internal load are different. For example, when the internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is "small," the cooling control unit 52 controls the compressor 31, the blower 34, and the damper 112 so that the rotation speed of the blower 34 is 1200 rpm, the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 30%, and the temperature of the cooler 33 is -22°C. Then, when the determination unit 533 determines that the internal load has increased from "small" to "standard," the cooling control unit 52 controls the damper 112 so that the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 50%, for example, to increase the cooling capacity. Furthermore, when the determination unit 533 determines that the internal load has suddenly increased from "small" to "large," the cooling control unit 52 suddenly increases the cooling capacity. Specifically, the cooling control unit 52 controls the blower 34 and the damper 112 so that the rotation speed of the blower 34 is 2000 rpm, the opening ratio of the damper 112 is 70%, and the temperature of the cooler 33 is -25°C, thereby increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 31.

[0057] Furthermore, when the determination unit 533 determines that the internal load has decreased from "standard" to "small," the cooling control unit 52 controls the damper 112 so that the opening rate of the damper 112 becomes 30%, thereby reducing the cooling capacity. Furthermore, when the determination unit 533 determines that the internal load has suddenly decreased from "large" to "small," the cooling control unit 52 suddenly reduces the cooling capacity. Specifically, the cooling control unit 52 controls the compressor 31, the blower 34, and the damper 112 so that the rotation speed of the blower 34 becomes 1200 rpm, the opening rate of the damper 112 becomes 30%, and the temperature of the cooler 33 becomes -22°C.

[0058] As described above, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the internal load of the storage compartment can be determined without increasing costs, similar to the first embodiment. Also, by determining when the internal load is smaller than the standard and adjusting the cooling capacity, it is possible to reduce power consumption when the internal load is small. Note that in the second embodiment, the internal load is determined in three stages: "small," "standard," and "large," but the number of thresholds may be increased to determine four or more stages.

[0059] Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 will now be described. Fig. 13 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator 1A according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 13, refrigerator 1A according to embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that it includes an outside-compartment temperature sensor 4 and a threshold setting unit 534 in a control device 50A. The other configurations of refrigerator 1A according to embodiment 3 are the same as those according to embodiment 1.

[0060] The outside temperature sensor 4 is, for example, a thermistor, and measures the outside temperature, which is the temperature of the space outside the storage compartment where the refrigerator 1A is installed. The outside temperature sensor 4 is disposed, for example, on the side surface of the refrigerator compartment door 110 so as to be in contact with the outside space.

[0061] The threshold setting unit 534 is a functional unit that is realized when the processor of the control device 50A executes a program stored in the storage unit 51. Alternatively, the threshold setting unit 534 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The threshold setting unit 534 sets the first rising threshold ath1 and the second rising threshold ath2 based on the outside-compartment temperature measured by the outside-compartment temperature sensor 4.

[0062] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature rise rate a and the internal load. The dashed-dotted line in FIG. 14 represents the graph when the external temperature is 30°C, and the dashed-two-dotted line represents the graph when the external temperature is 10°C. As shown in FIG. 14 , even when the internal load is the same, the temperature rise rate a varies depending on the external temperature. Specifically, when the external temperature is high, the temperature rise rate a is greater than when the external temperature is low. Therefore, in this embodiment, the threshold setting unit 534 sets the first rising threshold ath1 and the second rising threshold ath2 depending on the external temperature. In the example of FIG. 14 , when the external temperature is 30°C, the threshold setting unit 534 sets the first rising threshold ath11 and the second rising threshold ath21. Furthermore, when the external temperature is 10°C, the threshold setting unit 534 sets the first rising threshold ath12, which is smaller than ath11, and the second rising threshold ath22, which is smaller than ath21.

[0063] Specifically, the memory unit 51 of the control device 50A stores a reference outside-compartment temperature (e.g., 20°C) and reference first and second increasing thresholds ath1 and ath2 corresponding to the reference outside-compartment temperature. The threshold setting unit 534 corrects the reference first and second increasing thresholds ath1 and ath2 based on a comparison between the outside-compartment temperature measured by the outside-compartment temperature sensor 4 and the reference outside-compartment temperature. Specifically, the threshold setting unit 534 corrects the first and second increasing thresholds ath1 and ath2 by multiplying the reference first and second increasing thresholds ath1 and ath2 by a coefficient corresponding to the difference between the outside-compartment temperature measured by the outside-compartment temperature sensor 4 and the reference outside-compartment temperature. Alternatively, the memory unit 51 may store a table including a plurality of outside-compartment temperatures and the first and second increasing thresholds ath1 and ath2 corresponding to each outside-compartment temperature. The table is assumed to be obtained in advance, for example, through experiments or the like. In this case, the threshold setting unit 534 extracts the first rising threshold ath1 and the second rising threshold ath2 corresponding to the outside-compartment temperature measured by the outside-compartment temperature sensor 4 from the table and sets them.

