refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of enhancing detection accuracy of a temperature in a storage part.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes a housing, a detection part, a cooling part and a control part. The housing includes an openable / closable storage part. The cooling part supplies cold air to the storage part. The control part can execute a basic operation, and a special operation for lowering the temperature of food materials stored in the storage part more rapidly compared with the basic operation. In the case where a first temperature rise in the storage part is detected, based on the temperature in the storage part, the control part supplies cold air into the storage part by using the cooling part within a re-detection preparation period after detection, and in the case where a second temperature rise in the storage part is detected after the re-detection preparation period is elapsed, it executes the special operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] There is a refrigerator provided with a cooling unit that feeds cold air to a storage compartment. In cooling control of the storage compartment, it is desired to further improve the detection accuracy of the temperature inside the storage compartment. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Literature 1]] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-112566 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of further improving the detection accuracy of the temperature inside a storage compartment. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] The refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a housing, a cooling unit, and a control unit. The housing includes an openable and closable storage compartment. The cooling unit includes an air blower that supplies cold air to the storage compartment, and supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The control unit is capable of performing a basic operation and , special a separate operation. The special operation includes a re-detection preparation operation which includes a cold air supply operation that supplies cold air into the storage unit using the cooling unit and a standby operation in which the cold air supply operation is stopped, and a rapid cooling operation which rapidly lowers the temperature of the food stored in the storage unit compared to the basic operation. the control unit detects a first temperature rise inside the storage compartment based on the temperature of the storage compartment after within a redetection preparation period for beginning during a partial period of The aforementioned cold air supply operation is performed. , During the re-detection preparation period after the completion of the aforementioned cold air supply operation, the standby operation is performed. the redetection preparation period During the aforementioned standby operation, when the inside of the storage compartment has a second temperature Ascending rise , after the re-detection preparation period, the rapid cooling operation is performed, and the redetection preparation period The aforementioned cold air supply operationBy controlling the blower to suppress cooling by supplying the cold air to the storage section, the cooling capacity of the cooling section during the re-detection preparation period is set lower than the cooling capacity of the cooling section during the period in which the basic operation is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator along the F2-F2 line shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator in this embodiment. [Figure 5] A state transition diagram for controlling the "refrigeration operation" of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Flowchart of the rapid refrigeration control method of the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the change in temperature over time when there is no food placed in the freezer compartment of the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the change in temperature over time when food is placed in the freezer compartment of the embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart of the process for suppressing supercooling of the refrigeration cooler 46 during cold air supply operation in the embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart of rapid refrigeration control according to the first embodiment of the embodiment. [Figure 11] A timing chart illustrating the first embodiment of the embodiment. [Figure 12] A flowchart of rapid refrigeration control according to a second embodiment of the embodiment. [Figure 13] A timing chart illustrating a second embodiment of the embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart of rapid refrigeration control according to a third embodiment of the embodiment. [Figure 15] A timing chart illustrating a third embodiment of the embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted. In this specification, the phrase "based on XX" means "based on at least XX", and includes cases where the invention is based on another element in addition to XX. Further, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is directly used, but also includes cases where it is based on a product obtained by performing calculation or processing on XX. XX is any element (for example, any information). In this specification, "center temperature" may also mean "average temperature", and may be the median value between the upper limit and the lower limit of the target temperature range.

[0008] Embodiment [1. Overall Configuration of Refrigerator] The refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the refrigerator 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1, taken along line F2-F2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 11, a plurality of shelves 12, a plurality of containers 13, a flow path forming component 14, a cooling unit 15, and a control board 16.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a heat insulating portion 10c. The inner box 10a is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is formed one size larger than the inner box 10a, and is disposed outside the inner box 10a. Between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b, the heat insulating portion 10c containing a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam is provided.

[0010] A plurality of storage compartments 27 are provided inside a cabinet 10. The plurality of storage compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 27A, a chilled compartment 27AA, a vegetable compartment 27B, an ice making compartment 27C, a small freezer compartment 27D, and a main freezer compartment 27E. In the present embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 27A is arranged at the topmost position, the vegetable compartment 27B is arranged below the refrigerator compartment 27A, the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 27B, and the main freezer compartment 27E is arranged below the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 27 is not limited to the above example. For example, the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D may be arranged below the refrigerator compartment 27A, the main freezer compartment 27E may be arranged below the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D, and the vegetable compartment 27B may be arranged below the main freezer compartment 27E. The cabinet 10 has, on the front side of each storage compartment 27, an opening that allows food materials to be put into and taken out of each storage compartment 27.

[0011] The chilled compartment 27AA is provided, for example, below a part of the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chilled compartment 27AA is at least partially partitioned from the refrigerator compartment 27A by, for example, a shelf, a wall (the third partition 30), or the like. The chilled compartment 27AA is located lower than the refrigerator compartment 27A, which allows cold cool air to easily flow in, and is located closer to a refrigerator cooler 41 described later than the refrigerator compartment 27A, so that the chilled compartment 27AA is cooled to a temperature lower than that of the refrigerator compartment 27A. The ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E are an example of a "storage unit".

[0012] The cabinet 10 includes a first partition 28, a second partition 29, 、 and a third partition 30. The first partition 28 partitions between the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B. The second partition 29 partitions between the vegetable compartment 27B, and the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. The third partition 30 is a partition wall located between the chilled compartment 27AA and the portion of the refrigerator compartment 27A other than the chilled compartment 27AA, and partitions the region of the chilled compartment 27AA within the refrigerator compartment 27A. The second partition 29 includes, for example, a foamed heat insulating material and has heat insulating properties. The first partition 28 and the third partition 30 are formed of, for example, a synthetic resin or the like, and have lower heat insulating properties than the second partition 29.

[0013] The openings of the multiple storage compartments 27 are closed by multiple doors 11. The multiple doors 11 include, for example, the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment door 11AA that closes the opening of the chilled compartment 27AA within the internal space S, the vegetable compartment door 11B that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 27B, the ice-making compartment door 11C that closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment door 11D that closes the opening of the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment door 11E that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 27E. The chilled compartment door 11AA is located further inside the refrigerator compartment 27A than the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab. Hereafter, when the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab are referred to collectively, they will be called "refrigerator compartment door 11A".

[0014] Multiple shelves 12 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A. The multiple containers 13 include a chilled compartment container 13A provided in the chilled compartment 27AA, first and second vegetable compartment containers 13Ba, 13Bb provided in the vegetable compartment 27B, an ice-making compartment container (not shown) provided in the ice-making compartment 27C, a small freezer compartment container 13D provided in the small freezer compartment 27D, and first and second main freezer compartment containers 13Ea, 13Eb provided in the main freezer compartment 27E. In this specification, "container" also includes shallow containers such as trays.

[0015] The flow path forming component 14 is located inside the housing 10. The flow path forming component 14 includes a first duct component 31 and a second duct component 32.

