U.S. patent application number 13/437973 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for cooling apparatus and control method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Tsuyoshi Masato, Kazuo Nakamura, Atsushi Ozawa.
Application Number | 20120260677 13/437973 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46993886 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120260677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ozawa; Atsushi ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
COOLING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD
Abstract
A cooling apparatus includes a first power supply, a second
power supply, and a power switching control unit configured to
switch a power supply from the first power supply to the second
power supply near the time when the temperature of a compartment
starts decreasing.
Inventors: |
Ozawa; Atsushi; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Nakamura; Kazuo; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Masato; Tsuyoshi; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
46993886 |
Appl. No.: |
13/437973 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/56 ; 62/231;
62/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 29/00 20130101;
H02J 9/02 20130101; F25D 2700/02 20130101; F25D 2700/12 20130101;
F25B 27/00 20130101; Y02B 30/741 20130101; Y02B 30/70 20130101;
F25B 2600/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/56 ; 62/231;
62/236 |
International
Class: |
F25B 27/00 20060101
F25B027/00; F25B 49/00 20060101 F25B049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 12, 2011 |
JP |
2011-088661 |
Claims
1. A cooling apparatus comprising: a first power supply; a second
power supply; and a power switching control unit configured to
switch a power supply from the first power supply to the second
power supply near time when a temperature of a compartment starts
decreasing.
2. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the second
power supply to the first power supply after a lapse of a specified
time.
3. A cooling apparatus comprising: a first power supply; a second
power supply; a door configured to open/close a compartment; and a
power switching control unit configured to switch a power supply
from the first power supply to the second power supply near time
when the door is closed.
4. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the first
power supply to the second power supply at the time when the door
is closed.
5. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the first
power supply to the second power supply at time when a temperature
of the compartment starts decreasing after the door is closed.
6. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when a
temperature of the compartment is increased to at least a specified
temperature due to opening of the door, the power switching control
unit switches the power supply from the first power supply to the
second power supply near the time when the door is closed.
7. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the second
power supply to the first power supply after a lapse of a specified
time.
8. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second
power supply is a chargeable power storage device, and the power
storage device is charged under the control of the power switching
control unit.
9. A control method provided for a cooling apparatus comprising: a
first power supply; and a second power supply, wherein a power
supply is switched from the first power supply to the second power
supply near time when a temperature of a compartment starts
decreasing.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling apparatus such
as a refrigerator and a control method thereof.
[0002] A power storage device such as a battery is used for various
electronic apparatuses. An example of batteries widely used for
electronic apparatuses is a lithium ion battery. The lithium ion
battery is widely used because it is rechargeable and capable of
outputting a high voltage. In recent years, the lithium ion battery
is often used as an assembled battery including plural cells
connected in series or in parallel so as to realize higher output
voltage and higher capacity.
[0003] The lithium ion battery is used for a personal apparatus
such as a mobile phone, digital still camera, mobile game machine,
and a notebook personal computer. A battery is used not only for
such personal apparatuses, but also for a bicycle with an electric
motor, electric vehicle, and a refrigerator. Refrigerators
including a storage battery such as the lithium ion battery are
disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
10-164685 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 2008-020121.
SUMMARY
[0004] When a power storage device is provided in a refrigerator to
supply sufficient power to the refrigerator in the daytime, the
storage device, which is usually recharged in the nighttime, has to
have a high electric capacity. Thus, the size of the power storage
device becomes large, while the volume of a compartment of the
refrigerator becomes small. The cost of the refrigerator also
becomes higher. Furthermore, such a large power storage device has
a disadvantage in efficiency because the storage device
spontaneously discharges regardless of the total amount of the
power consumed by the refrigerator.
[0005] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure
provides a cooling apparatus and a control method of charging or
discharging a power storage device with efficiency.
[0006] A cooling apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure includes a first power supply, a second power
supply, and a power switching control unit configured to switch a
power supply from the first power supply to the second power supply
near time when a temperature of a compartment starts
decreasing.
[0007] A cooling apparatus according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure includes a first power supply, a second power
supply, a door configured to open/close a compartment, and a power
switching control unit configured to switch a power supply from the
first power supply to the second power supply near time when the
door is closed.
[0008] A control method according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure is provided for a cooling apparatus including a
first power supply, and a second power supply, wherein a power
supply is switched from the first power supply to the second power
supply near time when a temperature of a compartment starts
decreasing.
