refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided that enables more appropriate cooling control. The refrigerator of this embodiment includes a cabinet, a cooling section, and a control section. The cabinet includes a storage section. The cooling section cools the storage section. When the control section performs alternating cooling control (first cooling control) and cooling control (second cooling control) at a higher temperature or higher pressure zone than the first cooling control, it determines the transition period from the first cooling control to the second cooling control based on a first indicator, and determines the transition period from the second cooling control to the first cooling control based on a second indicator with an evaluation method different from the first indicator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is known to perform control in which low-temperature cooling control of the storage compartment in a low-temperature zone and high-temperature cooling control of the storage compartment in a high-temperature zone are alternately executed. It is desirable for the refrigerator to achieve more appropriate cooling control.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-180732 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can perform more appropriate cooling control.

[0005] The refrigerator of this embodiment includes a cabinet, a cooling section, and a control section. The cabinet includes a storage section. The cooling section cools the storage section. When the control section performs alternating and repeated first cooling control that cools the storage section and second cooling control that cools the storage section at a higher temperature or higher pressure than the first cooling control, the control section determines the transition period from the first cooling control to the second cooling control based on a first index, and determines the transition period from the second cooling control to the first cooling control based on a second index whose evaluation method differs from the first index.

[0006] Invention Effects

[0007] It can provide refrigerators that allow for more appropriate cooling control. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along line F2-F2.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a part of the functional structure of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the temperature change of the quench chamber under the special quenching condition in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6This is a diagram illustrating the method for determining the switching period of cooling control in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the determination process using the first and second indicators of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process related to the special quenching in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the method for determining the switching period of cooling control in a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the method for determining the switching period of cooling control in the second embodiment.

[0018] Symbol explanation:

[0019] 1: Refrigerator; 10: Cabinet; 15: Cooling section; 27A: Refrigeration compartment; 27AA: Cooling compartment (storage section); 27E: Main freezer compartment; 41: Refrigeration cooler; 43: Refrigeration fan; 46: Freezing cooler; 48: Freezing fan; 49: Compressor; 100: Control section. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The refrigerator of the following embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, structures having the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same symbols. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these structures will sometimes be omitted. "Based on XX" means "at least based on XX," and also includes cases where it is based on other elements besides XX. Moreover, "based on XX" is not limited to the direct use of XX, but also includes cases based on elements obtained by calculating or processing XX. "XX" is any element (e.g., any information).

[0021] (First embodiment)

[0022] [1. Overall Structure of the Refrigerator]

[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 8 The refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment will be described. First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0024] Figure 1 This is the front view of refrigerator 1. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1 along line F2-F2 is shown in the figure. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a cabinet 10, multiple doors 11, multiple shelves 12, multiple containers 13, a flow path forming member 14, a cooling section 15, and a control board 16.

[0025] The housing 10 has an upper wall 21, a lower wall 22, left and right side walls 23 and 24, and a rear wall 25. The upper wall 21 and the lower wall 22 extend generally horizontally. The left and right side walls 23 and 24 rise upward from the left and right ends of the lower wall 22 and connect to the left and right ends of the upper wall 21. The rear wall 25 rises upward from the rear end of the lower wall 22 and connects to the rear end of the upper wall 21.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the enclosure 10 includes, for example, an inner enclosure 10a, an outer enclosure 10b, and a heat insulation portion 10c. The inner enclosure 10a is a component that forms the inner surface of the enclosure 10. The outer enclosure 10b is a component that forms the outer surface of the enclosure 10. The outer enclosure 10b is formed to be slightly larger than the inner enclosure 10a and is disposed outside the inner enclosure 10a. A heat insulation portion 10c, comprising a foamed heat insulation material such as polyurethane foam, is provided between the inner enclosure 10a and the outer enclosure 10b.

[0027] Multiple storage compartments 27 are provided inside the housing 10. These compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 27A, a chiller compartment 27AA, a vegetable compartment 27B, an ice-making compartment 27C, a small freezer compartment 27D, and a main freezer compartment 27E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 27A is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 27B is located below the refrigerator compartment 27A, the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D are located below the vegetable compartment 27B, and the main freezer compartment 27E is located below the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D.

[0028] A chiller 27AA is located inside the refrigerator compartment 27A, below a portion of the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chiller 27AA is at least partially separated from other areas of the refrigerator compartment 27A by shelves, walls, etc. The chiller 27AA is positioned lower than the refrigerator compartment 27A for easy access to cold air, or it is located closer to the refrigeration cooler 41 (described later) than to the refrigerator compartment 27A, thereby being cooled to a lower temperature than the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chiller 27AA is an example of a "storage section".

[0029] The housing 10 has first and second partitions 28 and 29. The first and second partitions 28 and 29 are partition walls running approximately horizontally. The first partition 28 is located between the refrigerator compartment 27A (quench compartment 27AA) and the vegetable compartment 27B, separating them. On the other hand, the second partition 29 is located between the vegetable compartment 27B and the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D, separating them. The second partition 29, for example, includes foamed insulation material and has heat insulation properties. The first partition 28, for example, is formed of synthetic resin or the like, and its heat insulation properties are less than those of the second partition 29.

[0030] The openings of multiple storage compartments 27 are closable by multiple doors 11. The multiple doors 11 include left and right refrigerator doors 11Aa and 11Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment door 11B that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 27B, ice maker door 11C that closes the opening of ice maker compartment 27C, small freezer door 11D that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 27D, and main freezer door 11E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 27E. Refrigerator doors 11Aa and 11Ab are doors capable of opening and closing refrigerator compartment 27A, including chiller compartment 27AA.

