Refrigerator and defrost control method

Abstract

To ensure proper defrosting operation in refrigerators. [Solution] The control unit 131 of the refrigerator 1 has the function of reading a first estimated heat load from the storage unit 133, which indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the first door 103a is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else; the function of controlling the rotational speed of the compressor 110 and the rotational speed of the first blower fan 104a; and the function of stopping the inflow of refrigerant to the first evaporator 111a and driving the first blower fan 104a in accordance with the first estimated heat load when the first door 103a is opened or closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a defrost control method.

Background Art

[0002] In an indirect cooling type refrigerator that cools a storage chamber by circulating cold air generated by an evaporator with a fan, frost forms on the evaporator when water vapor contained in the air inside the refrigerator condenses and solidifies. Therefore, it is preferable to perform a defrost operation to periodically melt the frost adhering to the evaporator. During defrost control, the temperature of the evaporator becomes higher than during cooling, so the cooling performance deteriorates and the temperature inside the refrigerator rises. Therefore, in order to reduce the thermal adverse effects on stored foods and the like inside the refrigerator, it is preferable to perform the defrost operation efficiently and finish it in a short time.

[0003] As one method of the defrost operation, there is a method of heating the frost on the evaporator by circulating the air inside the refrigerator in the refrigeration temperature range and melting the frost by raising the temperature. In this method, since the frost can be easily heated if the temperature inside the refrigerator is high, the defrost operation can be executed in a short period. Also, since the cold air cooled by the frost circulates into the refrigerator, an effect of cooling the storage chamber can be expected.

[0004] As an example, in the summary of Patent Document 1 below, “... In a cooling storage refrigerator in which a defrost operation is performed during a cooling operation, an all-day timer 32 that sends out a defrost request signal, an operation state detection unit 36 that detects the operation state of the compressor 26, and after the defrost request signal is sent out, a defrost operation is started on the condition that the compressor 26 is in a stopped state and the temperature tr inside the refrigerator detected by the in-refrigerator thermistor 30 has reached a predetermined value. When the defrost request signal is issued and the timing is during the operation of the compressor 26, the compressor 26 stops, and then the defrost operation is started after waiting for the temperature inside the refrigerator to reach the predetermined value. When the timing when the defrost request signal is issued is when the compressor 26 is stopped, the defrost operation is started on the condition that the temperature inside the refrigerator has reached the predetermined value. The defrost operation is started when the temperature of the cooler 22 becomes high, and the time required for subsequent defrosting is shortened” is described. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-225527 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] By the way, there is a desire to achieve even more effective defrosting operation with the technology described above. This invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a refrigerator and a defrost control method that can achieve appropriate defrosting operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a first storage compartment having a first door; a first evaporator for cooling the first storage compartment to maintain it in a first temperature range; a compressor for supplying compressed refrigerant to the first evaporator; a first blower fan for supplying cold air generated by the first evaporator into the first storage compartment; a first open / close sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the first door; and a control unit, wherein the control unit has the function of reading from a storage unit a first estimated heat load indicating whether the estimated heat load generated when the first door is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else; a function of controlling the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the first blower fan; and a function of stopping the inflow of refrigerant to the first evaporator and driving the first blower fan in accordance with the first estimated heat load when the first door is opened or closed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, proper defrosting operation can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of estimated heat load information. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the operation processing routine in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the refrigeration defrosting operation routine in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of changes in the refrigerator compartment temperature and the refrigerator evaporator temperature in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the refrigeration defrosting operation routine in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of the control system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the change in refrigerator compartment temperature in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a heat load graph and estimated heat load information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Summary of the Embodiment] Applying the technology described in Patent Document 1, as mentioned above, it is believed that the time required for subsequent defrosting can be shortened by estimating the evaporator temperature based on the internal temperature and starting the defrosting operation when the evaporator temperature rises. As a result, the rise in internal temperature is kept small, preventing a decrease in freshness due to thermal adverse effects on the contents stored inside. However, since this technology determines the start of defrosting operation using instantaneous temperature values, it cannot detect temperature increases caused by outside air entering due to prolonged opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, it cannot capture temperature increases caused by warm contents added inside the refrigerator when the door is opened and closed.

[0011] When such a high heat load occurs inside the storage compartment, even if defrosting can be efficiently performed, there is a problem that the temperature inside the storage compartment rises, and the freshness of the stored food and the like inside the storage compartment deteriorates due to the thermal adverse effects. Here, the heat load refers to the amount of heat that must be removed to maintain the temperature inside the storage compartment. A high heat load occurs inside the storage compartment due to the heat load constantly generated by heat intrusion from outside the storage compartment, and the heat load is added by long-term door opening and closing or the addition of warm contents accompanying door opening and closing. Therefore, the embodiment described below realizes a refrigerator that efficiently performs defrosting and improves freshness at the same time.

[0012] [First Embodiment] 〈Configuration of the First Embodiment〉 Next, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that each embodiment is an exemplification, and for the sake of clarity of explanation, omissions and simplifications are made as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. The interior space 101 of the refrigerator 1 and the outside are separated by a heat insulation box 102 filled with a heat insulating material. The interior space 101 has an opening (not numbered) at the front and is divided into a refrigerating compartment 101a (first storage compartment), a freezing compartment 101b (second storage compartment), and a vegetable compartment 101c. In front of the interior space 101, a refrigerating compartment door 103a (first door), a freezing compartment door 103b (second door), and a vegetable compartment door 103c for opening and closing the opening are provided. These may be collectively referred to as the door 103.

[0014] The freezing compartment 101b is basically maintained in a freezing temperature range (less than 0°C), for example, an average of about -18°C. The refrigerating compartment 101a and the vegetable compartment 101c have the interior of the storage compartment in a refrigerating temperature range (0°C or higher). For example, the refrigerating compartment 101a has an average of about 4°C, and the vegetable compartment 101c has an average of about 7°C.

[0015] In the approximate back part of the refrigerator compartment 101a, a refrigeration evaporator 111a (first evaporator) is housed, and in the approximate back part of the freezer compartment 101b, a freezing evaporator 111b (second evaporator) is housed. Both may be collectively referred to as the evaporator 111. Also, above the refrigeration evaporator 111a, a refrigeration blower fan 104a (first blower fan) is provided. Above the freezing evaporator 111b, a freezing blower fan 104b (second blower fan) is provided. Below the freezing evaporator 111b, a ventilation duct 105 for delivering the cold air generated by the freezing blower fan 104b to the vegetable compartment 101c is provided. A vegetable compartment damper 106 is provided in the ventilation duct 105, and by opening and closing this, it is possible to control whether or not to blow air into the vegetable compartment 101c.

