JP7349330B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Refrigerators are known that include a chilled compartment that is cooled to a lower temperature than the refrigerator compartment. The chilled room stores foods such as fermented foods and fresh foods at a low temperature that prevents them from freezing.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-102320

By the way, in the future, we will be able to maintain the freshness of food by executing a special control mode that alternately repeats low-temperature cooling control that cools storage areas such as chilled rooms in a low-temperature range and high-temperature cooling control that cools them in a high-temperature range. It is expected that further improvements will be made. In this case, when food whose temperature is different from the air temperature in the storage section is newly placed in the storage section, the air temperature inside the storage section changes and the freshness of the food previously stored in the storage section changes. This may lead to a decrease in

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can perform more appropriate cooling control.

The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a housing, a cooling section, and a control section. The housing includes a storage section. The cooling section cools the storage section. The control section is configured to operate in a control mode capable of slightly freezing the surface of the food stored in the storage section, including a first cooling control that cools the storage section and a temperature range higher than that of the first cooling control. The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and while the control mode is being executed, a predetermined cooling control is performed. If the condition is met, during some period included in the execution time of the first cooling control or the second cooling control during execution when the predetermined condition is met or after the predetermined condition is met. The adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage part or the atmospheric pressure in the storage part is adjusted, and the remaining time after the elapse of the partial period in the implementation time is the content of the adjustment element before adjustment of the adjustment element. Returning to the content, the first cooling control or the second cooling control is continued .

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 taken along line F2-F2. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a “special chilled” control mode of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of processing for executing the convergence control mode of the embodiment. A diagram for explaining a second example of the embodiment. 8 is a flowchart of a process for changing the execution time of the convergence control mode related to step S30 in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of correction time according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of correction time according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining yet another example of correction time according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the “special chilled” control mode of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are given the same reference numerals. Further, redundant explanations of these configurations may be omitted. As used herein, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Moreover, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is used directly, but also includes the case where it is based on calculations and processing performed on XX. "XX" is an arbitrary element (for example, arbitrary information). In this specification, the "center temperature" may refer to the "average temperature" or may be the median value between the upper limit and lower limit of the target temperature range.

(Embodiment)
[1. Overall configuration of refrigerator]
A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the refrigerator 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the refrigerator 1 taken along line F2-F2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 11, a plurality of shelves 12, a plurality of containers 13, a flow path forming component 14, a cooling unit 15, and a control board 16. We are prepared.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a heat insulating section 10c. The inner box 10a is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is formed to be one size larger than the inner box 10a, and is arranged outside the inner box 10a. A heat insulating section 10c containing a foamed heat insulating material such as foamed urethane is provided between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

A plurality of storage chambers 27 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 27A, a chilled compartment 27AA, a vegetable compartment 27B, an ice making compartment 27C, a small freezing compartment 27D, and a main freezing compartment 27E. In this embodiment, a refrigerator compartment 27A is arranged at the top, a vegetable compartment 27B is arranged below the refrigerator compartment 27A, an ice making compartment 27C and a small freezer compartment 27D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 27B, and an ice making compartment 27C and a small freezer compartment 27D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 27B. A main freezer compartment 27E is arranged below the small freezer compartment 27D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartment 27 is not limited to the above example, and for example, the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezing compartment 27D are arranged below the refrigerator compartment 27A, and the main freezing compartment 27E is below the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezing compartment 27D. may be arranged, and the vegetable compartment 27B may be arranged below the main freezer compartment 27E. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage chamber 27 that allows food to be taken in and out of each storage chamber 27.

The chilled compartment 27AA is provided, for example, below a portion of the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chilled compartment 27AA is at least partially partitioned from the refrigerator compartment 27A by, for example, a shelf or a wall (third partition 30). The chilled compartment 27AA is located lower than the refrigerated compartment 27A, so that cold air can easily flow in, and compared to the refrigerated compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA is located closer to the refrigerating cooler 41, which will be described later. cooled to a low temperature. The chilled chamber 27AA is an example of a "storage section." In this embodiment, an internal space S is formed by the refrigerator compartment 27A and the chilled compartment 27AA.

The housing 10 includes a first partition 28 , a second partition 29 , and a third partition 30 . The first partition part 28 partitions between the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B. The second partition portion 29 partitions the vegetable compartment 27B, the ice making compartment 27C, and the small freezer compartment 27D. The third partition part 30 is a partition wall that is located between the chilled chamber 27AA and the refrigerating chambers 27A other than the chilled chamber 27AA, and partitions the area of the chilled chamber 27AA within the refrigerating chamber 27A. The second partition portion 29 includes, for example, a foamed heat insulating material and has heat insulating properties. The first partition part 28 and the third partition part 30 are made of, for example, synthetic resin, and have lower heat insulation properties than the second partition part 29.

The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 27 are opened and closed by the plurality of doors 11. The plurality of doors 11 are, for example, left and right refrigerator doors 11Aa and 11Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 27A, a chilled compartment door 11AA that closes the opening of the chilled compartment 27AA in the internal space S, and a vegetable compartment door that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 27B. It includes a door 11B, an ice making compartment door 11C that closes the opening of the ice making compartment 27C, a small freezing compartment door 11D that closes the opening of the small freezing compartment 27D, and a main freezing compartment door 11E that closes the opening of the main freezing compartment 27E. At least one of the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab is an example of a "first door." The chilled compartment door 11AA is provided inside the refrigerator compartment 27A rather than the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab. In addition, all or part of the chilled chamber door 11AA may be provided integrally with a chilled chamber container 13A, which will be described later. The chilled room door 11AA is an example of a "second door." Below, when the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab are collectively referred to as "refrigerator compartment door 11A".

A plurality of shelves 12 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A.
The plurality of containers 13 include a chilled compartment container 13A provided in the chilled compartment 27AA, first and second vegetable compartment containers 13Ba and 13Bb provided in the vegetable compartment 27B, and an ice making compartment container (not included) provided in the ice making compartment 27C. ), a small freezer container 13D provided in a small freezer compartment 27D, and first and second main freezer containers 13Ea and 13Eb provided in a main freezer 27E. As used herein, the term "container" also includes containers with shallow bottoms, such as trays.

The flow path forming component 14 is arranged within the housing 10. The flow path forming component 14 includes a first duct component 31 and a second duct component 32.

The first duct component 31 is provided along the rear wall of the housing 10. The first duct component 31 forms a first duct space D1 that is a passage through which cold air (air) flows. The first duct component 31 has a plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a, chilled compartment cold air outlets 31b, and cold air return ports 31c. The plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a are provided at a plurality of positions having different heights above the chilled compartment 27AA, and are open to the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chilled room cold air outlet 31b opens into the chilled room 27AA. The cold air return port 31c opens into the vegetable compartment 27B. The cold air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 27B returns to the first duct space D1 from the cold air return port 31c.

The second duct component 32 is provided along the rear wall of the housing 10. The second duct component 32 forms a second duct space D2, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows. The second duct component 32 has a cold air outlet 32a and a cold air return opening 32b.

The cooling section (cooling unit) 15 cools the plurality of storage chambers 27 . The cooling unit 15 includes, for example, a first cooling module 40, a second cooling module 45, a compressor 49, and a refrigeration cycle device 50 (FIG. 3).

The first cooling module 40 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 41 and a refrigeration fan 43. The refrigerator cooler 41 is arranged in the first duct space D1. The refrigerator cooler 41 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49, which will be described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1. The refrigerator cooler 41 is arranged, for example, at a height corresponding to the chilled chamber 27AA.

The refrigeration fan 43 is provided, for example, at the cold air return port 31c of the first duct component 31. When the refrigeration fan 43 is driven, air from the vegetable compartment 27B flows into the first duct space D1 from the cold air return port 31c. The air that has flowed into the first duct space D1 is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41. The cold air cooled by the refrigerator cooler 41 is blown out from the plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a to the refrigerator compartment 27A, and is blown out from the chilled compartment cold air outlet 31b to the chilled compartment 27AA. Thereby, the cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B is circulated within the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B are cooled.

