JP7698489B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator.

There are known refrigerators that start rapid cooling control when the user presses an operation button. There have also been proposed refrigerators that vary the compressor speed during rapid cooling control depending on the outside air temperature. It is expected that refrigerators will become even more convenient.

JP 2004-003867 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can improve convenience.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a housing, a freezer door, a door open/close detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. The housing includes a refrigerator and a freezer. The freezer door closes the freezer so that the freezer can be opened and closed. The door open/close detection sensor detects the opening and closing of the freezer door. The temperature sensor is provided in the freezer. The control unit alternates between a refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator and a freezing operation for cooling the freezer, and can execute multiple rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the freezer. When the temperature sensor detects that the freezer door is closed or opened within a predetermined time that is shorter than the normal time of the refrigeration operation after the door open /close detection sensor detects that the freezer door is closed or opened, the control unit selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from among the multiple rapid cooling controls. The control unit alternates between a refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator and a freezing operation for cooling the freezer. When a condition for starting the rapid cooling control during the execution of the refrigeration operation is satisfied and the elapsed time from the start of the refrigeration operation exceeds a special time that is shorter than the normal time of the refrigeration operation, the control unit terminates the refrigeration operation, transitions to the freezing operation, and initiates the rapid cooling control, and when a condition for starting the rapid cooling control during the execution of the refrigeration operation is satisfied and the elapsed time does not exceed the special time, the control unit continues the refrigeration operation until the elapsed time exceeds the special time, and then terminates the refrigeration operation, transitions to the freezing operation, and initiates the rapid cooling control. The length of the special time or the presence or absence of the special time differs among the multiple rapid cooling controls.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerator system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator according to the embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along line F3-F3 of the refrigerator shown in Figure 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of rapid cooling control setting information according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of the rapid cooling control setting information of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between refrigeration operation and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of minimum time setting information according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the content of the minimum time setting information according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of control by a control unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of defrosting control and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the priority order between the defrosting control and the rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of minimum time setting information according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a special choke in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of high-temperature cooling control and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of low-temperature cooling control and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of minimum time setting information according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of thawing control and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of special ice making control and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order of power saving control and rapid cooling control in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an operation panel unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a display screen of the terminal device according to the embodiment.

Below, 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 will be given the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include cases where the component is based on another element in addition to XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies to cases where there are three or more optional elements. "XX" and "YY" are any element (e.g., any information).

(Embodiment)
1. Refrigerator system
First, a refrigerator system 1 including a refrigerator 100 will be described.
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator system 1. The refrigerator system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100, a server 200, and a terminal device 300. A network NW, which will be described later, may include one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network, a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or other public lines or dedicated lines.

The refrigerator 100 is placed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to a network NW via a wireless router R placed in the residence of the user U, for example, and is capable of communicating with the server 200 via the network NW. This allows the refrigerator 100 to communicate with the terminal device 300 of the user U via the server 200. The refrigerator 100 may be capable of directly communicating with the terminal device 300 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the refrigerator 100 is not limited to the above example, and may not have a communication function with the outside. The refrigerator 100 will be described in detail later.

The server 200 provides services related to the management and remote operation of the refrigerator 100. The server 200 is composed of, for example, one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers) connected to the network NW. The server 200 is capable of communicating with the refrigerator 100 and the terminal device 300 via the network NW. Note that the server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer in the residence of the user U, or a home router (e.g., wireless router R), etc. The server 200 is an example of an "external device."

The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by the user U, and is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. The terminal device 300 includes a display device 301 including a display screen capable of displaying various information, and an input receiving unit 302 capable of receiving input (including voice input) from the user U. The display device 301 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The input receiving unit 302 is, for example, a touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display device 301, or a microphone that collects the voice of the user U. An application program P for managing or remotely operating the refrigerator 100 is installed in the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. The terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device, and may be a stationary information processing device such as a personal computer.

2. Refrigerator
Next, the refrigerator 100 will be described.
2 is a front view showing the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 has, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 31, a plurality of door open/close detection sensors 33, and an operation panel unit 34.

The housing 10 has an upper wall 11, a lower wall 12, left and right side walls 13, 14, and a rear wall 15 (see FIG. 3), and is formed in a box shape with an open front. The housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box that forms the inner surface of the housing 10, an outer box that forms the outer surface of the housing 10, and a foam insulation material provided between the inner box and the outer box, and has thermal insulation properties. Inside the housing 10, there are provided a number of partitions 16, 17 (see FIG. 3) that divide the interior of the housing 10 into a number of storage chambers 21, which will be described later.

The housing 10 includes a plurality of storage compartments 21. The plurality of storage compartments 21 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 21A, a chilled compartment 21AA, a vegetable compartment 21B, an ice-making compartment 21C, a small freezer compartment 21D, and a main freezer compartment 21E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 21A is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 21B is located below the refrigerator compartment 21A, the ice-making compartment 21C and the small freezer compartment 21D are located below the vegetable compartment 21B, and the main freezer compartment 21E is located below the ice-making compartment 21C and the small freezer compartment 21D. In the following, the case where the main freezer compartment 21E is the main target of the rapid cooling control described below will be described. Note that the small freezer compartment 21D may be the main target of the rapid cooling control instead of/in addition to the main freezer compartment 21E. In this case, the "main freezer compartment 21E" in the following description is read as the "small freezer compartment 21D".

The chilled compartment 21AA is provided inside the refrigerator compartment 21A and is at least partially partitioned from the other areas of the refrigerator compartment 21A by a shelf, a lid, etc. The chilled compartment 21AA is provided below a part of the refrigerator compartment 21A. The chilled compartment 21AA is cooled to a lower temperature range than the refrigerator compartment 21A, for example, because it is located lower than the refrigerator compartment 21A and cold air can easily flow in from the refrigeration cooler 61 (see FIG. 3). Note that the refrigerator 100 may have a partial compartment instead of/in addition to the chilled compartment 21AA, which is cooled to a temperature range lower than the chilled compartment 21AA and higher than the main freezer compartment 21E (for example, an average temperature of -3°C). The chilled compartment 21AA or the partial compartment is an example of a "special storage section."

The openings of the storage compartments 21 are closed by the doors 31 so that they can be opened and closed. The doors 31 include left and right refrigerator compartment doors 31Aa and 31Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 21A, a vegetable compartment door 31B that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 21B, an ice-making compartment door 31C that closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 21C, a small freezer compartment door 31D that closes the opening of the small freezer compartment 21D, and a main freezer compartment door 31E that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 21E. The door opening/closing detection sensor 33 is provided at a position corresponding to each door 31 and detects the opening and closing of each door 31. For example, the door opening/closing detection sensor 33 includes a door opening/closing detection sensor 33D that detects the opening and closing of the small freezer compartment door 31D, and a door opening/closing detection sensor 33E that detects the opening and closing of the main freezer compartment door 31E.

The operation panel unit 34 is provided, for example, on the left refrigerator compartment door 31Aa. Alternatively, the operation panel unit 34 may be provided on the right refrigerator compartment door 31Ab or the inner surface of the housing 10. The operation panel unit 34 includes an operation unit 34a that accepts operations by the user U to change the settings for each storage compartment 21 or to instruct the execution of specific controls, and a notification unit 34b that notifies the user U of the settings for each storage compartment 21, the control mode being executed, etc. The operation unit 34a includes, for example, multiple buttons. The notification unit 34b includes, for example, multiple light-emitting units realized by LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Note that the notification unit 34b may be realized by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display instead of/in addition to the above example.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 shown in Figure 2 taken along line F3-F3. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a plurality of shelves 41, a plurality of containers 42, a first duct part 51, a second duct part 52, and a cooling section M.

