Quality holding method and quality holding facility

Abstract

To provide a quality holding method and a quality holding facility capable of suppressing quality deterioration of room-temperature / refrigerated items stored at room temperature or in refrigeration.SOLUTION: A quality holding method suppresses deterioration in quality of room-temperature / refrigerated items WK by cooling the room-temperature / refrigerated items WK, which are stored at room temperature or a temperature lower than room temperature, to below 0°C. Specifically, the quality holding method first installs a freezer 200 for cooling the room-temperature / refrigerated items WK to below 0°C in a facility 100, which is a place that can be used by an unspecified number of people. Next, an unspecified number of people are informed that the freezer 200 can cool the room-temperature / refrigerated items WK to below 0°C. Those who receive the information realize that cooling their own room-temperature / refrigerated items WK to below 0°C can suppress quality deterioration more than at present, and use the freezer 200 to cool the room-temperature / refrigerated items WK, thereby suppressing the quality deterioration of the room-temperature / refrigerated items WK.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a quality retention method and quality retention equipment capable of suppressing deterioration of the quality of room temperature refrigerated goods by cooling the room temperature refrigerated goods using a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a cooling device installed in a place where an unspecified number of people can use it to refrigerate or freeze fresh food or frozen food to maintain the freshness of these foods. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a coin locker with a cooling function installed in a department store or a station and having a function of refrigerating or freezing foods that require storage at a low temperature.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, in the coin locker with a cooling function described in Patent Document 1 above, although it is possible to refrigerate refrigerated goods and freeze frozen goods, a further high-quality storage method for these storage objects has always been required.

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a quality retention method and quality retention equipment capable of suppressing deterioration of the quality of storage objects, particularly room temperature refrigerated goods stored at room temperature or refrigerated.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the feature of the present invention is a quality retention method for suppressing the deterioration of the quality of a normal-temperature refrigerated product by cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated product stored at normal temperature or a low temperature lower than normal temperature to below 0°C, comprising: an installation step of installing a refrigerator for cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C at a location where an unspecified number of people can use it; and a guidance step of guiding an unspecified number of people that the refrigerator can cool the normal-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C.

[0007] According to the feature of the present invention configured as described above, the quality retention method includes a guidance step of guiding that the normal-temperature refrigerated product can be cooled to below 0°C using a refrigerator installed at a location where an unspecified number of people can use it. Therefore, the person who has received the guidance can notice that by cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated product owned by themselves to below 0°C, the quality deterioration can be suppressed more than the current situation, and can cool the normal-temperature refrigerated product using this refrigerator to suppress the quality deterioration of the normal-temperature refrigerated product. Note that the normal temperature is the ordinary temperature when no heating or cooling is performed.

[0008] Here, the installation location of the refrigerator includes, for example, general retail stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, department stores where food or daily necessities can be purchased, complex commercial facilities such as shopping malls, stores or places where unmanned sales are conducted, shopping streets, markets, restaurants, movie theaters, public baths, swimming pools, stadiums for various sports or watching games such as baseball fields, banks, roadside stations, public facilities such as stations or parks, schools, various research institutions, libraries, medical institutions such as clinics or hospitals, leisure facilities visited by tourists such as theme parks or amusement parks, accommodation facilities such as hotels or inns, farmlands, fishing ports, orchards, parking lots or the roadside facing the road, etc.

[0009] In addition, the normal-temperature refrigerated product is an article composed of a solid (including semi-solids such as jelly) or a liquid (including fluids such as gels) at a temperature of 0°C or higher, and examples include food eaten by humans or animals, plants such as fresh flowers, pharmaceuticals or research specimens, cells or reagents, etc.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the quality retention method, when cooling a room-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C, an explanation step of explaining a cooling method according to the room-temperature refrigerated product to an unspecified number of people is further included.

[0011] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, since the quality retention method includes an explanation step of explaining a cooling method according to the room-temperature refrigerated product to an unspecified number of people when cooling the room-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C, a person unfamiliar with the cooling operation of cooling the room-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C can perform appropriate cooling according to the room-temperature refrigerated product by referring to the explanation.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the quality retention method, a setting step in which an employee working in a facility equipped with a refrigerator places the room-temperature refrigerated product in the refrigerator is further included.

[0013] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, since the quality retention method includes a setting step in which an employee places the room-temperature refrigerated product in the refrigerator, even a person unfamiliar with the cooling operation of cooling the room-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C can cool the room-temperature refrigerated product at an appropriate position according to the size, physical properties of the room-temperature refrigerated product, or the relationship with other room-temperature refrigerated products in the refrigerator. Also, by demonstrating the operation of the employee placing the room-temperature refrigerated product, a person unfamiliar with it can also obtain knowledge about the placement method of the room-temperature refrigerated product by watching the demonstration.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the quality retention method, the room-temperature refrigerated product is food, the installation location of the refrigerator is a facility that sells or provides the room-temperature refrigerated product, and the refrigerator is installed adjacent to a cash register space that accepts payment from users who use the facility.

[0015] Here, "sale" means directly delivering room-temperature or refrigerated items in exchange for payment to an unspecified large number of people. Specifically, facilities that sell room-temperature or refrigerated items include retail stores such as supermarkets or department stores. Also, "provision" means providing services using room-temperature or refrigerated items to an unspecified large number of people. Specifically, facilities that provide room-temperature or refrigerated items include food and beverage stores that serve cooked food and drinks to customers.

[0016] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the quality retention method, since the refrigerator is installed adjacent to the checkout space provided in the facility, users of the facility can immediately cool the food after payment using the refrigerator.

[0017] Here, the checkout space is a space for receiving payment from users of the facility using a checkout device, and includes a space where a so-called self-checkout device for settling goods by the users themselves is arranged. In this case, in the quality retention method, since the refrigerator is installed adjacent to the checkout space equipped with the self-checkout device, users can complete the payment for the room-temperature or refrigerated items to be cooled first and start cooling, and then proceed with the payment for other goods or the bagging work while waiting for the cooling to end.

[0018] Another feature of the present invention is that in the quality retention method, the installation location of the refrigerator is inside a facility having a visual recognition part that can recognize the inside from the outside at the outer peripheral part of the building, and is at a position where the refrigerator can be recognized from the outside through the visual recognition part.

[0019] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the quality retention method, since the refrigerator is installed at a position where it can be recognized from the outside of the facility, it is easy for users of the facility to recognize the refrigerator from the outside, which can create an opportunity for users to remember to cool the room-temperature or refrigerated items they had planned or to avoid forgetting to put the room-temperature or refrigerated items into the refrigerator. Also, the quality retention method can show to people passing by outside the facility that it is possible to cool room-temperature or refrigerated items in the facility.

[0020] Further, another feature of the present invention is that in the quality retention method, the refrigerator is installed near the entrance and exit of the facility equipped with the refrigerator.

[0021] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the quality retention method, since the refrigerator is installed near the entrance and exit of the facility, it is easy for the users using the facility to recognize the refrigerator when entering and leaving the facility, and it can create an opportunity for the users to remember to cool the room-temperature refrigerated items as planned or to prevent forgetting to place the room-temperature refrigerated items into the refrigerator.

[0022] Further, another feature of the present invention is that in the quality retention method, the room-temperature refrigerated items are foods, and the refrigerator freezes the room-temperature refrigerated items while suppressing the expansion of ice crystals generated in the room-temperature refrigerated items.

[0023] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the quality retention method, since the refrigerator freezes the food while suppressing the expansion of ice crystals generated by freezing, it can suppress the destruction of the tissue or cells of the food and can suppress the deterioration of the taste or texture associated with freezing.

