CN111426123A

CN111426123A - Refrigerator with a door

Info

Publication number: CN111426123A
Application number: CN202010020267.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 角谷彰规; 真下拓也; 阪井田佳信; 鹫崎翼; 富泽孝仁
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2019-01-10
Filing date: 2020-01-09
Publication date: 2020-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-09
Also published as: CN111426123B

Abstract

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a special cooling chamber provided in a refrigerating chamber and a control unit for controlling cooling in the special cooling chamber, and the control unit can execute the following modes as a cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber: a normal cooling mode, cooling the special cooling chamber to a normal temperature section; and a special cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a special temperature section lower than the normal temperature section of the normal cooling mode, wherein when other control different from the special cooling mode is selected during the execution of the special cooling mode, the control unit interrupts the execution of the special cooling mode and executes the other control, and restarts the execution of the special cooling mode when the other control is ended.

Description

Refrigerator with a door

Technical Field

The present embodiment relates to a refrigerator.

Background

Conventionally, there is a refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is provided inside a refrigerating chamber (for example, see patent document 1).

[ Prior art documents ]

[ patent document ]

[ patent document 1 ]: japanese laid-open patent publication (JP 2015-102320)

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in a refrigerator, a cooling method in a cooling mode for cooling the inside of a special cooling chamber such as a freezer chamber is different from a cooling mode temporarily performed by another control such as a quick freezing mode for quickly cooling the inside of the freezer chamber. Therefore, when the control of the internal cooling of the special cooling chamber and the other controls are selected at the same time, it is necessary to sufficiently study which control is prioritized in consideration of the convenience of the user and the like.

Therefore, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which, when the control of the internal cooling of a special cooling chamber such as a freezing chamber and the like and the other control are simultaneously selected, the other control is prioritized, and thereby the convenience of the user is not impaired.

Means for solving the problems

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a special cooling chamber provided in a refrigerating chamber, and a control unit that controls cooling in the special cooling chamber, and the control unit is capable of executing the following modes as a cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber: a normal cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a normal temperature section; and a special cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a special temperature section lower than a normal temperature section of the normal cooling mode, wherein when another control different from the special cooling mode is selected during execution of the special cooling mode, the control unit interrupts execution of the special cooling mode to execute the another control, and restarts execution of the special cooling mode when the another control is ended.

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a special cooling chamber provided in a refrigerating chamber, and a control unit configured to control cooling in the special cooling chamber, wherein the control unit is configured to execute a special cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a special temperature range lower than a normal temperature range of the normal cooling mode, and the control unit is configured to start execution of the special cooling mode after completion of another control different from the special cooling mode when the special cooling mode is selected during execution of the another control.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view schematically showing a configuration example of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a side view in vertical section schematically showing a configuration example of the freezing chamber and its peripheral portion according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a control system of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a diagram (one of) showing a control example of the special freeze mode according to the present embodiment in comparison with other control modes.

Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method for detecting the outside air temperature of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a comparison between the temperature change in the freezing chamber in the special freezing mode according to the present embodiment and the temperature change in the freezing chamber in the other control mode.

Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing (one of) an operation example when the special partial freezing mode and the other control mode according to the present embodiment are simultaneously selected.

Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing (a second) operation example when the special partial freezing mode and the other control mode according to the present embodiment are simultaneously selected.

Fig. 9 is a (third) diagram schematically showing an operation example when the special partial freezing mode and the other control mode according to the present embodiment are simultaneously selected.

Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an operation example when the special partial freezing mode and the other control modes according to the present embodiment are simultaneously selected (fourth).

Fig. 11 is a diagram (two) showing a control example of the special freeze mode according to the present embodiment in comparison with other control modes.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of a refrigerator will be described below with reference to the drawings. The refrigerator 1 illustrated in fig. 1 has a plurality of storage compartments, in this case, a refrigerating compartment 3, a vegetable compartment 4, an ice making compartment 5, a small freezing compartment 6, and a large freezing compartment 7, inside a rectangular box-shaped heat-insulating box body 2 constituting an outer contour thereof. In this case, the refrigerating chamber 3 is provided at the uppermost portion of the heat-insulating box 2. The vegetable compartment 4 is provided at a lower portion of the refrigerating compartment 3. Ice making chamber 5 and small freezing chamber 6 are provided in parallel in the right and left direction in the lower part of vegetable chamber 4. Large freezing compartment 7 is provided at a lower portion of ice making compartment 5 and small freezing compartment 6, in other words, at a lowermost portion of heat insulation box 2. The heat insulating box 2 has a structure in which a heat insulating material such as a vacuum heat insulating panel or foamed polyurethane is provided between an inner box and an outer box. The

storage compartments

3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are opened and closed by storage compartment doors, respectively.

