• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    REFRIGERATOR. A refrigerator (10) capable of maintaining the freshness of items stored at a high level, regardless of the state of storage of the items stored in the refrigerator (10) and reducing power consumption. The refrigerator (10) includes: a main refrigerator body (11) in which a storage compartment (12) is formed; a cooling device (35), which cools the storage compartment (12); a stored item estimation unit (22), which estimates the total quantity or positions of the stored items (33) in the storage compartment (12); and a control unit (23) which controls the cooling of the storage compartment (12) by the cooling device (35), according to the result of the estimate by the stored item estimation unit (22).
    公开号:BR112012020452B1
    申请号:R112012020452-1
    申请日:2011-03-09
    公开日:2020-07-21
    发明作者:Toyoshi Kamisako；Kiyoshi Mori；Kenichi Kakita；Satoshi Furosawa；Masaaki Tanaka
    申请人:Panasonic Corporation；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The present invention relates to refrigerators and, in particular, to a refrigerator capable of controlling an internal temperature of the refrigerator. BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE
    [0002] In general, a recent home refrigerator uses an indirect cooling system using a fan to circulate cold air in the refrigerator. A conventional refrigerator detects an internal temperature of the refrigerator, adjusts the internal temperature according to the detection result, and maintains an adequate internal temperature.
    [0003] An example of a refrigerator like this, which maintains a uniform internal temperature, is a refrigerator having a mobile cold air discharge device (see Patent Literature 1).
    [0004] Figure 14 is a front view of the conventional refrigerator shown in Patent Literature 1.
    [0005] As shown in the illustration, in the conventional refrigerator, a mobile cold air discharge device 102 provided in a refrigerator compartment 101 supplies cold air in a horizontal direction to uniform the internal temperature. CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE PTL 1
    [0006] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-247608. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM
    [0007] However, stored items do not always have an adequate temperature, even when the internal temperature is uniform. This is because the refrigerator detects and controls an internal room temperature using a thermistor, and does not have any means to directly detect the temperature of the stored items. Thus, there is a difference between the internal room temperature and the actual temperature of the stored items.
    [0008] For example, depending on the quantity of items stored, a temperature difference is made between the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit on the refrigerator and the temperature of the stored items. This difference is made in a transition period that begins, for example, after the internal temperature of the refrigerator increases, and ends when the interior of the refrigerator is cooled to reach a pre-regulated temperature. Examples of a transition period include a period immediately after storing an item, a period after a refrigerator door has been opened for a long time and closed, and a period immediately after a defrost operation. For this reason, the time required to reach the optimum storage temperature varies, depending on the amount of storage. More specifically, in general, the cooling time is short when the amount of storage is small, while the cooling time is long when the amount of storage is small, while the cooling time is long when the amount of storage is large.
    [0009] Especially, when the amount of storage is small, an excess cooling operation can be performed, and the storage items can be "super-cooled".
    [0010] When sufficient time has elapsed after the stored items are stored, and the temperature of the stored items becomes stable, the stored items maintain their temperature due to their thermal capacity and thus become more likely to be cooled, as the amount of storage is greater. For this reason, according to a conventional cooling control, the stored items are "super-cooled", and it is impossible to cool the stored items using an optimum temperature. In addition, the refrigerator performs the cooling operation due to the loss of power consumption.
    [0011] The present invention was made to solve the problems mentioned above, with the objective of providing a refrigerator which is capable of (i) maintaining the freshness of items stored at a high level by storing the items using an expected temperature regardless of the state of storage in the refrigerator, and (ii) reduced power consumption by preventing stored items from being "super-cooled". SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
    [0012] In order to solve the problems mentioned above, a refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention included: a main refrigerator body in which a storage compartment is formed; a cooling device which cools the storage compartment; a stored item estimation unit configured to estimate an amount or position of an item stored in the storage compartment; and a control unit configured to control the cooling of the storage compartment by the cooling device, according to an estimate result by the stored item estimate unit. ADVANTAGE EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
    [0013] A refrigerator according to the present invention detects a storage state beforehand and controls a refrigerator's operating state based on the information resulting from the detection, and thus stores items at an expected temperature, regardless of the storage state in the refrigerator . Therefore, the refrigerator is able to maintain the freshness of stored items at a high level and reduce power consumption by preventing stored items from being "super-cooled". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0014] [FIG. 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Mode 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to Mode 1 of the present invention in the case of cutting the refrigerator along a BB line in figure 1. [FIG. 3] Figure 3 is an illustration for explaining the operations performed by a light emitting unit and a light quantity detection unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 4] Figure 4 is a diagram of refrigerator control blocks according to Mode 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 5A] Figure 5A is a graph for explaining control operations performed, in a transition period, by a control unit in accordance with Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 5B] Figure 5B is a graph for explaining control operations carried out, in a transition period, by the control unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 5C] Figure 5C is a graph for explaining control operations carried out, in a transition period, by the control unit in accordance with Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining control operations performed, in a transition period, by the control unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 7A] Figure 7A is a graph for explaining control operations carried out, in a stable period, by the control unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 7B] Figure 7B is a graph for explaining control operations carried out, in a stable period, by the control unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 7C] Figure 7C is a graph for explaining control operations carried out, in a stable period, by the control unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining control operations performed, in a stable period, by the control unit according to Modality 1 of the present invention. [FIG. 9] Figure 9 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to Modality 2 of the present invention. [FIG. 10] Figure 10 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Mode 3 of the present invention. [FIG. 11] Figure 11 is a front view of the refrigerator according to Mode 3 of the present invention. [FIG. 12] Figure 12 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Mode 4 of the present invention. ' [FIG. 13] Figure 13 is a diagram of control blocks for a refrigerator according to Modality 4 of the present invention. [FIG. 14] Figure 14 is a front view of a conventional refrigerator. DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES
    [0015] A refrigerator according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a main refrigerator body in which a storage compartment is formed; a cooling device which cools the storage compartment; a stored item estimation unit configured to estimate an amount or position of an item stored in the storage compartment; and a control unit configured to control the cooling of the storage compartment by the cooling device, according to an estimate result by the stored item estimate unit.
    [0016] With this, the refrigerator compensates for a difference between (i) an internal temperature that is of the refrigerator, detected by a thermistor, and changing according to the quantity or positions of stored items and the temperature of the stored items. Therefore, the temperature of the stored items is always kept at an optimal temperature. For this reason, since stored items are kept at an expected temperature regardless of the state of storage in the refrigerator, it is possible to keep the freshness of stored items at a high level, and suppress power consumption by preventing stored items are "super-cooled".
    [0017] Preferably, a refrigerator according to a second aspect of the present invention further includes: a light emitting unit that includes a light source which emits light on the item stored in the storage compartment; and a light quantity detection unit arranged in the storage compartment, and configured to detect a quantity of light emitted by the light emitting unit, through the stored item and a structural component in the storage compartment, in which the stored item estimation is configured to estimate the quantity or position of the stored item, according to a result of the light quantity detection by the light quantity detection unit.