[0016] The first duct component 31 is provided along the rear wall of the housing 10. The first duct component 31 forms a first duct space D1, which is a passage through which cold air flows. The first duct component 31 has a plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a, a chilled compartment cold air outlet 31b, and a cold air return port 31c. The plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a are provided at multiple positions above the chilled compartment 27AA at different heights and open into the refrigerator compartment 27A. The chilled compartment cold air outlets 31b open into the chilled compartment 27AA. The cold air return port 31c opens into the vegetable compartment 27B. The cold air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 27B returns to the first duct space D1 from the cold air return port 31c.

[0017] The second duct component 32 is provided along the rear wall of the housing 10. The second duct component 32 forms a second duct space D2, which is a passage through which cold air flows. The second duct component 32 has a cold air outlet 32a and a cold air return port 32b.

[0018] The cooling unit 15 supplies cold air to multiple storage chambers 27 for cooling. The cooling unit 15 includes, for example, a first cooling module 40, a second cooling module 45, a compressor 49, and a refrigeration cycle device 50 (Figure 3).

[0019] The first cooling module 40 includes, for example, a refrigerating cooler 41 and a refrigerating blower 43. The refrigerating cooler 41 is located in the first duct space D1. The refrigerating cooler 41 is supplied with a refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49 (described later) to cool the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1. The refrigerating cooler 41 is located, for example, at a height corresponding to the chilled compartment 27AA.

[0020] The refrigerating air blower 43 is installed, for example, at the cold air return port 31c of the first duct component 31. When the refrigerating air blower 43 is driven, air from the vegetable compartment 27B flows into the first duct space D1 from the cold air return port 31c. The air that flows into the first duct space D1 is cooled by the refrigerating cooler 41. The cold air cooled by the refrigerating cooler 41 is blown into the refrigerator compartment 27A from a plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a and into the chilled compartment 27AA from the chilled compartment cold air outlet 31b. As a result, the cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B is circulated within the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B are cooled.

[0021] On the other hand, the second cooling module 45 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 46 and a refrigeration blower 48. The refrigeration cooler 46 is located in the second duct space D2. The refrigeration cooler 46 is supplied with a refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49 (described later) to cool the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2.

[0022] The refrigeration blower 48 is installed, for example, in the second duct component 32 and supplies cold air to the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E, and circulates the cold air to cool the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E. For example, when the refrigeration blower 48 is driven, air from the main freezer compartment 27E flows into the second duct space D2 from the cold air return port 32b. The air that flows into the second duct space D2 is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 46. The cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 46 is supplied and blown out from multiple cold air outlets 32a to the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E, respectively. As a result, the cold air flowing through the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E is circulated within the refrigerator 1, and the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E are cooled.

[0023] The compressor 49 is installed, for example, in the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 1 and compresses the refrigerant gas used to cool the storage compartment 27. For example, the compressor 49 compresses and discharges the refrigerant by the rotation of a rotating body (rotor).

[0024] In this specification, "cooling" means that refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 49 to the cooler (refrigerating cooler 41 or freezing cooler 46) corresponding to each storage compartment 27. However, in this specification, "cooling" is not limited to cases where the refrigerating blower 43 or the freezing blower 48 is driven. For example, "cooling" also includes cases where, with the refrigerating blower 43 stopped, refrigerant is sent from the compressor 49 to the refrigerating cooler 41, and the temperature of the chilled compartment 27AA decreases due to heat transfer between the refrigerating cooler 41 and the chilled compartment 27AA; or where, with the freezing blower 48 stopped, refrigerant is sent from the compressor 49 to the freezing cooler 46, and the temperatures of the small freezer compartment 27D and the main freezer compartment 27E decrease due to heat transfer between the freezing cooler 46 and the small freezer compartment 27D and the main freezer compartment 27E.

[0025] The control board 16 is mounted on the upper wall of the housing 10. The control board 16 implements the control unit 100, which will be described in detail later.

[0026] [2. Refrigeration cycle equipment] The refrigerator 1, configured as described above, is cooled by a refrigeration cycle device 50 controlled by a control unit 100, which will be described later.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 50. The refrigeration cycle device 50 is configured by connecting a compressor 49, a condenser 51, a dryer 52, a three-way valve 53, capillary tubes 54 and 55, a refrigerating cooler 41, and a freezing cooler 46 in a ring in the order of refrigerant flow. The refrigerating cooler 41 is connected to the compressor 49 via a connecting pipe, the refrigerating-side suction pipe 57. The freezing cooler 46 is connected to the compressor 49 via a connecting pipe, the freezing-side suction pipe 58. A check valve 59 is provided between the freezing cooler 46 and the compressor 49 to prevent refrigerant from flowing back from the refrigerating cooler 41 to the freezing cooler 46.

[0028] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 50 will be explained. First, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device 50 is compressed by the compressor 49 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows through flow path A. The three-way valve 53 is controlled by the control unit 100 (see Figure 4) to select, for example, one of flow path B, which supplies refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 41, and flow path C, which supplies refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 46. These two flow paths B and C merge at confluence point D. The refrigerant flows from confluence point D in the direction of arrow E and returns to the compressor 49.

[0029] [3. Control] [3.1 Functional Configuration Related to Control] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of refrigerator 1. The control board 16 includes a control unit 100 which is composed of a computer with a microcontroller and timer. The control unit 100 controls the entire refrigerator 1. In the following description, we will explain the case where the temperature of the main freezer compartment 27E is the main target of temperature control for the rapid freezing operation described later. The control unit 100 is connected to a refrigeration blower 43, a freezing blower 48, a compressor 49, a three-way valve 53, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 111, an outside temperature sensor 112, refrigerator compartment door switches 113a, 113b, a memory unit 116, and an operation panel unit 150.

[0030] The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 27A so as to be able to detect the air temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 27A. The freezer compartment temperature sensor 111 is installed in the small freezer compartment 27D so as to be able to detect the air temperature inside the small freezer compartment 27D. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 111 are non-contact type temperature sensors. For example, the freezer compartment temperature sensor 111 can detect the air temperature inside the small freezer compartment 27D, the temperature of food inside the small freezer compartment 27D (for example, the surface temperature of the food), or the temperature of a container placed inside the small freezer compartment 27D on which food is placed. The freezer compartment temperature sensor 111 may also be a direct-contact type temperature sensor that is in direct contact with the container. Hereafter, the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 27A may be referred to as the "refrigerator compartment temperature," and the air temperature in the small freezer compartment 27D may be referred to as the "freezer compartment temperature." The control unit 100 may also estimate the freezer temperature based on the detection result of the refrigerator temperature sensor 110 and the pre-determined correlation between the refrigerator temperature and the freezer temperature. In this case, the refrigerator temperature sensor 110 is an example of a "temperature detection unit that detects the air temperature of the small freezer compartment 27D". The following explanation will use an example where a freezer temperature sensor 111 is provided. The freezer temperature sensor 111 is preferably installed on the door side of the center of the internal space of the small freezer compartment 27D (storage compartment) in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 100 detects the temperature of the small freezer compartment 27D based on the signal from the temperature sensor installed on the door side of the small freezer compartment 27D, which is on the door side of the internal space of the small freezer compartment 27D. For example, by placing it near the door, the ability to detect temperature rise when the door is opened and closed is improved. The "food" mentioned above is an example of an object to be cooled.

