Refrigerator-freezer

Abstract

To reduce the power consumption of a refrigerator-freezer.SOLUTION: A refrigerator-freezer 100 includes: a refrigerant circuit 2; a plurality of storage chambers; a first duct 80; a second duct 90; a first damper 14; a second damper 16, and a control unit 50. In the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant is circulated in the order of a compressor 20, a condenser 30, a decompressor 40, and a cooler 10. The first duct connects a first storage chamber 60 included in a first group and a cooling compartment 12 in which the cooler is arranged. The second duct connects a second storage chamber 70 included in a second group and the cooling compartment. The first damper is installed in the first duct, and configured to switch between blowing and shutdown of cool air from the cooling compartment to the first group. The second damper is installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and shutdown of cool air from the cooling compartment to the second group. The control unit controls the first damper, the second damper, and the vibration frequency of the compressor based on the states of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator-freezer, and more particularly to a technique for reducing power consumption of a refrigerator-freezer. [Background technology]

[0002] In a refrigerator-freezer, power consumption is generally reduced by increasing the temperature of the cooler. However, it is not possible to generate cold air at a temperature lower than the cooler temperature. Therefore, in a typical refrigerator-freezer, the cooler temperature must be set to a temperature lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment, which has the lowest target temperature among the storage compartments of the refrigerator-freezer.

[0003] As a measure to reduce the power consumption of such refrigerator-freezers, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-296942 (Patent Document 1) discloses a refrigerator-freezer that can reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator-freezer by controlling a pressure reducing device, an internal cooling fan, a damper, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-296942 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in recent years, further reduction in power consumption has been required from the viewpoint of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and reducing operating costs for users, etc. The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to reduce the power consumption of refrigerator-freezers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A refrigerator-freezer according to the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit, multiple storage compartments, a first duct, a second duct, a first damper, a second damper, and a control device. In the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and a cooler, in that order. The multiple storage compartments are divided into multiple groups, including a first group and a second group, based on a target temperature range. The first duct connects a first storage compartment included in the first group to a cooling compartment in which a cooler is disposed. The second duct connects a second storage compartment included in the second group to the cooling compartment. The first damper is installed in the first duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the cooling compartment to the first group. The second damper is installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the cooling compartment to the second group. The control device controls the first damper, the second damper, and the frequency of the compressor based on the states of the first and second storage compartments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the refrigerator-freezer of the present disclosure, the compressor frequency can also be controlled to be suitable for the second storage compartment (refrigerating compartment) having a higher target temperature than the first storage compartment (freezing compartment). Therefore, the compressor frequency can be lowered compared to conventional refrigerator-freezers that always control the compressor frequency to be suitable for the first storage compartment (freezing compartment), and the power consumption of the refrigerator-freezer can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a refrigerator-freezer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device in a refrigerator-freezer. [Figure 3] This is a pH diagram showing the change in power consumption due to changes in the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the compressor of a refrigerator / freezer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control device in the refrigerator-freezer. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the control device of the refrigerator-freezer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing target temperature ranges for each storage compartment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the damper and the compressor based on the state of the refrigerator compartment and the state of the freezer compartment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a refrigerator-freezer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a control device in the refrigerator-freezer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed in a control device for a refrigerator-freezer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the target temperature ranges for the chilled compartment, vegetable compartment, ice making compartment, and switching compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a refrigerator-freezer 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerator-freezer 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 2, a plurality of storage compartments, ducts 80 and 90, dampers 14 and 16, temperature sensors 65 and 75, and a control device 50.

[0011] The refrigerant circuit 2 constitutes a circulation flow path through which the refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 2 includes a compressor 20, a condenser 30, a pressure reducing device 40, a cooling chamber 12, and a fan 18. The compressor 20 draws in and compresses the refrigerant, changes the state of the refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas state, and discharges the refrigerant. The compressor 20 discharges the refrigerant at a flow rate that corresponds to the rotation speed. In other words, by adjusting the rotation speed of the compressor 20, the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating inside the refrigerator-freezer 100 can be controlled.

[0012] The compressor 20 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the rotation speed of the compressor 20 is changed by changing the frequency of the voltage applied to the compressor 20 under the control of the control device 50. The frequency of the compressor 20 can be variably adjusted by, for example, inverter control.

[0013] The condenser 30 has a flow path through which a refrigerant flows, and is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the flow path and the air outside the flow path.

[0014] The pressure reducing device 40 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas-liquid mixture to a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. For example, the pressure reducing device 40 is an electronically controlled expansion valve with an adjustable opening. Alternatively, the pressure reducing device 40 may be a capillary tube or an orifice.

[0015] The cooling chamber 12 includes a cooler 10. The cooler 10 has a flow path through which a refrigerant flows, and is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the flow path and the air outside the flow path. In a typical refrigeration cycle device, the cooler 10 functions as an evaporator.

[0016] The fan 18 is disposed so as to send air outside the flow path toward the cooler 10. The amount of air sent to the cooler 10 can be controlled by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 18. The fan 18 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and may be configured so that the fan 18 can be driven, stopped, and its rotation speed can be changed by changing the frequency of the voltage applied to the fan 18 under the control of the control device 50.

[0017] The storage compartments include a refrigerator compartment 60, a chilled compartment 62, a vegetable compartment 64, a freezer compartment 70, an ice-making compartment 72, and a switching compartment 74. Each storage compartment keeps food and other items cool while storing them. Each storage compartment uses cool air generated by the cooler 10 to maintain the temperature within the corresponding target temperature range.

[0018] Here, the temperature range to be maintained in each storage compartment is referred to as the target temperature range. The median of the target temperature range is referred to as the target temperature. However, the target temperature does not necessarily have to be the median of the target temperature range, as long as it is within the target temperature range. The target temperature range and target temperature are set for each storage compartment.

[0019] Specifically, for example, the target temperature range for refrigerator compartment 60 is 0°C to 6°C, and the target temperature for refrigerator compartment 60 is 3°C. The target temperature range for chilled compartment 62 is 0°C to 3°C, and the target temperature for chilled compartment 62 is 1.5°C. The target temperature range for vegetable compartment 64 is 6°C to 9°C, and the target temperature for vegetable compartment 64 is 7.5°C.

[0020] The target temperature range for freezer compartment 70 is -22°C to -16°C, and the target temperature for freezer compartment 70 is -19°C. The target temperature range for ice-making compartment 72 is -18°C to -15°C, and the target temperature for ice-making compartment 72 is -16.5°C. The target temperature for switching compartment 74 can be set by the user within the range of -18°C to -5°C. The target temperature range for switching compartment 74 can be set appropriately within the range of -18°C to -5°C depending on the target temperature for switching compartment 74.

[0021] In refrigerator-freezer 100, the multiple storage compartments are divided into two groups depending on whether the target temperature is higher or lower than 0°C. The first group is, for example, a group with a target temperature higher than 0°C. Specifically, the first group includes refrigerator compartment 60, chilled compartment 62, and vegetable compartment 64. On the other hand, the second group is, for example, a group with a target temperature lower than 0°C. Specifically, the second group includes freezer compartment 70, ice-making compartment 72, and switching compartment 74.

[0022] The duct 80 is configured to connect the cooling compartment 12 and the first group of storage compartments. Specifically, the duct 80 is configured to connect the cooling compartment 12 and the first group of refrigerator compartments 60. The duct 80 blows the cold air generated by the cooler 10 sequentially to the first group of refrigerator compartments 60, chilled compartment 62, and vegetable compartment 64. The duct 80 corresponds to the "first duct" in this disclosure. The refrigerator compartment 60 corresponds to the "first storage compartment" in this disclosure.

[0023] Duct 90 is configured to connect cooling compartment 12 and the second group of storage compartments. Specifically, duct 90 is configured to connect cooling compartment 12 and the second group of freezer compartments 70. Duct 90 blows the cold air generated by cooler 10 sequentially to the second group of freezer compartments 70, ice making compartment 72, and switching compartment 74. Duct 90 corresponds to the "second duct" in this disclosure. Also, freezer compartment 70 corresponds to the "second storage compartment" in this disclosure.

