Frozen storage system and method of frozen storage

Abstract

To support a user who divides a food product while the food product is frozen.SOLUTION: A frozen storage system includes: a refrigerator body provided with a storage room for storing a food product therein; cooling means for cooling the interior of the storage room; and control means for controlling the cooling means so that the internal temperature of the storage room becomes a first temperature that is equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of the food product. The first temperature is such the temperature as maintaining the frozen state of the food product until the frozen food product is taken out from the storage room and is completed with division process in which the frozen food product is divided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerated storage system and a refrigerated storage method.

Background Art

[0002] For long-term storage of food, refrigerated storage is effective. Regarding refrigerated storage of food, a refrigerator that enables the food to be divided without thawing is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art as shown in Patent Document 1, the food may melt during or at the end of the division of the food.

[0005] The present disclosure is for solving such problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerated storage system and a refrigerated storage method that can assist a user in dividing food while the food is in a frozen state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The refrigerated storage system according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerator main body provided with a storage chamber for storing food therein, a cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage chamber, and a control means for controlling the cooling means so that the temperature inside the storage chamber becomes a first temperature equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of the food. The first temperature is a temperature at which the frozen food can be maintained in a frozen state until a division step in which the frozen food is taken out of the storage chamber and divided is completed. The frozen storage method according to the present disclosure includes a cooling step of setting the temperature inside a storage compartment of a refrigerator to a first temperature that is equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of food stored in the storage compartment, and a dividing step of removing the frozen food from the storage compartment and dividing it after the cooling step. The first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be maintained in a frozen state until the dividing step is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The frozen storage system and frozen storage method according to the present disclosure can assist users in dividing food while it is still frozen. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0009] A mode for implementing a refrigerated storage system and a refrigerated storage method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, free combinations of the embodiments, modifications of any components of each embodiment, or omissions of any components of each embodiment are possible.

[0010] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. Note that the refrigerated storage system according to the present disclosure can be realized by the refrigerator 1 alone as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or can also be realized by the cooperation of the refrigerator 1 and external devices.

[0011] In the present disclosure, in principle, each direction is defined based on the state when the refrigerator 1 is installed in a usable state. Also, the dimensions, positional relationships, shapes, etc. of each member constituting the refrigerator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may not necessarily exactly match the actual ones. The configuration of the refrigerator 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0012] The refrigerator 1 has a heat-insulating box body 8. The heat-insulating box body 8 is composed of an outer box, an inner box, and a heat-insulating material. The outer box is, for example, made of steel. The inner box is, for example, made of resin. The inner box is disposed inside the outer box. The heat-insulating material is, for example, foamed urethane, a vacuum heat-insulating material, etc. The heat-insulating material is filled in the space between the outer box and the inner box.

[0013] The front of the heat-insulating box body 8 is open. A storage space is formed inside the heat-insulating box body 8. The storage space is a space where articles to be stored such as food are stored. The storage space formed inside the heat-insulating box body 8 is partitioned into a plurality of storage chambers for storing and preserving food by one or a plurality of partition members. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerating chamber 10, a switching chamber 20, an ice-making chamber 30, a freezing chamber 40, and a vegetable chamber 50 as a plurality of storage chambers. These storage chambers are arranged in a four-stage configuration in the vertical direction in the heat-insulating box body 8. In this way, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator main body provided with a storage chamber for storing food inside.

[0014] The refrigerating chamber 10 is arranged at the uppermost stage of the heat-insulating box body 8. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, a plurality of shelf boards are provided inside the refrigerating chamber 10. The inside of the refrigerating chamber 10 is partitioned into a plurality of spaces in the vertical direction by these shelf boards. As shown in FIG. 2, a chilled chamber 11 may be provided inside the refrigerating chamber 10.

[0015] The switching chamber 20 is arranged on one side, left or right, below the refrigerating chamber 10. The temperature zone in the switching chamber 20 can be selectively switched to any one of a plurality of temperature zones. The plurality of temperature zones selectable as the temperature zone in the switching chamber 20 are, for example, a freezing temperature zone, a soft freezing temperature zone, a chilled temperature zone, a refrigerating temperature zone, a glass freezing temperature zone, and the like. The freezing temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about -18°C. The soft freezing temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about -7°C. The chilled temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about 0°C. The refrigerating temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about 3°C. The glass freezing temperature zone will be described later.