[0031] The outside temperature sensor 112 is provided on the surface of the refrigerator 1 and detects the outside temperature of the refrigerator 1. In this specification, "outside temperature" means the temperature outside the refrigerator 1, for example, the temperature inside the room where the refrigerator 1 is installed.

[0032] The refrigerator door switches 113a and 113b are provided between the refrigerator doors 11Aa and 11Ab and the housing 10, and detect the open / closed state of the refrigerator doors 11Aa and 11Ab, respectively. The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is not provided with door switches that directly detect the open / closed state of the ice-making door 11C, the small freezer door 11D, and the main freezer door 11E.

[0033] The memory unit 116 stores the program and various information necessary for the operation of the refrigerator 1. The memory unit 116 also stores, for example, conversion coefficients used in the control modes described later. These conversion coefficients are, for example, coefficients used to convert detection results detected by various sensors into variables used for temperature control, and are pre-registered in the memory unit 116.

[0034] The control panel 150 accepts user input to switch between set temperature ranges for each storage chamber 27 and to switch control modes (start a different control mode), and displays the settings and current operating status. The control panel 150 is, for example, a so-called touch-type control panel and includes a touch sensor composed of capacitive switches.

[0035] [3.2 Basic Operation] Next, the basic operation of refrigerator 1 will be explained. The control unit 100 performs "refrigeration operation" and "freezing operation" as the basic operation of refrigerator 1.

[0036] The control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 15 so that the storage compartments 27 in the refrigerated temperature range (refrigerated compartment 27A, chilled compartment 27AA, vegetable compartment 27B) and the storage compartments 27 in the freezing temperature range (ice maker compartment 27C, small freezer compartment 27D, main freezer compartment 27E) are maintained at their respective set temperature ranges, for example, by alternating between refrigeration and freezing operations. For example, the control unit 100 alternately cools the storage compartments 27 in the refrigerated temperature range for a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and then cools the storage compartments 27 in the freezing temperature range for a second predetermined time (e.g., 40 minutes). The control unit 100 also controls the air temperature of the storage compartments 27, which are the main target of temperature control, to stay between the upper and lower limits of the set temperature range by performing feedback control, such as PID control (Proportional Integral Differential Control), based on the refrigerator compartment temperature (or chilled compartment temperature) or the freezer compartment temperature.

[0037] Here, while refrigeration is in operation, the air temperature in the refrigerated storage chamber 27 decreases, while the air temperature in the freezing storage chamber 27 increases. Conversely, while freezing is in operation, the air temperature in the freezing storage chamber 27 decreases, while the air temperature in the refrigerated storage chamber 27 increases. As a result, the air temperatures in the refrigerated storage chamber 27 and the freezing storage chamber 27 fluctuate up and down in a sawtooth pattern.

[0038] [4. Control Modes] Next, with reference to Figure 5, several control modes that the control unit 100 can perform will be described. Figure 5 is a state transition diagram for the control of "refrigeration operation" in this embodiment.

[0039] The control modes for controlling "refrigeration operation" include a normal cooling operation mode M10 and a special cooling operation mode M20. Below, the state transitions between the normal cooling operation mode M10 and the special cooling operation mode M20, and the state transitions within the special cooling operation mode M20 will be explained in order. The state transitions shown in Figure 5 are common to each embodiment described later.

[0040] <Normal cooling operation mode M10> The normal cooling operation mode M10 is a control mode for managing the temperature of the storage compartments 27 (ice-making compartment 27C, small freezer compartment 27D, main freezer compartment 27E) in the refrigeration temperature range, under normal conditions where the doors are not opened or closed. For example, in the normal cooling operation mode M10, a cooling period (M11) and a cooling stop period (M12) are alternately repeated. The transition condition from the cooling period (M11) to the cooling stop period (M12) is that the estimated average temperature T exceeds the upper limit temperature TU. The transition condition from the cooling stop period (M12) to the cooling period (M11) is that the estimated average temperature T falls below the lower limit temperature TL. Operation using the normal cooling operation mode M10 is an example of basic operation. These transition conditions are just examples, and they may be repeated at predetermined times set for each.

[0041] <Special Cooling Operation Mode M20> The special cooling operation mode M20 is a control mode designed to lower the temperature of the freezer compartment to a desired temperature range in a relatively short time. For example, by using this operation mode, when food is placed in the freezer compartment, the temperature of the food can be lowered to a desired temperature range in a relatively short time, thereby reducing food spoilage. The desired temperature range for food is called the ice crystal formation temperature range. In the case of meat, the ice crystal formation temperature range is between -1°C and -5°C. It is known that shortening the time spent in this ice crystal formation temperature range can reduce deterioration. The control method of lowering the temperature of food to a desired temperature range in a relatively short time is called "rapid freezing control." By using "rapid freezing control," when food is placed in storage chamber 27, the temperature of the food can be lowered to a desired temperature range in a relatively short time, thereby reducing food deterioration.

[0042] Special cooling operation mode M20 is a control mode for managing the temperature of the storage compartments 27 (ice-making compartment 27C, small freezer compartment 27D, main freezer compartment 27E) in the freezing temperature range by performing rapid freezing control as needed when the doors of the storage compartments 27 in the freezing temperature range are opened or closed.

[0043] For example, the special cooling operation mode M20 includes the re-detection preparation operation mode M28 and the rapid refrigeration control operation mode M29. The outlines of the re-detection preparation operation mode M28 and the rapid refrigeration control operation mode M29 are shown below. The rapid freezing control operation mode M29 is an operation mode applied during the rapid freezing control period. During the rapid freezing control period to which this rapid freezing control operation mode M29 is applied, operation is carried out using rapid freezing control. The re-detection preparation mode M28 is an operation mode applied during the re-detection preparation period preceding the rapid freezing control operation mode M29. In this re-detection preparation mode M28, the focus is on identifying whether or not rapid freezing control by the rapid freezing control operation mode M29 is necessary, and operations are carried out to create an environment that facilitates this identification. By providing such a re-detection preparation period, it is made easier to detect whether or not new food has been placed in the storage compartment 27 due to the opening and closing of the door 11, etc.

[0044] Let me give you a more specific example. First, let's explain the re-detection preparation mode M28. The re-detection preparation mode M28 includes the cold air supply control operation mode M21 and the standby control mode M22. This cold air supply control operation mode M21 is applied during the cold air supply control period in the re-detection preparation operation period. In cold air supply control operation mode M21, control is performed to supply cold air into the storage chamber 27 in order to lower the temperature rise caused by opening and closing the door of the storage chamber 27, which is in the refrigeration temperature range, to the temperature range of the normal cooling operation mode M10.

[0045] Standby control mode M22 is applied during the standby control period of the re-detection preparation operation period. In standby control mode M22, the cooling operation performed by the cold air supply control mode M21 is stopped, thereby restricting the flow of cold air in the storage chamber 27 by the refrigeration blower 48. In this situation where the flow of cold air in the storage chamber 27 is restricted, if food is newly taken in, temperature fluctuations will occur in the storage chamber 27 due to the temperature of the food. In this embodiment, by providing a standby control period after the cold air supply control period, the detection of these temperature fluctuations in the storage chamber 27 is made easier.

