Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: A refrigerator according to an embodiment comprises a housing, a refrigeration chamber door, a door opening / closing detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. The housing comprises a refrigeration chamber. The refrigeration chamber door opens and closes the refrigeration chamber. The door opening / closing detection sensor detects opening / closing of the refrigeration chamber door. The temperature sensor is provided in the refrigeration chamber. The control unit can execute a plurality of rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the refrigeration chamber, and when the temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a refrigerator that starts rapid cooling control by a user pressing an operation button. Further, there has been proposed a refrigerator that varies the rotational speed of a compressor in rapid cooling control according to the outside air temperature. The refrigerator is expected to have further improved convenience.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a housing, a freezer door, a door opening / closing detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. The housing includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber. The freezer door closes the freezing chamber so as to be openable and closable. The door opening / closing detection sensor detects the opening and closing of the freezer door. The temperature sensor is provided in the freezing chamber. The control unit A control unit that alternately performs a refrigeration operation for cooling the refrigerating compartment and a freezing operation for cooling the freezing compartment, is capable of executing a plurality of rapid cooling controls having different cooling capabilities for the freezing chamber, and the door opening / closing detection sensor after it is detected that the freezing compartment door has been closed or opened, shorter than the normal time of the refrigeration operation within a predetermined time corresponding to the execution conditions of any of the plurality of rapid cooling controlsWhen the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor, a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is selected from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls and executed. The control unit alternately performs a refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerating compartment and a freezing operation for cooling the freezing compartment. When the condition for starting the rapid cooling control during the execution of the refrigerating operation is satisfied and the elapsed time from the start of the refrigerating operation exceeds a special time that is shorter than the normal time of the refrigerating operation, the control unit ends the refrigerating operation, shifts to the freezing operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. When the condition for starting the rapid cooling control during the execution of the refrigerating operation is satisfied and the elapsed time does not exceed the special time, the control unit continues the refrigerating operation until the elapsed time exceeds the special time, then ends the refrigerating operation, shifts to the freezing operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. The length or presence / absence of the special time differs among the plurality of rapid cooling controls.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the refrigerator of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same or similar functions. And the overlapping descriptions of those configurations may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based at least on XX", and may include cases based on another element in addition to XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, and may include both XX and YY. This is the same even when there are three or more selectable elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

[0008] (Embodiment) <1. Refrigerator System> First, the refrigerator system 1 including the refrigerator 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator system 1. The refrigerator system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100, a server 200, and a terminal device 300. The network NW described later may include one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines or dedicated lines.

[0009] The refrigerator 100 is arranged in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to the network NW via, for example, a wireless router R arranged in the residence of the user U, and can communicate with the server 200 via the network NW. Thereby, the refrigerator 100 can communicate with the terminal device 300 of the user U via the server 200. The refrigerator 100 may also be able to communicate directly with the terminal device 300 by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the refrigerator 100 is not limited to the above-described example and may not have a communication function with the outside. The refrigerator 100 will be described in detail later.

[0010] The server 200 provides services related to the management and remote operation of the refrigerator 100. The server 200 is composed of, for example, one or more server devices (such as a cloud server) connected to the network NW. The server 200 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 and the terminal device 300 via the network NW. Note that the server 200 is not limited to a cloud server and may also be a computer in the residence of the user U or a home router (such as the wireless router R). The server 200 is an example of an "external device".

[0011] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by the user U, and is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. The terminal device 300 includes a display device 301 having a display screen capable of displaying various information, and an input reception unit 302 capable of receiving an input (including voice input) from the user U. The display device 301 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The input reception unit 302 is, for example, a touch sensor provided overlapping the display screen of the display device 301, a microphone for collecting the voice of the user U, or the like. An application program P for managing or remotely operating the refrigerator 100 is installed in the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. Note that the terminal device 300 is not limited to a portable terminal device, and may be a stationary information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0012] <2. Refrigerator> Next, the refrigerator 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 has, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 31, a plurality of door opening / closing detection sensors 33, and an operation panel unit 34.

[0013] The housing 10 has an upper wall 11, a lower wall 12, left and right side walls 13, 14, and a rear wall 15 (see FIG. 3), and is formed in a box shape with an open front. The housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box forming the inner surface of the housing 10, an outer box forming the outer surface of the housing 10, and a foamed heat insulating material provided between the inner box and the outer box, and has heat insulating properties. Inside the housing 10, a plurality of partition portions 16, 17 (see FIG. 3) for partitioning the inside of the housing 10 into a plurality of storage chambers 21 to be described later are provided.

[0014] The housing 10 includes a plurality of storage chambers 21. The plurality of storage chambers 21 include, for example, a refrigerating chamber 21A, a chilled chamber 21AA, a vegetable chamber 21B, an ice-making chamber 21C, a small freezing chamber 21D, and a main freezing chamber 21E. In the present embodiment, the refrigerating chamber 21A is arranged at the uppermost part, the vegetable chamber 21B is arranged below the refrigerating chamber 21A, the ice-making chamber 21C and the small freezing chamber 21D are arranged below the vegetable chamber 21B, and the main freezing chamber 21E is arranged below the ice-making chamber 21C and the small freezing chamber 21D. Hereinafter, the case where the main freezing chamber 21E is the main target for the rapid cooling control described later will be described. Note that for the rapid cooling control, instead of / in addition to the main freezing chamber 21E, the small freezing chamber 21D may be the main target. In this case, "main freezing chamber 21E" in the following description should be read as "small freezing chamber 21D".

[0015] The chilled chamber 21AA is provided inside the refrigerating chamber 21A and is at least partially partitioned from other areas of the refrigerating chamber 21A by a shelf, a lid, or the like. The chilled chamber 21AA is provided below a part of the refrigerating chamber 21A. The chilled chamber 21AA is cooled to a temperature range lower than that of the refrigerating chamber 21A, for example, because it is located below the refrigerating chamber 21A and cold air from the refrigerating cooler 61 (see FIG. 3) easily flows in. Note that the refrigerator 100 may have a partial chamber that is cooled to a temperature range lower than the chilled chamber 21AA and higher than the main freezing chamber 21E (for example, an average temperature of -3°C) instead of / in addition to the chilled chamber 21AA. The chilled chamber 21AA or the partial chamber is an example of a "special storage section".

[0016] The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 21 are closably closed by a plurality of doors 31. The plurality of doors 31 include left and right refrigerating chamber doors 31Aa, 31Ab that close the opening of the refrigerating chamber 21A, a vegetable chamber door 31B that closes the opening of the vegetable chamber 21B, an ice-making chamber door 31C that closes the opening of the ice-making chamber 21C, a small freezing chamber door 31D that closes the opening of the small freezing chamber 21D, and a main freezing chamber door 31E that closes the opening of the main freezing chamber 21E. The door opening / closing detection sensor 33 is provided at a position corresponding to each door 31 to detect the opening and closing of each door 31. For example, the door opening / closing detection sensor 33 includes a door opening / closing detection sensor 33D that detects the opening and closing of the small freezing chamber door 31D and a door opening / closing detection sensor 33E that detects the opening and closing of the main freezing chamber door 31E.

[0017] The operation panel unit 34 is provided, for example, on the left refrigerator door 31Aa. Alternatively, the operation panel unit 34 may be provided on the right refrigerator door 31Ab or the inner surface of the housing 10. The operation panel unit 34 includes an operation unit 34a that receives an operation of the user U for changing the setting content related to each storage chamber 21 or instructing the execution of specific control, and a notification unit 34b that notifies the user U of the setting content related to each storage chamber 21, the control mode being executed, etc. The operation unit 34a includes, for example, a plurality of buttons. The notification unit 34b includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting units realized by LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Note that the notification unit 34b may be realized by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc., instead of or in addition to the above example.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F3-F3 of the refrigerator 100 shown in FIG. 2. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a plurality of shelves 41, a plurality of containers 42, a first duct component 51, a second duct component 52, and a cooling unit M.

