Refrigerator and cooled object management system

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator that manages a cooled object, said refrigerator comprising a storage chamber that stores a cooled object, a cooler that generates cold air, an air blow duct that has an airflow path through which cold air flows, a lid part that adjusts the flow rate of cold air which flows into the storage chamber, a plurality of heaters that are provided in a respective plurality of areas into which a floor surface of the storage chamber has been virtually divided, a plurality of sensors that are provided on a ceiling surface of the storage chamber and that each measure the temperature of a cooled object which is placed in an area, and a control device. The control device: determines whether or not measurement values of the plurality of sensors belong to a set temperature range; when there is a high-temperature area in which a measurement value is higher than in the set temperature range among the plurality of areas, controls the lid part such that the high-temperature area is cooled with cold air, thereby keeping the temperature of a cooled object placed in the high-temperature area within the set temperature range; and when there is a low-temperature area in which a measurement value is lower than in the set temperature range among the plurality of areas, controls a heater provided in the low-temperature area such that the low-temperature area is heated, thereby keeping the temperature of a cooled object placed in the low-temperature area within the set temperature range.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerated item management system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator for storing objects to be cooled and a system for managing objects to be cooled.

[0002] In recent years, with changes in lifestyles due to an increase in dual-income households and single-person households, there has been a growing tendency to buy large amounts of food at once and store them in the refrigerator. To increase the refrigerator's capacity or extend the shelf life of food, there is a demand for refrigerators that can precisely adjust the temperature inside the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for preserving food. One refrigerator that meets this demand has traditionally been equipped with a storage compartment with a lower temperature range than the refrigerator compartment, allowing for the preservation of perishable foods such as raw meat and fish while maintaining their freshness.

[0003] However, with such refrigerators, the user must visually check the food inventory in the storage compartment, and as the storage period in the storage compartment increases, the user loses track of the food inventory in the storage compartment. Therefore, if the user forgets to check the inventory, the food may already be past its expiration date when it is time to use it, or the user may mistakenly not have the food stored in the refrigerator. On the other hand, even if the food the user wants to use is in the freezer compartment, the user must move the food from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment to thaw it. Furthermore, if the food the user wants to use is not in the freezer compartment, the user must go out to purchase new food. Therefore, the user must undergo the effort and work of thawing frozen food or purchasing food, which increases the burden on the user.

[0004] To solve this problem, a conventional refrigerator has been proposed that is equipped with a camera that takes pictures of the interior of the refrigerator, allowing the user to check the food inventory without opening the refrigerator. However, in such a refrigerator, if two foods are placed so that they overlap along the camera's shooting direction, the food placed closer to the camera may be photographed, but the food placed farther from the camera may not be photographed. In such cases, the food hidden by the shadow of the food placed closer to the camera is not photographed by the camera, making it difficult to accurately check the food inventory.

[0005] Therefore, refrigerators that manage inventory in a storage compartment without using a camera have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that has an electric field sensor attached to a food storage section without contacting the food, and a control section that calculates food management information based on food detection information based on measurements from the electric field sensor and the progress of measurements from the electric field sensor for the food. The refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether the same food is stored based on changes in the moisture content of the food based on measurements from the electric field sensor.

[0006] Furthermore, a different home appliance from a refrigerator has been proposed: a cooking appliance that uses a light-receiving element to determine the presence or absence of food, without using a camera and without contact (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The cooking appliance disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a heating chamber with a bottom tray attached to its bottom, a light source provided above the heating chamber, a light-receiving element provided below the bottom tray, and a determination unit. The light-receiving element receives light irradiated from the light source that has passed through the bottom tray. The determination unit then determines the presence or size of a heated object placed on the bottom tray in the heating chamber based on a light-receiving signal detected by the light-receiving element.

[0007] JP 2012-042173 A JP 2014-152959 A

[0008] However, the output value of the electric field sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is affected by the moisture content of the object being measured. Therefore, since humidity also changes in a storage room where the temperature range is adjusted, when an electric field sensor is used to manage the inventory of food stored in the storage room, the output value of the electric field sensor may not be consistent even for the same food. Furthermore, although this varies depending on the size of the electrodes of the electric field sensor, the range in which electric field sensors can detect food is narrow. For example, it is difficult to determine the presence or absence of food if the food is more than 1 cm away from the electric field sensor.

[0009] Furthermore, when the method disclosed in Patent Document 2 for determining the presence or absence of a heated item using a cooking device is applied to a refrigerator, if one food item is blocked by another food item, the two foods will be counted as one food item. In this case, the number of foods cannot be accurately determined. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the method disclosed in Patent Document 2 to determining the inventory status of multiple cooled items in a refrigerator.

[0010] Furthermore, the electric field sensor of the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the light-receiving element of the cooking appliance disclosed in Patent Document 2 cannot detect the temperature of food, so a separate temperature sensor is required. Conventional refrigerators are equipped with temperature sensors such as thermistors, but these temperature sensors measure the ambient temperature, which is the temperature of the atmosphere inside the storage compartment, making it difficult to determine the temperature of the food or other cooled items themselves from the temperature sensor's measurement. For example, if a new item at room temperature or freezing temperature is placed in a storage compartment containing multiple items, the conventional refrigerator heats or cools the storage compartment based on the ambient temperature of the storage compartment, making it difficult to individually maintain the room temperature or freezing temperature of each item at the storage compartment's set temperature.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a refrigerator and a refrigerated item management system that eliminates the need for the user to directly check the temperature of the item to be cooled and set the temperature, and that can cool or thaw an item whose temperature deviates from the set temperature while suppressing temperature changes to other items to be cooled.

[0012] A refrigerator according to the present disclosure has a space temperature set to a set temperature range, and includes a storage compartment for storing items to be cooled, a cooler for generating cold air, an air duct having an air path for the cold air to flow from the cooler to the storage compartment, a cover provided in the air duct for adjusting the flow rate of the cold air flowing into the storage compartment, a floor surface of the storage compartment virtually divided into a plurality of areas, a plurality of heaters provided in each area, a plurality of sensors provided on a ceiling surface of the storage compartment, each measuring the temperature of the items to be cooled placed in each area, and a plurality of sensors whose measured values ​​fall within the set temperature range. and if there is a high-temperature area among the plurality of areas where the measured value is higher than the set temperature range, the control unit controls the lid to cool the high-temperature area with the cold air, thereby keeping the temperature of the cooled object placed in the high-temperature area within the set temperature range, and if there is a low-temperature area among the plurality of areas where the measured value is lower than the set temperature range, the control unit controls the heater provided in the low-temperature area to heat the low-temperature area, thereby keeping the temperature of the cooled object placed in the low-temperature area within the set temperature range.

[0013] The refrigerated object management system according to the present disclosure includes the refrigerator described above; an information processing device that receives information including measurement values ​​of the plurality of sensors from the refrigerator via a network, estimates the state of each of the one or more refrigerated objects placed in the storage compartment based on the received measurement values, and outputs the estimation results to the network; and an information processing terminal that receives the estimation results from the information processing device via the network, and displays the received information on the estimation results.

[0014] According to the refrigerator and refrigerated material management system of the present disclosure, the storage compartment is divided into multiple areas, each area is provided with a sensor for measuring the temperature of the refrigerated material, and the temperature of the refrigerated material in each area is controlled to fall within a set temperature range. Therefore, even if a new refrigerated material at room temperature or freezing temperature is stored in the storage compartment, the user does not have to go through the trouble of directly checking the temperature of the refrigerated material and setting the temperature, and the refrigerated material can be kept within the set temperature range of the storage compartment while minimizing the impact on other refrigerated materials.

[0015] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a refrigerated material management system including a refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a front view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 2, with the doors omitted from the drawing. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3, taken along line A-A. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an enlarged front view of the chilled compartment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state in which a case is stored in the chilled compartment shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the floor of the chilled compartment shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state in which a case is stored in the chilled compartment of the chilled compartment shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the positional relationship between the case and multiple heaters shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chilled compartment taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the chilled compartment taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control device, an external device, and an information processing terminal of a refrigerated material management system according to embodiment 1. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the case is pushed all the way into the chilled compartment and no objects to be cooled are stored therein. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the chilled compartment is closed and objects to be cooled are stored in all areas. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the chilled compartment is closed and objects to be cooled are stored in some of the multiple areas. FIG. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of the control device shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram showing another example of a configuration of the control device shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an operating procedure of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 20 is a graph showing a time series of measured values ​​of an infrared sensor and on / off states of a heater in temperature control performed by the refrigerator according to embodiment 1. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a part of an operating procedure of the cooled object management system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display unit by an information processing terminal. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on a display unit by an information processing terminal. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on a display unit by an information processing terminal.Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on a display unit by an information processing terminal;Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example (modification 1) of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a modified example (modification 3) of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a modified example (modification 4) of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;Fig.

[0016] Embodiments of a refrigerator and a refrigerated material management system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical components or parts corresponding to the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, redundant descriptions of those components are omitted, and descriptions will be simplified when repeated. The shapes, sizes, and layouts of the components shown in each drawing are not limited to those shown in the drawings and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below is one embodiment of the refrigerator and refrigerated material management system according to the present disclosure, and the refrigerator and refrigerated material management system according to the present disclosure are not limited to the scope of that embodiment. In the embodiments, the relative positions of multiple components (e.g., vertical relationship) are generally described based on the refrigerator being installed in a usable state. For ease of explanation, some of the drawings show three axes—X, Y, and Z—that define directions in three-dimensional space.

[0017] Embodiment 1. The configuration of a refrigerated material management system including a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerated material management system including a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. The refrigerated material management system 100 includes a refrigerator 1, an external device 80, and an information processing terminal 90. The refrigerator 1, the external device 80, and the information processing terminal 90 are each connected to each other for communication with other devices via a network 110.

[0018] The network 110 is a wide area network such as the Internet. The external device 80 is, for example, a computer that provides cloud computing services. The information processing terminal 90 is a terminal carried by the user of the refrigerator 1. In the first embodiment, the case where there is one information processing terminal 90 will be described, but there may be multiple information processing terminals 90. Furthermore, the case where there is one external device 80 will be described, but there may be multiple external devices 80.

[0019] (Configuration of refrigerator 1) The configuration of refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a front view of the refrigerator shown in Fig. 2 with the doors omitted from the drawing. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the refrigerator shown in Fig. 3 taken along line A-A.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, refrigerator 1 has an insulated box 2, which is the refrigerator main body, with an open front and a storage space 6 formed inside. Insulated box 2 has a steel outer box 3, a resin inner box 4, and a heat insulating material 5 filled in the space between the outer box 3 and the inner box 4. Inside insulated box 2, a storage space 6 is formed in which items to be cooled, such as food, are stored. Storage space 6 is divided by a plurality of partitions 7 to 10.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, refrigerator 1 has multiple storage compartments, including refrigerator compartment 11, ice making compartment 12, switchable compartment 13, vegetable compartment 14, and freezer compartment 15. Refrigerator compartment 11 is located on the top shelf. Ice making compartment 12 and switchable compartment 13 are located below refrigerator compartment 11. Ice making compartment 12 and switchable compartment 13 are adjacently arranged in parallel along a horizontal plane. Vegetable compartment 14 is located below switchable compartment 13 and ice making compartment 12. Freezer compartment 15 is located below vegetable compartment 14.

[0022] The switchable compartment 13 is a storage compartment that can be switched to a plurality of set temperature zones. The plurality of set temperature zones are, for example, a freezing temperature zone, a soft freezing temperature zone, a chilled temperature zone, a refrigerated temperature zone, and a vegetable storage temperature zone. The freezing temperature zone is, for example, approximately -18°C. The soft freezing temperature zone is, for example, approximately -7°C, specifically, in the range of -10°C to -4°C. The chilled temperature zone is, for example, approximately 0°C, specifically, in the range of -3°C to 0°C. The refrigerated temperature zone is, for example, approximately 3°C. The vegetable storage temperature zone is, for example, approximately 6°C.

[0023] Ice making compartment 12, switchable compartment 13, vegetable compartment 14, and freezer compartment 15 each have a drawer-type storage case (not shown) that the user can pull out toward the front of refrigerator 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , door 26 is provided in front of ice making compartment 12. Door 27 is provided in front of switchable compartment 13. Door 28 is provided in front of vegetable compartment 14. Door 29 is provided in front of freezer compartment 15. When viewing the doors from the front, the drawer-type storage case (not shown) has horizontally extending frames fixed to the right and left sides of the doors. Rails are provided on the inner walls of the storage compartments at positions corresponding to each of these pairs of frames. When the user holds the door and moves it in the front-to-back direction (Y axis) of refrigerator 1, the frames fixed to the door slide along the rails, allowing the door to be opened or closed.