[0064] The threshold setting unit 534 also sets the first and second drop thresholds bth1 and bth2 based on the previously calculated temperature drop rate b. Figures 15 and 16 are graphs showing the relationship between the temperature drop rate b and the internal load. The graphs in Figures 15 and 16 differ in the way items are placed in the refrigerator compartment 11. For example, Figure 15 shows an example where items are placed from the center of the back surface 11c of the refrigerator compartment 11, i.e., near the air outlet 111a and the internal temperature sensor 113. Figure 16 shows an example where items are placed from the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 11, i.e., avoiding being in front of the air outlet 111a and the internal temperature sensor 113.

[0065] 15 and 16, the temperature drop rate b differs depending on how the stored items are stored in the refrigerator compartment 11. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, when the stored items are placed near the air outlet 111a and the internal temperature sensor 113, the temperature drop rate b is large even when the internal load is "small." Also, as shown in Fig. 16, when the stored items are placed away from in front of the air outlet 111a and the internal temperature sensor 113, the temperature drop rate b increases when the internal load becomes "large" and the stored items are placed near the air outlet 111a and the internal temperature sensor 113. Therefore, the threshold setting unit 534 sets the first drop threshold bth1 and the second drop threshold bth2 based on multiple temperature drop rates calculated in the past.

[0066] Specifically, the storage unit 51 of the control device 50 stores a reference value for the temperature drop rate b and a first rising threshold ath1 and a second rising threshold ath2 that serve as references corresponding to the reference value. The threshold setting unit 534 corrects the reference first falling threshold bth1 and the second falling threshold bth2 based on a comparison result between an average value of multiple previously calculated temperature drop rates and a preset reference value. Specifically, the threshold setting unit 534 corrects the first falling threshold bth1 and the second falling threshold bth2 by multiplying the reference first falling threshold bth1 and the second falling threshold bth2 by a coefficient corresponding to the difference between the average value of multiple previously calculated temperature drop rates and the reference value. Alternatively, the storage unit 51 may store a table that includes average values ​​of multiple temperature drop rates and the first falling threshold bth1 and the second falling threshold bth2 that correspond to each average value. The table is assumed to be obtained in advance, for example, through experiments or the like. In this case, the threshold setting unit 534 extracts from the table and sets the first and second falling thresholds bth1 and bth2 corresponding to the average value of a plurality of previously calculated temperature falling rates.

[0067] The determination unit 533 of this embodiment determines the in-storage load based on the first increasing threshold ath1, the second increasing threshold ath2, the first decreasing threshold bth1, and the second decreasing threshold bth2 set by the threshold setting unit 534.

[0068] As described above, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the internal load of the storage compartment can be determined without increasing costs, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, by setting a threshold value according to the external temperature and storage method, which affect the temperature change when the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened and closed, the influence of the external temperature and storage method can be suppressed, and the accuracy of the internal load determination can be improved.

[0069] In the third embodiment, refrigerator 1A is configured to include outside temperature sensor 4, but this is not limiting. For example, the outside temperature may be received from an outside temperature sensor installed around refrigerator 1A as a separate entity from refrigerator 1A, or from a device having information on the outside temperature (such as a HEMS controller), and used by threshold setting unit 534.

[0070] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the thresholds are corrected using the outside temperature or the past temperature drop rate b as a flow coefficient that affects the temperature change when the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened or closed. However, other flow coefficients may be used. For example, the threshold setting unit 534 may set the first increasing threshold ath1 and the second increasing threshold ath2 according to the opening ratio of the refrigerator compartment door 110. The opening ratio of the refrigerator compartment door 110 is acquired from the detection results of a sensor provided on the hinge 105 or an opening / closing sensor provided on each of the double doors. When the opening ratio of the refrigerator compartment door 110 is small, the threshold setting unit 534 sets the first increasing threshold ath1 and the second increasing threshold ath2 to smaller values ​​than when the opening ratio is large.

[0071] Alternatively, the threshold setting unit 534 may set the first falling threshold bth1 and the second falling threshold bth2 according to the temperature of an item newly placed in the refrigerator compartment 11 after the refrigerator compartment door 110 is opened. The temperature of the newly placed item is estimated from a temperature change in the internal temperature sensor 113. When the temperature of the newly placed item is high, the threshold setting unit 534 sets the first falling threshold bth1 and the second falling threshold bth2 to smaller values ​​than when the temperature is low.