[0009] According to any one of the embodiments, a power storage
device in an apparatus may work efficiently.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
external view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
cooling system according to an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a power switching control circuit;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating exemplary changes in the
inside temperatures of a refrigerator according to an
embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a circle graph illustrating an exemplary
difference between power rates, which occurs depending on time
zones;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of
processing of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
modification of the refrigerator;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
modification of the power switching control circuit; and
[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary
modification of the flow of processing of the refrigerator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the attached drawings in the following
order.
1. Embodiment
2. Exemplary Modifications
[0021] The following embodiment and exemplary modifications are
described as appropriate specific examples of the present
disclosure which may be achieved without being limited to the
above-described embodiment and exemplary modifications.
1. Embodiment
External View of Refrigerator
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an external view of a refrigerator 100
which is an exemplary cooling apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure. The refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet
2 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The
cabinet 2 is partitioned into three segments in a vertical
direction, for example. In the refrigerator 100, a refrigerator
compartment, a vegetable compartment, and a freezer compartment are
exemplarily provided in respective internal spaces. For example,
the refrigerator compartment, the vegetable compartment, and the
freezer compartment are respectively provided in the upper segment,
the middle segment, and the lower segment.
[0023] The refrigerator 100 has doors provided to open and close
the compartments. For example, a rotatable and laterally opening
door 3a is provided on the front of the refrigerator compartment. A
drawer-type door 3b is provided on the front of the vegetable
compartment. A drawer-type door 3c is provided on the front of the
freezer compartment. The refrigerator 100 is partitioned into
plural segments with three partition plates, for example.
[0024] The external view of the refrigerator 100, which is
illustrated in FIG. 1, is exemplarily provided and the refrigerator
100 may be achieved without being limited thereto. For example, the
door 3a may not be a laterally opening door, but a set of double
doors. The freezer compartment may be provided in the middle
segment, and the vegetable compartment may be provided in the lower
segment. The vegetable compartment may not be provided. Switches
configured to make various settings on the refrigerator 100, light
emitting diodes (LED), a liquid crystal monitor, and so forth may
be provided on the door 3a. A speaker provided to instruct users on
how to use the refrigerator 100 may be attached to the refrigerator
100.
Cooling System
[0025] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary cooling system
5 of the refrigerator 100. In FIG. 2, the exemplary cooling system
5 is ready for a gas compression system. Without being limited to
the gas compression system, the cooling system 5 may be ready for a
gas absorption system or an electronic system.
[0026] In the cooling system 5, a refrigerant is compressed with a
compressor 6 and vaporized into refrigerant gas. Then, the
refrigerant gas is transmitted to a condenser 7, and liquefied
therein while radiating heat. The liquefied refrigerant is
transmitted to the capillary tube 9 via a drier 8.
[0027] The liquefied refrigerant is decompressed with the capillary
tube 9 and transmitted to a cooler 10. Then, the refrigerant
vaporizes in the cooler 10 and takes heat away from the
surroundings. The cooled air is distributed to each of the
refrigerator compartment, the vegetable compartment, and the
freezer compartment at an appropriate ratio. The temperature of
each compartment is adjusted to a set temperature. The vaporized
refrigerant passes through a pipe connected between the cooler 10
and the compressor 6, and returns to the compressor 6. The returned
refrigerant is compressed again. In the cooling system 5, much
power is consumed particularly for operations of the compressor
6.
Exemplary Configuration of Refrigerator
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the
refrigerator 100 of the embodiment. The refrigerator 100 is
connected to an alternate current (AC) 100V-commercial power supply
21 which is an exemplary first power supply, for example. An
alternating voltage transmitted from the commercial power supply 21
is transmitted to an AC/direct current (DC) converter 22. The AC/DC
converter 22 converts the transmitted alternating voltage into a
direct voltage. The direct voltage is transmitted to a charging
circuit 23 and a power system changing circuit 24.
[0029] The charging circuit 23 transmits the direct voltage
transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22 to a battery module 25 to
charge the battery module 25. Incidentally, the battery module 25
may become charged through the use of natural energy obtained with,
for example, a photovoltaic power generation module installed in a
home. Turning the charging circuit 23 on/off is controlled with a
power switching control unit 26 described below. For example, the
charging circuit 23 is tuned on to charge the battery module
25.
[0030] The battery module 25 which is an exemplary second power
supply and an exemplary power storage device is exemplarily
provided as a lithium ion battery. The battery module 25 is
achieved by, for example, a parallel connection of single-cell
lithium ion batteries in series. Besides the lithium ion batteries,
other chargeable batteries may be used as the battery module 25.