On the other hand, the second cooling module 45 includes, for example, a freezing cooler 46 and a freezing fan 48. The freezing cooler 46 is arranged in the second duct space D2. The freezing cooler 46 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49, which will be described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2.

The freezing fan 48 is provided, for example, at the cold air return port 32b of the second duct component 32, and circulates the cold air flowing through the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezing compartment 27D, and the main freezing compartment 27E, and The chamber 27D and the main freezing chamber 27E are cooled.

The compressor 49 is provided, for example, in a machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 1, and compresses refrigerant gas used for cooling the storage compartment 27.

Note that in this specification, "to cool" means a state in which refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 49 to the cooler (refrigerating cooler 41 or freezing cooler 46) corresponding to each storage chamber 27. However, in this specification, "cooling" is not limited to the case where the refrigerating fan 43 or the freezing fan 48 is driven. For example, "to cool" means that refrigerant is sent from the compressor 49 to the refrigerator cooler 41 with the refrigerator fan 43 stopped, and the transmission between the refrigerator cooler 41 and the chilled room 27AA is carried out. This also includes a case where the temperature of the chilled chamber 27AA decreases due to heat.

The control board 16 is provided on the upper wall of the housing 10. The control board 18 realizes a control section 100, which will be described later. The control unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[2. Refrigeration cycle equipment]
The refrigerator 1 configured as described above is cooled by a refrigeration cycle device 50 that is controlled by a control unit 100 that will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 50. The refrigeration cycle device 50 includes, in order of refrigerant flow, a compressor 49, a condenser 51, a dryer 52, a three-way valve 53, capillary tubes 54 and 55, a refrigeration cooler 41, and a freezing cooler 46. are connected in a ring. The refrigeration cooler 41 is connected to the compressor 49 via a refrigeration side suction pipe 57 that is a connection pipe. The refrigeration cooler 46 is connected to a compressor 49 via a refrigeration side suction pipe 58 which is a connecting pipe. Note that a check valve 59 is provided between the refrigeration cooler 46 and the compressor 49 to prevent the refrigerant from the refrigeration cooler 41 from flowing back to the refrigeration cooler 46 side.

Next, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 50 will be explained. First, the refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle device 50 is compressed by the compressor 49 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows through the flow path A. The three-way valve 53 is controlled by the control unit 100 (see FIG. 4), and selects, for example, one of the flow path B that supplies refrigerant to the refrigerating cooler 41 and the flow path C that supplies refrigerant to the freezing cooler 46. do. These two flow paths B and C merge at a confluence point D. The refrigerant flows from confluence D in the direction of arrow E and returns to compressor 49.

[3. control]
[3.1 Functional configuration related to control]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1. The control board 16 includes a control section 100 configured with a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, and the like. Control unit 100 controls refrigerator 1 as a whole. In the following description, a case will be described in which the temperature of the chilled chamber 27AA is the main object of temperature management in the special chilled operation, which will be described later. The control unit 100 includes a refrigerating fan 43, a compressor 49, a three-way valve 53, a refrigerating room temperature sensor 110, a chilled room temperature sensor 111, an outside temperature sensor 112, refrigerating room door switches 113a and 113b, a chilled room door switch 114, A camera 115, a storage section 116, and an operation panel section 150 are connected.

The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A, and detects the air temperature within the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chilled room temperature sensor 111 is a non-contact type temperature sensor provided in the chilled room 27AA. The chilled room temperature sensor 111 detects the air temperature in the chilled room 27AA, the temperature of the food in the chilled room 27AA (for example, the surface temperature of the food), or the temperature of a container placed in the chilled room 27AA on which the food is placed. . Note that the chilled room temperature sensor 111 may be a direct contact type temperature sensor that is directly connected to the container. The chilled room temperature sensor 111 is an example of a "temperature detection section". Below, the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 27A may be referred to as "refrigerating compartment temperature", and the air temperature in the chilled compartment 27AA may be referred to as "chilled compartment temperature". Note that the control unit 100 may estimate the chilled room temperature based on the detection result of the refrigerator room temperature sensor 110 and a correlation between the refrigerator room temperature and the chilled room temperature that is determined in advance. In this case, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is an example of a "temperature detection unit that detects the air temperature of the chilled compartment 27AA." Note that the chilled room temperature sensor 111 may be omitted in a case where the temperature of the food is detected by a camera 115, which will be described later.

The outside temperature sensor 112 is provided on the surface of the refrigerator 1 and detects the outside temperature of the refrigerator 1. In addition, in this specification, "outside temperature" means the temperature outside the refrigerator 1, and means the temperature inside the room where the refrigerator 1 is installed, for example. The outside temperature sensor 112 is an example of an "outside temperature detection section."

The refrigerator compartment door switches 113a and 113b are provided between the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab and the housing 10, and detect the open and closed states of the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab, respectively. The chilled room door switch 114 is provided in the chilled room 27AA, and detects the open/closed state of the chilled room door 11AA. Each of the refrigerator compartment door switches 113a, 113b and the chilled compartment door switch 114 is an example of a "first detection unit".

The camera 115 is an imaging device that is installed, for example, on the ceiling or side surface of the refrigerator compartment 27A and detects when food enters or leaves the refrigerator compartment 27A and the chilled compartment 27AA. The camera 115 detects whether the food is being stored or taken out by, for example, detecting the moving direction of the food. The camera 115 is an example of a "second detection unit". Note that the camera 115 may be provided in the chilled room 27AA to detect only the entry and exit of food into and out of the chilled room 27AA.

The "detection value detected by the camera 115 (second detection unit)" includes, for example, different detection results between food stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A and food stored in and taken out of the chilled compartment 27AA. The "detection value detected by the camera 115 (second detection unit)" may include different detection results depending on the temperature, surface area, etc. of the food. The camera 115 may be a normal camera having sensitivity characteristics in the visible light region, or may be an infrared camera having sensitivity characteristics in the infrared light region. An infrared camera is capable of detecting the temperature (eg, surface temperature) of food. Note that the "detection unit that detects the entry and exit of food" is not limited to a camera, and may be an ultrasonic sensor or the like. Furthermore, if the temperature of the food is detected by the chilled room temperature sensor 111, the camera 115 may be omitted.

The storage unit 116 stores programs and various information necessary for operating the refrigerator 1. The storage unit 116 stores, for example, conversion coefficients used in a control mode to be described later. This conversion coefficient is, for example, a coefficient for converting detection results detected by various sensors into variables used for temperature control, and is registered in advance in the storage unit 116.

The operation panel unit 150 accepts user operations for instructing switching of the set temperature range of each storage room 27 and switching of the control mode (starting another control mode), and displays the settings and current operating status. do. The operation panel section 150 is, for example, a so-called touch-type operation panel section, and includes a touch sensor configured with a capacitive switch.

[3.2 Basic operation]
Next, the basic operation of the refrigerator 1 will be explained. The control unit 100 performs "refrigerating operation" and "freezing operation" as basic operations of the refrigerator 1.

For example, the control unit 100 alternately performs a refrigerating operation and a freezing operation, thereby controlling the storage compartments 27 in the refrigerating temperature range (refrigerating compartment 27A, chilled compartment 27AA, vegetable compartment 27B) and the storage compartment 27 in the freezing temperature range ( The cooling unit 15 is controlled so that the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezing compartment 27D, and the main freezing compartment 27E are maintained within their respective set temperature ranges. For example, the control unit 100 cools the storage compartment 27 in the refrigerated temperature range for a first predetermined period of time (for example, 20 minutes), and cools the storage compartment 27 in the freezing temperature range for a second predetermined period of time (for example, 40 minutes). Repeat things alternately. The control unit 100 controls the storage compartment 27, which is the main target of temperature management, by performing feedback control such as PID control (Proportional Integral Differential Control) based on the refrigerator compartment temperature (or chilled compartment temperature) or freezing compartment temperature, for example. Keep the air temperature between the upper and lower limits of the set temperature range.

