refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided that enables more appropriate cooling control. The refrigerator of this embodiment includes: a first storage compartment; a second storage compartment disposed within the first storage compartment; a first temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of a storage space within the first storage compartment that is different from the second storage compartment; a second temperature detection unit that detects the temperature within the second storage compartment; a cooling unit capable of cooling both the first and second storage compartments; and a control unit capable of controlling the cooling unit. The control unit can selectively execute: a first control, based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, cooling the second storage compartment along with the cooling of the storage space within the first storage compartment; and a second control, based on the detection result of the second temperature detection unit, cooling the second storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Refrigerators with cooling units that cool both the refrigerator compartment and the chiller compartment are known. However, there is a need for more appropriate cooling control in refrigerators.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-125562 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 first storage compartment; a second storage compartment disposed within the first storage compartment; a first temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a storage space within the first storage compartment that is different from the second storage compartment; a second temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature within the second storage compartment; a cooling unit capable of cooling both the first and second storage compartments; and a control unit capable of controlling the cooling unit. The control unit can selectively execute: a first control, based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, cooling the second storage compartment along with the cooling of the storage space within the first storage compartment; and a second control, based on the detection result of the second temperature detection unit, cooling the second storage compartment.

[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 as shown in the 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 embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a portion of the functional structure of a refrigerator according to an implementation method.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the change in air temperature in the switching chamber when the "special cooling" control mode of the implementation method is executed.

[0013] Figure 6This is a graph showing the change in air temperature in the switching chamber when the "rice chilling" control mode of the implementation method is executed.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of a first control mode for implementing the method.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of a first control mode for implementing the method.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram of a second example of the first control mode used to illustrate the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram of a second example of the first control mode used to illustrate the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a third example of the first control mode for implementing the method.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a third example of the first control mode for implementing the method.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the first example of the second control mode for explaining the implementation method.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of a second control mode for explaining an implementation method.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1…Refrigerator

[0024] 16A…First Switching Room (First Storage Room)

[0025] 16B…Second Switching Room (Second Storage Room)

[0026] 40…Cooling section

[0027] 43A…First damper device (first adjustment device)

[0028] 43B…Second damper device (second adjustment device)

[0029] 44A… First switching room ventilation fan (first adjustment device)

[0030] 44B… Second switching room ventilation fan (second adjustment device)

[0031] 100…Control Department Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, structures with the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these structures will sometimes be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "at least based on XX," and also includes cases where it is based on other elements besides XX. Additionally, "based on XX" is not limited to the direct use of XX, but also includes cases where calculations or processing have been performed on XX. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, and may also include both XX and YY. This is also true when there are three or more selective elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

[0033] In this application, "suppression" means reduction. That is, "suppression" is not limited to being set to zero. In this application, "temperature zone" is not limited to a temperature zone intentionally set as a target temperature zone, but may also include temperature zones that occur incidentally during defrosting operations (temperature zones where the upper or lower limit value is not explicitly set). In this application, "perform...and" or "according to..." is not limited to the case where the execution of two controls (e.g., transfers to different controls respectively) is completely simultaneous, but may also include cases where they are performed approximately simultaneously. In this application, "approximately simultaneously" means that, regarding controls executed throughout a specified period, two controls (e.g., transfers to different controls respectively) are executed with a time difference of less than 1 / 10 of the specified period.

[0034] (Implementation Method)

[0035] <1. The Structure of a Refrigerator>

[0036] <1.1 Overall Structure of the Refrigerator>

[0037] 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. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a cabinet 10, multiple doors 20, a flow path forming component 30, a cooling section 40, and a control board 60.

[0038] (Box and door)

[0039] The enclosure 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c and 10d, and a rear wall 10e, and is box-shaped with an open front surface. The enclosure 10 includes, for example, an inner box forming the inner surface of the enclosure 10, an outer box forming the outer surface of the enclosure 10, and a foamed insulating material disposed between the inner and outer boxes, providing thermal insulation. The enclosure 10 includes a plurality of storage compartments 11.

[0040] The multiple storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, an upper freezer compartment 11D, and a main freezer compartment 11E. The refrigerator compartment 11A is a storage compartment with a refrigerator temperature range (average temperature of approximately 1°C to 5°C). The vegetable compartment 11B is a storage compartment with a vegetable temperature range (average temperature of approximately 3°C to 7°C). The ice-making compartment 11C, the upper freezer compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E are storage compartments with a freezing temperature range (average temperature of -10°C to -20°C). In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A is arranged at the top, the vegetable compartment 11B is arranged below the refrigerator compartment 11A, the ice-making compartment 11C and the upper freezer compartment 11D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezer compartment 11E is arranged below the ice-making compartment 11C and the upper freezer compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. Cold storage room 11A is an example of a “first storage room”.

[0041] In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A is a special storage compartment 11 capable of cooling to a temperature zone lower than the refrigerator temperature zone but higher than the freezing temperature zone (e.g., a quenching temperature zone with an average temperature of approximately -1°C to +1°C). It is equipped with a quenching chamber 15 and two switching chambers 16 (first switching chamber 16A and second switching chamber 16B). The quenching chamber 15 and the switching chambers 16 are located, for example, near the refrigeration cooler 41 (described later) compared to the refrigerator compartment 11A, allowing cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41 to easily flow in, thereby enabling cooling to a temperature zone lower than the refrigerator temperature zone. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the first switching chamber 16A and the second switching chamber 16B, they will be simply referred to as "switching chamber 16". Switching chamber 16 is an example of a "second storage compartment". Furthermore, in this disclosure, "a temperature zone is lower or higher than other temperature zones" refers to the lower or higher central value (center temperature) of each temperature zone compared to the others. That is, “a certain temperature band is lower or higher than other temperature bands” can include situations where parts of the two temperature bands being compared overlap with each other.

[0042] In this embodiment, the chiller compartment 15, the first switching compartment 16A, and the second switching compartment 16B are separated by a partition 17, enabling them to be cooled to different temperature zones. In this embodiment, the capacity (storage volume) of the first switching compartment 16A is larger than the capacity (storage volume) of the second switching compartment 16B. The first switching compartment 16A and the second switching compartment 16B are adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the refrigerator 1 may not have a chiller compartment 15.

[0043] The cabinet 10 has a first partition 18 and a second partition 19. The first partition 18 and the second partition 19 are partition walls along a generally horizontal direction. The first partition 18 is located between the refrigerator compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B, separating them. The second partition 19 is located between the vegetable compartment 11B and the ice-making compartment 11C and the upper freezer compartment 11D, separating them. The second partition 19 may contain, for example, a foamed insulating material and has insulating properties. The first partition 18 may be formed, for example, of a synthetic resin, and has lower insulating properties than the second partition 19.

[0044] The openings of the multiple storage compartments 11 are closable by multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 11A, vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11B, ice maker door 20C that closes the opening of ice maker compartment 11C, upper freezer door 20D that closes the opening of upper freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer door 20E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 11E.

[0045] (Flow path forming component)

[0046] The flow path forming component 30 is disposed within the housing 10. The flow path forming component 30 includes a first airflow component 31 and a second airflow component 32.

[0047] The first air duct component 31 is disposed along the rear wall 10e of the housing 10 and extends vertically. For example, the first air duct component 31 extends from the rear of the lower end of the vegetable compartment 11B to the rear of the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 11A. A passage for the flow of cold air, namely the first space D1, is formed between the first air duct component 31 and the rear wall 10e of the housing 10.

[0048] The first air duct component 31 has multiple cold air outlets 31a for the refrigerator compartment and cold air outlets 31b for the quenching compartment (see reference). Figure 1 ), First switching chamber cold air outlet 31c (refer to) Figure 1 ), second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d (refer to) Figure 1The refrigerator compartment 11A has multiple cold air outlets 31a openings in the refrigerator compartment 11A. Cold air flowing in the first space D1 is blown out of the cold air outlets 31a into the refrigerator compartment 11A. The chiller compartment cold air outlet 31b opens into the chiller compartment 15. Cold air flowing in the first space D1 is blown out of the chiller compartment cold air outlet 31b into the chiller compartment 15. The first switching compartment cold air outlet 31c opens into the first switching compartment 16A. Cold air flowing in the first space D1 is blown out of the first switching compartment cold air outlet 31c into the first switching compartment 16A. The second switching compartment cold air outlet 31d opens into the second switching compartment 16B. Cold air flowing in the first space D1 is blown out of the second switching compartment cold air outlet 31d into the second switching compartment 16B. The cold air return outlet 31e opens in the vegetable compartment 11B. The cold air passing through the vegetable room 11B returned to the first space D1 via the cold air return port 31e.

[0049] The second air duct component 32 is disposed along the rear wall 10e of the housing 10 and extends vertically. For example, the second air duct component 32 extends from the rear of the main freezer compartment 11E to the rear of the upper end of the ice-making compartment 11C and the upper freezer compartment 11D. A passage for the flow of cold air, namely a second space D2, is formed between the second air duct component 32 and the rear wall 10e of the housing 10.

[0050] 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 chamber 11C and the upper freezer chamber 11D. Cold air flowing in the second space D2 is blown out from the cold air outlet 32a into the ice-making chamber 11C and the upper freezer chamber 11D. The cold air return outlet 32b opens into the main freezer chamber 11E. Cold air that has passed through the main freezer chamber 11E returns to the second space D2 from the cold air return outlet 32b.

[0051] (Cooling section)

[0052] The cooling unit 40 cools multiple storage compartments 11 (refrigeration compartment 11A, chiller compartment 15, first switching compartment 16A, second switching compartment 16B, vegetable compartment 11B, ice-making compartment 11C, upper freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E). The cooling unit 40 includes, for example, a first cooling module 40A, a second cooling module 40B, a compressor 49, and a refrigeration cycle device 50 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0053] The first cooling module 40A includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 41, a refrigeration blower 42, and a first damper device 43A (see reference). Figure 1 ), Second damper device 43B (refer to) Figure 1 ), First switching room ventilation fan 44A (refer to) Figure 4 ) and the second switching room ventilation fan 44B (see reference) Figure 4 ).