[0046] Next, we will explain the refrigeration control operation mode M29. In the rapid refrigeration control operation following the re-detection preparation operation period, control is performed using the rapid refrigeration control operation mode M29 instead of the re-detection preparation mode M28. The rapid refrigeration control period to which the rapid refrigeration control operation mode M29 is applied includes a first control period in which both the compressor 49 and the refrigeration blower 48 are operated, and a second control period in which only the refrigeration blower 48 is operated.

[0047] The operating mode applied during the first control period within the rapid cooling control period is called the rapid cooling first operating mode M23. The rapid cooling first operating mode M23 is the operating mode applied during the period in which both the compressor 49 and the refrigeration blower 48 are operated. The operating mode applied during the second control period within the rapid cooling control period is called the rapid cooling second operating mode M24. The rapid cooling second operating mode M24 is the operating mode in which only the refrigeration blower 48 is operated. According to this rapid freezing control operation mode M29, when food is newly taken in, rapid freezing control is performed to lower the temperature of the storage chamber 27 in the freezing temperature range and the temperature of the food to the desired temperature range in a relatively short time. Rapid freezing control operation mode M29 includes rapid cooling first operation mode M23 and rapid cooling second operation mode M24. For example, the cooling capacity of the second cooling control is set to be lower than that of the first cooling control.

[0048] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the effects of temperature changes on food placed in the freezer compartment of the embodiment will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the rapid freezing control of the embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the temperature changes over time of food placed in the freezer compartment of the embodiment. Figure 7(a) shows the control mode selected at each timing. Figure 7(b) shows the temperature inside the freezer compartment at each timing. Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7. Figure 8 shows an example where new food is placed in the freezer compartment, and Figure 7 shows an example where no new food is placed in the freezer compartment.

[0049] The temperature of the freezer compartment and the food placed inside it will change transiently depending on the food's temperature and volume (weight), as well as the capacity of the freezer compartment and the cooling capacity of the cooling unit.

[0050] For example, the embodiment will be described using refrigerator 1 with the configuration shown below as an example. Among the specifications of refrigerator 1 illustrated here, an example of the specifications such as the capacity of the compressor 49, the capacity (fan size) of the refrigeration blower 48, and the capacity of the main freezer compartment 27E is as follows. Note that this specification is just an example and is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. Compressor 49 capacity: 7.6cc Capacity (fan size) of refrigeration fan unit 48: 113mm x 113mm Main freezer compartment 27E capacity: 150L The specifications above are an example of a typical household refrigerator.

[0051] As an initial step in starting this process, the following conditions are defined. The initial state of the control unit 100 is, for example, in the normal cooling operation mode M10.

[0052] The control unit 100 detects a first temperature rise from the change in temperature ΔT inside the freezer compartment detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 111 (S11). Hereafter, the change in temperature ΔT inside the freezer compartment will simply be referred to as "temperature change ΔT".

[0053] The control unit 100 determines whether the temperature change ΔT exceeds the first threshold temperature ΔTH1 (S12). If the temperature change ΔT does not exceed the first threshold temperature ΔTH1 or is equal to it, the control unit 100 continues normal cooling operation (normal cooling operation mode M10) (S13).

[0054] If the temperature change ΔT exceeds the first threshold temperature ΔTH1, the control unit 100 starts a re-detection preparation period. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, during the re-detection preparation period in which the re-detection preparation mode M28 is applied, the control unit 100 performs a cold air supply operation (S14A) using the cold air supply operation control mode M21 and a standby operation (S14B) using the standby operation mode M22. The control unit 100 may perform the cold air supply operation (S14A) and the standby operation (S14B) as a series of processes (S14). During the cold air supply operation period in which this process S14A is performed, the control unit 100 may circulate the cold air in the small freezer compartment 27D using the cooling unit 15. "Cold air supply operation" refers to an operation in which at least a portion of the air in the freezer compartment is replaced with cold air supplied from the refrigeration blower 48.

[0055] After the re-detection preparation period for performing the above process S14 has elapsed, the control unit 100 starts a standby control period (standby control mode M22) during the re-detection preparation operation period and detects a second temperature rise from the amount of temperature change (S15). The control unit 100 determines whether the temperature change ΔT exceeds the second threshold temperature ΔTH2 (S16). For example, if the change in temperature ΔT after time t2 does not exceed or is equal to the second threshold temperature ΔTH2, the control unit 100 estimates that no food has been added and switches the control mode to perform normal cooling operation as shown in Figure 7 (S17), thereby ending the series of processes.

[0056] In response to this, if the change in temperature ΔT after time t2 exceeds the second threshold temperature ΔTH2, the control unit 100 estimates that food has been added and starts the first control period (first rapid cooling operation mode M23) within the rapid freezing control period. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 100 performs rapid freezing operation (S18) and continues this state until a predetermined time (time t20) has elapsed. For example, once the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 100 switches to normal cooling operation (normal cooling operation mode M10) and finishes the above series of processes.

[0057] Through the above process, even without a door switch to detect door opening, the detection of the first temperature rise makes it possible to detect that the door of a freezer compartment, such as the small freezer compartment 27D, has been opened.

[0058] Furthermore, in the comparative example, if the freezer door is opened, the temperature inside the freezer may not immediately decrease even after the door is closed.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, by performing a "cold air supply operation," the temperature can be quickly brought to the desired temperature range regardless of whether food is being added or not. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by performing a "standby operation" afterward, it is possible to detect a temperature rise that depends on the temperature of the newly placed food. Below, an example of the "cold air supply operation" and "standby operation" performed during the re-detection preparation period will be described in detail.

[0060] <Examples of cold air supply operation and standby operation> The operation during the re-detection preparation period is divided into two consecutive periods: a cold air supply period using cold air supply operation and a standby period using standby operation. During each period, the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 are operated as follows.

[0061] Explanation of the cooling supply operation period: During the cold air supply operation period, the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 are operated at a fixed speed for a first predetermined period. The first predetermined period is, for example, until time t2 has elapsed. The time until time t2 has elapsed may be, for example, 5 minutes. The cooling intensity of refrigerator 1, as exemplified here, shall be determined by the following operating method. Note that this specification is merely an example and is not limiting; it can be modified as appropriate. Rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48: Approximately 1500 rpm Compressor 49 rotation speed: approximately 17Hz For example, the rotational speed of the above-mentioned refrigeration blower 48 is set lower than its rated rotational speed.

[0062] Furthermore, if the start of this cold air supply period falls within the cooling period of the refrigerator compartment, the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the rotational speed of the compressor 49 may be set higher than the values ​​mentioned above. In this case, the control unit 100 should reset the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 (reference rotational speed) and the rotational speed of the compressor 49 (reference rotational speed) to the values ​​mentioned above when starting the cold air supply operation for the cold air supply period.

[0063] For example, if the refrigeration blower 48 is operating at approximately 1800 rpm and the compressor 49 at approximately 30 Hz during the cooling period of the refrigerator compartment, then the start of the above control will cause both the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to decrease.