[0016] The ice-making chamber 30 is arranged adjacent to the side of the switching chamber 20. The ice-making chamber 30 is arranged in parallel with the switching chamber 20. That is, the ice-making chamber 30 is arranged on the left and right other sides below the refrigerating chamber 10. The freezing chamber 40 is arranged below the switching chamber 20 and the ice-making chamber 30. The freezing chamber 40 is used when refrigerating and storing the stored items for a relatively long period. Also, the vegetable chamber 50 is arranged below the freezing chamber 40. The vegetable chamber 50 is arranged at the lowermost stage of the heat-insulating box body 8. In the vegetable chamber 50, for example, vegetables and large-capacity PET bottles are stored.

[0017] On the front part of the refrigerating chamber 10, a refrigerating chamber door 2 for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 10 is provided. The refrigerating chamber door 2 is, for example, a double-opening rotary door. The double-opening refrigerating chamber door 2 is composed of a refrigerating chamber right door 2a and a refrigerating chamber left door 2b. An operation panel 3 is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerating chamber door 2. In the illustrated configuration example, the operation panel 3 is provided on the refrigerating chamber left door 2b. The operation panel 3 is for setting the cold storage temperature of each storage chamber and displaying various information such as the temperature of each storage chamber.

[0018] The switching chamber 20, the ice-making chamber 30, the freezing chamber 40, and the vegetable chamber 50 are opened and closed by, for example, drawer-type doors respectively. These drawer-type doors can slide in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 along rails horizontally formed on the left and right inner wall surfaces of each storage chamber. The user of the refrigerator 1 opens and closes the switching chamber 20, the ice-making chamber 30, the freezing chamber 40, and the vegetable chamber 50 by sliding the drawer-type door.

[0019] Inside the switching chamber 20 and inside the freezing chamber 40, a switching chamber storage case 21 and a freezing chamber storage case 41 that can store food and the like inside are respectively stored in a pull-out manner. Similarly, inside the vegetable chamber 50, a vegetable chamber storage case 51 that can store food and the like inside is stored in a pull-out manner.

[0020] The switching chamber storage case 21 is supported by a frame provided on the door that opens and closes the switching chamber 20. The switching chamber storage case 21 is pulled out in conjunction with the door that opens and closes the switching chamber 20. The freezer storage case 41 is supported by a frame provided on the door that opens and closes the freezer 40. The freezer storage case 41 is pulled out in conjunction with the door that opens and closes the freezer 40. Similarly, the vegetable chamber storage case 51 is supported by a frame provided on the door that opens and closes the vegetable chamber 50. The vegetable chamber storage case 51 is pulled out in conjunction with the door that opens and closes the vegetable chamber 50.

[0021] Note that the number of storage chambers provided in the refrigerator 1, the arrangement of the storage chambers, the configuration of the doors for opening and closing the storage chambers, etc. are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the door for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 10 may be a sliding type. Also, the doors for opening and closing the switching chamber 20, the ice making chamber 30, the freezer 40, and the vegetable chamber 50 may be rotary types. Two or more switching chamber storage cases 21, freezer storage cases 41, and vegetable chamber storage cases 51 may be provided respectively.

[0022] The refrigerator 1 includes a compressor 4, a cooler 5, a blower fan 6, an air duct 9, etc. as a refrigeration mechanism for cooling the air supplied to each storage chamber. The compressor 4 and the cooler 5 constitute a refrigeration cycle circuit together with a condenser, an expansion device, etc. whose illustrations are omitted. The compressor 4 compresses and discharges the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit. The condenser condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 4. The expansion device expands the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser. The cooler 5 cools the air supplied to each storage chamber with the refrigerant expanded by the expansion device. The compressor 4 is arranged, for example, at the lower part on the back side of the refrigerator 1 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] The air duct 9 is for supplying the air cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit to each storage chamber. The air duct 9 is formed inside the heat insulation box body 8. The air duct 9 is arranged, for example, on the back side of the refrigerator 1. The cooler 5 that constitutes the refrigeration cycle circuit is installed in this air duct 9. Also, a blower fan 6 for sending the air cooled by the cooler 5 to each storage chamber is installed in the air duct 9.

[0024] When the blower fan 6 operates, the air cooled by the cooler 5, that is, cold air, is sent through the air duct 9 to the freezer compartment 40, the switching compartment 20, the ice-making compartment 30, and the refrigerator compartment 10. Thereby, each storage compartment is cooled. Also, cold air returned from the refrigerator compartment 10 is introduced into the vegetable compartment 50 through an air duct (not shown). Thereby, the inside of the vegetable compartment 50 is cooled. The air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 50 is returned into the air duct 9 where the cooler 5 is installed. The air returned into the air duct 9 is cooled again by the cooler 5 and circulates inside the refrigerator 1. Note that the air circulation path described here is an example, and any path may be used.