[0054] A 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 15 and the switching chamber 16. A refrigeration blower 42 is disposed in the first space D1. When the refrigeration blower 42 is activated, air from the vegetable compartment 11B flows into the first space D1 from the cold air return port 31e. The air flowing into the first space D1 flows upward within the first space D1 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41. The cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41 is blown out from the refrigeration chamber cold air outlet 31a, the quench chamber cold air outlet 31b, the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c, and the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d. The cold air blown into the refrigerator compartment 11A, the chiller compartment 15, the first switching compartment 16A, or the second switching compartment 16B flows through the refrigerator compartment 11A, the chiller compartment 15, the first switching compartment 16A, or the second switching compartment 16B, respectively, and then returns to the cold air return port 31e, for example, via the vegetable compartment 11B. Thus, the cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 11A, the chiller compartment 15, the first switching compartment 16A, and the second switching compartment 16B circulates within the refrigerator 1, cooling the refrigerator compartment 11A, the chiller compartment 15, the first switching compartment 16A, and the second switching compartment 16B.

[0055] The first damper device 43A is provided corresponding to the cold air outlet 31c of the first switching chamber. The first damper device 43A changes the amount of cold air flowing into the first switching chamber 16A from the first space D1 by changing the opening amount of the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c (e.g., opening and closing the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c). When suppressing cooling of the first switching chamber 16A, the first damper device 43A sets the opening amount of the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c to a first state smaller than a predetermined reference (e.g., the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c is closed). On the other hand, when promoting cooling of the first switching chamber 16A, the first damper device 43A sets the opening amount of the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c to a second state larger than the aforementioned first state (e.g., the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c is open). The first damper device 43A is an example of a "first adjustment device" capable of adjusting the supply of cold air to the first switching chamber 16A.

[0056] The second damper device 43B is provided corresponding to the cold air outlet 31d of the second switching chamber. The second damper device 43B changes the amount of cold air flowing into the second switching chamber 16B from the first space D1 by changing the opening amount of the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d (e.g., opening and closing the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d). When suppressing cooling of the second switching chamber 16B, the second damper device 43B sets the opening amount of the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d to a first state smaller than a predetermined reference (e.g., the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d is closed). On the other hand, when promoting cooling of the second switching chamber 16B, the second damper device 43B sets the opening amount of the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d to a second state larger than the aforementioned first state (e.g., the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d is open). The second damper device 43B is an example of a "second adjustment device" capable of adjusting the supply of cold air to the second switching chamber 16B.

[0057] The first switching chamber blower 44A is provided corresponding to the first switching chamber cold air outlet 31c. The amount of cold air flowing into the first switching chamber 16A from the first space D1 is varied by changing the rotational speed of the first switching chamber blower 44A (for example, switching the first switching chamber blower 44A between a rotating state and a stopped state). In a first state (e.g., the first switching chamber blower 44A is stopped) where cooling of the first switching chamber 16A is suppressed, the rotational speed of the first switching chamber blower 44A is lower than a predetermined reference. On the other hand, in a second state (e.g., the first switching chamber blower 44A is rotated) where cooling of the first switching chamber 16A is promoted, the rotational speed of the first switching chamber blower 44A is higher than the first state. The first switching chamber blower 44A is another example of a "first adjustment device" capable of adjusting the supply of cold air to the first switching chamber 16A.

[0058] The second switching chamber blower 44B is provided corresponding to the second switching chamber cold air outlet 31d. The amount of cold air flowing into the second switching chamber 16B from the first space D1 is varied by changing the rotational speed of the second switching chamber blower 44B (for example, switching the second switching chamber blower 44B between a rotating state and a stopped state). In a first state (e.g., the second switching chamber blower 44B is stopped) where cooling of the second switching chamber 16B is suppressed, the rotational speed of the second switching chamber blower 44B is lower than a predetermined reference. Conversely, in a second state (e.g., the second switching chamber blower 44B is stopped) where cooling of the second switching chamber 16B is promoted, the rotational speed of the second switching chamber blower 44B is higher than the first state (e.g., the second switching chamber blower 44B is rotating). The second switching chamber blower 44B is another example of a "second adjustment device" capable of adjusting the supply of cold air to the second switching chamber 16B.

[0059] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period associated with the first special control or the control period associated with the second special control by controlling one or more of the first damper device 43A, the second damper device 43B, the first switching room blower 44A, and the second switching room blower 44B.

[0060] Furthermore, the structure for adjusting the supply of cold air to the first switching chamber 16A is not limited to the example described above. For example, either the first damper device 43A or the first switching chamber blower 44A may be provided. Similarly, the structure for adjusting the supply of cold air to the second switching chamber 16B is not limited to the example described above. For example, either the second damper device 43B or the second switching chamber blower 44B may be provided.

[0061] The second cooling module 40B includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 46 and a refrigeration blower 47. 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. The refrigeration blower 47 is disposed, for example, in the second space D2. When the refrigeration blower 47 is driven, air from the main freezer compartment 11E flows into the second space D2 from the cold air return port 32b. The air flowing into the second space D2 flows upward in the second space D2 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 46. The cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 46 flows into the ice-making compartment 11C, the upper freezer compartment 11D, or the main freezer compartment 11E from the cold air outlet 32a. The cold air flowing into the ice-making compartment 11C and the upper freezer compartment 11D flows through the ice-making compartment 11C or the upper freezer compartment 11D, and then returns to the cold air return port 32b via the main freezer compartment 11E. Thus, the cold air flowing in the ice-making compartment 11C, the upper freezer compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E circulates within the refrigerator 1, cooling the ice-making compartment 11C, the upper freezer compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E.

[0062] Compressor 49 is provided, for example, at the bottom of refrigerator 1. Compressor 49 compresses refrigerant gas used for cooling storage compartment 11. The refrigerant gas compressed by compressor 49 is delivered to refrigeration cooler 41 and freezing cooler 46 via condenser 51 (described later).

[0063] Furthermore, in this application, "cooling" is not limited to the case where the temperature of the storage compartment 11 decreases due to the inflow of cold air into the storage compartment 11. In this application, "cooling" may also include the case where refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 49 to the refrigeration cooler 41 when the refrigeration fan 42 or the like is stopped, and the temperature of the switching compartment 16 decreases due to heat transfer between the refrigeration cooler 41 and the switching compartment 16.

[0064] <1.2 Refrigeration Cycle Device>

[0065] Next, the refrigeration cycle device 50 will be described.

[0066] Figure 3This 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 sequentially connected 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 and two outlets connected to the dryer 52. 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 a refrigeration-side suction pipe 57, which serves as a connecting pipe.

[0067] One of the two outlets of the three-way valve 53 is sequentially connected to a refrigeration-side capillary tube 55 and a refrigeration cooler 46. The refrigeration cooler 46 is connected to the compressor 49 via a refrigeration-side suction pipe 58, which serves as a connecting pipe. Furthermore, 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.

[0068] Next, the flow of refrigerant 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, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows in flow path A. This gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat through 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). Furthermore, the depressurized refrigerant evaporates while passing through the refrigeration cooler 41 (or the freezing cooler 46), thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 41 (or the freezing cooler 46).

[0069] Then, the refrigerant, now in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state, 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 as low as approximately -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 warming up to approximately room temperature. Then, the refrigerant gas is drawn back into the compressor 49, completing the refrigerant cycle.

[0070] 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 paths, B and 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, merge at a confluence point D. The refrigerant flows from the confluence point D in the direction of arrow E back to the compressor 49.

[0071] <2. Control-related functional structures>

[0072] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a part of the functional structure of refrigerator 1. The control board 60 includes a control unit 100 implemented by a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, etc. The control unit 100 controls the entire refrigerator 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the following components: a refrigerator air blower 42, a first damper device 43A, a second damper device 43B, a first switching compartment air blower 44A, a second switching compartment air blower 44B, a freezer air blower 47, a compressor 49, a three-way valve 53, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111, a first switching compartment temperature sensor 112A, a second switching compartment temperature sensor 112B, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 113, a refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 114, a freezer cooler temperature sensor 115, a heater 116, an operation unit 121, a communication unit 122, and a storage unit 123.

[0073] A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 11A to detect the air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 detects the air temperature in a storage space S within the refrigerator compartment 11A that is different from the quench chamber 15 and the switching chamber 16. The storage space S is, for example, a space within the refrigerator compartment 11A located above the quench chamber 15 and the switching chamber 16. Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 can be installed in a form capable of detecting or inferring the temperature within the refrigerator compartment 11A; for example, it may not be installed within the refrigerator compartment 11A itself, but rather located midway in the return air path from the refrigerator compartment 11A to the refrigeration cooler 41. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 40 based on the detection result (air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A) of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111, thereby performing cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the quench chamber 15, and the vegetable compartment 11B. That is, the temperature management of the quench chamber 15 is not performed independently of the refrigerator compartment 11A, but rather is performed in conjunction with the temperature management of the refrigerator compartment 11A. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is an example of a "first temperature detection unit".

[0074] The first switching chamber temperature sensor 112A is installed in the first switching chamber 16A to detect the air temperature inside the first switching chamber 16A. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 40 based on the detection result of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 (air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A) or the detection result of the first switching chamber temperature sensor 112A (air temperature of the first switching chamber 16A), thereby performing cooling of the first switching chamber 16A. This will be described in detail later.

[0075] The second switching chamber temperature sensor 112B is installed in the second switching chamber 16B to detect the air temperature inside the second switching chamber 16B. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 40 based on the detection result of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 (air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A) or the detection result of the second switching chamber temperature sensor 112B (air temperature of the second switching chamber 16B), thereby performing cooling of the second switching chamber 16B. This will be described in detail later.