[0064] When the outside temperature of refrigerator 1 is higher than the internal temperature, if food is taken in or out, or the door is opened, the outside air flows into the freezer compartment, causing the temperature inside the freezer compartment to temporarily rise. During this cold air supply period, the cold air supply operation circulates the air inside the freezer, allowing relatively warm air to be replaced with cold air. As a result, when the cold air supply period ends, the temperature inside the freezer will be within the specified temperature range for the cold air.

[0065] Explanation of standby operation period: During the standby operation period, after the above-mentioned cold air supply period has ended, standby operation will commence immediately thereafter. For a second predetermined period, the operation of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 is stopped and they remain on standby. The second predetermined period is defined as, for example, until a predetermined time (time t10 - time t2) has elapsed. The waiting time from time t2 to time t10 may be, for example, 3 minutes.

[0066] As described above, at the start of the standby operation period, the temperature inside the freezer reaches the temperature range of the cold air specified above. If, for example, the outside temperature of refrigerator 1 is higher than the internal temperature, and food is removed or the door is opened, a significant temperature rise will not occur after the standby period begins. In such cases, the temperature inside the freezer is within the appropriate range, so the rapid freezing control can be suspended, resulting in energy savings.

[0067] Conversely, when new food is placed in the freezer, the temperature of the freezer may rise due to the influence of the food's temperature. In such cases, it is desirable to implement rapid freezing control to lower the temperature of the freezer to an appropriate temperature range and to lower the temperature of the food causing the temperature rise as quickly as possible. Furthermore, increasing the cooling capacity for this rapid freezing control increases the complexity of the cooling system, which in turn tends to increase power consumption. Therefore, within the range of conditions determined by the specifications of Refrigerator 1, it is desirable to achieve more energy-efficient cooling in a shorter time.

[0068] In the comparative example, one rapid refrigeration control method involves maintaining a fixed rotation speed for both the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 throughout the rapid refrigeration control period. In this case, even when the rapid refrigeration control is about to end, there may still be low-temperature refrigerant remaining in the cooler. This low-temperature refrigerant remaining in the cooler is an excess that has been generated.

[0069] In this embodiment, power consumption is reduced by decreasing the amount of low-temperature refrigerant remaining in the cooler. For example, power consumption is reduced by decreasing the amount of drive required for the compressor 49 during the rapid refrigeration control period.

[0070] Referring to Figure 9, an example of control for suppressing overcooling of the refrigeration cooler 46 during cold air supply operation will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the process for suppressing supercooling of the refrigeration cooler 46 during cold air supply operation in the embodiment.

[0071] In the comparative example, in steps S14A and S14B of Figure 6, the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 and the food may drop too low. If this occurs, it may become impossible to detect the temperature rise of the food during standby operation (S14B in Figure 6).

[0072] The following are some of the contributing factors: (1) The rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 is too high during cold air supply operation. (2) The cooling fan 48 is operated for a long time during the cold air supply operation. (3) The freezer (storage room) was being cooled until immediately before the start of the cold air supply operation.

[0073] In response to this, in step S14A of Figure 6, the control unit 100 may perform the process shown in Figure 9. For example, the control unit 100 identifies whether or not the small freezer compartment 27D was being cooled (S141). If the small freezer compartment 27D was being cooled, the control unit 100 reduces the cooling capacity (S142) and completes the series of processes. On the other hand, if the small freezer compartment 27D was not being cooled, the control unit 100 continues to control the cooling capacity in the same way as the cooling capacity during the period when the normal cooling operation mode M10 was applied (S143) and completes the series of processes. The cooling capacity when the above-mentioned normal cooling operation mode M10 is applied is determined by the ratio within one cycle of alternating between the cooling period (M11) and the cooling stop period (M12). The cooling capacity during the period when the normal cooling operation mode M10 is applied is predetermined. The above-mentioned "normal period" may refer to a period during which the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the placement of new items inside the refrigerator, etc., are considered not to have occurred for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, "normal period" may refer to the period during which basic operation is performed. In the following explanation, the above case will simply be referred to as "normal period".

[0074] In this embodiment, by performing this process, in response to the first factor, the rotation speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 may be lowered to a lower speed than the standard rotation speed while the refrigeration blower 48 is blowing cold air for a predetermined time during the cold air supply operation, thereby reducing the airflow. For example, if the standard rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 is approximately 1800 rpm, it may be reduced to approximately 1500 rpm. This suppresses supercooling of the food.

[0075] Furthermore, to address the second factor, in this embodiment, the time (t2) during which the blower blows cold air during cold air supply operation is shortened compared to the normal cooling time. For example, if the normal cooling time is 30 minutes, it is shortened to 5 minutes. This helps to suppress overcooling of food.

[0076] Furthermore, in response to the third factor, this embodiment allows the rotation speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 to be adjusted to a desired rotation speed. For example, if there is no concern about supercooling, the rotation speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 may be maintained at their current values, but if supercooling is expected, a desired rotation speed can be specified and the system can be operated at that speed.

[0077] For example, to maintain the rotational speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 at their current values, they may be set to approximately 30 Hz and approximately 1800 rpm, respectively. Alternatively, they may be switched to specified rotational speeds of approximately 17 Hz and approximately 1500 rpm, respectively. This makes it possible to adjust the rotational speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 to desired values.

[0078] For example, the control unit 100 detects a first temperature rise in the storage chamber 27 using the re-detection temperature detected by the freezer chamber temperature sensor 111 after a re-detection preparation period, which includes a cold air supply control period and a standby period, has elapsed. Based on the temperature of the storage chamber 27, if the control unit 100 detects a first temperature rise in the storage chamber 27, it supplies cold air into the storage chamber 27 using the cooling unit 15 during the re-detection preparation period after the detection of the first temperature rise. If a second temperature rise in the storage chamber 27 is detected after the re-detection preparation period has elapsed, the control unit 100 executes a special operation using special cooling operation mode M20.

[0079] Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 15 during the cold air supply control period is set lower than the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 15 during the period when the normal cooling operation mode M10 (basic operation) is performed. For example, the control unit 100 reduces the airflow rate of the refrigeration blower 48 (blower) during the re-detection preparation period to less than the airflow rate during the basic operation period. In this case, the basic operation may be the period after the special operation period, which includes the re-detection preparation period and the cooling acceleration control period that promotes cooling by the cooling unit 15, has elapsed. Assuming that there is no opening or closing of the storage chamber 27 during the period from the completion of the cooling acceleration control until the first temperature rise in the storage chamber 27 is detected, excessive cooling of the storage chamber 27 is unnecessary. Therefore, the cooling capacity during the cold air supply control period, which is set to detect the opening and closing of the storage chamber 27, is set lower than the cooling capacity during the period when the normal cooling operation mode M10 (basic operation) is performed, such as after the completion of the re-detection preparation period and the cooling acceleration control. The same applies to the cold air supply control period within the re-detection preparation period. This configuration suppresses overcooling during the re-detection preparation period, especially during the cold air supply control period. Furthermore, the cooling unit 15 may control the refrigeration blower 48 so as not to supply cold air to the storage chamber 27 (small freezer chamber 27D) for a predetermined period until the re-detection preparation period has elapsed. The second cooling module 45 (cooling unit) is equipped with a refrigeration blower 48 that supplies cold air to the storage chamber 27. The control unit 100 controls the refrigeration blower 48 (blower) to supply and circulate cold air from the storage chamber during the cold air supply control period within the re-detection preparation period.