Further, a micro freezing chamber 10, which is an example of a special cooling chamber, is provided inside the storage chamber 3, in this case, at the bottom. Next, a description will be given of a structural example of the freezing chamber 10 and its peripheral portion. As exemplified in fig. 2, a cold air duct 11 extending in the up-down direction is provided at the rear portion inside the refrigerating compartment 3. A plurality of cold air outlets 11a for the refrigerating compartment are provided above the cold air duct 11. A cooling chamber 12 that bulges out to the front side of the refrigerator 1, i.e., the inside of the refrigerating chamber 3 is provided at the lower portion of the cold air duct 11. The freezing chamber 10 is provided in front of the cooling chamber 12 in the refrigerating chamber 3.

A cold air outlet 12a for the micro freezing chamber is provided at an upper part of the front surface of the cooling chamber 12. Further, a lower portion of the front surface of the cooling chamber 12 is provided with a fine freezing chamber cold air inlet 12 b. A guide portion 12c protruding toward the front side of the refrigerator 1, that is, toward the inside of the freezer compartment 10 is provided in the freezer compartment cold air outlet 12 a. The guide part 12c is an example of a guide unit, and in this case, is provided in a plate shape inclined downward toward the bottom surface in the freezing chamber 10. The refrigerator 1 is configured without a damper in the cold air outlet 12a for the freezing chamber and the cold air inlet 12b for the freezing chamber. Further, the refrigerator 1 may be configured to include dampers in the cold air outlet 12a for the freezing chamber and the cold air inlet 12b for the freezing chamber.

A heat insulating member 12d made of, for example, foamed urethane is attached to the inner surface of the cooling chamber 12. A cooler 13 constituting a refrigeration cycle for generating cold air and a fan 14 for blowing the cold air generated by the cooler 13 are provided in the cooling chamber 12. By driving the fan 14, the cold air generated by the cooler 13 is supplied from the cold air outlet 11a for the refrigerating room of the cold air duct 11 into the refrigerating room 3, and is supplied from the cold air outlet 12a for the freezing room of the cooling room 12 into the freezing room 10. At this time, the cold air blown by the fan 14 flows from the cold air outlet 12a for the freezing chamber through the guide plate 12c to be guided toward the bottom surface of the freezing chamber 10. The cold air supplied into the interior of the freezer compartment 10 is sucked into the interior of the freezer compartment 12 through the cold air inlet 12b of the freezer compartment 12 by the blowing action of the fan 14.

In the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention, a plurality of, in this case, two

storage containers

21, 22 are arranged vertically in the freezing chamber 10. These

storage containers

21 and 22 can be individually moved in and out of the freezer compartment 10 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1.

Next, a configuration example of a control system of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The control device 30 illustrated in fig. 3 is an example of a control unit. The control device 30 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example, and controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1 in accordance with a control program and various setting contents. The control device 30 is connected to the fan 14. The control device 30 is connected to an outside air temperature sensor 31, a temperature sensor 32 for a freezing chamber, a display panel 33, a compressor 34 constituting a freezing cycle, and the like.

The outside air temperature sensor 31 is an example of temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined area of the refrigerator 1. In the refrigerator 1 relating to the present invention, the outside air temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of a predetermined area relating to the refrigerator 1, in this case the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, that is, the temperature of the periphery of the refrigerator 1. The outside air temperature sensor 31 may be provided at a portion capable of detecting the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, and may be provided on the outer surface of the heat insulating box 2, for example. The temperature sensor 32 for the freezing chamber is provided inside the freezing chamber 10, for example, and detects the temperature inside the freezing chamber 10.

The display panel 33 is an example of a notification unit, and is provided on the front surface of a refrigerating chamber door that opens and closes the refrigerating chamber 3, for example. The display panel 33 is configured to display the selected control mode by using, for example, character information, icon information, or the like. The display panel 33 includes, for example, a capacitance-type touch switch, and also functions as an operation unit for receiving a user operation.

The compressor 34 constitutes a known refrigeration cycle for generating cold air together with the cooler 13 and a condenser not shown.