[0076] A freezer temperature sensor 113 is installed in the main freezer compartment 11E to detect the air temperature of the main freezer compartment 11E. The control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 40 based on the detection result (air temperature of the main freezer compartment 11E) of the freezer temperature sensor 113, thereby performing cooling of the ice-making compartment 11C, the upper freezer compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E.

[0077] In this application, the air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A is sometimes referred to as the "refrigerator compartment temperature," the air temperature of the first switching compartment 16A is sometimes referred to as the "first switching compartment temperature," the air temperature of the second switching compartment 16B is sometimes referred to as the "second switching compartment temperature," and the air temperature of the main freezer compartment 11E is sometimes referred to as the "freezer compartment temperature." Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the first and second switching compartment temperatures, they are sometimes simply referred to as the "switching compartment temperature." The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111, the first switching compartment temperature sensor 112A, the second switching compartment temperature sensor 112B, and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 113 are examples of "temperature detection units." Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the first and second switching compartment temperature sensors 112A and 112B, they are sometimes simply referred to as "switching compartment temperature sensor 112." The switching compartment temperature sensor 112 is an example of a "second temperature detection unit."

[0078] A refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 114 is installed on the refrigeration cooler 41. The refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 114 detects the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 41. When the refrigeration cooler 41 is in defrosting operation, the control unit 100 determines whether the defrosting operation of the refrigeration cooler 41 can be terminated based on the detection result of the refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 114.

[0079] A refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 115 is installed on the refrigeration cooler 46. The refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 115 detects the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46. When the refrigeration cooler 46 is in defrost operation, the control unit 100 determines whether the defrost operation of the refrigeration cooler 46 can be terminated based on the detection result of the refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 115.

[0080] Heater 116 is installed in refrigeration cooler 46. Heater 116 heats refrigeration cooler 46 during defrosting operation.

[0081] The operation unit 121 receives user operations related to the refrigerator 1. For example, the operation unit 121 receives user operations instructing the switching of the set temperature range for each storage compartment 11 or the switching of the control mode. When the communication unit 122 detects a user operation in a terminal device associated with the refrigerator 1, it receives a control command corresponding to that operation from a server or the terminal device. The storage unit 123 stores information necessary for the operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the storage unit 123 stores threshold information representing thresholds used for various determinations.

[0082] <3. Basic Operation>

[0083] 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 refrigerator cooler 41 by switching the three-way valve 53. As mentioned above, "refrigeration operation" is not limited to the case where the refrigeration fan 42, the first switching compartment fan 44A, or the second switching compartment fan 44B are driven; it may also include cases where the refrigeration fan 42, the first switching compartment fan 44A, and the second switching compartment fan 44B are stopped, or cases where the operation is performed 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.

[0084] The control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 40, for example, by alternately performing refrigeration and freezing operations, to maintain the storage compartments 11 in the refrigeration temperature zone (refrigeration compartment 11A, chiller 15, first switching compartment 16A, second switching compartment 16B, and vegetable compartment 11B) and the storage compartments 11 in the freezing temperature zone (ice-making compartment 11C, upper freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E) at their respective set temperature zones. For example, the control unit 100 alternately cools the storage compartments 11 in the refrigeration temperature zone for a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and cools the storage compartments 11 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, the first switching compartment temperature, the second switching compartment temperature, or the freezer compartment temperature, to keep the air temperature of the storage compartment 11, which is the main object of temperature management, between the upper and lower limits of the set temperature zone. For example, the control unit 100 performs PID control on the storage room 11, which is the main object of temperature management, based on the difference between the air temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and the lower limit (target value) of the set temperature range of the storage room 11.

[0085] For example, the control unit 100 can also stop refrigeration operation and start freezing operation even if the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the lower limit (target value) of the set temperature zone of the refrigerator compartment 11A or the freezer compartment temperature reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the main freezer compartment 11E during refrigeration operation. This also applies when the temperature of the first switching compartment reaches the lower limit (target value) of the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment 16A or the second switching compartment reaches the lower limit (target value) of the set temperature zone of the second switching compartment 16B during refrigeration operation.

[0086] The control unit 100 can also, during refrigeration operation, terminate refrigeration operation and start refrigeration operation even midway through a second predetermined time period, when the freezer temperature reaches the lower limit (target value) of the set temperature zone of the main freezer compartment 11E, or when the refrigerator temperature reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the refrigerator compartment 11A. This also applies when the temperature of the first switching compartment reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment 16A, or when the temperature of the second switching compartment reaches the upper limit of the set temperature zone of the second switching compartment 16B, during refrigeration operation.

[0087] During refrigeration operation, the air temperature in the refrigeration temperature zone of storage compartment 11 decreases, while the air temperature in the freezing temperature zone of storage compartment 11 increases. Conversely, during freezing operation, the air temperature in the freezing temperature zone of storage compartment 11 decreases, while the air temperature in the refrigeration temperature zone of storage compartment 11 increases. Therefore, the air temperatures in the refrigeration and freezing temperature zones of storage compartment 11 fluctuate repeatedly in a sawtooth pattern (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0088] In this embodiment, the first switching chamber 16A has at least one of a first damper device 43A and a first switching chamber blower 44A, thereby enabling it to be cooled independently of the other storage chambers 11 (refrigeration chamber 11A, quench chamber 15, and second switching chamber 16B) and to have its temperature range set independently of the other storage chambers 11 (allowing for independent temperature management). Similarly, the second switching chamber 16B, by having at least one of a second damper device 43B and a second switching chamber blower 44B, can be cooled independently of the other storage chambers 11 (refrigeration chamber 11A, quench chamber 15, and first switching chamber 16A) and to have its temperature range set independently of the other storage chambers 11 (allowing for independent temperature management).

[0089] <4. Control Mode of Switching Room>

[0090] Next, the control modes related to the switching chamber 16 that the control unit 100 can execute will be described. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the controls described below are executed by the control unit 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 can selectively execute the "normal chilling" control mode, the "extra chilling" control mode, and the "rice chilling" control mode described below for the switching chamber 16.

[0091] <4.1 Typical quenching>

[0092] The "normal quench" control mode is, for example, a control mode that simultaneously cools the switching chamber 16 while the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A is being cooled during basic operation. That is, in the "normal quench" control mode, the cooling unit 40 is controlled based on the detected refrigerator compartment temperature (the detection result of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111) and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 11A (the target temperature set for the storage space S), thus simultaneously cooling both the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A and the switching chamber 16. For example, the control unit 100 performs PID control based on the difference between the detected refrigerator compartment temperature (the detection result of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111) and the lower limit (target value) of the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 11A, thereby simultaneously cooling both the refrigerator compartment 11A and the switching chamber 16. In other words, the degree of cooling by the cooling unit 40 is controlled, and the airflow to the refrigerator compartment 11A is controlled to bring the detected temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11A close to the target set temperature. At this time, the air volume supplied to the switching chamber 16 follows the air volume supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11A. If the air volume supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11A increases, the air volume supplied to the switching chamber 16 also increases; if the air volume supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11A decreases, the air volume supplied to the switching chamber 16 also decreases. The "normal quench" control mode is an example of "first control".

[0093] As described above, the switching chamber 16 is located near the refrigeration cooler 41 (described later) compared to the refrigerator compartment 11A, making it easier for cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41 to flow in. Therefore, in the "normal quench" control mode, by controlling the cooling unit 40 based on the detected refrigerator compartment temperature and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the switching chamber 16 is cooled to a quench temperature range with an average temperature of approximately -1°C to 0°C. In the "normal quench" control mode, the set temperature range used for control (e.g., the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 11A) remains constant without changing the cooling intensity. The "normal quench" control mode is a temperature range with an average temperature below 0°C, maintaining the switching chamber 16 at a cooling temperature range (first cooling temperature range) where food does not undergo micro-freezing.

[0094] <4.2 Extremely Cold>

[0095] In the "special chill" control mode, low-temperature cooling control, which keeps the temperature inside the switching chamber 16 within a low-temperature range, and high-temperature cooling control, which keeps the temperature inside the switching chamber 16 within a high-temperature range, are alternately performed. This "special chill" will be explained below. In the "special chill" control mode, for example, instead of the refrigerator compartment temperature and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the cooling unit 40 is controlled based on the detected switching chamber temperature (the detection result of the switching chamber temperature sensor 112) and the set temperature range (target temperature) set for the switching chamber 16. The "special chill" control mode is an example of "second control" and also an example of "first special control".

[0096] Furthermore, when the switching chamber 16 is subjected to "special chilling," the control unit 100, in parallel with the "special chilling," performs control (third control) to cool the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A based on the detection results of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111. That is, regarding the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A, when the switching chamber 16 is subjected to "special chilling," the control unit 100 cools the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A based on the air temperature (refrigerator compartment temperature) of the storage space S detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and the set temperature range (target temperature) of the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the change in air temperature in the switching chamber 16 when the "special cooling" control mode is executed. In the "special cooling" control mode, the control unit 100 alternately performs low-temperature cooling control, which controls the temperature in the switching chamber 16 at a low temperature zone Ta, and high-temperature cooling control, which controls the temperature in the switching chamber 16 at a high temperature zone Tb, which is higher than the low temperature zone Ta.

[0098] (Extremely cold low-temperature cooling control)

[0099] The low-temperature zone Ta is the set temperature zone of the switching chamber 16 during low-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the low-temperature zone Ta (i.e., the center temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, -5°C. The average temperature of the low-temperature zone Ta is below the freezing point, a temperature less than 0°C. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the low-temperature zone Ta is a temperature less than 0°C. The low-temperature zone Ta is the temperature at which the surface of the food stored in the switching chamber 16 is slightly frozen. The low-temperature zone Ta is a temperature zone lower than the set temperature zone for "normal chilling". The low-temperature zone Ta is, for example, not a temperature zone that freezes the food stored in the switching chamber 16 all the way to the center, but rather a temperature zone that creates a layer of ice only on the surface of the food. The low-temperature zone Ta is an example of a "first temperature zone". "Extraordinary chilling" low-temperature cooling control is an example of "first low-temperature cooling control".