Here, while the refrigeration operation is performed, the air temperature in the storage compartment 27 in the refrigeration temperature range decreases, but the air temperature in the storage compartment 27 in the freezing temperature range increases. On the other hand, while the freezing operation is performed, the air temperature in the storage compartment 27 in the freezing temperature range decreases, but the air temperature in the storage compartment 27 in the refrigeration temperature range increases. Therefore, the air temperature in the storage room 27 in the refrigeration temperature range and the air temperature in the storage room 27 in the freezing temperature range repeatedly rise and fall in a sawtooth pattern (see FIG. 5).

[4. Control mode]
Next, several control modes that can be executed by the control unit 100 will be described.

<Normal chilled>
The "normal chilled" control mode is, for example, a control mode in which the chilled compartment 27AA is cooled in conjunction with the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 27A in the basic operation. That is, in the "normal chilled" control mode, the cooling unit 15 is controlled based on the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 27A, and the cooling unit 15 is controlled based on the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 27A. cooling is performed. In the "normal chilled" control mode, the temperature of the chilled room is controlled so as to fall within a certain temperature range with an average temperature of, for example, 0 to 1°C.

<Special chilled>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the "special chilled" control mode. The upper part of FIG. 5 shows the air temperature in the chilled chamber 27AA when the "special chilled" control mode is executed. The lower part of FIG. 5 shows the center temperature of the set temperature range of the chilled chamber 27AA when the "special chilled" control mode is executed.

In the "special chilled" control mode, the control unit 100 performs low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) that cools the chilled chamber 27AA in a first temperature zone Ta, and cools the chilled chamber 27AA in a first temperature zone Ta that is higher than the first temperature zone Ta. High-temperature cooling control (second cooling control) for cooling in two temperature zones Tb is alternately repeated. For example, the period during which high temperature cooling control is implemented (high temperature cooling control period Sb) is from the beginning of the time axis in FIG. 5 to time t11, from time t12 to time t21, and from time t22 to time t21 in FIG. That is, until the very end. On the other hand, the period during which low-temperature cooling control is performed (low-temperature cooling control period Sa) is from time t11 to time t12, and from time t21 to 22nd time t22.

The first temperature zone Ta is the set temperature zone of the chilled chamber 27AA during low temperature cooling control. The center temperature of the first temperature zone Ta is, for example, -5°C. The center temperature of the first temperature zone Ta is below the freezing point. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the first temperature zone Ta is a temperature below the freezing point (for example, 0° C.). The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature at which the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 27AA is slightly frozen. The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature zone lower than the "normally chilled" temperature zone. The first temperature range Ta is a temperature range in which a frozen layer can be formed only on the surface of the food in the chilled compartment 27AA, rather than freezing the food in the chilled compartment 27AA to the middle. The low temperature cooling control is performed over a low temperature cooling control period Sa (for example, 2 hours).

The second temperature zone Tb is a set temperature zone of the chilled chamber 27AA during high temperature cooling control. The center temperature of the second temperature zone Tb is, for example, +1°C. The center temperature of the second temperature zone Tb is higher than the freezing point. In this embodiment, the second temperature zone Tb is a temperature zone higher than the "normally chilled" temperature zone. The second temperature zone Tb is a temperature at which the slightly frozen layer formed on the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 27AA can be thawed. The high-temperature cooling control is performed over a high-temperature cooling control period Sb (for example, 5 hours) that is longer than the low-temperature cooling control period Sa.

According to such a "special chilled" control mode, during the low-temperature cooling control period Sa, the center temperature is set to, for example, -5°C, and during the high-temperature cooling control period Sb, the center temperature is set to, for example, +1°C. By alternately repeating the high temperature cooling control and the high temperature cooling control, only the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 27AA is slightly frozen, thereby suppressing drying and oxidation of the food. Thereby, the freshness of the food in the chilled compartment 27AA can be maintained for a longer period of time compared to the normal chilled food.

Note that in this specification, "a certain temperature zone is higher than another temperature zone" means that "the center temperature of a certain temperature zone is higher than the center temperature of another temperature zone"; ” may overlap with a portion of ``another temperature zone.'' Similarly, "one temperature zone is lower than another temperature zone" means that "the center temperature of one temperature zone is lower than the center temperature of another temperature zone", and "the center temperature of one temperature zone is lower than the center temperature of another temperature zone". This also includes cases where part of the temperature range is in a different temperature range. Note that in the example shown in this embodiment, for ease of understanding, a case is taken up in which the first temperature zone Ta and the second temperature zone Tb do not overlap in the "special chilled" control mode, but the first temperature zone Ta and a portion of the second temperature zone Ta may overlap with each other.

<5. Adjustment control>
In the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied while executing the "special chilled" control mode, the control unit 100 controls the control between low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) and high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control). At least one of them performs adjustment control to adjust an adjustment element that is at least one of temperature, atmospheric pressure, and execution time. Some examples will be described below. However, the content of the adjustment control is not limited to the example described below. Furthermore, the embodiments described below can be implemented in combination with each other in one refrigerator 1.

<5.1 Temperature control when new food is stored in chilled room 27AA>
In the first and second embodiments, it is detected that food at a temperature different from the chilled room temperature (for example, food at 10°C) is stored in the chilled room 27AA while the "special chilled" control mode is being executed. This is an example in which the temperature of high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control) is adjusted in this case.

(First example)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first example of the embodiment. The upper and lower diagrams in FIG. 6 are the same as those in FIG. 5. In the first embodiment, at time t1 during execution of the "special chilled" control mode, the refrigerator compartment door 11A and the chilled compartment door 11AA are opened, and food at a temperature higher than the chilled compartment temperature (for example, 10°C) is opened. This is an example showing a case where food (food) is newly stored in the chilled room 27AA. In this case, the control unit 100 adjusts the adjustment element (for example, temperature) of the high temperature cooling control without adjusting the adjustment element of the low temperature cooling control. In the first embodiment, the "predetermined condition" is, for example, that the open state of the refrigerator compartment door 11A is detected by the refrigerator compartment door switch 113a (or the refrigerator compartment door switch 113b), that the open state of the chilled compartment door 11AA is detected in the chilled compartment At least one of the door switch 114 has detected this, or the chilled room temperature sensor 111 (or camera 115) has detected that food with a temperature higher than the chilled room temperature has entered the chilled room 27AA. be.

When hot food is newly stocked in the chilled compartment 27AA while the "special chilled" control mode is being executed, the temperature of the chilled compartment rises due to the influence of the temperature of the newly stocked food (referred to as new food). This event may excessively accelerate the thawing of the slightly frozen layer on the surface of the food (referred to as existing food) that has been previously stored in the chilled room 27AA, and may affect the freshness of the food. In this case, it is conceivable to perform cooling control that rapidly lowers the temperature of the new food to a specially chilled temperature range. However, in this case, the existing food may freeze to the inside, and the quality of the food may be adversely affected. Therefore, the control unit 100 of the present embodiment suppresses the influence of the above phenomenon by temporarily changing the set temperature range of the chilled room temperature. Hereinafter, such adjustment control will be referred to as "convergence control mode."

A case will be described in which a new food at a temperature indicated by a black circle (for example, 10° C.) is stored in the chilled room 27AA at time t1 before reaching time t11 shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the temperature around the novel food in the chilled chamber 27AA increases. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 performs the following operations in both the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of low-temperature cooling control and the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of high-temperature cooling control. The convergence control mode is not executed during the low-temperature cooling control period, but the convergence control mode is executed during at least part of the high-temperature cooling control period. For example, the control unit 100 sets the convergence control mode to a period from time t12 to time t13 (predetermined implementation time Sbc) as a part of the high temperature cooling control period from time t12 to time t21 shown in FIG. and ends the convergence control mode at time t13. The implementation time Sbc is, for example, a predetermined fixed time. The control unit 100 performs normal high-temperature cooling control during a period from time t13 to time t21 (predetermined implementation time Sbd).

In the convergence control mode, the control unit 100 adjusts the second temperature zone Tb in the high temperature cooling control to a range in which the center temperature is higher than the freezing point. Note that "adjusting the second temperature zone Tb in a range in which the center temperature is higher than the freezing point" also includes a case where only one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the second temperature zone Tb is changed. In the first embodiment, the control unit 100 may reduce only the upper limit value of the second temperature zone Tb, or may reduce only the lower limit value of the second temperature zone Tb.