[0016] Also, a return duct 107 is provided to return the cold air supplied to the vegetable compartment 101c back to the freezing evaporator 111b again. The dashed arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of air. Various sensors for use in control are installed in the refrigerator 1. On the door 103, there are provided a refrigerator compartment opening / closing sensor 120a (first opening / closing sensor) for detecting the opening / closing state of the refrigerator compartment door 103a, a freezer compartment opening / closing sensor 120b for detecting the opening / closing state of the freezer compartment door 103b, and a vegetable compartment opening / closing sensor 120c for detecting the opening / closing state of the vegetable compartment door 103c. These may be collectively referred to as the opening / closing sensor 120.

[0017] In the internal space 101, there are provided a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121a for measuring the refrigerator compartment temperature TR, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 121b for measuring the freezer compartment temperature TF, and a vegetable compartment temperature sensor 121c for measuring the vegetable compartment temperature TV. Also, on the upper surface of the heat-insulating box body 102, an outside air temperature sensor 126 for grasping the surrounding temperature is provided. Also, on the refrigeration evaporator 111a, a refrigeration evaporator temperature sensor 122a for measuring the refrigeration evaporator temperature TRD (first evaporator temperature) is provided. Also, above the heat-insulating box body 102, a refrigerator compartment camera 124 for photographing the inside of the refrigerator compartment 101a and outputting the photographing result as image data is provided.

[0018] The lower rear of the insulated box 102 is provided with a compressor 110 for compressing the refrigerant and a condenser 112 for condensing the compressed refrigerant. The refrigerator 1 also includes a control unit 131 for controlling the compressor 110, a measuring unit 132 for acquiring measured values ​​from various sensors, a storage unit 133 for storing various data, a clock 123 for acquiring the current day of the week and time, and an output unit 136 for displaying various information to the user.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the refrigeration cycle 20 of refrigerator 1. The refrigeration cycle 20 of refrigerator 1, i.e., the refrigerant flow path, includes the compressor 110, evaporator 111, and condenser 112 described above, as well as a refrigeration capillary tube 113a, a freezing capillary tube 113b, and a three-way valve 114 (switch). The refrigeration evaporator 111a and the freezing evaporator 111b exchange heat between the refrigerant and the air inside the refrigerator, thereby absorbing heat from inside the refrigerator.

[0020] The refrigeration capillary tube 113a and the freezing capillary tube 113b reduce the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the refrigeration evaporator 111a and the freezing evaporator 111b, respectively. The three-way valve 114 is equipped with a refrigeration-side outlet 114a and a freezing-side outlet 114b.

[0021] When the refrigeration outlet 114a is open and the freezing outlet 114b is closed, and the refrigerant flows to the refrigeration capillary tube 113a side, this state is called state STa (refrigeration mode). Conversely, when the refrigeration outlet 114a is closed and the freezing outlet 114b is open, and the refrigerant flows to the freezing capillary tube 113b side, this state is called state STb (freezing mode).

[0022] When the three-way valve 114 is set to state STa (refrigeration mode), the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 reaches the three-way valve 114, flows through the refrigeration capillary tube 113a, is depressurized and cooled, and reaches the refrigeration evaporator 111a, where it exchanges heat with the return air from the refrigerator compartment 101a. The refrigerant that leaves the refrigeration evaporator 111a returns to the compressor 110.

[0023] On the other hand, when the three-way valve 114 is set to state STb (freezing mode), the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 reaches the three-way valve 114, flows through the refrigeration capillary tube 113b, is depressurized and cooled, and reaches the refrigeration evaporator 111b, where it exchanges heat with the return air from the freezer compartment 101b and the return air from the vegetable compartment 101c (when the vegetable compartment damper 106 is open). The refrigerant that leaves the refrigeration evaporator 111b returns to the compressor 110.

[0024] The control unit 131 adjusts the temperature and amount of cold air sent to each storage compartment by controlling the rotational speed and operating time of the compressor 110, the rotational speed of the blower fan 104, the state of the three-way valve 114, and the open / closed state of the vegetable compartment damper 106. In this embodiment, the cooling operation of the refrigerator 1 is classified into a refrigeration cooling operation that cools the refrigerator compartment 101a and a freezing cooling operation that cools the freezer compartment 101b or the vegetable compartment 101c, and the refrigeration cooling operation and the freezing cooling operation cannot be performed simultaneously.

[0025] In refrigeration operation, the control unit 131 controls the three-way valve 114 to state STa (refrigeration mode), driving the compressor 110, driving the refrigeration fan 104a, and stopping the freezing fan 104b to cool the refrigerator compartment 101a. In freezing operation, the control unit 131 controls the three-way valve 114 to state STb (freezing mode), driving the compressor 110 and the freezing fan to cool the freezer compartment 101b and the vegetable compartment 101c. In addition, in freezing operation, the control unit 131 cools the freezer compartment 101b by closing the vegetable compartment damper 106, and cools both the freezer compartment 101b and the vegetable compartment 101c by opening it.

[0026] In refrigerator 1, which operates for extended periods, moisture in the internal space 101 condenses and solidifies in the evaporator 111, forming frost that adheres to the evaporator 111. As frost buildup progresses, the ventilation section of the evaporator 111 becomes blocked, reducing the supply of cold air and causing frost clogging, which degrades cooling performance. To prevent this frost clogging, a defrosting operation is performed. In the refrigerated defrosting operation, which defrosts the refrigerated evaporator 111a, the control unit 131 stops the compressor 110 or sets the three-way valve 114 to a state other than STa (refrigerated mode). In this state, the refrigerated blower fan 104a is driven to circulate the air inside the refrigerator compartment 101a, heating the frost on the refrigerated evaporator 111a and raising its temperature to melt the frost.

[0027] The memory unit 133 stores count information CNT (not shown) indicating the execution time of the refrigeration cooling operation after the completion of the previous refrigeration defrosting operation, and estimated heat load information, which will be described later. Here, the estimated heat load information is information calculated from the current day of the week and time, which is an estimated value of the heat load generated inside the refrigerator when the door is opened and closed, and is defined for at least the refrigerator compartment 101a.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of estimated heat load information TBa and TBa. The estimated heat load information TBa (first estimated heat load information) for the refrigerator compartment defines the estimated heat load Ja (first estimated heat load) of the refrigerator compartment 101a for a given time. Here, the number in the time column (0 to 23) represents the hour, and the range is from "0 minutes 0 seconds" to "59 minutes 59 seconds" of that hour. Furthermore, the estimated heat load Ja indicates the magnitude of the estimated heat load in two stages: "high" and "low". In other words, the estimated heat load Ja is information that indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the refrigerator compartment door 103a is opened and closed is a low heat load or something else. A blank space for the estimated heat load Ja means that the heat load is "undefined", and unless otherwise specified, it should be treated the same as "high". Furthermore, the estimated heat load information TBb for the freezer compartment, similar to the estimated heat load information TBa for the refrigerator compartment, defines the estimated heat load Jb (second estimated heat load) for the freezer compartment 101b.