The control device 30 controls the driving of the fan 14, the compressor 34, and the like in accordance with the control program and various setting contents input through the display panel 33, thereby cooling the inside of various storage rooms such as the refrigerating room 3 to set temperatures, respectively. Further, the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention has been studied for the purpose of specifically controlling cooling in the micro freezing chamber 10. Next, a cooling control example in the freezing chamber 10 will be described in detail.

The control device 30 is configured to be capable of executing a plurality of cooling modes as cooling modes for cooling the interior of the freezing chamber 10, and in this case, at least a normal cooling mode, a strong cooling mode, and a special freezing mode are executed.

The normal cooling mode is a cooling mode for cooling the inside of the micro freezing chamber 10 to a predetermined normal temperature range. The normal temperature range of the normal cooling mode can be set by appropriately changing the temperature range.

The strong cooling mode is a cooling mode for cooling the inside of the micro freezing chamber 10 to a low temperature section lower than a normal temperature section of the normal cooling mode. The low temperature stage of the intensive cooling mode can be set by appropriately changing the temperature stage to a temperature stage lower than the normal temperature stage of the normal cooling mode.

The special partial freezing mode is an example of a special cooling mode, and is a cooling mode for cooling the partial freezing chamber 10 to a special temperature range lower than the normal temperature range of the normal cooling mode and the low temperature range of the strong cooling mode. The special temperature range of the special partial freezing mode can be set by appropriately changing the temperature range of the special partial freezing mode to a temperature range lower than the low temperature range of the strong cooling mode.

Next, the forced cooling mode and the special partial freezing mode described above will be described with reference to fig. 4.

The strong cooling mode is a cooling mode in which the cooling operation is started when the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature, and the cooling operation is ended when the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature, regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. In this case, the predetermined start temperature is set to 3.0 ℃ as an example, and the predetermined end temperature is set to 1.0 ℃ as an example. The predetermined start temperature and the predetermined end temperature of the forced cooling mode can be set by appropriately changing them.

As described above, the start condition of the cooling operation in the strong cooling mode is that the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature, regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, and the end condition of the cooling operation in the strong cooling mode is that the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined end temperature, regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1.

In addition, the strong cooling mode is also a cooling mode in which: the rotation speed of the fan 14 is changed to a predetermined low-range rotation speed when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-range temperature, the rotation speed of the fan 14 is changed to a predetermined middle-range rotation speed when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-range temperature, and the rotation speed of the fan 14 is changed to a predetermined high-range rotation speed when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-range temperature. In this case, 1000rpm is set as an example of the predetermined low-range rotational speed, 1500rpm is set as an example of the predetermined middle-range rotational speed, and 2000rpm is set as an example of the predetermined high-range rotational speed. The predetermined low-range rotational speed, the predetermined intermediate-range rotational speed, and the predetermined high-range rotational speed of the intensive cooling mode can be set by appropriately changing the rotational speeds.

As described above, the strong cooling mode is a cooling mode in which the rotation speed of the fan 14 is changed stepwise in accordance with the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1.

On the other hand, the special partial freezing mode is a cooling mode in which the termination condition of the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is changed when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low range temperature, a predetermined middle range temperature, and a predetermined high range temperature. Here, the case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low range temperature is an example of the first range, the case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle range temperature is an example of the second range, and the case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high range temperature is an example of the third range. That is, the third gear is a case where the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is higher than the second gear and the first gear, and the second gear is a case where the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is higher than the first gear.

The case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined low range temperature as illustrated in fig. 5 means a case where the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 13 ℃ or lower in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is increased from, for example, a temperature lower than 11 ℃, as illustrated by reference sign Ta, and also means a case where the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 11 ℃ or higher in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is decreased from, for example, a temperature higher than 13 ℃, as illustrated by reference sign Tb. In this case, even when the outside air temperature RT rises and fluctuates from a temperature lower than 11 ℃, for example, it is determined as the low range temperature. The temperature RT of the outside air is determined as the middle range temperature when it falls and fluctuates from a temperature higher than 13 ℃. The case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle range temperature means a case where the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 26 ℃ or less in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is increased from, for example, a temperature lower than 13 ℃, as exemplified by reference symbol Tc, and also means a case where the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 13 ℃ or more in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is decreased from, for example, a temperature higher than 26 ℃, as exemplified by reference symbol Td. In this case, even when the outside air temperature RT fluctuates between 13 ℃ and 26 ℃, it is determined as the middle range temperature. The case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-range temperature means a case where the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 28 ℃ or less in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is increased from, for example, a temperature lower than 26 ℃, as exemplified by reference symbol Te, and also means a case where the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 26 ℃ or more in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is decreased from, for example, a temperature higher than 28 ℃, as exemplified by reference symbol Tf. In this case, even when the outside air temperature RT is decreased from a temperature higher than 28 ℃, for example, and fluctuates, it is determined as the high-stage temperature. The temperature RT of the outside air is determined to be the middle range temperature when it rises and fluctuates from a temperature lower than 26 ℃.