[0019] The plurality of shelves 41 are arranged in the refrigerating chamber 21A. The plurality of shelves 41 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The plurality of containers 42 include a chilled chamber container 42AAa, 42AAb provided in the chilled chamber 21AA, a vegetable chamber container 42Ba, 42Bb provided in the vegetable chamber 21B, an ice-making chamber container (not shown) provided in the ice-making chamber 21C, a freezer container 42D provided in the small freezing chamber 21D, and freezer containers 42Ea, 42Eb provided in the main freezing chamber 21E. The freezer container 42Ea is arranged above the freezer container 42Eb and overlaps at least a part of the freezer container 42Eb in the vertical direction.

[0020] The first duct component 51 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction. The first duct component 51 extends, for example, from the rear of the lower end of the vegetable compartment 21B to the rear of the upper end of the refrigerating compartment 21A. A first duct space D1, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is formed between the first duct component 51 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The first duct component 51 has a plurality of refrigerating compartment cold air outlets 51a, a chilled compartment cold air outlet 51b, and a cold air return port 51c. The plurality of refrigerating compartment cold air outlets 51a open into the refrigerating compartment 21A. The chilled compartment cold air outlet 51b opens into the chilled compartment 21AA. The cold air return port 51c opens into the vegetable compartment 21B.

[0021] The second duct component 52 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction. The second duct component 52 extends, for example, from the rear of the main freezing compartment 21E to the rear of the upper ends of the ice making compartment 21C and the small freezing compartment 21D. A second duct space D2, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is formed between the second duct component 52 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct component 52 has a cold air outlet 52a and a cold air return port 52b. The cold air outlet 52a opens into the ice making compartment 21C and the small freezing compartment 21D. The cold air return port 52b opens into the main freezing compartment 21E.

[0022] The cooling unit M includes, for example, a refrigerating cooler 61, a refrigerating blower 62, a freezing cooler 63, a freezing blower 64, a compressor 65, and a refrigeration cycle device CD (see FIG. 4).

[0023] The refrigerator cooler 61 is disposed in the first duct space D1. The refrigerator cooler 61 is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 65 and cools the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1. The refrigerator blower 62 is disposed, for example, in the first duct space D1. When the refrigerator blower 62 is driven, the air in the first duct space D1 flows upward in the first duct space D1 and is cooled by the refrigerator cooler 61. The cold air cooled by the refrigerator cooler 61 is blown out from the plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 51a into the refrigerator compartment 21A and from the chilled compartment cold air outlet 51b into the chilled compartment 21AA. The cold air blown out into the refrigerator compartment 21A and the chilled compartment 21AA flows through the refrigerator compartment 21A and the chilled compartment 21AA respectively, and then returns to the first duct space D1 from the cold air return port 51c via, for example, the vegetable compartment 21B. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 21A, the chilled compartment 21AA, and the vegetable compartment 21B are cooled.

[0024] The freezer cooler 63 is disposed in the second duct space D2. The freezer cooler 63 is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 65 and cools the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2. The freezer blower 64 is disposed, for example, in the second duct space D2. When the freezer blower 64 is driven, the air in the second duct space D2 flows upward in the second duct space D2 and is cooled by the freezer cooler 63. The cold air cooled by the freezer cooler 63 flows into the ice making compartment 21C and the small freezer compartment 21D from the cold air outlet 52a. The cold air flowing into the ice making compartment 21C and the small freezer compartment 21D flows through the ice making compartment 21C and the small freezer compartment 21D respectively, and then returns to the second duct space D2 from the cold air return port 52b via the main freezer compartment 21E. Thereby, the ice making compartment 21C, the small freezer compartment 21D, and the main freezer compartment 21E are cooled.

[0025] The compressor 65 is provided, for example, in the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 100. The compressor 65 compresses the refrigerant gas used for cooling each storage compartment 21. The refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 65 is sent to the refrigerator cooler 61 and the freezer cooler 63.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device CD. The refrigeration cycle device CD is realized by connecting a condenser 71, a drier 72, a three-way valve 73, capillary tubes 74 and 75, etc. in a ring shape in the order of the refrigerant flow. For example, the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 65 is connected to the condenser 71 and the drier 72 in sequence via a connection pipe 76. A three-way valve 73 is connected to the discharge side of the drier 72. The three-way valve 73 has one inlet to which the drier 72 is connected and two outlets. Of the two outlets of the three-way valve 73, a refrigeration-side capillary tube 74 and a refrigeration cooler 61 are connected in sequence to one of the outlets. The refrigeration cooler 61 is connected to the compressor 65 via a refrigeration-side suction pipe 77 which is a connection pipe. Of the two outlets of the three-way valve 73, a freezing-side capillary tube 75 and a freezing cooler 63 are connected in sequence to the other outlet. The freezing cooler 63 is connected to the compressor 65 via a freezing-side suction pipe 78 which is a connection pipe. A check valve 79 is provided between the freezing cooler 63 and the compressor 65 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back from the refrigeration cooler 61 to the freezing cooler 63 side.

[0027] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device CD is compressed by the compressor 65 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the condenser 71 to become a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Then, the liquid refrigerant from which impurities such as dirt and moisture have been removed by passing through the drier 72 is throttled and controlled by the three-way valve 73 and enters the refrigeration-side capillary tube 74 (or the freezing-side capillary tube 75). At this time, the medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the refrigeration-side capillary tube 74 (or the freezing-side capillary tube 75) is depressurized while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the refrigeration-side suction pipe 77 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 78). Then, the depressurized refrigerant evaporates while passing through the refrigeration cooler 61 (or the freezing cooler 63), thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 61 (or the freezing cooler 63). After that, the refrigerant that has become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas flows into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 77 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 78). The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after flowing into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 77 (or the freezing-side suction pipe 78) is as low as around -10°C. This refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the capillary tube 74 (or the capillary tube 75) while passing through the suction pipe 77 (or the suction pipe 78), and finally warms up to about room temperature. Then, this refrigerant gas is sucked into the compressor 65 again, and the circulation of the refrigerant is completed.

[0028] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 81, a chilled chamber temperature sensor 82, a freezing chamber temperature sensor 83, a rapid cooling temperature sensor 84, a communication unit 86, an information processing unit 90, and a storage unit 95.

[0029] The refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 81 is provided in the refrigerating chamber 21A and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the refrigerating chamber 21A. The chilled chamber temperature sensor 82 is provided in the chilled chamber 21AA and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the chilled chamber 21AA. Note that the chilled chamber temperature sensor 82 may be omitted, and the temperature of the chilled chamber 21AA may be estimated based on the detection result of the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 81.

[0030] The freezer temperature sensor 83 is provided in the main freezer compartment 21E and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the main freezer compartment 21E. The freezer temperature sensor 83 detects the temperature used as an index in the basic refrigeration operation regarding the main freezer compartment 21E. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is arranged closer to the central part of the main freezer compartment 21E (for example, closer to the vertical central part of the main freezer compartment 21E) compared with the rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84.