The battery module 25 may be provided in the refrigerator 100, or
attached to the refrigerator 100 in removable manner.
[0031] The power system changing circuit 24 selects either of a
direct voltage transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22 and that
transmitted from the battery module 25. Here, an exemplary
configuration of the power system changing circuit 24 will be
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a switch 24a and a diode 24b are
provided on one side of the power system changing circuit 24, on
which an input from the AC/DC converter 22 is received. The switch
24a is controlled with the power switching control unit 26
described below. A diode 24c is provided on the other side of the
power system changing circuit 24, on which an input from the
battery module 25 is received.
[0033] When the direct voltage transmitted from the AC/DC converter
22 is used, the switch 24a is turned on. In FIG. 4, the direct
voltage transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22 is larger than that
transmitted from the battery module 25, for example. Accordingly,
when the switch 24a is turned on, the diode 24b is brought into
conduction and the direct voltage transmitted from the AC/DC
converter 22 is selected.
[0034] When the direct voltage transmitted from the battery module
25 is used, the switch 24a is turned off. Subsequently, the diode
24c is brought into conduction and the direct voltage transmitted
from the battery module 25 is selected.
[0035] Incidentally, a switch may be provided on the side where an
input from the battery module 25 is received, and turned on/off.
Further, a switch may be provided on each of the side where an
input from the AC/DC converter 22 is received and the side where an
input from the battery module 25 is received to turn on the switch
provided on the side corresponding to the selected direct
voltage.
[0036] Returning to FIG. 3, the direct voltage selected with the
power system changing circuit 24 is transmitted to a compressor
inverter 27. Although not illustrated, the direct voltage
transmitted from the power system changing circuit 24 is
transmitted not only to the compressor inverter 27, but also to the
units of the refrigerator 100 for use. For example, the direct
voltage output from the power system changing circuit 24 is used to
illuminate the compartment of the refrigerator 100, and provide
indications through the use of the LED or the liquid crystal
panel.
[0037] The compressor inverter 27 converts the direct voltage
transmitted from the power system changing circuit 24 into an
alternating voltage. Then, the compressor inverter 27 transmits the
alternating voltage to the compressor 28. The compressor 28
operates while the motor rotation number thereof is controlled
based on the alternating voltage transmitted from the compressor
inverter 27.
[0038] The control unit 29 includes, for example, a central
processing unit (CPU) to control the units of the refrigerator 100.
The control unit 29 may be integrated into the power switching
control unit 26 described below. The control unit 29 controls, for
example, an alternating voltage output from the compressor inverter
27 to control the motor rotation number of the compressor 28. The
control of the motor rotation number allows for respectively
adjusting the inside temperatures of the refrigerator compartment,
the vegetable compartment, and the freezer compartment to set
temperatures.
[0039] When the door 3a is closed, the control unit 29 performs
regular cooling processing to maintain the refrigerator compartment
at the set temperature. The control unit 29 controls the
alternating voltage output from the compressor inverter 27 to
control and adjust the motor rotation number of the compressor 28
to a specified rotation number, and performs the regular cooling
processing.
[0040] The control unit 29 performs rapid cooling processing
different from the regular cooling processing. The rapid cooling
processing is performed after the door 3a is closed after being
opened. The rapid cooling processing is a function provided to
rapidly cool the inside temperature of the freezer compartment,
which is increased due to the opening of the door 3a. When
performing the rapid cooling process, the control unit 29 controls
the alternating voltage output from the compressor inverter 27 so
that the alternating voltage becomes higher than that output when
the regular cooling processing is performed. Subsequently, the
motor rotation number of the compressor 28 becomes larger than that
achieved at the regular cooling processing time. The high-speed
rotation of the compressor 28 allows for rapidly cooling the
refrigerator compartment to the set temperature.
[0041] The power switching control unit 26 includes, for example, a
CPU, and controls the power system changing circuit 24. Further,
the power switching control unit 26 controls the power system
changing circuit 24 to select either of the direct voltage
transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22 and that transmitted from
the battery module 25, for example. As stated above, the power
system changing circuit 24 is controlled so that the switch 24a is
turned on when the direct voltage transmitted from the AC/DC
converter 22 is selected. The power system changing circuit 24 is
also controlled so that the switch 24a is turned off when the
direct voltage transmitted from the battery module 25 is
selected.
[0042] Further, the power switching control unit 26 controls
turning the charging circuit 23 on/off. For charging the battery
module 25, the power switching control unit 26 turns on the
charging circuit 23. Otherwise, the power switching control unit 26
turns off the charging circuit 23.