[0031] Multiple shelves 12 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0032] The multiple containers 13 include a chiller container 13A disposed in the chiller compartment 27AA, first and second vegetable compartment containers 13Ba and 13Bb disposed in the vegetable compartment 27B, an ice-making compartment container (not shown) disposed in the ice-making compartment 27C, a small freezer container 13D disposed in the small freezer compartment 27D, and first and second main freezer compartment containers 13Ea and 13Eb disposed in the main freezer compartment 27E. The front wall 13aa of the chiller container 13A functions as a door capable of opening and closing to close the chiller compartment 27AA.

[0033] The flow path forming component 14 is disposed within the housing 10. The flow path forming component 14 includes a first airflow component 31 and a second airflow component 32.

[0034] The first airflow component 31 is disposed along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. For example, the first airflow component 31 extends from the rear of the lower end of the vegetable compartment 27B to the rear of the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. A passageway for cold air (air) flow, namely the first space D1, is formed between the first airflow component 31 and the rear wall 25 of the housing 10. The first airflow component 31 has multiple refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a, chiller compartment cold air outlets 31b, and cold air return outlets 31c. The multiple refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a open into the refrigerator compartment 27A. Cold air flowing within the first space D1 is blown out of the refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a into the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chiller compartment cold air outlets 31b open into the chiller compartment 27AA. Cold air flowing within the first space D1 is blown out of the chiller compartment cold air outlets 31b into the chiller compartment 27AA. The cold air return port 31c opens into the vegetable compartment 27B. The cold air after passing through the vegetable compartment 27B returns to the first space D1 through the cold air return port 31c.

[0035] The second airflow component 32 is disposed along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. For example, the second airflow component 32 extends from the rear of the main freezer compartment 27E to the rear of the upper end of the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. A passage for cold air (air) flow, namely a second space D2, is formed between the second airflow component 32 and the rear wall 25 of the housing 10. The second airflow component 32 has a cold air outlet 32a and a cold air return outlet 32b. The cold air outlet 32a opens into the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. Cold air flowing in the second space D2 is blown out from the cold air outlet 32a into the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. The cold air return outlet 32b opens into the main freezer compartment 27E. Cold air passing through the main freezer compartment 27E returns to the second space D2 from the cold air return outlet 32b.

[0036] The cooling unit 15 cools multiple storage compartments 27 (refrigeration compartment 27A, chiller compartment 27AA, vegetable compartment 27B, ice-making compartment 27C, small freezer compartment 27D, and main freezer compartment 27E). The cooling unit 15 includes, for example, a first cooling module 40, a second cooling module 45, a compressor 49, and a refrigeration cycle device 50 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0037] The first cooling module 40 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 41 and a refrigeration blower 43. The refrigeration cooler 41 is disposed in the first space D1. The refrigeration cooler 41 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 49 (described later) to cool the cold air flowing in the first space D1. The refrigeration cooler 41 is disposed, for example, at a height corresponding to the quench chamber 27AA.

[0038] A refrigeration blower 43 is installed, for example, at the cold air return port 31c of the first air duct component 31. When the refrigeration blower 43 is driven, air from the vegetable compartment 27B flows into the first space D1 through the cold air return port 31c. The air flowing into the first space D1 flows upward within the first space D1 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41. The cooled air is blown out from the multiple refrigeration compartment cold air outlets 31a into the refrigeration compartment 27A, and from the quenching compartment cold air outlets 31b into the quenching compartment 27AA. The cold air blown into the refrigeration compartment 27A and the quenching compartment 27AA, after flowing through the refrigeration compartment 27A and the quenching compartment 27AA respectively, returns to the cold air return port 31c via, for example, the vegetable compartment 27B. Therefore, the cold air flowing in the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chiller compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B circulates within the refrigerator 1 to cool the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chiller compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B.

[0039] The second cooling module 45 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 46 and a refrigeration blower 48. The refrigeration cooler 46 is disposed in the second space D2. The refrigeration cooler 46 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 49 (described later) to cool the cold air flowing in the second space D2.

[0040] A refrigeration blower 48 is installed, for example, at the cold air return port 32b of the second air duct component 32. When the refrigeration blower 48 is driven, air from the main refrigeration chamber 27E flows into the second space D2 from the cold air return port 32b. The air flowing into the second space D2 flows upward within the second space D2 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 46. The cooled air from the refrigeration cooler 46 flows into the ice-making chamber 27C, the small freezer chamber 27D, and the main refrigeration chamber 27E from the cold air outlet 32a. After flowing in the ice-making chamber 27C and the small freezer chamber 27D, the cold air returns to the cold air return port 32b via the main refrigeration chamber 27E. Therefore, the cold air flowing in the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D and the main freezer compartment 27E circulates within the refrigerator 1 to cool the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D and the main freezer compartment 27E.

[0041] Compressor 49 is installed, for example, at the bottom of refrigerator 1. Compressor 49 compresses refrigerant gas for cooling storage compartment 27. The refrigerant gas compressed by compressor 49 is transported to refrigeration cooler 41 and freezing cooler 46 via condenser 51 (described later).

[0042] Furthermore, the term "cooling" in this specification is not limited to the case where the refrigeration fan 43 or the freezing fan 48 is driven. For example, "cooling" also includes the case where refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 49 to the refrigeration cooler 41 when the refrigeration fan 43 is stopped, and the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 27AA decreases due to heat transfer between the refrigeration cooler 41 and the quench chamber 27AA.

[0043] The control board 16 is disposed, for example, on the upper wall 21 of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 has a recess 21a that is recessed downward. The control board 16 is disposed in the recess 21a.