The shelves 41 are arranged in the refrigerator compartment 21A. The shelves 41 are arranged vertically at intervals. The containers 42 include chilled compartment containers 42AAa, 42AAb provided in the chilled compartment 21AA, vegetable compartment containers 42Ba, 42Bb provided in the vegetable compartment 21B, an ice-making compartment container (not shown) provided in the ice-making compartment 21C, a freezer compartment container 42D provided in the small freezer compartment 21D, and freezer compartment containers 42Ea, 42Eb provided in the main freezer compartment 21E. The freezer compartment container 42Ea is arranged above the freezer compartment container 42Eb and overlaps at least a portion of the freezer compartment container 42Eb in the vertical direction.

The first duct part 51 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The first duct part 51 extends, for example, from the rear of the lower end of the vegetable compartment 21B to the rear of the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 21A. A first duct space D1, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is formed between the first duct part 51 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The first duct part 51 has multiple refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 51a, chilled compartment cold air outlets 51b, and cold air return ports 51c. The multiple refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 51a open to the refrigerator compartment 21A. The chilled compartment cold air outlets 51b open to the chilled compartment 21AA. The cold air return port 51c opens to the vegetable compartment 21B.

The second duct part 52 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The second duct part 52 extends, for example, from the rear of the main freezer 21E to the rear of the upper ends of the ice-making compartment 21C and the small freezer 21D. A second duct space D2, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is formed between the second duct part 52 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct part 52 has a cold air outlet 52a and a cold air return port 52b. The cold air outlet 52a opens into the ice-making compartment 21C and the small freezer 21D. The cold air return port 52b opens into the main freezer 21E.

The cooling section M includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 61, a refrigeration blower 62, a refrigeration cooler 63, a refrigeration blower 64, a compressor 65, and a refrigeration cycle device CD (see FIG. 4).

The refrigeration cooler 61 is disposed in the first duct space D1. The refrigeration cooler 61 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 65 and cools the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1. The refrigeration blower 62 is disposed in the first duct space D1, for example. When the refrigeration blower 62 is driven, the air in the first duct space D1 flows upward within the first duct space D1 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 61. The cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 61 is blown out from multiple refrigeration chamber cold air outlets 51a to the refrigeration chamber 21A and from the chilled chamber cold air outlet 51b to the chilled chamber 21AA. The cold air blown into the refrigerator compartment 21A and the chilled compartment 21AA flows through the refrigerator compartment 21A and the chilled compartment 21AA, respectively, and then returns to the first duct space D1 from the cold air return port 51c via, for example, the vegetable compartment 21B. This cools the refrigerator compartment 21A, the chilled compartment 21AA, and the vegetable compartment 21B.

The refrigeration cooler 63 is disposed in the second duct space D2. The refrigeration cooler 63 is supplied with a refrigerant compressed by the compressor 65, and cools the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2. The refrigeration blower 64 is disposed in, for example, the second duct space D2. When the refrigeration blower 64 is driven, the air in the second duct space D2 flows upward through the second duct space D2 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 63. The cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 63 flows from the cold air outlet 52a into the ice making chamber 21C and the small freezing chamber 21D. The cold air that flows into the ice making chamber 21C and the small freezing chamber 21D flows through the ice making chamber 21C and the small freezing chamber 21D, respectively, and then returns to the second duct space D2 from the cold air return port 52b via the main freezing chamber 21E. This cools the ice-making compartment 21C, the small freezer compartment 21D, and the main freezer compartment 21E.

The compressor 65 is provided, for example, in a machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 100. The compressor 65 compresses the refrigerant gas used to cool each storage chamber 21. The refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 65 is sent to the refrigeration cooler 61 and the freezing cooler 63.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device CD. The refrigeration cycle device CD is realized by connecting a condenser 71, a dryer 72, a three-way valve 73, capillary tubes 74 and 75, etc. in a ring shape in the order of the refrigerant flow. For example, the condenser 71 and the dryer 72 are connected to the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 65 in this order via a connecting pipe 76. The three-way valve 73 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 72. The three-way valve 73 has one inlet to which the dryer 72 is connected, and two outlets. The refrigeration side capillary tube 74 and the refrigeration cooler 61 are connected to one of the two outlets of the three-way valve 73 in this order. The refrigeration cooler 61 is connected to the compressor 65 via the refrigeration side suction pipe 77, which is a connecting pipe. The refrigeration side capillary tube 75 and the refrigeration cooler 63 are connected to the other of the two outlets of the three-way valve 73 in this order. The refrigeration cooler 63 is connected to the compressor 65 via a refrigeration side suction pipe 78, which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 79 is provided between the refrigeration cooler 63 and the compressor 65 to prevent the refrigerant from the refrigeration cooler 61 from flowing back to the refrigeration cooler 63.

The refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle device CD is compressed by the compressor 65 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This gaseous refrigerant is radiated heat by the condenser 71 to become a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant, from which impurities such as dirt and moisture have been removed by passing through the dryer 72, enters the refrigeration side capillary tube 74 (or the freezing side capillary tube 75) while being throttled and controlled by the three-way valve 73. At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the refrigeration side capillary tube 74 (or the freezing side capillary tube 75) is decompressed while being heat exchanged with the refrigeration side suction pipe 77 (or the freezing side suction pipe 78). The decompressed refrigerant then evaporates while passing through the refrigeration cooler 61 (or the freezing cooler 63), thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 61 (or the freezing cooler 63). The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant then flows into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 77 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 78). The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after it flows into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 77 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 78) is low, at around -10°C. As this refrigerant gas passes through the suction pipe 77 (or suction pipe 78), it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the capillary tube 74 (or capillary tube 75), and is eventually heated to about room temperature. This refrigerant gas is then sucked back into the compressor 65, completing the circulation of the refrigerant.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 81, a chilled compartment temperature sensor 82, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 83, a rapid cooling temperature sensor 84, a communication unit 86, an information processing unit 90, and a memory unit 95.

The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 81 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 21A and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the refrigerator compartment 21A. The chilled compartment temperature sensor 82 is provided in the chilled compartment 21AA and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the chilled compartment 21AA. Note that the chilled compartment temperature sensor 82 may be omitted and the temperature of the chilled compartment 21AA may be estimated based on the detection result of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 81.

The freezer temperature sensor 83 is provided in the main freezer 21E and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the main freezer 21E. The freezer temperature sensor 83 detects a temperature used as an index in basic freezing operation for the main freezer 21E. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is positioned closer to the center of the main freezer 21E (e.g., closer to the vertical center of the main freezer 21E) than the quick cooling temperature sensor 84.

In this embodiment, two freezer containers 42Ea, 42Eb are arranged vertically in the main freezer 21E (see FIG. 3). The freezer temperature sensor 83 is arranged, for example, behind the freezer container 42Ea (hereinafter referred to as the "upper freezer container 42Ea") that is arranged at the upper side of the two freezer containers 42Ea, 42Eb. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is located, for example, below the upper end UE (e.g., the top end) of the upper freezer container 42Ea. From another perspective, the rear end of the upper freezer container 42Ea has a rear end upper end BUE at a position lower than the above-mentioned upper end UE (e.g., the top end). The freezer temperature sensor 83 is located below the rear end upper end BUE of the upper freezer container 42Ea. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is an example of a "second temperature sensor".