[0029] The opening and closing of the refrigerator door 103a during breakfast is primarily for taking out and putting in the contents stored in refrigerator compartment 101a. The heat load generated by this type of use is mainly thought to be due to the intrusion of outside air. Therefore, in the estimated heat load information TBa, the estimated heat load Ja is set to "low" during the breakfast period, which is assumed to be from 5:00 to 9:00. In other words, an estimated heat load of "low" means that, in addition to the heat load constantly generated by heat intrusion from outside the refrigerator, the heat load occurs when the door is opened for a short time or when the contents within the refrigerated temperature range are changed.

[0030] On the other hand, it is highly likely that new items from shopping or items heated to high temperatures during cooking will be added to the refrigerator compartment 101a and the freezer compartment 101b from evening until dinner time. The opening and closing of the doors that occurs with this type of use results in a high heat load, which is not only due to the heat load from the intrusion of outside air but also due to the heat load from the contents. For this reason, the estimated heat loads Ja and Jb for both the refrigerator compartment 101a and the freezer compartment 101b are set to "high" from 4 PM to 9 PM, which is assumed to be from evening until dinner time.

[0031] The estimated heat load information TBa and TBb described above should be determined based on an analysis of the usage of the refrigerator 1 in the market and pre-recorded in the storage unit 133 at the time of shipment. However, the example shown in Figure 3 is just one example based on the general usage of the refrigerator 1, and the estimated heat load information TBa and TBb may be appropriately changed according to the usage of the refrigerator 1 by individual users and their lifestyles.

[0032] Returning to Figure 1, the measurement unit 132 estimates the amount of frost on the refrigerator evaporator 111a based on the measurement results of various sensors. That is, the measurement unit 132 determines that there is no frost left on the refrigerator evaporator 111a when the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD reaches a predetermined refrigerated defrosting operation completion temperature TRDoff (not shown).

[0033] Furthermore, the memory unit 133 stores time-series data of the rotation speed of the blower fan 104, the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR, the freezer compartment temperature TF, and the vegetable compartment temperature TV. The amount of frost accumulation may be estimated based on this time-series data.

[0034] For example, if the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD decreases and the refrigerator fan 104a is running, but the refrigerator compartment temperature TR does not rise, it may be determined that there is a large amount of frost. Alternatively, a camera sensor (not shown) positioned to photograph the refrigerator evaporator 111a may be added, and the amount of frost may be estimated based on the captured image data.

[0035] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. When the power to refrigerator 1 is turned on, each part of the internal space 101 is cooled, and the refrigerator compartment temperature TR, freezer compartment temperature TF, and vegetable compartment temperature TV reach predetermined temperature ranges. This state is called the stable cooling operation state. In the stable cooling operation state, the basic heat load on refrigerator 1 is only heat intrusion from outside the compartment. In the stable cooling operation state, the operation processing routine shown in Figure 4 is started.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the operation processing routine in the first embodiment. In Figure 4, when the process proceeds to step S101, the control unit 131 starts the refrigeration cooling operation. That is, the control unit 131 selects state STa (refrigeration mode) as shown in Figure 2. As a result, refrigerant is supplied to the refrigeration evaporator 111a, and the refrigerator compartment 101a is cooled. During the refrigeration cooling operation, the control unit 131 measures the cumulative time during which the refrigeration cooling operation has been performed, after the last refrigeration defrosting operation (step S205 in Figure 5, described later) has been executed. For example, every minute during the refrigeration cooling operation, the count information CNT (not shown) is counted up. Generally, the longer this elapsed time, the more frost accumulates on the refrigeration evaporator 111a.

[0037] Next, when the process proceeds to step S102, the control unit 131 performs a determination of the end of the refrigeration cooling operation. Specifically, the control unit 131 determines whether the refrigerator compartment temperature TR has become less than or equal to the refrigeration cooling operation end temperature TRoff (TR ≤ TRoff). If it is determined to be "No" here, step S102 is repeated until it is determined to be "Yes". If it is determined to be "Yes" in step S102, the processes from step S103 onwards and the refrigeration defrosting operation process in step S2 are executed in parallel.

[0038] First, in step S103, the control unit 131 performs a refrigeration operation. That is, the control unit 131 selects state STb (refrigeration mode) as shown in Figure 2. As a result, refrigerant is supplied to the refrigeration evaporator 111b, and the freezer compartment 101b is cooled. In addition, during the refrigeration operation, the control unit 131 cools the vegetable compartment 101c as needed by opening and closing the vegetable compartment damper 106.

[0039] More specifically, when the vegetable compartment temperature TV falls below the predetermined vegetable compartment damper closing temperature TVoff (TV ≤ TVoff), the vegetable compartment damper 106 closes, and only the freezer compartment 101b is cooled. Conversely, when the vegetable compartment temperature TV exceeds the vegetable compartment damper closing temperature TVoff, the vegetable compartment damper 106 opens, and both the freezer compartment 101b and the vegetable compartment 101c are cooled simultaneously.

[0040] Next, when the process proceeds to step S104, the control unit 131 performs a determination of whether the refrigeration operation has ended. Specifically, the control unit 131 determines whether the refrigeration chamber temperature TF has become less than or equal to the refrigeration operation termination temperature TFoff (TF ≤ TFoff). If the determination is "No", step S104 is repeated until the determination becomes "Yes".

[0041] If "Yes" is determined in step S104, the process then proceeds to step S105. Here, the control unit 131 performs a determination to start the refrigeration cooling operation. Specifically, the control unit 131 determines whether the refrigerator compartment temperature TR has become equal to or greater than the refrigeration cooling operation start temperature TRon (first operation start temperature) (TR≧TRon).

[0042] If the result is "No" at this stage, step S105 is repeated until the result is "Yes". In other words, during the period when the result is "No" in step S105, the compressor 110 is stopped and neither refrigeration nor freezing operation is performed. When the result is "Yes" in step S105, the process returns to step S101, and refrigeration operation is performed again.