    [0018] In this way, the light quantity detection unit receives the light emitted from the light source, such as an LED. Thus, with the simple structure, it is possible to estimate the quantity or position of the stored item.
    [0019] Preferably, in a refrigerator according to a third aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to select an operating pattern according to a result of estimating the quantity or position of the stored item by the stored item estimating unit, and to control the cooling device, so that the refrigerator obtains an internal temperature that is pre-regulated according to the operating standard.
    [0020] In this way, it is possible to store the item according to approximately the same condition (internal temperature of the refrigerator) regardless of the quantity or position of the stored item by performing an adaptive control based on the quantity or position of the stored item. Therefore, it is possible to provide the refrigerator, which obtains a high freshness maintenance effect, and also obtains a high power saving effect by preventing overcooling.
    [0021] Preferably, a refrigerator according to a fourth aspect of the present invention further includes a door opening or closing detection unit configured to detect an open or closed state of a refrigerator door, the door being provided in front of the refrigerator compartment. in which, in a period in which the door opening or closing detection unit detects a closed state of the refrigerator door, the light emitting unit, the light quantity detection unit, the stored item and the control unit begin a sequence of operations.
    [0022] In this way, the amount of light is detected without being affected by the backlight that is the ambient light. Therefore, it is possible to control the refrigerator with a higher detection accuracy than the conventional one. In this way, it is possible to provide the refrigerator that is capable of storing the stored item under approximately the same storage condition regardless of the quantity or position of the stored item and obtaining a high freshness maintenance effect and a high power saving effect.
    [0023] Preferably, in a refrigerator according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting unit is a lighting unit provided in the storage compartment.
    [0024] In this way, the light emitting unit can be configured simply without any additional special light emitting unit.
    [0025] Preferably, in a refrigerator according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting unit includes a plurality of light sources, and is configured to turn on the light sources sequentially, the light quantity detection unit is configured to detect the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit, and the stored item estimation unit is configured to estimate the quantity or position of the stored item, according to a result of the detection of the amount of light by the detection unit amount of light.
    [0026] In this way, the light sources are connected sequentially. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the stored items exactly. For this reason, it is also possible to detect the stored item arranged even in a small space in a large storage compartment. Therefore, it is possible to increase the accuracy in estimating the quantity or position of the stored item.
    [0027] Preferably, a refrigerator according to a seventh aspect of the present invention further includes a space detection unit configured to detect available space in a storage space of the storage compartment in a non-contact manner, wherein the space detection unit is configured to detect a volume of a space surrounding at least one cold air discharge window, and the stored item estimation unit is configured to estimate the quantity or position of the stored item, according to a result of detection by space detection unit.
    [0028] This makes it easier to estimate the position of an available space and store food from the outside, and thereby save energy. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator which is capable of facilitating an optimal food arrangement that is effective against an increase in power consumption due to overcrowding of food or storage of food around a cold air discharge window and carrying out a power saving operation.
    [0029] In other words, it is possible to detect, in a non-contact way, the relationship of the volume of food with respect to storage space. Here, the volume includes the heights of the food. In this way, it is possible to detect the state of an available space in a comparatively accurate way. This makes it easier to recognize which part of the storage space in the refrigerator compartment is available and thus make it possible to store food immediately with a reduction in the length of time for which a refrigerator door is opened. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the refrigerator's internal temperature due to the opening of the door and thereby save energy.
    [0030] In the event that the food is positioned around the cold air discharge window, the amount of cold air discharged is small, even when there is sufficient storage space, and a longer time is required for cooling the food. In this case, the cooling effect inside the refrigerator decreases, with an increase in energy consumption. In addition, a large amount of cold air flowing over the food around the cold air discharge window can dry or overcool the food and thereby deteriorate the quality of the food. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the storage of food, for example, preferably by informing another storage space, and thereby suppressing such a deterioration in food quality to a minimum. In the same way, it is possible to facilitate a power saving operation that is effective against an increase in power consumption caused in the event that the amount of food stored is too much or the food is stored around the cold air discharge window.
    [0031] Preferably, in a refrigerator according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the space detection unit and the light emitting unit are arranged on opposite sides of the storage space in which the stored item is stored.
    [0032] With this, once the light from the light emitting unit enters the space detection unit through food, the change in the amount of light passing through it depends highly on the change in the volume of stored food. Therefore, the detection accuracy of an available space is further increased.
    [0033] Preferably, in a refrigerator according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting unit is arranged on a front part of the storage compartment, and the space sensing unit is arranged on a rear wall side of the storage compartment. storage.
    [0034] In this way, it is possible to detect an available space, even when the storage compartment door is not completely closed, in other words, the ambient light enters the storage compartment, and thus, the accuracy of detection of the available space is additionally increased. .
    [0035] Preferably, a refrigerator according to a tenth aspect of the present invention further includes an information unit configured to display information about the available space in the storage space detected by the space detection unit, on an external surface of the door provided in front of the storage compartment.
    [0036] This makes it easier to understand the space available and store food from the outside. This also makes it possible to have a rough idea of a possible food storage location before the door is opened, and thereby further reduce the length of time the door is opened.
    [0037] Preferably, in a refrigerator according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the information unit is configured to display, as information about the available space, an alarm screen to inform a user that a high power consumption operation is fulfilled.
    [0038] In this way, it is possible to inform the user that a high power consumption operation is currently being performed due to overcrowding or storage of food around the cold air discharge window.
    [0039] From this point on, the modalities of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted that these modalities are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. [Mode 1]
    [0040] From this point on, Mode 1 of the present invention is described with reference to figure 1 through figure 8. Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Mode 1 of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to Mode 1 of the present invention, in the case of cutting the refrigerator along of a BB line in figure 1.
    [0041] The cooler 10 in each of these illustrations includes a main cooler body 11 which is a heat insulating body. The main body of refrigerator 11 includes an external housing made mainly from steel plates, an internal housing formed with a resin, such as ABS, and a heat insulation item between the external housing and the internal housing, and, thus, it is free from the surrounding heat.
    [0042] The main refrigerator body 11 has a plurality of storage compartments which are separate from each other and thermally insulated. The storage compartments are arranged so that a refrigerator compartment 12 is arranged at the top, an ice making compartment 13 and a switching compartment 14 are arranged side by side below the refrigerator compartment 12, a freezer compartment 15 is disposed below the ice-making compartment 13 and the switching compartment 14, and a vegetable compartment 16 is disposed in the lower part. In addition, a door is provided for each of the storage compartments, in order to avoid external air, so that the door is in front of a front opening part of the main refrigerator body 11. In addition, a unit operating mode 17 for regulating an internal temperature of each compartment and regulating ice making or rapid cooling is arranged around the central portion of a refrigerator compartment door 12a of the refrigerator compartment 12.
    [0043] The refrigerator compartment 12 includes a plurality of storage shelves 18, some of which are configured to be movable horizontally.
    [0044] Cooler compartment 12 further includes lighting units 19, light emitting units 20 and a light quantity detection unit 21.