In this embodiment, when executing the convergence control mode, the control unit 100 cools the chilled chamber 27AA in the third temperature zone Tc instead of the second temperature zone Tb during at least part of the high temperature cooling control. The center temperature of the third temperature zone Tc is set lower than the center temperature of the second temperature zone Tb (eg, 1° C.) and higher than the freezing point (eg, 0° C.). The center temperature of the third temperature zone Tc is, for example, 0.5°C. The temperature width between the upper limit and the lower limit of the third temperature zone Tc is, for example, the same as the temperature width between the upper limit and the lower limit of the second temperature zone Tb. In other words, the third temperature zone Tc is a temperature zone in which the center temperature, upper limit value, and lower limit value are each lowered by 0.5° C., for example, with respect to the second temperature zone Tb.

Next, the process flow of the refrigerator 1 will be explained. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing for executing the convergence control mode. The control unit 100 uses several flags including, for example, a "convergence control flag" and a "control state flag" to repeat the process shown in the flowchart, for example, in a predetermined control cycle. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example in which the convergence control mode is executed when the refrigerator compartment door 11Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is opened.

The "convergence control flag" indicates the state from when the open state of the refrigerator compartment door 11Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is detected until the convergence control mode is executed in the "set" state, and when the convergence control mode ends. The state from "reset" state until the next open state of the refrigerator compartment door 11Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is detected is shown as a "reset" state. In the "special chilled" control mode, the "control state flag" indicates a state in which low-temperature cooling control is being implemented as a "set" state, and indicates a state in which high-temperature cooling control is in progress as a "reset" state.

First, the control unit 100 detects whether the refrigerator compartment door 11Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is in an open state based on the detection results of the refrigerator compartment door switches 113a and 113b (step S10). If the open state of the refrigerator compartment door 11Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is not detected, the control unit 100 advances the process to step S14. When opening of the refrigerator compartment door 11Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is detected, the control unit 100 sets a "convergence control flag" (step S12).

When the determination result in step S10 is negative or after completing the process in step S12, the control unit 100 determines whether the low temperature cooling control period is in the "special chilled" control mode based on the "control state flag". (Step S14).

If it is the low-temperature cooling control period, the control unit 100 determines whether the low-temperature cooling control period has expired based on the timing result of a timer (not shown) (step S16). If the low temperature cooling control period has not expired, the control unit 100 advances the process to step S50. When the low-temperature cooling control period has expired, the control unit 100 changes the "control state flag" to the "reset" state and changes to the high-temperature cooling control (step S18).

If it is not the low-temperature cooling control period, that is, if it is the high-temperature cooling control period, the control unit 100 performs control only if there is a change (state transition) from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control in the previous control cycle. , it is detected whether a convergence control flag has been newly set (step S20). If the convergence control flag is not set, the control unit 100 advances the process to step S26. When the convergence control flag is newly set, the control unit 100 determines the adjustment amount of the convergence control mode (step S30). The adjustment amount of the convergence control mode may be predetermined or may be changed based on the state of the refrigerator 1. Detailed processing for determining the adjustment amount of the convergence control mode will be described later.

When the determination result in step S20 is negative or after completing the process in step S30, the control unit 100 determines whether the high temperature cooling control period has expired based on the timing result by the timer (step S26). If the high temperature cooling control period has not expired, the control unit 100 advances the process to step S50. When the high temperature cooling control period has expired, the control unit 100 changes the "control state flag" to the "set" state, and changes to the implementation of low temperature cooling control (step S28).

When the determination result in step S16 or step S26 is negative, or after finishing the process in step S18 or step S28, the control unit 100 sets the Temperature control is performed using the "special chilled" control mode (step S50). For example, when the "control state flag" is set, the control unit 100 performs low-temperature cooling control regardless of the state of the "convergence control flag". The control unit 100 executes the convergence control mode when the "control state flag" is reset and the "convergence control flag" is set. When the "control state flag" is reset and the "convergence control flag" is reset, the control unit 100 performs high temperature cooling control regardless of the convergence control mode.

Based on the timing result by the timer, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the convergence control mode, the control unit 100 resets the "convergence control flag" (step S60), cancels the convergence control mode, and returns to the state shown in FIG. The series of processing shown in is completed. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time is determined based on the adjustment amount.

If the predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the high temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 may execute the convergence control mode in the high temperature cooling control that is being executed. In addition, when the predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of the high-temperature cooling control, and when the execution time of the convergence control mode is short in the high-temperature cooling control being executed, the control unit 100 controls the next time as shown in FIG. A convergence control mode may be executed in the high temperature cooling control.

On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied while the low-temperature cooling control is being performed, the control unit 100 does not execute the convergence control mode while the low-temperature cooling control is being performed, and executes the convergence control mode in the next high-temperature cooling control. do. This is because when the convergence control mode is executed for low-temperature cooling control (that is, the temperature of low-temperature cooling control is further lowered), freezing progresses toward the inside of the food, which is different from when executing convergence control mode for high-temperature cooling control. This is because there is a high possibility that the freshness of the food will decrease.

Note that instead of the above, for example, if the predetermined condition is satisfied while performing the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 lowers the temperature of the low-temperature cooling control by a first adjustment amount, and lowers the temperature of the high-temperature cooling control by a second adjustment amount. It may be reduced by the amount of adjustment. In this case, if the first adjustment amount is smaller than the second adjustment amount, the freshness of the food will be less likely to decrease.

(Second example)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the embodiment. The upper and lower diagrams in FIG. 8 are similar to those in FIG. 5. In the second embodiment, at time t1 during execution of the "special chilled" control mode, the refrigerator compartment door 11A and the chilled compartment door 11AA are opened, and food at a temperature lower than the chilled compartment temperature (for example, -3°C) is opened. This is an example showing a case where food (food) is newly stored in the chilled room 27AA. In this case, the control unit 100 adjusts the adjustment element (for example, temperature) of the high temperature cooling control without adjusting the adjustment element of the low temperature cooling control. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

When a new cold food is newly stored in the chilled compartment 27AA while the "special chilled" control mode is being executed, the temperature of the chilled compartment decreases due to the influence of the temperature of the new food. This event may excessively accelerate the freezing of existing foods and affect the freshness of the foods. In this case, the control unit 100 performs a convergence control mode that temporarily raises the set temperature range of the chilled room temperature.

A case will be described in which a new food at a temperature indicated by a black circle (for example, -3° C.) is stored in the chilled room 27AA at time t1 before reaching time t11 shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the temperature around the novel food in the chilled chamber 27AA decreases. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 performs the following operations in both the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of low-temperature cooling control and the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of high-temperature cooling control. The convergence control mode is not executed during the low-temperature cooling control period, but the convergence control mode is executed during at least part of the high-temperature cooling control period. For example, the control unit 100 sets the convergence control mode to a period from time t12 to time t13 (predetermined implementation time Sbc) as a part of the high temperature cooling control period from time t12 to time t21 shown in FIG. and ends the convergence control mode at time t13. The control unit 100 performs normal high-temperature cooling control during a period from time t13 to time t21 (predetermined implementation time Sbd).

In this embodiment, when executing the convergence control mode, the control unit 100 cools the chilled chamber 27AA in the third temperature zone Td instead of the second temperature zone Tb during at least part of the high temperature cooling control. The center temperature of the third temperature zone Td is set higher than the center temperature (for example, 1° C.) of the second temperature zone Tb. The center temperature of the third temperature zone Td is, for example, 1.5°C. The temperature width between the upper limit and the lower limit of the third temperature zone Td is, for example, the same as the temperature width between the upper limit and the lower limit of the second temperature zone Tb. In other words, the third temperature zone Td is, for example, a temperature zone in which the center temperature, upper limit value, and lower limit value are each increased by 0.5° C. with respect to the second temperature zone Tb.

If the predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the high temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 may execute the convergence control mode in the high temperature cooling control that is being executed. In addition, when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the high-temperature cooling control, and when the execution time of the convergence control mode is short in the high-temperature cooling control being executed, the control unit 100 controls the next time as shown in FIG. A convergence control mode may be executed in the high temperature cooling control.