In this embodiment, the control unit 91, which will be described later, performs cooling control during normal freezing operation (freezing operation without rapid cooling control) based on the temperature detected by the freezing chamber temperature sensor 83. For example, during normal freezing operation, the control unit 91 drives the compressor 65 and the freezing blower 64 using PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the temperature detected by the freezing chamber temperature sensor 83 and the target temperature of the main freezing chamber 21E.

The rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is provided in the main freezer 21E and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the main freezer 21E. The rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 detects a temperature used as an index in determining whether or not rapid cooling control should be started, which will be described later. The rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is disposed in the main freezer 21E at a higher position than the freezer temperature sensor 83 (see FIG. 3). The rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is disposed, for example, in the upper part of the main freezer 21E. The "upper part of the freezer" means, for example, an area higher than the upper end of a container (for example, the uppermost container) disposed in the freezer. In this embodiment, the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is disposed above the upper end BUE of the rear end of the upper freezer container 42Ea. Furthermore, the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is disposed above the upper end UE (for example, the uppermost end) of the upper freezer container 42Ea. The rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 may be attached to the ceiling surface (the lower surface of the partition 17) of the main freezer 21E. The rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is an example of a "first temperature sensor."

The communication unit 86 includes, for example, an antenna and a high-frequency circuit, and is capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 86 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router R installed in the residence of the user U, and is capable of communicating with the server 200 via the network NW. This allows the refrigerator 100 to communicate with the terminal device 300 via the server 200. Note that the communication unit 86 may also be capable of communicating directly with the terminal device 300 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The information processing unit 90 is realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 100, executing a program. However, part or all of the information processing unit 90 may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Part or all of the information processing unit 90 may be provided in the server 200 or the terminal device 300 instead of the refrigerator 100.

The information processing unit 90 includes, for example, a control unit 91 and an alarm output unit 92. The control unit 91 controls the entire refrigerator 100. The control unit 91 executes cooling control for each storage chamber 21. The alarm output unit 92 notifies the user U of the state of the refrigerator 100 by transmitting information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 to the operation panel unit 34 or the terminal device 300. The processing of the control unit 91 and the alarm output unit 92 will be described in detail later.

The storage unit 95 is realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination of two or more of these. The storage unit 95 stores information necessary for controlling the refrigerator 100. For example, the storage unit 95 stores thresholds and setting values related to the rapid cooling control described below. Note that a part or the whole of the storage unit 95 may be provided in the server 200 or the terminal device 300.

3. Control
Next, a description will be given of the control of the refrigerator 100. The control described below is performed by the control unit 91 unless otherwise specified.

<3.1 Basic operation>
First, a basic operation of the refrigerator 100 will be described. The control unit 91 executes a "refrigeration operation" and a "freezing operation" as basic operations of the refrigerator 100. The "refrigeration operation" means an operation in which the three-way valve 73 is switched and a liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 65 to the refrigeration cooler 61. The "refrigeration operation" is not limited to the case where the refrigeration blower 62 is driven, but may also include a case where the refrigeration blower 62 is stopped and a refrigerant is sent from the compressor 65 to the refrigeration cooler 61, and the temperature of the refrigeration chamber 21AA is reduced by heat transfer between the refrigeration cooler 61 and the refrigeration chamber 21AA. On the other hand, the "freezing operation" means an operation in which the three-way valve 73 is switched and a liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 65 to the refrigeration cooler 63.

The control unit 91 controls the cooling unit M so that the storage compartments 21 in the refrigeration temperature zone (refrigeration compartment 21A, chilled compartment 21AA, vegetable compartment 21B) and the storage compartments 21 in the freezing temperature zone (ice-making compartment 21C, small freezing compartment 21D, main freezing compartment 21E) are kept at their respective set temperature zones, for example, by alternating between refrigeration operation and freezing operation. For example, the control unit 91 alternately cools the storage compartments 21 in the refrigeration temperature zone for a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and cools the storage compartments 21 in the freezing temperature zone for a second predetermined time (e.g., 40 minutes). During the refrigeration operation, the temperature of the storage compartments 21 in the refrigeration temperature zone decreases, but the temperature of the storage compartments 21 in the freezing temperature zone increases. On the other hand, during the freezing operation, the temperature of the storage compartments 21 in the freezing temperature zone decreases, but the temperature of the storage compartments 21 in the refrigeration temperature zone increases. As a result, the temperature of the storage compartment 21 in the refrigeration temperature range and the temperature of the storage compartment 21 in the freezing temperature range repeatedly rise and fall in a sawtooth pattern.

Note that between refrigeration operation and freezing operation, there may be a pump-down operation for recovering refrigerant, or a non-cooling time during which no cooling is performed on either the storage compartment 21 in the refrigeration temperature range or the storage compartment 21 in the freezing temperature range. In this application, the "time that is not freezing operation" is not limited to the time during which refrigeration operation is performed, but may also include the time during which pump-down is performed and the non-cooling time described above.

3.2 Rapid cooling control
Next, the rapid cooling control will be described. The rapid cooling control is a control mode that rapidly lowers the temperature of the main freezing chamber 21E compared to the basic operation. The "rapid cooling control" may be a control that ends during one freezing operation, or may be a control that spans multiple freezing operations. That is, the rapid cooling control is performed for a certain predetermined time means that the refrigeration operation and the freezing operation are alternately performed during the predetermined time, and the rapid cooling control is performed during the freezing operation that is performed during that time. In addition, when the rapid cooling control is performed, the second predetermined time (e.g., 40 minutes), which is the execution time of the freezing operation, may be extended to a longer execution time (e.g., 60 minutes). That is, when the rapid cooling control is performed, the refrigeration operation for the first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and the extended freezing operation for the second predetermined time (e.g., 60 minutes) may be alternately performed.

In this embodiment, the control unit 91 can execute multiple rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the main freezer chamber 21E. Different cooling capacities mean, for example, that the drive amount of at least one of the compressor 65 or the refrigeration blower 64 is different. However, different cooling capacities are not limited to the above example, and the extension time of the above-mentioned second predetermined time, etc. may be different among the multiple rapid cooling controls.

<Quick-cooling control selection and start judgment>
First, the selection and start judgment of the rapid cooling control will be described. In this embodiment, when the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E corresponding to the main freezer door 31E satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 91 selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 from among the multiple rapid cooling controls.

Here, "the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E satisfies the predetermined condition" means, for example, that the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E is closed. In this case, "within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E satisfies the predetermined condition" means a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) after the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E is closed. However, the "predetermined condition" is not limited to the above example. "The detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E satisfies the predetermined condition" may mean, for example, that the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E is opened. In this case, "within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E satisfies the predetermined condition" may mean a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) after the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E is opened. A specific example will be described below. However, the contents of this application are not limited to the contents described below.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the rapid cooling control setting information ST1. The rapid cooling control setting information ST1 is stored in the memory unit 95 and is referenced by the control unit 91. The rapid cooling control setting information ST1 is information indicating the setting contents of multiple rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in Figure 6, three rapid cooling controls (three stages of rapid cooling control) with different cooling capacities can be executed.