[0043] As described above, if "Yes" is determined in step S102, the processes in steps S103 to S105 and the refrigeration defrosting operation process in step S2 are executed in parallel. Since step S2 is executed immediately after "Yes" is determined in step S102, the refrigeration defrosting operation process is always started at a time when refrigeration cooling operation is not being performed.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the refrigeration defrosting operation routine in the first embodiment. This routine is called in step S2 of the operation processing routine (Figure 4). In Figure 5, when the process proceeds to step S201, the control unit 131 determines whether or not a timeout has occurred. That is, after the refrigeration defrosting operation (step S205, described later) is completed, it determines whether or not the cumulative time of the refrigeration cooling operation has exceeded a predetermined time (for example, 180 minutes). This determination may be performed by referring to the count information CNT described above.

[0045] If "Yes" is determined here, the process proceeds to step S205, and the control unit 131 executes a refrigerated defrosting operation. That is, in step S205, the control unit 131 stops the compressor 110 or sets the three-way valve 114 to state STb (freezing mode). In this state, the refrigerated blower fan 104a is driven to circulate the air inside the refrigerator compartment 101a, melting the frost on the refrigerated evaporator 111a and cooling the inside of the refrigerator compartment 101a.

[0046] Then, the control unit 131 terminates the defrosting operation when it is estimated that the frost has disappeared, based on the estimated amount of frost calculated by the measurement unit 132. In this embodiment, the control unit 131 terminates the defrosting operation when the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD is equal to or greater than the defrosting operation termination temperature TRDoff (TR≧TRDoff). Also, when the defrosting operation is terminated, the control unit 131 resets the count information CNT to "0". However, if the refrigerator compartment temperature TR becomes high while the defrosting operation is being performed (for example, if the refrigerator compartment temperature TR exceeds the defrosting operation start temperature TRon), the defrosting control may be terminated.

[0047] In this way, by performing a defrosting operation (step S205) when the time limit is reached, defrosting can be performed at appropriate intervals, reducing the risk of frost buildup. Alternatively, in step S201, instead of referring to the count information CNT, the amount of frost may be estimated based on time-series data of the rotation speed of the blower fan 104, the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR, the freezer compartment temperature TF, and the vegetable compartment temperature TV, and a decision may be made whether or not to perform a defrosting operation based on the estimated amount of frost.

[0048] If "No" is determined in step S201, it means that there is little need to immediately perform the defrosting operation. In this case, the defrosting operation will be performed when it is determined that it is preferable to perform the defrosting operation according to the various states of the refrigerator 1. First, in step S202, the control unit 131 determines whether or not the refrigerator door 103a has been opened or closed. That is, if step S202 is performed after the refrigerator door 103a has been opened once and then closed, then it is determined to be "Yes".

[0049] If no opening or closing occurs at the refrigerator door 103a, the result is determined to be "No," and the process proceeds to step S105A. In step S105A, similar to step S105 (see Figure 4) described above, the control unit 131 performs a determination to start the refrigeration cooling operation. That is, it determines whether the refrigerator temperature TR has become equal to or greater than the refrigeration cooling operation start temperature TRon (TR≧TRon). If the result is determined to be "No," the process returns to step S202.

[0050] Thereafter, as long as the refrigerator door 103a does not open or close and the refrigerator temperature TR is less than the refrigeration cooling start temperature TRon, the loop of steps S202 and S105A is repeated. When the refrigerator temperature TR becomes equal to or greater than the refrigeration cooling start temperature TRon, step S105A is determined to be "Yes", and this routine terminates.

[0051] Furthermore, after this routine is completed, the operation processing routine (Figure 4) also determines "Yes" in step S105, and the control unit 131 executes the refrigeration cooling operation (step S101) again. In this way, if there is a risk that the internal temperature will rise too high if the refrigeration defrosting operation (step S205) is executed, this routine can be terminated to avoid that risk and improve freshness preservation.

[0052] In Figure 5, if the refrigerator door 103a is opened or closed while the loop of steps S202 and S105A is being repeated, step S202 is determined to be "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S203. Here, the control unit 131 performs a low heat load determination for the refrigerator compartment 101a. That is, the control unit 131 refers to the estimated heat load information TBa (see Figure 3) and determines whether the estimated heat load Ja at the current time is "low".

[0053] If the estimated heat load Ja at the current time is "High" or "Undefined", the result is determined to be "No", and this routine terminates. The reason for this is as follows: First, if the estimated heat load Ja is "High", it is considered highly likely that high-load contents will be placed inside the refrigerator, so the refrigerated defrosting operation (step S205) is avoided. Also, if the estimated heat load Ja is "Undefined", for safety reasons, the refrigerated defrosting operation (step S205) is avoided, similar to the case where it is "High".

[0054] On the other hand, if the estimated heat load Ja at the current time is "low", then "Yes" is determined in step S203, and the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the control unit 131 performs a determination to start the refrigeration defrosting operation. Specifically, the control unit 131 determines whether the refrigeration evaporator temperature TRD is less than or equal to the refrigeration defrosting start temperature TRDon (TRD ≤ TRDon).

[0055] If "No" is determined in step S204, this routine terminates. The reason for this is as follows: When the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD is relatively high, it is expected that there will be little frost adhering to the refrigerator evaporator 111a. Also, when the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD is relatively high, it is thought that even if the air in the refrigerator compartment 101a is circulated, the refrigerator compartment 101a will not be cooled very much. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid performing the defrosting operation when the amount of frost is small and to perform the defrosting operation when a greater cooling effect can be expected, the processing of this routine is terminated when "No" is determined in step S204.

[0056] On the other hand, if "Yes" is determined in step S204, the process proceeds to step S205, and the control unit 131 executes the refrigerated defrosting operation described above. In other words, the control unit 131 has a function to stop the inflow of refrigerant to the refrigerated evaporator 111a and drive the refrigerated blower fan 104a based on the estimated heat load Ja and the refrigerated evaporator temperature TRD when the refrigerator door 103a is opened or closed.

[0057] <Examples of temperature changes> Figure 6 shows an example of the changes in the refrigerator compartment temperature TR and the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD in the first embodiment. In Figure 6, the estimated heat load information TBa is assumed to be the one shown in Figure 3. Also, the time t shown in Figure 6 is assumed to be within the range of 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM. At time t0, the refrigeration cooling operation is started by the process in step S101 in Figure 4, and the refrigerator compartment temperature TR and the refrigeration evaporator temperature TRD decrease over time. Next, at time t12, when the refrigerator compartment temperature TR reaches the refrigeration cooling operation termination temperature TRoff, the refrigeration cooling operation is stopped by step S102, and thereafter, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR and the refrigeration evaporator temperature TRD slowly rise due to heat intrusion from outside the compartment.