[0031] In the present embodiment, two freezer containers 42Ea and 42Eb are vertically stacked and arranged in the main freezer compartment 21E (see FIG. 3). The freezer temperature sensor 83 is arranged, for example, behind the upper freezer container 42Ea (hereinafter referred to as the "upper freezer container 42Ea") among the two freezer containers 42Ea and 42Eb. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is located, for example, below the upper end UE (for example, the uppermost end) of the upper freezer container 42Ea. From another viewpoint, the rear end part of the upper freezer container 42Ea has a rear end part upper end BUE at a position lower than the above-described upper end UE (for example, the uppermost end). The freezer temperature sensor 83 is located below the rear end part upper end BUE of the upper freezer container 42Ea. The freezer temperature sensor 83 is an example of the "second temperature sensor".

[0032] In the present embodiment, a control unit 91 described later performs cooling control in a normal refrigeration operation (a refrigeration operation not involving rapid-cooling control) based on the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83. For example, in a normal refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 drives the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 by PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 and the target temperature of the main freezer compartment 21E.

[0033] The rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 is provided in the main freezing chamber 21E and detects the temperature (air temperature) of the main freezing chamber 21E. The rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 detects the temperature used as an index in determining whether to start the rapid-cooling control described later. The rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 is arranged at a position higher than that of the freezing chamber temperature sensor 83 in the main freezing chamber 21E (see FIG. 3). The rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 is arranged, for example, at the upper part of the main freezing chamber 21E. The "upper part of the freezing chamber" means, for example, a region higher than the upper end of a container (for example, the uppermost container) arranged in the freezing chamber. In the present embodiment, the rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 is located above the upper end BUE of the rear end portion of the upper freezing chamber container 42Ea. Further, the rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 is located above the upper end UE (for example, the uppermost end) of the upper freezing chamber container 42Ea. Note that the rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 may be attached to the ceiling surface (the lower surface of the partition portion 17) of the main freezing chamber 21E. The rapid-cooling temperature sensor 84 is an example of the "first temperature sensor".

[0034] The communication unit 86 includes, for example, an antenna and a high-frequency circuit and is capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 86 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router R arranged in the residence of the user U, for example, and can communicate with the server 200 via the network NW. Thereby, the refrigerator 100 can communicate with the terminal device 300 via the server 200. Note that the communication unit 86 may be capable of directly communicating with the terminal device 300 by wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0035] The information processing unit 90 is realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 100 executing a program. However, part or all of the information processing unit 90 may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware. Part or all of the information processing unit 90 may be provided in the server 200 or the terminal device 300 instead of the refrigerator 100.

[0036] The information processing unit 90 includes, for example, a control unit 91 and a notification output unit 92. The control unit 91 controls the entire refrigerator 100. The control unit 91 executes cooling control for each storage chamber 21. The notification output unit 92 notifies the user U of the state of the refrigerator 100 by transmitting information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 to the operation panel unit 34 or the terminal device 300. The processing of the control unit 91 and the notification output unit 92 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The storage unit 95 is realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drove), or a combination of a plurality of these. Information necessary for controlling the refrigerator 100 is stored in the storage unit 95. For example, threshold values and setting values related to rapid cooling control described later are stored in the storage unit 95. Note that part or all of the storage unit 95 may be provided in the server 200 or the terminal device 300.

[0038] <3. Control> Next, the control of the refrigerator 100 will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the control described below is performed by the control unit 91.

[0039] <3.1 Basic Operation> First, the basic operation of the refrigerator 100 will be described. As the basic operation of the refrigerator 100, the control unit 91 executes "refrigerating operation" and "freezing operation". The "refrigerating operation" means an operation in which the three-way valve 73 is switched and liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 65 to the refrigerating cooler 61. Note that the "refrigerating operation" is not limited to the case where the refrigerating blower 62 is driven, and includes cases where the refrigerant is sent from the compressor 65 to the refrigerating cooler 61 with the refrigerating blower 62 stopped, and the temperature of the chilled chamber 21AA decreases due to heat transfer between the refrigerating cooler 61 and the chilled chamber 21AA. On the other hand, the "freezing operation" means an operation in which the three-way valve 73 is switched and liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 65 to the freezing cooler 63.

[0040] The control unit 91 controls the cooling unit M so that the storage chambers 21 (refrigerating chamber 21A, chilled chamber 21AA, vegetable chamber 21B) in the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage chambers 21 (ice-making chamber 21C, small freezing chamber 21D, main freezing chamber 21E) in the freezing temperature zone are maintained at their respective set temperature zones, for example, by alternately performing the refrigerating operation and the freezing operation. For example, the control unit 91 alternately repeats cooling the storage chambers 21 in the refrigerating temperature zone for a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and cooling the storage chambers 21 in the freezing temperature zone for a second predetermined time (e.g., 40 minutes). While the refrigerating operation is being performed, the temperature of the storage chambers 21 in the refrigerating temperature zone decreases, but the temperature of the storage chambers 21 in the freezing temperature zone increases. On the other hand, while the freezing operation is being performed, the temperature of the storage chambers 21 in the freezing temperature zone decreases, but the temperature of the storage chambers 21 in the refrigerating temperature zone increases. Therefore, the temperatures of the storage chambers 21 in the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage chambers 21 in the freezing temperature zone repeatedly rise and fall in a sawtooth pattern.

[0041] Note that between the refrigeration operation and the freezing operation, there may be a pump-down operation, which is an operation for recovering the refrigerant, or a non-cooling time during which neither the storage chamber 21 in the refrigeration temperature zone nor the storage chamber 21 in the freezing temperature zone is cooled. The "time other than the freezing operation" as referred to in the present application is not limited to the time during which the refrigeration operation is performed, and may also include the time during which the pump-down operation is performed or the above non-cooling time.

[0042] <3.2 Quick Cooling Control> Next, the quick cooling control will be described. The quick cooling control is a control mode that rapidly reduces the temperature of the main freezer compartment 21E compared to the basic operation. Note that the "quick cooling control" may be a control that ends during one freezing operation or a control that spans multiple freezing operations. That is, when the quick cooling control is performed for a predetermined time, it means that the refrigeration operation and the freezing operation are alternately performed during the predetermined time, and the quick cooling control is performed during the freezing operation performed during that time. Also, when the quick cooling control is performed, the second predetermined time (for example, 40 minutes), which is the execution time of the freezing operation, may be extended to a longer execution time (for example, 60 minutes). That is, when the quick cooling control is performed, the refrigeration operation for the first predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) and the freezing operation for the extended second predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) may be alternately performed.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the control unit 91 is capable of executing a plurality of quick cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the main freezer compartment 21E. Different cooling capacities mean, for example, that the driving amount of at least one of the compressor 65 or the refrigeration blower 64 is different. However, different cooling capacities are not limited to the above example, and the extension time of the second predetermined time described above may be different in a plurality of quick cooling controls.

[0044] <Selection and Start Determination of Quick Cooling Control> First, the selection and start determination of the rapid cooling control will be described. In the present embodiment, when the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 reaches a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E corresponding to the main freezer door 31E satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 91 selects and executes the rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 from among a plurality of rapid cooling controls.

[0045] Here, "the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E satisfies a predetermined condition" means, for example, that the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been closed. In this case, "within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E satisfies a predetermined condition" means within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) after the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been closed. However, the "predetermined condition" is not limited to the above example. "The detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E satisfies a predetermined condition" may mean, for example, that the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been opened. In this case, "within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E satisfies a predetermined condition" may mean within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) after the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E detects that the main freezer door 31E has been opened. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. However, the content of the present application is not limited by the content described below.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the rapid cooling control setting information ST1. The rapid cooling control setting information ST1 is stored in the storage unit 95 and referred to by the control unit 91. The rapid cooling control setting information ST1 is information indicating the setting contents of a plurality of rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in FIG. 6, three rapid cooling controls (three-stage rapid cooling control) with different cooling capacities can be executed.