[0024] Damper 14 is installed near cooling compartment 12 inside duct 80. Damper 14 blocks cold air flowing from cooling compartment 12 to first group of refrigerator compartments 60 via duct 80. Damper 14 corresponds to the "first damper" in this disclosure.

[0025] Damper 16 is installed near cooling compartment 12 inside duct 90. Damper 16 blocks cold air flowing from cooling compartment 12 to second group freezer compartment 70 through duct 90. Each of dampers 14, 16 includes a drive circuit, and is switched between open and closed states under the control of control device 50. Damper 16 corresponds to the "second damper" in this disclosure.

[0026] Temperature sensor 65 measures the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 60. The measured values ​​of temperature sensors 65, 75 are transmitted to control device 50. Temperature sensors 65, 75 are, for example, thermistors. Temperature sensor 65 corresponds to the "first temperature sensor" in this disclosure. Temperature sensor 75 measures the temperature inside freezer compartment 70. Temperature sensor 75 corresponds to the "second temperature sensor" in this disclosure.

[0027] Control device 50 controls the entire refrigerator-freezer 100 based on the measured values ​​of temperature sensors 65 and 75, programs stored in memory, etc. Note that the control performed by control device 50 is not limited to software processing, and some or all of the control can be processed by dedicated hardware. For example, the dedicated hardware is an electronic circuit.

[0028] In this way, refrigerator-freezer 100 has a structure in which duct 80 and damper 14, and duct 90 and damper 16 are directly connected to cooling compartment 12. With this configuration, the temperature of the cool air generated by cooler 10 can be changed appropriately depending on the storage compartment to be cooled.

[0029] In addition, in the refrigerator-freezer 100, the first group of refrigerator compartment 60, chilled compartment 62, and vegetable compartment 64 are connected in series by a duct 80, and the second group of freezer compartment 70, ice-making compartment 72, and switching compartment 74 are connected in series by a duct 90.

[0030] With this configuration, the cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 60 can also cool the chilled compartment 62 and the vegetable compartment 64, and the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 70 can also cool the ice-making compartment 72 and the switching compartment 74, so that the cold air can be used effectively.

[0031] To maximize this effect, it is preferable to connect the storage chambers connected in series so that cool air flows from the storage chamber with the smallest lower limit of the target temperature range to the storage chamber with the smallest lower limit of the target temperature range. Alternatively, the storage chambers may be connected so that cool air flows from the storage chamber with the narrowest target temperature range or the storage chamber requiring the highest temperature accuracy to the storage chamber with the smallest lower limit of the target temperature range.

[0032] Furthermore, the refrigerator-freezer 100 of the present disclosure may be configured such that three or more ducts are directly connected to the cooling compartment 12, and one or more storage compartments are connected in series to each duct. In this case, the multiple storage compartments are divided into three or more groups according to the number of ducts.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 50 in the refrigerator-freezer 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 50 includes a memory 52, a processor 54, and a communication interface 56, which are connected to each other via a communication bus.

[0034] The communication interface 56 receives measurements from the temperature sensors 65 and 75 of the refrigerator-freezer 100. The communication interface 56 also transmits control signals to the compressor 20 and dampers 14 and 16 of the refrigerator-freezer 100.

[0035] The memory 52 stores the operating system, application programs, and measurements from the temperature sensors 65 and 75. The memory 52 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a flash memory.

[0036] Processor 54 controls each device of refrigerator-freezer 100 based on data stored in memory 52 and data acquired from communication interface 56. For example, processor 54 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0037] 3 is a ph diagram showing changes in power consumption due to changes in the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of compressor 20 of refrigerator-freezer 100. In a typical refrigerator-freezer, the enthalpy of the refrigerant increases by enthalpy h1 during the process (compression process) in which the state I1 of the refrigerant at the inlet of compressor 20 changes to the state O12 of the refrigerant at the outlet of compressor 20.

[0038] The enthalpy of the refrigerant that increases in the process from the refrigerant state I1 at the inlet of the compressor 20 to the refrigerant state O12 at the outlet of the compressor 20 is called adiabatic compression work, and the greater this enthalpy, the greater the power consumption of the compressor 20. Therefore, in order to reduce the power consumption of the compressor 20, it is necessary to reduce the enthalpy of the refrigerant.

[0039] In order to reduce the enthalpy of the refrigerant, in refrigerator-freezer 100, it is generally considered to increase the temperature of cooler 10 to increase the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of compressor 20. As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3 , when the temperature of cooler 10 increases, the enthalpy representing the refrigerant in state I2 at the inlet of compressor 20 becomes larger than the enthalpy representing the refrigerant in state I1 at the inlet of compressor 20.

[0040] In this case, the enthalpy of the refrigerant increases by enthalpy h2 during the process in which the refrigerant state I2 at the inlet of compressor 20 changes to the refrigerant state O12 at the outlet of compressor 20. As a result, the enthalpy of the refrigerant that increases during the process from the inlet to the outlet of compressor 20 can be reduced from enthalpy h1 to enthalpy h2, thereby reducing the power consumption of compressor 20.

[0041] However, conventional refrigerator-freezers cannot generate cold air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the cooler, so in a typical refrigerator-freezer, the cooler temperature is set to a temperature equal to or lower than the target temperature of the freezer compartment, which has the lowest target temperature among the storage compartments of the refrigerator-freezer.

[0042] 1, in the refrigerator-freezer 100 of the present disclosure, independent ducts 80 and 90 are directly connected to the cooling compartment 12, and dampers 14 and 16 are installed in the ducts 80 and 90, respectively. With this configuration, as will be described below, it is possible to use a single compressor 20 and cooler 10 to switch the temperature of the generated refrigerant to a cold air temperature suitable for the refrigerator compartment 60 or the freezer compartment 70 and send the air thereto.

[0043] Specifically, when cooling of freezer compartment 70 is required, refrigerator-freezer 100 sets the cold air temperature to a temperature suitable for cooling freezer compartment 70, for example, -24°C, which is lower than the lower limit of the target temperature range for freezer compartment 70. On the other hand, when cooling of freezer compartment 70 is not required, refrigerator-freezer 100 switches the cold air temperature to a temperature suitable for cooling refrigerator compartment 60, which has a higher target temperature than freezer compartment 70. The cold air temperature suitable for cooling refrigerator compartment 60 is a temperature lower than the lower limit of the target temperature range for refrigerator compartment 60, for example, -2°C.

[0044] Therefore, it is no longer necessary to always set the temperature of cooler 10 to a temperature suitable for cooling freezer compartment 70, which has the lowest target temperature among the storage compartments of refrigerator-freezer 100. In other words, there may be situations where the temperature of cooler 10 is set to a temperature suitable for refrigerator compartment 60, which has a higher target temperature than freezer compartment 70.

[0045] Therefore, in the refrigerator-freezer 100, when cooling only the first group including the refrigerator compartment 60 whose target temperature is higher than that of the freezer compartment 70, the temperature of the cooler 10 can be increased. Methods for increasing the temperature of the cooler 10 include lowering the frequency of the compressor 20, reducing the degree of pressure reduction of the pressure reduction device 40, and reducing the rotation speed of the fan 18.

[0046] In the present disclosure, among other things, the frequency of compressor 20 is lowered to increase the temperature of cooler 10 and further reduce the power consumption of compressor 20. In this way, refrigerator-freezer 100 of the present disclosure can reduce the power consumption of compressor 20 compared to when a cold air temperature suitable for freezer compartment 70 is always used.

[0047] 4 is a functional block diagram of the control device 50 in the refrigerator-freezer 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 50 includes a state determination unit 82, a damper control unit 84, a compressor control unit 88, and a correction control unit 92.