[0024] A storage case (not shown) capable of storing items to be refrigerated is stored in the vegetable compartment 14 and can be freely pulled out. The storage case (not shown) is supported by a frame fixed to the door 28 and slides back and forth in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 28. A storage case (not shown) capable of storing items to be refrigerated, such as food, is also stored in the freezer compartment 15 and can be freely pulled out. Generally, each storage compartment is provided with one storage case. However, two or more storage cases may be provided in one storage compartment if this improves convenience, such as storage capacity and ease of organization, taking into consideration the overall capacity of the refrigerator 1.

[0025] The type and number of storage compartments included in refrigerator 1 are not limited to the configuration shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Refrigerator 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 is a bottom-freezer refrigerator in which freezer compartment 15 is located on the lowest level, but refrigerator 1 is not limited to a bottom-freezer refrigerator. For example, refrigerator 1 may be a top-freezer refrigerator in which freezer compartment 15 is located on the highest level. In the first embodiment, a bottom-freezer refrigerator will be described as an example of refrigerator 1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , rotating refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are attached to the outer case 3 via hinges 76 in front of the front surface 2a formed on the front face of the insulated box body 2 and are provided to open and close the opening 11c of the refrigerator compartment 11. The refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1 are of a double-door type. As shown in FIG. 2 , the refrigerator compartment door 20 has a built-in operation panel 23. The operation panel 23 includes an operation unit 24 for adjusting the set temperatures of the storage compartments, and a display unit 25 for displaying the temperatures of the storage compartments and inventory information within the storage compartment. The operation unit 24 is formed, for example, by operation switches. The display unit 25 is formed, for example, by a liquid crystal display. The operation panel 23 may be a touch panel in which the display unit 25 and the operation unit 24 are integrated together, with the operation unit 24 superimposed on the display unit 25.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, refrigerator compartment door 20 has a built-in wireless communication device 71 that connects to external device 80 via a network. Wireless communication device 71 is connected to operation panel 23 via signal line 73. As shown in Fig. 4, control device 70 is provided on the upper back surface of refrigerator 1, and operation panel 23 is connected to control device 70 via signal line 74. Wireless communication device 71 is connected to control device 70 via signal line 73, operation panel 23, and signal line 74.

[0028] The installation location of wireless communication device 71 is not limited to inside the front side of refrigerator 1. If wireless communication device 71 is installed inside refrigerator 1, it may be installed, for example, inside the side wall of refrigeration compartment 11 or near control device 70 inside the back side of refrigerator 1. Furthermore, the installation location of wireless communication device 71 is not limited to inside refrigerator 1, but may be on the top surface of outer casing 3 of refrigerator 1. Furthermore, wireless communication device 71 may be directly connected to control device 70 via a signal line without going through operation panel 23.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4 , a control device 70 that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1 is provided at the upper rear portion of the refrigerator 1. The rear side of the refrigerator 1 is provided with a cooling device 30 that generates cool air, an air duct 39 that supplies cool air to each of the storage compartments, i.e., the refrigerator compartment 11, the low temperature compartment 51, and the chilled compartment 50 shown in FIG. 3 , and a fan grill 43. The cooling device 30 includes a compressor 31, a cooler 32 that functions as an evaporator, a blower fan 33, an air passage 34, and a damper 36. The air passage 39 is connected to the air passage 34 via the damper 36. The air passage 34 is formed by an intra-partition air passage 34a formed in the partition 7 and an intra-fan grill air passage 34b formed in the fan grill 43. The damper 36 adjusts the volume of cool air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11, the low temperature compartment 51, and the chilled compartment 50.

[0030] Fan grill 43 is a component disposed on the rear of ice-making compartment 12, switchable compartment 13, and vegetable compartment 14. Cooler compartment 35 and air passage 34 are formed by fan grill 43 and insulation material 5 on the rear of refrigerator 1. Air duct 39 is provided above fan grill 43 via partition 7. As shown in FIG. 4 , a portion of inner box 4 forms rear surface 11a of refrigerator compartment 11 above shelf 41, and forms rear surface 11b of chilled compartment 50 between shelf 41 and partition 7. Air duct 39 is provided on rear surface 11a of refrigerator compartment 11 and rear surface 11b of chilled compartment 50.

[0031] The cooler 32 and the blower fan 33 are located inside the cooler compartment 35. The compressor 31 and the cooler 32, together with a condenser (not shown) and an expansion device (not shown), form a refrigeration cycle circuit that generates cold air to be supplied to each storage compartment. The expansion device (not shown) is, for example, a capillary tube. The cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle circuit including the compressor 31 and the cooler 32 is sent to an air duct 34 by the blower fan 33. A portion of the cold air sent by the blower fan 33 is supplied from the air duct 34 to the switchable compartment 13, the ice-making compartment 12, and the freezer compartment 15. The remaining cold air is supplied from the air duct 34 to the refrigerator compartment 11, the low-temperature compartment 51, and the chilled compartment 50 via a damper 36 and an air duct 39. The vegetable compartment 14 is cooled by returning cold air from the refrigerator compartment 11 through a refrigerator compartment return air duct (not shown).

[0032] A temperature sensor 37 that measures the ambient temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 is provided on the back surface 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11. A temperature sensor 38 is provided on the back surface 11b of the chilled compartment 50 near the air outlet 60b through which cool air flows from the air duct 39 into the chilled compartment 50. The temperature sensor 38 measures the ambient temperature near the air outlet 60b. The control device 70 references the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 38 when adjusting the temperature of the cool air flowing into the chilled compartment 50 from the air outlet 60b. The temperature sensors 37 and 38 are, for example, thermistors.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, multiple shelves 40a to 40d and 41 are installed inside refrigeration compartment 11. Shelves 40a to 40d and 41 are installed at intervals so as to divide the space inside refrigeration compartment 11 in the direction perpendicular to the installation surface of refrigerator 1 (Z axis). A low-temperature compartment 51 is formed between shelf 40d and shelf 41, and a chilled compartment 50 is formed between shelf 41 and partition 7. Shelves 40a to 40d and 41 are made of, for example, a light-transmitting material.

[0034] The low-temperature compartment 51 is a storage space 6 that is set to a supercooling temperature range, which is a temperature range below the freezing point of the object to be cooled but allows the object to be stored without freezing. The chilled compartment 50 is a storage space 6 that stores the object to be cooled in the chilled temperature range. A case 45 is housed in the chilled compartment 50. The case 45 is, for example, box-shaped with an open top. The case 45 is made of a translucent material. A handle 45a is provided on the front side of the case 45. The case 45 is a container that a user can grasp by the handle 45a and take out or put into the chilled compartment 50 to make it easier for the user to store or remove the object to be cooled in or from the chilled compartment 50. The case 45 is referred to as a chilled case.

[0035] The dimensions of case 45 are, for example, 588 mm in width (X-axis direction), 316 mm in depth (Y-axis direction), and 54 mm in height (Z-axis direction) from the front side. The top surface of case 45 is separated from refrigeration compartment 11 by shelf 41. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature of refrigeration compartment 11 is maintained in the refrigeration temperature range, the ambient temperature inside case 45 is maintained in the chilled temperature range, which is different from the refrigeration temperature range.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, a door open / close detection unit 75 that detects the open / closed states of refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 is provided inside the front side of partition 7. Door open / close detection unit 75 is connected to control device 70 via a signal line (not shown). When refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened, door open / close detection unit 75 transmits an open signal to control device 70, which is a signal indicating that the doors are open. When refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are closed, door open / close detection unit 75 transmits a close signal to control device 70, which is a signal indicating that the doors are closed. Door open / close detection unit 75 is, for example, a door switch or a reed switch.

[0037] In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that a low temperature compartment 51 and a chilled compartment 50 are provided below the refrigeration compartment 11, but the refrigerator 1 may also be configured with only one compartment, either the low temperature compartment 51 or the chilled compartment 50.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the chilled compartment 50 will be described. Fig. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the chilled compartment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, viewed from the front. In Fig. 5, in order to show the configuration of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e and the partition 7, the shelves other than the bottom shelf 41 among the multiple shelves 40a to 40d and the case 45 are omitted. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the case is stored in the chilled compartment shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the floor of the chilled compartment shown in Fig. 5.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, infrared sensors 53a to 53e are provided on the underside of shelf 41. Infrared sensor 53a is a first sensor. Infrared sensor 53b is a second sensor. Infrared sensor 53c is a third sensor. Infrared sensor 53d is a fourth sensor. Infrared sensor 53e is a fifth sensor. Furthermore, partition 7 has a plurality of heaters 54a to 54d provided on floor surface 7a of refrigerator compartment 11. Heater 54e (not shown) may be provided on floor surface 7a at a position opposite infrared sensor 53e. Heater 54a is a first heater. Heater 54b is a second heater. Heater 54c is a third heater. Heater 54d is a fourth heater. Heater 54e is a fifth heater. Each of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e and the heaters 54a to 54d is connected to the control device 70 via a signal line (not shown). As shown in Fig. 6, a case 45 is installed between the infrared sensors 53a to 53e and the heaters 54a to 54d. As shown in Fig. 7, the floor surface 7a is virtually divided into a plurality of areas 55a to 55e. Area 55a is the first area. Area 55b is the second area. Area 55c is the third area. Area 55d is the fourth area. Area 55e is the fifth area.

[0040] When case 45 is stored in chilled compartment 50, the bottom surface of case 45 is also virtually divided into areas 55a to 55e. Infrared sensors 53a to 53e are disposed facing areas 55a to 55e in a one-to-one relationship.

[0041] The infrared sensors 53a to 53e detect heat emitted from the object to be measured by infrared rays and transmit a voltage signal corresponding to the surface temperature of the object to the control device 70. In the first embodiment, the infrared sensors 53a to 53e are described as thermal sensors, but the infrared sensors 53a to 53e may also be quantum sensors.

[0042] Thermal sensors utilize the Seebeck effect, which generates an electromotive force between a cold part and a hot part. Thermal sensors measure the temperature of an object by detecting the amount of infrared energy emitted from the object. Thermal sensors generate a thermoelectric power proportional to the amount of incident infrared energy, thereby detecting the amount of heat of the object as a voltage difference. They are characterized by their low wavelength dependency, making them suitable for detecting temperature changes of an object over time. The infrared sensors 53a to 53e may convert a voltage signal into a temperature value and transmit it to the control device 70.

[0043] Each of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e detects infrared rays emitted from each of the areas 55a to 55e. The storage space of the chilled compartment 50 is divided into a plurality of areas 55a to 55e corresponding to the arrangement of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e, with one infrared sensor disposed in each area. The arrangement of the infrared sensors and the areas is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0044] Infrared sensors 53a to 53e begin measuring when refrigerator 1 starts operating. Consider a case where a user places an item to be cooled in area 55a in the initial stage after refrigerator 1 starts operating and before chilled compartment 50 reaches the chilled temperature range. The change over time in the measured value of infrared sensor 53a when an item to be cooled is placed in area 55a tends to differ from the change over time in the measured value of infrared sensor 53a when an item to be cooled is not placed in area 55a. Therefore, when an item to be cooled is placed in chilled compartment 50 in the initial stage, control device 70 can determine the presence or absence of an item to be cooled and the state of the item to be cooled based on the change over time in the measured values ​​of infrared sensors 53a to 53e.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the heaters 54a to 54d are provided at positions overlapping with the areas 55a to 55d, respectively. Each of the heaters 54a to 54d partially overlaps with the position of the area 55e, but is provided so as not to overlap with the areas 55a to 55d other than the area 55e. This configuration is not limiting, and five heaters may be provided so that the temperature can be controlled for each area. Furthermore, one heater may be provided so as to span two or more areas. Furthermore, the heaters 54a to 54d may be provided on the floor surface 7a.

[0046] The case 45 is made of a plastic material such as polystyrene or polypropylene, but is not limited to these materials. However, when the infrared sensors 53a to 53e are provided on the partition 7 side, it is desirable that the case 45 be made of a polypropylene material that easily transmits infrared rays emitted from the object to be cooled.

[0047] Next, the configuration for allowing cool air to flow from the air duct 39 into the chilled compartment 50 will be described. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the air ducts 39, partition 7, and fan grill 43 provided on the back surface 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the back surface 11b of the chilled compartment 50 shown in Fig. 4, as viewed from the front. The configuration of the low-temperature compartment 51 and chilled compartment 50 in the refrigerator compartment 11 is omitted in Fig. 8. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the state in which a case is stored in the chilled compartment of the refrigerator compartment shown in Fig. 8. The shelf 41, the side wall of the chilled compartment 50, and the partition 7 are omitted in Fig. 9.