That is, in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is increased, it is determined as the low range temperature when the outside air temperature RT is 13 ℃ or lower, it is determined as the medium range temperature when the outside air temperature RT is 26 ℃ or lower, and it is determined as the high range temperature when the outside air temperature RT is 28 ℃ or lower. In a situation where the outside air temperature RT is decreased, for example, 11 ℃ or more is determined as the low range temperature, in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is 13 ℃ or more is determined as the medium range temperature, and in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is 26 ℃ or more is determined as the high range temperature.

That is, when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 increases and when it decreases, the control device 30 changes the termination condition for terminating the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode based on comparison with different reference temperatures. The plurality of reference temperatures illustrated in fig. 5 are only an example, and can be set by appropriately changing the model of the refrigerator 1, the capacity of the refrigerating chamber 3, the capacity of the freezer 10, and the like.

When the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low temperature, the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is started when the temperature in the partial freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature, and the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is ended when the temperature in the partial freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature. In this case, the predetermined start temperature is set to 3.0 ℃ as an example, and the predetermined end temperature is set to-1.0 ℃ as an example. The predetermined start temperature and the predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined low range temperature can be set by appropriately changing the temperatures.

As described above, the starting conditions of the cooling operation in the special freeze mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined low range temperature are: the temperature in the micro-freezing chamber 10 reaches a predetermined starting temperature or higher; the conditions for ending the cooling operation in the special freeze mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low range temperature are: the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature.

When the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-range temperature, the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is started when the temperature in the partial freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature, and the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is ended when the temperature in the partial freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature. In this case, the predetermined start temperature is set to 3.0 ℃ as an example, and the predetermined end temperature is set to-2.0 ℃ as an example. The predetermined start temperature and the predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined middle-range temperature can be set by appropriately changing the temperatures.

As described above, the starting conditions of the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined middle range temperature are: the temperature in the micro-freezing chamber 10 reaches a predetermined starting temperature or higher; the conditions for ending the cooling operation in the special freeze mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle range temperature are as follows: the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature.

When the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-grade temperature, the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is started when the temperature in the partial freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature, and the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode is ended when the temperature in the partial freezing chamber 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature. In this case, the predetermined start temperature is set to 3.0 ℃ as an example, and the predetermined end temperature is set to 0.0 ℃ as an example. The predetermined start temperature and the predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined high-range temperature can be set by appropriately changing the temperatures.

As described above, the starting conditions of the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined high range temperature are: the temperature in the micro-freezing chamber 10 reaches a predetermined starting temperature or higher; the conditions for ending the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-range temperature are as follows: the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined end temperature.

In addition, according to the special micro-freezing mode, the predetermined start temperature as the start of the cooling operation is set to the same temperature, in this case, 3.0 ℃, regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. In the special partial freezing mode, a predetermined start temperature at which the cooling operation is started may be changed in accordance with the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1.

In the special partial freezing mode, a predetermined end temperature at which the cooling operation is ended is changed in accordance with the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1. The special partial freezing mode may be set to the same temperature as a predetermined end temperature at which the cooling operation is ended, regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. The special partial freezing mode is set to a temperature lower than the predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the strong cooling mode as the predetermined end temperature for ending the cooling operation, regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1.

The special freeze mode is driven at a constant rotational speed regardless of the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1. In this case, as the fixed rotation speed, 900rpm was set. That is, the control device 30 sets the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the special freeze mode to be lower than the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the intensive cooling mode.

As described above, the control device 30 changes the termination condition for terminating the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode in three stages, i.e., the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage, in accordance with the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1. Also, the temperature inside the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the cooling operation of the second stage, i.e., -2.0 ℃ in this case, is lower than the temperature inside the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the cooling operation of the first stage, i.e., -1.0 ℃ in this case. Also, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the cooling operation of the third stage, i.e., 0.0 ℃ in this case, is higher than the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the cooling operation of the second stage, i.e., -2.0 ℃ in this case.