On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied while the low-temperature cooling control is being performed, the control unit 100 does not execute the convergence control mode while the low-temperature cooling control is being performed, and executes the convergence control mode in the next high-temperature cooling control. do. This is because when the convergence control mode is executed for low-temperature cooling control (that is, by increasing the temperature of low-temperature cooling control), the surface of the food does not freeze sufficiently, and when the convergence control mode is executed for high-temperature cooling control. This is because there is a high possibility that the freshness of the food will decrease.

Note that instead of the above, for example, if the predetermined condition is satisfied while performing the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 increases the temperature of the low-temperature cooling control by a first adjustment amount, and increases the temperature of the high-temperature cooling control by a second adjustment amount. It may be increased by the amount of adjustment. In this case, if the first adjustment amount is smaller than the second adjustment amount, the freshness of the food will be less likely to decrease.

The case where a new food is stored in the chilled compartment 27AA has been illustrated above, but the situation is converged when a new food is stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A or when the refrigerator compartment door 11A and/or the chilled compartment door 11AA is simply opened. A control mode may also be executed. For example, when the outside temperature is higher than the chilled room temperature, the control unit 100 performs the same control as in the first embodiment, and when the outside temperature is lower than the chilled room temperature, the control unit 100 performs the same control as in the second embodiment. May be controlled.

Note that when executing the convergence control mode, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of the low-temperature cooling control/high-temperature cooling control and the chilled chamber 27A instead of or in addition to adjusting the temperature of the low-temperature cooling control/high-temperature cooling control. At least one of the air pressure and the air pressure may be adjusted. For example, when hot food (for example, 10° C. food) is newly stored in the chilled room 27AA while the “special chilled” control mode is being executed, the control unit 100 executes the high temperature cooling control as the convergence control mode. The time may be shortened by a predetermined amount of time (for example, one hour), or the execution time of the low-temperature cooling control may be lengthened by a predetermined amount of time (for example, 20 minutes). On the other hand, if cold food (for example, -3°C food) is newly stored in the chilled compartment 27AA while the "special chilled" control mode is being executed, the control unit 100 performs high temperature cooling control as a convergence control mode. The execution time of the low-temperature cooling control may be extended by a predetermined time (for example, one hour), or the execution time of the low-temperature cooling control may be shortened by a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes). Therefore, "temperature" in the description of this embodiment may be read as "execution time" of low-temperature cooling control/high-temperature cooling control. Note that the length of the implementation time may be determined based on one or more of the first to fourth factors described below, similar to the content described in "control according to the state" described later.

In addition, when hot food (for example, 10° C. food) is newly stored in the chilled compartment 27AA while the “special chilled” control mode is being executed, the control unit 100 controls the chilled food in the high temperature cooling control as the convergence control mode. The air pressure in the chamber 27AA may be lowered by a predetermined amount, or the air pressure in the chilled chamber 27AA may be increased by a predetermined amount in low temperature cooling control. On the other hand, if cold food (for example, -3°C food) is newly stored in the chilled compartment 27AA while the "special chilled" control mode is being executed, the control unit 100 performs high temperature cooling control as a convergence control mode. The air pressure of the chilled chamber 27AA may be increased by a predetermined amount in the low temperature cooling control, or the air pressure of the chilled chamber 27AA may be lowered by a predetermined amount in the low temperature cooling control. The atmospheric pressure of the chilled chamber 27AA can be adjusted using, for example, a vacuum pump 47a or a leak valve 27b provided adjacent to the chilled chamber 27AA. By adjusting the air pressure, the freezing point of the food changes, so you can adjust how quickly the food freezes even under the same temperature. Therefore, "temperature" in the description of this embodiment may be read as "atmospheric pressure of the chilled chamber 27AA".

<5.2 Control according to status>
In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the temperature during high temperature cooling control is adjusted when a new food is stored in the chilled room 27AA. In the refrigerator 1 that is actually used, there are factors that can affect the stability of the chilled room temperature in addition to the above-mentioned storage of new foods. The control according to the state will be explained below.

Four factors are shown that can influence the stability of chilled room temperature.
The first factor is that the refrigerator compartment door 11A is opened and air outside the refrigerator 1 enters the refrigerator compartment 27A (or the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 27A leaks to the outside). The condition for detecting the occurrence of the first factor is, for example, that the open state of the refrigerator compartment door 11A is detected by the refrigerator compartment door switch 113a (or the refrigerator door switch 113b). For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the convergence control mode adjustment element (for example, the refrigerator compartment 27A (or The amount of adjustment of one or more of the temperature in the room AA), the atmospheric pressure in the refrigerating room 27A (or the chilled room AA), and the implementation time is determined.

The second factor is that the refrigerator compartment door 11A and the chilled compartment door 11AA are opened, and air outside the refrigerator 1 enters the chilled compartment 27AA (or the cold air in the chilled compartment AA leaks to the outside). The second condition for detecting the occurrence of the second factor is, for example, that the open state of the chilled room door 11AA is detected by the chilled room door switch 114. The control unit 100 determines the adjustment amount of the adjustment element of the convergence control mode, for example, based on the length of time that the chilled room door 11AA is in the open state and the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor 112.

The third factor is that the temperature of the new food stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A is different from the chilled compartment temperature (or refrigerator compartment temperature). The third condition for detecting the occurrence of the third factor is, for example, that the camera 115 detects the temperature of the new food stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A. The control unit 100 adjusts the amount of adjustment of the adjustment element of the convergence control mode based on one or more of the temperature (for example, surface temperature) of the new food, the surface area of the new food, and the distance between the chilled chamber 27AA and the new food. Determine.

The fourth factor is that the temperature of the new food stored in the chilled room 27AA is different from the chilled room temperature. The fourth condition for detecting the occurrence of the fourth factor is, for example, that the temperature of the new food stored in the chilled room 27AA is detected by the chilled room temperature sensor 111 or the camera 115. The control unit 100 determines the amount of adjustment of the adjustment element in the convergence control mode based on one or more of the temperature (for example, surface temperature) of the new food and the surface area of the new food.

An example of control for reducing the influence of each of these factors will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. The process shown below is an example of changing the execution time of the convergence control mode (see the first and second embodiments) for adjusting the temperature as a change in the adjustment amount of the adjustment element.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process of changing the execution time of the convergence control mode related to step S30 in FIG. First, when it is detected that the refrigerator compartment door 11A is opened by the refrigerator compartment door switch 113a (or the refrigerator compartment switch 113b), the control unit 100 detects that the first condition is satisfied and performs the following processing. Execute.

The control unit 100 calculates a reference time for the convergence control mode (step S312). For example, the control unit 100 may set the reference time of the convergence control mode to a predetermined fixed value, or may calculate it based on the outside temperature when the first condition is satisfied.

The control unit 100 detects whether the chilled room door 11AA is opened (satisfaction of the second condition) (step S314). When the opening of the chilled room door 11AA is detected, the control unit 100 calculates a chilled room opening correction time (first correction amount) that is a correction amount when the chilled room door 11AA is opened (step S316). For example, the control unit 100 may set the chilled room opening correction time to a predetermined fixed value, or may calculate it based on the outside temperature when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied. .

If the opening of the chilled room door 11AA is not detected, the control unit 100 sets the chilled room opening correction time to 0 (step S318). In this case, the execution time of the convergence control mode will not be adjusted using the chilled chamber opening correction time.

The control unit 100 determines whether a new food has been stored in either the refrigerator compartment 27A or the chilled compartment 27AA (step S320). For example, the control unit 100 controls the temperature of the refrigerator based on either the detection value detected by the camera 115 (for example, the result of the image taken by the camera 115) or the change in the chilled room temperature detected by the chilled room temperature sensor 111. It is determined whether new food has been stocked in either the chamber 27A or the chilled chamber 27AA. When new food is stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A, the third condition is satisfied.