[0058] Then, from time t12 onward, the loop of steps S202 and S105A in the process shown in Figure 5 is repeated. Subsequently, the refrigerator door 103a is open at time t14 and closed at time t16. During this period, as shown in the figure, the refrigerator temperature TR rises slightly due to the intrusion of outside air.

[0059] Thus, when the refrigerator door 103a is opened or closed, the result is determined as "Yes" in step S202 of Figure 5. Since the time t16 falls within the range of 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the estimated heat load is "low," as shown in the estimated heat load information TBa in Figure 3, and therefore the result is determined as "Yes" in step S203.

[0060] Furthermore, at time t16, the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD is below the refrigerator defrosting start temperature TRDon (not shown in Figure 6), so "Yes" is determined in step S204 in Figure 5, and the refrigerator defrosting operation is started in step S205. Subsequently, the refrigerator evaporator temperature TRD gradually rises, and when it reaches the refrigerator defrosting end temperature TRDoff at time t20, the refrigerator defrosting operation in step S205 is terminated.

[0061] Subsequently, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR rises due to heat intrusion from outside the compartment. Then, at time t22, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR reaches the refrigeration cooling start temperature TRon. As a result, "Yes" is determined in step S105 shown in Figure 4, and the refrigeration cooling operation is restarted by the process in step S101.

[0062] After the refrigerator door 103a is open, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101a rises during the period until it is closed. In this embodiment, this heat can be utilized for defrosting. This shortens the defrosting period from time t16 to t20, and reduces the operating time of the refrigerator fan 104a. Furthermore, by driving the refrigerator fan 104a for defrosting, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR can also be lowered.

[0063] If high-temperature contents are added between time t14 and t16, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR may continue to rise after the defrosting operation starts at time t16, as shown by the dashed line, refrigerator compartment temperature TRC. Then, let's assume that the refrigerator compartment temperature TRC reaches the refrigeration cooling start temperature TRON at time t18.

[0064] In this case, the defrosting operation may be interrupted. Subsequently, since "Yes" is determined in step S105, the refrigeration cooling operation is performed. In other words, the control unit 131 has a function to drive the refrigeration fan 104a with the flow of refrigerant to the refrigeration evaporator 111a stopped, and then, when the refrigerator room temperature TR rises to the refrigeration cooling operation start temperature TRon, to allow refrigerant to flow into the refrigeration evaporator 111a.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] Next, a refrigerator according to the second embodiment will be described. In the description of each embodiment, parts corresponding to parts of the other embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted. The hardware configuration of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see Figures 1 to 3). The contents of the operation processing routine (Figure 4) are also the same as those of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the refrigeration defrosting operation processing routine shown in Figure 7 is applied.

[0066] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the refrigeration defrosting operation routine in the second embodiment. In Figure 7, the processes in steps S201, S105A, S202, S204, and S205 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see Figure 5). Therefore, the process when "Yes" is determined in step S202 will be explained.

[0067] If the door of the refrigerator compartment 101a is opened or closed in step S202, the result is determined to be "Yes," and the process proceeds to step S203A. Here, the control unit 131 determines whether or not the refrigeration cooling operation (step S103 in Figure 4) is in progress. If the result is determined to be "Yes," the process proceeds to step S204. As described above, the processing content of steps S204 and S205 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see Figure 5).

[0068] On the other hand, if refrigeration cooling operation is in progress, step S203A is determined to be "No", and the process proceeds to step S203B, where the control unit 131 performs a refrigeration operation importance determination. That is, the control unit 131 refers to the estimated heat load information TBb and determines whether the estimated heat load Jb of the freezer compartment 101b at the current time is "high" or "undefined". If it is determined to be "Yes", this routine ends. In other words, the refrigeration defrosting operation (step S205) is not performed, and the frost attached to the refrigeration evaporator 111a is maintained. After this routine ends, in step S105 of the operation processing routine (Figure 4), it is determined to be "Yes", and the control unit 131 performs the refrigeration cooling operation (step S101) again.

[0069] In other words, the control unit 131 includes a function to acquire a first determination result (step S203A) of whether or not the freezer compartment 101b is being cooled when the refrigerator door 103a is opened or closed, a function to acquire a second determination result (step S203) of whether or not the estimated heat load Jb is a low heat load when the refrigerator door 103a is opened or closed, a function to drive the refrigeration fan 104a if either the first determination result or the second determination result is positive, and a function to introduce refrigerant into the refrigeration evaporator 111a and drive the refrigeration fan 104a if both the first and second determination results are negative.

[0070] If the heat load of the freezer compartment 101b is high, the frequency of refrigeration cooling operations (steps S101 and S102 in Figure 4) will decrease. In such cases, if the heat load of the refrigerator compartment 101a is high, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR may become too high during the refrigeration cooling operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by avoiding the refrigeration defrosting operation (step S205) when the estimated heat load Jb of the freezer compartment 101b is high, the frost attached to the refrigeration evaporator 111a can be maintained, and the freshness of the contents in the refrigerator compartment 101a can be improved.

[0071] On the other hand, if the estimated heat load Jb of the freezer compartment 101b at the current time is "low", the result is "No" in step S203B, and the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the control unit 131 performs a low heat load determination for the refrigerator compartment 101a, similar to step S203 in the refrigeration defrosting operation processing routine of the first embodiment (Figure 5). That is, the control unit 131 refers to the estimated heat load information TBa (see Figure 3) and determines whether the estimated heat load Ja at the current time is "low".

[0072] Then, similar to the processing in the first embodiment, if the control unit 131 determines "Yes" in step S203, it executes the processing from step S204 onwards, and if it determines "No", it terminates the processing of this routine.

[0073] Thus, in this embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, the heat load generated in the refrigerator compartment 101a due to the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 103a can be utilized for defrosting, and at the same time, the refrigerator compartment 101a can be cooled. Furthermore, when a heat load is generated in the refrigerator compartment 101a, it may not be possible to immediately perform the refrigeration cooling operation because it is necessary to cool the freezer compartment. According to this embodiment, even in this case, the refrigerator compartment 101a can be cooled by the refrigeration defrosting operation, improving the freshness of the contents in the refrigerator compartment 101a. In addition, according to this embodiment, the refrigeration defrosting operation (step S205) can be avoided during times when the heat load in the freezer compartment is estimated to be high, thereby improving the freshness of the contents in the refrigerator compartment 101a.