[0025] Also, dampers are provided at intermediate locations leading from the air duct 9 to each storage compartment. These dampers are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By changing the opening and closing states of the respective dampers, the air volume of the cold air supplied to each storage compartment is adjusted. The air volume of the cold air supplied to the storage compartment is also adjusted by controlling the operation of the blower fan 6. Also, the temperature of the air supplied to each storage compartment is adjusted by controlling the operation of the compressor 4.

[0026] A thermistor for detecting the internal temperature is installed in each storage compartment. This thermistor is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The above-described dampers, blower fan 6, and compressor 4 are controlled based on the detection result of the thermistor. The dampers, blower fan 6, and compressor 4 are controlled so that the temperature inside each storage compartment becomes a preset temperature. In the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle circuit including the compressor 4 and the cooler 5 provided as described above, the blower fan 6, the air duct 9, and the dampers are an example of cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage compartment.

[0027] The refrigerator 1 includes a control device 7. The control device 7 is provided, for example, at the upper part on the back side of the refrigerator 1 as shown in FIG. 2. The control device 7 is provided with a control circuit and the like for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1. Each function of the control device 7 is realized by this control circuit. The control device 7 is an example of control means for controlling the cooling means.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control system of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. The control circuit of the control device 7 is provided with, for example, a processor 7a and a memory 7b. The control device 7 executes a preset process by the processor 7a executing a program stored in the memory 7b, and controls the refrigerator 1.

[0029] The processor 7a is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 7b includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, mini disks, and DVDs.

[0030] Note that the control circuit of the control device 7 may be formed as, for example, dedicated hardware. A part of the control circuit of the control device 7 may be formed as dedicated hardware, and the control circuit may be provided with the processor 7a and the memory 7b. The control circuit in which a part is formed as dedicated hardware includes, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0031] A signal is input to the control device 7 from a thermistor that detects the temperature inside each storage compartment. In the present embodiment, a switching chamber thermistor 27 is provided in the switching chamber 20. The switching chamber thermistor 27 is an example of temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the switching chamber 20. The refrigerator 1 also includes a switching chamber damper 28. The control device 7, which is an example of control means, controls the compressor 4, the blower fan 6, the switching chamber damper 28, etc. so that the temperature inside the switching chamber 20 is maintained at the set temperature based on the detection result of the switching chamber thermistor 27.

[0032] As an example, the operation panel 3 includes an operation unit 3a and a display unit 3b. The operation unit 3a includes switches and the like for setting the set temperature of each storage chamber and the operation mode of the refrigerator 1. The display unit 3b includes a liquid crystal display for displaying various information regarding the refrigerator 1, an LED display lamp, and the like. Note that the operation panel 3 may include a touch panel that also serves as the operation unit 3a and the display unit 3b. Further, the operation panel 3 may be provided with a speaker or the like for performing voice notification.

[0033] A signal from the operation unit 3a of the operation panel 3 is input to the control device 7. The operation unit 3a outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 3a by the user to the control device 7. The control device 7 executes processing based on the signal input from the operation unit 3a. Further, the control device 7 also controls the operation of the display unit 3b of the operation panel 3.

[0034] Next, the functions and operation characteristics of the refrigerator 1 configured as described above will be described. The refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment has a function of freeze-preserving food stored in a switching chamber 20, which is an example of a storage chamber. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first temperature, which is the set temperature of the switching chamber 20, when the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 freeze-preserves food.

[0035] In this embodiment, when freeze-preserving food stored in the switching chamber 20, a compressor 4, a blower fan 6, and a switching chamber damper 28, which are examples of cooling means, cool the inside of the switching chamber 20 so that the temperature inside the switching chamber 20 becomes a first temperature below the freezing temperature of the food. A control device 7, which is an example of control means, controls the compressor 4, the blower fan 6, and the switching chamber damper 28, which are examples of cooling means.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the first temperature is set as a temperature at which the frozen food can be maintained in a frozen state until the splitting process is completed, in which the frozen food is taken out from the inside of the switching chamber 20 and split. The splitting process is one of the processes constituting the refrigerated storage method according to the present embodiment. The splitting process is a process in which the user takes out the frozen food outside the refrigerator 1 and splits it by hand. In addition, when the user splits the food by hand in the splitting process, tools may or may not be used. The splitting process means the process during the period from "splitting start" to "splitting completion" in FIG. 4. The splitting process is performed after the cooling process of setting the temperature inside the switching chamber 20 to the first temperature. The cooling process is a process performed by the refrigerator 1.