[0072] Other flow coefficients may also be the season (summer or winter), the outside temperature, the door opening / closing time, etc. The threshold value setting unit 534 may set at least one of the first increasing threshold value ath1, the second increasing threshold value ath2, the first decreasing threshold value bth1, and the second decreasing threshold value bth2.

[0073] Embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 will be described. Control device 50B of refrigerator 1B in embodiment 4 differs from embodiment 1 in the method of determining the internal load by determination unit 533. Other configurations of refrigerator 1B in embodiment 4 are the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0074] FIG. 17 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator 1B according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17 , a memory unit 51A of a control device 50B according to the present embodiment stores a learning model 510. The learning model 510 is a trained model that infers optimal first and second internal loads from a temperature rise rate a calculated by a temperature rise rate calculation unit 531 and a temperature fall rate b calculated by a temperature fall rate calculation unit 532. The learning model 510 is trained using a known learning algorithm such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or reinforcement learning. For example, the learning model 510 is constructed by providing a learning device with a set of data representing the temperature rise rate a, the temperature fall rate b, and the correct internal load as learning data and performing learning. The learning device that trains the learning model 510 may be the control device 50B or may be provided separately from the refrigerator 1B.

[0075] In this embodiment, the determination unit 533 inputs the temperature rise rate a calculated by the temperature rise rate calculation unit 531 and the temperature fall rate b calculated by the temperature fall rate calculation unit 532 as input data to the learning model 510, and obtains the first internal load and the second internal load as output data. The first internal load and the second internal load output from the learning model 510 are "small," "standard," "large," or "unable to determine internal load," as in the first and second embodiments. Alternatively, the internal load may be expressed as a numerical value instead of "small," "standard," or "large."

[0076] Furthermore, learning model 510 may be one that has learned at least one of the following as input data in addition to temperature rise rate a and temperature fall rate b: the outside temperature in embodiment 3, the average value of past temperature fall rates b, the opening rate of refrigerator door 110, and the temperature of a newly stored item. In this case, learning is performed taking into account factors that affect inside temperature T of refrigerator 1B, and the inside load is output, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the inside load.

[0077] As described above, in refrigerator 1B of the present embodiment, the internal load of the storage compartment can be determined without increasing costs, similar to embodiment 1. Furthermore, by determining the internal load using learning model 510, the accuracy of determining the internal load can be improved and the internal load can be determined in more detail.

[0078] Embodiment 5 Fig. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigerator system 100 according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 18, the refrigerator system 100 includes a refrigerator 1C, a terminal device 2, and an external device 3. The refrigerator 1C, the terminal device 2, and the external device 3 are connected to each other via a network 200 such as the Internet or a home LAN so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0079] Refrigerator 1C of this embodiment is equipped with communication device 40. Communication device 40 is arranged, for example, on the front side inside refrigerator compartment door 110 and is electrically connected to operation display unit 106 by wiring. Alternatively, communication device 40 may be provided on the back side of the ceiling surface of outer casing 102 or inside hinge 105, or may be attached to outer casing 102 from the outside as a separate component. Alternatively, communication device 40 may be provided integrally with control device 50. Communication device 40 receives data from external devices by wirelessly communicating with terminal device 2 and external device 3 and transmits the received data to control device 50. The rest of the configuration of refrigerator 1C is the same as that of embodiment 1.

[0080] The terminal device 2 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. Although one terminal device 2 is shown in Fig. 18, there may be multiple terminal devices 2. The external device 3 is one or more servers or cloud computers.

[0081] In this embodiment, terminal device 2 can download and execute application software for operating refrigerator 1C from external device 3 to operate refrigerator 1C and display information about refrigerator 1C. For example, if control device 50 of refrigerator 1C determines that an item is placed in front of air outlet 111a and that the refrigerator load cannot be determined, communication device 40 of refrigerator 1C sends a notification to terminal device 2 urging the user to organize the refrigerator compartment 11. A message urging the user to organize the refrigerator compartment 11 is then displayed on display unit 21 of terminal device 2.

[0082] In this embodiment, the learning model 510 stored in the storage unit 51A of the third embodiment may be stored in the external device 3. This reduces the capacity of the storage unit 51A.

[0083] Although the above is a description of the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments and their modifications. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the internal load of the refrigerator compartment 11 is determined is described, but the internal load of storage compartments other than the refrigerator compartment 11 can also be determined in a similar manner. In this case, each threshold value is set according to the set temperature of each storage compartment.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the internal load is determined each time the refrigerator door 110 is opened or closed, but this is not limiting. For example, if opening and closing of the refrigerator door 110 multiple times in a short period of time is detected, the internal load may be determined based on the temperature rise rate a and temperature fall rate b in the last opening or closing. This reduces the calculation load on the control device 50.