[0100] In this embodiment, the cryogenic cooling control is performed over an execution period Sa (e.g., approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) determined based on the first indicator described later. Furthermore, the execution period Sa is not limited to the example described above. For instance, the cryogenic cooling control may also be performed at a pre-set fixed time, i.e., the execution period Sa (e.g., 2 hours).

[0101] (Extremely cold high-temperature cooling control)

[0102] The high-temperature zone Tb is the set temperature zone of the switching chamber 16 during high-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the high-temperature zone Tb (i.e., the central temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, +1°C. The average temperature of the high-temperature zone Tb is a temperature higher than the freezing point, specifically above 0°C. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the high-temperature zone Tb is a temperature above 0°C. The high-temperature zone Tb is a temperature zone higher than the "normal chilling" temperature zone. The high-temperature zone Tb is a temperature capable of melting the micro-frozen layer on the surface of the food being processed in the switching chamber 16. For example, the high-temperature zone Tb is a temperature capable of melting the aforementioned micro-frozen layer, but at least a portion of the micro-frozen layer remains unmelted during high-temperature cooling control. The high-temperature zone Tb is an example of a "second temperature zone." "Extraordinary chilling" high-temperature cooling control is an example of "first high-temperature cooling control."

[0103] As described above, the "Special Cooling" control mode alternates between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. In low-temperature cooling control, the temperature in the switching chamber 16 is controlled at a low-temperature zone Ta (second cooling temperature zone) that is lower than the cooling temperature zone (first cooling temperature zone) of "normal cooling" and causes the food to freeze slightly. In high-temperature cooling control, the temperature in the switching chamber 16 is controlled at a high-temperature zone Tb (third cooling temperature zone) that is higher than the low-temperature zone Ta (second cooling temperature zone).

[0104] In this embodiment, high-temperature cooling control is performed for an execution period Sb (e.g., approximately 3 to 5 hours) determined based on the second indicator described later. The execution period Sb is longer than the execution period Sa. In this embodiment, for example, when the refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa and 20Ab are not opened or closed (i.e., when the switching compartment temperature is stable), the first and second indicators described later are set to perform high-temperature cooling control for a relatively longer period compared to low-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, the execution period Sb is not limited to the example described above. For example, high-temperature cooling control may also be performed for a predetermined fixed time, i.e., the execution period Sb (e.g., 5 hours).

[0105] 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 at a low-temperature zone Ta or a high-temperature zone Tb, or allows temperature changes towards the low-temperature zone Ta or the high-temperature zone Tb. "Alternating between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control" may also include situations where multiple refrigeration and freezing operations are performed during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, followed by multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the execution of high-temperature cooling control, and then multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, etc.

[0106] (First indicator and second indicator)

[0107] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 acquires temperature values ​​T (T0, T1, T2, ...) detected by the switching chamber temperature sensor 112 at a predetermined period (e.g., every 1 minute). The control unit 100 calculates a first index and a second index based on the acquired temperature values ​​T.

[0108] The first indicator is, for example, an indicator based on the average temperature detected by the switching chamber temperature sensor 112. The first indicator is, for example, an indicator based on the average temperature detected during the execution period Sa of the low-temperature cooling control (i.e., the low-temperature cooling control currently in operation), which is the target of the transition period, and the execution period Sb of the high-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the low-temperature cooling control. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines that the first indicator meets the predetermined condition when the average temperature, calculated by summing the execution period Sa of the low-temperature cooling control currently in operation and the execution period Sb of the high-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the low-temperature cooling control, reaches a threshold (e.g., -1°C). Then, the control unit 100 switches the low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control when it determines that the first indicator meets the predetermined condition.

[0109] The second indicator is, for example, an indicator based on the cumulative temperature value detected by the switching chamber temperature sensor 112. The second indicator is, for example, an indicator based on the cumulative temperature value detected during the execution period of the target of the transition period, namely, the high-temperature cooling control (i.e., the high-temperature cooling control in progress). In this embodiment, if the cumulative temperature value during the execution period of the high-temperature cooling control in progress, Sb, reaches a threshold (e.g., equivalent to 1°C × 150 minutes), the control unit 100 determines that the second indicator meets the predetermined conditions. Then, based on the determination that the second indicator meets the predetermined conditions, the control unit 100 switches the high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control.

[0110] <4.3 Rice Cooling>

[0111] In the "rice chilling" control mode, low-temperature cooling control, which keeps the temperature in the switching chamber 16 within a low-temperature range, and high-temperature cooling control, which keeps the temperature in the switching chamber 16 within a high-temperature range, are alternately performed. This "rice chilling" will be explained below. In the "rice chilling" control mode, unlike normal chilling, for example, instead of being based on the refrigerator compartment temperature and the set temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the cooling unit 40 is controlled based on the detected switching chamber temperature (the detection result of the switching chamber temperature sensor 112) and the set temperature range set for the switching chamber 16. The "rice chilling" control mode is another example of "second control" and an example of "second special control."

[0112] Furthermore, when the switching chamber 16 is subjected to "rice chilling," the control unit 100, in parallel with "rice chilling," performs control (third control) to cool the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A based on the detection results of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111. That is, regarding the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A, when the switching chamber 16 is subjected to "rice chilling," the control unit 100 cools the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A based on the air temperature (refrigerator compartment temperature) of the storage space S detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and the set temperature range (target temperature) of the storage space S of the refrigerator compartment 11A.

[0113] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the change in air temperature in the switching chamber 16 when the "rice cooling" control mode is executed. In the "rice cooling" control mode, the control unit 100 alternately performs low-temperature cooling control, which controls the temperature in the switching chamber 16 to a low-temperature zone Tc, and high-temperature cooling control, which controls the temperature in the switching chamber 16 to a high-temperature zone Td, which is higher than the low-temperature zone Tc.

[0114] (Low-temperature cooling control for rapid rice cooling)

[0115] The low-temperature zone Tc is the set temperature zone of the switching chamber 16 set during low-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the low-temperature zone Tc (i.e., the center temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, -3°C. The average temperature of the low-temperature zone Tc is below the freezing point, a temperature less than 0°C. The low-temperature zone Tc is a temperature zone lower than the set temperature zone for "normal chilling". The low-temperature zone Tc is a temperature zone higher than the low-temperature zone Ta of the low-temperature cooling control for "extra chilling" and lower than the high-temperature zone Tb of the high-temperature cooling control for "extra chilling". The low-temperature zone Tc is, for example, a temperature zone used for high-temperature cooling control (described later) to prevent complete freezing of rice, and for freezing rice at the lowest possible temperature. The low-temperature zone Tc is an example of a "third temperature zone". The low-temperature cooling control for "rice chilling" is an example of "second low-temperature cooling control".

[0116] In this embodiment, the cryogenic cooling control is performed over an execution period Sc (e.g., approximately 2 hours) determined based on the third indicator described later. Furthermore, the execution period Sc is not limited to the example described above. For instance, the cryogenic cooling control may also be performed over an execution period Sc (e.g., 2 hours) that is a pre-set fixed time.

[0117] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 acquires temperature values ​​T (T0, T1, T2, ...) detected by the switching chamber temperature sensor 112 at a predetermined period (e.g., every 1 minute). The control unit 100 calculates a third index based on the acquired temperature values ​​T.

[0118] The third indicator is, for example, an indicator based on the average temperature detected by the switching chamber temperature sensor 112. The third indicator is, for example, an indicator based on the average temperature detected during the execution period Sc of the low-temperature cooling control (i.e., the low-temperature cooling control currently in operation) and the execution period Sd of the high-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the low-temperature cooling control. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines that the third indicator meets the predetermined conditions when the average temperature obtained by summing the execution period Sc of the low-temperature cooling control currently in operation and the execution period Sd of the high-temperature cooling control immediately preceding the low-temperature cooling control reaches a threshold (e.g., -1°C). Then, the control unit 100 switches the low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control when it determines that the third indicator meets the predetermined conditions.

[0119] (High-temperature cooling control for rapid rice cooling)

[0120] The high-temperature zone Td is the set temperature zone of the switching chamber 16 set during high-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the high-temperature zone Td (i.e., the central temperature of the set temperature zone) is a temperature higher than the freezing point, specifically above 0°C. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the high-temperature zone Tb is a temperature above 0°C. The high-temperature zone Td is a temperature zone higher than the "normal rapid cooling" temperature zone. The high-temperature zone Td is a temperature zone set to prevent the rice from freezing completely. The high-temperature zone Td is an example of a "fourth temperature zone." The high-temperature cooling control for "rice rapid cooling" is an example of "second low-temperature cooling control."

[0121] In this embodiment, during the execution of high-temperature cooling control Sd, the defrosting operation of the refrigeration cooler 41 is performed. For example, as a defrosting operation of the refrigeration cooler 41, the control unit 100 drives the refrigeration blower 42 while the compressor 49 is stopped. As a result, air whose temperature has risen through the storage compartment 11 (which is equipped with a refrigeration compartment 11A, a chilling compartment 15, and a switching compartment 16 for "rice chilling") in the refrigeration temperature zone is supplied to the vicinity of the refrigeration cooler 41 to defrost the refrigeration cooler 41.

[0122] In this embodiment, the high-temperature cooling control is performed for an execution period Sd (e.g., 60 to 70 minutes) determined based on a fourth indicator. The fourth indicator is, for example, the temperature of the refrigerator cooler 41 exceeding a threshold (e.g., +3°C) detected by the temperature sensor of the refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 114. Furthermore, the execution period Sd is not limited to the example described above. For example, the high-temperature cooling control may also be performed for a pre-set fixed time, i.e., the execution period Sd (e.g., 70 minutes). Additionally, the high-temperature cooling control may also be performed without defrosting the refrigerator cooler 41. That is, the high-temperature cooling control may also be performed in such a way that during the time when the refrigerator cooler 41 is not defrosted (the time when refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerator cooler 41), the cooling of the switching chamber 16, which is equipped with a "rice chiller," is reduced to suppress the freezing of the food inside (typically "rice").