[0037] When thin foods or foods with a large surface area are targeted, at the start of the splitting process, that is, at the timing when the frozen food is taken out from the switching chamber 20, as shown in FIG. 4, the temperature of the food slightly rises. Thereafter, until the splitting process is completed, the temperature of the frozen food rises with the passage of time. When thick foods or foods with a small surface area are targeted, although the temperature of the food does not immediately rise even when it is taken out from the switching chamber 20, it rises with the passage of time until the splitting process is completed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first temperature is set as a temperature at which the frozen food can be maintained in a frozen state until the splitting process is completed, in which the frozen food is taken out from the inside of the switching chamber 20 and split.

[0038] The cutting time, which is the time from the start to the completion of the cutting process, and the rate of temperature rise of the food during the cutting process are affected by factors such as the amount of food, the type of food, the size of the food before cutting, the user's dexterity, and the size of the food after cutting. For example, it is considered that the larger the amount of food, the longer the cutting time and the lower the rate of temperature rise. Similarly, it is considered that the larger the size of the food before cutting, the longer the cutting time and the lower the rate of temperature rise. The better the user's dexterity and the faster the cutting speed, the shorter the cutting time and the higher the rate of temperature rise. The smaller the size of the food after cutting, the longer the cutting time and the lower the rate of temperature rise. Note that the influence of each factor on the cutting time and the rate of temperature rise of the food during the cutting process described above is only an example, and it is not always the case as described above. For example, when the temperature of the environment in which the food is cut is high, if the cutting time is long, the amount of heat transferred from the surroundings to the food increases, and the rate of temperature rise is considered to be high.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the first temperature is set as a temperature at which the frozen food can be maintained in a frozen state until the completion of the cutting process in which the frozen food is taken out of the switching chamber 20 and cut, taking into account the above-described various factors. Thereby, it is possible to assist the user in cutting the food while keeping it frozen.

[0040] In the case of the present embodiment, since the food remains frozen even after the cutting is completed, there is an effect that it is easy to use for cooking as it is. For example, when the food is put in a bag and frozen and then the cutting process is carried out, the frozen food can be taken out of the bag smoothly and is easy to use. Also, by maintaining the food in a frozen state, the deliciousness can be maintained.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the hardness and temperature of frozen food. Frozen food becomes softer as the temperature rises. In particular, when it starts to melt above the freezing temperature, it softens significantly. In the present embodiment, by maintaining the frozen state until the division is completed, the hardness of the food can be maintained. By maintaining the hardness of the food, the ease of division by the user can be maintained. In the present embodiment, the user can stably divide the food into a desired size, particularly a small size.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the first temperature and the probability of maintaining the frozen state until the food is completely divided in Embodiment 1. When an experiment was conducted on the target food being cabbage, with the condition that the user tears it by hand without using tools, it was confirmed that by setting the first temperature to -20°C or lower, the frozen state could be maintained until the division was completed. Also, for vegetables and mushrooms other than cabbage, it was confirmed that by setting the first temperature to -20°C or lower, the frozen state could be maintained until the division was completed. Therefore, when the target food is vegetables or mushrooms, the first temperature may be set to -20°C or lower.

[0043] Also, the first temperature may be set to a temperature equal to or lower than the freeze-concentration glass transition temperature Tg'. The freeze-concentration glass transition temperature is the temperature at which the food becomes glassy with freeze-concentration. The glassy food is in an amorphous state and has lost its fluidity. The freeze-concentration glass transition temperature varies depending on the components and water content of the food. For example, cooked rice is around -6 to -8°C, meat and fish are around -7 to -12°C, and vegetables are -10 to -40°C. When the temperature of the food having a rubbery freeze-concentration phase is further lowered, at some point, the freeze-concentration phase transitions to a hard and brittle state called the glassy state. At this time, the molecular motion of the components of the freeze-concentration phase seemingly stops, and it becomes a stable state, that is, a state suitable for long-term storage. The temperature at which the freeze-concentration phase transitions from the rubbery state to the glassy state is the freeze-concentration glass transition temperature Tg'.

[0044] When using the vitrified food, while the food in a lump state is kept frozen, it can be easily broken apart by applying force by hand. Specifically, by bending it or hitting it with the hand, cracks can be made to appear in all directions in the food that was in a lump state, just like when glass shatters and cracks, making it possible to put the food in a broken state.