    [0045] The lighting units 19 are arranged vertically on a left-hand wall and a right-hand wall which are located in front of the front ends of the storage shelves 18 and behind the mid-height point of the refrigerator's interior depth, when viewed from above. from the front surface of the refrigerator 10 on which the refrigerator door is open.
    [0046] The light emitting units 20 are arranged in positions adjacent to the lighting units 19 provided for the right and left sides of the refrigerator, and each includes light sources which emit light on the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 12.
    [0047] The light quantity detection unit 21 is arranged in a position behind the cooler compartment 12, and detects the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 20 through the stored items and structural components in the cooler compartment 12.
    [0048] The light quantity detection unit 21 can be arranged in any position in the refrigerator, provided that it is arranged in a position in which light is emitted by the light emitting unit 20 through the stored items and structural components in the refrigerator compartment 12 .
    [0049] In addition, the refrigerator compartment 12 includes a mechanical compartment formed in a rear area of the upper part of the same. The mechanical component includes a compressor 30 and structural components, such as a water removal dryer, which are used as components on a high pressure side in a freezing cycle.
    [0050] The freezer compartment 15 includes a cooling compartment for generating cold air in a rear wall of the same. The cooling compartment includes a chiller and a cooling fan that sends cooled air through the chiller to the refrigerator compartment 12, the switching compartment 14, the ice making compartment 13, the vegetable compartment 16 and the freezer compartment 15 The freezer also includes a radiant heater, a drain collector, a drain tube evaporation plate, etc., which are used to remove ice sheets and ice attached to the cooler and the surrounding portion.
    [0051] The refrigerator compartment 12 is regulated to have a temperature that is normal in a range of 1 to 5 degrees Celsius which is the lower limit for storage with freezing cooling, while the vegetable compartment 16 located in the lower part is regulated to have a temperature that is in a range of 2 to 7 degrees Celsius that is slightly higher than or equivalent to the temperature range for refrigerator compartment 12. In addition, freezer compartment 15 is regulated to have a temperature that is normally in a freezing temperature range of -22 to -15 degrees Celsius for freezing storage. However, in order to provide the state of freezing storage, the temperature range can be set to, for example, a lower range of -30 to -25 degrees Celsius.
    [0052] The ice-making compartment 13 includes, in an upper portion of it, an automatic ice-making machine (not shown) that makes ice from water directed from a water storage tank (not shown) inside the refrigerator compartment 12, and stores the ice in an ice storage container (not shown) disposed in a lower portion thereof.
    [0053] The switching compartment 14 can switch between the temperature ranges which are the cooling temperature range from 1 to 5 degrees Celsius, the vegetable temperature range from 2 to 7 degrees Celsius, and the freezing temperature range from -22 to -15 degrees Celsius, and can also switch to a temperature range that is pre-set between the cooling temperature range and the freezing temperature range. The switching compartment 14 is a storage compartment that includes an independent door and is provided in parallel with the ice making compartment 13. The door has a high probability of being a drawer door.
    [0054] In this embodiment, the switching compartment 14 is assumed to be a storage compartment that has a temperature range that includes the cooling temperature range and the freezing temperature range. Alternatively, it is possible to assume that the switching compartment 14 is a storage compartment that has a temperature only in the temperature range mentioned above which is an average temperature range between the cooling temperature range and the freezing temperature range, by regulation separately from the cooling temperature range for the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 16 and by regulating the freezing temperature range for the freezer compartment 15. With a recent increase in the demands for frozen foods, it is also possible to assume that the switching compartment is a storage compartment that has a particular temperature range, such as a fixed freezing temperature range.
    [0055] In addition, the previously mentioned details of the important parts of the present invention that are described in these embodiments can be applied to a refrigerator 10 that includes a compressor 30 in a mechanical compartment in a rear area of a storage compartment that is located, as generally known in conventional technique, in the lower part of a main heat insulating body.
    [0056] From this point on, the refrigerator configured as described above is further explained in terms of operations and effects performed and provided by the refrigerator.
    [0057] Here, the operations performed by the light emitting unit 20 and the light quantity detection unit 21 are described in detail with reference to figure 3. Figure 3 is an illustration to explain the operations performed by the light emitting unit 20 and the light quantity detection unit 21 according to Mode 1 of the present invention.
    [0058] As shown in the diagram, the light output from the light emitting unit 20 arranged on each of the right and left sides of the refrigerator is emitted inside the refrigerator compartment 12 and the stored items 33 stored in the refrigerator compartment. refrigerator 12. In addition, some of the light extracted from the light emitting unit 20 enters the light quantity detection unit 21 arranged in the refrigerator compartment 12.
    [0059] This diagram shows the interior of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the event that the stored items 33 are stored there. In the refrigerator compartment 12, the following areas are present: area A in which the light emitted 34a from the light emitting unit 20 on each of the right and left side walls is shielded due to the presence of the stored items 33; the area B in which the light emitted 34a from the light emitting unit 20 on one of the walls on the right and left sides is shielded due to the presence of the stored items 33; and area C in which the light emitted 34a from the light emitting unit 20 on each of the right and left side walls is not shielded.
    [0060] In this case, the light quantity detection unit 21 is present in area B, in which the light emitted 34a from the light emitting unit 20 on one of the walls on the right and left sides is shielded, and thus a corresponding amount of light is detected and extracted. In addition, in the case where the quantity of stored items 33 is large, the size of area A in which the emitted light 34a is shielded increases, and thus the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 decreases. In addition, in the case where the quantity of stored items 33 is small, the size of area C in which the emitted light 34a is not detected increases, and thus the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 increases.
    [0061] In this way, the light quantity detection unit 21 detects a change in light quantity due to the presence of stored items 33 and / or a difference in the quantity or positions of stored items 33. This result of light quantity detection it is used to make a determination based on a predetermined limit value that is regulated beforehand, in order to classify the quantity (large or small) or the positions of the items stored in the refrigerator. This is described in detail later.
    [0062] Here, the light emitting units 20 can be the lighting units 19 normally provided in the refrigerator 10. With this simple structure, it is possible to estimate the state of storage without any additional light sources. In other words, it is possible to estimate the quantity or positions of the items stored 33 by using the lighting units 19 provided in the refrigerator compartment 12 as the light emitting units 20.
    [0063] Then, with reference to a control block diagram shown in figure 4, the control operations are described. Figure 4 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator 10 according to Mode 1 of the present invention.
    [0064] As shown in the diagram, refrigerator 10 according to Mode 1 of the present invention includes a stored item estimation unit 22 and a control unit 23, in addition to the light emitting units 20 and the light quantity detection unit 21 described above.
    [0065] The stored item estimation unit 22 estimates the quantity or positions of the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 12, and extracts the estimation result to the control unit 23. More specifically, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates the quantity or the positions of the stored items according to the result of detecting the amount of light by the unit detecting the amount of light 21.