[0024] Further, another feature of the present invention is that in the quality retention method, the refrigerator includes an opening for putting the room-temperature refrigerated items into the refrigerator and a door that opens and closes the opening freely, and a luggage rack for placing objects is installed below the door.

[0025] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the quality retention method, since a luggage rack for placing objects is installed below the door of the refrigerator, when taking the room-temperature refrigerated items in and out of the refrigerator, the room-temperature refrigerated items or other carry-on luggage can be placed on the luggage rack to stably take the room-temperature refrigerated items in and out. Also, when the refrigerator is equipped with a tray for placing the room-temperature refrigerated items, the tray can be placed on the luggage rack to easily arrange the room-temperature refrigerated items at a preferred position. Also, when bagging the room-temperature refrigerated items after cooling, the luggage rack can be used to stably perform the bagging operation.

[0026] In addition, the present invention can be implemented not only as an invention of a quality retention method but also as an invention of quality retention equipment.

[0027] Specifically, the quality retention equipment is quality retention equipment that suppresses the deterioration of the quality of normal-temperature refrigerated items stored at normal temperature or at a low temperature lower than normal temperature by cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated items to below 0°C, and is installed in a place where an unspecified number of people can use it. It suffices to be equipped with a refrigerator that cools normal-temperature refrigerated items to below 0°C and guidance means for guiding that the refrigerator can cool normal-temperature refrigerated items to below 0°C for an unspecified number of people. According to this, the quality retention equipment can be expected to have the same operational effects as the above quality retention method.

[0028] In this case, in the quality retention equipment, it is preferable to further include explanation means for explaining to an unspecified number of people a cooling method according to the normal-temperature refrigerated items when the refrigerator cools the normal-temperature refrigerated items to below 0°C.

[0029] Also, in this case, in the quality retention equipment, the normal-temperature refrigerated items are foods, the installation location of the refrigerator is a facility that sells or provides the normal-temperature refrigerated items, and the refrigerator is preferably installed adjacent to a cash register space that accepts payments from users who use the facility. Also by these, the quality retention equipment can be expected to have the same operational effects as the quality retention method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the quality maintenance method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration inside a facility 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] (Configuration of Facility 100) The facility 100 is a place for providing the quality maintenance method according to the present invention to an unspecified large number of people. In the present embodiment, the facility 100 is a supermarket, which is a retail store where food or daily necessities can be purchased. In this case, the facility 100 includes not only the building of the supermarket but also facilities installed around the building (for example, a parking lot).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the facility 100 is a store formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and an entrance / exit 101 is provided on the wall surface in the upper left part of the drawing. This facility 100 mainly includes a facility-side space 110 and a user-side space 120.

[0034] The facility-side space 110 is a space used for business by facility-related personnel involved in the operations for the facility 100 to conduct business within the facility 100, such as managers who manage the facility 100 or employees who work at the facility 100, and is a place where users (shoppers) who utilize the facility 100 are not allowed to enter. In FIG. 1, the facility-side space 110 is shown with gray hatching. This facility-side space 110 mainly consists of a backroom 111 and a cash register space 112.

[0035] The backroom 111 is a space for facility-related personnel to work, store items necessary for work, or take breaks, and is configured to be separated from the user-side space 120, which will be described later, via partitions such as walls, doors, or curtains. In the present embodiment, the backroom 111 is configured to be formed in a substantially C shape along the other three wall surfaces excluding the wall surface provided with the entrance / exit 101 in the facility 100. This backroom 111 can be configured by providing a workroom for working inside, a warehouse for storing items (including a refrigerator or freezer for storing items refrigerated or frozen), a dressing room, a rest room, a toilet, etc.

[0036] The cash register space 112 is a place for receiving payment from users, and is configured to include a cash register device for employees to receive payment from users and conduct settlement. In the present embodiment, the cash register space 112 includes six cash register devices and six cash registers for placing the goods for which payment is made, respectively. In this case, the cash register space 112 is arranged in the area from the center of the facility 100 to the entrance / exit 101 side.

[0037] The user side space 120 is a space within the facility 100 where users can freely move around. In this embodiment, the user side space 120 is configured as a space surrounded by the back room 111 excluding the cash register space 112 within the facility 100. This user side space 120 is provided with a fresh produce corner 121, a seafood corner 122, a prepared food corner 123, a livestock product corner 124, a processed food and sundries corner 125, a packing space 126, and a service space 127.

[0038] The fresh produce corner 121 is a sales area where vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, or processed products using these (such as cut vegetables, etc.) are displayed. Temperature control is carried out for the fresh produce corner 121 so that the temperature around these fresh produce remains at a constant low temperature. For example, the temperature can be controlled to be 0°C or higher and 10°C or lower, more specifically, to maintain a temperature of 5 - 7°C. Also, in this embodiment, the fresh produce corner 121 is arranged and configured in a rectangular region along the back room 111 provided above the facility 100 in plan view.

[0039] The seafood corner 122 is a sales area where seafood, seaweed, or processed products using these (such as sashimi, dried seafood, or seasoned nori, etc.) are displayed. Temperature control is carried out for the seafood corner 122 so that the temperature around these seafood remains at a constant low temperature. For example, it can be refrigerated or managed at room temperature within the range of 0°C or higher and 10°C or lower. More specifically, in the case of refrigeration, the temperature can be controlled to maintain 0 - 3°C, and in the case of room temperature, 5 - 30°C. Also, in this embodiment, the seafood corner 122 is arranged and configured in a substantially square region surrounded by the back room 111 at the upper right corner of the facility 100 in plan view.

[0040] The prepared food corner 123 is a sales area where prepared foods (such as boxed lunches, grilled foods, fried foods, steamed foods, boiled foods, or stir-fried foods, etc.) cooked inside or outside the facility 100 are displayed. Temperature control is performed for the prepared food corner 123 so that the temperature around these prepared foods becomes an appropriate temperature according to various prepared foods. For example, for prepared foods mainly eaten in a warm state such as grilled foods or fried foods, temperature control can be performed at a temperature at which the prepared foods can maintain a warm state. On the other hand, for prepared foods mainly eaten in a cold state such as cold Chinese noodles or salads, temperature control can be performed at a low temperature. Also, for prepared foods mainly eaten at room temperature such as dressed dishes, temperature control can be performed at room temperature, specifically so that the temperature around the prepared foods maintains 5 to 30°C. Further, in the present embodiment, the prepared food corner 123 is configured to be arranged in a rectangular region along the back room 111 provided at a position facing the wall surface having the entrance 101 in the facility 100.

[0041] The livestock product corner 124 is a sales area where meat, milk, eggs taken from livestock such as cows, pigs, and birds, or processed products using these (such as processed meat such as ham or sausage, or dairy products, etc.) are displayed. Temperature control is performed for the livestock product corner 124 so that the temperature around these livestock products maintains a certain low temperature, and for example, it can be refrigerated at 0°C or higher and 10°C or lower or managed at room temperature. More specifically, in the case of refrigeration, temperature control can be performed to maintain 0 to 3°C, and in the case of room temperature, to maintain 5 to 30°C. Further, in the present embodiment, the livestock product corner 124 is configured to be arranged in a substantially square region surrounded in two directions by the back room 111 at the lower right corner of the facility 100 in plan view.

[0042] The processed food and sundries corner 125 is a sales area where grains, beverages, tea leaves, processed products that can be stored at room temperature (such as bread, confectionery, canned goods, seasonings, retort foods, or instant foods, etc.), frozen foods (including ice confectionery), or daily necessities are displayed. Temperature control is carried out for the processed food and sundries corner 125 so that the temperature around these products remains constant. For example, for products that can be stored at room temperature, the temperature can be controlled to be maintained at 5°C to 30°C, and for frozen foods, the temperature can be controlled to be maintained at 15°C or lower. Also, in this embodiment, the processed food and sundries corner 125 is arranged and configured in a rectangular area along the central area of the facility 100 and the backroom 111 provided below the facility 100 in plan view.