[0048] A back surface 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11 and a back surface 11b of the chilled compartment 50 are provided with an air duct 39 for circulating the cool air cooled by the cooler 32 to the refrigerator compartment 11, the low-temperature compartment 51, and the chilled compartment 50. The air duct 39 is provided with a pair of air outlets 60a and 60b. The air outlet 60a is a first air outlet. The air outlet 60b is a second air outlet and is located to the right of the air outlet 60a when viewing the chilled compartment 50 from the front. The air outlets 60a and 60b are formed in an area 39a of the air duct 39 facing the chilled compartment 50 and are located behind the back surface of the case 45. The control device 70 independently controls the amount of cool air blown out from the air outlets 60a and 60b, thereby distributing the cool air and specifying a range for controlling the cooling speed and temperature depending on the position and temperature state of the object to be cooled within the case 45, thereby cooling the object to be cooled.

[0049] The air duct 39 has two air passages 52a and 52b for sending cool air to the chilled compartment 50. The air passage 52a is a first air passage. The air passage 52b is a second air passage and is located to the right of the air passage 52a when viewing the refrigerator 1 from the front. A damper 36 for controlling the distribution of cool air to the chilled compartment 50 is provided between the air passages 34 and 52a and between the air passages 34 and 52b. The air passage 34 is connected to the cooler compartment 35 on the side opposite the damper 36. The damper 36 has a first cover 56a and a second cover 56b corresponding to the air passages 52a and 52b. The covers 56a and 56b are controlled to open and close independently. By closing the cover 56a and opening only the right cover 56b, the cool air from the cooler chamber 35 flows only through the air passage 52b, and the cool air can be concentrated on the right side inside the case 45.

[0050] On the other hand, by closing the lid 56b and opening only the left lid 56a, cold air from the cooler chamber 35 flows only through the air passage 52a, concentrating the cold air on the left side of the case 45. Opening both the lids 56a and 56b allows cold air to flow throughout the entire interior of the case 45, enabling rapid cooling. A damper and a lid may be provided for each storage compartment. In this case, the refrigerator 1 forms a flow of cold air generated by the cooler 32 using the blower fan 33, and controls the opening and closing of the dampers and lids provided for each storage compartment to stop or direct the flow of cold air, thereby distributing the cold air to each storage compartment. In FIG. 8, the lids 56a and 56b are provided above the air outlets 60a and 60b, respectively. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the lids 56a and 56b may be provided inside the damper 36 shown in FIG. 8. Although an air passage for the refrigerator compartment is provided above the air passages 52a and 52b, it is not shown in FIGS.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the case shown in FIG. 6 and multiple heaters. As shown in FIG. 10, heaters 54a-54d are arranged inside the partition 7, corresponding to the detection areas 57a-57d of the infrared sensors 53a-53d. A heater 54e (not shown) may also be arranged corresponding to the detection area 57e of the infrared sensor 53e. The partition 7 forms the floor of the chilled compartment 50 and serves to separate the refrigerator compartment 11 from the ice-making compartment 12 and the switchable compartment 13. The heaters 54a-54d are composed of a heating wire such as a nichrome wire and a metal part attached to the heating wire. The heaters 54a-54d can set the floor temperature of the chilled compartment 50 to one of several temperatures by changing the current value of the heating wire.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chilled compartment taken along line B-B in Fig. 6. Fig. 11 shows a case where no object to be cooled is stored in case 45 of chilled compartment 50. Fig. 12 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the chilled compartment taken along line B-B in Fig. 6. Fig. 12 shows a case where object to be cooled 65 is stored in case 45 of chilled compartment 50. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the cross-sectional structure shown in Fig. 11. Here, the case of infrared sensor 53e will be mainly described.

[0053] An opening is provided on the underside 41a of the shelf 41 corresponding to each of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e. The infrared sensor 53a is provided so that the lens 58 of the infrared sensor 53a fits within the opening. The lens 58 of the infrared sensor 53e faces downward within the opening to measure the temperature of the case 45 or the object to be cooled by infrared rays. In the first embodiment, the diameter of the lenses 58 of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e is approximately 10 mm. The diameter of the opening is equal to or larger than the diameter of the lens 58. The surface of the lens 58 is located at the same height as the underside 41a of the shelf 41 or higher than the underside 41a. This arrangement prevents the lens 58 from coming into contact with the object to be cooled stored in the case 45 when the user pulls out the case 45.

[0054] Although not shown in the figure, the infrared sensors 53a to 53e each have four terminals VDD, GND, VTamb, and VTobj. VDD is a terminal to which a power supply line is connected, and a 5V power supply is input from the control device 70. GND is a terminal to which a GND line is connected, and a reference potential (0V) is input from the control device 70. VTamb is a terminal to which a first output line is connected, and a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the infrared sensors 53a to 53e is output. VTobj is a terminal to which a second output line is connected, and a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the cooled object or the temperature of the case 45 measured by the infrared sensors 53a to 53e, respectively, is output. The power supply wire, GND wire, first output wire, and second output wire extend from inside the shelf 41 to the rear or left and right sides of the shelf 41, are pulled into the inside of the insulated box 2 from the rear or left and right sides of the shelf 41, are routed upward inside the insulated box 2 along the back surface 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11, and are connected to the control device 70.

[0055] In the orientation shown in Figures 11 and 12, the vertical width of the main body 59 including the lens 58 of each of the infrared sensors 53a-53e is approximately 5 mm, and the vertical width including the main body 59 and terminals is approximately 7 mm. Therefore, the vertical width of the shelf 41 in which the infrared sensors 53a-53e are installed is designed to be approximately 10 mm. The shelf 41 may be provided with an insulating material such as urethane foam or vacuum insulation on the inside. Furthermore, since the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartment 11 and the chilled compartment 50 is small, the shelf 41 may be configured to have an air layer inside. In this case, the air layer suppresses heat transfer between the refrigerator compartment 11 and the chilled compartment 50. The shelf 41 is configured by assembling components that form the upper surface and components that form the lower surface 41a.

[0056] Infrared sensors 53a to 53e detect infrared rays emitted from the object to be cooled or case 45 within corresponding detection areas 57a to 57e. When lens 58 is flat, infrared sensors 53a to 53e detect infrared rays emitted from an object directly below lens 58. Therefore, detection areas 57a to 57e are regions where the bottom surface of case 45 overlaps with lens 58 of infrared sensors 53a to 53e in the vertical direction (Z axis) when case 45 is pushed all the way into refrigerator compartment 11 (when case 45 is stored in chilled compartment 50). This configuration prevents infrared sensors 53a to 53e from detecting infrared rays from objects to be cooled placed in other areas.

[0057] The structure of lens 58 and the areas of detection areas 57a-57e are not limited to this configuration. If lens 58 is curved, detection areas 57a-57e may be regions where a truncated cone extending vertically downward from the outer periphery of lens 58 intersects with the bottom surface of case 45. In this case, detection areas 57a-57e overlap with lenses 58 of infrared sensors 53a-53e in the vertical direction (Z axis) of case 45 and extend concentrically around lens 58. With this configuration, detection areas 57a-57e are larger than when only infrared light emitted from an object directly below lens 58 is detected. Therefore, infrared sensors 53a-53e can easily detect objects placed in the center of the front side of chilled compartment 50 in the left-right direction (X axis direction) or the back side of chilled compartment 50 in the left-right direction (X axis direction). The detection areas 57a to 57e are located at the center of the corresponding areas 55a to 55e.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the number of infrared sensors is five, and the number of areas in the case 45 is five. The size of the areas is determined based on the smallest size of containers, such as trays, commercially available. For example, among the trays used to store meat, fish, or other ingredients sold in food stores, a container measuring 80 mm in length and 80 mm in width is the smallest size container. The sizes of areas 55a to 55e are determined so that when this container is placed in the case 45, it will be detected in one of areas 55a to 55e. As shown in FIG. 15 , when the case 45 is pushed all the way into the refrigerator compartment 11 and the refrigerator 1 (insulated box 2) is viewed from the front, area 55a is located on the left side of the front of the chilled compartment 50 (case 45). Area 55b is located on the right side of the front of the chilled compartment 50 (case 45). Area 55c is located on the left side of the rear of the chilled compartment 50 (case 45). Area 55d is provided on the rear right side of chilled compartment 50 (case 45). Area 55e is provided in the center of chilled compartment 50 (case 45) in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and left-to-right direction (X-axis direction), and is provided between areas 55a and 55d and between areas 55b and 55c.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the positions and number of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e provided on the shelf 41 and the positions and number of the areas 55a to 55e facing the respective infrared sensors 53a to 53e are not limited to the configurations described with reference to Figures 5 to 7, and can be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the positions and number of the heaters 54a to 54d provided corresponding to the areas 55a to 55d are not limited to the positions and number described with reference to Figure 10.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the control device 70 will be described. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control device, external device, and information processing terminal of the cooled object management system according to embodiment 1. The control device 70 is configured, for example, by a calculation device such as a microcomputer or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and software executed by the calculation device. Furthermore, the hardware of the control device 70 may be configured by a dedicated circuit that realizes the functions described below. An example hardware configuration will be described later.

[0061] Control device 70 receives measurement values ​​from infrared sensors 53a-53e and temperature sensors 37 and 38, and receives operation signals from operation unit 24 of operation panel 23. Based on the measurement values ​​from infrared sensors 53a-53e and temperature sensors 37 and 38, control device 70 controls the operating frequency of compressor 31, the rotation speed of blower fan 33, and the opening degree of damper 36 so as to maintain the temperature of each storage compartment in refrigerator 1 within the set temperature range for that compartment. For example, refrigerator compartment 11 is set to a refrigeration temperature range, chilled compartment 50 to a chilled temperature range, freezer compartment 15 to a freezing temperature range, and vegetable compartment 14 to a vegetable storage temperature range. Control device 70 causes display unit 25 of operation panel 23 to display information such as the temperature of each storage compartment and inventory information within the refrigerator.

[0062] For example, if the measured value of the temperature sensor 38 is outside the chilled temperature range, the control device 70 determines that the air temperature in the chilled compartment 50 is outside the chilled temperature range and controls the damper 36 to an open state. As a result, cool air is supplied to the chilled compartment 50 from the air outlet 60a or 60b, lowering the temperature in the chilled compartment 50. The control device 70 also supplies the return cool air from the refrigerator compartment 11 to the chilled compartment 50, raising the temperature in the chilled compartment 50. In this way, the control device 70 controls the ambient temperature in the chilled compartment 50 to be within the chilled temperature range. On the other hand, if the measured value of the temperature sensor 38 remains higher than the chilled temperature range even when the damper 36 is open, the control device 70 determines that the damper 36 is not operating normally and notifies the user of the abnormality in the damper 36 via the operation panel 23 or the information processing terminal 90.

[0063] The control device 70 switches the heaters 54a-54d between on and off states or changes the power conduction rate based on the determination of the presence or absence of an object to be cooled and the measurement of the object's temperature. This is explained in detail below. The control device 70 determines whether the measurements of the infrared sensors 53a-53e fall within the chilled temperature range. If there is a high-temperature area among the areas 55a-55e where the infrared sensor measurements are higher than the chilled temperature range, the control device 70 controls the lid 56a or 56b. This cools the high-temperature area with cool air, thereby bringing the temperature of the object to be cooled in the high-temperature area into the chilled temperature range. On the other hand, if there is a low-temperature area among the areas 55a-55e where the infrared sensor measurements are lower than the chilled temperature range, the control device 70 controls the heater provided in the low-temperature area. This raises the temperature of the low-temperature area, bringing the temperature of the object to be cooled in the low-temperature area into the chilled temperature range.

[0064] Furthermore, when infrared sensors 53a to 53e measure a temperature different from the temperature of case 45, control device 70 determines that an object to be cooled is placed in one of areas 55a to 55e where the measured temperature is different from the temperature of case 45. For example, control device 70 operates heaters 54a to 54d when refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened or closed, and determines the presence or absence of an object to be cooled for each of the multiple areas based on the difference between the change over time in the temperature of case 45 due to heating by heaters 54a to 54d and the change over time in the temperature of the object to be cooled.

[0065] The control device 70 determines the ratio of areas determined to contain refrigerated materials to all of the areas 55a to 55e as the storage compartment storage rate from the determination results of the presence or absence of refrigerated materials in each of the areas 55a to 55e. The control device 70 transmits area information including information on the presence or absence of refrigerated materials in each of the areas 55a to 55e and the storage compartment storage rate to the information processing terminal 90 via the wireless communication device 71 and the network 110. The control device 70 may also transmit the area information to the external device 80 via the wireless communication device 71 and the network 110.

[0066] Here, a specific example of how the control device 70 calculates the storage rate will be described. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of a case in which a case is pushed all the way to the back of the chilled compartment and no cooled object is stored therein. In the case of Fig. 15, infrared sensors 53a-53e detect the temperature of case 45 within detection areas 57a-57e, so control device 70 determines that no cooled object 65 is stored in case 45 and calculates a storage rate of 0%.