[0123] Here, "cooling" in "rice rapid cooling" and "low-temperature cooling control" refers to operating the refrigerator 1 in a manner that maintains the temperature at a low-temperature zone Tc or a high-temperature zone Td, or allows temperature changes towards either zone. "Alternating between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control" can include performing multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the execution of low-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, "alternating between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control" can also include situations where multiple refrigeration and freezing operations are performed during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, followed by multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the execution of high-temperature cooling control, and then multiple refrigeration and freezing operations during the execution of low-temperature cooling control.

[0124] <5. Coordination of controls associated with multiple switching rooms (at startup)>

[0125] <5.1 Combination of controls associated with multiple switching rooms>

[0126] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 first performs a first special control including periodic control on a first target chamber (which is one of the first switching chamber 16A and the second switching chamber 16B), and then begins performing a second special control including periodic control on a second target chamber (which is the other of the first switching chamber 16A and the second switching chamber 16B), the control period associated with the first or second special control is adjusted. In this application, "adjustment" refers, for example, to changing one or more of the following: the start period, end period, or execution period (execution time) of the first low-temperature cooling control included in the first special control; the start period, end period, or execution period (execution time) of the first high-temperature cooling control included in the first special control; the start period, end period, or execution period (execution time) of the second low-temperature cooling control included in the second special control; and the start period, end period, or execution period (execution time) of the second high-temperature cooling control included in the second special control. The first special control is, for example, "special chilling" or "rice chilling." The second special control is, for example, "special chilling" or "rice chilling."

[0127] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts one or more control periods associated with "special cooling" or "rice cooling" in the following situations: (1) when "special cooling" is performed on the first target chamber first, and then "special cooling" is performed on the second target chamber later; (2) when "special cooling" is performed on the first target chamber first, and then "rice cooling" is performed on the second target chamber later; (3) when "rice cooling" is performed on the first target chamber first, and then "special cooling" is performed on the second target chamber later; or (4) when "rice cooling" is performed on the first target chamber first, and then "rice cooling" is performed on the second target chamber later.

[0128] The situation described in (1) above is as follows. The low-temperature cooling control of the "extraordinary chill" of the first object chamber is an example of "first low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control of the "extraordinary chill" of the first object chamber is an example of "first high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Ta relative to the first object chamber is an example of "first temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Tb relative to the first object chamber is an example of "second temperature zone". The low-temperature cooling control of the "extraordinary chill" of the second object chamber is an example of "second low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control of the "extraordinary chill" of the second object chamber is an example of "second high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Ta relative to the second object chamber is an example of "third temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Tb relative to the second object chamber is an example of "fourth temperature zone".

[0129] The situation described in (2) above is as follows. The low-temperature cooling control for "special quenching" of the first object chamber is an example of "first low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control for "special quenching" of the first object chamber is an example of "first high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Ta relative to the first object chamber is an example of "first temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Tb relative to the first object chamber is an example of "second temperature zone". The low-temperature cooling control for "cooked rice quenching" of the second object chamber is an example of "second low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control for "cooked rice quenching" of the second object chamber is an example of "second high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Tc relative to the second object chamber is an example of "third temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Td relative to the second object chamber is an example of "fourth temperature zone".

[0130] The situation described in (3) above is as follows. The low-temperature cooling control for "rice quenching" in the first target chamber is an example of "first low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control for "rice quenching" in the first target chamber is an example of "first high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Tc relative to the first target chamber is an example of "first temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Td relative to the first target chamber is an example of "second temperature zone". The low-temperature cooling control for "special quenching" in the second target chamber is an example of "second low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control for "special quenching" in the second target chamber is an example of "second high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Ta relative to the second target chamber is an example of "third temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Tb relative to the second target chamber is an example of "fourth temperature zone".

[0131] The situation described in (4) above is as follows. The low-temperature cooling control for "rice quenching" in the first target chamber is an example of "first low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control for "rice quenching" in the first target chamber is an example of "first high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Tc relative to the first target chamber is an example of "first temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Td relative to the first target chamber is an example of "second temperature zone". The low-temperature cooling control for "rice quenching" in the second target chamber is an example of "second low-temperature cooling control". The high-temperature cooling control for "rice quenching" in the second target chamber is an example of "second high-temperature cooling control". The low-temperature temperature zone Tc relative to the second target chamber is an example of "third temperature zone". The high-temperature temperature zone Td relative to the second target chamber is an example of "fourth temperature zone".

[0132] Furthermore, the control unit 100 does not need to be able to perform adjustments in all cases of (1) to (4) above, but only needs to be able to perform at least one of the adjustments in (1) to (4) above.

[0133] <5.2 Control Modes Corresponding to Control Priority>

[0134] In this embodiment, as a matter of prioritizing the control, the control unit 100 is capable of executing control under at least one of the following control modes: "first control mode", "second control mode", "third control mode" and "fourth control mode".

[0135] The “first control mode” is a control mode as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first object room, and the second special control is executed later for the second object room, the first special control that is being executed first takes priority (the control period of the second special control that starts later is adjusted to match the first special control that is being executed first).

[0136] The “second control mode” is as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first object room, and the second special control is executed later for the second object room, the later-starting second special control takes priority (the control period of the first special control being executed earlier is adjusted to match the later-starting second special control).

[0137] The "third control mode" is a control mode in which, if the first special control is executed on the first object room first, and the second special control is executed on the second object room later, the control mode determines which of the first and second special controls takes precedence based on the situation.

[0138] The "fourth control mode" is as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first target chamber, and the second special control is executed later for the second target chamber, the control is determined to be prioritized based on the temperature state of the switching chamber 16.

[0139] Furthermore, the choice of which of the aforementioned "first control mode," "second control mode," "third control mode," and "fourth control mode" is applied in the refrigerator 1 is preset, for example, based on user operation of the operation unit 121 or control commands received from the outside via the communication unit 122. The application of any of the "first control mode," "second control mode," "third control mode," and "fourth control mode" can be changed based on user operation of the operation unit 121 or the terminal device. Additionally, the control unit 100 does not need to be able to execute all of the "first control mode," "second control mode," "third control mode," and "fourth control mode," but only needs to be able to execute at least one of these control modes.

[0140] The following describes in detail the “first control mode,” “second control mode,” and “third control mode” in connection with the state in which a first special control is executed first, which alternately controls the temperature inside the first object chamber to be controlled in a first low-temperature zone and a first high-temperature control to be controlled in a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone; and the state in which a second special control is executed second, which alternately controls the temperature inside the second object chamber to be controlled in a third temperature zone and a second high-temperature control to be controlled in a fourth temperature zone higher than the third temperature zone.

[0141] <5.2.1 First Control Mode>

[0142] First, the first control mode will be explained. As described above, the first control mode is as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first object room, and the second special control is executed later for the second object room, the first special control that is being executed first takes priority (the control period of the second special control that starts later is adjusted to match the first special control that is being executed first).

[0143] (The first example of the first control mode)

[0144] First, a first example of the first control mode will be described. In this first example of the first control mode, when the control unit 100 starts executing a second special control on the second object chamber while performing a first special control on the first object chamber, it adjusts whether the second special control starts from the second low-temperature cooling control or the second high-temperature cooling control. For example, if the control unit 100 starts executing a second special control on the second object chamber while performing a first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control, the new second special control starts from the execution of the second low-temperature cooling control. On the other hand, if the control unit 100 starts executing a second special control on the second object chamber while performing a first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control, the new second special control starts from the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0145] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate a first example of the first control mode. In the following description, switching room B (e.g., second switching room 16B) is an example of a "first object room", and switching room A (e.g., first switching room 16A) is an example of a "second object room".

[0146] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the second special control is started for switching chamber A while the first special control (first high-temperature cooling control) is being implemented for switching chamber B. In this case, the second special control begins with the high-temperature cooling control (second high-temperature cooling control) (time t11).

[0147] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control is being executed for the switching chamber B, and the control unit 100 switches from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control after the first high-temperature cooling control ends in the first special control, the control unit 100 switches from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control in the second special control (time t12).

[0148] For example, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control is being executed for the switching chamber B, after the end condition of the first high-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, it switches from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control, and even before the end condition of the second high-temperature cooling control is met in the second special control, it switches from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control (time t12).

[0149] For example, when the control unit 100 starts the second special control from the execution of the high-temperature cooling control (second high-temperature cooling control), regardless of whether the termination condition of the second high-temperature cooling control is met, it terminates the first second high-temperature cooling control of the second special control based on the termination of the first high-temperature cooling control that was previously executed (time t12). Then, the control unit 100 starts the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control of the second special control (second low-temperature cooling control) based on the start of the execution of the low-temperature cooling control (first low-temperature cooling control) that was previously executed (time t13).

[0150] Furthermore, in this application, "according to the end" is not limited to the case where the end time is exactly the same; for example, it may also include cases where the deviation from the execution period (execution time) of the control that generates the end is within 1 / 10. Similarly, in this application, "according to the start" is not limited to the case where the start time is exactly the same; for example, it may also include cases where the deviation from the execution period (execution time) of the control that generates the start is within 1 / 10.

[0151] Similarly, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control after the second time. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the second special control (e.g., changing the length of the start period, end period, or execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control, the length of the start period, end period, or execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control, the length of the start period, end period, or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the length of the start period, end period, or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, and also to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0152] exist Figure 8In the example shown, the execution of the second special control begins in the switching chamber A while the switching chamber B is under the condition of performing the first special control (first low-temperature cooling control). In this case, the second special control begins from the low-temperature cooling control (second low-temperature cooling control) (time t11).