[0043] The packing space 126 is a place for users who have completed checkout at the cash register space 112 to pack the products into bags or cardboard boxes, etc., and is configured with a platform for placing the luggage for users to place the products or bags, etc. In this embodiment, the packing space 126 is provided with six platforms for placing luggage, and is arranged and configured on the side of the entrance / exit 101 with respect to the cash register space 112.

[0044] The service space 127 is a place for providing services or products to users using equipment without displaying the products. Specifically, it is configured with an ice maker for providing ice, a dry ice maker for providing dry ice, a vending machine for providing water, or a microwave oven for providing a service of warming the products, etc. In this embodiment, the service space 127 is provided with an ice maker, a dry ice maker, and a refrigerator 200, and is arranged and configured in a rectangular area along the wall surface of the facility 100 provided with the entrance / exit 101. In this case, the refrigerator 200 is installed at a position where it can be seen from the outside through the viewing part 102 formed by a transparent glass material in a plate shape and constituting a part of the side wall of the facility 100.

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the refrigerator 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of the external configuration of the refrigerator 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] (Configuration of Refrigerator 200) The refrigerator 200 is a cooling device capable of cooling a normal-temperature refrigerated item WK to a temperature below 0°C, more specifically, -35°C or lower. Here, the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK is an article made of a solid (including semi-solids such as jelly) or a liquid (including fluids such as gels) at a temperature of 0°C or higher. Specifically, the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK includes foods that humans or animals eat, plants such as fresh flowers, pharmaceuticals or research specimens, cells or reagents, etc. In the present embodiment, the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK is described by adopting foods that humans or animals eat. As shown in FIG. 2, this refrigerator 200 includes a housing 210.

[0047] The housing 210 is a structure that forms a space for accommodating and cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK and for accommodating or supporting the equipment for cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK, and is formed in a box shape by a metal (for example, steel) frame material and plate material. This housing 210 includes a front surface 211, a left side surface 217, a right side surface 218, an upper surface 219, a bottom surface 221, and a back surface (not shown), respectively.

[0048] The front surface 211 is a portion formed on the front side of the refrigerator 200, and is configured by forming a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) in a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. This front surface 211 is composed of a right front surface 212 and a left front surface 214.

[0049] The right front surface 212 is a portion that occupies the right side in the width direction when viewed from the front in the front surface 211, and is provided with a ventilation port 212a, an opening 212b, and an outer door 213, respectively.

[0050] The ventilation opening 212a is a mesh-shaped opening part for introducing outside air to the air generator 260 provided inside the refrigerator 200, and is formed at the lower part of the right front surface 212. The opening 212b is an opening part on the front side of the cooling chamber 230 formed inside the housing 210, and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front above the ventilation opening 212a. An outer door 213 for opening and closing the cooling chamber 230 is provided at this opening 212b.

[0051] The outer door 213 is a component that opens and closes the cooling chamber 230 at the opening 212b and constitutes a part of the outer surface of the refrigerator 200. It is formed by shaping a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) into a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. This outer door 213 is movably attached to the front surface 211 and functions as a single-opening door to the outside. In this case, the outer door 213 is formed to be of a size that covers the opening 212b.

[0052] Inside the outer door 213, a heat insulator (not shown) made of a foamed resin material (such as foamed urethane or foamed styrofoam) obtained by foaming a resin material with a foaming agent is provided at a portion facing the opening 212b. Further, the outer door 213 is provided with a frame-shaped packing (not shown) that adheres to the outer peripheral portion of the opening 212b at a portion facing the opening 212b. The packing is a component for keeping the inside of the cooling chamber 230 airtight and is composed of an elastomer material such as a rubber material.

[0053] Also, a handle 213a equipped with a locking mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the outer door 213. The handle 213a is configured such that when a claw-shaped convex portion provided on the front surface 211 and a claw-shaped latch provided on the front side (as shown) of the outer door 213 engage with each other, the outer door 213 is held in a closed state.

[0054] The left front surface 214 is a portion that occupies the left side in the width direction when viewed from the front on the front surface 211, and is provided with an overhanging portion 215 and an operation panel 216, respectively.

[0055] The protruding portion 215 is a portion that protrudes forward of the refrigerator 200 from the surface where at least the opening 212b is formed, and is configured by forming a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) so that its cross-sectional shape is substantially trapezoidal. An operation panel 216 is fitted and provided on the front surface of this protruding portion 215.

[0056] The operation panel 216 is a component for the user to operate the refrigerator 200. In this embodiment, the operation panel 216 is arranged at a height of about the eye level (1 m to 1.7 m) from the chest height of an adult user. This operation panel 216 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display device that receives instructions from the user and displays various information about the refrigerator 200 or the facility 100.

[0057] Here, the various information includes, for example, information indicating that the user (shopper) can maintain the freshness of the room temperature refrigerated item WK, information regarding the operation of the refrigerator 200, information regarding the cooling method according to the room temperature refrigerated item WK, information regarding the operating state of the refrigerator 200, information regarding the thawing method of the frozen room temperature refrigerated item WK, information regarding various cautions, information regarding various advertisements, or other information.

[0058] More specifically, the information indicating that the user can maintain the freshness of the room temperature refrigerated item WK is information that guides that the freshness of the room temperature refrigerated item WK owned by the user can be maintained by cooling it below 0°C. For example, the information indicating that the user can maintain the freshness of the room temperature refrigerated item WK includes information that calls to the user such as "You can make your room temperature and refrigerated items last longer. Please give it a try!" The operation panel 216 that displays the information indicating that the user can maintain the freshness of the room temperature refrigerated item WK corresponds to the guiding means according to the present invention.

[0059] In addition, information regarding the operation of the refrigerator 200 includes, for example, the names of the respective parts of the refrigerator 200, the usage methods of the respective parts, operation procedures, or information regarding the room-temperature refrigerated items WK stored in the refrigerator 200 (for example, information for selecting the type of room-temperature refrigerated items WK to be cooled, etc.).

[0060] In addition, information regarding the cooling method according to the room-temperature refrigerated items WK includes, for example, appropriate pre-preparations according to the room-temperature refrigerated items WK, the placement location, the start time of cooling (for example, cool warm prepared dishes before cooling), the set temperature of the cold air, the air volume, the wind speed, or the cooling time. Thus, the operation panel 216 that displays information regarding the cooling method according to the room-temperature refrigerated items WK corresponds to the explanation means according to the present invention.

[0061] In addition, information regarding the operating state of the refrigerator 200 includes, for example, the ON-OFF state of the power supply, the usage status of the cooling chamber 230, the set temperature, the air volume, the wind speed, the preparation time until the refrigerator 200 can start cooling, the elapsed time since the start of cooling, the waiting time until the cooling is completed, or the set time for setting the time for performing cooling.

[0062] In addition, information regarding the thawing method of the frozen room-temperature refrigerated items WK includes, for example, the thawing timing, the thawing method (for example, placing in running water, placing in ice water, soaking in hot water, heating in a microwave oven, or putting in a refrigerator), the thawing time, the advantages and disadvantages of each thawing method, and the recommended thawing method (for example, the recommended thawing method corresponding to the frozen room-temperature refrigerated items WK or the cooking method after thawing).