[0048] The state determination unit 82 acquires a measurement value RT of the temperature sensor 65 provided in the refrigerator compartment 60. The state determination unit 82 also acquires a measurement value FT of the temperature sensor 75 provided in the freezer compartment 70. Furthermore, the state determination unit 82 acquires from the memory 52 a target temperature range RTT for the refrigerator compartment 60 and a target temperature range FTT for the freezer compartment 70.

[0049] The state determination unit 82 compares the measured value RT of the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 with the target temperature range RTT of the refrigerator compartment 60 to determine the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60, which indicates whether the refrigerator compartment 60 should be cooled. The state determination unit 82 also compares the measured value FT of the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 70 with the target temperature range FTT of the freezer compartment 70 to determine the state FX of the freezer compartment 70, which indicates whether the freezer compartment 70 should be cooled.

[0050] The damper control unit 84 controls the damper 14 of the refrigerator compartment 60 based on the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 determined by the state determination unit 82. The damper control unit 84 also controls the damper 16 of the freezer compartment 70 based on the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 determined by the state determination unit 82.

[0051] On the other hand, the compressor control unit 88 controls the frequency of the compressor 20 to a frequency for the refrigerator compartment 60 or a frequency for the freezer compartment 70 based on the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 determined by the state determination unit 82 and the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 determined by the state determination unit 82.

[0052] Furthermore, when the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 and the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 are both in a state where cooling is not required, the compressor control unit 88 stops the compressor 20. Hereinafter, the period from when the compressor 20 starts operating until when it stops is defined as one cycle.

[0053] Correction control unit 92 acquires from memory 52 a history of measured values ​​RT of the inside temperature of refrigerator compartment 60 for a predetermined number of cycles measured by temperature sensor 65, and a history of measured values ​​FT of the inside temperature of freezer compartment 70 for a predetermined number of cycles measured by temperature sensor 75. Correction control unit 92 also acquires from memory 52 a target temperature range RTT of refrigerator compartment 60 and a target temperature range FTT of freezer compartment 70. The predetermined number of cycles is, for example, three cycles.

[0054] Then, the correction control unit 92 calculates an average value of the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 for a predetermined number of cycles from the history of the measured values ​​RT of the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 for a predetermined number of cycles. The correction control unit 92 also calculates an average value of the inside temperature of the freezer compartment 70 for a predetermined number of cycles from the history of the measured values ​​FT of the inside temperature of the freezer compartment 70 for a predetermined number of cycles.

[0055] Furthermore, when the average value of the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 60 deviates from the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 60, correction control unit 92 corrects the set value of the frequency for refrigerator compartment 60 in compressor 20. When the average value of the temperature inside freezer compartment 70 deviates from the target temperature of freezer compartment 70, correction control unit 92 corrects the set value of the frequency for freezer compartment 70 in compressor 20.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the control device 50 of the refrigerator-freezer 100 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 5 is repeatedly executed every time a predetermined condition is met, such as at a predetermined cycle. Alternatively, the flowchart in Fig. 5 may be called from a main routine and executed when a predetermined condition is met.

[0057] First, the control device 50 acquires a measured value RT of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 from the temperature sensor 65 provided in the refrigerator compartment 60. The control device 50 also acquires a measured value FT of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 from the temperature sensor 75 provided in the freezer compartment 70 (step S1).

[0058] Next, the control device 50 acquires the target temperature range RTT for the refrigerator compartment 60 from the memory 52. ​​The control device 50 also acquires the target temperature range FTT for the freezer compartment 70 from the memory 52 (step S2).

[0059] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the target temperature ranges of each storage compartment. As shown in Fig. 6, the target temperature range RTT of refrigerator compartment 60 is 0 to 6°C. Therefore, the lower limit RTTα2 of the target temperature range RTT of refrigerator compartment 60 is 0°C, and the upper limit RTTα1 of the target temperature range RTT of refrigerator compartment 60 is 6°C.

[0060] 6, the target temperature range FTT of freezer compartment 70 is -22 to -16°C. Therefore, the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range FTT of freezer compartment 70 is -22°C, and the upper limit FTTα1 of the target temperature range FTT of freezer compartment 70 is -16°C.

[0061] Next, the control device 50 compares the measured value RT of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 with the target temperature range RTT of the refrigerator compartment 60 to determine the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 (step S3). First, if the measured value RT of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 is greater than the upper limit RTTα1 of the target temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 60 (case I), cooling of the interior of the refrigerator compartment is necessary, so the control device 50 sets the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 to the ON state (step S4).

[0062] Next, if the measured value RT of the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 is smaller than the lower limit RTTα2 of the target temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 60 (case III), cooling needs to be stopped, so the control device 50 sets the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 to the off state (step S6).

[0063] Next, if the measured value RT of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 is within the target temperature range RTT of the refrigerator compartment 60, that is, if the measured value RT of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 is equal to or greater than the lower limit RTTα2 and equal to or less than the upper limit RTTα1 of the target temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 60 (case II), the control device 50 determines whether the current state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the on state (step S5).

[0064] If the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the ON state (YES in step S5), cooling of the refrigerator compartment 60 is in progress, and therefore the control device 50 maintains the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 in the ON state (step S4). In this state, in response to the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 exceeding the target temperature range RTT, cooling is currently in progress so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 becomes the lower limit RTTα2 of the target temperature range.

[0065] On the other hand, if the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the OFF state (NO in step S5), the control device 50 maintains the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 in the OFF state (step S6). In this state, cooling is stopped in response to the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 reaching the lower limit RTTα2 of the target temperature range, and the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 is currently rising little by little within the target temperature range.

[0066] Similarly, the control device 50 compares the measured temperature value FT of the freezer compartment 70 with the target temperature range FTT of the freezer compartment 70 to determine the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 (step S7). First, if the measured temperature FT inside the freezer compartment 70 is greater than the upper limit FTTα1 of the target temperature range of the freezer compartment 70 (case IV), the freezer compartment 70 needs to be cooled, so the control device 50 sets the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 to the ON state (step S8).

[0067] Next, if the measured value FT of the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 70 is smaller than the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range of the freezer compartment 70 (case VI), cooling of the freezer compartment 70 is not necessary, so the control device 50 sets the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 to the off state (step S10).

[0068] Next, if the measured value FT of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 is within the target temperature range FTT of the freezer compartment 70, i.e., if the measured value FT of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 is greater than or equal to the lower limit FTTα2 and less than or equal to the upper limit FTTα1 of the target temperature range of the freezer compartment 70 (case V), the control device 50 determines whether the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 at this time is on (step S9).

[0069] If the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 is in the ON state (YES in step S9), cooling of the freezer compartment 70 is in progress, and therefore the control device 50 maintains the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 in the ON state (step S8). In this state, in response to the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 exceeding the target temperature range FTT, cooling is currently in progress so that the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 becomes the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range.

[0070] On the other hand, if the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 is in the OFF state (NO in step S9), the control device 50 maintains the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 in the OFF state (step S10). In this state, cooling is stopped in response to the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 reaching the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range, and the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 is currently rising little by little within the target temperature range.

[0071] Next, the control device 50 determines the states of the dampers 14, 16 based on the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 and the state FX of the freezer compartment 70 (step S11), and also determines the frequency of the compressor 20 (step S12). Here, a specific method for determining the states of the dampers 14, 16 and the frequency of the compressor 20 in steps S11 and S12 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0072] 7 is a diagram showing a control method for dampers 14, 16 and compressor 20 based on the state RX of refrigerator compartment 60 and the state FX of freezer compartment 70. Depending on the combination of state RX of refrigerator compartment 60 and state FX of freezer compartment 70, the states of dampers 14, 16 and the frequency of compressor 20 are classified into four types.

[0073] When the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the on state RXon and the freezer compartment 70 is also in the on state FXon, it is necessary to cool both the refrigerator compartment 60 and the freezer compartment 70. Therefore, the control device 50 opens the damper 14 for the refrigerator compartment 60 and also opens the damper 16 for the freezer compartment 70.