    [0066] According to the estimate result by the stored item estimation unit 22, the control unit 23 controls the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 12 by the cooling device 35, which is provided in the refrigerator 10 and cools the refrigerator compartment 12. More specifically, the control unit 23 selects an operating pattern according to the result of estimating the quantity or positions of the items stored by the stored item estimating unit 22, and controls the cooling device 35, in order to carry out a pre-regulated internal temperature of the refrigerator according to the operating standard. Here, the cooling device 35 includes a compressor 30, a cooling fan 31 and a temperature compensation heater 32. The control unit 23 automatically changes operations by the devices.
    [0067] An example is provided. In a transition period, the light emitting units 20 emit light at predetermined timings. When the result of detection by the light quantity detection unit 21 is greater than a predetermined value, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the quantity of stored items is small, and the control unit 23 automatically causes an operation power saving which is, for example, an operation to reduce the number of revolutions of the compressor 30 or an operation to prevent overheating, or the like.
    [0068] On the other hand, when the result of detection by the light quantity detection unit 21 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the quantity of stored items is large, and the control 23 automatically causes, by increasing the number of revolutions of compressor 30, a normal operation involving revolutions of compressor 30 which is greater in number than the revolutions of compressor 30 in power saving operation, so that the pre-regulated temperature is achieved in a predetermined length of time.
    [0069] Otherwise, instead of changing the number of compressor revolutions, the control unit 23 adjusts the internal temperature by controlling the amount of cold wind. More specifically, using an opening or closing mechanism, the control unit 23 selectively closes or opens a path for directing cold air to each of the storage compartments in the case of power saving operation or normal operation.
    [0070] From this point, an example is described, in which the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates the quantity of stored items, control unit 23 controls the cooling device 35 according to the quantity of stored items estimated by the storage unit. stored item estimate 22. This example is similar to an example in which the stored item estimate unit 22 estimates the positions of the stored items, the control unit 23 controls the cooling device 35 according to the positions of the estimated stored items by the stored item estimate unit 22.
    [0071] From this point on, with reference to figure 5A to 5C, descriptions are given of operations carried out by the control unit 23 of the refrigerator in transition periods. Each of figure 5A to figure 5C is a graph for explaining the control operations carried out, in a corresponding period of the transition periods, by the control unit 23 according to Modality 1 of the present invention.
    [0072] Here, each of the transition periods, for example, is one that begins after the internal temperature of the refrigerator 10 increases and ends when the interior is cooled to reach a pre-set temperature. Examples of transition periods include a period immediately after storing an item, a period after a refrigerator door has been opened for a long time and closed, and a period immediately after a defrost operation. In general, the change in internal temperature in a transition period like this is greater than a pre-set temperature of more than ± 3 degrees Celsius.
    [0073] More specifically, figure 5A shows operations performed by the control unit 23 which performs a temperature control similar to the conventional temperature control in the case of a normal storage quantity (from this point, Normal). Figure 5B shows the operations performed by the control unit 23 in the case of a large amount of storage (from this point, Large), and figure 5C shows the operations performed by the control unit 2 3 in the case of a large amount of storage. small (from this point on, Small). For simplicity, the items stored in each case are assumed to be of a similar type.
    [0074] In each of figure 5B and figure 5C, a continuous line shows a detected temperature of the items stored in the refrigerator in this mode, and a dashed line shows time dependence on the detected temperature of the stored items in the case where a conventional control is performed . Here, K0 is a preset storage temperature for stored items 33. In the case of a greater or lesser than normal storage quantity, control unit 23 switches the operating states of the cooling device 35, based on the result of estimating the amount of storage by the stored item estimation unit 22.
    [0075] Figure 5A shows a change in the temperature of the items stored in the case of the Normal storage quantity and an internal storage rate of 50% ± 10%. In this mode, a control is performed using this temperature change as a reference. It is to be noted that the standards for determining "Normal, Large and Small" with reference to storage quantities vary, depending on the sizes, configurations and control schemes of refrigerators. Thus, the determination standards are not limited to the determination standards shown here.
    [0076] When stored items 33 of the similar type are stored and their quantity is greater than Normal, the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 decreases. Based on the decrease in the amount of light detected, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the amount of internal storage is Large.
    [0077] In this case, as shown in figure 5B, the conventional cooling operation (the dashed line) requires a long time to cool the stored items to the pre-set temperature. Therefore, the control unit 23 increases the number of revolutions of the compressor 30 or increases the amount of cold air circulating, in order to automatically switch to a rapid cooling operation in order to cool the stored items to the preset temperature in the predetermined length of time. In this way, it is possible to achieve the storage temperature in the period equivalent to the period in the case of figure 5A, without depending on the quantity of stored items 33, and to maintain in this way the freshness of the stored items 33, without depending on the quantity of stored items 33 .
    [0078] When stored items 33 are stored and the number of items is less than Normal, the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 increases. Based on the increase in the amount of light detected, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the amount of internal storage is Small.
    [0079] In this case, as shown in figure 5C, the conventional cooling operation (the dashed line) cools the stored item to the pre-set temperature in a short period of time. Thus, the cooling operation can consume more electrical power than required. Thus, the control unit 23 reduces the number of revolutions of the compressor 30 or reduces the amount of cold air circulating, in order to automatically switch to the power saving operation, with the aim of cooling the stored item to the pre-set temperature. regulated in the predetermined duration. This operation slows down the change in internal temperature, thereby achieving a power-saving effect and reducing noise by reducing the speed of revolution of the cooling fan 31.
    [0080] These operations are described in detail with reference to the control flowchart in figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining control operations carried out, in a transition period, by the control unit 23 according to Modality 1 of the present invention. .
    [0081] As shown in the flowchart, control unit 23 determines whether a current period is a transition period, based on an internal temperature (Step S102). When it determines that the current period is the transition period (S in Step 102), the control unit 23 performs the following control.
    [0082] First, the control unit 23 turns on the light emitting unit 20 in order to perform a stored item detection operation (Step S103). Then, the light quantity detection unit 21 detects the amount of light attenuated by the stored items (Step S104).
    [0083] The stored item estimation unit 22 estimates the level of storage quantity by comparing the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 with the predetermined threshold value (Step S105).
    [0084] The stored item estimate unit 22 estimates whether the storage quantity is Large or not (Step S106). When the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is Large (S in Step S106), the control unit 23 causes the cooling device 35 to perform rapid operation until the stored items are cooled to temperature pre-set (Step S107).
    [0085] When the stored item estimate unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is not Large (N in Step S106), the stored item estimate unit 22 estimates whether the storage quantity is Small or not (Step S108). When the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is Small (S in Step S108), the control unit 23 causes the cooling device 35 to perform the power saving operation until the stored items are cooled to the pre-set temperature (Step S109).
    [0086] When the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is not Small (N in Step S108), control unit 23 determines that the storage quantity is Normal (Step S110), and causes the storage device cooling 35 perform the normal cooling operation (Step S111).
    [0087] Then, with reference from figure 7A to figure 7C, descriptions are given of operations performed by the refrigerator control unit 23 in the event that sufficient time has elapsed after the items have been stored, and the temperature of the stored items becomes stable. Each of figure 7A to figure 7C is a graph for explaining control operations carried out, in a corresponding period of the stable periods, by the control unit 23 according to Mode 1 of the present invention.