[0067] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a case where the chilled compartment is closed and cooled items are stored in all areas. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a case where the chilled compartment is closed and cooled items are stored in some of the multiple areas. In the case of FIG. 16, cooled items are placed in all detection areas 57a to 57e, and all infrared sensors 53a to 53e measure the temperature of the cooled items. Therefore, the control device 70 determines that cooled items are stored in all areas 55a to 55e and calculates a storage rate of 100%. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a case where the chilled compartment is closed and cooled items are stored in some of the multiple areas. In FIG. 17, cooled items are placed in detection area 57d, and no cooled items are placed in the other detection areas. In this case, only infrared sensor 53d measures the temperature of the cooled items. The storage rate in the case shown in FIG. 17 is 20%.

[0068] When the storage rate of the cooled objects is reduced based on the detection values ​​of infrared sensors 53a to 53e, control device 70 transmits information indicating that the storage rate of the cooled objects is reduced as the state of the cooled objects to information processing terminal 90 via wireless communication device 71. When the storage rate of the cooled objects is reduced, for example, when the storage rate is 20% or less.

[0069] When a user selects one of multiple thawing modes, the control device 70 predicts the time required to thaw the cooled object from a table showing the relationship between temperature and time, and estimates the time when thawing will be completed.

[0070] There are two considerations when using an infrared sensor to detect food inventory. The first is that the temperature inside the refrigerator rises when the user opens the door due to the inflow of outside air. The second is that after the food has acclimatized to the refrigerator temperature, the sensor may erroneously detect whether the food has been removed or remains after the user opens and closes the door. To address these two considerations, the control device 70 activates the heaters 54a-54d to heat the case 45 when the user closes the door. This allows the control device 70 to accurately estimate the food inventory based on the difference in the temperature rise over time in areas 55a-55e. This control is effective even if items to be cooled at temperatures similar to those in the chilled temperature range are stored in the chilled compartment 50.

[0071] When the control device 70 determines from the temperature information measured by each of the infrared sensors 53a-53e that the temperature of the object to be cooled has stabilized within the set temperature range, there is no need to open / close the damper 36 or energize the heaters 54a-54d unless the user issues a command to switch to the defrosting mode or rapid cooling mode via the information processing terminal 90. Therefore, the control device 70 switches the damper 36 to a closed state and stops the supply of power to the heaters 54a-54d. This automatically switches to an energy-saving mode that reduces the power consumption of the heaters 54a-54d and the cooling device 30.

[0072] Here, an example of the hardware of the control device 70 described with reference to Fig. 14 will be described. Fig. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device shown in Fig. 14. When the various functions of the control device 70 are executed by hardware, the control device 70 shown in Fig. 14 is configured by a processing circuit 150 shown in Fig. 18.

[0073] When the functions of the control device 70 are performed in hardware, the processing circuitry 150 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0074] Another example of hardware for the control device 70 shown in Fig. 14 will now be described. Fig. 19 is a hardware configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the control device shown in Fig. 14. When the various functions of the control device 70 are executed by software, the control device 70 is configured with a processor 151 such as a CPU and a memory 152, as shown in Fig. 19. The various functions of the control device 70 are realized by the processor 151 and the memory 152. Fig. 19 shows that the processor 151 and the memory 152 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 153.

[0075] When the various functions of the control device 70 are executed by software, the various functions of the control device 70 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 152. The processor 151 realizes the various functions of the control device 70 by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 152.

[0076] The memory 152 may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), or an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, the memory 152 may be a volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM). Alternatively, the memory 152 may be a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), or a digital versatile disc (DVD).

[0077] In the first embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is described as having the wireless communication device 71 , but the control device 70 may have a communication function executed by the wireless communication device 71 .

[0078] Next, the configuration of the external device 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The external device 80 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server or a workstation. The external device 80 has a storage unit 81 and a control unit 82. The control unit 82 has an estimation unit 83 and a learning unit 84. The storage unit 81 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The hardware of the control unit 82 has the same configuration as that described with reference to Fig. 19, for example.

[0079] The storage unit 81 stores various data received from the control device 70 of the refrigerator 1. The various data received from the control device 70 are, for example, time series data of the measurement values ​​of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e and time series data of the storage rate of the chilled compartment 50. This time series data may include information on the time of day and the day of the week. The storage unit 81 stores a learning model.

[0080] The learning unit 84 takes as input time-series data of the measured values ​​of each of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e and constructs a learning model that outputs the time at which the cooled materials will converge to a set temperature range. The learning unit 84 also takes as input time-series data of the storage rate of the chilled compartment 50 and constructs a learning model that outputs and stores the consumption trend of the cooled materials. The consumption trend of the cooled materials is, for example, the storage rate falling below a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined period of time. The period is, for example, 3 to 7 days. The threshold value is, for example, 20%. The learning unit 84 constructs the learning model using a learning algorithm such as supervised learning, reinforcement learning, or unsupervised learning.

[0081] The estimation unit 83 estimates temperature changes in areas 55a to 55e based on time-series data of measurement values ​​from each of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e. The estimation unit 83 estimates the user's consumption of refrigerated items based on time-series data of the storage rate of the chilled compartment 50. When performing these estimation processes, the estimation unit 83 may make estimations using a learning model stored in the memory unit 81. When the estimation unit 83 receives the storage rate and measurement values ​​from the multiple infrared sensors from the control device 70, the estimation unit 83 may use this information and the learning model to predict the temperature or inventory of the refrigerated items and estimate an appropriate operating mode or inventory information to suggest to the user.

[0082] Next, the configuration of the information processing terminal 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The information processing terminal 90 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information processing terminal 90 has a storage unit 91, a control unit 92, a display unit 93, and an operation unit 94. The storage unit 91 is, for example, an SSD. The display unit 93 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 94 is, for example, a touch panel. The hardware of the control unit 92 has the same configuration as that described with reference to Fig. 18 or 19, for example.

[0083] The memory unit 91 stores information received from the refrigerator 1 and information received from the external device 80. The control unit 92 displays the information received from the refrigerator 1 and the information received from the external device 80 on the display unit. For example, when the control unit 92 receives area information from the refrigerator 1, it displays an image on the display unit 93 indicating in which area 55 of the chilled compartment 50 the item to be cooled is stored. When the user inputs an instruction via the operation unit 94, the control unit 92 transmits the instruction information to the control device 70 of the refrigerator 1 or the control unit 82 of the external device 80.

[0084] Next, the inventory management and temperature control operations performed by the refrigerated material management system 100 including the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23. FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing an example of the operating procedure of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the infrared sensor measurement values ​​and the heater on / off states in time series in the temperature control performed by the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing a part of the operating procedure of the refrigerated material management system according to the first embodiment. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 23 is intended to show the timing of sending and receiving information between devices, and does not include detailed content of the processing performed by each device. Here, the case where a case 45 is stored in the chilled compartment 50 will be described.

[0085] When the refrigerator 1 starts operation, the infrared sensors 53a to 53e measure the temperatures of the areas 55a to 55e in time series and transmit the measured temperature values ​​of the areas 55a to 55e to the control device .

[0086] In step S1, the control device 70 determines whether the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 have been opened or closed. Specifically, the control device 70 determines whether the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 have been opened or closed as follows. When the user opens the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21, the door open / close detection unit 75 sends an open signal to the control device 70. Next, the user pulls out the case 45 to open the chilled compartment 50 and places an item to be cooled in the case 45. The user then closes the chilled compartment 50 and the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21. When the user closes the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21, the door open / close detection unit 75 sends a close signal to the control device 70. When the control device 70 receives an open signal from the door open / close detection unit 75 and then receives a close signal from the door open / close detection unit 75, it determines that the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 have been opened or closed.

[0087] If the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are not opened or closed (step S1: No), the control device 70 repeats the determination process of step S1. On the other hand, if the control device 70 determines that the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened or closed (step S1: Yes), the control device 70 operates the heaters 54a to 54d (step S2). Next, the control device 70 acquires measurements from the infrared sensors 53a to 53e to determine whether or not an object to be cooled is placed in each of the areas 55a to 55e (step S3). After acquiring the measurements from the infrared sensors 53a to 53e, the control device 70 determines whether or not an object to be cooled is placed in each of the areas 55a to 55e based on the temperature information of each of the areas.

[0088] Here, a method for the control device 70 to determine whether or not there is an object to be cooled in each of the areas 55a to 55e in the processing of steps S2 and S3 will be described.

[0089] Consider a case where an object to be cooled has been stored in chilled compartment 50 for a long period of time, such as one day or more. Here, we will explain an example where an object to be cooled has been stored in area 55a for a long period of time. The temperature of the object to be cooled falls within the chilled temperature range, which is the set temperature range of case 45. The temperatures of not only case 45 but also floor 7a and ceiling surface of chilled compartment 50 also fall within the chilled temperature range. In this state, it is difficult for control device 70 to determine whether an object to be cooled is present in area 55a from the measurement value of infrared sensor 53a.

[0090] Therefore, the control device 70 operates the heaters 54a-54d to raise the temperature of the case 45, for example, when the refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened or closed. The heaters 54a-54d are operated for, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes. When an object to be cooled is placed in any area of ​​the case 45, the object itself has heat capacity, so the temperature of the object is less likely to rise when heated by the heaters 54a-54d than when the case 45 is placed alone. On the other hand, when no object to be cooled is placed in the case 45, the temperature of the case 45 alone is more likely to rise due to heating by the heaters 54a-54d. For example, when the heater 54a is operated, a difference occurs in the temperature measured by the infrared sensor 53a between when an object to be cooled is placed in the area 55a and when no object to be cooled is placed in the area 55a.

[0091] The control device 70 pre-stores a reference temperature T0, which is a reference value for the temperature of each of the areas 55a-55e for a predetermined time tref from the start of heater operation when the heaters 54a-54d are operated when no object to be cooled is stored in the case 45. Here, the reference temperature T0 is the same for the areas 55a-55e, but the reference temperature T0 may be different for each of the areas 55a-55e. An example of the reference temperature T0 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. The set temperature Tset shown on the vertical axis of FIG. 22 indicates the center of the chilled temperature range. In graph ga1 showing temperature changes over time, the reference temperature T0 is the temperature of each of the areas 55a-55e when no object to be cooled is stored when the heaters 54a-54d are turned on from time t1 to time t2. Here, tref = t2 - t1.

[0092] The control device 70 operates each of the heaters 54a-54d for a time tref starting at time t1, obtains measurements from the infrared sensors 53a-53e, and compares the temperatures Ta-Te of the areas 55a-55e at time t2 with a reference temperature T0. If any of the temperatures Ta-Te is lower than the reference temperature T0, the control device 70 determines that an object to be cooled is placed in the area with a temperature lower than the reference temperature T0. On the other hand, if any of the temperatures Ta-Te is equal to the reference temperature T0, the control device 70 determines that no object to be cooled is placed in the area with a temperature equal to the reference temperature T0. In FIG. 22, graph ga2 shows the change over time in the temperature of the area where the object to be cooled is placed. A threshold value may be predetermined to determine whether the temperature measured by each of the infrared sensors 53a-53e is lower than the reference temperature T0.

[0093] In this way, control device 70 can determine whether or not there is an object to be cooled in each of areas 55a to 55e. This determination method is executed when refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened and closed in step S1, and is therefore effective both when a user places a new object to be cooled at a temperature similar to that in the chilled temperature range into case 45 and when a user removes an object to be cooled from case 45.

[0094] Furthermore, referring to Figure 22, it will be explained that when refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened and closed, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an item to be cooled when the item to be cooled that the user has newly placed in case 45 is at a temperature higher than the chilled temperature range or a temperature lower than the chilled temperature range.

[0095] Graph gb0 in FIG. 22 shows the change over time when the temperature of a newly placed object to be cooled in case 45 is higher than the chilled temperature range. Graph gb0 indicates a value at time t2 that is more than three times higher than reference temperature T0. If any of temperatures Ta to Te at time t2 is more than three times higher than reference temperature T0, control device 70 determines that a high-temperature object to be cooled has been placed in an area where the temperature is more than three times higher than reference temperature T0. While the high-temperature threshold, which is the criterion for determining whether a cooled object with a temperature higher than the chilled temperature range has been placed in case 45 based on the measurements of infrared sensors 53a to 53e, is more than three times higher than reference temperature T0, the high-temperature threshold is not limited to three times the reference temperature T0. Control device 70 stores a predetermined high-temperature threshold.