[0074] At this time, because cooler 10 blows cool air to both refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70, the temperature of the cool air needs to be set to a temperature appropriate for the target temperature range FTT of freezer compartment 70, which has the lower target temperature. In order to bring the measured value FT of the internal temperature of freezer compartment 70 to the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range of freezer compartment 70, control device 50 sets the frequency of compressor 20 to the frequency for freezer compartment 70.

[0075] If the temperature of the cold air is set to a temperature appropriate for the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60, cold air of a positive temperature will flow from the cooler 10 into the freezer compartment 70, passing through the open damper 16 for the freezer compartment 70. As a result, the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 will rise and exceed the target temperature range FTT for the freezer compartment 70, causing the food inside the freezer compartment 70 to thaw. Therefore, the control device 50 sets the temperature of the cold air so that the temperature inside the cooler 10 is at the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range for the freezer compartment 70.

[0076] Next, when the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the on state RXon and the freezer compartment 70 is in the off state FXoff, it is necessary to cool only the refrigerator compartment 60. Therefore, the control device 50 opens the damper 14 for the refrigerator compartment 60 and closes the damper 16 for the freezer compartment 70.

[0077] At this time, the cooler 10 blows cool air only to the refrigerator compartment 60, so the temperature of the cool air is set to a temperature suitable for the target temperature range RTT of the refrigerator compartment 60. In order to bring the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 to the lower limit RTTα2 of the target temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 60, the control device 50 sets the frequency of the compressor 20 to a frequency for the refrigerator compartment 60.

[0078] Next, when the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the off state RXoff and the freezer compartment 70 is in the on state FXon, it is necessary to cool only the freezer compartment 70. Therefore, the control device 50 closes the damper for the refrigerator compartment 60 and opens the damper 16 for the freezer compartment 70.

[0079] At this time, the cooler 10 blows cool air only to the freezer compartment 70, so the temperature of the cool air is set to a temperature appropriate for the target temperature range FTT of the freezer compartment 70. In order to bring the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 to the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range of the freezer compartment 70, the control device 50 sets the frequency of the compressor 20 to a frequency for the freezer compartment 70.

[0080] Finally, when the refrigerator compartment 60 is in the off state RXoff and the freezer compartment 70 is also in the off state FXoff, there is no need to cool either the refrigerator compartment 60 or the freezer compartment 70. Therefore, the control device 50 closes the damper for the refrigerator compartment 60 and also closes the damper 16 for the freezer compartment 70. At this time, the cooler 10 does not blow cold air to either the refrigerator compartment 60 or the freezer compartment 70, so the control device 50 stops the operation of the compressor 20.

[0081] In this way, based on the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 and the state FX of the freezer compartment 70, it is determined whether to open or close the dampers 14, 16 (step S11), and based on the state RX of the refrigerator compartment 60 and the state FX of the freezer compartment 70, the frequency of the compressor 20 is determined (step S12).

[0082] Referring again to FIG. 5, control device 50 controls damper 14 for refrigerator compartment 60, damper 16 for freezer compartment 70, and the frequency of compressor 20 in accordance with the states determined in steps S11 and S12 (step S13).

[0083] Next, the control device 50 determines whether the operation of the compressor 20 has completed a predetermined number of cycles (step S14). Since one cycle is from when the compressor 20 starts to when it stops, in other words, it determines whether the compressor 20 has stopped a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of cycles is, for example, three cycles.

[0084] If the operation of the compressor 20 has not completed the predetermined number of cycles (NO in step S14), the process proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if the operation of the compressor 20 has completed the predetermined number of cycles (YES in step S14), the frequency of the compressor 20 is corrected based on the operating state in that cycle (step S15).

[0085] Specifically, the control device 50 retrieves the history of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 for a predetermined number of cycles and the history of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 for a predetermined number of cycles from the memory 52. ​​The control device 50 then calculates the average value of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 for the predetermined number of cycles and the average value of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 for the predetermined number of cycles.

[0086] Then, the control device 50 corrects the frequency of the compressor 20 for the refrigerator compartment 60 in accordance with the degree of deviation of the average value of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 60 from the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60. The control device 50 also corrects the frequency of the compressor 20 for the freezer compartment 70 in accordance with the degree of deviation of the average value of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 70 from the target temperature of the freezer compartment 70.

[0087] Basically, while compressor 20 operates for a predetermined number of cycles, the temperatures inside refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 are controlled so as not to deviate from their respective target temperature ranges. Therefore, when refrigerator-freezer 100 is operated normally, the average values ​​of the temperatures inside refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 over a predetermined number of cycles hardly deviate from their respective target temperatures.

[0088] However, for example, if the user frequently opens the door of freezer compartment 70, the temperature inside freezer compartment 70 repeatedly rises and falls around the upper limit FTTα1 of the target temperature range for freezer compartment 70 and does not fall to the lower limit FTTα2 of the target temperature range. In this case, the average value of the temperature inside freezer compartment 70 becomes higher than the target temperature for freezer compartment 70.

[0089] In this way, if the average value of the internal temperature of freezer compartment 70 is higher than the target temperature of freezer compartment 70, it can be determined that the refrigeration capacity for freezer compartment 70 is insufficient, and the control device 50 corrects the frequency of compressor 20 for freezer compartment 70 to increase it.

[0090] Similarly, if the average value of the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60 is higher than the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 60, it can be determined that the freezing capacity for the refrigerator compartment 60 is insufficient, and the control device 50 corrects the frequency of the compressor 20 for the refrigerator compartment 60 to increase it.

[0091] Similarly, when the average value of the internal temperature of freezer compartment 70 is lower than the target temperature of freezer compartment 70, the refrigeration capacity for freezer compartment 70 is excessive, and therefore control device 50 may correct the frequency of compressor 20 for freezer compartment 70 to decrease. Furthermore, when the average value of the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 60 is lower than the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 60, the refrigeration capacity for refrigerator compartment 60 is excessive, and therefore control device 50 may correct the frequency of compressor 20 for refrigerator compartment 60 to decrease.

[0092] If this correction is made for each cycle, and if that cycle is in an unusual state that differs from normal, the frequency of compressor 20 will be corrected based on the state of that unusual cycle. As a result, when normal operation is performed in the next cycle, it will be necessary to make a correction to return the frequency of compressor 20 to its original state, which may result in a decrease in efficiency. To prevent a sensitive response to such unusual changes, the influence of unusual changes can be mitigated by using the average value of the inside temperature for a predetermined number of cycles.

[0093] In this way, it is possible to set the cooling capacity in accordance with the usage tendency of the user, and therefore it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator-freezer 100 while maintaining the performance of the refrigerator-freezer 100.

[0094] As described above, in refrigerator-freezer 100, by controlling dampers 14, 16 and compressor 20, when cooling only refrigerator compartment 60, the temperature of cooler 10 can be increased, i.e., the frequency of compressor 20 can be set lower, compared to when cooling freezer compartment 70. This allows the power consumption of refrigerator-freezer 100 to be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, in the refrigerator-freezer 100, the frequency of the compressor 20 is corrected so as to set a cooling capacity suited to the usage tendency of the user every time the compressor 20 is operated for a predetermined number of cycles. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator-freezer 100 while maintaining the performance of the refrigerator-freezer 100.

[0096] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which temperature sensors were installed only in the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, and dampers for only the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment were installed. In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which temperature sensors and dampers are also installed for the chilled compartment, the vegetable compartment, the ice maker compartment, and the switching compartment.

[0097] Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a refrigerator-freezer 100A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 8, refrigerator-freezer 100A has a configuration in which control device 50 in refrigerator-freezer 100 according to embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 is replaced with control device 50A, and further, dampers 13, 15, 17, 19 and temperature sensors 67, 69, 77, 79 are added. In Fig. 8, description of elements that overlap with refrigerator-freezer 100 in Fig. 1 will not be repeated.