[0044] [2. Refrigeration cycle device]

[0045] The refrigerator 1, configured as described above, is cooled by a refrigeration cycle device 50 controlled by a control unit 100 described later.

[0046] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of the refrigeration cycle unit 50. The refrigeration cycle unit 50 is constructed by connecting the compressor 49, condenser 51, dryer 52, three-way valve 53, capillary tubes 54 and 55, refrigeration cooler 41, and freezing cooler 46 in a ring according to the refrigerant flow sequence. The condenser 51 and dryer 52 are connected sequentially to the high-pressure outlet of the compressor 49 via connecting pipe 56. A three-way valve 53 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 52. The three-way valve 53 has one inlet connected to the dryer 52 and two outlets. One of the two outlets of the three-way valve 53 is sequentially connected to the refrigeration-side capillary tube 54 and the refrigeration cooler 41. The refrigeration cooler 41 is connected to the compressor 49 via connecting pipe, i.e., the refrigeration-side suction pipe 57.

[0047] One of the two outlets of the three-way valve 53 is connected in sequence to a refrigeration-side capillary tube 55 and a refrigeration cooler 46. The refrigeration cooler 46 is connected to the compressor 49 via a connecting pipe, namely a refrigeration-side suction pipe 58. In addition, a check valve 59 is provided between the refrigeration cooler 46 and the compressor 49 to prevent refrigerant from the refrigeration cooler 41 from flowing back to the refrigeration cooler 46.

[0048] Next, the refrigerant flow in the refrigeration cycle unit 50 will be explained. First, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle unit 50 is compressed by the compressor 49 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows in flow path A. This gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat from the condenser 51, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Then, the liquid refrigerant, having had impurities such as dirt and moisture removed by the dryer 52, enters the refrigeration-side capillary tube 54 (or the freezing-side capillary tube 55) while being throttled by the three-way valve 53. At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the refrigeration-side capillary tube 54 (or the freezing-side capillary tube 55) is depressurized while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the refrigeration-side suction pipe 57 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 58). Then, the depressurized refrigerant passes through the refrigeration cooler 41 (or the freezing cooler 46) and evaporates, thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 41 (or the freezing cooler 46).

[0049] The refrigerant, now at low temperature and low pressure, flows into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 57 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 58). The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after entering the refrigeration-side suction pipe 57 (or freezing-side suction pipe 58) is around -10°C. During its passage through the suction pipe 57 (or suction pipe 58), the refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the capillary tube 54 (or capillary tube 55), eventually being warmed to approximately room temperature. Then, the refrigerant gas is drawn back into the compressor 49, completing the refrigerant cycle.

[0050] In the aforementioned refrigeration cycle device 50, the three-way valve 53 is controlled by the control unit 100 (see reference). Figure 4 The system controls and selects one of flow path B or flow path C. Flow path B supplies refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 41. Flow path C supplies refrigerant to the freezing cooler 46. These two flow paths, B and C, converge at point D. The refrigerant flows from point D in the direction of arrow E back to the compressor 49.

[0051] [3. Control]

[0052] [3.1 Functional Structure Related to Control]

[0053] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a part of the functional structure of refrigerator 1. The control board 16 includes a control unit 100 composed of a computer with a microcomputer, timer, etc. The control unit 100 controls the entire refrigerator 1. The control unit 100 is connected to a refrigeration fan 43, a freezing fan 48, a compressor 49, a three-way valve 53, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110, a chiller compartment temperature sensor 111, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 112, a storage unit 116, and an operation panel 150.

[0054] A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 27A to detect the air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 27A. A chiller compartment temperature sensor 111 is installed in the chiller compartment 27AA to detect the air temperature of the chiller compartment 27AA. A freezer compartment temperature sensor 112 is installed, for example, in the main freezer compartment 27E to detect the air temperature of the main freezer compartment 27E. In this specification, the air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 27A is sometimes referred to as the "refrigerator compartment temperature," the air temperature of the chiller compartment 27AA is sometimes referred to as the "chiller compartment temperature," and the air temperature of the main freezer compartment 27E is sometimes referred to as the "freezer compartment temperature." The chiller compartment temperature sensor 111 is an example of a "temperature detection unit that detects the temperature related to the storage section (chiller compartment 27AA)."

[0055] Alternatively, the refrigerator 1 may omit the chiller temperature sensor 111, and estimate the chiller temperature based on the detection results of the refrigerator temperature sensor 110 and the correlation between the refrigerator temperature and the chiller temperature. In this case, the refrigerator temperature sensor 110 is an example of a "temperature detection unit that detects the temperature related to the storage section (chiller compartment 27AA)". In the following description, "the temperature detected by the chiller temperature sensor 111" can also be replaced with "the temperature estimated based on the detection results of the refrigerator temperature sensor 110".

[0056] The storage unit 116 stores information required for the operation of the refrigerator 1. The storage unit 116 stores, for example, thresholds described later and functions for calibration processing. The operation panel 150 accepts user input instructions on switching the set temperature range of each storage compartment 27 and switching the control mode, and displays their settings and current operating status.

[0057] [3.2 Basic Operation]

[0058] Next, the basic operation of refrigerator 1 will be explained. The control unit 100 performs "refrigeration operation" and "freezing operation" as the basic operation of refrigerator 1. "Refrigeration operation" refers to the operation of supplying liquid refrigerant from compressor 49 to refrigeration cooler 41 by switching the three-way valve 53. As mentioned above, "refrigeration operation" is not limited to the case where the refrigeration fan 43 is driven, but also includes cases where the refrigeration fan 43 is stopped, or cases where it is driven at a very low speed. On the other hand, "freezing operation" refers to the operation of supplying liquid refrigerant from compressor 49 to freezer cooler 46 by switching the three-way valve 53.