When the control unit 100 determines that no new food is stored in either the refrigerator compartment 27A or the chilled compartment 27AA, the controller 100 adds the chilled compartment opening correction time to the reference time of the convergence control mode (step S322). ), the process proceeds to step S340.

When the control unit 100 determines that the new food has been stored in the chilled room 27AA (the fourth condition is satisfied), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the temperature of the new food can be continuously detected (step S324). If the temperature of the new food can be continuously detected by the chilled room temperature sensor 111 or the camera 115, the control unit 100 adjusts the timing to end the convergence control mode based on the temperature of the new food. It is determined to end the convergence control mode at this timing (step S326), and the process proceeds to step S340. In this case, the control unit 100 may terminate the convergence control mode, for example, when detecting that the deviation between the detected temperature of the new food and the chilled room temperature range has fallen within a threshold range.

On the other hand, if the temperature of the new food cannot be continuously detected, the control unit 100 performs convergence control based on the temperature of the new food detected at the time of storage or the temperature of the refrigerator room at the time of storage of the new product. The mode execution time is determined (step S328).

On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the new food has been stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A, it calculates the adjustment amount when the new food is placed in the refrigerator compartment 27A (step S330). This will be discussed later. After completing any one of steps S322, S326, S328, and S330, the control unit 100 determines the execution time of the convergence control mode (step S340).

<5.3 Specific example of how to calculate correction time>
<5.3.1 Correction based on the type of opened door and opening time>
Next, a method of calculating the correction time, which is the correction amount of the execution time of the convergence control mode, will be explained.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the correction time based on the type of opened door and the opening time. The graph shown in FIG. 10 shows the relationship between outside temperature (horizontal axis) and correction time (vertical axis). The straight line LTr in the graph shown in FIG. 10 represents the first correction amount (Tr) of the execution time of the convergence control mode when the refrigerator door 11A of the refrigerator compartment 27A is opened for a unit time under a certain outside temperature. show. FIG. 10 shows a case where the above unit time is defined as, for example, 10 seconds. The control unit 100 calculates the correction time for the time during which the refrigerator compartment door 11A is opened by the length of time during which the refrigerator compartment door 11A is actually opened and the first correction amount (Tr) per unit time indicated by the straight line LTr. It is best to make a decision based on the following.

A straight line LTc in the graph shown in FIG. 10 indicates the second correction amount (Tc) for the outside temperature when the chilled room door 11AA is opened for a unit time under a certain outside temperature. The control unit 100 calculates the correction time for the time when the chilled room door 11AA is opened (chilled room opening correction time) by calculating the length of time when the chilled room door 11AA is actually opened and the number of times per unit time indicated by the straight line LTc. 2 correction amount (Tc).

For example, when the refrigerator compartment door 11A and the chilled compartment door 11AA are opened, the chilled compartment temperature is lower than that when the chilled compartment door 11AA is not opened and only the refrigerator compartment door 11A is opened. It is more affected by the temperature difference between the temperature and the outside temperature. Therefore, in the above case, the control unit 100 adds the first correction amount and the second correction amount to adjust the execution time of the convergence control mode to be longer.

In other words, the control unit 100 calculates the first correction amount Tr_door_open and the second correction amount Tc_door_open using the following equations (1) and (2).

First correction amount Tr_door_open=f1 (outside temperature, opening time of the refrigerator compartment, first coefficient regarding the outside temperature, second coefficient regarding the opening time of the refrigerator compartment)...(1)
Second correction amount Tc_door_open=f2 (outside temperature, chilled room opening time, third coefficient related to outside temperature, fourth coefficient related to chilled room opening time) ... (2)

"f1" in the above equation (1) is a predetermined function that includes the outside temperature, the opening time of the refrigerator compartment, the first coefficient, and the second coefficient as variables. "f2" in the above equation (2) is a predetermined function that includes the outside temperature, the chilled room open time, the third coefficient, and the fourth coefficient as variables. Note that if the opening time of the refrigerator compartment is 0, the result of the above equation (1) is 0. If the chilled chamber open time is 0, the result of the above equation (2) will be 0. For example, the fourth coefficient is set larger than the second coefficient. That is, the second and fourth coefficients may be set so that the degree of influence per unit time of the chilled compartment open time is greater than the degree of influence per unit time of the refrigerator compartment open time. Further, the third coefficient may be the same as the first coefficient, or may be larger than the first coefficient.

More specifically, the straight line in the graph of FIG. 10 and the above functions f1 and f2 may be defined as follows. When the outside temperature is in the range of -10°C to +30°C and only the refrigerator compartment door 11A is opened, the control unit 100 sets the execution time of the convergence control mode to a unit when the outside temperature falls below the chilled room temperature. Adjusts to shorten the open time by up to 10 minutes and extend it by up to 10 minutes when the outside temperature exceeds the chilled room temperature. In this case, the control unit 100 makes the execution time of the convergence control mode longer as the outside temperature is higher, and shorter as the outside temperature is lower. Furthermore, the control unit 100 increases the execution time of the convergence control mode as the opening time of the refrigerator compartment door 11A increases. As shown in Figure 10, the degree of influence per 1°C of outside temperature on the first correction amount is set larger when the outside temperature is in the negative temperature range than when the outside temperature is in the positive temperature range. may be done.

Further, when the outside temperature is in the range of -10°C to +30°C and the refrigerator compartment door 11A and the chilled compartment door 11AA are opened, the control unit 100 sets the execution time of the convergence control mode to the outside temperature. When the outside temperature falls below the chilled room temperature, the unit opening time is shortened by up to 30 minutes, and when the outside temperature exceeds the chilled room temperature, it is adjusted to extend by up to 30 minutes. In this case, the control unit 100 increases the execution time of the convergence control mode as the outside temperature is higher, and shortens it as the outside temperature is lower. Furthermore, the control unit 100 increases the execution time of the convergence control mode as the opening time of the chilled room door 11AA increases. As shown in Figure 10, the degree of influence per 1°C of outside temperature on the second correction amount is set larger when the outside temperature is in the negative temperature range than when the outside temperature is in the positive temperature range. may be done.

<5.3.2 Correction based on food storage location and temperature>
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the correction time based on the food storage position and temperature. For example, the control unit 100 determines the position where the food is stored based on the imaging result of the camera 115. When food is stored in the chilled compartment 27AA, the control unit 100 takes longer to execute the convergence control mode (adjustment element).

In addition, the control unit 100 is configured to control the control unit 100, which is relatively close to the chilled compartment 27AA, compared to a case where the food is stored in a first area which is relatively far from the chilled compartment 27AA among areas different from the chilled compartment 27AA in the refrigerator compartment 27A. When food is stored in the second area, the adjustment amount of the execution time (adjustment element) of the convergence control mode is increased. Note that the number of divided regions is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The range defining the area is not limited to the area where the shelves 12 are provided, but may include the area of the pocket provided inside the refrigerator compartment door 11A. An example of the second region is the region directly above the chilled chamber 27AA (for example, the region on the upper surface of the third partition 30). An example of the first area is an area on the upper surface of the shelf 12 located above the third partition part 30.

This will be explained using a more specific example. The graph shown in FIG. 11 shows the relationship between separation (horizontal axis) and correction time (vertical axis). The distance is, for example, the distance from the position of food stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A to the chilled compartment 27AA. The graph shown in FIG. 11 includes three straight lines: a straight line LNormalCAM shown as a solid line, and a straight line LIRCAM_min and a straight line LIRCAM_max shown as broken lines.

A straight line LNormalCAM indicates the relationship between the third correction amount (Tp) and the distance between the food detected by the optical camera 115 and the chilled chamber 27AA. The closer the position where food is stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A is to the chilled compartment 27AA, the more susceptible the chilled compartment 27AA is to the temperature of the stored food. The larger the separation, the larger the third correction amount (Tp) (the longer the predetermined implementation time Sbc), and the larger the separation, the smaller the third correction amount (Tp) (shorter the predetermined implementation time Sbc). The characteristic shown by the straight line LNormalCAM is a generalization of the case where food whose temperature is higher than the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 27A is stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A.