The first rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the highest cooling capacity among the three rapid cooling controls. The first rapid cooling control is selected and executed when the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 detects a temperature of -10°C or higher within the above-mentioned specified time. Here, the temperature of the main freezer 21E is usually about -20°C. The drive amount of the compressor 65 and the freezer blower 64 in the first rapid cooling control is the largest among the three rapid cooling controls. In this embodiment, when the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been open for a certain period of time or more (for example, one minute or more), the first rapid cooling control is executed regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. The first rapid cooling control is an example of a "rapid cooling control with a relatively high cooling capacity that is preset among multiple rapid cooling controls".

The second rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the medium cooling capacity among the three rapid cooling controls. The second rapid cooling control is selected and executed when the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 detects a temperature lower than -10°C and equal to or higher than -13°C within the above-mentioned specified time. The drive amount of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the second rapid cooling control is medium among the three rapid cooling controls.

The third rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the lowest cooling capacity among the three rapid cooling controls. The third rapid cooling control is executed when the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 detects a temperature lower than -13°C and equal to or higher than -16°C within the above-mentioned specified time. The drive amount of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the third rapid cooling control is the smallest among the three rapid cooling controls.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of the rapid cooling control setting information ST1. In the example shown in Figure 7, five rapid cooling controls (five stages of rapid cooling controls) with different cooling capabilities can be executed. The contents of each rapid cooling control are the same as those described using Figure 6, so detailed explanations are omitted. In this modified example, the first rapid cooling control is executed when a special condition is met. The special condition is, for example, when the user U inputs to the operation unit 34a or the terminal device 300 that food that particularly requires rapid cooling is put into the main freezer 21E. In this modified example, when the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been open for a certain period of time or more (for example, one minute or more), the second rapid cooling control is executed regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. The second rapid cooling control is an example of a "rapid cooling control with a relatively high cooling capacity that is preset among multiple rapid cooling controls".

<Relationship with refrigeration operation>
Next, the relationship with the refrigeration operation will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 91 alternately performs a refrigeration operation for cooling the storage compartments 21 in the refrigeration temperature range including the refrigeration compartment 21A and a freezing operation for cooling the storage compartments 21 in the freezing temperature range including the main freezing compartment 21E, and when the condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied during a time other than the freezing operation (such as a time during the refrigeration operation, a pump-down time, or a non-cooling time), the control unit 91 shifts to the freezing operation and starts the rapid cooling control in response to performing the refrigeration operation for a minimum time (special time) shorter than the normal time.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between refrigeration operation and rapid cooling control. (a) in Figure 8 shows a case where the conditions for starting rapid cooling control are not met, and refrigeration operation for a first predetermined time TA and freezing operation for a second predetermined time TB (freezing operation without rapid cooling control) are performed alternately. On the other hand, (b) in Figure 8 shows a case where the conditions for starting rapid cooling control are met during refrigeration operation. (b) in Figure 8 shows an example where the conditions for starting rapid cooling control are met at time t1, and the control unit 91 determines that rapid cooling is necessary (hereinafter referred to as "rapid cooling necessary determination").

As shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary during refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 transitions to freezing operation and starts rapid cooling control in response to the refrigeration operation being performed for a minimum time TA' that is shorter than the normal time (first predetermined time TA). For example, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary when time Taa has elapsed since the start of refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 determines whether or not the time Taa exceeds the minimum time TA' of refrigeration operation. If the time Taa exceeds the minimum time TA' of refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 ends the refrigeration operation at that time, transitions to freezing operation, and starts rapid cooling control. On the other hand, if the time Taa does not exceed the minimum time TA' of refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 performs refrigeration operation for an additional time Tab until the duration of refrigeration operation reaches the minimum time TA', and ends the refrigeration operation when the duration of refrigeration operation reaches the minimum time TA', transitions to freezing operation, and starts rapid cooling control. The length of the minimum time TA' is, for example, less than half the length of the first predetermined time TA.

9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the minimum time setting information ST2. The minimum time setting information ST2 is stored in the memory unit 95 and is referenced by the control unit 91. The minimum time setting information ST2 is information indicating the length of the minimum time TA' in multiple rapid cooling controls. The first to third rapid cooling controls shown in FIG. 9 have the same contents as the first to third rapid cooling controls described with reference to FIG. 6, for example. That is, among the three cooling controls, the first cooling control has the highest cooling capacity, the second cooling control has a medium cooling capacity, and the third cooling control has the lowest cooling capacity. In this embodiment, the length of the minimum time TA' differs among the multiple rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the length of the minimum time TA' is set to the shortest when the first cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TA' is set to the medium when the second cooling control is selected, and the length of the minimum time TA' is set to the longest when the third cooling control is selected.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of the minimum time setting information ST2. In the example shown in Figure 10, the length of the minimum time TA' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is set to zero. In the example shown in Figure 10, when the conditions for starting the first rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 ends the refrigeration operation at that time, transitions to freezing operation, and starts rapid cooling control. Also, when the conditions for starting the first rapid cooling control are satisfied, for example, during pump down before the execution of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 transitions to freezing operation and starts rapid cooling control without performing the refrigeration operation. In the example shown in Figure 10, the presence or absence of the minimum time TA' differs among the multiple rapid cooling controls.

<Determination of End of Rapid Cooling Control>
Next, the determination of the end of the rapid cooling control will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 91 determines whether or not to end the rapid cooling control based on the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 for performing cooling control in normal freezing operation (freezing operation without rapid cooling control). For example, after starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, −22° C.).

More specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 91 uses both the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 and the temperature detected by the quick-cooling temperature sensor 84 to make a determination regarding the end of the quick-cooling control. For example, after starting the quick-cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the quick-cooling control when the temperature detected by the quick-cooling temperature sensor 84 becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined value (e.g., -20°C) and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value (e.g., -22°C). The second predetermined value is, for example, a temperature lower than the first predetermined value.

In this embodiment, when the rapid cooling control selected from among the multiple cooling controls is a specific rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control after a certain time has elapsed (e.g., after 120 minutes has elapsed) regardless of the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 and the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. In other words, even if the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 and the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 have not reached the above-mentioned predetermined value, the rapid cooling control is ended. "When the rapid cooling control is a specific rapid cooling control" means, for example, when the selected rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the highest cooling capacity among the multiple rapid cooling controls. Note that another example of "when the rapid cooling control is a specific rapid cooling control" is when the selected rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with a higher cooling capacity than the average among the multiple rapid cooling controls, and is the rapid cooling control with the highest or second highest cooling capacity.

4. Control Flow
Next, the flow of control in this embodiment will be described.
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the control unit 91. The flow in Fig. 11 is started when the door open/close detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been opened. For ease of understanding, Fig. 11 shows an example in which rapid cooling control is started from the point in time when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made.

First, the control unit 91 determines whether the main freezer door 31E is closed based on the detection result by the door open/close detection sensor 33E (S101). If the control unit 91 does not detect that the main freezer door 31E is closed (S101: NO), it repeats the process of S101 at a predetermined cycle. On the other hand, if the control unit 91 detects that the main freezer door 31E is closed (S101: YES), it determines whether the main freezer door 31E has been open for a certain period of time or more (S102).