[0080] Furthermore, during the period when the control unit 100 performs basic operation, the system alternates between periods in which the refrigeration blower 48 (blower) blows cold air and periods in which it does not blow cold air. The control unit 100 should shorten the period in which the refrigeration blower 48 (blower) blows cold air during the cold air supply control period compared to the blowing period during the basic operation period. When the control unit 100 detects a first temperature rise in the storage chamber 27, if the storage chamber 27 was being cooled, it controls the rotation speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 and the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to maintain them at the rotation speed at the time the first temperature rise in the storage chamber was detected. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may control either or both of the rotation speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 and the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to a desired rotation speed applicable to the control during the cold air supply control period.

[0081] The control unit 100 enables power saving by stopping the refrigeration blower 48 (blower) for a predetermined period of time after the predetermined period in which the refrigeration blower 48 (blower) has been blowing cold air has ended during the cold air supply control period.

[0082] [5. Adjustment and Control] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 selects and implements at least one of the normal cooling operation mode M10 and the special cooling operation mode M20 when controlling the "freezing operation". Several embodiments will be described below. However, the content of the adjustment control is not limited to the examples described below. Also, the embodiments described below can be implemented in a single refrigerator 1.

[0083] (Temperature control when new food items are placed in small freezer compartment 27D) The first to third embodiments describe cases where, while the normal cooling operation mode M10 is running, it is detected that food at a temperature different from the freezer temperature (for example, food at 10°C) has been placed in the small freezer compartment 27D. Below, several embodiments will be described to explain a rapid freezing control method that is more energy-efficient and allows for faster cooling.

[0084] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the rapid freezing control according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 is a timing chart for explaining the first embodiment. The vertical axis of Figure 11 shows temperature, the rotational speed of the freezing blower 48, and the rotational speed of the compressor 49. In Figure 11, the dashed line graph shows the estimated temperature on the output side of the freezing cooler 46, the thick solid line (curve) shows the estimated temperature of the food (meat), the thin solid line (straight line) shows the rotational speed of the freezing blower 48, and the dashed line (straight line) shows the rotational speed of the compressor 49.

[0085] The rapid refrigeration control described here is an example of a control method that switches the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 according to a predetermined procedure using control variables corresponding to the detected conditions. More specifically, it is an example of switching the rotational speed of the compressor 49 in stages.

[0086] For example, when the control unit 100 detects a temperature rise at time t11, it performs the following processes in order. Time t11 is set as the reference time for the timing of switching the control state. In the example shown below, time t11 is set as the starting point of the timer, and the timer expires when a predetermined time has elapsed. The control unit 100 may detect the expiration of the timer by interrupt processing or the like.

[0087] At time t11, the control unit 100 sets the rotational speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R1 and the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SA11). This rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 will be maintained until time t24, which will be described later.

[0088] At time t12, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD1 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R2 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SA12).

[0089] At time t13, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD2 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R3 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SA13).

[0090] At time t14, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD3 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R0 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SA14).

[0091] At time t24, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD20 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R0 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R0 (SA15).

[0092] Furthermore, the following relationships should be observed for each value set to the rotational speed of the compressor 49.

[0093] CMP_R1>CMP_R2>CMP_R3>CMP_R0

[0094] CMP_R1 is the largest of the values. CMP_R2 and CMP_R3 are then successively smaller. CMP_R0 is the rotational speed when the engine is stopped or nearly stopped.

[0095] By setting the rotational speed of the compressor 49 as described above, the cooling capacity can be made relatively high during the period from time t11 to time t12, when the food temperature is relatively high. During this period, the refrigerant accumulates in the refrigeration cooler 46 due to the operation of the compressor 49, and the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 gradually decreases.

[0096] When the rotational speed of the compressor 49 is reduced by one step from CMP_R1 to CMP_R2 at time t12, the subsequent cooling capacity decreases. As a result, the outlet temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 changes to an increasing trend from time t12 onward. A situation in which the temperature of the food remains relatively stable continues.

[0097] If the rotational speed of the compressor 49 is further reduced from CMP_R2 to CMP_R3 at time t13, the cooling capacity will decrease even further. As a result, the upward trend in the outlet temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 will continue from time t13 onward, and the rate of change will increase around time t13. The situation in which the temperature of the food remains small even after time t13.

[0098] At time t14, the rotational speed of the compressor 49 is further reduced from CMP_R3 to CMP_R0. CMP_R0 is set to 0 or a value close to 0. As a result, the compressor 49 stops, and the discharge of refrigerant from the compressor 49 ceases. From time t14 to time t24, the cooling period continues as the refrigeration blower 48 circulates the air. In other words, during this period, the heat of the refrigerant stored in the refrigeration cooler 46 is used to cool the refrigeration chamber.

[0099] Subsequently, the cooling capacity will decrease further until time t24, but the food temperature will gradually decrease until it reaches a temperature at which the food quality can be maintained. After this point, the rapid freezing temperature control can be terminated and the system can return to normal cooling control. The control for rapid freezing ends at time t24. This will stop the freezing air blower 48, but the food temperature will have dropped sufficiently by time t24.

[0100] As described above, the control unit 100 rotates the compressor 49 at a first rotational speed during the first control period, and rotates the compressor 49 at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed or stops it during the second control period. In this case, the control unit 100 adjusts the reference rotational speed that specifies the rotational speed of the compressor 49 (hereinafter referred to as the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49) from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed, thereby lowering the rotational speed of the compressor 49. In this case, the control unit 100 will gradually lower the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49 at least once during the rapid refrigeration control operation mode M29 (cooling control period). The control unit 100 may also gradually lower the rotational speed of the compressor at least twice during the cooling control period. The control unit 100 may drive the blower in a first blowing state for at least a portion of the first control period, and drive the blower in a second blowing state with a larger airflow rate than the first blowing state for at least a portion of the second control period. The control unit 100 may continue driving the refrigeration blower 48 even after reducing the rotational speed of the compressor 49 to the second rotational speed, or after stopping the compressor 49, during the cooling control period. The control unit 100 may, during the cooling control period, adjust the amount of air blown by the refrigeration ventilator 43 to a value specified by the temperature control of the refrigeration room during the period after stopping the compressor 49 and continuing to operate the refrigeration ventilator. The cooling unit 15 has a refrigeration cooler 46 to which a refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49 is supplied. The control unit 100 may increase the amount of air blown by the refrigeration blower 48 so that the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 does not fall below a predetermined temperature when the compressor 49 is operated. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 maintains the airflow rate of the refrigeration blower 48 during the period in which the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49 is maintained. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may first stop the compressor 49 during the rapid refrigeration control operation mode M29 (cooling control period), and then control the system to maintain the rotation of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48.