    [0088] Here, each of the stable periods is a period that begins when the temperature of the stored items reaches the pre-set temperature, and lasts as long as the temperature of the stored items is kept constant, for example, by (o) turning ON / OFF an operation cooling. In general, the internal temperature in a stable period changes approximately within a range of ± 3 degrees Celsius.
    [0089] More specifically, figure 7A shows operations performed by the control unit 23 which performs a temperature control similar to the conventional temperature control in the case of a normal storage quantity (from this point, Normal). Figure 7B shows the operations performed by the control unit 23 in the case of a large amount of storage (from this point, Large), and figure 7C shows the operations performed by the control unit 23 in the case of a small amount of storage. (from this point, Small). Here, in a stable period, cooling is accomplished by repeating in a T cycle a cooling period and a period of inactivity.
    [0090] When stored items 33 of the similar type are stored and their quantity is greater than Normal, the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 decreases. Based on the decrease in the amount of light detected, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the amount of internal storage is Large.
    [0091] In this case, the thermal capacity of each of the stored items is added to be a large total internal thermal capacity of the items stored in the refrigerator, the cooling performance is increased, and an increase in temperature is slowed down. Therefore, as shown in figure 7B, each of the cooling period and the inactivity period is long and, therefore, the T cycle is longer than a T cycle in the case of the Normal storage quantity.
    [0092] In this case, the total thermal capacity of the chilled stored items keeps the internal temperature at a low temperature and, thus, an average temperature K1 of the stored items is lower than the pre-regulated temperature K0, resulting in what is called "super- cooling".
    [0093] Therefore, in this case, the control unit 23 controls the cooling device 35, so that a temperature K2 higher than K0 by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius is regulated as a new pre-regulated temperature. In this way, super-cooling of the stored items is suppressed, and the cooling operation is suppressed to maintain the temperature of the stored items at a temperature that is approximately the same as the pre-set temperature K0. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining the quality of stored items.
    [0094] It is desirable that the preset temperature K2 is increased from K0 by a temperature obtained in accordance with "K0 - K1". Here, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the quality of the stored items due to a dramatic increase in temperature by regulating a higher temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius as a predetermined temperature range as described above.
    [0095] When the number of stored items is less than Normal, the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 increases. Based on the increase in the amount of light detected, the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the amount of internal storage is Small.
    [0096] In this case, since the quantity of the stored items is smaller, the thermal capacity of each of the stored items is added up to be a small total internal thermal capacity of the items stored in the refrigerator. Thus, it is likely that the cooling performance will be decreased, and that the temperature will be increased quickly. In addition, since the total internal thermal capacity is small, the temperature of the stored items decreases rapidly with cooling.
    [0097] Therefore, as shown in figure 7C, each of the cooling period and the inactivity period is short, and thus a T cycle is shorter than a T cycle in the case of the Normal storage quantity. However, it is likely that the temperature of the stored items will be maintained to be approximately the same as the preset temperature.
    [0098] When a cooling control similar to a cooling control performed in the case of the Normal quantity is performed in this case, as shown in figure 7C, each of the cooling period and the period of inactivity is short, and thus a control of wind path must be performed frequently, resulting in a loss of energy. For this reason, in order to save more energy, the control unit 23 performs a control so that the cooling period and the inactivity period become equivalent to those in the case of normal operation, for example, by reducing the amount of cooling to suppress cooling.
    [0099] Control unit 23 reduces a cooling amount, for example, by reducing the number of revolutions of the cooling fan 31 or stopping the cooling fan 31, by reducing the amount of wind, or by reducing the number of operating revolutions or the rate compressor operating mode 30.
    [0100] In this way, it is possible to perform the cooling period and the inactivity period equivalent to those in normal operation, and to reduce the consumption of electrical power by performing a power saving operation like this.
    [0101] These operations are described in detail with reference to the control flowchart in figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining control operations carried out, in a stable period, by the control unit 23 according to Modality 1 of the present invention.
    [0102] As shown in the flowchart, control unit 23 determines whether a current period is a stable period, based on an internal temperature (Step S202). When determining that the current period is the stable period (S in Step 202), the control unit 23 performs the following control.
    [0103] First, the control unit 23 activates the light emitting units 20, in order to perform an operation for the detection of the stored items (Step S203). Then, the light quantity detection unit 21 detects the amount of light attenuated by the stored items (Step S204).
    [0104] The stored item estimation unit 22 estimates the level of storage quantity by comparing the amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit 21 with the predetermined threshold value (Step S205).
    [0105] The stored item estimation unit 22 estimates whether the storage quantity is Large (Step S206). When the stored item estimation unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is Large (S in Step S206), the control unit 23 controls the cooling device 35 in order to increase the preset temperature to K2, which is a higher temperature than K0 (Step S207).
    [0106] When the stored item estimate unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is not large (N in Step S206), the stored item estimate unit 22 estimates that the storage quantity is Normal or Small (Step S208). The control unit 23 controls the cooling device 35, in order to carry out the normal operation or the power saving operation to reduce the amount of cooling (Step S209).
    [0107] As described above, the refrigerator 10 according to this embodiment includes: the main body of the refrigerator 11; the cooling device 35, which cools the interior of the refrigerator 10; the light emitting units 20 which are arranged in predetermined positions in the refrigerator 10 and each of which includes at least one light source which emits inside the refrigerator 10 and the items stored 33 in the refrigerator 10; the light quantity detection unit 21 which is arranged in the refrigerator 10, and detects the amount of light emitted by the light emitting units 20, through the stored items and structural components in the refrigerator 10; the stored item estimation unit 22 which estimates the quantity or positions of the stored items, based on the result of detection by the light quantity detection unit 21; and the control unit 23, which controls the cooling device 35 according to the result of estimating the quantity or positions of the items stored by the stored item estimating unit 22, and controls the internal temperature of the refrigerator 10 according to the predetermined temperature regulation.
    [0108] With this structure, the quantity or positions of the stored items 33 are estimated based on the result of the estimate by the light quantity detection unit 21, and a control adapted to the quantity or positions is performed in the refrigerator 10. This adaptive control makes It is possible to store the stored items 33 under approximately the same storage condition regardless of the quantity or positions of the stored items 33. Thus, the refrigerator 10 is capable of providing a high freshness-maintaining effect and a high power-saving effect.
    [0109] In other words, since the stored items are kept at an expected temperature, regardless of the storage status of the items stored in the refrigerator, it is possible to maintain the freshness of the stored items at a high level, and suppress power consumption by preventing the stored items 33 are "super-cooled". In this way, the light quantity detection unit 21 receives the light emitted from the light sources, such as LEDs. Thus, with the simple structure, it is possible to estimate the quantity or positions of the stored items 33.