[0098] Duct 80 is configured to connect cooling compartment 12 with each storage compartment of the first group. Duct 80 is configured to sequentially connect cooling compartment 12, refrigerator compartment 60, chilled compartment 62, and vegetable compartment 64. Chilled compartment 62 corresponds to the "third storage compartment" in this disclosure. Vegetable compartment 64 corresponds to the "fourth storage compartment" in this disclosure.

[0099] Duct 90 is configured to connect cooling compartment 12 with each storage compartment of the second group. Duct 90 is configured to sequentially connect freezer compartment 70, ice-making compartment 72, and switching compartment 74. Ice-making compartment 72 corresponds to the "fifth storage compartment" in this disclosure. Switching compartment 74 corresponds to the "sixth storage compartment" in this disclosure.

[0100] Damper 13 is installed near refrigerator compartment 60, between refrigerator compartment 60 and chilled compartment 62 inside duct 80. Damper 13 blocks cold air flowing from refrigerator compartment 60 to chilled compartment 62 via duct 80. Damper 13 corresponds to the "third damper" in this disclosure.

[0101] Damper 15 is installed near chilled compartment 62, between chilled compartment 62 and vegetable compartment 64 inside duct 80. Damper 15 blocks cold air flowing from chilled compartment 62 to vegetable compartment 64 via duct 80. Damper 15 corresponds to the "fourth damper" in the present disclosure.

[0102] Damper 17 is installed near freezer compartment 70, between freezer compartment 70 and ice-making compartment 72 within duct 90. Damper 17 blocks the cold air flowing from freezer compartment 70 to ice-making compartment 72 via duct 90. Damper 17 corresponds to the "fifth damper" in this disclosure.

[0103] Damper 19 is installed near ice-making chamber 72, between ice-making chamber 72 and switching chamber 74 inside duct 90. Damper 19 blocks the cold air flowing from ice-making chamber 72 to switching chamber 74 via duct 90. Damper 19 corresponds to the "sixth damper" in this disclosure. Each of dampers 13, 15, 17, and 19 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and is switched between open and closed states under the control of control device 50A.

[0104] Temperature sensor 67 measures the temperature inside chilled compartment 62. Temperature sensor 69 measures the temperature inside vegetable compartment 64. Temperature sensor 77 measures the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72. Temperature sensor 79 measures the temperature inside switching compartment 74. The measured values ​​of temperature sensors 67, 69, 77, and 79 are sent to control device 50A. Temperature sensors 67, 69, 77, and 79 are, for example, thermistors. The state of each storage compartment may be determined based on a value other than the measured value of the temperature sensor disposed in each storage compartment. For example, instead of measuring the temperature inside the storage compartment with a temperature sensor, a photoelectric sensor may be disposed in each storage compartment, and the photoelectric sensor may measure and determine the time that the door of each storage compartment is open.

[0105] Temperature sensor 67 corresponds to the "third temperature sensor" in this disclosure. Temperature sensor 69 corresponds to the "fourth temperature sensor" in this disclosure. Temperature sensor 77 corresponds to the "fifth temperature sensor" in this disclosure. Temperature sensor 79 corresponds to the "sixth temperature sensor" in this disclosure.

[0106] Control device 50A controls the entire refrigerator-freezer 100A based on the measured values ​​of temperature sensors 65, 67, 69, 75, 77, 79, and programs stored in memory.

[0107] Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of control device 50A in refrigerator-freezer 100A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 9, refrigerator-freezer 100A has a configuration in which memory 52 of control device 50 in refrigerator-freezer 100 according to embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 4 is replaced with memory 52A, state determination unit 82 of embodiment 1 is replaced with state determination unit 82A, and damper control unit 84 of embodiment 1 is replaced with damper control unit 84A. Note that the control by control device 50A over refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 in Fig. 9 is similar to the control by control device 50 of refrigerator-freezer 100 according to embodiment 1 in Fig. 4, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0108] Control device 50A of refrigerator-freezer 100A determines the state of each storage compartment in state determination unit 82A based on the measurement values ​​of each temperature sensor and the target temperature range for each storage compartment from memory 52A. Control device 50A then controls damper control unit 84A to open and close the damper for each storage compartment based on the determined state of each storage compartment. Control device 50A also controls compressor control unit 88 to control the compressor frequency to either the refrigerator compartment frequency, the freezer compartment frequency, or zero based on the determined states of the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment. Control device 50A also corrects the compressor frequencies for the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment in correction control unit 92 based on the internal temperatures and target temperature ranges for each of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment from memory 52A.

[0109] More specifically, the state determination unit 82A acquires the measurement value CT of the temperature sensor 67 provided in the chilled compartment 62 and the target temperature range CTT for the chilled compartment 62 from the memory 52A. The state determination unit 82A then compares the measurement value CT of the temperature inside the chilled compartment 62 with the target temperature range CTT for the chilled compartment 62 to determine the state CX of the chilled compartment 62, which indicates whether the chilled compartment 62 should be cooled. The damper control unit 84A then controls the damper 13 for the chilled compartment 62 based on the state CX of the chilled compartment 62 determined by the state determination unit 82A.

[0110] Similarly, state determination unit 82A acquires the measurement value VT of temperature sensor 69 provided in crisper 64 and the target temperature range VTT for crisper 64 from memory 52A. Then, state determination unit 82A compares the measurement value VT of the internal temperature of crisper 64 with the target temperature range VTT for crisper 64 to determine the state VX of crisper 64, which indicates whether crisper 64 should be cooled. Then, damper control unit 84A controls damper 15 for crisper 64 based on the state VX of crisper 64 determined by state determination unit 82A.

[0111] Similarly, status determination unit 82A obtains measurement value IT of temperature sensor 77 provided in ice making compartment 72 and target temperature range ITT for ice making compartment 72 from memory 52A. Status determination unit 82A then compares measurement value IT of the internal temperature of ice making compartment 72 with target temperature range ITT for ice making compartment 72 to determine status IX of ice making compartment 72, which indicates whether ice making compartment 72 should be cooled. Damper control unit 84A then controls damper 17 for ice making compartment 72 based on status IX of ice making compartment 72 determined by status determination unit 82A.

[0112] Similarly, state determination unit 82A acquires the measurement value ST of temperature sensor 79 provided in switching compartment 74 and the target temperature range STT of switching compartment 74 from memory 52A. Then, state determination unit 82A compares the measurement value ST of the internal temperature of switching compartment 74 with the target temperature range STT of switching compartment 74 to determine the state SX of switching compartment 74, which indicates whether or not switching compartment 74 should be cooled. Then, damper control unit 84A controls damper 19 for switching compartment 74 based on the state SX of switching compartment 74 determined by state determination unit 82A.

[0113] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in control device 50A of refrigerator-freezer 100A according to Embodiment 2. Control device 50A of refrigerator-freezer 100A according to Embodiment 2 executes processing for vegetable compartment 64, chilled compartment 62, switching compartment 74, and ice-making compartment 72 in addition to the processing for refrigerator 60 and freezer compartment 70 according to Embodiment 1.

[0114] When the temperature of a storage compartment is higher than the upper limit of the target temperature for that storage compartment, control device 50A opens the damper for that storage compartment and cools that storage compartment with low-temperature air from a connected storage compartment with a lower target temperature. When the temperature of that storage compartment falls below the lower limit of the target temperature for that storage compartment, control device 50A closes the damper for that storage compartment and stops cooling that storage compartment. In the first embodiment, sensors and dampers were provided only for refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70, but in the second embodiment, sensors and dampers are provided for all storage compartments, so that the temperatures of each storage compartment can be maintained independently at appropriate levels.

[0115] More specifically, since the damper for each storage compartment is located between that storage compartment and the storage compartment located one compartment upstream in the cold air flow path, when the damper for that storage compartment is opened, that storage compartment is cooled by the cold air from the storage compartment located upstream. In other words, using duct 80 connecting the storage compartments of the first group in series, vegetable compartment 64 is cooled by the cold air from chilled compartment 62, chilled compartment 62 is cooled by the cold air from refrigerator compartment 60, and refrigerator compartment 60 is cooled by the cold air from cooling compartment 12. Similarly, using duct 90 connecting the storage compartments of the second group in series, switching compartment 74 is cooled by the cold air from ice making compartment 72, ice making compartment 72 is cooled by the cold air from freezer compartment 70, and freezer compartment 70 is cooled by the cold air from cooling compartment 12.