[0045] Before the dividing step, a notification step may be performed to notify that the temperature of the food stored frozen has reached the first temperature and the cooling step has been completed. The notification step is performed, for example, by the operation panel 3. In this example, the operation panel 3 is an example of a notification means. The operation panel 3, which is an example of a notification means, may notify that the temperature of the food in the switching chamber 20 has reached the first temperature. In this example, the user can easily grasp whether the food stored frozen is in a state suitable for dividing.

[0046] Before the cooling step, a method setting step may be performed to set the dividing method in the dividing step and change the first temperature according to the dividing method. The method setting step is performed, for example, by the operation panel 3 and the control device 7. In this example, the operation panel 3 is an example of a method setting means. The operation panel 3, which is an example of a method setting means, may set the dividing method in the dividing step. The control device 7, which is an example of a control means, may change the first temperature according to the dividing method set by the operation panel 3, which is an example of a method setting means.

[0047] The dividing method means the method by which the user divides the food. Examples of the dividing method include cutting with a kitchen knife, dividing by hitting with a noodle stick, dividing by hand, etc. The setting of the dividing method may be performed by preparing candidates for the dividing method in advance and having the user select an arbitrary dividing method from among the candidates. Alternatively, the user may set the candidates by themselves and then select from among them. Alternatively, the dividing method may be set from among those that are broadly categorized such as "by hand" or "using tools".

[0048] For example, when dividing food by hand, it is considered that the rate of temperature rise of the food increases due to the heat of the hand. Conversely, when dividing using tools, the rate of temperature rise of the food is considered to be smaller compared to dividing by hand. For example, when selecting a dividing method where the temperature of the food rises easily like dividing by hand, it is advisable to set the first temperature to a low temperature such as -20°C or lower or below the frozen concentrated glass transition temperature Tg'. Conversely, when selecting a dividing method where the temperature of the food rises easily, an energy-saving effect can be obtained by setting the first temperature higher without setting it lower than necessary.

[0049] In addition, a method display step of displaying the dividing method set in the method setting step may be performed. The method display step is performed, for example, by the operation panel 3. In this example, the operation panel 3 is an example of the method display means. By displaying the dividing method set by the user, for example, the user can easily recall later, for what purpose the food was stored, etc. Also, the purpose of food storage, etc. can be conveyed to family members other than the setting user.

[0050] Before the cooling step, a size setting step may be performed to set the target size of the food after division in the dividing step and change the first temperature according to the target size. The size setting step is performed, for example, by the operation panel 3 and the control device 7. In this example, the operation panel 3 is an example of the size setting means. The operation panel 3, which is an example of the size setting means, may set the target size of the food after division in the dividing step. The control device 7, which is an example of the control means, may change the first temperature according to the target size set by the operation panel 3, which is an example of the size setting means.

[0051] The target size refers to the size of the food after completion of division desired by the user. The target size varies according to the type of food, the usage method, etc. The target size may be, for example, the size of rough cuts of about several centimeters, or may be the size of fine cuts of about several millimeters. It is also possible to prepare candidates for the target size in advance and set the target size by having the user select an arbitrary target size from among the candidates. Alternatively, the user may set the candidates by themselves and then select from among them. Alternatively, the target size may be set based on the ingredients to be divided and the menu. For example, when the ingredient to be divided is cabbage and the menu is stir-fried vegetables, a rough cut of about several centimeters may be set as the target size.

[0052] For example, when dividing with a fine size as the target size, the time until completion of division becomes long. Therefore, for example, when the target size is a fine size, it is advisable to set the first temperature to a low temperature such as -20°C or lower or below the frozen concentrated glass transition temperature Tg'. Conversely, when the target size is large, an energy-saving effect can be obtained by setting the first temperature higher without setting it lower than necessary.

[0053] In addition, a size display step of displaying the target size set by the size setting step may be performed. The size display step is performed, for example, by the operation panel 3. In this example, the operation panel 3 is an example of size display means. By displaying the target size set by the user, for example, the user can easily recall later, for what purpose the food was stored, etc. Also, the purpose of food storage, etc. can be conveyed to family members other than the user who set it.

[0054] Also, before the cooling step, a preliminary preparation step may be performed to make the thickness of the food before being placed in the switching chamber 20, which is an example of the storage chamber, below a reference. Note that the "thickness" means the "thickness" from a general perspective. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the thickness of the food in Embodiment 1. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, it means the dimension in the direction parallel to the direction of the load applied for dividing the food. By making the thickness below a preset reference, it is possible to avoid the situation where the food is too thick to be divided properly.