[0059] The control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 15 by alternately performing refrigeration and freezing operations, for example, to maintain the storage compartments 27 in the refrigeration temperature zone (refrigeration compartment 27A, chiller compartment 27AA, vegetable compartment 27B) and the storage compartments 27 in the freezing temperature zone (ice maker compartment 27C, small freezer compartment 27D, main freezer compartment 27E) at their respective set temperature zones. For example, the control unit 100 alternately and repeatedly cools the storage compartments 27 in the refrigeration temperature zone for a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and cools the storage compartments 27 in the freezing temperature zone for a second predetermined time (e.g., 40 minutes). The control unit 100, for example, performs feedback control such as PID (Proportional Integral Differential Control) based on the refrigeration compartment temperature (or chiller compartment temperature) and the freezer compartment temperature, to converge the air temperature of the storage compartments 27, which are the main objects of temperature management, between the upper and lower limits of the set temperature zone.

[0060] The control unit 100 can also, during refrigeration operation, if the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the lower limit of the set temperature zone of the refrigerator compartment 27A (or, if the temperature of the quench compartment reaches the lower limit of the set temperature zone of the quench compartment 27AA), or if the temperature of the freezer compartment reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the main freezer compartment 27E, even if it is midway through the first predetermined time. Similarly, during freezing operation, if the temperature of the freezer compartment reaches the lower limit of the set temperature zone of the main freezer compartment 27E, or if the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the refrigerator compartment 27A (or, if the temperature of the quench compartment reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the quench compartment 27AA), even if it is midway through the second predetermined time, the control unit 100 can also, during freezing operation, if the temperature of the freezer compartment reaches the lower limit of the set temperature zone of the main freezer compartment 27E, or if the temperature of the refrigerator compartment reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the quench compartment 27AA, even if it is midway through the second predetermined time.

[0061] During refrigeration operation, the air temperature in the refrigeration temperature zone of storage compartment 27 decreases, while the air temperature in the freezing temperature zone of storage compartment 27 increases. Conversely, during freezing operation, the air temperature in the freezing temperature zone of storage compartment 27 decreases, while the air temperature in the refrigeration temperature zone of storage compartment 27 increases. Therefore, the air temperatures in both the refrigeration and freezing temperature zones fluctuate repeatedly in a sawtooth pattern (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0062] [3.3 Control Modes Related to the Quenching Chamber]

[0063] Next, the control modes related to the quench chamber that the control unit 100 can execute will be explained.

[0064] <Usually chilled>

[0065] The "normal quench" control mode is, for example, a control mode in which the quench chamber 27AA is cooled in conjunction with the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 27A during basic operation. That is, in the "normal quench" control mode, the cooling unit 15 is controlled based on the detected refrigerator compartment temperature and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 27A, thereby cooling both the refrigerator compartment 27A and the quench chamber 27AA. In the "normal quench" control mode, the quench chamber temperature converges, for example, to a constant temperature range where 0–1°C is set as the average temperature.

[0066] <Extremely Cold>

[0067] In the "Special Cooling" control mode, the time for which the cooling chamber 27AA is cooled at a low temperature range and the time for which the cooling chamber 27AA is cooled at a high temperature range are alternately repeated. This "Special Cooling" will be explained below. The "Special Cooling" control mode, for example, replaces the set temperature range and temperature of the refrigerator compartment 27A, and controls the cooling unit 15 based on the set temperature range and temperature of the cooling chamber 27AA.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the change in air temperature in the quench chamber 27AA when the "special quench" control mode is executed. In the "special quench" control mode, the control unit 100 alternately and repeatedly performs low-temperature cooling control (cooling the quench chamber 27AA at a first temperature band Ta) and high-temperature cooling control (cooling the quench chamber 27AA at a second temperature band Tb, which is higher than the first temperature band Ta). Low-temperature cooling control is an example of "first cooling control." High-temperature cooling control is an example of "second cooling control."

[0069] The first temperature zone Ta is the set temperature zone of the quench chamber 27AA during low-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the first temperature zone Ta (i.e., the center temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, -5°C. The average temperature of the first temperature zone Ta is a temperature below the freezing point, which is a temperature less than 0°C. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the first temperature zone Ta is a temperature less than 0°C. The first temperature zone Ta is the temperature at which the surface of the food in the quench chamber 27AA is slightly frozen. The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature zone lower than the temperature zone of "normal quenching". The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature zone in which an ice layer can be formed only on the surface without freezing to the exact center of the food in the quench chamber 27AA. The low-temperature cooling control is implemented within an implementation time Sa (e.g., about 2 hours) determined based on the first index described later.

[0070] The second temperature zone Tb is the set temperature zone of the quench chamber 27AA during high-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb (i.e., the central temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, +1°C. The average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb is a temperature higher than the freezing point and above 0°C. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the second temperature zone Tb is a temperature above 0°C. The second temperature zone Tb is a temperature zone higher than the temperature zone of "normal quenching". The second temperature zone Tb is a temperature capable of melting the micro-frozen layer on the surface of the food produced in the quench chamber 27AA. High-temperature cooling control is implemented for an implementation time Sb (e.g., about 7 hours) determined based on the second index described later. In this embodiment, for example, when the refrigerator doors 11a and 11b are not opened or closed (i.e., when the quench chamber temperature is stable), the first threshold and the second threshold described later are set such that high-temperature cooling control is performed for a relatively long time compared to low-temperature cooling control.