[0096] On the other hand, graph gc0 in FIG. 22 shows the change over time when the temperature of a newly placed object to be cooled in case 45 is lower than the chilled temperature range. Graph gc0 indicates a value at time t2 that is more than three times lower than the absolute value of reference temperature T0. If any of temperatures Ta-Te at time t2 is more than three times lower than the absolute value of reference temperature T0, control device 70 determines that a low-temperature object to be cooled has been placed in an area where the temperature is more than three times lower than the absolute value of reference temperature T0. While the low-temperature threshold, which is the criterion for determining whether a cooled object with a temperature lower than the chilled temperature range has been placed in case 45 based on the measurements of infrared sensors 53a-53e, is more than three times lower than the absolute value of reference temperature T0, the low-temperature threshold is not limited to three times the absolute value of reference temperature T0. Control device 70 stores a predetermined low-temperature threshold.

[0097] In this way, control device 70 can determine whether or not an object to be cooled is present in each of areas 55a to 55e. Although the description has been given for the case where case 45 is stored in chilled compartment 50, if case 45 is not stored in chilled compartment 50, control device 70 can determine whether or not an object to be cooled is present based on the difference between the temperature change of the object to be cooled and the temperature change of floor surface 7a, in the same manner as described above.

[0098] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in Fig. 20, after processing step S3, control device 70 determines whether or not there is an object to be cooled in each of areas 55a to 55e, and then calculates the ratio of areas determined to contain an object to be cooled to the total of areas 55a to 55e as the storage rate of objects to be cooled in case 45 (step S4).

[0099] Control device 70 transmits area information, including information on the presence or absence of refrigerated items and storage rates in areas 55a to 55e of case 45, to information processing terminal 90 via wireless communication device 71 and network 110 (step S5, step SD1 shown in FIG. 23). When control unit 92 of information processing terminal 90 receives the first information from refrigerator 1, it stores the first information in memory unit 91 and displays the first information on display unit 93 (step SD5 shown in FIG. 23). Thereafter, when control unit 92 of information processing terminal 90 receives new area information from refrigerator 1, it updates the information stored in memory unit 91.

[0100] The control device 70 may transmit the area information to the external device 80 via the wireless communication device 71 and the network 110 (step SD2 shown in FIG. 23). The operation of the external device 80 in this case will be described later.

[0101] After the processing of step S5, the control device 70 acquires measurement values ​​from each of the infrared sensors 53a-53e in chronological order and estimates the state of the cooled objects in each of the areas 55a-55e (step S6). Specifically, in step S6, the control device 70 monitors the measurement values ​​of the areas 55a-55e where the cooled objects are placed. In FIG. 22, the measured temperatures are assumed to be T1-T3 corresponding to times t1-t3 in the monitored areas. Here, the case will be described where a user has placed a new cooled object in area 55a, and area 55a is the area being monitored.

[0102] In Figure 22, the temperature change over time of room temperature food or high-temperature heat-treated food is represented by graph gb0. The temperature change over time of frozen food that needs to be thawed is represented by graph gc0. As shown in Figure 22, the temperature of either food will eventually converge to the chilled temperature range of -3°C to 0°C due to the cold air supplied to case 45.

[0103] In step S7, control device 70 determines whether temperature T3 measured by infrared sensor 53a at time t3 is higher than temperature T2 measured by infrared sensor 53a at time t2 for monitored area 55a. If the determination in step S7 shows that temperature T3 is higher than temperature T2, control device 70 determines that room temperature or high temperature food has been stored in case 45 as the item to be cooled, and proceeds to processing in step S8. On the other hand, if the determination in step S7 shows that temperature T3 is equal to or lower than temperature T2, control device 70 determines that frozen food requiring thawing has been stored in case 45 as the item to be cooled, and proceeds to processing in step S14.

[0104] In step S8 shown in Fig. 21, control device 70 transmits mode request information requesting the user to select the defrosting mode to information processing terminal 90 (step SD6 shown in Fig. 23). When control unit 92 of information processing terminal 90 receives the mode request information from refrigerator 1, it causes display unit 93 to display an image including a message urging the user to select the defrosting mode.

[0105] In the first embodiment, three types of thawing modes will be described, for example, a normal thawing mode, an energy-saving thawing mode, and a shortened thawing mode. The energy-saving thawing mode is a mode in which refrigerator 1 operates with reduced power consumption until the temperature of the objects to be cooled reaches the chilled temperature range. The normal thawing mode is a mode in which the current operating state of refrigerator 1 is maintained until the temperature of the objects to be cooled reaches the chilled temperature range. The shortened thawing mode is a mode in which heater 54a provided in monitored area 55a is turned on to forcibly thaw the objects to be cooled, thereby shortening the thawing time compared to the normal thawing mode and the energy-saving thawing mode.

[0106] If the user is not in a hurry to thaw the cooled items, the user selects the normal thawing mode. If the user is not in a hurry to thaw the cooled items and wants to save power consumption, the user selects the energy-saving thawing mode. If the user wants to quickly thaw the cooled items, the user selects the accelerated thawing mode. The user operates the operation unit 94 of the information processing terminal 90 to input an instruction to select one of the three thawing modes. The control unit 92 transmits information about the thawing mode selected by the user to the refrigerator 1 (step SD7 shown in FIG. 23).

[0107] 21, the control device 70 determines whether the defrosting condense mode has been selected. If the determination result in step S8 is that the defrosting condense mode has not been selected (step S8: No), the control device 70 proceeds to the process of step S10. In other words, if the normal defrosting mode or the energy-saving defrosting mode has been selected, the control device 70 proceeds to the process of step S10.

[0108] In step S10, when the normal thawing mode is selected, the control device 70 predicts the time required to thaw the cooled object from a table showing the relationship between temperature and time, and estimates the time when thawing will be completed. The time when thawing will be completed is the time when the surface temperature of the cooled object reaches the chilled temperature range, for example, the time when the surface temperature of the cooled object reaches -3°C. The control device 70 then transmits the estimated time, that is, the estimated thawing completion time, to the information processing terminal 90 (step S10). In FIG. 22, graph gc2 shows the change in temperature of the cooled object when the normal thawing mode is selected. In this case, the estimated thawing completion time is t8. The control unit 92 of the information processing terminal 90 causes the display unit 93 to display the estimated thawing completion time t8 received from the refrigerator 1.

[0109] Furthermore, in step S10, when the energy-saving thawing mode is selected, the control device 70 predicts the time required to thaw the object from a table showing the relationship between temperature and time, and estimates the time when thawing will be completed. The control device 70 then transmits the estimated thawing completion time, which is the estimated time, to the information processing terminal 90 (step S10). In Figure 22, graph gc3 shows the change in temperature of the object when the energy-saving thawing mode is selected. In this case, the estimated thawing completion time is t9. The control unit 92 of the information processing terminal 90 causes the display unit 93 to display the estimated thawing completion time t9 received from the refrigerator 1.

[0110] Thereafter, the control device 70 acquires temperature information of the monitored area 55a in chronological order from the infrared sensor 53a, and repeats the processing of steps S10 to S12 until the temperature of the area 55a falls within the chilled temperature range (step S12: Yes).

[0111] On the other hand, if the thawing condensed mode is selected in step S8, the control device 70 operates the heater 54a in the monitored area 55a (step S9). This reduces the thawing time of the cooled object. If the thawing condensed mode is selected, the control device 70 predicts the time required to thaw the cooled object from a table showing the relationship between temperature and time in step S10, and estimates the time when thawing will be completed. The control device 70 then transmits the estimated thawing completion time, which is the estimated time, to the information processing terminal 90 (step S10). In FIG. 22, graph gc1 shows the change in temperature of the cooled object when the thawing condensed mode is selected. In this case, the estimated thawing completion time is t6. The control unit 92 of the information processing terminal 90 displays the estimated thawing completion time t6 received from the refrigerator 1 on the display unit 93.

[0112] Thereafter, the control device 70 acquires temperature information of the monitored area 55a from the infrared sensor 53a in chronological order, and repeats the processes of steps S10 to S12 until the temperature of the area 55a falls within the chilled temperature range (step S12: Yes). Because the heater 54a heats the cooled object placed in the area 55a from the floor up, the surface of the cooled object is the last to thaw. The control device 70 can estimate the time when thawing is complete from the chronological data of the heater 54a output and the temperature of the surface of the cooled object. When the temperature of the monitored area 55a falls within the chilled temperature range, the control device 70 stops the operation of the heater 54a (step S13).

[0113] The estimated decompression completion time is displayed on the display unit 93 of the information processing terminal 90, so that the user is notified earlier when the decompression shortening mode is executed. Furthermore, steps S10 to S12 are repeated thereafter, so that the user is notified sequentially via the information processing terminal 90 of more accurate estimated decompression completion times. The estimated decompression completion time when the energy-saving decompression mode is selected is time t9 shown in FIG. 22. The estimated decompression completion time when the normal decompression mode is selected is time t8 shown in FIG. 22. The estimated decompression completion time when the decompression shortening mode is selected is time t5 shown in FIG. 22, which shows that the decompression time can be shortened compared to times t8 and t9.

[0114] If the shortened defrosting mode is selected, in step S10, the control device 70 may transmit to the information processing terminal 90 information inquiring about the state of the object to be cooled determined based on the measurement value of the infrared sensor 53a corresponding to the monitored area 55a and whether to switch the state of the heater 54a. In this case, when the control device 70 receives control information for changing the conduction rate of the heater 54a from the information processing terminal 90, the control device 70 changes the conduction rate of the heater 54a based on the control information.

[0115] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S7 is that temperature T3 is equal to or lower than temperature T2 (step S7: No), control device 70 transmits mode confirmation request information to information processing terminal 90 inquiring whether or not to select the rapid cooling mode (step SD6 shown in FIG. 23). In step S14, upon receiving the mode confirmation request information from refrigerator 1, control unit 92 of information processing terminal 90 causes display unit 93 to display an image including a message inquiring the user whether or not to select the rapid cooling mode.

[0116] If the user desires to rapidly cool the object to be cooled, the user operates the operation unit 94 of the information processing terminal 90 to input an instruction to select the rapid cooling mode. If the user does not desire to rapidly cool the object to be cooled, the user operates the operation unit 94 of the information processing terminal 90 to input an instruction not to select the rapid cooling mode. The control unit 92 transmits the instruction information input by the user to the refrigerator 1 (step SD7 shown in FIG. 23).

[0117] 21, the control device 70 determines whether or not the rapid cooling mode has been selected when receiving user instruction information from the information processing terminal 90. If the determination result of step S14 is that the rapid cooling mode has not been selected (step S14: No), the control device 70 proceeds to the processing of step S16.

[0118] In step S16, the control device 70 predicts the time required to cool the object to be cooled from a table showing the relationship between temperature and time, and estimates the time when cooling will be completed. The control device 70 then transmits the estimated cooling completion time, which is the estimated time, to the information processing terminal 90 (step S16). In Figure 22, graph gb2 is a graph showing the change in temperature of the object to be cooled when rapid cooling mode is not selected. In this case, the estimated cooling completion time is t7. The control unit 92 of the information processing terminal 90 causes the display unit 93 to display the estimated thawing completion time t7 received from the refrigerator 1.

[0119] Thereafter, the control device 70 acquires temperature information of the monitored area 55a in chronological order from the infrared sensor 53a, and repeats the processing of steps S16 to S18 until the temperature of the area 55a falls within the chilled temperature range (step S18: Yes).

[0120] On the other hand, if the rapid cooling mode is selected in the determination of step S14, the control device 70 controls the blower fan 33, the damper 36, or the lid portion 56a or 56b to cool the monitored area 55a (step S15). Here, the damper 36 is in the open state, and the control device 70 controls the lid portions 56a and 56b while maintaining the rotation speed of the blower fan 33.

[0121] As described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, air outlets 60a and 60b are provided on the back surface of chilled compartment 50. Referring to Figure 7, area 55a to be cooled is located in the direction in which cool air is blown out from air outlet 60a. Therefore, control device 70 controls lid 56a of air outlet 60a to be open and lid 56b of air outlet 60b to be closed. As a result, cool air is blown out from air outlet 60a toward area 55a.

[0122] 7 and 9, in addition to area 55a, area 55c is also located in the direction in which cool air is blown out of air outlet 60a. In this case, control device 70 may operate heater 54c to prevent area 55c from being overcooled. In this way, control device 70 controls the open / closed state of lids 56a and 56b and the on / off state of heaters 54a to 54d, thereby enabling cooling of each of areas 55a to 55e.

[0123] Because the amount of cool air blown to a specific area can be controlled, the items to be cooled in the specific area can reach the set temperature range more quickly than when the refrigerator 1 is operating normally. In step S16, the control device 70 predicts the time required to cool the items to be cooled from a table showing the relationship between temperature and time, and estimates the time when cooling will be completed. In FIG. 22, graph gc1 shows the change in temperature of the items to be cooled when the rapid cooling mode is selected. In this case, the estimated cooling completion time is t5. The control device 70 transmits the estimated cooling completion time t5 to the information processing terminal 90 (step S16). The control unit 92 of the information processing terminal 90 causes the display unit 93 to display the estimated thawing completion time t5 received from the refrigerator 1.