[0074] [Third Embodiment] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the control system 10 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 8, the control system 10 comprises a refrigerator 1, a calculation system 2 (estimated heat load information generation unit), and a group of electrical appliances 3. The refrigerator 1 is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, but the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment differs in that it is equipped with a communication unit 134.

[0075] The electrical appliance group 3 is installed in the living area where the refrigerator 1 is located, and includes a rice cooker 301 (electrical appliance), an induction heating (IH) stove 302 (electrical appliance), a microwave oven 303 (electrical appliance), and a communication unit 310. The computing system 2 includes a processing unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a communication unit 203. The aforementioned communication units 134, 203, and 310 communicate with each other via a communication network 12. The computing system 2 may be deployed in an external cloud environment.

[0076] The storage unit 133 of the refrigerator 1 stores time-series information such as the rotational speed of the compressor 110, the rotational speed of the fan, and sensor values ​​obtained from each sensor for a certain period of time. When one day's worth of time-series information is accumulated in the storage unit 133, its contents are uploaded from the communication unit 134 to the calculation system 2. The uploaded data is stored in the storage unit 202 of the calculation system 2. The processing unit 201 refers to the storage unit 202 and calculates and defines the estimated heat load information TBa and TBB.

[0077] Figure 9 shows an example of the change in refrigerator compartment temperature TR in the third embodiment. The period shown in the diagram is the period when neither refrigeration cooling operation nor refrigeration defrosting operation is performed. Assume that the refrigerator door 103a is opened and closed at times t32 and t34. However, assume that only the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 103a occurs at time t32, and that high-temperature contents are placed inside at time t34. Since the change in the refrigerator temperature TR before and after time t32 is caused by heat intrusion from outside the refrigerator, the slope of the refrigerator temperature TR, i.e., the rate of temperature change, is almost constant.

[0078] On the other hand, the change in the refrigerator compartment temperature TR before and after time t34 differs in that there are no high-temperature contents, and the rate of temperature change after opening and closing the door is higher than the rate of temperature change before opening and closing the door. For reference, the refrigerator compartment temperature TR when only the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 103a occurs at time t34 is shown by the dashed line after time t34. Therefore, the heat load Qa of the refrigerator compartment 101a can be defined by the slope of the refrigerator compartment temperature TR, i.e., the rate of change.

[0079] The processing unit 201 of the calculation system 2 calculates the average value of the heat load Qa generated by heat intrusion from outside the refrigerator, and sets this calculation result as the normal heat load. The processing unit 201 then determines that the heat load Qa is "low" if the difference between the heat load Qa after opening and closing the refrigerator door 103a and the normal heat load is less than a predetermined threshold Qath (see Figure 10). On the other hand, the processing unit 201 determines that the heat load Qa is "high" if the difference between the heat load Qa after opening and closing the refrigerator door 103a and the normal heat load is equal to or greater than the threshold Qath.

[0080] Figure 10 shows an example of a heat load graph G2 and estimated heat load information TBa. The vertical axis of the heat load graph G2 represents the heat load Qa of the refrigerator compartment 101a, and the horizontal axis represents time. The heat load characteristics Qa1, Qa2, and Qa3 show the heat load Qa associated with the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 103a on different days.

[0081] The calculation system 2 obtains the illustrated heat load characteristics Qa1, Qa2, and Qa3 based on the time-series information for three days obtained from the refrigerator 1, and determines the estimated heat load Ja for each time period based on whether or not it is below the threshold Qath. For example, since all the heat loads generated by opening and closing the refrigerator door 103a between 8:00 and 14:00 over the three days are low heat loads, the processing unit 201 of the calculation system 2 defines the estimated heat load Ja for the time period from 8:00 to 14:00 in the estimated heat load information TBa as "low".

[0082] On the other hand, between 6 PM and 10 PM for three days, the heat load generated by opening and closing the door is high. Thus, if there is a period of time when at least one of the heat load characteristics Qa1, Qa2, and Qa3 is high, the processing unit 201 of the calculation system 2 defines the estimated heat load Ja in the estimated heat load information TBa for that period as "high". Note that for periods when the refrigerator door 103a is not opened or closed, the estimated heat load information TBa is set to "undefined" (blank). This makes it possible to define estimated heat load information TBa tailored to the user of refrigerator 1. By applying this estimated heat load information TBa, the heat load generated in the refrigerator compartment 101a can be used for defrosting, and the risk of temperature rise associated with defrosting can be reduced.

[0083] The graph of the heat load Qb for the freezer compartment 101b, and the estimated heat load information TBb based on it, are not shown in Figure 10. However, the processing unit 201 of the calculation system 2 generates estimated heat load information TBb (see Figure 3) for the freezer compartment 101b, in the same way as for the refrigerator compartment 101a described above. That is, the processing unit 201 generates estimated heat load information TBb based on the comparison result between the heat load characteristics of the freezer compartment 101b over several days and a threshold value Qbth (not shown) for the freezer compartment 101b.

[0084] The estimated heat load information TBa,TBb defined in the calculation system 2 is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 and stored in the refrigerator 1's storage unit 133. The estimated heat load information TBa,TBb is transmitted, for example, every three days. This allows for improved defrosting efficiency and better preservation of fresh food by using the received estimated heat load information TBa,TBb to control defrosting, even if there is a change in the user's usage habits of the refrigerator 1. The time-series information used to define the estimated heat load information TBa,TBb should, for example, be data from the past month or so. The estimated heat load information TBa,TBb may also be defined for each day of the week. Furthermore, by transmitting new estimated heat load information TBa,TBb to the refrigerator 1 at least once a week, it becomes possible to use estimated heat load information based on usage on the same day of the week most recently for control.

[0085] Furthermore, the refrigerator camera 124 may be used to capture internal image data before and after the door 103 is opened and closed, which can be used to understand changes in the contents inside the refrigerator and to define the estimated heat load information TBa and TBb. In other words, by capturing images of contents that generate a high heat load and detecting the addition of similar contents, it is possible to estimate the heat load that will occur afterward. This makes it possible to detect when contents that are thought to generate a high heat load, such as a pot, have been added, thereby reducing the risk of temperature rise by avoiding defrosting.