[0055] The above-mentioned reference for the thickness can be determined from experiments or the like. FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying the relationship between the thickness of the food in Embodiment 1 and the probability of maintaining the state where the food is frozen until the division is completed. As shown by the solid line, broken line, and dotted line in FIG. 8, as the thickness of the food increases, a greater force is required for division, and it takes more time to complete the division. As a result, the probability of maintaining the frozen state until the completion of the division process decreases. Therefore, it is desirable to make the thickness of the food below a certain reference. For example, when targeting vegetables, it was confirmed that by setting the thickness to 10 mm or less, the food could be maintained in a frozen state until the division was completed.

[0056] Note that the broken line and dotted line in FIG. 8 show the case where the first temperature is lower than in the case of the solid line. The curve showing the relationship between the thickness of the food shown in FIG. 8 and the probability of maintaining the state where the food is frozen until the division is completed shifts to the right as the first temperature decreases. As the first temperature decreases, even if the thickness is large, the probability of maintaining the frozen state until the division is completed increases. When the thickness is below a certain reference, the influence of the first temperature becomes smaller, and the probability of maintaining the food in a frozen state until the division is completed becomes a certain value or more. Also, the reference for the thickness varies depending on the type of food material. For example, food materials containing a large amount of moisture tend to become hard as the thickness increases, and the force required for division becomes large. The reference for the thickness in the preliminary preparation step may be set according to various conditions such as the type of food and the first temperature.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the first temperature may be set as a temperature at which the food can be frozen in a packaged state and divided while remaining in the packaged state. The packaged state means, for example, a state wrapped in a wrap film or a state stored in a plastic bag. In this example, the food can be divided while in the packaged state, improving convenience.

[0058] Since an air layer is formed between the packaging material and the food, heat transfer deteriorates, and it becomes difficult for the temperature of the food to rise. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain the frozen state until the division is completed. However, since the cold air indirectly affects the food due to the packaging, the time until the food is cooled to the first temperature also changes. Therefore, it is advisable to change the first temperature according to the presence or absence of packaging. For example, the refrigerator 1 may be provided with a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of food packaging. Alternatively, the user may input information on the presence or absence of packaging through an input means such as the operation panel 3. By changing the first temperature according to the presence or absence of packaging, the food can be frozen more appropriately, and an energy-saving effect can be obtained. Also, the way the force is applied when dividing the food changes depending on the presence or absence of packaging. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 may propose a division method according to the presence or absence of packaging to the user by means of a proposal means such as the operation panel 3.

[0059] As described above, the freezing preservation method according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a preliminary preparation step, a cooling step, a division step, and the like. The processing and operations in a specific step may be changed according to the information of another step.

[0060] For example, in the preliminary preparation step, preparation information that can be utilized in the cooling step and the division step can be obtained. Examples of the preparation information include the size of the food before storage, the shape of the food before storage, the type of food, the amount of food, or the recipe using the food.

[0061] For example, if the size of the food before preservation is large, it is assumed that the time required to complete the division will be long. Therefore, it is advisable to lower the first temperature in the cooling process. Alternatively, in the division process, it is advisable to propose from the proposing means such as the operation panel 3 so that the division method is a method in which the temperature of the food is difficult to rise.

[0062] For example, when the shape of the food before preservation is an elongated rod shape, the direction of the force and the magnitude of the necessary force for efficiently dividing in the division process can be assumed to a certain extent. Therefore, in the division process, it is advisable to propose from the proposing means such as the operation panel 3 so that the division method is a method according to the shape of the food. On the other hand, when the shape of the food before preservation is a complex shape, it is difficult to assume an efficient division method, and it is assumed that the time required to complete the division will be long. Therefore, it is advisable to lower the first temperature in the cooling process.

[0063] Also, if the type of food is known in advance, the magnitude of the force required for division and the approximate target size can be assumed. For example, in the case of hard food, it is advisable to propose from the proposing means such as the operation panel 3 to divide using tools. Alternatively, the first temperature in the cooling process may be lowered to below the freeze-concentration glass transition temperature Tg'.

[0064] When the amount of food is large, it can be assumed that the time required to complete the division will be long. Therefore, it is advisable to lower the first temperature in the cooling process. Alternatively, in the division process, it is advisable to propose from the proposing means such as the operation panel 3 so that the division method is a method in which the temperature of the food is difficult to rise. Similarly, depending on the recipe, it is advisable to change or propose appropriate first temperature and division method.