[0063] In addition, information regarding various cautions includes, for example, cautions when operating the refrigerator 200 (specifically, not opening the outer door 213 during cooling or not touching the room-temperature refrigerated items WK with bare hands for a long time after cooling), cautions regarding the room-temperature refrigerated items WK cooled by the refrigerator 200 (specifically, not cooling animals), cautions regarding the behavior of users within the facility 100 (specifically, cooling can be performed on purchased goods or wearing a mask), or cautions regarding the external environment such as a heavy rain warning.

[0064] In addition, information regarding various advertisements includes, for example, advertisements related to the manufacturer that produced the refrigerator 200, advertisements related to the facility 100 where the refrigerator 200 is installed, or advertisements related to a third party not related to the manufacturer and the facility 100. Other information includes, for example, weather forecasts or news.

[0065] The left side surface 217 is a part that constitutes the left side surface of the refrigerator 200 as shown in the figure, and is formed by shaping a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) into a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction when viewed from the left side. The right side surface 218 is a part that constitutes the right side surface of the refrigerator 200 as shown in the figure, and is formed by shaping a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) into a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction when viewed from the right side.

[0066] The upper surface 219 is a part that constitutes the ceiling of the refrigerator 200, and is formed by shaping a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) into a rectangular shape when viewed in plan. The control unit 220 is attached to this upper surface 219.

[0067] The control unit 220 is configured by housing a microcomputer composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. in a housing, and comprehensively controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 200 by executing a comprehensive control program (not shown) stored in advance in a storage device. Although the control unit 220 includes a power supply unit (not shown) that receives power from an external power source (for example, a 200V power source) and supplies power to each part such as the operation panel 216, the heater 234, and the cold air generator 260 that require power, since it is not directly related to the present invention, its description is omitted.

[0068] The bottom surface 221 is a part formed on the lower surface side of the refrigerator 200 and on which a part of the cold air generator 260 is placed, and is configured by forming a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) in a rectangular shape in plan view. Casters 221a are respectively attached to the four corners of the lower surface. The caster 221a is a wheel for moving the refrigerator 200. Further, the back surface (not shown) of the refrigerator 200 is a part constituting the surface on the side opposite to the front side of the refrigerator 200, and is configured by forming a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) in a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction in a rear view.

[0069] Further, inside the housing 210, a cooling chamber 230, a first equipment storage chamber 240, and a second equipment storage chamber 250 are respectively formed.

[0070] The cooling chamber 230 is a structure for forming storage spaces E1 to E5 for storing the normal temperature refrigerated goods WK. As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling chamber 230 is arranged on the right side in the width direction of the refrigerator 200, and is formed in a box shape in which a heat insulating material made of a foamed resin material (such as a foamed urethane material or a foamed polystyrene material) obtained by foaming a resin material with a foaming agent is covered with a metal plate (for example, an aluminum plate) or a resin plate. More specifically, the cooling chamber 230 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape extending in the vertical direction in a front view with the front side of the refrigerator 200 being open. This cooling chamber 230 is configured to include a shelf portion 231, a heater 234, and an inner door 235 respectively.

[0071] The shelf portion 231 is a part for temporarily holding the normal temperature refrigerated goods WK to be cooled in the cooling chamber 230. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the shelf portion 231 is configured to have five storage spaces E1 to E5 capable of storing the normal temperature refrigerated goods WK. This shelf portion 231 includes a tray 232 and a tray support portion 233 respectively.

[0072] The tray 232 is a component for placing the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK and taking them in and out of the cooling chamber 230, and is formed of a plate-like shape that is rectangular in plan view and extends in the left-right direction and the depth direction of the cooling chamber 230 with a material having a high thermal conductivity (for example, a metal material such as an aluminum material). In this case, the outer peripheral portions of the four sides of the tray 232 are each formed to rise up.

[0073] A plurality of these trays 232 are arranged in a horizontal posture in the cooling chamber 230 at a predetermined interval in the illustrated up-down direction. In this case, the predetermined intervals may be equal intervals or different intervals from each other. In the present embodiment, five trays 232 are arranged at equal intervals in the up-down direction.

[0074] The tray support portion 233 is a component for supporting the plurality of trays 232 described above in the cooling chamber 230 in a detachable state. Specifically, the tray support portion 233 is configured such that a plate-like mounting plate 233b is installed in the depth direction in the cooling chamber 230 with respect to columns 233a standing up at the four corners of the cooling chamber 230 to support the left and right edge portions of the tray 232, respectively. In this case, the tray support portion 233 is provided with a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of mounting plates 233b arranged in the up-down direction corresponding to the number of trays 232. Further, the tray support portion 233 is composed of a material having a high thermal conductivity (for example, a metal material such as an aluminum material) like the tray 232.

[0075] The heater 234 is a device for removing frost or ice adhering in the cooling chamber 230, and is provided on the back side of the ceiling of the cooling chamber 230. In the present embodiment, the heater 234 is configured as a defrosting device that removes frost or ice adhering to the tray 232 or the tray support portion 233 by irradiating near-infrared rays. Further, on the floor surface of the cooling chamber 230, a tray (so-called drain pan) (not shown) for receiving water generated when removing frost or ice and a drain pipe (not shown) for draining the water received by this tray are provided.

[0076] The inner door 235 is a component for opening and closing each storage space E1 to E5 of the shelf portion 231 toward the outer door 213 side, and is formed of a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) or a resin plate in a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction in a front view. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner door 235 is formed to have a size that covers the region on the opening 212b side in each storage space E1 to E5 of the shelf portion 231. These inner doors 235 are attached to a frame body (not shown) fitted into the opening 212b and function as upward-opening doors. Further, the inner door 235 is provided with hole portions 235a that function as places for a user to hang their fingers or as peepholes at the central portion of the lower part in a front view, respectively.

[0077] The first equipment storage chamber 240 is a space for housing a part of a cold air generator 260, which will be described later, together with the second equipment storage chamber 250. Specifically, the first equipment storage chamber 240 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape at the lower part of the housing 210 by the front surface 211, the left side surface 217, the right side surface 218, the bottom surface 221, the back surface (not shown) of the housing 210, and the lower surface of the cooling chamber 230. The compressor 261, the condenser 262, and an expansion mechanism (not shown) that constitute the cold air generator 260 are respectively housed in the first equipment storage chamber 240.

[0078] The second equipment storage chamber 250 is a structure for forming a space for housing another part of the cold air generator 260, which will be described later. Specifically, the second equipment storage chamber 250 is arranged on the left side in the width direction of the refrigerator 200 (that is, on the left side of the cooling chamber 230 in a front view), and is formed in a box shape by covering a heat insulating material made of a foamed resin material (such as a foamed urethane material or a foamed polystyrene material) obtained by foaming a resin material with a foaming agent with a metal plate (for example, a steel plate) or a resin plate. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the second equipment storage chamber 250 is configured to communicate with the cooling chamber 230. The evaporator 263 and the blower 264 that constitute the cold air generator 260 are respectively housed in the second equipment storage chamber 250.

[0079] The cold air generator 260 is a mechanical device for supplying cold air into the cooling chamber 230. As shown in FIG. 6, it is configured to include a compressor 261, a condenser 262, an evaporator 263, a blower 264, and an expansion mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment, the cold air generator 260 is of the heat pump type and is configured to be able to supply cold air at a maximum of -45°C.

[0080] The compressor 261 is a mechanical device that compresses the refrigerant and sends it to the condenser 262. The condenser 262 is a mechanical device that releases the heat of the refrigerant to the outside. The expansion mechanism is a device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant and is composed of an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0081] The evaporator 263 is a mechanical device that absorbs the heat around the evaporator 263 by the refrigerant and cools it. This evaporator 263 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the vertical direction shown in the figure, and blowers 264 are provided on both sides in the front view.