[0071] Here, "cooling (cooling in the refrigeration cycle)" in the aforementioned refrigeration and freezing operations refers to supplying refrigerant to the cooler (refrigeration cooler 41 or freezing cooler 46). In contrast, "cooling" in low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control refers to operating the refrigerator 1 in a manner that maintains the temperature in the first temperature zone Ta or the second temperature zone Tb. "Alternatingly and repeatedly performing low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) and high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control)" also includes situations such as: performing multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the implementation of low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control), followed by performing multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the implementation of high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control), followed by performing multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the implementation of low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control).

[0072] [3.4 Determining the Switching Time Between Low-Temperature Cooling Control and High-Temperature Cooling Control]

[0073] Next, the method for determining the switching period between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control will be explained.

[0074] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the method for determining the switching period between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control based on a first indicator, and determines the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control based on a second indicator whose evaluation method differs from the first indicator. This will be explained below.

[0075] [3.4.1 Differences between the first and second indicators]

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 acquires temperature values ​​T (T0, T1, T2, ...) detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111 at a predetermined period (e.g., every 1 minute). Based on the acquired temperature values ​​T, the control unit 100 calculates a first index and a second index.

[0077] The first indicator is used to determine the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control. "Determining the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control" refers, for example, to determining the period when low-temperature cooling control ends and high-temperature cooling control begins (i.e., the period when the set temperature zone of the quench chamber 27AA is changed from the first temperature zone Ta to the second temperature zone Tb). However, "determining the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control" is not limited to the above example; it can be any time that determines at least one of the end time of low-temperature cooling control and the start time of high-temperature cooling control.

[0078] On the other hand, the second indicator is an index used to determine the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. "Determining the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control" refers, for example, to determining the period when high-temperature cooling control ends and low-temperature cooling control begins (i.e., the period when the set temperature zone of the quench chamber 27AA is changed from the second temperature zone Tb to the first temperature zone Ta). However, "determining the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control" is not limited to the above example; it can be any time that determines at least one of the end time of high-temperature cooling control and the start time of low-temperature cooling control.

[0079] Indicator 1 and Indicator 2 are indicators with different evaluation methods. "Different evaluation methods" means, for example, that the calculation methods of the indicators are different or that the periods during which the physical quantities used for calculation are obtained are different. "Different periods during which the physical quantities used for calculation are obtained" means, for example, whether physical quantities (e.g., temperature) detected during more than one previously executed cooling control period are also included in the evaluation object, in addition to the physical quantities (e.g., temperature) detected from the start of the cooling control (the cooling control being executed) that is the object of the transfer period to the present.

[0080] The first metric is, for example, based on the average temperature detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111. On the other hand, the second metric is based on the cumulative temperature detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111.

[0081] The first indicator is, for example, an indicator calculated based on the results of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. "Based on the results of low-temperature cooling control" means based on the physical quantity detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control (reflecting this physical quantity in the calculation of the first indicator). Similarly, "based on the results of high-temperature cooling control" means based on the physical quantity detected during the period of high-temperature cooling control (reflecting this physical quantity in the calculation of the first indicator).

[0082] The second indicator is, for example, an indicator calculated based at least on the results of high-temperature cooling control. The second indicator is less affected by the results of low-temperature cooling control than the first indicator is affected by the results of high-temperature cooling control. "The second indicator is affected by the results of low-temperature cooling control" means the amount of change in the value of the second indicator due to the influence of physical quantities detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control. Similarly, "The first indicator is affected by the results of high-temperature cooling control" means the amount of change in the value of the first indicator due to the influence of physical quantities detected during the period of high-temperature cooling control. "Less affected" in this specification also includes cases where there is no effect whatsoever. For example, the second indicator may be calculated solely based on the results of high-temperature cooling control.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first index is an index based on the temperature detected during both the low-temperature cooling control period and the high-temperature cooling control period. On the other hand, the second index is an index based at least on the temperature detected during the high-temperature cooling control period. Therefore, the second index is less affected by the detection results of the temperature detected during the low-temperature cooling control period than the first index is affected by the detection results of the temperature detected during the high-temperature cooling control period.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first index is an index based on the average temperature detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control (i.e., low-temperature cooling control in progress) which is the target of the transition period and the period of high-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the low-temperature cooling control. On the other hand, the second index is an index based on the cumulative value of the temperature detected only during the period of high-temperature cooling control (i.e., high-temperature cooling control in progress) which is the target of the transition period.

[0085] [3.4.2 Correction treatment related to the second indicator]

[0086] When the control unit 100 calculates the second index, it performs a correction process to make the temperature detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111 move away from 0°C. The control unit 100 calculates the cumulative value obtained by accumulating the values ​​obtained through the correction process as the second index.

[0087] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adds a certain correction amount ΔT to the temperature value T detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111, and calculates the accumulated value as the second index (refer to formula (1)). When the average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb (i.e., the center temperature of the set temperature zone) is +1°C, ΔT is set to +4°C for example. That is, the control unit 100 calculates the accumulated value by increasing the actual detected temperature value T by +4°C as the second index.

[0088]

Formula 1

[0089] The second indicator = ∑(T+ΔT)(1)

[0090] [3.4.3 Determination of the transfer period]

[0091] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the judgment process using both the first and second indicators. Additionally, in... Figure 7 For ease of explanation, temperature fluctuations caused by refrigeration and freezing operations are shown schematically, omitting the actual fluctuations. In this embodiment, when low-temperature cooling control is in operation, the control unit 100 calculates a first index at a predetermined interval (e.g., every minute) and compares the calculated first index with a first threshold. If the first index is lower than the first threshold, the control unit 100 determines that a transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control has arrived. The first threshold is a target value of the average temperature of the current low-temperature cooling control and the preceding high-temperature cooling control, for example, -1°C.