[0065] As cooling information which is information on the cooling process, there is a first temperature. When the first temperature is determined in advance or cannot be changed, it may be advisable to propose to the user in the preliminary preparation process regarding the size, shape, and quantity of the food according to this first temperature. For example, when the first temperature is a relatively high temperature, since there is a possibility that a large or large quantity of food may not be able to maintain a frozen state until the division is completed, it may be advisable to propose to divide the food into smaller pieces before storage, or to store it in small portions in bags, etc. Also, for example, when the first temperature is a relatively high temperature, it may be advisable to propose to make the division method in the division process a method in which the temperature of the food is less likely to rise.

[0066] As division information which is information on the division process, there are a division method and a target size after division, etc. For example, when dividing food by hand, since the rate of temperature rise of the food becomes high, the division time must be shortened. Therefore, in the preliminary preparation process, it may be advisable to propose to make the size of the food smaller to some extent. Or it may be advisable to propose to reduce the quantity of the food. Or it may be advisable to set the first temperature in the cooling process to a lower temperature. When the target size after division is small, it may be advisable to propose a division method using an efficient tool. Or in the preliminary preparation process, it may be advisable to propose to make the shape such that it can be divided finely in advance. Also, it may be advisable to set the first temperature in the cooling process to a lower temperature.

[0067] As described above, the processing and operations in a specific process can be changed according to the information of another process, thereby improving the convenience for the user. Also, for example, it may be further advisable to propose to change the operations set in advance by the user. For example, when the user sets to divide a large quantity of food by hand, a proposal such as "It is more preferable to divide using tools" may be made from a proposal means such as the operation panel 3.

[0068] The above-mentioned preparation information, cooling information, and division information may be obtained by the user's own setting, or may be obtained automatically or semi-automatically by the refrigerated storage system. The refrigerated storage system may include at least one of a preparation information acquisition means for acquiring preparation information, a cooling information acquisition means for acquiring cooling information, and a division information acquisition means for acquiring division information.

[0069] Examples of the preparation information acquisition means include a camera for photographing food, an infrared sensor capable of detecting the shape and size of food, a weight sensor, a sensor for detecting a change in capacitance due to contact between food ingredients and a storage container, a smartphone app for inputting recipe information, and the like. Examples of the cooling information acquisition means include a thermistor in the storage chamber or a control means for controlling the cooling means. As for the configuration of the division information acquisition means, it is conceivable to provide in advance a storage location for the tool used for division in the refrigerator 1, and to acquire information that when the user places this tool in the storage location, division by this tool will be performed. It is desirable to put the tool used for division into the refrigerator 1 and cool it in advance, as this can reduce the heat applied to the food during division.

[0070] As described above, the refrigerated storage system according to the present disclosure can be realized by the refrigerator 1 alone, or can also be realized by the cooperation of the refrigerator 1 and an external device. The refrigerator 1 may be configured to be able to communicate various information with the outside. For example, the function of the control device 7, which is an example of the control means, may be realized by an external device of the refrigerator 1 or a cloud server or the like. Also, the functions of each means such as the notification means, the method setting means, the method display means, the size setting means, the size display means, the input means, and the proposal means are not limited to the operation panel 3 of the refrigerator 1, and may be realized by an external device of the refrigerator 1 such as a smartphone, for example. The refrigerated storage system according to the present disclosure can be realized by the refrigerator 1 alone, or can also be realized by the mutual communication and cooperation between the refrigerator 1 and the outside.