[0082] The blower 264 is a mechanical device for blowing cold air onto the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK to cool them and supplying the air in the cooling chamber 230 to the evaporator 263. This blower 264 is composed of fans arranged on both sides of the evaporator 263. In this embodiment, the blower 264 is provided with one fan each for supplying air to the evaporator 263 vertically on the left side of the evaporator 263 in the front view, and one fan each for blowing cold air onto the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK on the right side of the evaporator 263 (the cooling chamber 230 side) vertically.

[0083] The cold air generator 260 configured in this way rapidly freezes the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK stored in the shelf portion 231. Here, rapid freezing means performing freezing while suppressing the expansion of ice crystals in the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK and suppressing the destruction of the tissue or cells of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK.

[0084] (Maintaining the quality of normal-temperature refrigerated goods) Next, a method for maintaining the quality of normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK using the refrigerator 200 configured as described above will be explained. First, the management operator of the refrigerator 200 (a person engaged in the management and operation of the refrigerator 200 who is either an employee of the facility 100 or a person other than an employee of the facility 100) installs the refrigerator 200 in a place where an unspecified number of people can use it.

[0085] Specifically, the management operator installs the refrigerator 200 in the service space 127 adjacent to the side wall provided with the visual recognition unit 102 in the facility 100. In this case, the management operator installs the refrigerator 200 with the front surface 211 of the refrigerator 200 facing the packing space 126 side and the back surface of the refrigerator 200 facing the visual recognition unit 102 side. In this way, the operation of installing the refrigerator 200 in the user side space 120 corresponds to the installation step according to the present invention.

[0086] Next, after connecting the refrigerator 200 to an external power source, the management operator operates the operation panel 216 to activate the control unit 220. As a result, the control unit 220 enters a standby state waiting for an instruction from the management operator by executing the built-in comprehensive control program.

[0087] Next, the management operator operates the operation panel 216 to instruct the control unit 220 to perform pre-cooling until the temperature inside the cooling chamber 230 reaches the temperature at which the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK are actually rapidly frozen. As a result, the control unit 220 controls the operation of the cold air generator 260 to start cooling the inside of the cooling chamber 230.

[0088] Specifically, the control unit 220 causes the cold air generator 260 to generate cold air, and as shown in FIG. 3, controls the blower 264 to send the generated cold air from the left side to the right side (the cooling chamber 230 side) in a front view. In this case, the cold air sent into the cooling chamber 230 flows from the left side to the right side inside each accommodation space E1 to E5 in a front view to cool the entire air inside the cooling chamber 230. In the present embodiment, the management operator can perform pre-cooling of the inside of the cooling chamber 230 by setting the temperature inside the cooling chamber 230 to -35°C for the control unit 220.

[0089] Next, the management operator operates the operation panel 216 to cause the control unit 220 to start guiding that the freshness of the normal-temperature refrigerator WK can be maintained. In this case, the control unit 220 can display, on the operation panel 216, a call to the user, such as "Quick-freeze your vegetables, meat, or prepared foods on hand! They will always stay delicious!", for example. In the present embodiment, the control unit 220 continuously or intermittently displays the above guidance on the operation panel 216 to execute a guidance process for the user (shopper). The process of displaying, on the operation panel 216, guidance to the effect that the freshness of the normal-temperature refrigerator WK can be maintained corresponds to the guidance step according to the present invention.

[0090] In addition, the management operator operates the operation panel 216 to instruct the control unit 220 to display, on the operation panel 216, a screen for displaying the operation procedure of the refrigerator 200 to the user. Specifically, the control unit 220 causes a button (hereinafter also referred to as a "start button") described as "Start" to be displayed on the operation panel 216 as a screen for displaying the operation procedure.

[0091] In this case, the control unit 220 may be configured to alternately display the above guidance and the screen for displaying the operation procedure, or may be configured to switch the display content to the screen for displaying the operation procedure when a tap operation is performed on the operation panel 216 on which the above guidance is displayed. In the present embodiment, the control unit 220 alternately switches the above guidance and the screen for displaying the operation procedure at a fixed cycle and causes them to be displayed on the operation panel 216. Next, the management operator prepares a pair of tongs or disposable plastic gloves for the user to pick up the normal-temperature refrigerator WK when using the refrigerator 200.

[0092] Next, the user enters the store of the facility 100 from the entrance 101 and shops. First, the user freely moves around the fresh produce corner 121, seafood corner 122, prepared foods corner 123, livestock products corner 124, and processed foods and sundries corner 125 provided in the user-side space 120 to select the products to be purchased within the facility 100.

[0093] Next, the user hands the selected product to the employee at the checkout space 112, pays for the product, and receives the product. Next, when the user packs the purchased product in a bag or a box, etc., the user moves to the packing space 126 and packs the purchased product in a bag or the like that the user owns.

[0094] At this time, the user can recognize the refrigerator 200 installed toward the packing space 126 and recognize the guidance indicating that the freshness of the normal temperature and refrigerated goods WK displayed on the operation panel 216 can be maintained. Also, the employee can directly appeal to the user the guidance indicating that the freshness of the normal temperature and refrigerated goods WK displayed on the operation panel 216 can be maintained. Through these, the user recognizes that the freshness of purchased products such as vegetables, meat, or prepared foods can be maintained for a long time by performing rapid freezing.

[0095] Note that even when the user does not pack the purchased product in a bag or a box, etc., the user can recognize the refrigerator 200 when passing through the checkout space 112 and recognize the guidance indicating that the freshness of the normal temperature and refrigerated goods WK displayed on the operation panel 216 can be maintained.

[0096] Next, when the user hopes to rapidly freeze the normal temperature and refrigerated goods WK (for example, daikon radish, seasoned meat, and bread purchased by the user) that the user owns by the refrigerator 200, the user moves to the service space 127.

[0097] Next, the user taps the start button displayed on the operation panel 216. In response to this tap operation, the control unit 220 causes the operation procedure of the refrigerator 200 to be displayed on the operation panel 216. Specifically, the control unit 220 can cause the operation procedure to be displayed on the operation panel 216 by means of a video showing the state of operating the refrigerator 200 or highlighting operation buttons according to the operation procedure. In the present embodiment, the control unit 220 causes a video showing the state of operating the refrigerator 200 to be displayed on the operation panel 216.

[0098] Next, the user operates the refrigerator 200 in accordance with the operation procedure of the above video. Specifically, the user operates the operation panel 216 to cause the control unit 220 to display the usage status of the storage spaces E1 to E5 on the operation panel 216 and confirm the available storage spaces.

[0099] Next, after the user selects the available storage spaces E1 to E5 (for example, storage space E5) on the operation panel 216, the user inputs the types of the normal-temperature refrigerated items WK that are desired to be rapidly frozen. In the present embodiment, the user selects radishes, seasoned meat, and bread corresponding to root vegetables, semi-cooked meat, and bread.

[0100] In response to this selection operation, the control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display an appropriate pre-preparation method according to the type of the selected normal-temperature refrigerated item WK. Specifically, when the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK to be rapidly frozen is wrapped with a film, the control unit 220 preferably peels off part or all of the wrapping; when it is put in a pack, it preferably opens the lid; when it is put in a bag, it preferably makes a hole in the bag or it may be in the original state. The control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display the preparation method according to each normal-temperature refrigerated item WK.

[0101] In addition, the control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display an appropriate arrangement position on the tray 232 for each type of the selected normal-temperature refrigerated item WK. Specifically, the control unit 220 preferably arranges the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK to be stored so that its height increases in the direction from the left side to the right side in a front view in the storage spaces E1 to E5; the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK is preferably arranged in a direction orthogonal (depth direction) to the cold air from the blower 264; or a soft normal-temperature refrigerated item WK (for example, a cake, etc.) is preferably arranged away from the blower 264 side. The control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display the appropriate arrangement position according to the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK.