[0153] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control is being executed for the switching chamber B, and the control unit 100 switches from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control after the first low-temperature cooling control ends in the first special control, the control unit 100 switches from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control in the second special control (time t12).

[0154] For example, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control is being executed for the switching chamber B, after the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, it switches from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control, and even before the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met in the second special control, it switches from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control (time t12).

[0155] For example, when the control unit 100 starts the second special control from the low-temperature cooling control (second low-temperature cooling control), regardless of whether the termination condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met, the first instance of the second special control of the second low-temperature cooling control ends upon the termination of the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control in the execution of the previously executed first special control (time t12). Then, the control unit 100 starts the execution of the first instance of the second special control of the high-temperature cooling control (first high-temperature cooling control) upon the start of the execution of the previously executed first special control (first high-temperature cooling control) (time t13).

[0156] Similarly, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control after the second time. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the first special control or the control period of the second special control (e.g., changing one or more of the start period, end period, or execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period, or execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period, or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start period, end period, or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, and also to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0157] (Second example of the first control mode)

[0158] Next, we will explain the second example of the first control mode.

[0159] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the second example of the first control mode. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 As shown, in the second example of the first control mode, the second special control is set to start from the execution of the second cryogenic cooling control at the beginning of a new operation.

[0160] In the second example of the first control mode, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second special control on the second object chamber while the first high-temperature cooling control is being executed on the first object chamber as the first special control, it waits for the execution of the second special control to begin until the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control begins in the first special control.

[0161] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the second special control for switching chamber A is started while the first special control (first high-temperature cooling control) is being performed on switching chamber B. In this case, the second special control waits for the start of the second special control for switching chamber A until the first high-temperature cooling control ends and the first low-temperature cooling control begins (time t11 to time t12). Furthermore, in this application, "standby" is not limited to stopping cooling; it can also mean continuing the control that was just executed (e.g., continuing the "normal quench" control if a "normal quench" control mode was just set), or performing special control for standby (e.g., cooling control for standby), etc.

[0162] In this embodiment, after the aforementioned standby state, the control unit 100 initiates the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control of the second special control (second low-temperature cooling control) based on the start of the previously executed first special control low-temperature cooling control (first low-temperature cooling control) (time t12). Then, the control unit 100 terminates the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control of the second special control (second low-temperature cooling control) based on the end of the previously executed first special control low-temperature cooling control (first low-temperature cooling control) (time t13).

[0163] Similarly, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control after the second time. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the first special control or the second special control (e.g., changing one or more of the start period, end period or execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period or execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start period, end period or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, and also to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0164] Furthermore, in the second example of the first control mode, the second special control is started while the first cryogenic cooling control is being performed on the switching chamber B, which is different from using... Figure 8 The example described is the same. That is, when the control unit 100 receives the start instruction at time t11, while the first low-temperature cooling control is being performed on the switching chamber B, it starts the execution of the low-temperature cooling control (second low-temperature cooling control) as a second special control.

[0165] Furthermore, after the termination condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, the control unit 100 transitions from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control, and in the second special control, even before the termination condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met, it also transitions from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control (time t12). Moreover, similarly thereafter, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control after the second time.

[0166] (The third example of the first control mode)

[0167] Next, we will explain the third example of the first control mode.

[0168] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate the third example of the first control mode. (See diagram below.) Figure 11 As shown, in the third example of the first control mode, the second special control is set to start from the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control at the beginning of the new operation.

[0169] In the third example of the first control mode, when the control unit 100 starts the second special control for the second object chamber while performing the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control for the first object chamber, it waits for the execution of the second special control to begin until the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control begins in the first special control.

[0170] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the execution of the second special control begins for switching chamber A while the first special control (low-temperature cooling control) is being implemented for switching chamber B. In this case, the second special control waits for the start of the second special control for switching chamber A (from time t11 to time t12) before the first low-temperature cooling control ends and the first high-temperature cooling control begins.

[0171] In this embodiment, after the aforementioned standby, the control unit 100 initiates the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control under the second special control (second high-temperature cooling control) based on the start of the previously executed first special control high-temperature cooling control (first high-temperature cooling control) (time t12). Then, the control unit 100 terminates the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control under the second special control (second high-temperature cooling control) based on the end of the previously executed first special control high-temperature cooling control (first high-temperature cooling control) (time t13).

[0172] Similarly, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control after the second time. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the first special control or the second special control (e.g., changing one or more of the start period, end period or execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period or execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start period, end period or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, and also to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0173] Furthermore, in the third example of the first control mode, the second special control is started while the first high-temperature cooling control is being performed on the switching chamber B, which is different from using... Figure 7 The example described is the same. That is, when the control unit 100 receives the start instruction at time t11, while the first high-temperature cooling control is being performed on the switching chamber B, it starts to perform high-temperature cooling control (second low-temperature cooling control) as a second special control.

[0174] Furthermore, after the termination condition of the first high-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, the control unit 100 transitions from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control, and in the second special control, even before the termination condition of the second high-temperature cooling control is met, it also transitions from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control (time t12). Moreover, similarly thereafter, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control after the second time.

[0175] <5.2.2 Second Control Mode>

[0176] Next, the second control mode will be described. As described above, the second control mode is as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first object room, and the second special control is executed later for the second object room, the later-starting second special control is given priority (the control period of the first special control being executed earlier is adjusted to match the later-starting second special control).

[0177] (First example of the second control mode)

[0178] First, a first example of the second control mode will be explained. In the first example of the second control mode, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the second object chamber, and first executes the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control for the first object chamber, the control content of the first special control is changed from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control.

[0179] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate the first example of the second control mode. Figure 13 In the example shown, the second special control is started to be implemented for switching chamber A while the first special control (first high temperature cooling control) is being implemented for switching chamber B.

[0180] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, the second special control, like the second example of the first control mode described above, is set to begin execution from the second cryogenic cooling control at the start of a new cycle (see reference). Figure 9Furthermore, in the first example of the second control mode, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for switching chamber A, and first executes the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control for switching chamber B, the content of the first special control is changed from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control (time t11). For example, even before the end condition of the first high-temperature cooling control is met, the control unit 100 ends the first high-temperature cooling control based on the start of the execution of the second special control that starts later. And, based on the start of the second low-temperature cooling control of the second special control that starts later, the first low-temperature cooling control of the first special control begins.

[0181] For example, if the control unit 100 starts the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control of the first special control in accordance with the start of the execution of the second low-temperature cooling control of the second special control that starts later, it will end the started first low-temperature cooling control in accordance with the end of the second low-temperature cooling control in the newly started execution of the second special control (time t12), regardless of whether the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met. Then, the control unit 100 starts the execution of the high-temperature cooling control of the first special control (first high-temperature cooling control) according to the start of the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control of the second special control (time t12). Then, the control unit 100 ends the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control of the first special control according to the end of the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control of the second special control (time t13).

[0182] Similarly, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control after the second time. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the first special control or the second special control (e.g., changing one or more of the start period, end period or execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period or execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start period, end period or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, and also to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0183] In addition, the control unit 100 can also be connected to Figure 8Similarly, when the second low-temperature cooling control is started for switching chamber A as the second special control, and the first low-temperature cooling control is first executed for switching chamber B as the first special control, and the transition from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control is completed in the first special control, the transition from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control is in the second special control (time t12).

[0184] For example, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and first executes the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control for the switching chamber B, after the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, it can switch from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control, and even before the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met in the second special control, it can switch from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control (time t12).

[0185] Alternatively, instead of the above example, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, if the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control is executed first for the switching chamber B, and the control unit 100 switches from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control after the second low-temperature cooling control ends in the second special control, the control unit 100 switches from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control in the first special control (time t12).

[0186] For example, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second low-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, if the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control is executed first for the switching chamber B, after the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met in the second special control, it can switch from the second low-temperature cooling control to the second high-temperature cooling control, and even before the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, it can switch from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control.

[0187] (Second example of the second control mode)

[0188] Next, a second example of the second control mode will be described. In the second example of the second control mode, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the second target chamber, and first executes the first low-temperature cooling control as the first special control for the first target chamber, the control content of the first special control is changed from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control.

[0189] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the second example of the second control mode. Figure 14In the example shown, the execution of the second special control is started for the switching chamber A while the switching chamber B is under the state of performing the first special control of cryogenic cooling control (first cryogenic cooling control).

[0190] exist Figure 14 In the example shown, the second special control, like the third example of the first control mode described above, is set to start from the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control at the beginning (see reference). Figure 11 Furthermore, in the second example of the second control mode, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for switching chamber A, and if the first low-temperature cooling control is executed first as the first special control for switching chamber B, the content of the first special control is changed from the first low-temperature cooling control to the first high-temperature cooling control (time t11). That is, even before the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met, the control unit 100 ends the first low-temperature cooling control executed earlier according to the start of the second special control that starts later. And, according to the start of the second high-temperature cooling control of the second special control that starts later, the first high-temperature cooling control of the first special control starts.

[0191] For example, if the control unit 100 starts the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control of the first special control based on the start of the second high-temperature cooling control of the second special control that started later, it will end the started first high-temperature cooling control based on the end of the second high-temperature cooling control in the newly started execution of the second special control (time t12), regardless of whether the end condition of the first high-temperature cooling control is met. Then, the control unit 100 starts the execution of the low-temperature cooling control of the first special control (first low-temperature cooling control) based on the start of the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control of the second special control (time t12). Then, the control unit 100 ends the first low-temperature cooling control of the first special control based on the end of the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control of the second special control (time t13).

[0192] Similarly, the control unit 100 ensures that the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control after the second time overlaps at least partially with the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control after the second time. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the first special control or the second special control (e.g., changing the start period, end period, or execution period length of the first low-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period, or execution period length of the first high-temperature cooling control, the start period, end period, or execution period length of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start period, end period, or execution period length of the second high-temperature cooling control) to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first low-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, and also to increase the overlap time between the execution period of the first high-temperature cooling control and the execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control.