[0086] Furthermore, the operating status of electrical appliance group 3 can be used to understand the changes in operating status before and after the door 103 is opened and closed, and this information can be used to define the estimated heat load information TBa and TBb. This allows for the understanding of the process of applying heat to food from heating appliances such as microwave ovens, induction cooktops, and rice cookers, and enables the prediction of the occurrence of high heat loads in the contents, thereby improving freshness by avoiding the subsequent execution of defrost control.

[0087] In other words, the calculation system 2 should include a function to collect the operating status of the electrical appliance group 3, a function to calculate the heat load generated in the refrigerator compartment 101a based on image data from the refrigerator compartment camera 124 and the operating status of the electrical appliance group 3, and a function to generate estimated heat load information TBa for the refrigerator compartment based on the opening and closing times of the refrigerator compartment door 103a and the calculated heat load.

[0088] Alternatively, the refrigerator 1 and the calculation system 2 may be integrated by including the calculation system 2 in the refrigerator 1, and the estimated heat load information TBa,TBb may be updated using the data stored in the memory unit 202. This allows the estimated heat load information TBa,TBb to be defined more frequently, making it possible to quickly capture changes in the user's habits and leading to improved freshness. In addition, the output unit 136 (see Figure 1) of the refrigerator 1 may display the heat load Qa,Qb calculated by the control unit 131 and the defined estimated heat load information TBa,TBb to the user of the refrigerator 1.

[0089] The output unit 136 can be connected to the LCD display on the refrigerator 1 unit or to a smartphone owned by the user. This allows the user to understand the current control status of the refrigerator 1, and when the control is set to anticipate a low heat load, it can lead to behavioral changes such as refraining from adding contents that would result in a high heat load, thereby improving freshness preservation.

[0090] [Differentiation] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. The embodiments described above are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those comprising all the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with those of another embodiment, and to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to delete parts of the configuration of each embodiment, add other configurations, or replace them with other configurations. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown in the figures are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines required in the product. In practice, it can be assumed that almost all configurations are interconnected. Possible modifications to the above embodiments are as follows, for example.

[0091] (1) In each of the above embodiments, the interior space 101 of the refrigerator 1 was divided, for example, into a refrigerator compartment 101a, a freezer compartment 101b, and a vegetable compartment 101c. However, the freezer compartment 101b and the vegetable compartment 101c are not essential components, and the interior space 101 may consist only of the refrigerator compartment 101a.

[0092] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the estimated heat load Ja,Jb had two stages, "high" or "low," but the estimated heat load Ja,Jb may have more stages. That is, the estimated heat load Ja,Jb should be able to classify the estimated heat load generated by opening and closing the door into low heat load and others.

[0093] (3) In Figure 5, the process in step S204 is not mandatory, and if "Yes" is determined in step S203, the process in step S205 may be performed immediately. Similarly, in Figure 7, the process in step S204 is not mandatory, and if "Yes" is determined in step S203A or step S203, the process in step S205 may be performed immediately. Furthermore, in Figure 7, the process in step S203B is not mandatory, and if "No" is determined in step S203A, the process in step S203 may be performed immediately.

[0094] (4) Since the hardware of the control unit 131 and the arithmetic system 2 in the above embodiment can be implemented by a general-purpose computer, the programs that execute the processes corresponding to each block diagram and flowchart described above, and other various processes described above, may be stored in a storage medium (a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded) or distributed via a transmission line.

[0095] (5) Although the processes corresponding to each block diagram and flowchart described above, and the various other processes described above, have been explained as software processes using a program in the above embodiment, some or all of them may be replaced with hardware processes using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0096] (6) The various processes performed in the above embodiment may be performed by a server computer via a network, and the various data stored in the above embodiment may also be stored on the server computer.

[0097] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, according to each embodiment, the control unit 131 has the function of reading a first estimated heat load (Ja) from the storage unit 133, which indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the first door (103a) is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else; the function of controlling the rotational speed of the compressor 110 and the rotational speed of the first blower fan (104a); and the function of stopping the inflow of refrigerant to the first evaporator (111a) and driving the first blower fan (104a) in accordance with the first estimated heat load (Ja) when the first door (103a) is opened or closed. This makes it possible to achieve appropriate defrosting operation in accordance with the first estimated heat load (Ja). In other words, the heat load generated when the first door (103a) is opened or closed can be used for defrosting, and at the same time the inside of the storage unit can be cooled, thereby improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, defrosting can be prioritized when there is a low possibility of increased heat load, such as when high-temperature contents are being added. This prevents the internal temperature from rising, thus improving freshness preservation.

[0098] Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, it is even more preferable to further include an estimated heat load information generation unit (2) that generates first estimated heat load information (TBa), wherein the estimated heat load information generation unit (2) has a function to calculate the heat load generated in the first storage compartment (101a) when the first door (103a) is opened or closed, and a function to define the first estimated heat load information (TBa) based on the time of opening or closing of the first door (103a) and the calculated heat load. This makes it possible to generate more appropriate first estimated heat load information (TBa) based on the actual usage of the refrigerator 1, even if there is a change in the user's usage habits of the refrigerator 1.

[0099] Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, it is even more preferable to further include a refrigerator camera 124 that outputs image data of the inside of the first storage room (101a) when the first door (103a) is opened or closed, and an estimated heat load information generation unit (2) that generates first estimated heat load information (TBa), wherein the estimated heat load information generation unit (2) has a function to calculate the heat load generated in the first storage room (101a) based on the image data, and a function to generate first estimated heat load information (TBa) based on the time of opening or closing of the first door (103a) and the calculated heat load. This makes it possible to generate more appropriate first estimated heat load information (TBa) based on the image data.

[0100] Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, it is even more preferable that the estimated heat load information generation unit (2) has the function of collecting the operating status of predetermined electrical products (301, 302, 303), the function of calculating the heat load generated in the first storage room (101a) based on the image data and the operating status, and the function of generating first estimated heat load information (TBa) based on the opening and closing times of the first door (103a) and the calculated heat load. This makes it possible to calculate the heat load according to the operating status of predetermined electrical products (301, 302, 303), and thus generate more appropriate first estimated heat load information (TBa).

[0101] Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the control unit 131 further includes a function to read a second estimated heat load (Jb) from the storage unit 133, which indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the second door (103b) is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else; a function (S203A) to obtain a first determination result of whether or not the second storage chamber (101b) is being cooled when the first door (103a) is opened or closed; a function (S203) to obtain a second determination result of whether or not the second estimated heat load (Jb) is a low heat load when the first door (103a) is opened or closed; a function to drive the first blower fan (104a) if either the first determination result or the second determination result is affirmative; and a function to introduce refrigerant into the first evaporator (111a) and drive the first blower fan (104a) if both the first determination result and the second determination result are negative. This allows for more appropriate control of the first blower fan (104a) and the first evaporator (111a) based on a second determination result of whether the second estimated heat load (Jb) is a low heat load or not.