[0092] For example, in Figure 7 After the transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control occurs at time P2, the control unit 100 calculates a first index (i.e., the average temperature of the current low-temperature cooling control and the preceding high-temperature cooling control) at a predetermined period (e.g., every minute). At the start of the low-temperature cooling control (time P2), the first index is the average temperature of the preceding high-temperature cooling control, for example, a temperature close to +1°C. Then, the first index gradually decreases over time from the start of the low-temperature cooling control (time P2). When the first index falls below a first threshold (e.g., -1°C), the control unit 100 determines that the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control has arrived.

[0093] On the other hand, when high-temperature cooling control is being executed, the control unit 100 calculates a second index at a predetermined period (e.g., every minute) and compares the calculated second index with a second threshold. If the second index is higher than the second threshold, the control unit 100 determines that the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control has arrived. The second threshold is a target value of the cumulative value of the correction result after temperature correction processing in the executed high-temperature cooling control, for example, 1500 [°C·min] (=((1°C+4°C)×300min).

[0094] For example, in Figure 7 After the transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control occurs at time P1, the control unit 100 calculates a second index (i.e., the cumulative value of the corrected temperature during the ongoing high-temperature cooling control) at a predetermined period (e.g., every minute). The second index is zero at the start of the high-temperature cooling control. Then, the second index gradually increases over time from the start of the high-temperature cooling control (e.g., P1). Then, if the second index exceeds 1500 [°C·min], the control unit 100 determines that the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control has arrived.

[0095] [4. Control Flow]

[0096] Next, the control process related to special quenching will be explained.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process related to special chilling. For example, when the operation panel 150 receives an operation from a user to start the control mode for special chilling, the control unit 100 begins processing this flow.

[0098] First, the control unit 100 initiates low-temperature cooling control (S101). The control unit 100 manages the initial low-temperature cooling control based on a fixed implementation time. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines at a predetermined cycle whether a predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours) has elapsed since the start of the low-temperature cooling control (S102). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the low-temperature cooling control (S102: No), the control unit 100 repeats the process in S102. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the low-temperature cooling control (S102: Yes), the control unit 100 ends the low-temperature cooling control and begins high-temperature cooling control (S103).

[0099] Next, when high-temperature cooling control is initiated, the control unit 100 stores the temperature detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111 at a predetermined interval (e.g., every minute) in the storage unit 116 (S111). Furthermore, the control unit 100 calculates a cumulative value, calculated by accumulating the values ​​obtained after correcting the temperature detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111, as a second index (S112). Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the calculated second index is higher than a second threshold (S113). If the calculated second index is not higher than the second threshold (S113: No), the control unit 100 repeats the processes S111 to S113. On the other hand, if the second index is higher than the second threshold (S113: Yes), the control unit 100 terminates the high-temperature cooling control and begins low-temperature cooling control (S114).

[0100] Next, when starting low-temperature cooling control (the second and subsequent low-temperature cooling controls), the control unit 100 stores the temperatures detected by the quench chamber temperature sensor 111 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every minute) in the storage unit 116 (S121). Then, based on the temperatures detected during the previous high-temperature cooling control period stored in the storage unit 116 and the current low-temperature cooling control period, the control unit 100 calculates the average temperature over the period obtained by adding the previous high-temperature cooling control period to the current low-temperature cooling control period as a first index (S122). Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the calculated first index is lower than a first threshold (S123). If the calculated first index is not lower than the first threshold (S123: No), the control unit 100 repeats the processing from S121 to S123. On the other hand, if the first index is lower than the first threshold (S123: Yes), the control unit 100 ends the low-temperature cooling control and starts high-temperature cooling control (S124).

[0101] The high-temperature cooling control and low-temperature cooling control are then repeatedly performed based on the above process. For example, if the control unit 100 receives an operation from the operation panel 150 from the user to end the special cooling control mode, the process ends.

[0102] [5. Advantages]

[0103] As a comparative example, consider a control mode that switches between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control over a certain period of time. In such a control mode, due to changes in the actual temperature of the chiller chamber caused by factors such as door opening and closing, the food may not meet specifications (insufficient surface freezing or insufficient thawing of the frozen surface).

[0104] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 switches between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control based on an index related to the detected temperature. This allows adjustment of the duration of continuous cooling control even if the temperature of the chiller chamber changes due to external or internal factors, suppressing the decrease in freshness of the food within the chiller chamber 27AA and preventing freezing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control based on a first index, and determines the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control based on a second index with an evaluation method different from the first index. With this structure, cooling control can be performed based on two indices corresponding to the characteristics of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control, respectively. This allows for appropriate cooling control.

[0105] Here, the end time of cryogenic cooling control is the moment when cryogenic cooling control was performed within the time frame required to achieve its purpose. Therefore, to more accurately determine the end time of cryogenic cooling control, it is important to reflect the results of the high-temperature cooling control that preceded the current cryogenic cooling control. Thus, the end time of cryogenic cooling control can also be an indicator based on the average temperature detected during the period of the current cryogenic cooling control and the period of the preceding high-temperature cooling control.

[0106] Similarly, the end time of high-temperature cooling control is the moment when high-temperature cooling control was performed within the time frame required to achieve its purpose. Therefore, to more accurately determine the end time of high-temperature cooling control, it is important to reflect the results of the low-temperature cooling control that preceded the high-temperature cooling control being executed. Thus, the end time of high-temperature cooling control can also be an indicator based on the average temperature detected during the execution of high-temperature cooling control and the preceding low-temperature cooling control.