[0116] The flowchart of Fig. 10 is repeatedly executed whenever a predetermined condition is met, such as at a predetermined interval, or may be called from the main routine and executed when a predetermined condition is met.

[0117] First, in step S21, control device 50A acquires the internal temperature of each storage compartment from the temperature sensor installed in that storage compartment. Specifically, it acquires the measured internal temperature value RT of refrigerator compartment 60 from temperature sensor 65, the measured internal temperature value FT of freezer compartment 70 from temperature sensor 75, and the measured internal temperature value CT of chilled compartment 62 from temperature sensor 67. Control device 50A also acquires the measured internal temperature value IT of ice-making compartment 72 from temperature sensor 77, the measured internal temperature value VT of vegetable compartment 64 from temperature sensor 69, and the measured internal temperature ST of switching compartment 74 from temperature sensor 79.

[0118] Next, in step S22, control device 50A acquires the target temperature ranges for each storage compartment from memory 52A. Specifically, control device 50A acquires target temperature range RTT for refrigerator compartment 60, target temperature range FTT for freezer compartment 70, and target temperature range CTT for chilled compartment 62. Control device 50A also acquires target temperature range ITT for ice-making compartment 72, target temperature range VTT for vegetable compartment 64, and target temperature range STT for switching compartment 74.

[0119] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the target temperature ranges for the chilled compartment, vegetable compartment, ice making compartment, and switching compartment. In Figure 11, in addition to the target temperature ranges for refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 in Figure 6, target temperature ranges for vegetable compartment 64, chilled compartment 62, switching compartment 74, and ice making compartment 72 are added. In Figure 11, explanations that overlap with those in Figure 6 will not be repeated.

[0120] 11, the target temperature range CTT of the chilled compartment 62 is 0 to 3°C. Therefore, the lower limit CTTα2 of the target temperature range CTT of the chilled compartment 62 is 0°C, and the upper limit CTTα1 of the target temperature range CTT of the chilled compartment 62 is 3°C.

[0121] 11, the target temperature range ITT for ice-making compartment 72 is −18 to −15° C. Therefore, the lower limit ITTα2 of the target temperature range ITT for ice-making compartment 72 is −18° C., and the upper limit ITTα1 of the target temperature range ITT for ice-making compartment 72 is −15° C.

[0122] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the target temperature range VTT of the vegetable compartment 64 is 6 to 9°C. Therefore, the lower limit VTTα2 of the target temperature range VTT of the vegetable compartment 64 is 6°C, and the upper limit VTTα1 of the target temperature range VTT of the vegetable compartment 64 is 9°C.

[0123] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the target temperature range STT of the switching compartment 74 is -18 to -5°C. Therefore, the lower limit STTα2 of the target temperature range STT of the switching compartment 74 is -18°C, and the upper limit STTα1 of the target temperature range STT of the switching compartment 74 is -5°C.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 10 again, first, the control of the first group of storage compartments will be described. The control device 50A compares the measured value VT of the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 with the target temperature range VTT in step S23. When the measured value VT of the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 is greater than the upper limit VTTα1 of the target temperature range of the vegetable compartment 64 (VT > VTTα1), since cooling of the interior is necessary, the control device 50A opens the damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 in step S24.

[0125] In step S23, when the measured value VT of the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 is less than the lower limit VTTα2 of the target temperature range of the vegetable compartment 64 (VT < VTTα2), since it is necessary to stop cooling, the control device 50A closes the damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 in step S26.

[0126] In step S23, when the measured value VT of the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 is within the target temperature range VTT of the vegetable compartment 64, that is, when the measured value VT of the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 is greater than or equal to the lower limit VTTα2 and less than or equal to the upper limit VTTα1 of the target temperature range of the vegetable compartment 64 (VTTα1 ≤ VT ≤ VTTα2), the control device 50A determines in step S25 whether the current damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 is open or not.

[0127] When the damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 is open (YES in step S25), since the cooling of the vegetable compartment 64 is in progress, the control device 50A maintains the opening of the damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 in step S24. This state is a cooling state in response to the fact that the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 has exceeded the target temperature range VTT, and the current internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 is set to the lower limit VTTα2 of the target temperature range.

[0128] On the other hand, when the damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 is closed (NO in step S25), the control device 50A maintains the closing of the damper 15 for the vegetable compartment 64 in step S26. This state is a state where the cooling is stopped in response to the fact that the internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 has reached the lower limit VTTα2 of the target temperature range, and the current internal temperature of the vegetable compartment 64 is gradually rising within the target temperature range.

[0129] In step S27, the control device 50A compares the measured value CT of the internal temperature of the chilled compartment 62 with the target temperature range CTT. When the measured value CT of the internal temperature of the chilled compartment 62 is greater than the upper limit CTTα1 of the target temperature range of the chilled compartment 62 (CT > CTTα1), since cooling of the interior is necessary, the control device 50A opens the damper 13 for the chilled compartment 62 in step S28.

[0130] In step S27, when the measured value CT of the internal temperature of the chilled compartment 62 is less than the lower limit CTTα2 of the target temperature range of the chilled compartment 62 (CT < CTTα2), since it is necessary to stop cooling, the control device 50A closes the damper 13 for the chilled compartment 62 in step S30.

[0131] In step S27, when the measured value CT of the internal temperature of the chilled compartment 62 is within the target temperature range CTT of the chilled compartment 62, that is, when the measured value CT of the internal temperature of the chilled compartment 62 is greater than or equal to the lower limit CTTα2 and less than or equal to the upper limit CTTα1 of the target temperature range of the chilled compartment 62 (CTTα1 ≤ CT ≤ CTTα2), the control device 50A determines in step S29 whether the current damper 13 for the chilled compartment 62 is open or not.

[0132] When the damper 13 for the cold chamber 62 is open (YES in step S29), since the cooling of the cold chamber 62 is in progress, the control device 50A maintains the opening of the damper 13 for the cold chamber 62 in step S28. This state is a cooling state in response to the internal temperature of the cold chamber 62 exceeding the target temperature range CTT, such that the current internal temperature of the cold chamber 62 becomes the lower limit CTTα2 of the target temperature range.

[0133] On the other hand, when the damper 13 for the cold chamber 62 is closed (NO in step S29), the control device 50A maintains the closing of the damper 13 for the cold chamber 62 in step S30. This state is a state where the cooling is stopped in response to the internal temperature of the cold chamber 62 reaching the lower limit CTTα2 of the target temperature range, and the current internal temperature of the cold chamber 62 is gradually rising within the target temperature range.

[0134] Next, the control of the second group of storage chambers will be described. The control device 50A compares the measured value ST of the internal temperature of the switching chamber 74 with the target temperature range STT in step S31. When the measured value ST of the internal temperature of the switching chamber 74 is greater than the upper limit STTα1 of the target temperature range of the switching chamber 74 (ST>STTα1), since cooling of the interior is necessary, the control device 50A opens the damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 in step S32.

[0135] In step S31, when the measured value ST of the internal temperature of the switching chamber 74 is less than the lower limit STTα2 of the target temperature range of the switching chamber 74 (ST<STTα2), since it is necessary to stop cooling, the control device 50A closes the damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 in step S34.

[0136] [[ID=——]] In step S31, when the measured value ST of the temperature inside the switching chamber 74 is within the target temperature range STT of the switching chamber 74, that is, when the measured value ST of the temperature inside the switching chamber 74 is not less than the lower limit STTα2 and not more than the upper limit STTα1 of the target temperature range of the switching chamber 74 (STTα1 ≤ ST ≤ STTα2), the control device 50A determines, in step S33, whether the current damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 is open or not.