If the main freezer door 31E is open for a certain period of time or more (S102: YES), the control unit 91 starts the first rapid cooling control, which has the highest cooling capacity among the multiple rapid cooling controls, regardless of the detection result of the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 (S103). On the other hand, if the main freezer door 31E is open for less than a certain period of time (S102: NO), the control unit 91 selects from the multiple rapid cooling controls the rapid cooling control to be executed based on the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 (S104). For example, the control unit 91 selects the rapid cooling control to be executed based on the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 when a certain period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E detected that the main freezer door 31E was closed.

Next, the control unit 91 determines whether the rapid cooling control selected in the process of S104 is the first rapid cooling control (S105). If the selected rapid cooling control is the first rapid cooling control (S105: YES), the control unit 91 starts the first rapid cooling control (S103). On the other hand, if the selected rapid cooling control is not the first rapid cooling control (S105: NO), the control unit 91 starts the second rapid cooling control or the third rapid cooling control according to the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 (S106).

When the control unit 91 starts the first rapid cooling control in the process of S103, it determines whether the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined value and whether the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than a second predetermined value (S107). When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is higher than the first predetermined value or the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is higher than the second predetermined value (S107: NO), the control unit 91 determines whether a certain time (e.g., 120 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the first rapid cooling control (S108).

When a certain time has elapsed since the start of the first rapid cooling control (S108: YES), the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control (S110) regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83. On the other hand, when a certain time has not elapsed since the start of the first rapid cooling control (S108: NO), the control unit 91 returns to S107 at a predetermined cycle and repeats the process. When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (S107: YES), the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control (first rapid cooling control) (S110).

When the control unit 91 starts the second rapid cooling control or the third rapid cooling control in the process of S106, it determines whether the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (S109). When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is higher than the first predetermined value or the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is higher than the second predetermined value (S109: NO), the control unit 91 repeats the process of S109 at a predetermined cycle. When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (S109: YES), the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control (the second rapid cooling control or the third rapid cooling control) (S110).

<5. Priority of Multiple Controls>
Next, a case where the execution timing of another control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described. In this embodiment, when an execution condition for selecting and executing one rapid cooling control from among a plurality of rapid cooling controls is satisfied during execution of another control different from the plurality of rapid cooling controls, the control unit 91 controls the cooling unit M based on a preset priority order between the other control and the rapid cooling control. Information indicating the priority order is stored in advance in the storage unit 95. This content will be described in detail below. In the following, "the execution condition for rapid cooling control is satisfied" may be referred to as "rapid cooling necessity determination is performed". In addition, when a plurality of rapid cooling controls (for example, the first to third rapid cooling controls) are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "rapid cooling controls".

<5.1 Relationship with defrost control>
First, a case where the execution timings of the defrosting control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described.
First, the defrost control will be described. The control unit 91 performs defrost control related to the main freezing chamber 21E to melt the frost adhering to the freezing cooler 63. For example, the control unit 91 applies electricity to a heater (not shown) attached to the freezing cooler 63 to heat the freezing cooler 63 and melt the frost. The control unit 91 starts the defrost control at a predetermined period or when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the temperature of the air cooled by the freezing cooler 63 is difficult to decrease). Then, the control unit 91 ends the defrost control in response to performing the defrost control for a predetermined time TC, for example.

12 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between defrost control and rapid cooling control. In this embodiment, when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during the execution of defrost control, the control unit 91 executes defrost control with priority, and starts rapid cooling control after the defrost control ends. In the example shown in FIG. 12, when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during the execution of defrost control, the control unit 91 continues defrost control until the normal predetermined time TC of defrost control (the predetermined time when a rapid cooling necessity determination is not made) has elapsed, and then starts rapid cooling control. Note that "executing defrost control with priority" means that when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during the execution of defrost control, defrost control is continued at least temporarily. In other words, "executing defrost control with priority" is not limited to the case where defrost control is continued for the normal predetermined time TC, but also includes the case where defrost control is ended and rapid cooling control is started in a time shorter than the normal predetermined time TC. This definition is similar to other controls (special chill, defrost control, one-time ice making, power saving control, etc.).

Figure 13 is a diagram showing another example of the priority order between defrost control and rapid cooling control. When a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during the execution of a defrosting operation, the control unit 91 ends the defrost control and starts rapid cooling control in response to the defrost control being performed for a minimum time TC' that is shorter than the normal predetermined time TC. For example, when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made when a time Tca has elapsed since the start of the defrosting control, the control unit 91 determines whether the time Tca exceeds the minimum time TC' of the defrosting control. When the time Tca exceeds the minimum time TC' of the defrosting control, the control unit 91 ends the defrost control at that time and starts rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the time Tca does not exceed the minimum time TC' of the defrosting control, the control unit 91 performs the defrost control for an additional time Tcb until the duration of the defrosting control reaches the minimum time TC', and ends the defrost control and starts rapid cooling control when the duration of the defrosting operation reaches the minimum time TC'. The minimum time TC' may be referred to as a "special time".

Figure 14 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of the minimum time setting information ST3. The minimum time setting information ST3 is stored in the memory unit 95 and referenced by the control unit 91. It is information indicating the length of the minimum time TC' in multiple rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in Figure 14, the length of the minimum time TC' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is set to the same as the normal predetermined time TC, the length of the minimum time TC' when the second rapid cooling control is selected is set to be relatively short, and the length of the minimum time TC' when the third cooling control is selected is set to zero (i.e., when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made, the defrost control is immediately terminated). Note that the minimum time TC' when the third rapid cooling control is selected is not limited to zero, and may be set to the shortest time relatively. In the example shown in Figure 14, the length of the minimum time TC' and the presence or absence of the minimum time TC' differ among multiple rapid cooling controls. The minimum time TC' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "first time". The minimum time TC' when the second rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "second time." Here, "terminating defrost control after performing the defrost control for the second time" also includes terminating defrost control at the time when the second time has already elapsed since the start of defrost control when the rapid cooling necessity determination is made.

<5.2 Relationship with special chilled products>
Next, a case where the execution timing of the special chilling control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described.
15 is a diagram for explaining the special chilled mode. The special chilled mode is a control that alternates between low-temperature cooling control for cooling the chilled compartment 21AA in a first temperature zone SA and high-temperature cooling control for cooling the chilled compartment 21AA in a second temperature zone SB that is higher than the first temperature zone SA.