[0043] Sensor signals are transmitted from sensors provided in the
compartments of the refrigerator 100 to the power switching control
unit 26. For example, a door open/close sensor 30 and an inside
temperature sensor 31 are provided in the refrigerator compartment
of the refrigerator 100. The door open/close sensor 30 detects the
closing and opening of the door 3a of the refrigerator compartment,
and outputs a door sensor signal generated based on the detection
result to the power switching control unit 26. The inside
temperature sensor 31 outputs a temperature sensor signal
indicating the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment
to the power switching control unit 26. Incidentally, a door
open/close sensor or an inside temperature sensor may be provided
in the vegetable compartment or the freezer compartment of the
refrigerator 100. Further, a door sensor signal or a temperature
sensor signal may be transmitted to the control unit 29.
[0044] A timer signal is transmitted from a timer 32 to the power
switching control unit 26. The timer 32 operates from specified
time and information about cumulative time from the specified time
(count value) is transmitted to the power switching control unit
26. Further, time information is transmitted from a clock unit 33
to the power switching control unit 26. The time information is
about the current time such as xx o'clock xx minutes, for example.
The power switching control unit 26 performs control based on the
timer signal transmitted from the timer 32 or the current time
information transmitted from the clock unit 33. Incidentally, the
functions of the timer 32 and the clock unit 33 may be integrated
into that of the power switching control unit 26.
Exemplary Output from Inside Temperature Sensor
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary temperature change measured
with the inside temperature sensor 31 of the refrigerator 100. In
FIG. 5, the inside temperature sensor 31 is provided in the
vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment in addition to
the refrigerator compartment. Of the progress of three temperature
changes illustrated in FIG. 5, the progress of a temperature
indicated by a solid line denotes that of a change in the
temperature of the vegetable compartment. The progress of a
temperature indicated by a long dashed short dashed line denotes
that of a change in the inside temperature of the refrigerator
compartment. The progress of a temperature indicated by a long
dashed double-short dashed line denotes that of a change in the
inside temperature of the freezer compartment. Hereinafter, the
progress of the change in the inside temperature of the
refrigerator compartment will be exemplarily described.
[0046] For example, assuming the door 3a of the refrigerator
compartment is opened after a lapse of one minute and the state
where the door 3a is opened lasts for a lapse of about one minute
so that the inside temperature is increased. For example, the
inside temperature standing at approximately 4.degree. C. before
the door 3a is opened is increased to about 10.degree. C. due to
the opening of the door 3a. Then, the door 3a is closed and the
inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment is decreased.
Incidentally, the inside capacity of the refrigerator compartment
is usually larger than those of the vegetable compartment and the
freezer compartment. Therefore, the inside temperature of the
refrigerator compartment is often increased to some extent
immediately after the door 3a is closed due to the outside air
which had flown into the refrigerator compartment due to the
opening of the door 3a.
[0047] When the door 3a is closed, the rapid cooling processing is
performed to decrease the inside temperature of the refrigerator
compartment, which is increased due to the opening of the door 3a.
For example, the control unit 29 performs control to increase the
alternating voltage output from the compressor inverter 27 so that
the motor rotation number of the compressor 28 is increased. The
high-speed rotation of the compressor 28 allows for rapidly
decreasing the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment
to the set temperature in a few minutes.
[0048] Thus, the rapid cooling processing is performed over a
specified period of time after the door 3a of the refrigerator 100
is opened and closed, so as to decrease the temperature increased
due to the flow of the outside air. During the period of the rapid
cooling processing, the high rotation of the compressor 28
increases the power consumption thereof. During the rapid cooling
processing, not only the motor of the compressor 28, but also a fan
motor (not shown) may be rotated at high speed, which increases the
power consumption. Therefore, the power supplied from the battery
module 25 is used during the period where the rapid cooling
processing is performed. That is, the power supplied from the
battery module 25 is used as power consumed for processing
performed with an inappropriate power efficiency ratio. Since the
commercial power supply 21 is not used, the electricity consumption
and the electricity rate may be reduced.
[0049] Incidentally, the time when the rapid cooling processing is
performed varies based on the specifications and design of the
refrigerator 100. The time when the rapid cooling processing
performed is near the time when the door 3a is closed after being
opened. For example, the time when the rapid cooling processing
performed is determined to be the time when the door 3a is closed,
or the time when a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds) elapses
from the closing of the opened door 3a.