[0047] The first rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the highest cooling capacity among the three rapid cooling controls. The first rapid cooling control is selected and executed when a temperature of -10°C or higher is detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 within the above-mentioned predetermined time. Here, the temperature of the normal main freezer compartment 21E is about -20°C. The driving amounts of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the first rapid cooling control are the largest among the three rapid cooling controls. Also, in the present embodiment, when the opening time of the main freezer compartment door 31E is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E to be a certain time or longer (for example, 1 minute or longer), the first rapid cooling control is executed regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. The first rapid cooling control is an example of "a rapid cooling control with a relatively high cooling capacity preset among a plurality of rapid cooling controls".

[0048] The second rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with a medium cooling capacity among the three rapid cooling controls. The second rapid cooling control is selected and executed when a temperature lower than -10°C and equal to or higher than -13°C is detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 within the above-mentioned predetermined time. The driving amounts of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the second rapid cooling control are medium among the three rapid cooling controls.

[0049] The third rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the lowest cooling capacity among the three rapid cooling controls. The third rapid cooling control is executed when a temperature lower than -13°C and equal to or higher than -16°C is detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 within the above-mentioned predetermined time. The driving amounts of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the third rapid cooling control are the smallest among the three rapid cooling controls.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the content of the rapid cooling control setting information ST1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, five rapid cooling controls (five-stage rapid cooling control) with different cooling capabilities are executable. Since the content of each rapid cooling control is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 6, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this modification, the first rapid cooling control is executed when special conditions are satisfied. The special conditions are, for example, when a food that particularly requires rapid cooling is input to the main freezing chamber 21E by the user U to the operation unit 34a or the terminal device 300. In this modification, when the opening time of the main freezing chamber door 31E is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E to be a certain time or longer (for example, 1 minute or longer), the second rapid cooling control is executed regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. The second rapid cooling control is an example of "a rapid cooling control that is preset to have a relatively high cooling capacity among a plurality of rapid cooling controls".

[0051] <Relationship with refrigeration operation> Next, the relationship with the refrigeration operation will be described. In the present embodiment, the control unit 91 alternately performs a refrigeration operation for cooling the storage chamber 21 in the refrigeration temperature zone including the refrigerating chamber 21A and a freezing operation for cooling the storage chamber 21 in the freezing temperature zone including the main freezing chamber 21E. When the condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied during the time that is not the freezing operation (the time of the refrigeration operation, the pump-down time, the non-cooling time, etc.), the control unit 91 performs the refrigeration operation for a minimum time (special time) shorter than the normal time and then shifts to the freezing operation to start the rapid cooling control.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the refrigeration operation and the rapid cooling control. (a) in FIG. 8 shows a case where the condition for starting the rapid cooling control is not satisfied, and the refrigeration operation for the first predetermined time TA and the freezing operation for the second predetermined time TB (freezing operation without rapid cooling control) are alternately performed. On the other hand, (b) in FIG. 8 shows a case where the condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied during the refrigeration operation. (b) in FIG. 8 shows an example in which at time t1, the condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied, and the control unit 91 determines that rapid cooling is necessary (hereinafter referred to as "rapid cooling required determination").

[0053] As shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when the control unit 91 determines that rapid cooling is required during the refrigeration operation, it shifts to the freezing operation and starts the rapid cooling control in response to the refrigeration operation being performed for a minimum time TA' that is shorter than the normal time (the first predetermined time TA). For example, when the rapid cooling requirement determination is made at time Taa after the start of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 determines whether the time Taa exceeds the minimum time TA' of the refrigeration operation. When the time Taa exceeds the minimum time TA' of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 ends the refrigeration operation at that point, shifts to the freezing operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the time Taa does not exceed the minimum time TA' of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 continues the refrigeration operation for an additional time Tab until the continuous time of the refrigeration operation reaches the minimum time TA', ends the refrigeration operation when the continuous time of the refrigeration operation reaches the minimum time TA', shifts to the freezing operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. The length of the minimum time TA' is, for example, half or less of the length of the first predetermined time TA.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the minimum time setting information ST2. The minimum time setting information ST2 is stored in the storage unit 95 and referred to by the control unit 91. The minimum time setting information ST2 is information indicating the lengths of the minimum times TA' in a plurality of rapid cooling controls. The first to third rapid cooling controls shown in FIG. 9 have the same content as the first to third rapid cooling controls described with reference to FIG. 6, for example. That is, among the three cooling controls, the first cooling control has the highest cooling capacity, the second cooling control has a medium cooling capacity, and the third cooling control has the lowest cooling capacity. In the present embodiment, the lengths of the minimum times TA' are different in the plurality of rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the length of the minimum time TA' when the first cooling control is selected is set to be the shortest, the length of the minimum time TA' when the second cooling control is selected is set to be medium, and the length of the minimum time TA' when the third cooling control is selected is set to be the longest.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the content of the minimum time setting information ST2. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the length of the minimum time TA´ when the first rapid cooling control is selected is set to zero. In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the condition for starting the first rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 ends the refrigeration operation at that time, shifts to the freezing operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. Also, for example, when the condition for starting the first rapid cooling control is satisfied during the pump-down before the execution of the refrigeration operation, the control unit 91 shifts to the freezing operation and starts the rapid cooling control without performing the refrigeration operation. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the presence or absence of the minimum time TA´ differs for a plurality of rapid cooling controls.

[0056] <Determination of End of Rapid Cooling Control> Next, the determination of the end of the rapid cooling control will be described. In the present embodiment, the control unit 91 makes a determination regarding the end of the rapid cooling control based on the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 for performing the cooling control in the normal freezing operation (freezing operation without rapid cooling control). For example, after starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, -22°C).

[0057] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 91 makes a determination regarding the end of the rapid cooling control using both the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 and the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. For example, after starting the rapid cooling control, when the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined value (for example, -20°C) and the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value (for example, -22°C), the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control. The second predetermined value is, for example, a temperature lower than the first predetermined value.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the rapid cooling control selected from a plurality of cooling controls is a specific rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control after a certain period of time (for example, after 120 minutes) regardless of the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 and the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. That is, even if the temperatures detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 and the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 do not reach the above-mentioned predetermined values, the rapid cooling control is ended. "When the rapid cooling control is a specific rapid cooling control" means, for example, when the selected rapid cooling control is the rapid cooling control with the highest cooling capacity among a plurality of rapid cooling controls. Another example of "when the rapid cooling control is a specific rapid cooling control" is when the selected rapid cooling control is a rapid cooling control with a cooling capacity higher than the average among a plurality of rapid cooling controls and is the rapid cooling control with the highest or the second highest cooling capacity.

[0059] <4. Flow of Control> Next, the flow of control of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the control unit 91. The flow in FIG. 11 starts when the fact that the main freezer door 31E is opened is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E. Note that FIG. 11 shows an example in which the rapid cooling control is started from the time when the rapid cooling necessity determination is made for easy understanding of the explanation.

[0060] First, the control unit 91 determines whether the main freezer door 31E has been closed based on the detection result by the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E (S101). When the control unit 91 does not detect that the main freezer door 31E has been closed (S101: NO), the process of S101 is repeated at a predetermined cycle. On the other hand, when the control unit 91 detects that the main freezer door 31E has been closed (S101: YES), it determines whether the opening time of the main freezer door 31E is equal to or longer than a certain time (S102).