[0101] As described above, by gradually reducing the rotational speed of the compressor 49, the desired cooling performance can be obtained while suppressing losses in the compressor 49.

[0102] In this case, compared to, for example, maintaining a constant rotational speed for both the compressor 49 and the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 from time t11 to time t24, it is clear that if the rotational speed of the compressor 49 blades (CMP_R1) at time t11 is the same, the power consumption by the compressor 49 will be lower.

[0103] In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 100 sets the rotational speed of the compressor 49 to a relatively high speed (approximately 60 Hz) immediately after starting operation, and then gradually reduces the rotational speed of the compressor 49. For example, it is preferable to reduce it sequentially from approximately 60 Hz to approximately 40 Hz to approximately 20 Hz. As described above, the rotational speed of the compressor 49 is gradually reduced, and then the operation of the compressor 49 is stopped, and the refrigeration blower 48 is operated to pre-cool the material. The control unit 100 should increase the rotational speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 so that the temperature of the cooler does not drop below a predetermined temperature when the compressor 49 is operated. This reduces wasted power consumption of the compressor 49 and allows the material to pass through the maximum ice crystal formation zone within the desired time.

[0104] (Second example) A first embodiment of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the rapid refrigeration control according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a timing chart for explaining the second embodiment. Each graph shown in Figure 13 is the same as in the case of Figure 11 described above.

[0105] For example, when the control unit 100 detects a temperature rise at time t11, it performs the following processes in order. More specifically, this is an example of gradually switching the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48.

[0106] At time t11, the control unit 100 sets the rotational speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R1 and the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SB11). This rotational speed of the compressor 49 will be maintained until time t14A, which will be described later.

[0107] At time t21, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD11 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R1 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R2 (SB12).

[0108] At time t22, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD12 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R1 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R3 (SB13).

[0109] At time t14A, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD14A has elapsed since the detection of a temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R0 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R3 (SB14).

[0110] At time t24, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD20 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R0 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R0 (SB15).

[0111] Furthermore, the following relationships should be observed for the values ​​set for the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48.

[0112] WG_R3>WG_R2>WG_R1>WG_R0

[0113] WG_R3 is the largest of the values. WG_R2 and WG_R1 then decrease in order. WG_R0 is the rotational speed when the engine is stopped or nearly stopped.

[0114] By setting the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 as described above, the cooling capacity can be made relatively high during the period from time t11 to time t21, when the food temperature is relatively high. During this period, the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 is set low to gradually lower the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 so that the refrigerant accumulates in the refrigeration cooler 46 by driving the compressor 49.

[0115] At time t21, increasing the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 from WG_R1 to WG_R2 limits the subsequent temperature drop of the refrigeration cooler 46. As a result, the change in the outlet temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 after time t21 becomes smaller. A situation where the temperature of the food remains stable continues.

[0116] If the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 is increased one step further from WG_R2 to WG_R3 at time t22, the cooling capacity will decrease even further. As a result, the outlet temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 will tend to increase after time t22. The situation where the temperature of the food remains relatively stable after time t22 will continue.

[0117] At time t14A, the rotational speed of the compressor 49 is reduced from CMP_R1 to CMP_R0. This stops the compressor 49, and the discharge of refrigerant from the compressor 49 stops. From time t14A to time t24, the cooling period continues as the refrigeration blower 48 circulates the air. However, during this period, the heat of the refrigerant stored in the refrigeration cooler 46 is used to cool the refrigeration chamber.

[0118] Subsequently, the food temperature gradually decreases until time t24, reaching a temperature at which the food quality can be maintained. After this point, the rapid freezing temperature control can be terminated, and the system can return to normal cooling control. The control for rapid freezing ends at time t24. This will stop the freezing air blower 48, but the food temperature will have dropped sufficiently by time t24.

[0119] As described above, by gradually increasing the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48, the desired cooling performance can be obtained while suppressing losses in the compressor 49. The power consumption of the refrigeration blower 48 is less than that of the compressor 49.

[0120] In this case, compared to the case where both the rotational speed of the compressor 49 and the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 are kept constant from time t11 to time t24, for example, the operating time of the compressor 49 is shortened, and therefore it is clear that the power consumption of the compressor 49 will be reduced.

[0121] In the second embodiment described above, the control unit 100 rotates the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 at a first rotational speed during the first control period, and rotates the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 at a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed during the second control period. This allows the control unit 100 to adjust the reference rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48, for which the rotational speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 is specified, from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed, thereby increasing the rotational speed of the blades of the blower 48. The control unit 100 increases the reference rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48, for which the rotational speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 is specified, in steps at least once during the cooling control period. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may also increase the airflow rate of the refrigeration blower 48 in steps at least twice during the cooling control period.

[0122] The control unit 100 may rotate the compressor 49 at a first rotational speed for at least a portion of the first control period, and rotate the compressor 49 at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed for at least a portion of the second control period. The control unit 100 may continue driving the refrigeration blower 48 even after reducing the rotational speed of the compressor 49 to the second rotational speed, or after stopping the compressor, during the cooling control period.

[0123] The storage room 27 includes a small freezer room 27D and a refrigerator room 27A. During the cooling control period, after stopping the compressor 49, the control unit 100 may adjust the amount of air blown by the refrigerator fan 43 to a value specified by the temperature control of the refrigerator room 27A during the period in which the refrigeration fan 48 for the small freezer room 27D continues to run. Furthermore, during the cooling control period, the control unit 100 first stops the compressor 49, but then controls it to maintain the rotation of the refrigeration blower 48.

[0124] In the second embodiment described above, the control unit 100 sets the reference rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to a relatively low rotation speed (approximately 1500 rpm) immediately after starting operation, and then gradually increases the rotation speed of the blower blades. For example, it is preferable to increase it sequentially from approximately 1500 rpm to approximately 1800 rpm to approximately 2100 rpm. By gradually increasing the rotation speed of the blower blades as described above, the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 can be controlled so that it does not fall below a predetermined temperature, and the cold air generated by this can be utilized. This reduces wasted power consumption of the blower and allows the meat to pass through the maximum ice crystal formation zone within a desired time.

[0125] The cooling unit 15 has a refrigeration cooler 46 to which compressed refrigerant from the compressor 49 is supplied. The temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 decreases as the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 49 vaporizes. The control unit 100 may increase the rotation speed of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48 to maintain or decrease the reference rotation speed of the compressor 49 so that the temperature of the cooler does not fall below a predetermined temperature when the compressor 49 is operated. In this context, the control unit 100 may control the compressor 49 to stop first during the cooling control period, and then maintain the rotation of the blades of the refrigeration blower 48.

[0126] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a flowchart of the rapid refrigeration control according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 is a timing chart for explaining the third embodiment. Each graph shown in Figure 15 is the same as in Figures 11 and 13 described above.

[0127] For example, when the control unit 100 detects a temperature rise at time t11, it performs the following processes in order.

[0128] At time t11, the control unit 100 sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R1 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SC11). At time t12, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD1 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R2 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R1 (SC11A).