[0050] Since the inside temperature is decreased due to the rapid
cooling processing, the power supply may be switched from the
commercial power supply 21 to the battery module 25 near the time
when the inside temperature starts decreasing. Subsequently, the
direct voltage transmitted from the battery module 25 may be used
to perform the rapid cooling processing.
Charging Battery Module
[0051] Here, exemplary time when the battery module 25 is charged
will be described. In recent years, charge systems allowing the
charging amount for the electricity consumption to change based on
the time zone are available. For example, the charging amount for
electricity consumed during the daytime is determined to be higher
than that for electricity consumed during the nighttime.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the above-described charge
systems. In FIG. 6, for example, the time period from 8 a.m. to 10
p.m. is determined to be a daytime zone, and that from 10 p.m. to 8
a.m. is determined to be the nighttime zone. Then, the charging
amount for 1 kilowatt-hour (kwh) consumed within the daytime zone
is determined to be 30 yen, and that for 1 kwh consumed within the
nighttime zone is determined to be 10 yen.
[0053] Within the nighttime zone, the battery module 25 may be
charged at a low electricity rate. For example, assuming the
information transmitted from the clock unit 33 to the power
switching control unit 26 indicates that the current time is past
10 p.m., the power switching control unit 26 turns on the charging
circuit 23. Subsequently, the direct voltage supplied from the
AC/DC converter 22 is transmitted to the battery module 25 and the
battery module 25 is charged. At that time, the direct voltage
output from the AC/DC converter 22 is also supplied to the power
system changing circuit 24, and selected with the power system
changing circuit 24. Then, when the information transmitted from
the clock unit 33 indicates that the current time is past 8 a.m.,
the power switching control unit 26 turns off the charging circuit
23.
[0054] The power switching control unit 26 may control the power
system changing circuit 24 based on the time zone. For example, the
power switching control unit 26 may turn on the charging circuit 23
when the current time is past 10 p.m., and turn off the switch 24a
of the power system changing circuit 24. In the nighttime zone, the
battery module 25 may be charged and the power system changing
circuit 24 may select and output the direct voltage transmitted
from the battery module 25. Then, the power switching control unit
26 may turn off the charging circuit 23 when the current time is
past 8 a.m., and turn on the switch 24a of the power system
changing circuit 24.
[0055] In summary, the battery module 25 is charged during the time
period where the electricity rate is low, such as the nighttime
zone. Further, the power supplied from the battery module 25 is
used to perform the rapid cooling processing, for example. The
above-described control allows for reducing the electricity
consumption and a charge rate for electricity.
[0056] The battery module 25 is configured to generate the power
used to perform the rapid cooling processing, for example, not the
entire power used by the refrigerator 100. Therefore, the battery
module 25 may be downsized to avoid a significant increase in the
cost. Since the battery module 25 may be downsized, it becomes
possible to prevent the inside capacity of, for example, the
refrigerator compartment from being decreased due to the battery
module 25 when the battery module 25 is provided in the
refrigerator 100.
Flow of Processing
[0057] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary flow of
processing performed in the refrigerator 100 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing illustrated in
FIG. 7 is performed with the power switching control unit 26, for
example. When the flow described below is started, the units of the
refrigerator 100 operate through the use of the direct voltage
transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22.
[0058] At step S1, it is determined whether or not the door 3a of
the refrigerator compartment is opened. For example, the power
switching control unit 26 determines whether or not the door 3a is
opened based on the door sensor signal transmitted from the door
open/close sensor 30. The door 3a may be the door 3b of the
vegetable compartment or the door 3c of the freezer compartment.
When it is determined that the door 3a is closed, the processing
returns to step S1 to determine whether or not the door 3a is
opened. When it is determined that the door 3a is opened, the
processing advances to step S2.
[0059] At step S2, it is determined whether or not the inside
temperature of the refrigerator compartment is increased to at
least a specified temperature. For example, the power switching
control unit 26 determines whether or not the inside temperature of
the refrigerator compartment is increased to at least the specified
temperature based on the temperature sensor signal transmitted from
the inside temperature sensor 31. The specified temperature is
determined to be 2.degree. C., for example.
[0060] Incidentally, the determination processing of step S2 may
not be performed. However, the door 3a is often closed immediately
after being opened by mistake. In that case, the inside temperature
of the refrigerator compartment hardly changes, because the door 3a
is opened over a short time period. Performing the determination
processing of step S2 allows for preventing the processing from
step S3 on down from being performed when the door 3a is opened by
mistake, which improves the processing efficiency. Therefore, the
determination processing of step S2 may be performed.