[0124] Thereafter, the control device 70 acquires temperature information of the monitored area 55a from the infrared sensor 53a in chronological order, and repeats the processes of steps S16 to S18 until the temperature of the monitored area 55a falls within the chilled temperature range (step S18: Yes). When the temperature of the monitored area 55a converges into the chilled temperature range, the control device 70 operates the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode (step S19). For example, if the control device 70 has increased the operating frequency of the compressor 31 in step S15, the control device 70 returns the operating frequency of the compressor 31 to the original value in step S19.

[0125] In the rapid cooling mode of step S15, the control device 70 may operate as follows. When the rapid cooling mode is selected, the objects to be cooled are cooled by blowing cold air into the chilled compartment 50 from the air outlet 60a or 60b. However, the cold air may cool the infrared sensor. If the infrared sensor is cooled by the cold air, the control device 70 may mistakenly recognize that the objects to be cooled have been cooled earlier than they actually are. In this case, the control device 70 may erroneously cancel the rapid cooling mode before the temperature of the objects to be cooled reaches the set temperature range. To prevent this phenomenon, in the rapid cooling mode, the control device 70 controls the damper 36 to stop the supply of cold air from the air outlet 60a or 60b to the chilled compartment 50 at a predetermined interval. Then, while the supply of cold air is stopped, the control device 70 can more accurately recognize the surface temperature of the objects to be cooled from the measurement value of the infrared sensor and determine whether to continue the rapid cooling mode.

[0126] In steps S10 and S16 shown in FIG. 21, the control device 70 may transmit time-series data on the temperature of the area being monitored to the external device 80 (step SD2 shown in FIG. 23). The operation of the external device 80 in this case will be described later. In addition, if the results of the determination processes in steps S12 and S18 shown in FIG. 21 are Yes, the control device 70 may turn off the infrared sensors 53a to 53e that have been on since the refrigerator 1 started operating. In this case, the power consumption of the refrigerator 1 can be further reduced.

[0127] Next, specific examples of images displayed on the display unit of information processing terminal 90 and input operations by the user to information processing terminal 90 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 21 will be described with reference to Figs. 24 to 28. Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal. When the storage rate received from refrigerator 1 is 20% or less, control unit 92 causes display unit 93 to display an image including the message shown in Fig. 23.

[0128] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal. As shown in FIG. 25, the control unit 92 causes the display unit 93 to display the presence or absence of refrigerated items and the storage rate in each of areas 55a to 55e. By looking at the display unit 93 of the information processing terminal 90, the user can check the food inventory in the chilled compartment 50. This allows the user to determine whether or not additional purchases are necessary. If the user determines that additional purchases are necessary, the user can operate the operation unit 94 of the information processing terminal 90 to input an instruction to select the button labeled "Memo" and add the name of the necessary food item to the memo field. This prevents users from forgetting to buy food.

[0129] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal. In step S14 shown in Fig. 21, the control unit 92 causes the display unit 93 to display the image shown in Fig. 26. It is possible that the object to be cooled newly placed in the case 45 has just been cooked or has just been purchased by the user. If the temperature of the object to be cooled newly placed in the chilled compartment 50 is higher than the chilled temperature range (for example, 10°C or higher), the control device 70 of the refrigerator 1 suggests to the user via the information processing terminal 90 that the rapid cooling mode be selected.

[0130] 27 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal. As shown in FIG. 27, control unit 92 causes display unit 93 to display information on the presence or absence of food to be thawed in areas 55a-55e and a message inquiring which area to select for the thawing mode. The user can view the image on display unit 93 and operate operation unit 94 of information processing terminal 90 to select the area containing the food to be thawed from among the food stored in areas 55a-55e. Even if case 45 is full of food, the user can specify an area and select the food to thaw.

[0131] Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an image displayed on the display unit of the information processing terminal. In step S8 shown in Fig. 21, the control device 70 may estimate the thawing completion times for the three thawing modes and notify the information processing terminal 90 of the estimated thawing completion times for each thawing mode. In this case, in step S8 shown in Fig. 21, the control unit 92 causes the display unit 93 to display the image shown in Fig. 28. The user can look at the image on the display unit 93 and consider whether to shorten the thawing time, taking into account when the user will return home or when the user wants to use the cooled object, and select one of the three thawing modes.

[0132] Refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment includes a storage compartment that stores items to be cooled, cooler 32 that generates cold air, air duct 39 having an air passage through which the cold air flows from cooler 32 to the storage compartment, lid 56a or 56b that is provided on air duct 39 and that adjusts the flow rate of the cold air flowing into the storage compartment, a floor surface of the storage compartment is virtually divided into a plurality of areas 55a to 55e, a plurality of heaters 54a to 54d that are provided in each area, a plurality of sensors that are provided on the ceiling surface of the storage compartment and that measure the temperatures of items to be cooled placed in each area, and control device 70. The plurality of sensors are, for example, infrared sensors 53a to 53e.

[0133] The control device 70 determines whether the measurement values ​​of the multiple sensors belong to a set temperature range. If there is a high-temperature area among the multiple areas 55a to 55e, where the sensor measurement values ​​are higher than the set temperature range, the control device 70 controls the lid 56a or 56b to cool the high-temperature area with cold air, thereby keeping the temperature of the object to be cooled placed in the high-temperature area within the set temperature range. If there is a low-temperature area among the multiple areas 55a to 55e, where the sensor measurement values ​​are lower than the set temperature range, the control device 70 controls a heater provided in the low-temperature area to heat the low-temperature area, thereby keeping the temperature of the object to be cooled placed in the low-temperature area within the set temperature range.

[0134] According to the first embodiment, the storage compartment is divided into a plurality of areas 55a to 55e, and infrared sensors 53a to 53e are provided for each area to measure the temperature of the objects to be cooled, and the temperature of the objects to be cooled in each area is controlled to fall within a set temperature range. Therefore, even if a new object to be cooled at room temperature or freezing temperature is stored in the storage compartment, the object to be cooled can be kept at the set temperature of the storage compartment while minimizing the impact on the other objects to be cooled.

[0135] According to this embodiment 1, the user can check the food temperature status in the chilled compartment 50 and the amount of food stored in the case 45 by looking at the display unit 93 of the information processing terminal 90 without having to operate the refrigerator 1.

[0136] Furthermore, since the user can operate the information processing terminal 90 to instruct the refrigerator 1 to select the rapid cooling mode or the defrosting mode, the user can select the rapid cooling mode or the defrosting mode for the stored items according to the user's lifestyle.

[0137] Furthermore, refrigerator 1 has infrared sensors 53a to 53e that measure the temperature of food in real time, allowing the temperature of food to be raised or lowered to the target temperature more quickly than conventional temperature control based on measuring the temperature of the chilled compartment using a thermistor.

[0138] The refrigerated material management system 100 of the present disclosure can detect the presence or absence and temperature of food without contact and determine the food preservation status and food cooling status. Furthermore, the refrigerated material management system 100 allows the user to select the food preservation status, so even if there are no dividers inside the case 45, each of areas 55a to 55e can be individually selected to select thawing or cooling.

[0139] Information on the food storage rate and food temperature is updated every time refrigerator compartment doors 20 and 21 are opened or closed. Therefore, the user can check the status inside refrigerator 1 at any time by operating information processing terminal 90 to access external device 80.

[0140] Referring to Figures 20 to 23, the control device 70 has been described as analyzing time-series temperature data for areas 55a to 55e to determine the state of the cooled object and estimate the completion time of thawing or cooling of the cooled object, but these processes may also be performed by an external device 80.

[0141] When control unit 82 of external device 80 receives information including measurement values ​​of multiple infrared sensors 53a to 53e from refrigerator 1 via network 110, it estimates the state of each of the one or multiple refrigerated objects placed in the storage compartment based on the received multiple measurement values, and transmits the estimation results to information processing terminal 90 via network 110. When control unit 92 of information processing terminal 90 receives the estimation results from external device 80 via network 110, it causes display unit 93 to display the received information of the estimation results.

[0142] When the storage rate changes over time, the control device 70 may transmit information combining the storage rate and the date and time to the external device 80 via the network 110. The estimation unit 83 of the external device 80 can estimate the consumption tendency of the user using the information combining the storage rate and the date and time.

[0143] Control device 70 may transmit data including time-series measurement values ​​of each of infrared sensors 53a-53e to an external device. Control unit 82 of external device 80 stores data including time-series measurement values ​​of each of the sensors in memory unit 91. Control unit 82 predicts changes in the temperature of the object to be cooled based on the time-series information of the multiple measurement values ​​stored in memory unit 91, estimates the time when the temperature of the object to be cooled will fall within a set temperature range, and transmits the estimated time as an estimation result to information processing terminal 90.

[0144] The control device 70 may determine the change in the storage rate over time and transmit the time-series data of the storage rate to the external device 80. In this case, upon receiving the time-series data of the storage rate from the control device 70, the estimation unit 83 of the external device 80 estimates the change in the storage rate based on the received time-series data of the storage rate. If the estimation unit 83 estimates that the storage rate will be below a predetermined threshold within a predetermined period, it transmits estimated information indicating that the storage rate will be below the threshold to the information processing terminal 90 as an estimation result. An example of notification to the user will be described below. The external device 80 displays a prediction of when the stored food will be consumed in a graph on the display unit 93 of the information processing terminal 90.

[0145] In this way, the memory unit 81 of the external device 80 stores various information received from the control device 70. The memory unit 81 stores, for example, information on the temperature of the case 45, the temperature of the object to be cooled, and the storage rate. The memory unit 81 may also store other information. For example, the memory unit 81 may store operating information including the measurement value of the temperature sensor 38, the operating mode selected by the user, and the outside air temperature.

[0146] The estimation unit 83 of the external device 80 estimates the transition of the storage rate for each time period or day of the week based on the time-series data of the storage rate received from the refrigerator 1. In this case, it is possible to estimate consumption trends based on the user's lifestyle.

[0147] For example, consider a case where a user places food in the chilled compartment 50 on Sunday and the food runs out on Wednesday. In this case, the external device 80 can predict the consumption speed and cycle by creating an inventory transition forecast line on a graph, and can predict the date and time when the next food item will be consumed. Furthermore, food items that are purchased and placed for the first time tend to straddle the detection areas 57a-57e of multiple infrared sensors 53a-53e and are therefore easily detected by more than one infrared sensor. However, if a user removes food and then returns it after use, the volume of the food may be reduced by half. As a result, the number of infrared sensors that detect the food decreases, and the storage rate decreases. If the infrared sensors cannot detect the food, the temperature of the case 45 can be detected instead of the food temperature. In this case, the external device 80 determines the rate at which the food items are consumed after being returned from use based on the rate at which the storage rate changes.

[0148] If there is a possibility that food stock will run out within a predetermined period, the external device 80 notifies the user of a stock shortage forecast to the user's information processing terminal 90. This prevents the user from suddenly running out of food ingredients and forgetting to thaw them, and prevents the user from suddenly running out of raw food.

[0149] The estimation unit 83 of the external device 80 uses the storage rate received from the control device 70, the measurement values ​​of the multiple infrared sensors 53a to 53e, and the learning model to predict the temperature or inventory of the object to be cooled, and infers an appropriate operating mode or inventory information to be proposed to the user. Then, the estimation unit 83 of the external device 80 transmits the appropriate operating mode or inventory information to be proposed to the user to the information processing terminal 90 as the estimation result.

[0150] The temperature data is stored in the external device 80, which learns the user's lifestyle habits and predicts the operation mode that the user will select for the next food item that the user places in the chilled compartment 50. The external device 80 can then display the predicted operation mode on the display unit 93 of the information processing terminal 90. Furthermore, the external device 80 can automatically set the operation mode based on the learning results.

[0151] When many of the food items are close to the freezing temperature range, external device 80 notifies the user's information processing terminal 90 of the food's temperature status. The temperature status can be displayed numerically based on the food temperature measured by infrared sensors 53a-53e, or, if an accurate temperature does not need to be displayed, by displaying the food's set temperature range (e.g., below -10°C, between -10°C and -3°C, above -3°C). This allows the user to select the appropriate defrosting mode depending on when they want to use the food, and use the defrosted food.

[0152] When a command to change the temperature setting of the storage compartment is input by the user, control unit 92 of information processing terminal 90 transmits control information to change the temperature setting of the storage compartment to control device 70 via network 110. When control device 70 receives the control information from information processing terminal 90, it changes the temperature setting of the storage compartment in accordance with the control information.