    [0110] Furthermore, in the case of a small amount of storage, it is possible to provide an energy saving effect and reduce noise in a transition period, by slowing down the change in internal temperature. On the other hand, although a super-cooling of the stored items is likely to occur in a stable period in the case of a Large amount of storage, it is possible to increase the pre-regulated cooling temperature of the refrigerator, in order to perform a saving operation. power, and thereby provide a power saving effect.
    [0111] Although the stored item estimation unit 22 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 12 in this embodiment, the stored item estimation unit 22 can be provided in any one of the ice making compartment 13, the switching compartment 14, the storage compartment freezer compartment 15 or the vegetable compartment 16. [Mode 2]
    [0112] Next, a refrigerator according to Mode 2 of the present invention is described. Figure 9 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator 10a according to Mode 2 of the present invention.
    [0113] As shown in the diagram, refrigerator 10a according to Mode 2 further includes a door opening or closing detection unit 25 which detects an open or closed state of a refrigerator door, in addition to the respective structural elements of the refrigerator 10 according to Modality 1 shown in figure 4.
    [0114] The door open or close detection unit 25 detects an open or closed state of the refrigerator door arranged on a front surface of the storage compartment. In other words, the door open or close detection unit 25 detects an open state or a closed state of the refrigerator compartment door 12a.
    [0115] In a period during which the door opening or closing detection unit 25 detects a closed state of the refrigerator compartment door 12a, a light emitting unit 20, a light quantity detection unit 21, a light unit stored item estimate 22 and a control unit 23 begin a sequence of operations.
    [0116] In this way, an open state or a closed state of the refrigerator compartment door 12a is detected, and the light emitting unit 20 and the light quantity detection unit 21 are operated while the door is in a closed state. These operations make it easier to avoid the influence of backlight.
    [0117] In addition, a change in the quantity or positions of stored items is always followed by a sequence of user operations which are opening the door, storing or extracting food and closing the door last. Therefore, it is only necessary that the quantity or positions of the stored items are detected only after the door is opened or closed. In other words, with the door opening or closing detection unit 25, it is possible to reduce the detection operation to a minimum, and reduce the electrical power that is consumed by the light emitting units 20, etc.
    [0118] In addition, each of the household refrigerators turns on or off lighting units provided in the refrigerator, when a door provided there is opened or closed, because the detection of the opening or closing of the door associated with the connection or disconnection of the door. [Mode 3]
    [0119] Next, a refrigerator according to Mode 3 of the present invention is described. Each of figure 10 and figure 11 is an illustration showing a structure of a refrigerator 10b according to Mode 3.
    [0120] Modality 3 includes the same structural elements as the structural elements of the refrigerators according to Modalities 1 and 2, and also includes parts to which the same technical ideas are applicable. Therefore, no detailed description is repeated for the structural elements and parts. In addition, any of the structural elements in Modalities 1 and 2 can be combined with Modality 3 and executed.
    [0121] As shown in figure 10, refrigerator 10b includes, as light emitting units, lighting units 19, each of which includes a plurality of light sources 20a to 20d. In this way, the light emitting units can be simply configured without any special light emitting units.
    [0122] The lighting units 19 are arranged on a left-hand wall and a right-hand wall which are located in front of the front ends of the storage shelves 18 and before the midpoint of the interior depth of the refrigerator, when viewed from the surface. front of refrigerator 10b in which the refrigerator door is open. The light sources 20a to 20d in each of the lighting units 19 are arranged at an equal interval, and can emit light uniformly over all parts located from top to bottom within the refrigerator compartment 12.
    [0123] Furthermore, the light quantity detection units 21a to 21d are arranged in rear positions in the refrigerator compartment 12, and each of the light quantity detection units 21a to 21d mainly detects an attenuation in the amount of light emitted from light. emitted 34b which is transformed from the emitted light 34a, when the emitted light 34a is blocked by the stored items 33.
    [0124] In addition, a light quantity detection unit 21e is arranged at a point that is (i) on a ceiling surface on the side of the refrigerator compartment door 12 and (ii) before the midpoint of the interior depth of the refrigerator . This light quantity detection unit 21e mainly detects an attenuation in the amount of light emitted light 34c which is transformed from the light emitted 34a, when the light emitted 34a is blocked by the stored items 33 located on the front side, that is, on the door side.
    [0125] In other words, each of the lighting units 19 sequentially links the plurality of light sources 20a to 20d, the light quantity detection unit 21 detects the amount of light emitted by the lighting unit 19, and the light unit 19 stored item estimate 22 estimates the quantity or positions of the stored items according to the result of the light quantity detection by the light quantity detection unit 21. In this way, the light sources are sequentially connected. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the stored items exactly. For this reason, it is also possible to detect stored items arranged evenly in a small location in a large storage compartment. Therefore, it is possible to increase the accuracy of determining the quantity or positions of stored items.
    [0126] It is noted that, like light quantity detection units 21a to 21e, it is possible to use light quantity detection devices or chromaticity sensors capable of identifying RGB in addition to illuminance.
    [0127] In addition, as shown in figure 11, it is possible to detect the quantity or positions of the items stored accurately by the provision, in addition to the lighting units 19, of a light source 20e, which is a light emitting unit located on the ceiling surface in the refrigerator and providing a 21f light quantity detection unit on a bottom of the refrigerator.
    [0128] The light source 20e on the ceiling surface is located before the midpoint of the interior depth of the refrigerator, when viewed from the side of the door that opens in the refrigerator compartment 12. In addition, in this embodiment, the light source 20e it is located in a position that is (i) on the door side with respect to the front ends of storage shelves 18 and (ii) on the depth side with respect to door shelves 24a to 24c affixed to the refrigerator compartment door 12a. For this reason, in this arrangement, there is no possibility that the light that is emitted from the light source 20e on the ceiling surface towards the light quantity detection unit 21f will be blocked by the stored items positioned on the storage shelves 18 and on the door shelves 24a to 24c.
    [0129] For the same reason, the light quantity detection unit 21f at the bottom is located in a position that is (i) on the door side with respect to the front ends of the storage shelves 18, (ii) on the depth side with respect to the door shelves 24a to 24c affixed to the refrigerator compartment door 12a, and (iii) a lower position than the lower storage shelf 18.
    [0130] The light quantity detection unit 21f can be positioned on any of the surfaces, such as a side or bottom surface of the refrigerator. Alternatively, it is possible to invert the position relationship between the light source 20e on the ceiling surface and the light quantity detection unit 21f on the bottom. Alternatively, a plurality of light detection units can be provided, instead.
    [0131] In this way, light is emitted from the ceiling surface in the refrigerator, and the amount of light is detected at the bottom. This light is spread towards the storage shelves 18 and the door shelves 24a to 24c. Therefore, it is possible to detect the quantity or positions of stored items accurately.
    [0132] Here, in the case of a storage compartment having a long height, such as a refrigerator compartment, the light from the light source 20e on the ceiling surface is less likely to reach the items stored at the bottom. In this case, it is desirable that a light emitting unit located at the bottom, such as a 20d light source, is also used for emission inside the refrigerator evenly.