[0102] The process of displaying, on the operation panel 216, an appropriate rapid freezing method corresponding to the room temperature and refrigerated item WK selected by the user, such as pre-preparation or placement location, etc., corresponds to the explanation step according to the present invention.

[0103] Next, the user makes pre-preparations for the room temperature and refrigerated item WK with reference to the pre-preparation method displayed on the operation panel 216. After finishing the pre-preparations, the user opens the outer door 213 and then, as shown in FIG. 5, opens the inner door 235 corresponding to the storage space E5 and pulls out the tray 232 from the storage space E5 halfway. In this case, the user can check whether there is another user's room temperature and refrigerated item WK stored in the storage space E5 through the hole 235a with the inner door 235 closed.

[0104] Next, the user places the pre-prepared room temperature and refrigerated items WK on the tray 232 with reference to the placement location displayed on the operation panel 216. In this case, the user can place the room temperature and refrigerated item WK without directly touching it by using tongs or plastic gloves, etc.

[0105] Next, after the user returns the tray 232 into the storage space E5, the user closes the inner door 235 and the outer door 213. Thereby, the room temperature and refrigerated item WK stored in the storage space E5 is cooled by the cold air being blown by the blower 264. In this case, the user can check the state (such as displacement or toppling, etc.) of the user's room temperature and refrigerated item WK placed in the storage space E5 through the hole 235a with the inner door 235 closed.

[0106] Also, when the user closes the outer door 213 and operates the operation panel 216 to instruct the control unit 220 to start measuring the elapsed time since the room temperature and refrigerated item WK was stored. Thereby, the control unit 220 measures the elapsed time and calculates the waiting time until the rapid freezing ends from the result and displays the waiting time on the operation panel 216. Specifically, the control unit 220 displays "30 minutes left" or "00:30:00", etc. on the operation panel 216.

[0107] In addition, the control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display various other types of information. Specifically, the control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display information indicating that the user can maintain the freshness of the room-temperature refrigerated item WK, information regarding the operation of the refrigerator 200, information regarding the operating state of the refrigerator 200, information regarding the thawing method of the frozen room-temperature refrigerated item WK, information regarding various warnings, information regarding various advertisements, or other information.

[0108] Next, the user waits for the rapid freezing to end. In this case, the user can grasp the waiting time and obtain various types of information via the operation panel 216.

[0109] Next, if the control unit 220 calculates that the waiting time is zero as a result of the calculation process, the control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display information indicating the end of the rapid freezing and information for confirming to the user whether the room-temperature refrigerated item WK has been removed from the storage space. Specifically, the control unit 220 causes the operation panel 216 to display information indicating the end of the rapid freezing, such as "The waiting time is 0 seconds" or "It has ended", and a removal confirmation button that the user operates when removing the room-temperature refrigerated item WK from the storage space.

[0110] Next, the user confirms that the information indicating the end of the rapid freezing is displayed on the operation panel 216 and removes the room-temperature refrigerated item WK from the cooling chamber 230. Specifically, the user opens the outer door 213 and the inner door 235 of the storage space E5 and pulls out the tray 232 partway, in the same manner as when the room-temperature refrigerated item WK was stored in the cooling chamber 230, and then uses tongs or plastic gloves to remove the room-temperature refrigerated item WK. In this case, the user can confirm the frozen state of the room-temperature refrigerated item WK disposed in the storage space E5 through the hole 235a with the inner door 235 closed.

[0111] Next, after the user returns the tray 232 into the storage space E5, the user closes the inner door 235 and the outer door 213, and taps the take-out confirmation button displayed on the operation panel 216. As a result, the control unit 220 determines that the normally refrigerated item WK that has been rapidly frozen has been taken out from the storage space E5, updates the usage status of the storage space E5 to "empty", and resets the elapsed time measurement process.

[0112] In addition, the control unit 220 restarts the guidance process of causing the operation panel 216 to display guidance indicating that the freshness of the normally refrigerated item WK can be maintained. As a result, the refrigerator 200 enters a standby state waiting for the user's instruction.

[0113] Next, the user takes the rapidly frozen normally refrigerated item WK and other purchased items and exits the building of the facility 100 from the entrance / exit 101. At this time, since the refrigerator 200 is installed adjacent to the side wall of the facility 100 provided with the visual recognition unit 102, the user can recognize the refrigerator 200 from the outside. Here, when the user recognizes the refrigerator 200 from the outside, it becomes easier to remember the presence of the normally refrigerated item WK left in the refrigerator 200, and the user can return to pick up the normally refrigerated item WK before leaving the facility 100.

[0114] As can be understood from the above description, according to the quality maintenance method according to the above embodiment, in the facility 100 where an unspecified number of people can use the refrigerator 200, since it includes a guidance step of guiding that the freshness of the normally refrigerated item WK can be maintained, the user who has received the guidance realizes that the quality deterioration can be suppressed more than the current situation by rapidly freezing the normally refrigerated item WK owned by himself / herself, and can perform rapid freezing of the normally refrigerated item WK using this refrigerator 200 to suppress the quality deterioration of the normally refrigerated item WK.

[0115] Furthermore, in the implementation of the present invention, it is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes are possible without departing from the object of the present invention. In the description of the following modification examples, the same parts as those in the above embodiment in the reference drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping parts is omitted.

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, the refrigerator 200 was installed in the service space 127. According to this, the quality retention method can guide users who want to keep the purchased goods cold using ice or dry ice, etc., that the freshness of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK can be maintained, and can promote the rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK. However, the installation location of the refrigerator 200 is not limited to the service space 127, and it may be installed in the user side space 120 where an unspecified number of people, that is, users who can freely come and go in the facility 100, can pass through.

[0117] Specifically, the refrigerator 200 can be installed adjacent to a sales floor where goods such as a fresh produce corner 121, a seafood corner 122, a prepared food corner 123, a livestock product corner 124, or a processed food and sundries corner 125 are displayed. According to this, in the quality retention method, since the refrigerator 200 is installed adjacent to the sales floor, users can immediately perform rapid freezing of the goods on the spot after deciding to purchase the goods. Also, facility-related personnel can also sell the goods in a state of being rapidly frozen in the refrigerator 200.

[0118] Also, the refrigerator 200 can be installed adjacent to the cash register space 112. According to this, users can immediately perform rapid freezing of the goods immediately after finishing payment. In this case, while waiting for the rapid freezing of the goods, users can also proceed with the work of packing the goods purchased in the packing space 126 into bags or the like.

[0119] Here, in the above embodiment, the cash register space 112 was configured by arranging a cash register device operated by an employee. However, the cash register space 112 can be configured by arranging a cash register device (so-called self-checkout) operated by the user himself / herself to make payment. In this case, in the quality retention method, the refrigerator 200 can be installed adjacent to the cash register space 112 where the self-checkout is arranged. According to this, for goods that the user desires to rapidly freeze, the user can first complete the checkout at the self-checkout and proceed with the checkout or packing work of other goods while waiting for the rapid freezing.

[0120] In addition, the refrigerator 200 can be installed near the entrance and exit of the facility 100. According to this, when entering or leaving the facility 100, it is easier to recognize the refrigerator 200, which can create an opportunity for the user to recall the rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK planned in advance or the forgetting of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK in the refrigerator 200.

[0121] In addition, the refrigerator 200 can be installed under the eaves of the facility 100. According to this, the user can rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK even before entering the indoor area of the facility 100 or after leaving the outdoor area of the facility 100.