[0137] When the damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 is open (YES in step S33), since the cooling of the switching chamber 74 is in progress, the control device 50A maintains the opening of the damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 in step S32. This state is a cooling state in response to the fact that the temperature inside the switching chamber 74 has exceeded the target temperature range STT, and the current temperature inside the switching chamber 74 has reached the lower limit STTα of the target temperature range.

[0138] On the other hand, when the damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 is closed (NO in step S33), the control device 50A maintains the closing of the damper 19 for the switching chamber 74 in step S34. This state is a state where the cooling is stopped in response to the fact that the temperature inside the switching chamber 74 has reached the lower limit STTα of the target temperature range, and the current temperature inside the switching chamber 74 is gradually rising within the target temperature range.

[0139] [[ID=1十二]]The control device 50A compares, in step S35, the measured value IT of the temperature inside the ice making chamber 72 with the target temperature range ITT. When the measured value IT of the temperature inside the ice making chamber 72 is greater than the upper limit ITTα1 of the target temperature range of the ice making chamber 72 (IT > ITTα1), since cooling of the interior is necessary, the control device 50A opens the damper

[0140] In step S35, when the measured value IT of the temperature inside the ice making chamber 72 is less than the lower limit ITTα2 of the target temperature range of the ice making chamber 72 (IT < ITTα2), since it is necessary to stop cooling, the control device 50A closes the damper 17 for the ice making chamber 72 in step S38.

[0141] In step S35, if the measured value IT of the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72 is within the target temperature range ITT of ice-making compartment 72, i.e., if the measured value IT of the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72 is greater than or equal to the lower limit ITTα2 and less than the upper limit ITTα1 of the target temperature range of ice-making compartment 72 (ITTα1≦IT≦ITTα2), then in step S37, control device 50A determines whether damper 17 for the current ice-making compartment 72 is open.

[0142] If damper 17 for ice-making compartment 72 is open (YES in step S37), cooling of ice-making compartment 72 is in progress, and therefore control device 50A keeps damper 17 for ice-making compartment 72 open in step S36. In this state, in response to the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72 exceeding target temperature range ITT, cooling is currently in progress so that the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72 becomes the lower limit ITTα2 of the target temperature range.

[0143] On the other hand, if damper 17 for ice-making compartment 72 is closed (NO in step S37), control device 50A maintains the closure of damper 17 for ice-making compartment 72 in step S38. In this state, cooling was stopped in response to the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72 reaching the lower limit ITTα2 of the target temperature range, and the temperature inside ice-making compartment 72 is currently rising little by little within the target temperature range.

[0144] Next, in step S39, control device 50A advances the process to step S3 or S7 in Fig. 5, and controls refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 according to the processes from step S3 onwards in the flowchart of Fig. 5. Note that the processes for vegetable compartment 64 (steps S23 to S26), the processes for switching compartment 74 (steps S27 to S30), the processes for chilled compartment 62 (steps S31 to S34), and the processes for ice-making compartment 72 (steps S35 to S38) may be performed in parallel or in any order.

[0145] Refrigerator-freezer 100 in the first embodiment controlled whether to cool refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 based only on the states of refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70. However, refrigerator compartment 60 was connected to chilled compartment 62 and vegetable compartment 64, which are other storage compartments in the first group, by duct 80, and no damper was provided between refrigerator compartment 60 and vegetable compartment 64. Similarly, freezer compartment 70 was connected to ice-making compartment 72 and switching compartment 74, which are other storage compartments in the second group, by duct 90, and no damper was provided between freezer compartment 70 and switching compartment 74. Therefore, cooling refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70 meant simultaneously cooling other storage compartments in the same group, which could result in excessive cooling of downstream storage compartments in the same group.

[0146] Refrigerator-freezer 100A is provided with temperature sensors 67, 69, 77, 79 and dampers 13, 15, 17, 19 for chilled compartment 62, vegetable compartment 64, ice-making compartment 72, and switching compartment 74. Therefore, each storage compartment can be cooled individually by controlling the corresponding damper in accordance with the state of each storage compartment determined by a temperature sensor disposed in another storage compartment downstream of refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70. Therefore, refrigerator-freezer 100A can maintain all storage compartments, not just refrigerator compartment 60 and freezer compartment 70, at a desired appropriate temperature.

[0147] Furthermore, in refrigerator-freezer 100A, similarly to refrigerator-freezer 100 of the first embodiment, by controlling dampers 14, 16 and compressor 20, when cooling only refrigerator compartment 60, the temperature of cooler 10 can be increased, that is, the frequency of compressor 20 can be set lower, compared to when cooling freezer compartment 70. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of refrigerator-freezer 100A while maintaining each storage compartment at an appropriate temperature.

[0148] Furthermore, in refrigerator-freezer 100A, as in the first embodiment, the frequency of compressor 20 is corrected so as to set the cooling capacity suited to the usage tendency of the user every time compressor 20 operates for a predetermined number of cycles. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of refrigerator-freezer 100A while maintaining the performance of refrigerator-freezer 100A.

[0149] <Additional Notes> Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0150] (Appendix 1) a first duct connecting a first storage chamber included in the first group to a cooling chamber in which the cooling chamber is disposed; a second duct connecting a second storage chamber included in the second group to the cooling chamber; a first damper installed in the first duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the cooling chamber to the first group; a second damper installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the cooling chamber to the second group; and a control device that controls the first damper, the second damper, and the frequency of the compressor based on the states of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.

[0151] (Appendix 2) The refrigerator-freezer described in Appendix 1 includes a first temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the first storage compartment and a second temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the second storage compartment, and the control device determines whether to open or close the first damper based on a comparison of the measurement value of the first temperature sensor with a target temperature range for the first storage compartment, and determines whether to open or close the second damper based on a comparison of the measurement value of the second temperature sensor with the target temperature range for the second storage compartment.

[0152] (Appendix 3) The control device, in the refrigerator-freezer described in Appendix 2, sets the first damper to an open state when the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the first storage compartment, sets the first damper to a closed state when the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the first storage compartment, sets the second damper to an open state when the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the second storage compartment, and sets the second damper to a closed state when the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the second storage compartment.

[0153] (Appendix 4) The refrigerator-freezer described in Appendix 1 includes a first temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the first storage compartment and a second temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the second storage compartment, and the control device determines the frequency of the compressor based on a comparison of the measurement value of the first temperature sensor with a target temperature range for the first storage compartment and a comparison of the measurement value of the second temperature sensor with the target temperature range for the second storage compartment.

[0154] (Appendix 5) When the lower limit of the target temperature range for the first storage compartment is smaller than the lower limit of the target temperature range for the second storage compartment, the control device determines the frequency of the compressor so that the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is at the lower limit of the target temperature range for the first storage compartment if the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range for the first storage compartment, and determines the frequency of the compressor so that the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is at the lower limit of the target temperature range for the second storage compartment if the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range for the first storage compartment and if the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range for the second storage compartment. - Refrigerator-freezer described in Appendix 4

[0155] (Appendix 6) The refrigerator-freezer according to any one of appendixes 1 to 5, wherein the first group includes two or more storage compartments, and the storage compartments included in the first group are connected in series.

[0156] (Appendix 7) 7. The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 6, wherein a lower limit of the target temperature range for the first storage compartment is the lowest among the target temperatures for the storage compartments included in the first group.

[0157] (Appendix 8) The refrigerator-freezer according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the second group includes two or more storage compartments, and the storage compartments included in the second group are connected in series.

[0158] (Appendix 9) 9. The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 8, wherein a lower limit of the target temperature range for the second storage compartment is the lowest among the target temperatures for the storage compartments included in the second group.

[0159] (Appendix 10) The refrigerator-freezer described in Appendix 1 includes a first temperature sensor that measures an internal temperature of the first storage compartment and a second temperature sensor that measures an internal temperature of the second storage compartment, and when operation of the compressor has stopped a predetermined number of times, the control device corrects the frequency of the compressor based on a difference between a measurement value of the first temperature sensor and a target temperature of the first storage compartment, and corrects the frequency of the compressor based on a difference between a measurement value of the second temperature sensor and the target temperature of the second storage compartment.