    [0133] The light quantity detection units 21a to 21f can be positioned in any positions in the refrigerator, provided that the positions are positions in which the light quantity detection units 21a to 21f receive the light emitted from the light sources 20a to 20e through stored items and structural components in the refrigerator. In case it does not require a highly accurate estimate of the quantity or positions of stored items, there is no need to provide a plurality of light detection units, and a single light detection unit can be provided, instead. [Mode 4]
    [0134] Next, a refrigerator according to Mode 4 of the present invention is described. Figure 12 is a front view of a refrigerator 10c according to Mode 4 of the present invention.
    [0135] As shown in the illustration, refrigerator 10c includes a main refrigerator body 11 that includes an inner housing 11a and an outer housing 11b. The inner housing 11a is provided through a thermally insulating wall, includes a refrigerator compartment 12, an ice maker compartment 13, a freezer compartment 15 and a vegetable compartment 16 from the top to the bottom in this sequential order , and also includes a switching compartment 14 which is provided adjacent to the ice making compartment 13 and is capable of switching between the internal temperatures of the refrigerator.
    [0136] The refrigerator compartment 12 which has the largest storage capacity and the highest frequency of use for storing and extracting stored items is provided with a refrigerator compartment door 12a which is made up of split doors, each of which pivoting around hinges and for closing the front surface opening. Each of the ice-making compartment 13, the switching compartment 14, the vegetable compartment 16 and the freezer compartment 15 is provided with a drawer door.
    [0137] The interior of the refrigerator compartment 12 is maintained at a cooling temperature and is divided horizontally by a plurality of shelves 18a to 18c provided at a suitable interval. Cooler compartment 12 includes, at the bottom, a water supply tank for water supply for ice making and a low temperature compartment 12b for keeping items stored at a cooling temperature.
    [0138] More specifically, the space above each of the storage shelves 18a to 18c is a space for storing items, such as food. In this embodiment, the storage shelf 18a is for supporting items to be stored in the storage space formed in the uppermost stage, the storage shelf 18b is for supporting items to be stored in the storage space formed in the second uppermost stage, and the storage shelf 18c is for assembling items to be stored in the storage space formed immediately below the storage shelf 18b. The storage segment in the lowest stage below the storage shelf 18c includes the water supply tank for water supply for ice making and the low temperature compartment 12b for keeping items stored at a cooling temperature.
    [0139] In addition, the refrigerator compartment 12 includes the lighting units 19 provided one by one on the front and left side walls of the storage compartment. Each of the lighting units 19 includes a plurality of LEDs arranged vertically in an equal range. In addition, the refrigerator compartment 12 includes, on the rear wall side, space detection units 26, each including a light quantity detection unit. Here, each of the space detection units 26 has a function similar to the function of the light quantity detection unit 21 according to Modes 1 to 3.
    [0140] More specifically, the space detection unit 26a which is a light quantity detection unit is provided on the rear wall which is located (i) above the storage shelf 18a for mounting items in the uppermost storage space and ( ii) below the internal housing 11a on the ceiling surface side. In addition, the space detection unit 26b which is a unit for detecting the amount of light provided in the rear wall which is located (i) above the storage shelf 18b for supporting items in the second uppermost storage space and (ii ) below the storage shelf 18a.
    [0141] This mode shows a state in which the stored items 33 are positioned on the storage shelf 18b. In other words, the space detection unit 26b and each of the lighting units 19 are located in positions between which one of the stored items 33 is positioned.
    [0142] In addition, the cold air discharge windows 4 are provided one by one above the space detection units 26. More specifically, the cold air discharge window 4a is provided in the upper proximity of the upper side space detection unit. 26a, and the cold air vent window 4b is provided in the upper proximity of the underside space detection unit 26b.
    [0143] In the following, a description of a functional structure of a refrigerator 10c according to Mode 4 of the present invention is given.
    [0144] Figure 13 is a control block diagram of refrigerator 10c according to Mode 4 of the present invention.
    [0145] As described above, refrigerator 10c according to Mode 4 still includes: a space detection unit 26 instead of the light quantity detection unit 21 of refrigerator 10 according to Mode 11 shown in figure 4; and an information unit 27.
    [0146] The space detection unit 26 detects, in a non-contact way, an available space in the storage space in the refrigerator compartment 12. More specifically, the space detection unit 26 detects a space volume of at least around of the cold air discharge window 4 by detecting the quantities of light emitted by the lighting units 19 through the stored items 33 and structural components in the refrigerator compartment 12.
    [0147] In other words, as shown in figure 12, the space detection unit 26 is composed of a space detection unit 26a and a space detection unit 26b. The space detection unit 26a detects the size of the space volume at least around the cold air discharge window 4a, and the space detection unit 26b detects the size of the space volume at least around the air discharge window. cold air 4b.
    [0148] The stored item estimation unit 22 estimates the quantity or positions of the stored items 33, according to the result of detection by the space detection unit 26.
    [0149] The information unit 27 displays information about the space available in the storage space detected by the space detection unit 26, on an external surface of the door provided on a front surface of the refrigerator compartment 12. For example, the information unit 27 it displays, like the information about the available space, an alarm screen to inform a user the fact that a high power consumption operation is currently being carried out.
    [0150] From this point on, a description of the operations performed by the refrigerator 10c configured as described above will be given.
    [0151] First, the lighting units 19 are switched on when the door 108 is closed. In the upper stage above the storage shelf 18a, the light from the lighting units 19 reaches the space detection unit 26a which detects the luminance in the storage space in the uppermost stage.
    [0152] In the middle stage between the storage shelf 18a and the storage shelf 18b, a portion of the light from the lighting units 19 passes through a space between the stored items 33 and reaches the space detection unit 26b, which detects the illuminance in the storage space in the second highest stage. The other part of the light from the lighting units 19 reaches the stored items 33. A part of the other part is reflected by the stored items 33 and is scattered, and the other part of the other part is absorbed by the stored items 33. Therefore, a shadow of the stored items 33 is formed in a space that is opposite the lighting units 19 with respect to the stored items 33, in other words, which is on the rear wall side behind the stored items 33. Since the space includes a small amount of light due to the shade, the space is dark.
    [0153] As is known from this, the light from the lighting units 19 is blocked more significantly, resulting in a greater reduction in the amount of light reaching the space detection unit 26b located behind the stored items 33, since the items stored are higher or the number of stored items is greater.
    [0154] In this way, the space detection units 26a and 26b detect the amount of light, and a fact that there is space available in the upper stage above the storage shelf 18a (the upper stage is above the middle stage below the storage shelf). storage 18a) is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12a which is a door. In other words, the information unit 27 informs the user of the states of the items stored in the refrigerator compartment 12 by providing this display on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12a provided on the front surface side of the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a storage compartment in which the space detection units 26a and 26b are provided.
    [0155] The user can check the display presented by the information unit 27, open the refrigerator compartment door 12a, gently place items, such as food, on the storage shelf 18a that corresponds to the uppermost storage space displayed as supporting a quantity of stored items, and immediately close the refrigerator compartment door 12a.