The average temperature of the first temperature zone SA is, for example, -5°C. The average temperature of the first temperature zone SA is a temperature below the freezing point, i.e., below 0°C. The first temperature zone SA is a temperature at which the surface of the food in the chilled compartment 21AA is slightly frozen. The low-temperature cooling control is performed for a predetermined time TE (for example, 2 hours). On the other hand, the average temperature of the second temperature zone SB is, for example, +1°C. The average temperature of the second temperature zone SB is a temperature higher than the freezing point, i.e., above 0°C. The second temperature zone SB is a temperature at which the layer of slightly frozen food on the surface of the food in the chilled compartment 21AA can melt. The high-temperature cooling control is performed for a predetermined time TD (for example, 7 hours) that is longer than the predetermined time TE of the low-temperature cooling control. According to such special chill control, by slightly freezing only the surface of the food, it is possible to suppress drying and oxidation of the food, and the freshness of the food can be maintained for a longer period of time. The special chill is a control included in the refrigeration operation.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between high-temperature cooling control and rapid cooling control for special chilled. In this embodiment, when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during execution of high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 executes rapid cooling control with priority. In the example shown in Figure 16, when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during execution of high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the high-temperature cooling control at that point, transitions to freezing operation, and starts rapid cooling control. As a result, the predetermined time TD' of high-temperature cooling control becomes shorter than the normal predetermined time TD of high-temperature cooling control (the predetermined time when a rapid cooling necessity determination is not made). After the rapid cooling control ends, the control unit 91 transitions to refrigeration operation and resumes control of special chilled. If the time of rapid cooling control is shorter than the predetermined time TD of high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 may resume high-temperature cooling control after the rapid cooling control ends.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between low-temperature cooling control and rapid cooling control of the special chilled state. When a rapid cooling necessity determination is made during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the low-temperature cooling control in response to the low-temperature cooling control being performed for a minimum time TE' that is shorter than the normal predetermined time TE, and transitions to freezing operation to start rapid cooling control. For example, when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made when time Tea has elapsed since the start of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 determines whether or not the time Tea exceeds the minimum time TE' of low-temperature cooling control. When time Tea exceeds the minimum time TE' of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the low-temperature cooling control at that time, transitions to freezing operation, and starts rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when time Tea does not exceed the minimum time TE' of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 performs low-temperature cooling control for an additional time Teb until the duration of low-temperature cooling control reaches the minimum time TE', and ends the low-temperature cooling control when the duration of low-temperature cooling control reaches the minimum time TE', transitions to freezing operation, and starts rapid cooling control. The minimum time TE' may be referred to as the "special time."

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the minimum time setting information ST4. The minimum time setting information ST4 is stored in the storage unit 95 and referenced by the control unit 91. The minimum time setting information ST4 is information indicating the length of the minimum time TE' in multiple rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in Figure 18, the length of the minimum time TE' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is set to zero (i.e., the low-temperature cooling control is immediately terminated when a rapid cooling necessity determination is made), the length of the minimum time TE' when the second rapid cooling control is selected is set relatively long, and the length of the minimum time TE' when the third cooling control is selected is set to the longest. In the example shown in Figure 18, the length of the minimum time TE' and the presence or absence of the minimum time TE' differ among the multiple rapid cooling controls. Note that the minimum time TE' in the first rapid cooling control is not limited to zero, and may be set to the relatively shortest time. The minimum time TE' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "third time". The minimum time TE' when the second rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "fourth time." Here, "terminating low-temperature cooling control after it has been performed for the third time" also includes terminating low-temperature cooling control at the time the rapid cooling necessity determination is made if the third time has already elapsed since the start of low-temperature cooling control.

<5.3 Relationship with thawing control>
Next, a case where the execution timings of the thawing control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described.
First, the defrosting control will be described. The control unit 91 performs defrosting control by increasing the temperature of the chilled compartment 21AA to promote the defrosting of food in the chilled compartment 21AA. For example, the control unit 91 performs defrosting control by stopping the supply of refrigerant from the compressor 65 to the refrigeration cooler 61 and driving the refrigeration blower 62 to send air warmer than normal to the chilled compartment 21AA. The defrosting control can be performed simultaneously with the freezing operation.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between thawing control and rapid cooling control. In this embodiment, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary while thawing control is being performed, the control unit 91 starts rapid cooling control while performing thawing control (i.e., while giving priority to thawing control). In the example shown in Figure 19, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary while thawing control is being performed, the control unit 91 continues thawing control until the normal predetermined time TF of thawing control (the predetermined time when a determination is not made that rapid cooling is necessary) has elapsed.

<5.4 Relationship with special ice making control>
Next, a case where the execution timings of the special ice making control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described.
First, the special ice making control will be described. The control unit 91 performs control to complete ice making earlier than during normal freezing operation, and is also called "one-shot ice making." For example, the control unit 91 increases the drive amount of the compressor 65 and/or the freezing blower 64 during freezing operation to send more cold air than normal to the ice making chamber 21C. For example, the drive amount of the compressor 65 and the freezing blower 64 during the special ice making control is greater than the drive amount of the compressor 65 and the freezing blower 64 during the first rapid cooling control.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between special ice-making control and rapid cooling control. In this embodiment, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary while special ice-making control is being executed, the control unit 91 executes special ice-making control as a priority, and starts rapid cooling control after special ice-making control ends. In the example shown in Figure 20, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary while special ice-making control is being executed, the control unit 91 continues special ice-making control until the normal predetermined time TG for special ice-making control (the predetermined time when a determination is not made that rapid cooling is necessary) has elapsed, and then starts rapid cooling control.

As yet another example, when the execution conditions for the first rapid cooling control are satisfied while the special ice making control is being executed, the control unit 91 may terminate the special ice making control and start the first rapid cooling control (i.e., prioritize the first rapid cooling control), and when the execution conditions for the second rapid cooling control are satisfied while the special ice making control is being executed, the control unit 91 may at least temporarily continue the special ice making control (i.e., prioritize the special ice making control) and start the rapid cooling control after the special ice making control is terminated.

<5.5 Relationship with power saving control>
Next, a case where the execution timings of the power saving control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described.
First, the power saving control will be described. The control unit 91 controls power consumption to be reduced compared to normal refrigeration operation and freezing operation (i.e., refrigeration operation and freezing operation in a state where power saving control is not performed). For example, the control unit 91 controls the amount of drive of the compressor 65, the refrigeration blower 62, or the freezing blower 64 by increasing the target temperature for cooling the storage chamber 21 by 1° C. or 2° C. compared to normal refrigeration operation and freezing operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between power saving control and rapid cooling control. In this embodiment, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary while power saving control is being executed, the control unit 91 executes rapid cooling control with priority. In the example shown in Figure 21, when a determination is made that rapid cooling is necessary while power saving control is being executed, the control unit 91 ends the power saving control at that point in time and starts rapid cooling control.

As yet another example, when the execution conditions for the first rapid cooling control are satisfied while the power saving control is being executed, the control unit 91 may terminate the power saving control and start the first rapid cooling control without confirmation from the user U (i.e., giving priority to the first rapid cooling control), and when the execution conditions for the second rapid cooling control are satisfied while the power saving control is being executed, the control unit 91 may inquire of the user U through the notification unit 34b or the terminal device 300 whether or not to terminate the power saving control.

6. Notification Output Unit
Next, the operation of the notification output unit 92 will be described.
22 is a front view showing the operation panel unit 34. As described above, the operation panel unit 34 includes a notification unit 34b that notifies the user U of the settings related to each storage chamber 21, the control mode being executed, etc. The notification unit 34b includes a first display unit 101 that displays whether or not quick cooling control is being executed, and a plurality of second display units 102 that display whether or not another control (special chill, defrost control, special ice-making control, etc.) is being executed.

In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the notification content by the notification unit 34b according to the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from among the multiple rapid cooling controls. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode by the first display unit 101 when the first rapid cooling control is executed, when the second rapid cooling control is executed, and when the third rapid cooling control is executed. For example, the first display unit 101 includes multiple (e.g., three) light-emitting units 101a that form a level bar. The notification output unit 92 causes three light-emitting units 101a to emit light when the first rapid cooling control is executed, causes two light-emitting units 101a to emit light when the second rapid cooling control is executed, and causes one light-emitting unit 101a to emit light when the third rapid cooling control is executed.