[0122] In addition, the refrigerator 200 can be installed in the parking lot of the facility 100. According to this, the user can start the rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK before entering the indoor area of the facility 100 and proceed with the rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK while finishing the business in the facility 100. In addition, it is possible to inform those passing by outside the facility 100 that the freshness of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK can be maintained, and it is also possible to encourage the rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK.

[0123] In addition, the refrigerator 200 can be installed at the roadside facing the road, rather than inside a specific facility such as the facility 100. According to this, an unspecified number of people can rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK at the roadside without going to the facility 100 and maintain the freshness, making it easier to maintain the freshness of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK they own. In addition, an unspecified number of people can rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK and maintain the freshness not only when they feel the need to freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK after leaving the facility 100, but also when they feel the need to freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK they possess regardless of the facility 100.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, the facility 100 is configured as a supermarket where food or daily necessities can be purchased. However, the facility 100 is not limited to a supermarket, and any place where an unspecified number of people can use the refrigerator 200 installed there is acceptable. Specifically, the facility 100 can be composed of convenience stores, drugstores, general retail stores such as department stores, complex commercial facilities such as shopping malls, stores that conduct unmanned sales, shopping streets, markets, restaurants, movie theaters, public baths, swimming pools, stadiums for various sports or for watching games such as baseball fields, banks, roadside stations, public facilities such as stations or parks, schools, various research institutions, libraries, medical institutions such as clinics or hospitals, leisure facilities visited by tourists such as theme parks or amusement parks, accommodation facilities such as inns or hotels, farmlands, fishing ports, orchards or parking lots, etc.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 220 is configured to display, on the operation panel 216 in text, a guidance indicating that the freshness of the room-temperature refrigerated item WK can be maintained. However, the guidance indicating that the freshness of the room-temperature refrigerated item WK can be maintained is not limited to text, and can be represented in forms such as illustrations, diagrams, symbols, sounds, videos, etc. According to this, since the quality maintenance method can display the above guidance in various forms, it can promote the understanding of those who see the guidance.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, the guidance step is realized by causing the control unit 220 to display, on the operation panel 216, a guidance indicating that the freshness of the room-temperature refrigerated item WK can be maintained. However, the guidance step can be realized in various modes as follows.

[0127] Specifically, the guidance step can be realized by displaying, on a guidance board which is a sign installed around the refrigerator 200 or on an advertisement attached to the refrigerator 200 (so-called, pop advertisement, etc.), a guidance indicating that the freshness of the room-temperature refrigerated item WK can be maintained. According to this, even while a user is operating the refrigerator 200, other users can recognize the above guidance from the guidance board or the advertisement attached to the refrigerator 200.

[0128] In addition, the guiding step can be realized by displaying a guide indicating that the freshness of the room-temperature and refrigerated goods WK can be maintained on an advertisement (such as a signboard or sticker, etc.) installed at the sales floor where the room-temperature and refrigerated goods WK are displayed or on the advertisement (such as a sticker, etc.) directly attached to the room-temperature and refrigerated goods WK itself. According to this, when selecting a product, the user can recognize that the product is one that can perform rapid freezing using the freezer 200 and that the freshness of the product can be maintained by such rapid freezing. Also, since the user can make a purchase decision after recognizing that the freshness can be maintained, it is also possible to encourage the user to purchase products that the facility 100 sells at a low price (so-called clearance items) in order to dispose of the unsold items.

[0129] In addition, the guiding step can be realized by displaying a guide indicating that the freshness of the room-temperature and refrigerated goods WK can be maintained on a display device composed of a liquid crystal display installed indoors in the facility 100, a flag (i.e., a banner) installed outdoors in the facility 100, or a promotional advertisement on the Internet or in a flyer. According to this, the quality maintenance method can provide the above-mentioned guide to an unspecified number of people simultaneously. Also, it is possible to encourage the use of the facility 100 by taking advantage of the fact that a service for maintaining the freshness of the room-temperature and refrigerated goods WK is provided.

[0130] In addition, the guiding step can be realized by having the employees of the facility 100 directly guide the user to indicate that the freshness of the room-temperature and refrigerated goods WK can be maintained. Specifically, the employee can call out to the user while providing a tasting of the food rapidly frozen by the freezer 200. According to this, the quality maintenance method can promote the user's understanding of the content of the above-mentioned guide because the employee directly guides the user.

[0131] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the quality retention method is configured to include an explanation step of displaying an appropriate rapid freezing method on the operation panel 216 according to the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK selected by the user. According to this, those who are not familiar with the operation of rapidly freezing the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK can appropriately perform rapid freezing according to each normal-temperature refrigerated product WK with reference to the explanation. However, the quality retention method does not necessarily have to include the explanation step, and when it includes the explanation step, it can be realized by various means similar to the above guidance step.

[0132] Specifically, the explanation step can be realized by displaying the above explanation on a guide plate installed around the refrigerator 200, a pop-up advertisement attached to the refrigerator 200, an advertisement installed at the sales floor where the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK is displayed, an advertisement directly attached to the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK itself, a display device installed indoors in the facility 100, or by a worker directly explaining the above to the user.

[0133] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the quality retention method is configured such that the user himself / herself places the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK on the tray 232. However, the quality retention method can be configured to include a setting step in which a worker places the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK on the tray 232.

[0134] Specifically, in the setting step, first, after the worker takes out the tray 232 from the refrigerator 200, the worker receives the pre-prepared normal-temperature refrigerated product WK from the user and places the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK on the tray 232. In this case, the worker can place the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK while considering the size, physical properties of the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK received from the user, the relationship between the normal-temperature refrigerated products WK, or the relationship with other normal-temperature refrigerated products WK accommodated in the cooling chamber 230. Next, the worker returns the tray 232 into the cooling chamber 230 and starts rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated product WK.

[0135] According to the setting steps realized in this way, even for those who are not used to the operation of rapidly freezing the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK, the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK can be rapidly frozen at an appropriate position according to the size, physical properties, etc. of the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK. Also, by having the worker demonstrate the operation of placing the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK, those who are not used to it can also obtain knowledge about the placement method of the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK by observing the demonstration.

[0136] Also, in the above embodiment, the quality retention method is configured to be installed at a position where the refrigerator 200 can be recognized from the outside through the visual recognition unit 102 in the facility 100 equipped with the visual recognition unit 102. According to this, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the refrigerator 200 from the outside and create an opportunity for the user to remember the rapid freezing of the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK as planned or the forgetting to place the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK into the refrigerator 200. Also, the quality retention method can also show that the facility 100 provides a service for maintaining the freshness of the normal-temperature refrigerated item WK to those passing by outside the facility 100. However, the quality retention method can also be configured by omitting the visual recognition unit 102 from the facility 100.

[0137] Also, in the above embodiment, the refrigerator 200 is configured to include a protruding portion 215 that protrudes forward of the refrigerator 200 from at least the surface where the opening 212b is formed. According to this, the quality retention method can regulate the flow of cold air flowing out from the cooling chamber 230 when the outer door 213 or the inner door 235 is opened by the protruding portion 215 that protrudes forward from the surface where the opening 212b is formed, and can suppress the cold air from directly hitting the user standing in front of the operation panel 216. However, for the left front surface 214 where the operation panel 216 is provided, the refrigerator 200 can also be configured flush with the outer door 213 by omitting the protruding portion 215.

[0138] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cooling chamber 230 is configured to include a shelf portion 231 having accommodation spaces E1 to E5. According to this, since the cooling chamber 230 has a plurality of spaces for accommodating the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK, a plurality of users can rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK in separate spaces respectively. However, the cooling chamber 230 may be configured with a single accommodation space.