[0129] At time t21, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD11 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R2 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R2 (SC12).

[0130] At time t13, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD2 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R3 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R2 (SC13).

[0131] At time t22, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD12 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R3 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R3 (SC14).

[0132] At time t14, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD3 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R0 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R3 (SC15).

[0133] At time t24, the control unit 100 detects that a predetermined time TD20 has elapsed since the detection of the temperature rise at time t11, and sets the rotation speed of the compressor 49 to CMP_R0 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 to WG_R0 (SC16).

[0134] Furthermore, the values ​​set for the rotational speed of the compressor 49 and the values ​​set for the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 should be in the same relative order as described above.

[0135] By setting the rotational speed of the compressor 49 and the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 as described above, it becomes possible to achieve control that combines the features of the first and second embodiments. For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 increases the airflow rate of the refrigeration blower 48 during the period when the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49 is reduced. By adjusting both the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49 and the reference rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 in this way, finer adjustments become possible than in the first and second embodiments described above. The control unit 100 may maintain or increase the airflow rate of the refrigeration blower 48 during the period in which the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49 is maintained or during the period in which the reference rotational speed of the compressor 49 is reduced.

[0136] (First variation) In one embodiment, the control unit 100 was described in which, during the cooling control period, the compressor 49 is stopped first, and then the rotation of the refrigeration blower 48 is maintained. In this modified example, in addition to the above, the control unit 100 may first stop the compressor 49 during the cooling control period, and then, during the period in which the rotation of the refrigeration blower 48 for the freezer compartment is maintained, adjust the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 43 according to the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0137] (Second variation) In one embodiment, the control unit 100 was shown to switch the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 at predetermined fixed intervals. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 may be adjusted based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor installed on the outlet side of the refrigeration cooler 46. For example, the control unit 100 may determine the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 by referring to a table stored in the memory unit, using the temperature detected by the temperature sensor installed on the outlet side of the refrigeration cooler 46 as a key. The values ​​in this table may be determined to be appropriate values ​​based on experimental results or the like.

[0138] (Other variations) The quantization stages for the rotational speed of the refrigeration blower 48 and the rotational speed of the compressor 49 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of stages and switching cycles can be set to more than those shown in the figure. The number of switching cycles during control should be checked according to the number of these quantization stages.

[0139] In this case, the operating time of the refrigeration blower 48 and the compressor 49 is not limited to that shown in the figure. It can be determined as appropriate. Even if the operating time of the refrigeration blower 48 and the time it operates at a relatively high rotation speed are increased, the impact on power saving is relatively small. Furthermore, the conditions for stopping the compressor 49 may be determined not by a predetermined time (elapsed time), but by the temperature of the refrigeration cooler 46 (outlet temperature), the storage room (small freezer 27D), or the temperature of the object to be cooled (food). In this case, an infrared sensor or the like may be used to measure the temperature of the stored items in the storage room (small freezer 27D).

[0140] According to at least the embodiments described above, the refrigerator comprises a housing, a cooling unit, and a control unit. The housing includes a storage unit. The cooling unit includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and cools the storage unit. The control unit is capable of performing a basic operation and a special operation that rapidly lowers the temperature of food stored in the storage unit compared to the basic operation. In the special operation, the cooling control period during which the temperature of the food passes through a predetermined temperature range includes a first control period and a second control period performed after the first control period. The control unit rotates the compressor at a first rotational speed during the first control period and rotates or stops the compressor at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed during the second control period. This allows refrigerator 1 to reduce power consumption while ensuring the quality of the food stored in the storage compartment.

[0141] Furthermore, according to at least another aspect of the above-described embodiment, the refrigerator comprises a housing, a cooling unit, and a control unit. The housing includes a storage unit that can be opened and closed. The cooling unit supplies cold air to the storage unit. The control unit is capable of performing a basic operation and a special operation that rapidly lowers the temperature of food stored in the storage unit compared to the basic operation. Based on the temperature of the storage unit, if the control unit detects a first temperature rise in the storage unit, it supplies cold air to the storage unit using the cooling unit during a re-detection preparation period after the detection, and if it detects a second temperature rise in the storage unit after the re-detection preparation period has elapsed, it performs the special operation. This allows refrigerator 1 to improve the accuracy of temperature detection within the storage compartment.

[0142] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1...Refrigerator, 10...Housing, 15...Cooling unit, 27A...Refrigerator compartment, 27D...Small freezer compartment (storage section), 46...Refrigeration cooler, 48...Refrigeration blower, 49...Compressor, 100...Control unit.

Claims

1. A housing including a storage section that can be opened and closed, The storage section includes a blower that supplies cold air to the storage section, and a cooling section that supplies cold air to the storage section, A control unit capable of performing basic operation and special operation, Equipped with, The special operation includes a re-detection preparation operation which includes a cold air supply operation which supplies cold air into the storage unit using the cooling unit and a standby operation which stops the cold air supply operation, and a rapid cooling operation which rapidly lowers the temperature of the food stored in the storage unit compared to the basic operation. The control unit, Based on the temperature of the storage unit, the cold air supply operation is performed during the initial part of the re-detection preparation period after detecting the first temperature rise in the storage unit, and the standby operation is performed during the re-detection preparation period after the cold air supply operation is completed. If the temperature inside the storage unit rises to a second level during the standby operation of the re-detection preparation period, the rapid cooling operation will be performed after the re-detection preparation period. By controlling the blower to suppress cooling by supplying cold air to the storage unit during the cold air supply operation in the re-detection preparation period, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit during the re-detection preparation period is set lower than the cooling capacity of the cooling unit during the period in which the basic operation is performed. refrigerator.

2. The cooling unit is A compressor that compresses refrigerant. Equipped with, The control unit, During the cold air supply operation in the re-detection preparation period, while the blower is blowing cold air, the compressor is stopped, or the rotation speed of the compressor is reduced to a speed lower than the rotation speed applied to the control during the period in which the basic operation is performed. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The airflow rate of the blower during the cold air supply operation in the re-detection preparation period is set to be less than the airflow rate during the basic operation period. The refrigerator according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, During the period in which the basic operation described above is performed, the system repeatedly alternates between a blowing period in which the blower blows cold air and a non-blowing period in which the blower does not blow cold air. The period during which the blower blows cold air during the cold air supply operation in the re-detection preparation period is made shorter than the blowing period during the basic operation period. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, If the storage section was being cooled when the first temperature rise in the storage section was detected, the rotation speeds of both the fan blades and the compressor are controlled to be maintained at the rotation speed at the time the first temperature rise in the storage section was detected. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

6. The control unit, If the storage unit was being cooled when a first temperature rise in the storage unit was detected, the rotation speed of either or both of the fan blades and / or the compressor are controlled to switch to the rotation speed applicable to the cold air supply operation during the re-detection preparation period. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

7. The control unit, During the cold air supply operation in the re-detection preparation period, the blower is stopped for a predetermined period of time after the predetermined period in which the blower blows cold air has ended. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

8. The control unit detects the temperature of the storage unit based on a signal from a temperature sensor installed on the door side of the storage unit, rather than the center of the depth of the internal space of the storage unit. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

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