The control device 30 is also configured to execute the wet mode. The wetting mode is a control mode for supplying moisture into the freezing chamber 10, and in this case, is a control mode for blowing off frost attached to the cooler 13 by the blowing action of the fan 14 and supplying the frost into the freezing chamber 10. Also, the control device 30 makes the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the wet mode higher than the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the special micro-freezing mode, i.e., 900rpm in this case. In this case, the control device 30 sets the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the wet mode to, for example, 1800 rpm.

The start condition for starting the operation of the wet mode and the end condition for ending the operation can be set by appropriately changing the conditions. For example, the conditions for starting the operation of the wet mode may be set such as when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, when the humidity detected by a humidity sensor, not shown, becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined humidity, or when the start of the wet mode is input by the user. The conditions for ending the operation of the wet mode may be set to a case where the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, a case where the humidity detected by a humidity sensor, not shown, is equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity, or a case where the end of the wet mode is input by the user.

As illustrated in fig. 6, the controller 30 controls the start condition and the end condition of the special freeze mode, the rotation speed of the fan 14, the power of the compressor 34, and the like as described above, so that the temperature TP in the freeze chamber 10 in the special freeze mode is gradually lower than the temperature TQ in the freeze chamber 10 in the forced cooling mode. Then, the controller 30 controls the start condition and the end condition of the special freeze mode, the rotation speed of the fan 14, the power of the compressor 34, and the like as described above, so that the temperature TP in the freeze chamber 10 in the special freeze mode is gradually increased from the temperature TQ in the freeze chamber 10 in the forced cooling mode. The power control of the compressor 34 may be performed by appropriately switching the power level among a plurality of steps such as low power, medium power, and high power, for example.

The control device 30 is configured to operate as follows, for example, when the special freeze mode and another control mode different from the special freeze mode are simultaneously selected. In the following description, the quick cooling mode, the defrosting mode, and the quick freezing mode, which are examples of other control modes, are all control modes that are temporarily executed when the mode is selected. In contrast, the special freeze mode is a control mode that is continuously or permanently executed for a somewhat long time once selected. That is, the control device 30 is configured to make the execution time of the special freeze mode longer than the execution time of the other control modes. The selection of the special freeze mode and the other control modes can be selected by, for example, a user's operation input through an operation unit provided in the refrigerator 1, or can be selected by the control device 30 according to a control program and various setting contents. The operating portion of the refrigerator 1 is provided, for example, in the front of a storage chamber door, in this case, in the front of a refrigerating chamber door that opens and closes the refrigerating chamber 3.

(for the case where the rapid cooling mode is selected in the execution of the special micro-freezing mode)

Next, a case where the rapid cooling mode is selected as another control mode different from the special freeze mode while the special freeze mode is being executed will be described. The rapid cooling mode is a control mode for rapidly cooling the inside of the refrigerating compartment 3 by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 14 and the power of the compressor 34. According to the rapid cooling mode, as the interior of the refrigerating compartment 3 is rapidly cooled, the interior of the freezer compartment 10 provided in the refrigerating compartment 3 can be indirectly cooled. That is, the rapid cooling mode is also a cooling mode for cooling the interior of the freezer compartment 10. The execution time of the rapid cooling mode is set to 2 hours in this case.

As illustrated in fig. 7, when the special freeze mode is selected in a state where another control mode is not selected, the control device 30 starts execution of the special freeze mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information, icon information, or the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

When the rapid cooling mode is selected during the execution of the special freeze mode, control device 30 interrupts the execution of the special freeze mode and starts the execution of the rapid cooling mode. Thereby, the inside of refrigerating room 3 is cooled at a high level for refrigerating, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information or icon information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the rapid cooling mode is selected on the display panel 33. That is, the control device 30 notifies the user of information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected and the quick cooling mode is selected, through the display of the display panel 33, while the quick cooling mode is being executed.

When the rapid cooling mode is finished, control device 30 restarts execution of the special freeze mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Then, the control device 30 stops the display of the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the quick cooling mode is selected, and displays the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

(for the case where the thawing mode is selected in the execution of the special partial freezing mode)

Next, a case will be described in which the defrosting mode is selected as another control mode different from the special freeze mode while the special freeze mode is being executed. The thawing mode is a control mode for thawing the stored material in the freezer compartment 10 by stopping or weakening the cooling in the freezer compartment 10. This thawing mode is a control mode in which the temperature in the freezer compartment 10 rises as the cooling in the freezer compartment 10 is stopped or reduced. And, the execution time of the thawing mode is set to 1 hour in this case.