In this embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the other control (special chill, defrost control, special ice making control, etc.) and the rapid cooling control, the notification unit 34b notifies information indicating which of the other control and the rapid cooling control is prioritized and which is not prioritized. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode of the first display unit 101 and the second display unit 102 depending on which of the other control and the rapid cooling control is prioritized. For example, when the notification output unit 92 prioritizes the rapid cooling control and does not prioritize the other control, it lights up the first display unit 101 in a first color (e.g., blue) and blinks the second display unit 102 corresponding to the standby control (the control that is not prioritized) in a second color (e.g., yellow). On the other hand, when the notification output unit 92 prioritizes the other control and does not prioritize the rapid cooling control, it lights up the second display unit 102 corresponding to the prioritized control in a first color (e.g., blue) and blinks the first display unit 101 in a second color (e.g., yellow).

Figure 23 is a front view showing the display screen of the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. The display device 301 includes a first display 111 that displays whether or not quick cooling control is being performed, and a plurality of second displays 112 that display whether or not another control (special chill, defrost control, special ice making control, etc.) is being performed.

In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 outputs information (e.g., information indicating the selected rapid cooling control) via the communication unit 86 to change the notification content by the terminal device 300 according to the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from among the multiple rapid cooling controls. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode of the first display 111 when the first rapid cooling control is executed, when the second rapid cooling control is executed, and when the third rapid cooling control is executed. For example, the first display 111 includes multiple (e.g., three) display elements 111a that form a level bar. The notification output unit 92 displays three display elements 111a in a first color (e.g., blue) when the first rapid cooling control is executed, displays two display elements 111a in the first color when the second rapid cooling control is executed, and displays one display element 111a in the first color when the third rapid cooling control is executed.

In this embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the other control (special chill, defrost control, special ice making control, etc.) and the rapid cooling control, information indicating which of the other control and the rapid cooling control is prioritized and which is not prioritized is output via the communication unit 86. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode of the first display 111 and the second display 112 depending on which of the other control and the rapid cooling control is prioritized. For example, when the notification output unit 92 prioritizes the rapid cooling control and does not prioritize the other control, it displays the first display 111 in a first color (e.g., blue) and displays the second display 112 corresponding to the waiting control (non-prioritized control) in a second color (e.g., yellow). On the other hand, when the notification output unit 92 prioritizes the other control and does not prioritize the rapid cooling control, it displays the second display 112 corresponding to the prioritized control in a first color (e.g., blue) and displays the first display 111 in a second color (e.g., yellow).

7. Advantages
A refrigerator that requires the user to press an operation button to perform rapid cooling control can be inconvenient for the user. Also, if there is only one type of rapid cooling control, the refrigerator cannot be cooled efficiently, which may result in a loss of energy saving performance.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the control unit 91 can execute multiple rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the main freezer compartment 21E. When the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 33E satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 91 selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 from among the multiple rapid cooling controls. With this configuration, rapid control can be performed without the need for user operation. Furthermore, since a rapid cooling control suitable for the required cooling amount is selected and executed from among multiple types of rapid cooling control, efficient and quick cooling can be achieved and energy saving can be improved. This improves user convenience.

In this embodiment, the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is provided at the top of the main freezer compartment 21E. With this configuration, when a hot food item that requires rapid cooling control is placed in the main freezer compartment 21E, the temperature of the air heated by the food item can be detected more accurately.

Here, if the main freezer door 31E is open for a certain period of time or more, it is assumed that a large amount of food is put into the main freezer door 31E, and the opening of the main freezer door 31E may affect other foods. In this embodiment, when the door open/close detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E is open for a certain period of time or more, the control unit 91 selects and executes a rapid cooling control with a relatively high cooling capacity that is preset among multiple rapid cooling controls, regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. With this configuration, if the main freezer door 31E is open for a certain period of time or more, rapid cooling control with high cooling performance is executed even if the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 cannot detect an accurate temperature. This makes it possible to suppress an unexpected rise in the temperature of food put into the main freezer door 31E or food originally stored in the main freezer door 31E.

In this embodiment, the multiple rapid cooling controls have different drive amounts for at least one of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64. With this configuration, the higher the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84, the stronger the operation of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64, allowing for quick cooling when the temperature is not yet cold, while the operation of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 is lightened when the cooling load is light, allowing for efficient cooling.

In this embodiment, the control unit 91 alternates between refrigeration operation to cool the refrigerator compartment 21A and freezing operation to cool the main freezing compartment 21E, and when the conditions for starting rapid cooling control are met during non-freezing operation, the control unit 91 transitions to freezing operation and executes rapid cooling control in response to the refrigeration operation being performed for a minimum time TA' that is shorter than the normal time. With this configuration, the main freezing compartment 21E can be cooled quickly while protecting the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 21A to a certain extent.

In this embodiment, the length of the minimum time TA' or the presence or absence of the minimum time TA' differs for each of the multiple rapid cooling controls. With this configuration, appropriate cooling can be performed while balancing the need for rapid cooling and the need for freezing operation.

In this embodiment, the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is disposed at a higher position than the freezer temperature sensor 83. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is disposed closer to the center of the main freezer 21E than the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. The control unit 91 performs cooling control in normal freezing operation based on the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83, and determines whether or not rapid cooling control needs to be started based on the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. With this configuration, cooling control in normal freezing operation can be appropriately performed using the freezer temperature sensor 83, which is easy to detect the average temperature of the entire main freezer 21E, and the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 can be disposed in a position suitable for detecting the rapid cooling temperature. This can improve the accuracy of the determination regarding the start or selection of rapid cooling control.

In this embodiment, after starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 falls below a predetermined value. With this configuration, it is possible to determine the end of the rapid cooling control based on the average temperature of the entire main freezer chamber 21E. This makes it easier to sufficiently cool the entire main freezer chamber 21E.

Here, if only the temperature detected by one temperature sensor is used, there is a possibility that the rapid cooling control will end due to a malfunction or the like, even though the food is not yet cooled. Therefore, in this embodiment, after starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value. With this configuration, it is possible to end the rapid cooling control after confirming that the entire main freezer compartment 21E has been sufficiently cooled based on the temperatures detected by multiple temperature sensors 83, 84 arranged at different positions (e.g., different heights).

Here, if acute control with a relatively high cooling capacity is performed for a long period of time, the main freezer compartment 21E may be overcooled, or cooling of compartments other than the main freezer compartment 21E may become weak. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the rapid cooling control selected from among multiple cooling controls is a specific rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control after a certain period of time has elapsed, regardless of the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83. This configuration makes it possible to prevent acute control with a relatively high cooling capacity from being performed for an excessively long period of time.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes an alarm unit 34b and an alarm output unit 92. The alarm unit 34b is provided on the housing 10 or the door 31. The alarm output unit 92 changes the content of the alarm by the alarm unit 34b depending on the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from among multiple rapid cooling controls. With this configuration, the user U can be informed in an easy-to-understand manner of the level of rapid cooling control being performed.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a communication unit 86 and a notification output unit 92. The communication unit 86 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 300 directly or via the server 200. The notification output unit 92 outputs, via the communication unit 86, information for changing the content of the notification by the terminal device 300 in accordance with a rapid cooling control selected from among a plurality of rapid cooling controls. With this configuration, the level of rapid cooling control is displayed on the terminal device 300, so that the user U can be informed in an easy-to-understand manner of what level of rapid cooling control is being performed.