Note that if the actual temperature of the food is equal to the temperature of the refrigerator, there will be no effect due to the temperature of the food. The actual food temperature and the refrigerator temperature are different, and the greater the difference, the greater the influence of the food temperature. Therefore, it is preferable to use the camera 115IR capable of detecting the temperature of the food to determine the third correction amount (Tp) based on the position where the food is stored and the temperature of the food.

For example, the characteristic indicated by the straight line LIRCAM_min indicates a case where the actual food temperature is equal to the refrigerator compartment temperature. The straight line LIRCAM_min overlaps the horizontal axis of the graph. In this case, the third adjustment amount is 0 regardless of the storage position.

The characteristic indicated by the straight line LIRCAM_max indicates a case where the actual temperature of the food is higher than the refrigerator room temperature and higher than the standard temperature of the food when the straight line LNormalCAM is defined. The third correction amount (Tp) indicated by this straight line LIRCAM_max is larger than the third correction amount (Tp) indicated by the straight line LNormalCAM. The straight line LIRCAM_max, like the straight line LNormalCAM, is defined such that the larger the separation, the smaller the third adjustment amount. Note that although the straight line LIRCAM_max and the straight line LNormalCAM are straight lines in the graph of FIG. 11, they are not limited thereto. Alternatively, each may be defined by a step-like graph, for example, so that the obtained results show discrete values.

In other words, the control unit 100 calculates the third adjustment amount Tr_input_NormalCAM and the third adjustment amount Tr_input_IRCAM using the following equations (3) and (4). The third adjustment amount Tr_input_NormalCAM shown in equation (3) is calculated using a function "f3" including the detection result of the optical camera 115 (the above-mentioned separation) and the fifth coefficient as variables. The third adjustment amount Tr_input_IRCAM shown in equation (4) is a function whose variables include the detection result of the infrared camera 115 (food surface temperature based on infrared intensity, food surface area, distance (separation)) and a sixth coefficient. Calculated using "f4".

Third correction amount Tr_input_NormalCAM = f3 (separation, fifth coefficient) ... (3)
Third correction amount Tr_input_IRCAM=f4 (surface temperature, surface area, separation, 6th coefficient) ... (4)

For example, when detecting the arrival of food using the normal camera 115, the third correction amount Tr_input_NormalCAM is calculated based on the detected separation and the function "f3". For example, the control unit 100 may determine the third correction amount Tr_input_NormalCAM from a range from +90 minutes to +20 minutes, which is defined so that the third correction amount Tr_input_NormalCAM decreases as the separation increases.

When detecting food storage using the infrared camera 115, the third correction amount Tr_input_IRCAM is calculated based on the detected food storage position, food temperature, separation, and function "f4". The control unit 100 sets the upper limit value specified so that the third correction amount Tr_input_IRCAM is made smaller as the separation becomes larger, the temperature of the food gets closer to the refrigerator room temperature (or chilled room temperature), or the surface area of the food becomes smaller. It is preferable to determine the third correction amount Tr_input_IRCAM from the range from +120 minutes to the lower limit of 0 minutes.

<5.3.3 Correction based on the temperature of food received>
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the correction time based on the temperature of the stored food. The graph shown in FIG. 12 shows the relationship between food surface temperature (horizontal axis) and correction time (vertical axis). The straight line LTt indicates the fourth correction amount (Tt) for the food surface temperature. The food surface temperature is the temperature of the new food stored in the chilled room 27AA, which is detected by the chilled room temperature sensor 111 or the camera 115. The straight line LTt is defined so that the fourth correction amount (Tt) increases as the food surface temperature becomes higher than the chilled room temperature. For example, the control unit 100 uses the chilled room temperature sensor 111 or the camera 115 to detect the temperature of the new food stored in the chilled room 27AA, and uses the detection result (food surface temperature) to control the convergence control mode. Determine the correction time for the implementation time.

In other words, the control unit 100 calculates the fourth adjustment amount Tr_input_IndirctTemperature using the following equation (5).

Fourth adjustment amount Tr_input_IndirctTemperature = f5 (food surface temperature, 7th coefficient) ... (5)

"f5" in the above equation (5) is a predetermined function that includes the food surface temperature and the seventh coefficient as variables. If the food surface temperature is in the temperature range of the chilled room temperature, the result of the above equation (5) will be 0. The control unit 100 may monitor the temperature of the new food, detect that the temperature of the new food is different from the temperature range of the chilled room temperature, and start the convergence control mode. The convergence control mode may be terminated by detecting that the temperature has fallen within the temperature range. The control unit 100 may perform the above convergence control mode with priority over control based on other factors.

The control unit 100 can implement some of the above-mentioned controls individually or in combination with each other. For example, the control unit 100 calculates the total adjustment amount T using the following equation (6).

Total adjustment amount T = Tr_door_open + Tc_door_open + (adjustment amount due to temperature) ... (6)

The "adjustment amount by temperature" in the above formula (6) may be determined based on any or all of the outside temperature, the location where the new food is stored in the refrigerator compartment 27A, and the temperature of the new food stored. . For example, the "adjustment amount by temperature" may be any one of the adjustment amount Tr_input_IRCAM, the adjustment amount Tr_input_NormalCAM, and the adjustment amount Tr_input_IndirctTemperature.

The control unit 100 adjusts the duration of the third temperature zone Tc shown in FIG. 6 based on the above-described total adjustment amount T, and executes the convergence control mode. Note that the total adjustment amount T may take a negative value depending on the conditions. In such a case, for example, the control unit 100 selects the convergence control mode of FIG. 8 instead of that of FIG. 6, and uses the absolute value of the total adjustment amount T to control the third temperature zone Td shown in FIG. It is preferable to execute the convergence control mode of FIG. 8 by adjusting the duration.

In the above, an example has been described in which the execution time of the convergence control mode is changed based on the type of door 11 that is opened, the outside temperature, the storage position of the new food, the temperature of the new food, and the like. Instead of/in addition to this, the control unit 100 adjusts the temperature and atmospheric pressure in the convergence control mode based on the type of door 11 that has been opened, the outside temperature, the storage position of the new food, the temperature of the new food, etc. At least one of them may be changed.

(Modified example)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the "special chilled" control mode. In this modification, instead of repeatedly performing low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control alternately, the control unit 100 performs first cooling control for cooling the chilled chamber 27AA under the first atmospheric pressure zone, and 27AA under a second atmospheric pressure zone higher than the first atmospheric pressure zone, and a second cooling control is alternately repeated. The atmospheric pressure of the chilled chamber 27AA can be adjusted, for example, by driving a vacuum pump 47a and a leak valve 47b (see FIG. 4) provided in the chilled chamber 27AA.

The first cooling control is a cooling control that slightly freezes the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 27AA, similar to the low-temperature cooling control of the above embodiment. That is, the first cooling control is a cooling control that can create a frozen layer only on the surface of the food, rather than freezing it to the middle of the food in the chilled chamber 27AA. On the other hand, the second cooling control is a cooling control that melts the slightly frozen layer formed on the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 27AA. The temperature zone in the first cooling control and the temperature zone in the second cooling control may be the same or different as in the above embodiment. Even if the temperature zone in the first cooling control and the temperature zone in the second cooling control are the same, the freezing point of the food changes by changing the atmospheric pressure, so the same effect as the "special chilled" control mode of the above embodiment can be obtained. can play. The convergence control mode described above may be implemented in this modification. For details in this case, in the above description regarding the convergence control mode, "low temperature cooling control" may be read as "first cooling control" and "high temperature cooling control" may be read as "second cooling control".

Although several embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. The concepts described in each embodiment may be realized by appropriately combining them.

An example was shown in which the timing to start the convergence control mode was adjusted to the state transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control (from low-pressure cooling control to high-pressure cooling control) after predetermined conditions were met. However, the control unit 100 may start executing the convergence control mode at a timing when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, there may be a case where the high temperature cooling control period expires before the execution period of the convergence control mode expires. In the above case, the control unit 100 may extend the high temperature cooling control period until the execution period of the convergence control mode expires, or temporarily interrupt the convergence control mode and switch to low temperature cooling control, and then When returning to the next high temperature cooling control, the interrupted convergence control mode may be restarted. The total execution period of the convergence control mode that is executed with interruption may be adjusted to the originally determined execution period.