[0061] When the opening time of the main freezer door 31E is equal to or longer than a certain time (S102: YES), the control unit 91 starts the first rapid cooling control with the highest cooling capacity among a plurality of rapid cooling controls regardless of the detection result of the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 (S103). On the other hand, when the opening time of the main freezer door 31E is less than a certain time (S102: NO), the control unit 91 selects the rapid cooling control to be executed based on the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls (S104). For example, the control unit 91 selects the rapid cooling control to be executed based on the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 when a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E detected that the main freezer door 31E has been closed.

[0062] Next, the control unit 91 determines whether or not the rapid cooling control selected in the process of S104 is the first rapid cooling control (S105). When the selected rapid cooling control is the first rapid cooling control (S105: YES), the control unit 91 starts the first rapid cooling control (S103). On the other hand, when the selected rapid cooling control is not the first rapid cooling control (S105: NO), the control unit 91 starts the second rapid cooling control or the third rapid cooling control according to the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 (S106).

[0063] When the control unit 91 starts the first rapid cooling control in the process of S103, it determines whether or not the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than a second predetermined value (S107). When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is higher than the first predetermined value or the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 83 is higher than the second predetermined value (S107: NO), the control unit 91 determines whether or not a certain time (for example, 120 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the first rapid cooling control (S108).

[0064] When a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the first rapid cooling control (S108: YES), the control unit 91 terminates the rapid cooling control (S110) regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 and the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83. On the other hand, when a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of the first rapid cooling control (S108: NO), the control unit 91 returns to S107 at a predetermined cycle and repeats the process. When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (S107: YES), the control unit 91 terminates the rapid cooling control (the first rapid cooling control) (S110).

[0065] When the control unit 91 starts the second rapid cooling control or the third rapid cooling control in the process of S106, it determines whether the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value and whether the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (S109). When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is higher than the first predetermined value or the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 is higher than the second predetermined value (S109: NO), the control unit 91 repeats the process of S109 at a predetermined cycle. When the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (S109: YES), the control unit 91 terminates the rapid cooling control (the second rapid cooling control or the third rapid cooling control) (S110).

[0066] <5. Priority Order of Multiple Controls> Next, a case where the execution timing of another control overlaps with the rapid cooling control will be described. In the present embodiment, when the execution condition is satisfied in which one rapid cooling control is selected and executed from among a plurality of rapid cooling controls during the execution of another control different from the plurality of rapid cooling controls, the control unit 91 controls the cooling unit M based on the preset priority order between the other control and the rapid cooling control. Information indicating the priority order is stored in advance in the storage unit 95. Hereinafter, this content will be described in detail. In the following, the case where "the execution condition of the rapid cooling control is satisfied" may be referred to as "the rapid cooling requirement determination is performed". Further, when the plurality of rapid cooling controls (for example, the first to third rapid cooling controls) are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "rapid cooling control".

[0067] <5.1 Relationship with defrost control> First, a case where the execution timing of the defrost control overlaps with the rapid cooling control will be described. First, the defrost control will be described. As the defrost control related to the main freezing chamber 21E, the control unit 91 performs defrost control to melt the frost adhering to the freezing cooler 63. For example, the control unit 91 heats the freezing cooler 63 to melt the frost by energizing a heater (not shown) attached to the freezing cooler 63. The control unit 91 starts the defrost control when a predetermined cycle or a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the temperature of the air cooled by the freezing cooler 63 is difficult to drop). Then, the control unit 91 ends the defrost control in response to performing the defrost control for a predetermined time TC set in advance, for example.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between defrost control and rapid cooling control. In the present embodiment, when a rapid cooling required determination is made during the execution of defrost control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the defrost control, and starts the rapid cooling control after the completion of the defrost control. In the example shown in FIG. 12, when a rapid cooling required determination is made during the execution of defrost control, the control unit 91 continues the defrost control until the normal predetermined time TC (predetermined time when the rapid cooling required determination is not made) elapses, and then starts the rapid cooling control. Note that "executing the defrost control preferentially" means that the defrost control is continued at least temporarily when a rapid cooling required determination is made during the execution of the defrost control. That is, "executing the defrost control preferentially" is not limited to the case where the defrost control is continued for the normal predetermined time TC, and includes the case where the defrost control is terminated in a time shorter than the normal predetermined time TC and the rapid cooling control is started. This definition is the same for other controls (special chill, thawing control, continuous ice making, power saving control, etc.).

[0069] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the priority order between defrost control and rapid cooling control. When a rapid cooling required determination is made during the execution of defrost operation, the control unit 91 terminates the defrost control and starts the rapid cooling control in response to the defrost control being performed for a minimum time TC' shorter than the normal predetermined time TC. For example, when a rapid cooling required determination is made at the time when the time Tca has elapsed since the start of the defrost control, the control unit 91 determines whether the time Tca exceeds the minimum time TC' of the defrost control. When the time Tca exceeds the minimum time TC' of the defrost control, the control unit 91 terminates the defrost control at that point and starts the rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the time Tca does not exceed the minimum time TC' of the defrost control, the control unit 91 performs the defrost control for an additional time Tcb until the continuous time of the defrost control reaches the minimum time TC', and terminates the defrost control and starts the rapid cooling control when the continuous time of the defrost operation reaches the minimum time TC'. The minimum time TC' may be referred to as "special time".

[0070] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the content of the minimum time setting information ST3. The minimum time setting information ST3 is stored in the storage unit 95 and referred to by the control unit 91. It is information indicating the length of the minimum time TC' in a plurality of rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the first rapid cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TC' is set to be the same as the normal predetermined time TC, when the second rapid cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TC' is set relatively short, and when the third cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TC' is set to zero (i.e., when the rapid cooling necessity determination is made, the defrost control ends immediately). Note that the minimum time TC' when the third rapid cooling control is selected is not limited to zero, and a relatively shortest time may be set. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the length of the minimum time TC' and the presence or absence of the minimum time TC' differ in a plurality of rapid cooling controls. The minimum time TC' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "first time". The minimum time TC' when the second rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "second time". Here, "ending in response to performing the defrost control for the second time" includes the case where when the rapid cooling necessity determination is made and the time from the start of the defrost control has already exceeded the second time, the defrost control is ended at that time.

[0071] <5.2 Relationship with Special Chilled> Next, the case where the execution timing of the special chilled overlaps with the rapid cooling control will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the special chilled. The control of the special chilled is a control that alternately repeats low-temperature cooling control for cooling the chilled chamber 21AA in the first temperature zone SA and high-temperature cooling control for cooling the chilled chamber 21AA in the second temperature zone SB higher than the first temperature zone SA.

[0072] The average temperature of the first temperature zone SA is, for example, -5°C. The average temperature of the first temperature zone SA is below the freezing point and less than 0°C. The first temperature zone SA is the temperature for slightly freezing the surface of the food in the chiller compartment 21AA. The low-temperature cooling control is carried out over a predetermined time TE (for example, 2 hours). On the other hand, the average temperature of the second temperature zone SB is, for example, +1°C. The average temperature of the second temperature zone SB is higher than the freezing point and 0°C or higher. The second temperature zone SB is the temperature at which the slightly frozen layer formed on the surface of the food in the chiller compartment 21AA can be melted. The high-temperature cooling control is carried out over a predetermined time TD (for example, 7 hours) that is longer than the predetermined time TE of the low-temperature cooling control. According to such special chiller control, by slightly freezing only the surface of the food, drying and oxidation of the food can be suppressed, and the freshness of the food can be maintained for a longer time. The special chiller is a control included in the refrigeration operation.