[0139] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cooling chamber 230 is configured such that the accommodation spaces E1 to E5 communicate with each other. According to this, since the interior of the cooling chamber 230 is a single connected space, a plurality of accommodation spaces can be cooled simultaneously by circulating cold air in the chamber. However, the cooling chamber 230 can be configured with each accommodation space as a complete individual compartment. In this case, the refrigerator 200 may be configured to be able to individually manage the set temperature, air volume, air speed, and rapid freezing time for each accommodation space during rapid freezing. According to this, the user can rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK under the set conditions according to their own situation or preference.

[0140] In addition, in the above embodiment, the refrigerator 200 is configured to include an inner door 235 at the opening 212b. According to this, when the outer door 213 is opened, it is possible to reduce the leakage of cold air from the opening 212b to the outside and the inflow of outside air into the cooling chamber 230. However, the refrigerator 200 can also be configured by omitting the inner door 235.

[0141] In addition, in the above embodiment, the refrigerator 200 is configured to rapidly freeze by blowing cold air onto the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK with strong wind. However, the refrigerator 200 can also be configured such that cold air is simply introduced into the cooling chamber 230 and not directly blown onto the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK. Further, the refrigerator 200 can be configured to rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK using an antifreeze liquid (for example, an aqueous solution of a salt such as an aqueous calcium chloride solution or alcohol liquids) as the refrigerant. Also, the refrigerator 200 can be configured to rapidly freeze by spraying liquid nitrogen gas onto the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK.

[0142] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigerator 200 is configured to rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK. According to this, since the refrigerator 200 suppresses the expansion of ice crystals in the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK and freezes them while suppressing the destruction of the tissue or cells of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of taste or texture accompanying freezing. However, the refrigerator 200 only needs to be configured to be able to cool the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK below 0°C. In this case, the refrigerator 200 may cool the inside of the cooling chamber 230 to -10°C or lower, preferably -20°C or lower, more preferably -30°C or lower.

[0143] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the quality retention method is configured to perform rapid freezing after the user pays the price of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK. However, the quality retention method does not necessarily require the payment of the price of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK before rapid freezing. Specifically, the quality retention method may be such that for the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK sold in the facility 100, the user performs rapid freezing before paying the price and then pays the price. Also, the quality retention method may rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK provided for free, or may rapidly freeze the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK brought in by the user with the refrigerator 200.

[0144] Also, the quality retention method according to the above-described embodiment can be configured to include a luggage stand 270 for placing objects below the outer door 213 of the refrigerator 200 as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the luggage stand 270 includes a top plate 271 and a support portion 272. The top plate 271 is a component for placing an object on the upper surface, and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view from a metal plate (for example, a steel plate), a resin plate, or a wooden plate. The support portion 272 is a member for horizontally supporting the top plate 271, and is configured to support the top plate 271 at a height lower than the lower surface of the outer door 213. Note that the luggage stand 270 can also be configured by a folding stand attached to the side surface of the refrigerator 200.

[0145] According to this, when taking the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK in and out of the refrigerator 200, the tray 232 can be placed on the luggage platform 270 and the inner door 235 and the outer door 213 can be immediately closed, thereby suppressing the rise in the temperature inside the cooling chamber 230. Also, the user can place the cooled and cold tray 232 on the luggage platform 270 and collect the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK in a stable state.

[0146] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the quality retention method according to the above embodiment can be configured by arranging the luggage platform 270 adjacent to the right side surface 218 of the refrigerator 200. According to this, when the user takes the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK in and out of the refrigerator 200, the user can perform the work in a light-handed state with the carry-on luggage on the luggage platform 270. Also, the user can perform the packing work of the normal-temperature refrigerated goods WK collected at a place where it does not interfere with other users using the refrigerator 200.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0147] WK... Normal-temperature refrigerated goods, E1... Storage space, E2... Storage space, E3... Storage space, E4... Storage space, E5... Storage space, 100... Facility, 101... Entrance / exit, 102... Visual recognition unit, 110... Facility side space, 111... Back room, 112... Cashier space, 120... User side space, 121... Fresh produce corner, 122... Seafood corner, 123... Prepared food corner, 124... Livestock product corner, 125... Processed food and sundries corner, 126... Packing space, 127... Service space, 200... Refrigerator, 210... Housing, 211... Front surface, 212... Right front surface, 212a... Vent, 212b... Opening, 213... Outer door, 213a... Handle, 214... Left front surface, 215... Overhang, 216... Operation panel, 217... Left side surface, 218... Right side surface, 219... Upper surface, 220... Control unit, 221... Bottom surface, 221a... Caster, 230... Cooling chamber, 231... Shelf part, 232... Tray, 233... Tray support part, 233a... Support column, 233b... Mounting plate, 234... Heater, 235... Inner door, 235a... Hole part, 240…First machine accommodation chamber, 250…Second machine accommodation chamber, 260…Air conditioner, 261…Compressor, 262…Condenser, 263…Evaporator, 264…Blower 270…Luggage rack, 271…Top plate, 272…Support part.

Claims

1. A quality retention method for suppressing deterioration of the quality of a normal-temperature refrigerated product by cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated product, which is stored at normal temperature or at a low temperature lower than normal temperature, to below 0°C, comprising: An installation step of installing a refrigerator for cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C at a location where an unspecified number of people can use it; A guidance step of guiding the unspecified number of people that the refrigerator can cool the normal-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C.

2. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1, further comprising: An explanation step of explaining to the unspecified number of people a cooling method corresponding to the normal-temperature refrigerated product when cooling the normal-temperature refrigerated product to below 0°C.

3. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising: A setting step of an employee working in a facility equipped with the refrigerator arranging the normal-temperature refrigerated product in the refrigerator.

4. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The normal-temperature refrigerated product is Food, The installation location of the refrigerator is A facility that sells or provides the normal-temperature refrigerated product, The refrigerator is Installed adjacent to a cash register space that accepts payment from users who use the facility.

5. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The installation location of the refrigerator is Inside a facility having a visual recognition part capable of recognizing the inside from the outside at the outer peripheral part of a building, At a position where the refrigerator can be recognized from the outside through the visual recognition part.

6. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The refrigerator is Installed near the entrance and exit of the facility equipped with the refrigerator.

7. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The normal-temperature refrigerated product is Food, The refrigerator is Characterized in that the normal-temperature refrigerated product is frozen while suppressing the expansion of ice crystals generated in the normal-temperature refrigerated product by freezing the normal-temperature refrigerated product.

8. In the quality retention method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The refrigerator is An opening for putting the normal-temperature refrigerated product into the refrigerator, A door for opening and closing the opening freely. A quality retention method, characterized in that a luggage rack for placing objects is installed below the door.

9. A quality retention facility for suppressing the deterioration of the quality of a normal temperature refrigerated item stored at normal temperature or a low temperature lower than normal temperature by cooling the normal temperature refrigerated item to less than 0°C, A refrigerator installed in a place where an unspecified number of people can use it to cool the normal temperature refrigerated item to less than 0°C, The quality retention facility is characterized by comprising a guiding means for guiding the fact that the refrigerator can cool the normal temperature refrigerated item to less than 0°C to the unspecified number of people.

10. In the quality retention facility described in Claim 9, further, The quality retention facility is characterized by comprising an explanatory means for explaining to the unspecified number of people a cooling method corresponding to the normal temperature refrigerated item when the refrigerator cools the normal temperature refrigerated item to less than 0°C.

11. In the quality retention facility described in Claim 9 or Claim 10, The normal temperature refrigerated item is food, The installation location of the refrigerator is a facility for selling or providing the normal temperature refrigerated item, The refrigerator is installed adjacent to a cash register space for receiving payment from users using the facility.

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