    [0156] As another example, stored items 33 are stored in front of the cold air discharge window 4b, as shown in figure 12, or the quantity of stored items 33 is too much, in other words, when the amount of light in the vicinity of the cold air discharge window 4 and detected by the space detection unit 26 is less than a predetermined value, the information unit 27 presents an alarm screen to inform that a high power consumption operation is about to be performed, because the space detection unit 26 detects that the storage space is overflowing with stored items 33.
    [0157] Here, when the quantity of stored items 33 is excessive or when stored items 33 are positioned in the vicinity of the cold air discharge window 4, the stored items 33 serve as resistors that block the circulation of cold air and thus reduce the amount of cold air circulating per unit time. Therefore, a long time is required to cool the stored items 33. In addition, a reduction in the amount of cold air in circulation reduces the amount of wind in a converter. This reduces an amount of heat exchange and lowers an evaporation temperature. This also increases a difference between high and low pressures in a freeze cycle, resulting in an increase in power input to a compressor. For this reason, in order to maintain a cooling time, there are needs to increase the number of revolutions of a fan that circulates cold air, and to increase the revolutions of the compressor, resulting in an increase in power consumption.
    [0158] In actual use of the refrigerator, it is possible to save energy by providing the user with an alarm stating that power consumption is increasing and, thus, facilitating an optimal arrangement of the stored items. Therefore, it is possible to provide consumers with refrigerators that save more energy than conventional ones and thus contribute to the reduction of CO2.
    [0159] As described above, it is possible to reduce the time for which the refrigerator compartment door 12a is open and thereby reduce the amount of outside air having a high temperature that enters when the refrigerator compartment door 12a is opened, resulting in energy saving. Since it is also possible to suppress a temporary increase in the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 12, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the stored items, and thereby reduce a degradation in the quality of the stored items.
    [0160] Furthermore, it is possible to attract a user's attention to an energy saving operation by the information unit 27 presenting an alarm information that a high power consumption operation is to be performed.
    [0161] This effect is higher than the conventional one especially in cases of household refrigerators that are likely to store various types of food.
    [0162] Although the refrigerator according to the present invention has been described above on the basis of the modalities, the present invention is not limited to the modalities.
    [0163] In other words, it must be interpreted that the modalities exposed here are exemplary and not restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the Claims, not the above descriptions. Therefore, it is intended that all possible equivalent modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]
    [0164] A refrigerator according to the present invention is applicable to refrigerators for domestic or commercial use, each having a function to detect stored items and perform a control to switch to a mode of operation, such as a power saving operation , based on the detection result. [List of Reference Symbols]
    [0165] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c cooler 4, 4a, 4b cold air discharge window 11 main body of refrigerator 11a internal housing 11b external housing 12, 101 cooler compartment 12th refrigerator compartment door 12b low temperature compartment 13 ice making compartment 14 switching compartment 15 freezer compartment 16 vegetable compartment 17 operating unit 18, 18a, 18b, 18c storage shelf 19 lighting unit 20 light emitting unit 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e light source 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f light quantity detection unit 22 stored item estimate unit 23 control unit 24a, 24b, 24c door shelf 25 door open or close detection unit 26, 26a, 26b space detection unit 27 information unit 30 compressor 31 cooling fan 32 temperature compensation heater 33 stored item 34a, 34b, 34c emitted light 35 cooling device 102 cold air discharge device
    权利要求:
    Claims (9)
    [0001]
    Refrigerator (10), comprising: a main refrigerator body (11) in which a storage compartment (14) is formed; a cooling device (35), which cools the storage compartment; a stored item estimation unit (22) configured to estimate a quantity or position of an item (33) stored in the storage compartment (14); and a control unit (23) configured to control the cooling of the storage compartment (14) by the cooling device (35), according to an estimate result by the stored item estimation unit; and a light emitting unit (20) which includes a plurality of light sources (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) which emit light (34a, 34b, 34c) on the stored item (33) in the storage compartment (14); characterized by a light quantity detection unit (21) arranged in the storage compartment (14), and configured to detect a quantity of light (34a, 34b, 34c) emitted by the light emitting unit (20), through the stored item (33) and a structural component in the storage compartment (14), in which light emitting unit (20) is configured to connect the light sources (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) sequentially, and wherein the stored item estimation unit (22) is configured to estimate the quantity or position of the stored item (33), according to a result of the detection of the amount of light by the unit of detection of the amount of light (21) .
    [0002]
    Refrigerator, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to select an operating pattern according to a result of the estimate of the quantity or position of the stored item (33) by the estimate unit stored item (22), and to control the cooling device (35), so that the refrigerator (10) reaches an internal temperature that is pre-regulated according to the operating standard.
    [0003]
    Refrigerator, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that it still comprises: a door opening or closing detection unit (25) configured to detect an open or closed state of a refrigerator door (10), the door being provided in front of the storage compartment (14), where, in a period in which the door opening or closing detection unit (25) detects a closed state of the refrigerator door (10), the light emitting unit (20), the quantity detection unit light (25), the stored item estimation unit (22) and the control unit (23) begin a sequence of operations.
    [0004]
    Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light emitting unit (20) is a lighting unit (19) provided in the storage compartment.
    [0005]
    Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a space detection unit (26) configured to detect available space in a storage space in the storage compartment (14) in a non-contact manner, wherein the space detection unit (26) is configured to detect a volume of a space surrounding at least one cold air discharge window, (4) and the stored item estimation unit (22) is configured to estimate the quantity or position of the stored item (33), according to a result of detection by the space detection unit (26).
    [0006]
    Refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that the space detection unit (26) and the light emitting unit (20) are arranged on opposite sides of the storage space in which the stored item (33) is stored.
    [0007]
    Refrigerator, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that the light emitting unit (20) is arranged in a front part of the storage compartment (14), and the space detection unit (26) is arranged on a rear wall side of the storage compartment (14).
    [0008]
    Refrigerator according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by the fact that it still comprises: an information unit (27) configured to display information about the available space in the storage space detected by the space detection unit (26), on an external surface of the door provided in front of the storage compartment.
    [0009]
    Refrigerator, according to claim 8, characterized in that the information unit (27) is configured to display, as information about the available space, an alarm screen to inform a user that a high power consumption operation is realized.
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    EP2525171B1|2016-05-18|
    JPWO2011111382A1|2013-06-27|
    EP2525171A1|2012-11-21|
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    BR112012020452B8|2020-10-27|
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    法律状态:
    2019-01-08| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-10-22| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-06-09| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-07-21| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 09/03/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    2020-10-27| B16C| Correction of notification of the grant|Free format text: REFERENTE AO DESPACHO 16.1 PUBLICADO NA RPI 2585 DE 21.07.2020, QUANTO AO NOME DE INVENTOR |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    JP2010-051407|2010-03-09|
    JP2010051407|2010-03-09|
    JP2011-038069|2011-02-24|
    JP2011038069|2011-02-24|
    PCT/JP2011/001375|WO2011111382A1|2010-03-09|2011-03-09|Refrigerator|
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