[0061] The determination processing of step S2 may be performed to
monitor the time. For example, upon recognizing the opening of the
door 3a based on the door sensor signal, the power switching
control unit 26 starts the timer 32. Upon receiving a door sensor
signal indicating that the door 3a is closed before the count value
of the timer 32 indicates a lapse of a specified time (e.g., two
seconds), the processing from step S3 on down may not be performed.
When the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment is not
increased to at least the specified temperature at step S2, the
processing is terminated. Otherwise, the processing advances to
step S3.
[0062] At step S3, it is determined whether or not the door 3a is
closed. For example, the power switching control unit 26 determines
whether or not the door 3a is closed based on the door sensor
signal transmitted from the door open/close sensor 30. When it is
determined that the door 3a is opened at step S3, the processing
returns to step S3. Otherwise, the processing advances to step
S4.
[0063] At step S4, it is determined whether or not the inside
temperature of the refrigerator compartment starts decreasing. For
example, the power switching control unit 26 makes the
above-described determination based on the temperature sensor
signal transmitted from the inside temperature sensor 31. When the
inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment does not start
decreasing, the processing returns to step S4. Otherwise, the
processing advances to step S5.
[0064] Since the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment
starts decreasing, it is determined that the rapid cooling
processing is started, and the power system changing is performed.
That is, at step S5, the power system is changed from the AC/DC
converter 22 to the battery module 25. For example, the power
switching control unit 26 turns off the switch 24a of the power
system changing circuit 24.
[0065] Due to the processing of step S5, the power system changing
circuit 24 selects and outputs the direct voltage transmitted from
the battery module 25. The output direct voltage is transmitted to
the compressor inverter 27. The transmitted direct voltage is
converted into an alternating voltage with the compressor inverter
27, and transmitted to the compressor 28. Since the motor of the
compressor 28 is rotated at high speed due to the transmitted
alternating voltage, the compressor 28 operates. Thus, the rapid
cooling processing is performed through the use of the direct
voltage transmitted from the battery module 25. After step S5 is
done, the processing advances to step S6.
[0066] At step S6, the timer 32 starts counting. For example, the
power switching control unit 26 starts and causes the timer 32 to
start counting after switching the power supply to the battery
module 25. Then, the processing advances to step S7.
[0067] At step S7, it is determined whether or not the count value
of the timer 32 indicates a lapse of a specified time. The
specified time denotes the period where the rapid cooling
processing is performed, which is determined to be, for example, 3
minutes. When the count value of the timer 32 does not indicate a
lapse of 3 minutes, the processing returns to step S7. Otherwise,
the processing advances to step S8.
[0068] Since the count value of the timer 32 indicates a lapse of 3
minutes, it is determined that the rapid cooling processing is
finished and the power system is changed to the commercial power
supply 21 at step S8. For example, the power switching control unit
26 turns on the switch 24a of the power system changing circuit 24.
From step S8 onward, the power supplied from the commercial power
supply 21 is used. An alternating voltage supplied from the
commercial power supply 21 is converted into a direct voltage with
the AC/DC converter, and the direct voltage is transmitted to the
power system changing circuit 24.
[0069] The direct voltage transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22
is selected and output from the power system changing circuit 24.
The output direct voltage is transmitted to the compressor inverter
27. The transmitted direct voltage is converted into an alternating
voltage with the compressor inverter 27. The alternating voltage is
transmitted to the compressor 28 and the compressor 28 operates.
The control unit 29 performs control so that the motor rotation
number of the compressor 28 is controlled and adjusted to that of
the regular cooling processing, and the regular cooling processing
is performed.
[0070] Further, the processing of step S7 may be performed to
monitor the temperature. For example, the processing may advance to
step S8 when the inside temperature becomes a predetermined
temperature at step S7. After step S8 is done, the processing
advances to step S9.
[0071] The processing is finished at step S9. For example, the
power switching control unit 26 causes the timer 32 to stop the
counting. Further, the monitoring of the inside temperature of the
refrigerator compartment is finished. Incidentally, the temperature
sensor signal output from the inside temperature sensor 31 may be
continuously transmitted to the power switching control unit
26.
Exemplary Modifications
[0072] Thus, the embodiment of the present disclosure has been
described. However, the present disclosure may be modified in
various ways without being limited to the above-described
embodiment. Hereinafter, exemplary modifications will be
described.
Refrigerator of First Exemplary Modification
[0073] First, a first exemplary modification will be described.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a refrigerator 200
according to the first exemplary modification. The external view of
the refrigerator 200 is the same as that of the refrigerator 100 of
the first embodiment. For the refrigerator 200, the same components
as those of the refrigerator 100 are illustrated with the same
reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.