[0085] REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM, 100 REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM, 101 REFRIGERATOR BODY, 102 OUTER BOX, 103 INNER BOX, 104 INSULATOR, 105 HINGE, 106 OPERATION DISPLAY UNIT, 106A OPERATION UNIT, 106B DISPLAY UNIT, 110 REFRIGERATOR DOOR, 111, 131, 141 151 Air duct, 111a Air outlet, 111b Air duct guide, 112, 132, 142 Damper, 113, 133, 143, 153 In-compartment temperature sensor, 114, 134, 144, 154 Opening / closing sensor, 120 Ice making compartment door, 130 Switching compartment door, 140 Vegetable compartment door, 150 Freezer compartment door, 200 Network, 510 Learning model, 531 Temperature rise rate calculation unit, 532 Temperature fall rate calculation unit, 533 Determination unit, 534 Threshold setting unit.

Claims

1. A refrigerator body having a storage compartment, a door provided on the front surface of the storage compartment, an opening / closing sensor for detecting that the door has been opened or closed, an in-compartment temperature sensor installed in the storage compartment for measuring the in-compartment temperature which is the temperature inside the storage compartment, and a control device, wherein the control device calculates the rate of temperature rise of the in-compartment temperature after the door has been opened and before the door is closed, based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor and the measurement result of the in-compartment temperature sensor, and when the door is closed, calculates the rate of temperature drop of the in-compartment temperature after the door is closed, determines a first in-compartment load before the door of the storage compartment is opened, based on the comparison result between the rate of temperature rise and a rise threshold value, and determines a second in-compartment load after the door is closed, based on the comparison result between the rate of temperature drop and a drop threshold value. A refrigerator.

2. A refrigerator body having a storage compartment, a door provided on the front surface of the storage compartment, an opening / closing sensor for detecting that the door has been opened or closed, an in-compartment temperature sensor installed in the storage compartment for measuring the in-compartment temperature which is the temperature inside the storage compartment, and a control device, wherein the control device calculates the rate of temperature drop of the in-compartment temperature after the door is closed, based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor and the measurement result of the in-compartment temperature sensor after the door has been opened, determines the in-compartment load of the storage compartment, based on the comparison result between the rate of temperature drop and a drop threshold value, and when the rate of temperature drop is greater than an error threshold value which is greater than the drop threshold value, the control device issues a notification prompting the organization inside the storage compartment. A refrigerator.

3. The control device calculates the rate of temperature rise of the in-compartment temperature after the door has been opened and before the door is closed, based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor and the measurement result of the in-compartment temperature sensor, determines a first in-compartment load before the door is opened, based on the comparison result between the rate of temperature rise and a rise threshold value, and determines a second in-compartment load after the door is closed, based on the comparison result between the rate of temperature drop and the drop threshold value. The refrigerator according to Claim 2.

4. A cooler for generating cold air, a blower for sending the cold air to the storage compartment, a compressor for sending a refrigerant to the cooler, and a damper for controlling the supply of the cold air to the storage compartment. The refrigerator further comprises, wherein the control device When the load inside the first compartment and the load inside the second compartment are different, the refrigerator according to claim 1 or 3, wherein at least one of the blower, the compressor, or the damper is controlled to increase or decrease the cooling capacity of the storage compartment.

5. The rising threshold value includes a first rising threshold value and a second rising threshold value greater than the first rising threshold value. The falling threshold value includes a first falling threshold value and a second falling threshold value greater than the first falling threshold value. The control device determines the load inside the first compartment and the load inside the second compartment in three levels based on the comparison result between the temperature rising rate, the first rising threshold value and the second rising threshold value, and the comparison result between the temperature falling rate, the first falling threshold value and the second falling threshold value. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 3.

6. The control device sets the rising threshold value based on the temperature outside the storage compartment, which is the temperature outside the refrigerator, or the opening rate of the door. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 3.

7. The control device sets the falling threshold value based on a plurality of the temperature falling rates calculated in the past or the temperature of the stored items stored in the storage compartment after the door is opened. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The control device has a storage unit that stores a learned model that uses the temperature rising rate and the temperature falling rate as input data and the load inside the first compartment and the load inside the second compartment as output data. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the learned model is used to determine the load inside the first compartment and the load inside the second compartment.

9. further includes a display unit provided on the door. When the temperature falling rate is greater than the error threshold value, the control device causes the display unit to display a notification prompting the organization of the storage compartment. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3.

10. A refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3, and a terminal device that communicates with the refrigerator. The refrigerator further includes a communication device that communicates with the terminal device. When the temperature falling rate is greater than the error threshold value, the control device transmits a notification prompting the organization of the storage compartment from the communication device to the terminal device. The terminal device displays the notification. A refrigerator system.