[0073] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between the high-temperature cooling control and the rapid cooling control of the special chiller. In the present embodiment, when the rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of the high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the rapid cooling control. In the example shown in Figure 16, when the rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of the high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the high-temperature cooling control at that time, shifts to the refrigeration operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. As a result, the predetermined time TD' of the high-temperature cooling control becomes shorter than the normal predetermined time TD of the high-temperature cooling control (the predetermined time when the rapid cooling requirement determination is not made). After the completion of the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 shifts to the refrigeration operation and resumes the control of the special chiller. When the time of the rapid cooling control is short compared to the predetermined time TD of the high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 may resume the high-temperature cooling control after the completion of the rapid cooling control.

[0074] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between the low-temperature cooling control and the rapid cooling control of the special chilled. When the rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 terminates the low-temperature cooling control in response to the low-temperature cooling control being performed for a minimum time TE' shorter than the normal predetermined time TE, shifts to the refrigeration operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. For example, when the rapid cooling requirement determination is made at the time Tea has elapsed since the start of the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 determines whether the time Tea exceeds the minimum time TE' of the low-temperature cooling control. When the time Tea exceeds the minimum time TE' of the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 terminates the low-temperature cooling control at that point, shifts to the refrigeration operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the time Tea does not exceed the minimum time TE' of the low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 performs the low-temperature cooling control for an additional time Teb until the duration of the low-temperature cooling control reaches the minimum time TE', terminates the low-temperature cooling control when the duration of the low-temperature cooling control reaches the minimum time TE', shifts to the refrigeration operation, and starts the rapid cooling control. The minimum time TE' may be referred to as the "special time".

[0075] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the minimum time setting information ST4. The minimum time setting information ST4 is stored in the storage unit 95 and referred to by the control unit 91. The minimum time setting information ST4 is information indicating the length of the minimum time TE' in a plurality of rapid cooling controls. In the example shown in FIG. 18, when the first rapid cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TE' is set to zero (i.e., when the rapid cooling requirement determination is made, the low-temperature cooling control ends immediately), when the second rapid cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TE' is set relatively long, and when the third cooling control is selected, the length of the minimum time TE' is set the longest. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the length of the minimum time TE' and the presence or absence of the minimum time TE' differ in a plurality of rapid cooling controls. Note that the minimum time TE' in the first rapid cooling control is not limited to zero, and a relatively shortest time may be set. The minimum time TE' when the first rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "third time". The minimum time TE' when the second rapid cooling control is selected is an example of the "fourth time". Here, "ending in response to performing the low-temperature cooling control for the third time" includes the case where when the rapid cooling requirement determination is made and the time from the start of the low-temperature cooling control has already exceeded the third time, the low-temperature cooling control is ended at that time.

[0076] <Relationship with Defrosting Control> Next, the case where the execution timings of the defrosting control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described. First, the defrosting control will be described. The control unit 91 performs a defrosting control to increase the temperature of the chilled chamber 21AA and promote the defrosting of the food in the chilled chamber 21AA. For example, the control unit 91 stops the supply of the refrigerant from the compressor 65 to the refrigerating cooler 61 and drives the refrigerating blower 62 to send warmer air than normal into the chilled chamber 21AA to perform the defrosting control. The defrosting control is a control that can be performed simultaneously with the refrigeration operation.

[0077] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between thawing control and rapid cooling control. In the present embodiment, when a rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of thawing control, the control unit 91 starts rapid cooling control while executing the thawing control (that is, while giving priority to the thawing control). In the example shown in FIG. 19, when a rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of thawing control, the control unit 91 continues the thawing control until the normal predetermined time TF of the thawing control (the predetermined time when the rapid cooling requirement determination is not made) elapses.

[0078] <5.4 Relationship with Special Ice Making Control> Next, the case where the execution timings of the special ice making control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described. First, the special ice making control will be described. The control unit 91 is a control in which ice making is completed earlier than during normal refrigeration operation, and is also referred to as "one-shot ice making". For example, the control unit 91 increases the driving amount of the compressor 65 and / or the refrigeration blower 64 in the refrigeration operation to send more cold air to the ice making chamber 21C than normal. For example, the driving amounts of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the special ice making control are larger than the driving amounts of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 in the first rapid cooling control.

[0079] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between the special ice making control and the rapid cooling control. In the present embodiment, when a rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of the special ice making control, the control unit 91 executes the special ice making control with priority and starts the rapid cooling control after the completion of the special ice making control. In the example shown in FIG. 20, when a rapid cooling requirement determination is made during the execution of the special ice making control, the control unit 91 continues the special ice making control until the normal predetermined time TG of the special ice making control (the predetermined time when the rapid cooling requirement determination is not made) elapses, and then starts the rapid cooling control.

[0080] As another example, when the execution conditions of the first rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of the special ice making control, the control unit 91 terminates the special ice making control and starts the first rapid cooling control (that is, gives priority to the first rapid cooling control), and when the execution conditions of the second rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of the special ice making control, the control unit 91 may continue the special ice making control at least temporarily (that is, gives priority to the special ice making control) and start the rapid cooling control after the completion of the special ice making control.

[0081] <Relationship with 5.5 Power Saving Control> Next, the case where the execution timings of the power saving control and the rapid cooling control overlap will be described. First, the power saving control will be described. The control unit 91 performs control to suppress power consumption as compared with normal refrigerating operation and freezing operation (that is, refrigerating operation and freezing operation in a state where the power saving control is not performed). For example, the control unit 91 increases the target temperature for cooling the storage chamber 21 by 1°C or 2°C as compared with normal refrigerating operation and freezing operation, thereby suppressing the driving amount of the compressor 65, the refrigerating blower 62, or the freezing blower 64, and reducing the power consumption.

[0082] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the priority order between the power saving control and the rapid cooling control. In the present embodiment, when a rapid cooling required determination is made during the execution of the power saving control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the rapid cooling control. In the example shown in FIG. 21, when a rapid cooling required determination is made during the execution of the power saving control, the control unit 91 ends the power saving control at that time and starts the rapid cooling control.

[0083] As another example, when the execution condition of the first rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the power saving control, the control unit 91 ends the power saving control and starts the first rapid cooling control without confirming with the user U (that is, giving priority to the first rapid cooling control). When the execution condition of the second rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the power saving control, the control unit 91 may inquire the user U through the notification unit 34b or the terminal device 300 whether to end the power saving control.

[0084] <6. Notification Output Unit> Next, the operation of the notification output unit 92 will be described. FIG. 22 is a front view showing the operation panel unit 34. As described above, the operation panel unit 34 includes a notification unit 34b that notifies the user U of the setting contents regarding each storage chamber 21 and the control mode being executed. The notification unit 34b includes a first display unit 101 that displays whether or not the rapid cooling control is being executed, and a plurality of second display units 102 that display whether or not another control (such as special chilling, defrosting control, special ice making control, etc.) is being executed.

[0085] In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 causes the notification content by the notification unit 34b to be changed according to the cooling capacity of the quenching control selected from a plurality of quenching controls. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode by the first display unit 101 when the first quenching control is executed, when the second quenching control is executed, and when the third quenching control is executed. For example, the first display unit 101 includes a plurality (for example, three) of light emitting units 101a that constitute a level bar. The notification output unit 92 causes the three light emitting units 101a to emit light when the first quenching control is executed, causes two light emitting units 101a to emit light when the second quenching control is executed, and causes one light emitting unit 101a to emit light when the third quenching control is executed.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the above-described different controls (special chill, thawing control, special ice making control, etc.) and the quenching control, the notification unit 34b notifies information indicating which of the above-described different controls and the quenching control is the prioritized control and which is the non-prioritized control. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode by the first display unit 101 and the second display unit 102 according to which of the above-described different controls and the quenching control is the prioritized control. For example, when the quenching control is prioritized and the above-described different control is not prioritized, the notification output unit 92 causes the first display unit 101 to light up in a first color (for example, blue), and causes the second display unit 102 corresponding to the control during standby (non-prioritized control) to blink in a second color (for example, yellow). On the other hand, when the above-described different control is prioritized and the quenching control is not prioritized, the notification output unit 92 causes the second display unit 102 corresponding to the prioritized control to light up in the first color (for example, blue), and causes the first display unit 101 to blink in the second color (for example, yellow).