[0074] An electromotive force generation unit 34 is fixed to, for
example, the door 3a of the refrigerator 200. The electromotive
force generation unit 34 includes, for example, a coil and a
magnet. The magnet is displaced within the coil based on the
open/close operation of the door 3a, and an electromotive force is
generated and transmitted to a boosting transformer 35. The
electromotive force generation unit 34 may include a piezoelectric
element, etc. The electromotive force is generated when the
piezoelectric element is displaced due to an impact of the closing
of the door 3a. The generated electromotive force may be
transmitted to the boosting transformer 35. Further, the
electromotive generation unit 34 may be fixed not only to the door
3a, but also to the door 3b or the door 3c.
[0075] The boosting transformer 35 boosts and transmits a voltage
transmitted from the electromotive force generation unit 35 to the
charging circuit 23. The battery module 25 is charged through the
use of the transmitted voltage. Thus, the charging is performed
through the use of a voltage generated due to the open/close
operation of the door 3a. As a consequence, the use of the
commercial power supply 21 may be reduced to decrease the
electricity consumption, and the electricity rate.
Exemplary Charging Control
[0076] Exemplary charging control performed in the refrigerator 200
is described below. When the door 3a is opened, a door sensor
signal indicating the opening of the door 3a is transmitted from
the door open/close sensor 30 to the power switching control unit
26. Upon receiving the door sensor signal, the power switching
control unit 26 turns on the charging circuit 23. The charging
circuit 23 charges the battery module 25 through the use of a
boosted electromotive force generated due to the opening of the
door 3a. Further, when the door 3a is closed, a boosted
electromotive force generated due to the closing of the door 3a is
transmitted to the charging circuit 23. The charging circuit 23
charges the battery module 25 through the use of the transmitted
electromotive force.
[0077] When the door 3a is closed, a door sensor signal indicating
that the door 3a is closed is transmitted to the power switching
control unit 26. Upon receiving the door sensor signal, the power
switching control unit 26 turns off the charging circuit 23. Thus,
the charging circuit 23 is turned on under the control of the power
switching control unit 26 during the time period from when the door
3a is opened to when the door 3a is closed. Then, the battery
module 25 is charged through the use of an electromotive force
generated due to the open/close operation of the door 3a. Further,
the charging circuit 23 may be turned on within the nighttime zone
and the battery module 25 may be charged, as is the case with the
refrigerator 100.
Second Exemplary Modification
[0078] Next, a second exemplary modification will be described.
According to the second exemplary modification, the configuration
of a power system changing circuit is different from that of the
power system changing circuit 24 of the first embodiment and the
first exemplary modification. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary
configuration of a power system changing circuit 44 of the second
exemplary modification. A switch 44a and a diode 44b are provided
on one side of the power system changing circuit 44, on which an
input from the AC/DC converter 22 is received. A diode 44c is
provided on the other side of the power system changing circuit 44,
on which an input from the battery module 25 is received. In the
power system changing circuit 44, the switch 44a is constantly
connected. Incidentally, only the diode 44b may be provided on the
side where the input from the AC/DC converter 22 is received.
[0079] Usually, a high voltage is transmitted from the AC/DC
converter 22. Therefore, the diode 44b is brought into conduction
and a direct voltage transmitted form the AC/DC converter 22 is
selected. For example, when the electricity consumption amount is
increased due to the rapid cooling processing, the voltage
transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22 falls depending on the
capability of the AC/DC converter 22. For example, when the AC/DC
converter 22 is a small AC/DC converter having a small circuit
scale, the voltage may fall.
[0080] When the voltage transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22 is
decreased, the voltage transmitted from the battery module 25
becomes higher than that transmitted from the AC/DC converter 22.
Subsequently, the diode 44c is brought into conduction and the
voltage output from the battery module 25 is selected.
[0081] Thus, even though the voltage transmitted from the AC/DC
converter 22 falls when the rapid cooling processing is performed,
for example, the refrigerator 100 can operate continuously through
the use of a voltage additionally transmitted from the battery
module 25. Therefore, the AC/DC converter 22 may be reduced in
size, which decreases the cost. A choice between the control
performed to change the power system to the battery module 25 when
the rapid cooling processing is performed, which is described with
reference to FIG. 4, and the control performed to additionally use
the battery module 25 when the rapid cooling processing performed,
which is described with reference to FIG. 9, may be made.