[0153] The refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure can perform energy-saving operation to control the temperature of the chilled compartment 50 based on the acquired information. For example, when there is no food in the case 45, there is no need to sufficiently cool the inside of the case 45, so power consumption can be reduced by setting the chilled compartment 50 to a higher temperature. On the other hand, when the control device 70 determines that the temperature of the case 45 is high (e.g., 10°C or higher) and food is being stored therein, it opens one or both of the lids 56a and 56b in accordance with the estimated food storage rate, thereby increasing the amount of cold air supplied. This control allows the refrigerator 1 to be highly energy-efficient without any user operation.

[0154] The control device 70 opens and closes one or both of the lids 56a and 56b depending on the area where the food is placed, thereby changing the range of cool air blown into the chilled compartment 50 and preventing unnecessary cooling, thereby providing an energy-efficient refrigerator 1. Furthermore, if the opening of the air outlet 60a or 60b can be narrowed, local cooling capacity can be enhanced.

[0155] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure can efficiently cool food by detecting the state of added food using the infrared sensors 53a to 53e and supplying cool air preferentially to areas where hot food is determined to be placed. As a result, the refrigerator 1 can be provided with excellent shelf life.

[0156] The refrigerated material management system 100 of the present disclosure can obtain temperature information of the food stored in the case 45 using the infrared sensors 53a to 53e, and can therefore distinguish between newly purchased food, food that has been taken out of the case 45 and then returned to the case 45, and frozen food. This is useful for managing the food stored in the case 45.

[0157] In the case of frozen foods, the refrigerated material management system 100 can estimate the time when thawing will be complete by acquiring temperature changes over time using the infrared sensors 53a to 53e. The refrigerator 1 or external device 80 notifies the user's information processing terminal 90 of the time when the refrigerated material is estimated to reach the set temperature range, allowing the user to know the time when they can start cooking.

[0158] If the time when the temperature of the object to be cooled is expected to reach the set temperature range is later than the specified time input by the user into the information processing terminal 90, the control device 70 heats the object to be cooled using a heater provided below the case 45. This accelerates the thawing of the food, allowing thawing to be performed at the time desired by the user.

[0159] Furthermore, the control device 70 can determine the location of the food item to be thawed within the case 45 based on the measurements of the infrared sensors 53a to 53e. The user can specify the location of the heater to be operated by operating the information processing terminal 90 or the operation panel 23. This allows for an energy-saving thawing function while minimizing the impact on the preservation state of other foods.

[0160] Furthermore, by determining the output of the heater 54 in accordance with the desired time for thawing to be completed, which is input by the user via the information processing terminal 90 or the operation panel 23, not only can food be thawed with high quality, but unnecessary heating can also be suppressed, providing a thawing function that is excellent in energy conservation.

[0161] The wireless communication device 71 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the information processing terminal 90 via the network 110, and the temperature setting of each storage compartment can be controlled from the information processing terminal 90.

[0162] By using infrared sensors 53a to 53e, refrigerator 1 in this embodiment 1 can determine the presence or absence of food and the temperature of food in a storage compartment where it is difficult to determine food inventory using a camera due to obstructions, without contact and in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, refrigerator 1 notifies the user's information processing terminal 90 of the food inventory management status and temperature transition status, allowing the user to check the inventory status and food status in refrigerator 1 at any time, thereby improving the customization of the storage compartment.

[0163] In the first embodiment, the temperature control target has been described as the chilled compartment 50 of the refrigerator 1, but it may be a storage compartment other than the chilled compartment 50. The temperature control target of the present disclosure may also be applied to a food storage facility other than the refrigerator 1, such as a cupboard, a storeroom, or a showcase, which stores or preserves food.

[0164] Although the first embodiment has been described with respect to a case in which multiple infrared sensors are provided in the storage compartment corresponding to multiple areas, a single infrared sensor may be provided on the ceiling surface of the storage compartment. In this case, the infrared sensor is installed on the ceiling surface of the storage compartment so that its detection direction is tilted at a predetermined angle θ from the vertical. The angle θ is, for example, 20° to 45°. The infrared sensor can then be controlled to measure the temperature of multiple areas in the storage compartment by rotating it around the vertical direction as its axial direction. For example, in FIG. 7 , the Y-axis arrow direction is set as the reference azimuth angle = 0°, and the control device 70 rotates the infrared sensor clockwise to azimuth angles of 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°, causing the infrared sensor to measure the temperature at each azimuth angle. This allows the temperature of each of areas 55a to 55d to be measured.

[0165] In the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, the chilled compartment 50 is formed between the shelf 41 and the partition 7 in the refrigeration compartment 11. The configuration has been described in which infrared sensors 53a-53e are provided on the underside 41a of the shelf 41 that forms the ceiling of the chilled compartment 50, and the air duct 39 with two air passages 52a and 52b on the left and right is provided on the back surface 11b of the chilled compartment 50. The control device 70 opens and closes one or both of the lids 56a and 56b to change the range of cool air blown into the chilled compartment 50, thereby controlling the cooling of the left and right sides of the chilled compartment 50 separately. However, the configuration of the first embodiment is not limited to this, and can also be applied to refrigerators with the following configurations.

[0166] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a modification (modification 1) of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In modification 1, refrigerator 101 includes second switchable compartment 102 instead of chilled compartment 50. Also, instead of providing air duct 39 with first air outlet 60a and second air outlet 60b, refrigerator 101 includes multiple ceiling air outlets 103 on underside 141a of shelf 141 forming the ceiling of second switchable compartment 102. Air duct 104 is provided on back surface 11a of refrigerator compartment 11 and on the back surface of second switchable compartment 102, and air duct 104 includes refrigerator compartment air outlet air duct 105 and second switchable compartment air outlet air duct 107 therein. Air duct 104 includes wall 106 that separates refrigerator compartment air outlet air duct 105 from second switchable compartment air outlet air duct 107. The air supply duct 104 has a second switchable room outlet 107a that connects to the second switchable room outlet air duct 107. The shelf 141 has an in-ceiling air duct 108 inside that connects to multiple ceiling air outlets 103. The second switchable room outlet air duct 107 connects to the in-ceiling air duct 108 via the second switchable room outlet 107a. Cool air from the cooler chamber 35 passes through the second switchable room outlet air duct 107, the second switchable room outlet 107a, the in-ceiling air duct 108, and the ceiling air outlet 103, and is supplied to the second switchable room 102.

[0167] The refrigerator 101 includes a first damper 109 between the cooler compartment 35 and the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 105, and a second damper 120 between the cooler compartment 35 and the second switchable compartment outlet air duct 107. The amount of cool air supplied to the second switchable compartment 102 is adjusted by the control device 70 opening and closing the second damper 120. The first damper 109 and the second damper 120 are provided in a partition 113 that separates the refrigerator compartment 11 from the ice making compartment 12 and the switchable compartment 13, but this is not limitative. The refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 105, the second switchable compartment outlet air duct, and the cooler compartment 35 may be separated by a member other than the partition 113. Although not shown in FIG. 29 , an air duct 34 may be provided between the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 105, the second switchable compartment outlet air duct, and the cooler compartment 35.

[0168] One or more infrared sensors 111 are provided on the underside 141a of the shelf 141 or on the floor surface 113a of the partition 113. Inside the partition 113, heaters 112 are arranged corresponding to the positions of the infrared sensors 111.

[0169] In the above configuration, the control device 70 cools the food stored in the second switchable compartment 102 based on the food temperature acquired by the infrared sensor 111 so that the food converges to a set temperature range of approximately −1 to −3°C, which is the temperature range in which the surface of the food slightly freezes. For example, the center of the set temperature range is approximately −2°C (set temperature Tset is approximately −2°C).

[0170] The flowchart of temperature control in Modification 1 corresponds to the case where there is one monitored area in the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 and 21. When there is one infrared sensor 111, the temperature information of the monitored area is the temperature information (food temperature) acquired by the infrared sensor 111, and when there are multiple infrared sensors 111, it is, for example, the average value of the temperature information (food temperature) acquired by each infrared sensor 111.

[0171] 30 is a diagram showing a modification (modification 2) of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In modification 2, refrigerator 201 includes shelf 202 below refrigerating compartment 11 and first interior space 203 separated from refrigerating compartment 11 by shelf 202 and partition 213. Partition 213 separates refrigerating compartment 11 from ice making compartment 12 and switchable compartment 13. Refrigerator 201 includes, in first interior space 203, inner container 204, which is a container with an open front side. Opening 205 of inner container 204 is opened and closed by partition door 206 attached to the front side of shelf 202.

[0172] When the partition door 206 is closed, the partition door 206, together with the shelf (first partition) 202, closes the first internal space 203 from the refrigeration compartment 11, and closes the space inside the inner container 204 from the refrigeration compartment 11. In this way, cold air from the first internal space 203 and cold air inside the inner container 204 are prevented from flowing into the refrigeration compartment 11.

[0173] The refrigerator 201 is provided with an air duct 207 on the rear surface 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11 and on the rear surface of the first interior space 203, and the air duct 207 is provided with a refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 208 and a damper 209 below the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 208 that controls the flow of cool air from the cooler compartment 35 to the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 208. The damper 209 is provided in the partition 213, but this is not limited to this. The refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 208 and the cooler compartment 35 may be separated by a member other than the partition 213. Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 30 , an air duct 34 may be provided between the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 208 and the cooler compartment 35.

[0174] An infrared sensor 210 is provided on the ceiling surface 204a or the floor surface 204b of the intra-space container 204. A heater 211 is arranged on the floor surface 204b of the intra-space container 204 in a position corresponding to the position of the infrared sensor 210. An air outlet 212 is provided in the air duct 207 facing the first internal space 203. Cool air is supplied from the refrigerator compartment air outlet duct 208 to the first internal space 203 through the air outlet 212. This indirectly cools the space inside the intra-space container 204 via the first internal space 203. The amount of cool air supplied to the first internal space 203 is adjusted by the control device 70 opening and closing a damper 209.

[0175] The temperature control flowchart in the above-described second modification corresponds to the case where there is one monitored area in the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 and 21. The temperature information of the monitored area is the temperature information (food temperature) acquired by the infrared sensor 210 when there is one infrared sensor 210, and is, for example, the average value of the temperature information (food temperature) acquired by each infrared sensor 210 when there is multiple infrared sensors 210. Based on the temperature information of the monitored area, the control device 70 cools the food, which is the object to be cooled in the inner container 204, so that the temperature converges to a set temperature range. For example, the center of the set temperature range is approximately -1°C (set temperature Tset is approximately -1°C).

[0176] Figure 31 is a diagram showing a modification (modification 3) of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Refrigerator 301 includes drawer-type case 45 between bottom shelf 41 of refrigerator compartment 11 and partition 302, and shelf 41 and partition 302 form chilled compartment 303. Partition 302 separates refrigerator compartment 11 from vegetable compartment 304. In Figure 31, insulated box 2 includes first freezer compartment 305 below vegetable compartment 304, the temperature of which is set in the freezing temperature range, and second freezer compartment 306 below first freezer compartment 305, the temperature of which is also set in the freezing temperature range.

[0177] The refrigerator 301 is provided with air ducts 307 on the rear surface 11a of the refrigerator compartment 11 and on the rear surface of the chilled compartment 303. The air duct 307 is provided with one refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 308, and a first fan 309a and a second fan 309b below the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 308, which flow cool air from the cooler compartment 35 to the refrigerator compartment outlet air duct 308. The first fan 309a and the second fan 309b are provided at different positions on the left and right.

[0178] A first air outlet 310a and a second air outlet 310b are provided at different positions on the left and right sides of a portion 307a of the air duct 307 facing the chilled compartment 303. The first air outlet 310a and the second air outlet 310b are connected to a refrigerator compartment air outlet duct 308. One or more infrared sensors 313 are provided on the underside 41a of the shelf 41 or on the floor surface 302a formed by the partition 302. One or more heaters 314 are arranged inside the partition 302 in correspondence with the positions of the infrared sensors 313.

[0179] In the above configuration, the control device 70 increases the rotation speed of the first fan 309a and the second fan 309b when hot food is stored in the chilled compartment 303 based on the food temperature acquired by the infrared sensor 313, and decreases the rotation speed of the first fan 309a and the second fan 309b when low-temperature food that has been frozen in the first freezer compartment 305 and the second freezer compartment 306 is stored in the chilled compartment 303, or stops the first fan 309a and the second fan 309b. In this way, the control device 70 cools the food in the chilled compartment 303 to approximately -4°C (the set temperature Tset is approximately -4°C).

[0180] Furthermore, by the control device 70 stopping the first fan 309a on the left side and rotating only the second fan 309b on the right side, the cool air from the cooler chamber 35 can be circulated to the right side of the refrigerator compartment air outlet duct 308, and the cool air can be concentrated on the right side of the case 45. On the other hand, by the control device 70 stopping the second fan 309b on the right side and rotating only the first fan 309a on the left side, the cool air from the cooler chamber 35 can be circulated to the left side of the refrigerator compartment air outlet duct 308, and the cool air can be concentrated on the left side of the case 45.