[0107] However, the control unit 100 switches between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control by comparing an indicator with a threshold and detecting whether the indicator is higher or lower than the threshold. Therefore, the switching between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control by the control unit 100 is delayed relative to the moment when the indicator actually exceeds or falls below the threshold. Consequently, if the average temperature detected during the execution of low-temperature cooling control and the immediately preceding high-temperature cooling control is used as the indicator for determining the end time of low-temperature cooling control, and the average temperature detected during the execution of high-temperature cooling control and the immediately preceding low-temperature cooling control is used as the indicator for determining the end time of high-temperature cooling control, the accumulated delays in each switching period gradually increase the implementation time of both low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. In this situation, it can sometimes be difficult to achieve proper cooling control.

[0108] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first index is calculated based on the results of both low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. The second index is calculated based at least on the results of high-temperature cooling control. The second index is less affected by the results of low-temperature cooling control than the first index is by the results of high-temperature cooling control. Based on this structure, the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control can be determined more accurately based on the first index, which reflects both the results of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, the cumulative delay of each switching period can be suppressed, and the implementation time of both low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control can be prevented from gradually increasing. Thus, more appropriate cooling control can be achieved.

[0109] Here, as described above, the temperature of the chiller compartment 27AA changes due to external or internal factors such as the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab. This temperature change is greater when the chiller compartment temperature rises than when it decreases. Therefore, in refrigerator 1, to ensure that the surface freezing state of the food is close to specifications, it is preferable to perform low-temperature cooling control that lowers the food temperature with higher precision than high-temperature cooling control that raises the food temperature.

[0110] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first indicator used for determining low-temperature cooling control is an indicator that reflects the accuracy of both the results of low-temperature cooling control and the results of high-temperature cooling control. Based on this structure, more appropriate cooling control can be achieved, and the surface freezing state of the food can be precisely close to specifications.

[0111] In another viewpoint, when the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab are not open or closed, the control unit 100 performs high-temperature cooling control for a relatively longer period compared to low-temperature cooling control. The indicator for determining the end time of the relatively long high-temperature cooling control is an indicator based on the cumulative temperature value. On the other hand, the indicator for determining the end time of the relatively short low-temperature cooling control is an indicator based on the average temperature. Based on this structure, as the first indicator for determining the relatively short low-temperature cooling control, an indicator with good accuracy reflecting both the results of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control is used. This allows for a more accurate determination of the implementation time of the relatively short low-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, even if there is a slight error in the implementation time of the relatively short low-temperature cooling control, it is unlikely to have a significant overall impact. Therefore, as the second indicator for determining the relatively long high-temperature cooling control, an indicator reflecting the results of high-temperature cooling control is primarily used.

[0112] Here, when calculating indicators related to cumulative values, if the detected temperature is near 0°C, sometimes the cumulative value does not reach the threshold no matter how long it takes, and the cooling control of the object is not terminated.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, a correction process is performed to correct the detected temperature away from 0°C, and an index related to the cumulative value is calculated based on the value obtained through the correction process. According to this structure, even when the detected temperature is 0°C, the cumulative value can steadily approach a threshold, allowing for the termination determination of cooling control at an appropriate time. This enables more appropriate cooling control. Furthermore, the correction process is not limited to adding a predetermined value (ΔT); it can be a correction process that sets the detected temperature to a multiple (e.g., 2 times), or it can be a correction process using other functions.

[0114] (Modified Example)

[0115] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the method for determining the switching period of cooling control in a modified example. In this modified example, the relationship between the first index and the second index is reversed compared to the first embodiment. That is, the first index (the index used to determine the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control) is an index based at least on the temperature detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, the first index is less affected by the detection results of the temperature detected during the period of high-temperature cooling control than the second index is affected by the detection results of the temperature detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control. For example, the first index is an index based on the cumulative value of the temperature detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control (i.e., the low-temperature cooling control being executed), which is the object of the determination of the transition period.

[0116] On the other hand, the second indicator (used to determine the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control) is an indicator based on the temperatures detected during both the high-temperature cooling control period and the low-temperature cooling control period. For example, the second indicator is an indicator based on the average temperature detected during the period of high-temperature cooling control (i.e., the high-temperature cooling control in progress) which is the subject of the transition period determination and the period of the low-temperature cooling control immediately preceding that high-temperature cooling control.

[0117] (Second Implementation)

[0118] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it uses a particularly chilled control mode instead of temperature, and achieves this through pressure control. The structure, except as described below, is the same as the first embodiment.

[0119] Figure 10This diagram illustrates the method for determining the switching period of cooling control in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, in the special quenching control mode, the first cooling control is low-temperature cooling control, and the second cooling control is high-temperature cooling control. Alternatively / based on this, the control unit 100 may alternately and repeatedly perform the first cooling control (low-pressure cooling control) of cooling the quench chamber 27AA under the first pressure band and the second cooling control (high-pressure cooling control) of cooling the quench chamber 27AA under the second pressure band, which is higher than the first pressure band. The pressure of the quench chamber 27AA can be adjusted, for example, by driving a vacuum pump provided in the quench chamber 27AA as part of the cooling unit 15. The low-pressure cooling control is the same as the low-temperature cooling control in the embodiment, which is a cooling control that can cause the surface of the food in the quench chamber 27AA to be slightly frozen. On the other hand, the high-pressure cooling control is the same as the low-temperature cooling control in the embodiment, which is a cooling control that can melt the slightly frozen layer on the surface of the food used to make the quench chamber 27AA.