[0087] FIG. 23 is a front view showing a display screen of the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. The display device 301 includes a first display 111 that displays whether or not the quenching control is being executed, and a plurality of second displays 112 that display whether or not another control (special chill, thawing control, special ice making control, etc.) is being executed.

[0088] In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 outputs, via the communication unit 86, information (for example, information indicating the selected rapid cooling control) for changing the notification content by the terminal device 300 according to the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from a plurality of rapid cooling controls. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display mode by the first display 111 when the first rapid cooling control is executed, when the second rapid cooling control is executed, and when the third rapid cooling control is executed. For example, the first display 111 includes a plurality (for example, three) of display elements 111a that constitute a level bar. The notification output unit 92 displays the three display elements 111a in a first color (for example, blue) when the first rapid cooling control is executed, displays two display elements 111a in the first color when the second rapid cooling control is executed, and displays one display element 111a in the first color when the third rapid cooling control is executed.

[0089] In this embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the above-described other control (special chill, defrost control, special ice-making control, etc.) and the rapid cooling control, information indicating which of the above-described other control and the rapid cooling control is the prioritized control and which is the non-prioritized control is output via the communication unit 86. In this embodiment, the notification output unit 92 changes the display modes of the first display 111 and the second display 112 according to which of the above-described other control and the rapid cooling control is the prioritized control. For example, when the rapid cooling control is prioritized and the above-described other control is not prioritized, the notification output unit 92 causes the first display 111 to be displayed in a first color (for example, blue), and causes the second display 112 corresponding to the control on standby (the non-prioritized control) to be displayed in a second color (for example, yellow). On the other hand, when the above-described other control is prioritized and the rapid cooling control is not prioritized, the notification output unit 92 causes the second display 112 corresponding to the prioritized control to be displayed in a first color (for example, blue), and causes the first display 111 to be displayed in a second color (for example, yellow).

[0090] <7. Advantages> In a refrigerator in which rapid cooling control is not performed unless the user presses an operation button, it may be inconvenient for the user. Also, if there is only one type of rapid cooling control, efficient cooling may not be possible, and energy saving performance may be impaired.

[0091] On the one hand, in the present embodiment, the control unit 91 can execute a plurality of rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the main freezer compartment 21E. When a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 91 selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls. According to such a configuration, rapid cooling control can be performed without requiring the operation of the user. Further, since a rapid cooling control suitable for the required cooling amount is selected and executed from among a plurality of types of rapid cooling controls, it is possible to efficiently and quickly cool and improve energy saving. For this reason, the convenience of the user can be enhanced.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is provided at the upper part of the main freezer compartment 21E. According to such a configuration, when warm food that requires rapid cooling control is placed in the main freezer compartment 21E, the temperature of the air warmed by the food can be detected more accurately.

[0093] Here, when the opening time of the main freezer compartment door 31E is equal to or longer than a certain time, it is assumed that the amount of food put into the main freezer compartment door 31E is large, and there may be an influence on other foods due to the main freezer compartment door 31E being open. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 91 detects by the door opening / closing detection sensor 33E that the opening time of the main freezer compartment door 31E is equal to or longer than a certain time, regardless of the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84, a relatively high cooling capacity rapid cooling control preset among the plurality of rapid cooling controls is selected and executed. According to such a configuration, when the opening time of the main freezer compartment door 31E is equal to or longer than a certain time, even when the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 cannot detect an accurate temperature, a rapid cooling control with high cooling performance is executed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the food put into the main freezer compartment door 31E and the food originally stored in the main freezer compartment door 31E from rising unexpectedly.

[0094] In this embodiment, in the plurality of rapid cooling controls, the driving amount of at least one of the compressor 65 or the refrigeration blower 64 is different. According to such a configuration, the higher the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84, the stronger the operations of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 are made. Thus, when it is not cooled, it can be quickly cooled, and on the other hand, when the cooling load is light, the operations of the compressor 65 and the refrigeration blower 64 are made lighter, so that efficient cooling can be achieved.

[0095] In this embodiment, the control unit 91 alternately performs a refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerating chamber 21A and a freezing operation for cooling the main freezing chamber 21E. When the condition for starting the rapid cooling control during the time when it is not the freezing operation is satisfied, the control unit 91 shifts to the freezing operation and executes the rapid cooling control in response to the refrigerating operation being performed for a minimum time TA' shorter than the normal time. According to such a configuration, the main freezing chamber 21E can be quickly cooled while protecting the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21A to some extent.

[0096] In this embodiment, the length or presence / absence of the minimum time TA' is different in the plurality of rapid cooling controls. According to such a configuration, appropriate cooling can be performed while balancing the necessity of rapid cooling and the necessity of the freezing operation.

[0097] In this embodiment, the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 is disposed at a position higher than the freezing chamber temperature sensor 83. The freezing chamber temperature sensor 83 is disposed closer to the center of the main freezing chamber 21E than the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. The control unit 91 performs cooling control in a normal freezing operation based on the temperature detected by the freezing chamber temperature sensor 83, and determines whether or not to start the rapid cooling control based on the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84. According to such a configuration, the cooling control in the normal freezing operation can be appropriately performed using the freezing chamber temperature sensor 83 that can easily detect the overall average temperature of the main freezing chamber 21E, and the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 can be disposed at a position suitable for rapid cooling temperature detection. Thereby, the accuracy of the determination regarding the start and selection of the rapid cooling control can be enhanced.

[0098] In this embodiment, after starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine the end of the rapid cooling control based on the overall average temperature of the main freezer compartment 21E. As a result, it becomes easier to sufficiently cool the entire main freezer compartment 21E.

[0099] Here, if only the temperature detected by one temperature sensor is used, there is a possibility that the rapid cooling control may end even though the food is not cooled, such as due to malfunction. Therefore, in this embodiment, after starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the rapid cooling temperature sensor 84 becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value. According to such a configuration, based on the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors 83 and 84 arranged at different positions (for example, different heights), it is possible to confirm that the entire main freezer compartment 21E has been sufficiently cooled and end the rapid cooling control.

[0100] Here, if the rapid cooling control with relatively high cooling capacity is carried out over a long period of time, the main freezer compartment 21E may be overcooled, or the cooling of parts other than the main freezer compartment 21E may become weak. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the rapid cooling control selected from among the plurality of cooling controls is a specific rapid cooling control, the control unit 91 ends the rapid cooling control after a certain period of time regardless of the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 83. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the situation where the rapid cooling control with relatively high cooling capacity is carried out for an excessively long period of time.

[0101] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a notification unit 34b and a notification output unit 92. The notification unit 34b is provided on the housing 10 or the door 31. The notification output unit 92 changes the content of the notification by the notification unit 34b according to the cooling capacity of the rapid cooling control selected from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls. According to such a configuration, it is possible to clearly notify the user U of which level of rapid cooling control is being performed.