[0193] In addition, the control unit 100 can also be connected to Figure 7 Similarly, when the second high-temperature cooling control is started for switching chamber A as the second special control, and the first high-temperature cooling control is first executed for switching chamber B as the first special control, and the first high-temperature cooling control ends in the first special control and the control shifts from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control, the control shifts from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control in the second special control (time t12).

[0194] For example, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and first executes the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control for the switching chamber B, after the end condition of the first high-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, it can switch from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control, and even before the end condition of the second high-temperature cooling control is met in the second special control, it can switch from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control (time t12).

[0195] Alternatively, instead of the above example, when the control unit 100 starts executing the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, and first executes the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control for the switching chamber B, and then, after the second high-temperature cooling control ends in the second special control, it switches from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control (time t12).

[0196] For example, when the control unit 100 starts to execute the second high-temperature cooling control as the second special control for the switching chamber A, if the first high-temperature cooling control as the first special control is executed first for the switching chamber B, after the end condition of the second high-temperature cooling control is met in the second special control, it can switch from the second high-temperature cooling control to the second low-temperature cooling control, and even before the end condition of the first high-temperature cooling control is met in the first special control, it can switch from the first high-temperature cooling control to the first low-temperature cooling control.

[0197] <5.2.3 Third Control Mode>

[0198] Next, the third control mode will be explained. As mentioned above, the third control mode is as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first object room, and the second special control is executed later for the second object room, the priority of the first special control or the second special control is determined according to the situation.

[0199] For example, in the third control mode, when the control unit 100 performs a first special control on the first target room and then begins to perform a second special control on the second target room, it performs control based on the first control mode described above when the first special control is performed first. On the other hand, when the control unit 100 performs a first special control on the first target room and then begins to perform a second special control on the second target room, it performs control based on the second control mode described above when the second special control is performed first.

[0200] (The first example of the third control mode)

[0201] In the first example of the third control mode, the control unit 100 determines which of the first and second special controls takes priority based on the difference between the cooling degree of the first special control (e.g., the low-temperature range of the first low-temperature cooling control or the length of the execution period) and the cooling degree of the second special control (e.g., the low-temperature range of the second low-temperature cooling control or the length of the execution period). For example, if the temperature range of the first low-temperature cooling control is lower than that of the second low-temperature cooling control (when the first low-temperature cooling control has a greater cooling degree than the second low-temperature cooling control), the control unit 100 determines that the first special control takes priority over the second special control. On the other hand, if the temperature range of the second low-temperature cooling control is lower than that of the first low-temperature cooling control (when the second low-temperature cooling control has a greater cooling degree than the first low-temperature cooling control), the control unit 100 determines that the second special control takes priority over the first special control.

[0202] For example, when comparing "extra-fast cooling" and "rice-cold cooling", the temperature zone Ta of the low-temperature cooling control of "extra-fast cooling" is lower than the temperature zone Tc of the low-temperature cooling control of "rice-cold cooling". Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that "extra-fast cooling" takes priority over "rice-cold cooling".

[0203] That is, when the control unit 100 starts performing "rice chilling" on the second object chamber while "special chilling" is being performed on the first object chamber, it determines that "special chilling" takes priority over "rice chilling" and performs control based on the first control mode described above. On the other hand, when starting "special chilling" on the second object chamber while "rice chilling" is being performed on the first object chamber, it determines that "special chilling" takes priority over "rice chilling" and performs control based on the second control mode described above.

[0204] Alternatively, instead of the above example, the control unit 100 may determine which of the first and second special controls takes priority based on the difference between the temperature band or execution period of the first special control (first high-temperature cooling control) and the temperature band or execution period of the second special control (second high-temperature cooling control). For example, the control unit 100 may determine that the first special control takes priority over the second special control if the temperature band of the first high-temperature cooling control is higher than the temperature band of the second high-temperature cooling control. On the other hand, the control unit 100 may also determine that the second special control takes priority over the first special control if the temperature band of the second high-temperature cooling control is higher than the temperature band of the first high-temperature cooling control.

[0205] (Second example of the third control mode)

[0206] In a second example of the third control mode, the control unit 100 determines which of the first and second special controls takes priority based on the difference in capacity between the first and second object rooms. For example, if the capacity of the first object room is larger than that of the second object room, the control unit 100 determines that the first special control applied to the first object room takes priority over the second special control applied to the second object room. Conversely, if the capacity of the second object room is larger than that of the first object room, the control unit 100 determines that the second special control applied to the second object room takes priority over the first special control applied to the first object room.

[0207] In this embodiment, information indicating the capacity of the first object chamber and the second object chamber (the capacity of the first switching chamber 16A and the second switching chamber 16B) is stored in the storage unit 123 as part of the determination information. Based on the determination information stored in the storage unit 123, the control unit 100 determines which of the capacities of the first object chamber and the second object chamber is larger.

[0208] A second example of the third control mode is applied when the temperature band of the first cryogenic cooling control under the first special control and the temperature band of the second cryogenic cooling control under the second special control at least partially overlap (e.g., the same temperature band). However, the second example of the third control mode can also be applied when the temperature band of the first cryogenic cooling control under the first special control and the temperature band of the second cryogenic cooling control under the second special control are different.

[0209] <5.2.4 Fourth Control Mode>

[0210] Next, the fourth control mode will be explained. As described above, the fourth control mode is as follows: when the first special control is executed first for the first target chamber, and the second special control is executed afterward for the second target chamber, the control with priority is determined based on the temperature state of the switching chamber 16.

[0211] For example, in the fourth control mode, if the control unit 100 starts executing a second special control on the second object chamber while performing a first special control on the first object chamber, and if the predetermined conditions associated with the temperature of the second object chamber are not met, the control unit 100 continues executing the first high-temperature cooling control and starts executing the second special control from the second high-temperature cooling control. On the other hand, if the control unit 100 starts executing a second special control on the second object chamber while performing a first special control on the first object chamber, and if the predetermined conditions associated with the temperature of the second object chamber are met, the control unit 100 ends executing the first high-temperature cooling control and starts executing the first low-temperature cooling control, and starts the second special control from the second low-temperature cooling control. The predetermined conditions mentioned above are, for example, cases where the temperature of the second object chamber is detected by the switching chamber temperature sensor 112 as exceeding a threshold temperature rise.

[0212] <6. Coordination of controls associated with multiple switching rooms (while continuing execution)>

[0213] In this embodiment, if the switching period in the first special control (the switching period between the first low-temperature cooling control and the first high-temperature cooling control) and the switching period in the second special control (the switching period between the second low-temperature cooling control and the second high-temperature cooling control) deviate, the following control is performed in order to determine which of the switching periods in the first special control and the second special control should take priority based on the situation.

[0214] <6.1 First Control Example>

[0215] In the first control example, the control unit 100 determines which of the switching periods in the first special control and the second special control should take priority based on the difference between the temperature range of the first low-temperature cooling control (first special control) and the temperature range of the second low-temperature cooling control (second special control). For example, if the temperature range of the first low-temperature cooling control is lower than that of the second low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 determines that the switching period in the first special control takes priority over the switching period in the second special control. In this case, if the switching periods in the first and second special controls are about to diverge, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the second special control (for example, changing one or more of the start, end, or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start, end, or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to make the switching period in the second special control consistent with the switching period in the first special control.

[0216] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 is executing a first low-temperature cooling control on the first target chamber and a second low-temperature cooling control on the second target chamber, if the low-temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control is lower than the low-temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control, the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control is suppressed until the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control ends.

[0217] For example, when the control unit 100 is executing a first low-temperature cooling control on the first target chamber and a second low-temperature cooling control on the second target chamber, if the low-temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control is lower than the low-temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control, even if the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met before the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met, the start of the second high-temperature cooling control is suppressed until at least the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met.

[0218] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 is executing the first low-temperature cooling control for the first target chamber and the second low-temperature cooling control for the second target chamber, if the low-temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control is lower than the low-temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control, the second low-temperature cooling control continues until the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control ends.

[0219] For example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control, it does not terminate the second low-temperature cooling control and continues the second low-temperature cooling control until at least the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met. Alternatively, instead of the above example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control, it terminates the execution of the second low-temperature cooling control and executes standby control of the temperature in the second target chamber in another temperature zone (e.g., a temperature zone higher than the low-temperature zone and lower than the high-temperature zone of the second high-temperature cooling control) set between the low-temperature temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature temperature zone of the second high-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, if the control unit 100 terminates the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control when the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met in the first target chamber, it ends the aforementioned standby control of the second target chamber and begins the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control, thus beginning the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control of the first target chamber.

[0220] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 is executing the first low-temperature cooling control for the first target chamber and the second low-temperature cooling control for the second target chamber, if the low-temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control is lower than the low-temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control, even if the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met before the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met, the first high-temperature cooling control is suppressed until at least the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met.

[0221] For example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control, it does not terminate the first low-temperature cooling control and continues the first low-temperature cooling control until at least the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met. Alternatively, instead of the above example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control, it terminates the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control and executes standby control of the temperature in the first target chamber in another temperature zone (e.g., a temperature zone higher than the low-temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control and lower than the high-temperature zone of the first high-temperature cooling control) set between the low-temperature temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature temperature zone of the first high-temperature cooling control. Furthermore, if the control unit 100 terminates the execution of the second low-temperature cooling control when the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met in the second target chamber, it terminates the aforementioned standby control of the first target chamber and begins the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control, thus beginning the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control of the second target chamber.

[0222] Alternatively, instead of the above example, the control unit 100 can determine which of the switching periods in the first special control and the second special control takes priority based on the difference between the temperature range of the first high-temperature cooling control (first special control) and the temperature range of the second high-temperature cooling control (second special control). For example, if the temperature range of the first high-temperature cooling control is higher than the temperature range of the second high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 may determine that the switching period in the first special control takes priority over the switching period in the second special control. On the other hand, if the temperature range of the second high-temperature cooling control is higher than the temperature range of the first high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 100 may determine that the switching period in the second special control takes priority over the switching period in the first special control.