For example, we have described an example in which the adjustment elements of low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) are not adjusted when a predetermined condition such as condition A is satisfied while implementing low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control). Instead, the control unit 100 adjusts the adjustment element of the low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) to an amount that includes the first cooling control adjustment amount, and adjusts the adjustment element of the high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control) to an amount that includes the first cooling control adjustment amount. The amount may be adjusted to include two cooling control adjustment amounts. In this case, the first cooling control adjustment amount may be smaller than the second cooling control adjustment amount. Note that the "amount including the first cooling control adjustment amount" is the first cooling control adjustment amount or an amount that is greater than or equal to the first cooling control adjustment amount. The "amount including the second cooling control adjustment amount" is the second cooling control adjustment amount or an amount that is greater than or equal to the second cooling control adjustment amount.

An example of detecting the arrival of new food using the camera 115 has been described, but the adjustment amount of the convergence control mode is integrated by adding conditions (variables) such as food being taken out and no food being put in or taken out. The amount of adjustment may be determined automatically.

According to at least one embodiment described above, in the refrigerator, in the first cooling control or the second cooling control, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 27A (or the chilled compartment AA), the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 27A (or the chilled compartment AA), By adjusting the adjustment elements related to the air pressure inside the refrigerator or the execution time, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that can perform more appropriate cooling control. Note that "in the first cooling control or the second cooling control" may be in either or both of the "first cooling control" and the "second cooling control." "Adjustment factors related to the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 27A (or chilled compartment AA), the atmospheric pressure in the refrigerator compartment 27A (or chilled compartment AA), or the implementation time" means It refers to an "adjustment element" that includes one or more of "temperature", "atmospheric pressure in the refrigerator compartment 27A (or chilled compartment AA)", and "execution time".

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Refrigerator, 10... Housing, 15... Cooling part, 27A... Refrigerator room, 27AA... Chilled room (storage part), 41... Refrigeration cooler, 43... Refrigeration fan, 49... Compressor, 100... Control unit .

Claims (14)

a housing including a storage section;
a cooling unit that cools the storage unit;
A control mode in which the surface of the food stored in the storage section can be slightly frozen, the first cooling control for cooling the storage section; The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and the cooling unit is controlled under a predetermined condition while the control mode is being executed. is satisfied, during the execution when the predetermined condition is met or during some period included in the execution time of the first cooling control or the second cooling control after the predetermined condition is met. The adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage part or the atmospheric pressure in the storage part is adjusted, and the remaining time after the elapse of the partial period in the implementation time is the content of the adjustment element before adjustment of the adjustment element. a control unit that returns to and continues the first cooling control or the second cooling control ;
Refrigerator with. The control unit may be configured to control the control unit in the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the first cooling control and in the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the second cooling control. adjusting the adjustment element of a second cooling control;
The refrigerator according to claim 1. a housing including a storage section;
a cooling unit that cools the storage unit;
A control mode in which the surface of the food stored in the storage section can be slightly frozen, the first cooling control for cooling the storage section; The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and the cooling unit is controlled under a predetermined condition while the control mode is being executed. a control unit that adjusts, in the first cooling control or the second cooling control, an adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage unit, the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit, or the implementation time when the above is satisfied;
Equipped with
If the predetermined condition is satisfied while performing the first cooling control, the control unit may perform the first adjustment without adjusting the adjustment element of the first cooling control or adjusting the adjustment element of the first cooling control. adjusting the adjustment element of the second cooling control to an amount including the second adjustment amount;
When the first adjustment amount is used, the first adjustment amount is smaller than the second adjustment amount;
Refrigerator . The first cooling control cools the storage section in a first temperature zone where the center temperature is lower than the freezing point,
The second cooling control cools the storage section in a second temperature zone where the center temperature is higher than the freezing point,
If the predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of the control mode, the control unit adjusts the second temperature zone in the second cooling control to a range in which the center temperature is higher than the freezing point. The refrigerator according to any one of item 3. The control unit cools the storage unit in a third temperature range instead of the second temperature range during at least part of the second cooling control when the predetermined condition is satisfied while executing the control mode. ,
The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the center temperature of the third temperature zone is higher than the center temperature of the second temperature zone. a housing including a storage section;
a cooling unit that cools the storage unit;
A control mode in which the surface of the food stored in the storage section can be slightly frozen, the first cooling control for cooling the storage section; The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and the cooling unit is controlled under a predetermined condition while the control mode is being executed. a control unit that adjusts, in the first cooling control or the second cooling control, an adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage unit, the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit, or the implementation time when the above is satisfied;
Equipped with
The first cooling control cools the storage section in a first temperature zone where the center temperature is lower than the freezing point,
The second cooling control cools the storage section in a second temperature zone where the center temperature is higher than the freezing point,
The control unit adjusts the second temperature zone in the second cooling control to a range where the center temperature is higher than the freezing point when the predetermined condition is satisfied while executing the control mode,
The control unit cools the storage unit in a third temperature range instead of the second temperature range during at least part of the second cooling control when the predetermined condition is satisfied while executing the control mode. ,
The center temperature of the third temperature zone is higher than the freezing point and lower than the center temperature of the second temperature zone.
Refrigerator . a door that can open and close the space inside the housing or the storage section;
a first detection unit that detects an open/closed state of the door;
Furthermore,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined condition is that the open state of the door is detected by the first detection unit. further comprising a second detection unit that detects the arrival of food into the storage unit,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined condition is that the second detection unit detects that food is stored in the storage unit. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit adjusts the adjustment element in the first cooling control or the second cooling control over a predetermined fixed time. It is further equipped with an outside temperature detection section that detects the outside temperature.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit changes the adjustment amount of the adjustment element based on the detection result of the outside temperature detection unit. Further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects, as the temperature in the storage unit, the temperature of the air in the storage unit, the temperature of the food in the storage unit, or the temperature of a container placed in the storage unit and on which the food is placed;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit changes the adjustment amount of the adjustment element based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. a housing including a storage section;
a cooling unit that cools the storage unit;
A control mode in which the surface of the food stored in the storage section can be slightly frozen, the first cooling control for cooling the storage section; The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and the cooling unit is controlled under a predetermined condition while the control mode is being executed. a control unit that adjusts, in the first cooling control or the second cooling control, an adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage unit, the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit, or the implementation time when the above is satisfied;
a first door that opens and closes the internal space of the casing;
a second door that opens and closes the storage section, which is a part of the internal space, within the internal space;
Equipped with
The control unit adjusts the adjustment element when the first door is opened and the second door is also opened, compared to when the first door is opened but the second door is not. increase the amount,
Refrigerator . a housing including a storage section;
a cooling unit that cools the storage unit;
A control mode in which the surface of the food stored in the storage section can be slightly frozen, the first cooling control for cooling the storage section; The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and the cooling unit is controlled under a predetermined condition while the control mode is being executed. a control unit that adjusts, in the first cooling control or the second cooling control, an adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage unit, the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit, or the implementation time when the above is satisfied;
Equipped with
The casing has an internal space including the storage section,
The control unit increases the adjustment amount of the adjustment element when the food is stored in the storage section, compared to when the food is stored in an area different from the storage section within the internal space.
Refrigerator . a housing including a storage section;
a cooling unit that cools the storage unit;
A control mode in which the surface of the food stored in the storage section can be slightly frozen, the first cooling control for cooling the storage section; The cooling unit can be controlled in a control mode that alternately repeats a second cooling control in which the storage unit is cooled under a higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, and the cooling unit is controlled under a predetermined condition while the control mode is being executed. a control unit that adjusts, in the first cooling control or the second cooling control, an adjustment element related to the temperature in the storage unit, the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit, or the implementation time when the above is satisfied;
Equipped with
The casing has an internal space including the storage section,
The internal space includes a first region different from the storage section, and a second region different from the storage section and closer to the storage section than the first region,
The control unit increases the adjustment amount of the adjustment element when the food is stored in the second area compared to when the food is stored in the first area.
Refrigerator .

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