In this embodiment, when an execution condition is satisfied in which one rapid cooling control is selected and executed from among the multiple rapid cooling controls while another control different from the multiple rapid cooling controls is being executed, the control unit 91 controls the cooling unit M based on a preset priority order between the other control and the rapid cooling control. With this configuration, appropriate cooling control can be automatically performed according to various situations. This can increase user convenience.

In this embodiment, when the conditions for executing rapid cooling control are satisfied while defrost control is being executed, the control unit 91 executes defrost control as a priority, and starts the rapid cooling control after the defrost control ends. With this configuration, by prioritizing defrosting during defrosting, it is possible to more reliably suppress deterioration of cooling due to frost formation.

In this embodiment, when the execution conditions for the first rapid cooling control are satisfied while the defrost control is being executed, the control unit 91 ends the defrost control for a first time and starts the first rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the execution conditions for the second rapid cooling control are satisfied while the defrost control is being executed, the control unit 91 ends the defrost control for a second time, which is shorter than the first time, and starts the second rapid cooling control. With this configuration, when the second rapid cooling control, which has a relatively low cooling capacity (i.e., frost is less likely to build up), is executed, the rapid cooling control is prioritized to cool the food, and when the first rapid cooling control, which has a relatively high cooling capacity (i.e., frost is more likely to build up), is executed, the defrost control is executed in advance to cool the food while suppressing the buildup of frost.

In this embodiment, the control unit 91 prioritizes low-temperature cooling control when the conditions for executing rapid cooling control are satisfied while low-temperature cooling control is being executed, and prioritizes rapid cooling control when the conditions for executing rapid cooling control are satisfied while high-temperature cooling control is being executed. With this configuration, since it is sufficient for the temperature of the chilled compartment 21AA to be cooled to a certain degree during high-temperature cooling control, rapid cooling control is prioritized, and it is possible to promote quick cooling of food in the main freezer compartment 21E. On the other hand, during low-temperature cooling control, low-temperature cooling control is prioritized, and the food in the chilled compartment 21AA is more reliably kept in the low temperature zone. This makes it possible to more reliably protect the food in the chilled compartment 21AA.

In this embodiment, when the execution conditions for the first rapid cooling control are satisfied while the low-temperature cooling control is being performed, the control unit 91 ends the low-temperature cooling control for a third time and starts the first rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the execution conditions for the second rapid cooling control are satisfied while the control unit 91 is performing the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the low-temperature cooling control for a fourth time, which is longer than the third time, and starts the second rapid cooling control. With this configuration, appropriate cooling can be performed while balancing the need to protect food in the main freezer compartment 21E and the need to protect food in the chilled compartment 21AA.

In this embodiment, if the conditions for executing rapid cooling control are satisfied while thawing control is being performed, the control unit 91 starts rapid cooling control while performing thawing control. With this configuration, it is possible to perform rapid cooling control while proceeding with thawing of food.

In this embodiment, if the conditions for executing quick cooling control are met while special ice making control is being executed, the control unit 91 executes special ice making control with priority. With this configuration, the compressor 65 and freezer blower 64 can continue to operate at high speed to make ice quickly.

In this embodiment, if the conditions for executing rapid cooling control are met while power saving control is being executed, the control unit 91 executes rapid cooling control with priority. With this configuration, food that requires rapid cooling can be appropriately cooled even while power saving control is being executed.

In this embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the separate control and the rapid cooling control, the notification output unit 92 causes the notification unit 34b to notify which of the separate control and the rapid cooling control has priority and which does not. With this configuration, the user U can easily recognize which of the separate control and the rapid cooling control has priority, in other words, which control is on standby.

In this embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the separate control and the rapid cooling control, the notification output unit 92 outputs information via the communication unit 86 to indicate which of the separate control and the rapid cooling control has priority and which does not. With this configuration, the user U can easily recognize which of the separate control and the rapid cooling control has priority, in other words, which control is on standby.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the refrigerator can execute multiple rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the freezer compartment, and has a control unit that selects and executes rapid cooling control from among the multiple rapid cooling controls according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when the temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor satisfies a predetermined condition. With this configuration, convenience can be improved.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples 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 modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

1...refrigerator system, 10...housing, 21A...refrigerator compartment, 21AA...chilled compartment (special storage section), 21E...main freezer compartment (freezer compartment), 31E...main freezer compartment door, 34b...alarm section, 63...freezer cooler, 64...freezer compartment blower, 65...compressor, 83...freezer compartment temperature sensor (second temperature sensor), 84...rapid cooling temperature sensor (first temperature sensor), 91...control section, 92...alarm output section, 100...refrigerator, 200...server (external device), 300...terminal device, 301...display device.

Claims (10)

a housing including a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment;
A freezer compartment door that opens and closes the freezer compartment;
a door opening/closing detection sensor that detects the opening/closing of the freezer door;
A temperature sensor provided in the freezing chamber;
a control unit that alternates between a refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a freezing operation for cooling the freezer compartment, and is capable of executing a plurality of rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the freezer compartment, and when a temperature corresponding to an execution condition of any of the plurality of rapid cooling controls is detected by the temperature sensor within a predetermined time that is shorter than a normal time for the refrigeration operation after the door opening/closing detection sensor detects that the freezer compartment door has been closed or opened, a control unit that selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls;
Equipped with
The control unit is
When a condition for starting the rapid cooling control during the execution of the refrigeration operation is satisfied and the elapsed time from the start of the refrigeration operation exceeds a special time that is shorter than the normal time of the refrigeration operation, the refrigeration operation is terminated and the operation is switched to the freezing operation, and the rapid cooling control is started;
When a condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the refrigeration operation and the elapsed time does not exceed the special time, the refrigeration operation is continued until the elapsed time exceeds the special time, and then the refrigeration operation is terminated and the operation is switched to the freezing operation, and the rapid cooling control is started;
The length of the special time or the presence or absence of the special time differs among the multiple rapid cooling controls.
refrigerator. The temperature sensor is provided at an upper portion of the freezer compartment.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1. When the door opening/closing detection sensor detects that the freezer door has been open for a certain period of time or more, the control unit selects and executes a rapid cooling control having a relatively high cooling capacity that is preset among the multiple rapid cooling controls, regardless of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2. A compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
a cooler that is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor and cools the air within the housing;
a blower that sends the air cooled by the cooler to the freezing chamber;
Further equipped with
The plurality of rapid cooling controls have different driving amounts of at least one of the compressor and the blower.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A second temperature sensor is provided in the freezing chamber and is different from the first temperature sensor,
The first temperature sensor is disposed at a higher position than the second temperature sensor,
The second temperature sensor is disposed closer to a center of the freezer compartment than the first temperature sensor,
The control unit performs cooling control in a normal refrigeration operation based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and determines whether or not it is necessary to start the rapid cooling control based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value after starting the rapid cooling control.
The refrigerator according to claim 5. The control unit terminates the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value after starting the rapid cooling control.
The refrigerator according to claim 5 or 6. When the rapid-cooling control selected from the plurality of rapid-cooling controls is a specific rapid-cooling control, the control unit terminates the rapid-cooling control after a certain time has elapsed, regardless of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.
The refrigerator according to claim 6 or 7. A notification unit provided on the housing or the door;
a notification output unit that changes the notification content by the notification unit according to the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from the plurality of rapid cooling controls;
Further equipped with
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal device directly or via an external device;
A notification output unit that outputs information for changing the notification content by the terminal device according to the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from the plurality of rapid cooling controls via the communication unit;
Further equipped with
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images