[0102] Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the control unit 131 has a function to introduce refrigerant into the first evaporator (111a) after driving the first blower fan (104a) with the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator (111a) stopped, and when the temperature of the first storage chamber (101a) rises to a predetermined first operating start temperature (TRon). This allows refrigerant to be introduced into the first evaporator at an appropriate timing, thereby improving freshness preservation in the first storage chamber (101a).

[0103] Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the control unit 131 further includes a function to stop the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator (111a) and drive the first blower fan (104a) based on the first estimated heat load (Ja) and the first evaporator temperature (TRD), which is the temperature of the first evaporator (111a), when the first door (103a) is opened or closed. This makes it possible to stop the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator (111a) and drive the first blower fan (104a) when the first evaporator temperature (TRD) is appropriate.

[0104] Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the refrigerator 1 further includes an output unit 136 that displays a first estimated heat load (Ja) or a second estimated heat load (Jb). This allows the user to recognize the first estimated heat load (Ja) or the second estimated heat load (Jb). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1. Refrigerator 2. Calculation System (Estimated Heat Load Information Generation Unit) 10 Control Systems 20 Refrigeration Cycles 101a Refrigerated room (First storage room) 101b Freezer Room (Second Storage Room) 103a Refrigerator door (first door) 103b Freezer door (second door) 104a Refrigeration fan (first fan) 104b Cooling fan (second fan) 110 Compressor 111a Refrigerator evaporator (first evaporator) 111b Refrigerator (Second Evaporator) 114 Three-way valve (switch) 120a Refrigerator compartment opening / closing sensor (first opening / closing sensor) 124 Refrigerator Room Camera 131 Control Unit 133 Storage section 136 Output section 301 Rice cooker (electrical appliance) 302 IH Cooktop (Electrical Appliance) 303 Microwave oven (electrical appliance) G2 Thermal Load Graph Ja Estimated heat load (first estimated heat load) Jb Estimated heat load (second estimated heat load) TR Refrigerator temperature TBa Estimated Heat Load Information (First Estimated Heat Load Information) TBb Estimated heat load information TRD Refrigerator Evaporator Temperature (First Evaporator Temperature) TRon Refrigeration Cooling Operation Start Temperature (First Operation Start Temperature)

Claims

1. A first storage room equipped with a first door, A first evaporator for cooling the first storage chamber to maintain it in a first temperature range, A compressor that supplies compressed refrigerant to the first evaporator, A first blower fan supplies the cold air generated by the first evaporator into the first storage chamber, A first open / close sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the first door, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, A function to read a first estimated heat load from the storage unit, which indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the first door is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else, A function to control the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the first blower fan, The system includes a function that, when the first door is opened or closed, stops the inflow of refrigerant to the first evaporator and drives the first blower fan in accordance with the first estimated heat load. A refrigerator characterized by the following features.

2. The storage unit stores first estimated heat load information that associates the opening and closing time of the first door with the first estimated heat load. The system further comprises an estimated heat load information generation unit that generates the first estimated heat load information, The estimated heat load information generation unit, A function to calculate the heat load generated in the first storage room when the first door is opened or closed, The system includes a function for defining first estimated heat load information based on the opening and closing time of the first door and the calculated heat load. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

3. The storage unit stores first estimated heat load information that associates the opening and closing time of the first door with the first estimated heat load. A refrigerator camera outputs image data of the inside of the first storage room when the first door is opened or closed, The system further comprises an estimated heat load information generation unit that generates the first estimated heat load information, The estimated heat load information generation unit, A function to calculate the heat load generated in the first storage chamber based on the image data, The system includes a function for generating first estimated heat load information based on the opening and closing time of the first door and the calculated heat load. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

4. The storage unit stores first estimated heat load information that associates the opening and closing time of the first door with the first estimated heat load. A refrigerator camera outputs image data of the inside of the first storage room when the first door is opened or closed, The system further comprises an estimated heat load information generation unit that generates the first estimated heat load information, The estimated heat load information generation unit, A function to collect the operating status of specified electrical products, A function for calculating the heat load generated in the first storage chamber based on the image data and the operating status, The system has a function to generate first estimated heat load information based on the opening and closing time of the first door and the calculated heat load. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

5. A second storage room with a second door, A second evaporator for cooling the second storage chamber to maintain it at a second temperature zone different from the first temperature zone, A second blower fan supplies the cold air generated by the second evaporator into the second storage chamber, The system further includes a switch that alternately supplies refrigerant to the first and second evaporators, The control unit further, The function reads from the storage unit a second estimated heat load, which indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the second door is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else. A function to obtain a first determination result of whether or not the second storage chamber is being cooled when the first door is opened or closed, A function to obtain a second determination result, which determines whether the second estimated heat load is a low heat load, when the first door is opened or closed. If the first determination result or the second determination result is positive, the function to drive the first blower fan is provided. The system includes a function that, if both the first and second determination results are negative, allows refrigerant to flow into the first evaporator and drives the first blower fan. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

6. The control unit further includes a function to allow refrigerant to flow into the first evaporator after driving the first blower fan with the flow of refrigerant to the first evaporator stopped and the temperature of the first storage chamber has risen to a predetermined first operating start temperature. A refrigerator according to feature 1 or 5.

7. The control unit, The system further includes a function that, when the first door is opened or closed, stops the flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator and drives the first blower fan, based on the first estimated heat load and the first evaporator temperature, which is the temperature of the first evaporator. A refrigerator according to feature 1 or 5.

8. The system further comprises an output unit that displays the first estimated heat load or the second estimated heat load. A refrigerator according to feature 1 or 5.

9. A first storage room equipped with a first door, A first evaporator for cooling the first storage chamber to maintain it in a first temperature range, A compressor that supplies compressed refrigerant to the first evaporator, A first blower fan supplies the cold air generated by the first evaporator into the first storage chamber, A first open / close sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the first door, A defrost control method applied to a refrigerator comprising a control unit, The process of reading a first estimated heat load from the storage unit, which indicates whether the estimated heat load generated when the first door is opened or closed is a low heat load or something else, A process for controlling the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the first blower fan, When the first door is opened or closed, the control unit is instructed to perform the following steps in accordance with the first estimated heat load: stopping the inflow of refrigerant into the first evaporator and driving the first blower fan. A defrosting control method characterized by the following:

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