[0102] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a communication unit 86 and a notification output unit 92. The communication unit 86 can communicate with the terminal device 300 via the server 200 or directly. The notification output unit 92 outputs, via the communication unit 86, information for changing the notification content by the terminal device 300 according to the rapid cooling control selected from a plurality of rapid cooling controls. According to such a configuration, by displaying the level of the rapid cooling control on the terminal device 300, it is possible to easily notify the user U of which level of rapid cooling control is being performed.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the execution condition for selecting and executing one rapid cooling control from a plurality of rapid cooling controls is satisfied during the execution of another control different from the plurality of rapid cooling controls, the control unit 91 controls the cooling unit M based on the preset priority order between the above-mentioned another control and the rapid cooling control. According to such a configuration, appropriate cooling control according to various situations can be automatically performed. Thereby, the convenience for the user can be enhanced.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the execution condition of the rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the defrosting control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the defrosting control and starts the rapid cooling control after the defrosting control ends. According to such a configuration, by prioritizing defrosting during defrosting, it is possible to more reliably suppress the cooling deterioration due to frost formation.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the execution condition of the first rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the defrosting control, the control unit 91 ends the defrosting control by performing the defrosting control for the first time and starts the first rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the execution condition of the second rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the defrosting control, the control unit 91 ends the defrosting control by performing the defrosting control for a second time shorter than the first time and starts the second rapid cooling control. According to such a configuration, when performing the second rapid cooling control with relatively low cooling capacity (i.e., less likely to accumulate frost), the food can be cooled by prioritizing the rapid cooling control, and when performing the first rapid cooling control with relatively high cooling capacity (i.e., more likely to accumulate frost), the food can be cooled while suppressing the increase of frost by performing the defrosting control in advance.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the execution conditions for rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the low-temperature cooling control. When the execution conditions for rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of high-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the rapid cooling control. According to such a configuration, during high-temperature cooling control, since the temperature of the chiller compartment 21AA only needs to be cooled to a certain extent, it is possible to prioritize rapid cooling control and promote the quick cooling of the food in the main freezer compartment 21E. On the other hand, during low-temperature cooling control, the low-temperature cooling control is prioritized, and the food in the chiller compartment 21AA is more reliably maintained in the low-temperature range. Thereby, the protection of the food in the chiller compartment 21AA can be more reliably achieved.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the execution conditions for the first rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 terminates the low-temperature cooling control in response to performing it for a third hour and starts the first rapid cooling control. On the other hand, when the execution conditions for the second rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of low-temperature cooling control, the control unit 91 terminates the low-temperature cooling control in response to performing it for a fourth hour, which is longer than the third hour, and starts the second rapid cooling control. According to such a configuration, appropriate cooling can be performed while balancing the need to protect the food in the main freezer compartment 21E and the need to protect the food in the chiller compartment 21AA.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the execution conditions for rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of thawing control, the control unit 91 starts the rapid cooling control while performing the thawing control. According to such a configuration, it is possible to proceed with the thawing of the food and execute the rapid cooling control.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the execution conditions for rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of special ice-making control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the special ice-making control. According to such a configuration, the strong operations of the compressor 65 and the freezer compartment blower 64 for quickly making ice can be continued.

[0110] In the present embodiment, when the execution conditions for rapid cooling control are satisfied during the execution of power saving control, the control unit 91 preferentially executes the rapid cooling control. According to such a configuration, even when power saving control is being executed, foods that require rapid cooling can be appropriately cooled.

[0111] In the present embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the above-mentioned other control and the rapid cooling control, the notification output unit 92 causes the notification unit 34b to notify which of the above-mentioned other control and the rapid cooling control is the prioritized control and which is the non-prioritized control. According to such a configuration, the user U can easily recognize which of the other control and the rapid cooling control is prioritized, in other words, which control is in a standby state.

[0112] In the present embodiment, when the cooling unit M is controlled based on the priority order between the above-mentioned other control and the rapid cooling control, the notification output unit 92 outputs, via the communication unit 86, information indicating which of the above-mentioned other control and the rapid cooling control is the prioritized control and which is the non-prioritized control. According to such a configuration, the user U can easily recognize which of the other control and the rapid cooling control is prioritized, in other words, which control is in a standby state.

[0113] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the refrigerator is capable of executing a plurality of rapid cooling controls with different cooling capabilities for the freezer compartment, and when a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected by the temperature sensor within a predetermined time after the detection result of the door opening / closing detection sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, the refrigerator has a control unit that selects and executes a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls. According to such a configuration, convenience can be improved.

[0114] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1... Refrigerator system, 10... Housing, 21A... Refrigerating compartment, 21AA... Chilled compartment (special storage section), 21E... Main freezing compartment (freezing compartment), 31E... Main freezing compartment door, 34b... Notification unit, 63... Refrigerating cooler, 64... Refrigerating compartment blower, 65... Compressor, 83... Refrigerating compartment temperature sensor (second temperature sensor), 84... Quick-freezing temperature sensor (first temperature sensor), 91... Control unit, 92... Notification output unit, 100... Refrigerator, 200... Server (external device), 300... Terminal device, 301... Display device.

Claims

1. A housing including a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, a freezing chamber door that closably opens and closes the freezing chamber, a door opening / closing detection sensor that detects the opening and closing of the freezing chamber door, a temperature sensor provided in the freezing chamber, a control unit that alternately performs a refrigerating operation for cooling the refrigerating chamber and a freezing operation for cooling the freezing chamber, and is capable of executing a plurality of rapid cooling controls with different cooling capacities for the freezing chamber. After it is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensor that the freezing chamber door has been closed or opened, if a temperature corresponding to an execution condition of any of the plurality of rapid cooling controls is detected by the temperature sensor within a predetermined time shorter than the normal time of the refrigerating operation, a rapid cooling control corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is selected from among the plurality of rapid cooling controls and executed; comprising, the control unit, when a condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the refrigerating operation, and when the elapsed time from the start of the refrigerating operation exceeds a special time shorter than the normal time of the refrigerating operation, the refrigerating operation is terminated, the operation is shifted to the freezing operation, and the rapid cooling control is started, when a condition for starting the rapid cooling control is satisfied during the execution of the refrigerating operation, and when the elapsed time does not exceed the special time, the refrigerating operation is continued until the elapsed time exceeds the special time, and then the refrigerating operation is terminated, the operation is shifted to the freezing operation, and the rapid cooling control is started, the length or presence / absence of the special time varies among the plurality of rapid cooling controls, a refrigerator.

2. The temperature sensor is provided at the upper part of the freezing chamber, The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. When it is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensor that the opening time of the freezing chamber door is equal to or longer than a certain time, regardless of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, a rapid cooling control with a relatively high cooling capacity preset among the plurality of rapid cooling controls is selected and executed by the control unit, The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a cooler to which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor is supplied and that cools air within the housing, a blower that sends the air cooled by the cooler to the freezing chamber, further comprising, the plurality of rapid cooling controls have different driving amounts of at least one of the compressor or the blower, The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. It further includes a second temperature sensor provided in the freezer compartment and different from the first temperature sensor which is the temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is arranged at a position higher than the second temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor is arranged closer to the central part of the freezer compartment than the first temperature sensor. The control unit performs cooling control in normal refrigeration operation based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and determines whether to start the rapid cooling control based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. After starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit terminates the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. The refrigerator according to claim 5.

7. After starting the rapid cooling control, the control unit terminates the rapid cooling control when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined value and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value. The refrigerator according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. When the selected rapid cooling control from the plurality of rapid cooling controls is a specific rapid cooling control, the control unit terminates the rapid cooling control after a certain period of time regardless of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The refrigerator according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. A notification unit provided on the housing or the door, A notification output unit that changes the notification content by the notification unit according to the cooling capacity of the selected rapid cooling control from the plurality of rapid cooling controls, further comprising The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal device via an external device or directly, A notification output unit that outputs, via the communication unit, information for changing the notification content by the terminal device according to the cooling capacity of the selected rapid cooling control from the plurality of rapid cooling controls, further comprising The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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