Third Exemplary Modification
[0082] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary
modification of the flow of the processing performed in the
refrigerator 100 of the embodiment. According to the
above-described flow, for example, the power system is changed to
the battery module 25-side at the time when the door 3a of the
refrigerator compartment is closed. Processing procedures performed
at steps S11 to S13 illustrated in FIG. 10 correspond to those
performed at steps S1 to S3 illustrated in FIG. 7. When it is
determined that the door 3a is closed at step S13, the processing
advances to step S14.
[0083] At step S14, the power switching control unit 26 turns off
the switch 24a of the power system changing circuit 24.
Subsequently, the power system changing circuit 24 selects and
outputs a direct voltage transmitted from the battery module 25.
Then, the processing advances to step S15.
[0084] At step S15, it is determined whether or not the inside
temperature starts decreasing. When the inside temperature does not
start decreasing, the processing returns to step S15 and the
determination processing is repeated. Otherwise, the processing
advances to step S16. Since processing procedures performed at
steps S16 to S19 correspond to those performed at steps S6 to S9
illustrated in FIG. 7, redundant descriptions are omitted.
[0085] The rapid cooling processing, which decreases the inside
temperature increased in response to, for example, the opening the
door 3a, is often performed at substantially the same time as when
the door 3a is closed. Therefore, the power system may be changed
to the battery module 25 at the time when the door 3a is closed, as
is the case with the processing of the exemplary modification.
Other Exemplary Modifications
[0086] In the above-described embodiment and modifications, the
refrigerators are illustrated as exemplary cooling apparatuses.
Without being limited to the refrigerators, however, the present
disclosure can be applied to other cooling apparatuses including a
wine cooler, a refrigerator facility for industrial use, and so
forth. Further, even though the refrigerator compartment of the
refrigerator is mainly described in each of the above-described
embodiment and modifications, the present disclosure can also be
applied to the vegetable compartment or the freezer
compartment.
[0087] In general, refrigerators are usually used in the daytime,
and hardly used in the late-nighttime zone. Therefore, the
processing procedures illustrated in FIG. 7 of FIG. 10 may be
performed in a specified time zone.
[0088] Further, the present disclosure may be applied to different
electronic apparatuses. For example, in a copier having a facsimile
function, a battery module is charged in a nighttime zone where the
use frequency is low. Then, processing causing the copier to
consume much power, which reduces efficiency, is performed through
the use of a voltage supplied from the battery module. The
processing consuming much power is varied among the electronic
apparatuses. For example, the processing consuming much power may
be processing causing an apparatus to consume power exceeding an
appropriately determined threshold value. The threshold value may
be fixed or determined based on the usage history of the
apparatus.
[0089] The configurations and processing procedures of the
above-described embodiment and modifications may be appropriately
combined with one another insofar as no technical contradiction
arises.
[0090] The present disclosure may be configured as below.
(1)
[0091] A cooling apparatus including:
[0092] a first power supply;
[0093] a second power supply;
[0094] a door configured to open/close a compartment; and
[0095] a power switching control unit configured to switch a power
supply from the first power supply to the second power supply near
time when the door is closed after being opened.
(2)
[0096] The cooling apparatus according to (1), wherein the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the first
power supply to the second power supply at the time when the door
is closed.
(3)
[0097] The cooling apparatus according to (1), wherein the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the first
power supply to the second power supply at time when a temperature
of the compartment starts decreasing after the door is closed.
(4)
[0098] The cooling apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3),
wherein when the compartment temperature is increased to at least a
specified temperature due to opening of the door, the power
switching control unit switches the power supply from the first
power supply to the second power supply near time when the door is
closed.
(5)
[0099] A cooling apparatus including:
[0100] a first power supply;
[0101] a second power supply; and
[0102] a power switching control unit configured to switch a power
supply from the first power supply to the second power supply near
time when a temperature of a compartment starts decreasing.
(6)
[0103] The cooling apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5),
wherein the power switching control unit switches the power supply
from the second power supply to the first power supply after a
lapse of a specified time.
(7)
[0104] The cooling apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),
wherein the second power supply is a chargeable power storage
device, and the power storage device is charged under the control
of the power switching control unit.
(8)
[0105] A control method provided for a cooling apparatus
including:
[0106] a first power supply; and
[0107] a second power supply,
[0108] wherein a power supply is switched from the first power
supply to the second power supply near time when a temperature of a
compartment starts decreasing.
[0109] The present disclosure contains subject matter related to
that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP
2011-088661 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 12, 2011, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
* * * * *