[0160] (Appendix 11) The first group further includes a third storage chamber connected to the first storage chamber by the first duct and a fourth storage chamber connected to the third storage chamber by the first duct, the second group further includes a fifth storage chamber connected to the second storage chamber by the second duct and a sixth storage chamber connected to the fifth storage chamber by the second duct, and the refrigerator-freezer further includes a third damper installed in the first duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the first storage chamber to the third storage chamber, and a fourth damper installed in the first duct and configured to blow and block cool air from the third storage chamber. the refrigerator-freezer according to any one of appendices 1 to 10, further comprising: a fourth damper configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the second storage chamber to the fourth storage chamber; a fifth damper installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the second storage chamber to the fifth storage chamber; and a sixth damper installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the fifth storage chamber to the sixth storage chamber, wherein the control device controls the third damper to the sixth damper based on states of the third storage chamber to the sixth storage chamber.

[0161] (Appendix 12) The refrigerator-freezer according to Appendix 11, further comprising third to sixth temperature sensors that measure temperatures inside the third to sixth storage compartments, respectively, and wherein the control device determines whether to open or close the third damper based on a comparison of a measurement value of the third temperature sensor with a target temperature range for the third storage compartment, determines whether to open or close the fourth damper based on a comparison of a measurement value of the fourth temperature sensor with the target temperature range for the fourth storage compartment, determines whether to open or close the fifth damper based on a comparison of a measurement value of the fifth temperature sensor with the target temperature range for the fifth storage compartment, and determines whether to open or close the sixth damper based on a comparison of a measurement value of the sixth temperature sensor with the target temperature range for the third storage compartment.

[0162] (Appendix 13) the control device opens the third damper when the measurement value of the third temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the third storage compartment, closes the third damper when the measurement value of the third temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the third storage compartment, opens the fourth damper when the measurement value of the fourth temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the fourth storage compartment, closes the fourth damper when the measurement value of the fourth temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the fourth storage compartment, opens the fifth damper when the measurement value of the fifth temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the fifth storage compartment, closes the fifth damper when the measurement value of the fifth temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the fifth storage compartment, opens the sixth damper when the measurement value of the sixth temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the sixth storage compartment, and closes the sixth damper when the measurement value of the sixth temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the sixth storage compartment.

[0163] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 2 Refrigerant circuit, 10 cooler, 12 cooling chamber, 13,14,15,16,17,19 damper, 18 fan, 20 compressor, 30 condenser, 40 pressure reducing device, 50,50A control device, 52,52A memory, 54 processor, 56 communication interface, 60 refrigerator chamber, 62 chilled chamber, 64 vegetable chamber, 65,67,69,75,77,79 temperature sensor, 70 freezer chamber, 72 ice maker chamber, 74 switching chamber, 80,90 duct, 100,100A refrigerator-freezer.

Claims

1. a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and a cooler in this order; a plurality of storage chambers divided into a plurality of groups including a first group and a second group based on a target temperature range; a first duct connecting a first storage chamber included in the first group and a cooling chamber in which the cooler is disposed; a second duct connecting a second storage chamber included in the second group with the cooling chamber; a first damper installed in the first duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the cooling chamber to the first group; a second damper installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the cooling chamber to the second group; a control device that controls the first damper, the second damper, and a frequency of the compressor based on states of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.

2. The refrigerator-freezer includes: a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the first storage compartment; a second temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the second storage compartment; The control device determining whether to open or close the first damper based on a comparison between the measurement value of the first temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the first storage compartment; The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 1 , wherein the decision to open or close the second damper is based on a comparison between the measurement value of the second temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the second storage compartment.

3. The control device When the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the first storage compartment, the first damper is opened; When the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the first storage compartment, the first damper is closed; When the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the second storage compartment, the second damper is opened; The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 2 , wherein the second damper is closed when the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is lower than a target temperature range for the second storage compartment.

4. The refrigerator-freezer includes: a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the first storage compartment; a second temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the second storage compartment; The control device 2. The refrigerator-freezer of claim 1, wherein the compressor frequency is determined based on a comparison between the measurement value of the first temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the first storage compartment, and a comparison between the measurement value of the second temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the second storage compartment.

5. When the lower limit of the target temperature range of the first storage compartment is lower than the lower limit of the target temperature range of the second storage compartment, the control device When the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the first storage compartment, determining the frequency of the compressor so that the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is at the lower limit of the target temperature range of the first storage compartment; 5. The refrigerator-freezer of claim 4, wherein, when the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the first storage compartment and when the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the second storage compartment, the frequency of the compressor is determined so that the measurement value of the second temperature sensor is at the lower limit of the target temperature range of the second storage compartment.

6. the first group includes two or more storage compartments; The refrigerator-freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage compartments included in the first group are connected in series.

7. The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 6 , wherein a lower limit of the target temperature range for the first storage compartment is the lowest among the target temperatures for the storage compartments included in the first group.

8. the second group includes two or more storage compartments; The refrigerator-freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage compartments included in the second group are connected in series.

9. The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 8 , wherein a lower limit of the target temperature range for the second storage compartment is the lowest among the target temperatures for the storage compartments included in the second group.

10. The refrigerator-freezer includes: a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the first storage compartment; a second temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature of the second storage compartment; When the operation of the compressor has stopped a predetermined number of times, the control device correcting a frequency of the compressor based on a difference between a measurement value of the first temperature sensor and a target temperature of the first storage chamber; The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 1 , wherein the frequency of the compressor is corrected based on a difference between the measurement value of the second temperature sensor and the target temperature of the second storage compartment.

11. The first group is a third storage chamber connected to the first storage chamber by the first duct; a fourth storage chamber connected to the third storage chamber by the first duct, The second group is a fifth storage chamber connected to the second storage chamber by the second duct; a sixth storage chamber connected to the fifth storage chamber by the second duct, The refrigerator-freezer includes: a third damper installed in the first duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the first storage chamber to the third storage chamber; a fourth damper installed in the first duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the third storage chamber to the fourth storage chamber; a fifth damper installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the second storage chamber to the fifth storage chamber; a sixth damper installed in the second duct and configured to switch between blowing and blocking cool air from the fifth storage chamber to the sixth storage chamber, The refrigerator-freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device controls the third damper to the sixth damper based on states of the third storage chamber to the sixth storage chamber.

12. The refrigerator-freezer includes: The storage device further includes third to sixth temperature sensors that measure the internal temperatures of the third to sixth storage compartments, respectively; The control device determining whether to open or close the third damper based on a comparison between the measurement value of the third temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the third storage compartment; determining whether to open or close the fourth damper based on a comparison between the measurement value of the fourth temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the fourth storage compartment; determining whether to open or close the fifth damper based on a comparison between the measurement value of the fifth temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the fifth storage compartment; The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 11, wherein a decision is made to open or close the sixth damper based on a comparison between the measurement value of the sixth temperature sensor and a target temperature range for the third storage compartment.

13. The control device When the measurement value of the third temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the third storage chamber, the third damper is opened; When the measurement value of the third temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the third storage chamber, the third damper is closed; When the measurement value of the fourth temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the fourth storage chamber, the fourth damper is opened; When the measurement value of the fourth temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the fourth storage chamber, the fourth damper is closed; When the measurement value of the fifth temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the fifth storage chamber, the fifth damper is opened; When the measurement value of the fifth temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature range of the fifth storage chamber, the fifth damper is closed; When the measurement value of the sixth temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature range of the sixth storage chamber, the sixth damper is opened; The refrigerator-freezer according to claim 12, wherein the sixth damper is closed when the measurement value of the sixth temperature sensor is lower than a target temperature range of the sixth storage compartment.

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