[0181] The temperature control flowchart in the above-described modified example 3 corresponds to the case where first fan 309a and second fan 309b are used instead of controlling lids 56a and 56b in the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 and 21. Control device 70 cools the food to be cooled in case 45 so that the temperature converges within the set temperature range. In modified example 3, the center of the set temperature range is, for example, approximately -1°C (set temperature Tset is approximately -1°C).

[0182] In the third modification, the refrigerator 301 includes a first cooler 311a for supplying cool air to the refrigerator compartment 11, the chilled compartment 303, and the vegetable compartment 304, and a second cooler 311b for supplying cool air to the first freezer compartment 305 and the second freezer compartment 306. The first cooler 311a and the second cooler 311b, together with the compressor 312, constitute a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle includes a switching valve (not shown) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, and the temperature of the first cooler 311a and the second cooler 311b are independently controlled by switching the flow path of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle between the first cooler 311a and the second cooler 311b.

[0183] 1 Refrigerator, 2 Insulated box, 2a Front part, 3 Outer box, 4 Inner box, 5 Insulation material, 6 Storage space, 7 Partition, 7a Floor, 8-10 Partition, 11 Refrigerator compartment, 11a, 11b Back, 11c Opening, 12 Ice making compartment, 13 Switching compartment, 14 Vegetable compartment, 15 Freezer compartment, 20, 21 Refrigerator compartment door, 23 Operation panel, 24 Operation unit, 25 Display unit, 26-29 Door, 30 Cooling device, 31 Compressor, 32 Cooler, 33 Blower fan, 34 Air duct, 34a Air duct inside partition, 34b Air duct inside fan grill, 35 Cooler compartment, 36 Damper, 37, 38 Temperature sensor, 39 Air duct, 39a Area, 40a-40d, 41 Shelf, 41a Bottom surface, 43 Fan grill, 45 Case, 45a Handle, 50 Chilled compartment, 51 Low temperature compartment, 52a, 52b Air duct, 53a to 53e Infrared sensor, 54a to 54e Heater, 55a to 55e Area, 56a, 56b Lid, 57a to 57e Detection area, 58 Lens, 59 Main body, 60a, 60b Air outlet, 65 Cooled object, 70 Control device, 71 Wireless communication device, 73, 74 Signal line, 75 Door opening / closing detection unit, 76 Hinge, 80 External device, 81 Memory unit, 82 Control unit, 83 Estimation unit, 84 Learning unit, 90 Information processing terminal, 91 Memory unit, 92 Control unit, 93 Display unit, 94 Operation unit, 100 Cooled object management system, 101 Refrigerator, 102 Second switchable compartment, 103: Ceiling air outlet, 104: Air duct, 105: Refrigerator compartment air outlet, 106: Wall, 107: Second switchable compartment air outlet, 107a: Second switchable compartment air outlet, 108: Ceiling air duct, 109: First damper, 110: Network, 111: Infrared sensor, 112: Heater, 113: Partition, 113a: Floor, 120: Second damper, 141: Shelf, 141a: Underside, 150: Processing circuit, 151: Processor, 152: Memory, 153: Bus, 201: Refrigerator, 202: Shelf, 203: First internal space, 204: Inner space container, 204a: Ceiling surface, 204b: Floor, 205: Opening, 206: Partition door, 207: Air duct, 208 Refrigerator compartment air outlet duct, 209 damper, 210 infrared sensor, 211 heater, 212 air outlet, 213 partition, 301 refrigerator, 302 partition, 302a floor, 303 chilled compartment, 304 vegetable compartment, 305 first freezer compartment, 306 second freezer compartment, 307 air duct,307a: Part, 308: Refrigerator compartment air outlet duct, 309a: First fan, 309b: Second fan, 310a: First air outlet, 310b: Second air outlet, 311a: First cooler, 311b: Second cooler, 312: Compressor, 313: Infrared sensor, 314: Heater.

Claims

1. a storage room in which the temperature of the space is set within a set temperature range and in which the object to be cooled is stored; a cooler for generating cold air; an air duct having an air path through which the cool air flows from the cooler to the storage chamber; a cover portion provided in the air duct and configured to adjust the flow rate of the cool air flowing into the storage chamber; a floor surface of the storage room is virtually divided into a plurality of areas, and a plurality of heaters are provided in each of the areas; a plurality of sensors provided on a ceiling surface of the storage room, each of which measures the temperature of the object to be cooled placed in the area; a control device that determines whether the measurement values ​​of the plurality of sensors belong to the set temperature range, and if there is a high temperature range among the plurality of areas where the measurement values ​​are higher than the set temperature range, controls the lid to cool the high temperature range with the cold air, thereby keeping the temperature of the object to be cooled placed in the high temperature range within the set temperature range, and if there is a low temperature range among the plurality of areas where the measurement values ​​are lower than the set temperature range, controls the heater provided in the low temperature range to heat the low temperature range, thereby keeping the temperature of the object to be cooled placed in the low temperature range within the set temperature range; A refrigerator with

2. a door for opening or closing the storage chamber; a door opening / closing detection unit that detects whether the door is open or closed; a case housed inside the storage chamber, The object to be cooled is housed in the case, The control device When an open signal indicating that the door has been opened is received from the door open / close detection unit, and then a close signal indicating that the door has been closed is received from the door open / close detection unit, the plurality of heaters are operated, and the presence or absence of the object to be cooled is determined for each of the plurality of areas based on the difference between the change over time in temperature of the floor of the case due to heating by the heaters and the change over time in temperature of the object to be cooled. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. a door for opening or closing the storage chamber; a door opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening or closing of the door, The object to be cooled is placed on the floor of the storage chamber, The control device When an open signal indicating that the door has been opened is received from the door open / close detection unit, and then a close signal indicating that the door has been closed is received from the door open / close detection unit, the plurality of heaters are operated, and the presence or absence of the object to be cooled is determined for each of the plurality of areas based on the difference between the change over time in temperature of the floor surface of the storage compartment due to heating by the heaters and the change over time in temperature of the object to be cooled. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

4. The control device From the determination result of the presence or absence of the refrigerated object in each of the plurality of areas, a storage rate of the storage room is calculated as a ratio of areas determined to have the refrigerated object to the total number of the plurality of areas, and information on the calculated storage rate is transmitted to an information processing terminal via a network. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The control device The storage rate is calculated each time the open signal and the close signal are received from the door open / close detection unit in that order, and the date and time when the open signal or the close signal was received is recorded. If the storage rate changes over time, information combining the storage rate and the date and time is transmitted to the information processing terminal via the network. The refrigerator according to claim 4.

6. The control device transmitting to the information processing terminal the state of the object to be cooled determined based on the measurement value and information inquiring whether or not to switch the state of the heater; changing the power supply rate of the heater based on control information received from the information processing terminal; The refrigerator according to claim 4.

7. In the storage chamber, when the side where the object to be cooled is put into the storage chamber or the side where the object to be cooled is taken out from the storage chamber is defined as the front side, the air duct is provided on the back side which is opposite to the front side, The air duct is a plurality of air outlets that blow the cool air from the air duct from the rear surface of the storage chamber to the front surface; a plurality of air paths each connected to the air outlet and through which the cool air flows from the cooler; The cover portion is provided for each of the plurality of air outlets, The control device By switching some of the lid portions from a closed state to an open state, the cool air is blown out from some of the air outlets toward the high-temperature area. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The control device When the cool air is blown out from some of the air outlets to the high-temperature area, if there are two or more areas in the direction in which the cool air is blown out, the heater provided in an area other than the high-temperature area among the two or more areas is operated. The refrigerator according to claim 7.

9. The control device When the object to be cooled placed in the low temperature area is in a frozen state, the heater provided in the low temperature area is operated to thaw the frozen object to be cooled. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. a refrigeration compartment in which the temperature of the space is set to a temperature range different from the set temperature range of the storage compartment; a shelf separating the refrigeration compartment from the storage compartment, The case has a box shape with an open top, When the case is stored in the storage chamber, the top surface is covered by the shelf. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The set temperature zone is lower than the temperature zone of the refrigerator compartment, the case or the shelf is formed of a light-transmitting material, A partition is provided below the case to separate the storage chamber from another storage chamber, and the partition forms the floor of the storage chamber. The refrigerator according to claim 10.

12. each of the plurality of sensors and each of the plurality of heaters are arranged opposite to each other in a one-to-one relationship; The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. each of the plurality of sensors starts measurement when the refrigerator starts operation; The control device and determining the presence or absence of the object to be cooled and the state of the object to be cooled in any one of the areas based on a difference between a change over time of the measurement value in any one of the areas when the object to be cooled is stored in the area and a change over time of the measurement value in any one of the areas when the object to be cooled is not stored in the area, at a stage after the refrigerator starts operation and before the temperature of the storage compartment reaches the set temperature range. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The control device operating the cooling device in an energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption of the cooling device including the cooler when the measured values ​​of each of the plurality of sensors fall within the set temperature range; The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. The set temperature range is from -3°C to 0°C. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. each of the plurality of sensors is an infrared sensor; The infrared sensor measures the temperature of the object to be cooled by detecting the amount of infrared energy emitted from the object to be cooled. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 1; an information processing device that receives information including measurement values ​​of the plurality of sensors from the refrigerator via a network, estimates a state of each of the one or more refrigerated objects placed in the storage compartment based on the received measurement values, and outputs the estimation result to the network; an information processing terminal that displays information on the received estimation result when the estimation result is received from the information processing device via the network; A refrigerated object management system equipped with the above.

18. The refrigerator is a door for opening or closing the storage chamber; a door opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening or closing of the door, The object to be cooled is placed on the floor of the storage chamber, The control device and when it receives an open signal from the door opening / closing detection unit, which is a signal indicating that the door has been opened, and then receives a close signal from the door opening / closing detection unit, which is a signal indicating that the door has been closed, it operates the multiple heaters, and determines the presence or absence of the cooled object for each of the multiple areas based on the difference between the change in temperature of the case over time due to heating by the heater and the change in temperature of the cooled object over time, and from the determination result of the presence or absence of the cooled object for each of the multiple areas, it calculates the storage rate of the storage compartment as the ratio of areas determined to have the cooled object to the total number of the multiple areas, and transmits area information including the calculated storage rate and information on the presence or absence of the cooled object for each of the multiple areas to the information processing device. The information processing device includes: When the area information is received from the control device, the received area information is stored and the area information is transmitted to the information processing terminal; The information processing terminal When the area information is received from the information processing device, the area information is displayed. The cooled object management system according to claim 17.

19. The control device The storage rate is calculated each time the open signal and the close signal are received from the door open / close detection unit, and the date and time when the open signal or the close signal is received is recorded. If the storage rate changes over time, information combining the storage rate and the date and time is transmitted to the information processing device via the network. The cooled object management system according to claim 18.

20. The refrigerator control device includes: transmitting data including the time-series measurement values ​​of each of the plurality of sensors to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: storing data including the time series of the measured values ​​of each of the plurality of sensors, predicting a change in the temperature of the object to be cooled based on the stored time series information of the plurality of measured values, estimating a time when the temperature of the object to be cooled will fall within the set temperature range, and transmitting the estimated time as the estimation result to the information processing terminal; The cooled object management system according to claim 18 or 19.

21. The control device A change in the storage rate over time is calculated, and time-series data of the storage rate is transmitted to the information processing device. The information processing device includes: When receiving time-series data of the storage rate from the control device, the control device estimates a change in the storage rate based on the received time-series data of the storage rate, and if it estimates that the storage rate will be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined period, it transmits estimated information that the storage rate will be equal to or less than the threshold value to the information processing terminal as the estimation result. The cooled object management system according to claim 20.

22. The information processing device includes: Based on the received time series data of the storage rate, a change in the storage rate for each time period or day of the week is estimated; The cooled object management system according to claim 21.

23. the information processing device includes a learning unit that constructs a learning model that receives time series data of measurement values ​​of each of the plurality of sensors as an input and outputs a time when the cooled object will converge to a set temperature range, or that receives time series data of the storage rate as an input and outputs a consumption tendency of the cooled object; The information processing device includes: Using the storage rate and the measurement values ​​of the plurality of sensors received from the control device and the learning model, a temperature prediction or an inventory prediction of the cooled object is performed, an appropriate operating mode or inventory information to be proposed to the user is estimated, and the appropriate operating mode or inventory information to be proposed to the user is transmitted to the information processing terminal as the estimation result. The cooled object management system according to claim 21.

24. The information processing terminal When an instruction to change the temperature setting of the storage compartment is input, control information indicating that the temperature setting of the storage compartment is to be changed is transmitted to the control device via the network; The control device When the control information is received from the information processing terminal, the temperature setting of the storage compartment is changed in accordance with the control information. The cooled object management system according to any one of claims 17 to 19.