[0120] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 acquires data at a predetermined interval (e.g., every minute) from the pressure sensor 160 (see reference 160) installed in the quench chamber 27AA. Figure 4 The detected air pressure value. The control unit 100 calculates the first indicator and the second indicator based on the obtained air pressure value.

[0121] The first indicator is an index based on the gas pressure detected during both the low-temperature cooling control period and the high-temperature cooling control period (e.g., the average gas pressure). On the other hand, the second indicator is an index based at least on the gas pressure detected during the high-temperature cooling control period (e.g., the cumulative gas pressure). The second indicator is less affected by the gas pressure detection results during the low-temperature cooling control period than the first indicator is affected by the gas pressure detection results during the high-temperature cooling control period. Based on this structure, more appropriate cooling control can be achieved.

[0122] Several implementation methods and variations have been described above, but the implementation methods and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the first index or the second index is not limited to the average temperature detected during the execution of cooling control and the period of other preceding cooling control, but may also be the average temperature from the start time of one or more previous cooling controls to the present (i.e., the determination time). Similarly, the first index or the second index is not limited to the cumulative value of temperature detected during the execution of cooling control, but may also be the cumulative value of temperature from the start time of one or more previous cooling controls to the present (i.e., the determination time).

[0123] According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator has a control unit that determines the transition period from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control based on a first indicator, and determines the transition period from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control based on a second indicator whose evaluation method differs from the first indicator. With this structure, more appropriate cooling control can be achieved.

[0124] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The container includes the storage compartment; The cooling section cools the aforementioned storage section; The control unit, when performing alternating and repeated low-temperature cooling control that cools the storage section at a first temperature zone and high-temperature cooling control that cools the storage section at a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, determines the transition period from the low-temperature cooling control to the high-temperature cooling control based on a first index, and determines the transition period from the high-temperature cooling control to the low-temperature cooling control based on a second index with an evaluation method different from the first index; and The temperature detection unit detects the temperature related to the aforementioned storage section. The first index mentioned above is an index of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the first temperature detection period, which includes the low-temperature cooling control that is the object of the transfer period and the high-temperature cooling control that immediately precedes the low-temperature cooling control. The second indicator mentioned above is based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the second temperature detection period, which includes the high-temperature cooling control that is the subject of the transfer period. The second temperature detection period is shorter than the combined period of the high-temperature cooling control period, which is the subject of the above-mentioned transition period determination, and the period of the low-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the high-temperature cooling control.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first indicator mentioned above is an indicator based on the average value of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the first temperature detection period. The second indicator mentioned above is an indicator based on the cumulative value of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the second temperature detection period.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first indicator mentioned above is calculated based on the results of the low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature cooling control. The second indicator mentioned above is calculated based at least on the results of the aforementioned high-temperature cooling control. The second indicator is less affected by the results of the low-temperature cooling control than the first indicator is by the results of the high-temperature cooling control.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second indicator is less affected by the temperature detection result detected by the temperature detection unit during the low-temperature cooling control period than the first indicator is affected by the temperature detection result detected by the temperature detection unit during the high-temperature cooling control period.

5. A refrigerator, comprising: The container includes the storage compartment; The cooling section cools the aforementioned storage section; The control unit, when performing alternating and repeated first cooling control that cools the storage section and second cooling control that cools the storage section at a higher pressure band than the first cooling control, determines the transition period from the first cooling control to the second cooling control based on a first index, and determines the transition period from the second cooling control to the first cooling control based on a second index with an evaluation method different from the first index; and The air pressure detection unit detects the air pressure related to the aforementioned storage section. The aforementioned first indicator is an indicator of the air pressure detected by the air pressure detection unit during a first detection period that includes the first cooling control, which is the subject of the decision on the transfer period, and the second cooling control immediately preceding the first cooling control. The second indicator mentioned above is based on the air pressure detected by the air pressure detection unit during the second detection period, which includes the second cooling control as the determination object of the transfer period. The second detection period is shorter than the combined period of the second cooling control period, which is the subject of the determination of the transfer period, and the period of the first cooling control immediately preceding the second cooling control.

6. A refrigerator, comprising: The container includes the storage compartment; The cooling section cools the aforementioned storage section; The control unit, when performing alternating and repeated low-temperature cooling control that cools the storage section at a first temperature zone and high-temperature cooling control that cools the storage section at a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, determines the transition period from the low-temperature cooling control to the high-temperature cooling control based on a first index, and determines the transition period from the high-temperature cooling control to the low-temperature cooling control based on a second index with an evaluation method different from the first index; and The temperature detection unit detects the temperature related to the aforementioned storage section. The first index mentioned above is an index of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the first temperature detection period, which includes the low-temperature cooling control that is the object of the transfer period. The second indicator mentioned above is an indicator of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during a second temperature detection period, which includes the high-temperature cooling control that is the object of the transfer period and the low-temperature cooling control that immediately precedes the high-temperature cooling control. The aforementioned first temperature detection period is shorter than the combined period of the aforementioned low-temperature cooling control, which is the subject of the aforementioned transition period determination, and the period of the aforementioned high-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the low-temperature cooling control.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The first indicator mentioned above is an indicator based on the cumulative value of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the first temperature detection period. The second indicator mentioned above is an indicator based on the average value of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during the second temperature detection period.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, The first indicator and the second indicator mentioned above are indicators of cumulative values ​​obtained by performing a correction process to correct the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit to be far away from 0°C and accumulating the values ​​obtained by the correction process.

Images