[0223] <6.2 Second Control Example>

[0224] In the second control example, the control unit 100 determines which of the switching periods in the first special control and the second special control should take priority based on the difference in capacity between the first and second target chambers. For example, if the capacity of the first target chamber is larger than that of the second target chamber, the control unit 100 determines that the switching period in the first special control performed on the first target chamber takes priority over the switching period in the second special control performed on the second target chamber. In this case, if the switching periods in the first and second special control are about to diverge, the control unit 100 adjusts the control period of the second special control (for example, changing one or more of the start, end, or execution period of the second low-temperature cooling control, or the start, end, or execution period of the second high-temperature cooling control) to make the switching period in the second special control consistent with the switching period in the first special control.

[0225] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 is executing a first low-temperature cooling control on the first target chamber and a second low-temperature cooling control on the second target chamber, if the capacity of the first target chamber is larger than the capacity of the second target chamber, it suppresses the start of the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control until the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control ends.

[0226] For example, when the control unit 100 is executing a first low-temperature cooling control for the first target chamber and a second low-temperature cooling control for the second target chamber, even if the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met before the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met, it will suppress the start of the second high-temperature cooling control until at least the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met.

[0227] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 is executing the first low-temperature cooling control for the first object chamber and the second low-temperature cooling control for the second object chamber, if the capacity of the first object chamber is larger than the capacity of the second object chamber, the second low-temperature cooling control continues until the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control ends.

[0228] For example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control, it does not terminate the second low-temperature cooling control and continues the second low-temperature cooling control until at least the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met. Alternatively, instead of the above example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control, it terminates the execution of the second low-temperature cooling control and cools the second target chamber in other temperature zones set between the low-temperature temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature temperature zone of the second high-temperature cooling control (e.g., temperature zones higher than the low-temperature temperature zone of the second low-temperature cooling control and lower than the high-temperature temperature zone of the second high-temperature cooling control). Furthermore, if the control unit 100 terminates the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control based on the fact that the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met in the first target chamber, it ends the execution of the aforementioned standby control of the second target chamber and begins the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control, thus beginning the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control of the first target chamber.

[0229] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 performs first low-temperature cooling control on the first object chamber and second low-temperature cooling control on the second object chamber, if the capacity of the second object chamber is larger than the capacity of the first object chamber, even if the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control is met before the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met, the control unit 100 will suppress the start of first high-temperature cooling control until at least the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met.

[0230] For example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control, it does not terminate the first low-temperature cooling control and continues the first low-temperature cooling control until at least the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met. Alternatively, instead of the above example, if the control unit 100 meets the end condition of the first low-temperature cooling control before meeting the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control, it terminates the execution of the first low-temperature cooling control and controls the temperature in the first target chamber in other temperature zones set between the low-temperature temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature temperature zone of the first high-temperature cooling control (e.g., temperature zones higher than the low-temperature temperature zone of the first low-temperature cooling control and lower than the high-temperature temperature zone of the first high-temperature cooling control). Furthermore, if the control unit 100 terminates the execution of the second low-temperature cooling control when the end condition of the second low-temperature cooling control is met in the second target chamber, it terminates the aforementioned standby control of the first target chamber and begins the execution of the first high-temperature cooling control, and begins the execution of the second high-temperature cooling control of the second target chamber.

[0231] The second control example is applicable to situations where the temperature band of the first cryogenic cooling control under the first special control and the temperature band of the second cryogenic cooling control under the second special control at least partially overlap (e.g., the same temperature band). However, the second control example can also be applied to situations where the temperature band of the first cryogenic cooling control under the first special control and the temperature band of the second cryogenic cooling control under the second special control are different.

[0232] <7. Advantages>

[0233] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes: a first storage compartment; a second storage compartment disposed within the first storage compartment; a first temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a storage space within the first storage compartment that is different from the second storage compartment; a second temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature within the second storage compartment; a cooling unit 40 capable of cooling both the first and second storage compartments; and a control unit 100 capable of controlling the cooling unit 40. The control unit 100 can selectively execute a first control that cools the second storage compartment along with the cooling of the storage space of the first storage compartment based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, and a second control that cools the second storage compartment based on the detection result of the second temperature detection unit. With this structure, when using the first control, both the storage space of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment are cooled simultaneously based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, thereby simplifying the cooling control. On the other hand, when using the second control, the temperature management of the second storage compartment can be performed with higher precision compared to the first control, based on the detection result of the second temperature detection unit. Therefore, a refrigerator capable of appropriate cooling control can be provided.

[0234] In this embodiment, the first control maintains the temperature within the second storage chamber at a first cooling temperature zone where the average temperature is below 0°C and the food does not undergo micro-freezing. The second control alternately performs low-temperature cooling control (maintaining the temperature within the second storage chamber at a second cooling temperature zone lower than the first cooling temperature zone and causing micro-freezing of the food) and high-temperature cooling control (maintaining the temperature within the second storage chamber at a third cooling temperature zone higher than the second cooling temperature zone). With this structure, a simpler cooling control that prevents micro-freezing of the food can be performed with the first control, while a more complex cooling control that alternates between low and high temperature zones can be achieved with the second control. This allows for more appropriate cooling control.

[0235] In this embodiment, the first control, based on the detection results of the first temperature detection unit and the target temperature set for the storage space of the first storage chamber, cools both the first and second storage chambers. With this structure, the first control can primarily manage the temperature of the storage space in the first storage chamber. Therefore, the food stored in the first storage chamber can be preserved more appropriately.

[0236] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 performs second control on the second storage chamber, it can also perform third control, based on the detection results of the first temperature detection unit, to cool the storage space of the first storage chamber in parallel with the second control. With this structure, even when performing the second control, cooling control based on the detection results of the first temperature detection unit can be performed on the storage space of the first storage chamber. Therefore, even when performing the second control, the food stored in the first storage chamber can be preserved more appropriately.

[0237] In this embodiment, as a second control, the control unit 100 can selectively execute a first special control and a second special control. The first special control alternately performs a first low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a first temperature zone, and a first high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone. The second special control alternately performs a second low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a third temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone but lower than the second temperature zone, and a second high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a fourth temperature zone higher than the third temperature zone. With this structure, multiple controls can be provided to the user as similar temperature zone controls. Therefore, the user can select and execute an appropriate control from multiple controls according to their usage purpose or preference. This enables more appropriate cooling control.

[0238] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a storage compartment, a cooling unit 40 capable of cooling the storage compartment, and a control unit 100 capable of controlling the cooling unit 40. The control unit 100 can selectively execute a first special control and a second special control. The first special control alternately performs a first low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage compartment to a first temperature zone and a first high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage compartment to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone. The second special control alternately performs a second low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage compartment to a third temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone and lower than the second temperature zone and a second high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage compartment to a fourth temperature zone higher than the third temperature zone. With this structure, multiple controls can be provided to the user as the second control. Therefore, the user can select and execute an appropriate control from among the multiple controls according to their usage purpose or preference. This enables more appropriate cooling control. With this structure, multiple controls can be provided to the user as controls for similar temperature zones. Therefore, the user can select and execute an appropriate control from among the multiple controls according to their usage purpose or preference. This enables more appropriate cooling control.

[0239] According to at least one embodiment described above, a refrigerator includes: a first storage compartment; a second storage compartment disposed within the first storage compartment; a first temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a storage space within the first storage compartment that is different from the second storage compartment; a second temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature within the second storage compartment; a cooling unit capable of cooling both the first and second storage compartments; and a control unit capable of controlling the cooling unit. The control unit can selectively execute: a first control, based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, cooling the second storage compartment along with the cooling of the storage space within the first storage compartment; and a second control, based on the detection result of the second temperature detection unit, cooling the second storage compartment. With this structure, a refrigerator capable of more appropriate cooling control can be provided.

[0240] 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 within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the patent claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: First storage room; The second storage room is located inside the first storage room; The first temperature detection unit detects the temperature of a storage space inside the first storage room that is different from the second storage room; The second temperature detection unit detects the temperature inside the second storage chamber; The cooling unit is capable of cooling both the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber; as well as The control unit is capable of controlling the cooling unit. The control unit can selectively execute: The first control, based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, cools the second storage chamber as the storage space of the first storage chamber cools; as well as The second control, based on the detection result of the second temperature detection unit, cools the second storage chamber.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first control maintains the temperature in the second storage chamber within a temperature range where the average temperature is below 0°C and the food does not experience micro-freezing. The second control alternately performs low-temperature cooling control, which controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a second cooling temperature zone that is lower than the first cooling temperature zone and causes the food to slightly freeze, and high-temperature cooling control, which controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a third cooling temperature zone that is higher than the second cooling temperature zone.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first control, based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit and the target temperature set for the storage space of the first storage chamber, cools the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the control unit performs the second control on the second storage chamber, it can also perform a third control in parallel with the second control, which is to cool the storage space of the first storage chamber based on the detection result of the first temperature detection unit.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, As a second control, the control unit can selectively execute: The first special control alternately performs a first low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a first temperature zone, and a first high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a second temperature zone that is higher than the first temperature zone. as well as The second special control alternately performs a second low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a third temperature zone that is higher than the first temperature zone and lower than the second temperature zone, and a second high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature in the second storage chamber to a fourth temperature zone that is higher than the third temperature zone.

6. A refrigerator, comprising: Storage room; A cooling unit capable of cooling the storage compartment; and The control unit is capable of controlling the cooling unit. The control unit can selectively execute: The first special control alternately performs a first low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage chamber to a first temperature zone, and a first high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage chamber to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone; and The second special control alternately performs a second low-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage chamber to a third temperature zone that is higher than the first temperature zone and lower than the second temperature zone, and a second high-temperature cooling control that controls the temperature inside the storage chamber to a fourth temperature zone that is higher than the third temperature zone.

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