[0071] In the present disclosure, the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Examples of aspects of the present disclosure are collectively described below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A refrigerator body provided with a storage chamber for storing food therein, cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage chamber, control means for controlling the cooling means so that the temperature in the storage chamber becomes a first temperature equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of the food, comprising, The first temperature is a temperature at which the frozen food can be maintained in a frozen state until a splitting step in which the frozen food is taken out of the storage chamber and split is completed. A refrigerated storage system characterized by this. (Appendix 2) The refrigerated storage system according to Appendix 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that the temperature of the food in the storage chamber has reached the first temperature. (Appendix 3) comprising method setting means for setting a splitting method in the splitting step, The control means changes the first temperature according to the splitting method set by the method setting means. The refrigerated storage system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The refrigerated storage system according to Appendix 3, further comprising method display means for displaying the splitting method set by the method setting means. (Appendix 5) comprising size setting means for setting a target size after splitting the food in the splitting step, The control means changes the first temperature according to the target size set by the size setting means. The refrigerated storage system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The refrigerated storage system according to Appendix 5, further comprising size display means for displaying the target size set by the size setting means. (Appendix 7) The refrigeration storage system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein the first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be frozen in a packaged state and can be divided while remaining in the packaged state. (Appendix 8) A cooling step of setting the temperature in the storage chamber of the refrigerator to a first temperature equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of the food stored in the storage chamber, After the cooling step, a dividing step of taking out the frozen food from the storage chamber and dividing it, characterized by comprising: The first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be maintained in a frozen state until the dividing step is completed, and a refrigeration storage method characterized by this. (Appendix 9) The refrigeration storage method according to Appendix 8, further comprising a notification step of notifying that the temperature of the food in the storage chamber has reached the first temperature and the cooling step has been completed before the dividing step. (Appendix 10) The refrigeration storage method according to Appendix 8 or Appendix 9, further comprising a method setting step of setting a dividing method in the dividing step and changing the first temperature according to the dividing method. (Appendix 11) The refrigeration storage method according to Appendix 10, further comprising a method display step of displaying the dividing method set by the method setting step. (Appendix 12) The refrigeration storage method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 11, further comprising a size setting step of setting a target size after dividing the food in the dividing step and changing the first temperature according to the target size before the cooling step. (Appendix 13) The refrigeration storage method according to Appendix 12, further comprising a size display step of displaying the target size set by the size setting step. (Appendix 14) The refrigeration storage method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 13, further comprising a preliminary preparation step of making the thickness of the food before being placed in the storage chamber below a reference before the cooling step. (Appendix 15) The refrigerated storage method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 14, wherein the first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be frozen in a packaged state and divided while remaining in the packaged state.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigerator Door 2a Right Refrigerator Door 2b Left Refrigerator Door 3 Operation Panel 3a Operation Section 3b Display Section 4 Compressor 5 Cooler 6 Blower Fan 7 Control Device 7a Processor 7b Memory 8 Heat-Insulating Box 9 Air Duct 10 Refrigerator Compartment 11 Chilled Compartment 20 Switching Compartment 21 Switching Compartment Storage Case 27 Switching Compartment Thermistor 28 Switching Compartment Damper 30 Ice-Making Compartment 40 Freezer Compartment 41 Freezer Compartment Storage Case 50 Vegetable Compartment 51 Vegetable Compartment Storage Case

Claims

1. A refrigerator body provided with a storage chamber for storing food therein, cooling means for cooling the interior of the storage chamber, control means for controlling the cooling means so that the temperature in the storage chamber becomes a first temperature equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of the food, comprising: The first temperature is a temperature at which the frozen food can be maintained in a frozen state until a splitting step in which the frozen food is taken out of the storage chamber and split is completed. A refrigerated storage system characterized by this.

2. The refrigerated storage system according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that the temperature of the food in the storage chamber has reached the first temperature.

3. Comprising method setting means for setting a splitting method in the splitting step, The control means changes the first temperature according to the splitting method set by the method setting means. The refrigerated storage system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The refrigerated storage system according to claim 3, further comprising method display means for displaying the splitting method set by the method setting means.

5. Comprising size setting means for setting a target size of the food after splitting in the splitting step, The control means changes the first temperature according to the target size set by the size setting means. The refrigerated storage system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The refrigerated storage system according to claim 5, further comprising size display means for displaying the target size set by the size setting means.

7. The first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be frozen in a packaged state and split while remaining in the packaged state. The refrigerated storage system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A cooling step of setting the temperature in the storage chamber of the refrigerator to a first temperature equal to or lower than the freezing temperature of the food stored in the storage chamber, After the cooling step, a splitting step of taking out the frozen food from the storage chamber and splitting it, comprising: The first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be maintained in a frozen state until the splitting step is completed. A refrigerated storage method characterized by this.

9. Before the splitting step, a notification step of notifying that the temperature of the food in the storage chamber has reached the first temperature and the cooling step has been completed. The refrigerated storage method according to claim 8.

10. The freezing preservation method according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a method setting step of setting a splitting method in the splitting step before the cooling step and changing the first temperature according to the splitting method.

11. The freezing preservation method according to claim 10, further comprising a method display step of displaying the splitting method set by the method setting step.

12. The freezing preservation method according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a size setting step of setting a target size after splitting the food in the splitting step before the cooling step and changing the first temperature according to the target size.

13. The freezing preservation method according to claim 12, further comprising a size display step of displaying the target size set by the size setting step.

14. The freezing preservation method according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a pre-preparation step of making the thickness of the food before being placed in the storage chamber below a reference.

15. The first temperature is a temperature at which the food can be frozen in a packaged state and split while remaining in the packaged state according to claim 8 or claim 9.

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