As illustrated in fig. 8, when the special freeze mode is selected in a state where another control mode is not selected, the control device 30 starts execution of the special freeze mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information, icon information, or the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

When the thawing mode is selected during execution of the special freeze mode, control device 30 interrupts execution of the special freeze mode and starts execution of the thawing mode. Thereby, the cooling in the freezing chamber 10 is stopped or reduced, and the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 rises to, for example, about 6.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information or icon information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33. That is, during execution of the defrosting mode, the control device 30 notifies the user of information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected and the quick cooling mode is selected, by display on the display panel 33.

When the thawing mode is finished, control device 30 restarts execution of the special freeze mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Then, the control device 30 stops displaying the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the thawing mode is selected, and displays the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

(for the case where the quick freezing mode is selected during the execution of the special micro freezing mode)

Next, a case will be described in which the quick freezing mode is selected as another control mode different from the special freeze mode during execution of the special freeze mode. The rapid freezing mode is a control mode for rapidly cooling the inside of the freezing chamber 7 by increasing the rotational speed of a not-shown freezing fan or the power of the compressor 34 to increase the cooling action of a not-shown freezing cooler. The execution time of the rapid freezing mode is set to 3 hours in this case.

As illustrated in fig. 9, when the special freeze mode is selected in a state where another control mode is not selected, the control device 30 starts execution of the special freeze mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information, icon information, or the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

When the quick freezing mode is selected during the execution of the special freeze mode, control device 30 interrupts the execution of the special freeze mode and starts the execution of the quick freezing mode. In this way, the inside of the freezing chamber 7 is cooled at a high level for freezing, and the inside of the refrigerating chamber 3 is maintained at a temperature of, for example, about 3.0 ℃ or about 4.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information or icon information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the quick freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33. That is, the control device 30 notifies the user of information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected and the quick freeze mode is selected, through display on the display panel 33, while the quick freeze mode is being executed.

When the quick freezing mode is finished, control device 30 restarts execution of the special freeze mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Then, the control device 30 stops displaying the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the quick freeze mode is selected, and displays the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

(case where special micro freeze mode is selected during execution of the quick freeze mode)

Next, a case will be described in which the special freeze mode is selected during execution of the quick freeze mode, which is an example of another control mode different from the special freeze mode.

As illustrated in fig. 10, when the quick freezing mode is selected in a state where the special freeze mode is not selected, control device 30 starts execution of the quick freezing mode. In this way, the inside of the freezing chamber 7 is cooled at a high level for freezing, and the inside of the refrigerating chamber 3 is maintained at a temperature of, for example, about 3.0 ℃ or about 4.0 ℃. Further, the control device 30 displays character information, icon information, or the like indicating that the quick freezing mode is selected on the display panel 33.

When the special freeze mode is selected during the execution of the quick freeze mode, control device 30 continues the execution of the quick freeze mode without starting the special freeze mode. At this time, the control device 30 displays character information or icon information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the quick freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33. That is, the control device 30 notifies the user of information indicating that the special freeze mode is selected and the quick freeze mode is selected, through display on the display panel 33, while the quick freeze mode is being executed.

When the quick freezing mode is ended, controller 30 starts execution of the special partial freezing mode. Thereby, the interior of the micro freezing chamber 10 is cooled at a special level for micro freezing, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0 ℃. Then, the control device 30 stops displaying the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the quick freeze mode is selected, and displays the character information, the icon information, and the like indicating that the special freeze mode is selected on the display panel 33.

In addition, according to the verification results of the inventors of the present application, it was confirmed that the delicious components of the stored materials such as meat in the micro-freezing chamber 10 were greatly increased according to the above-described special micro-freezing mode. Specifically, in the case where meat is stored in the micro-freezing chamber 10 and the above-described special micro-freezing mode is continued for 7 days, it is confirmed that glutamic acid contained in the meat is increased by about 36%.

According to the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention, the temperature at which the cooling in the freezing chamber 10 is stopped in the special freezing mode is set to be lower than the temperature at which the cooling in the freezing chamber 10 is stopped in the strong cooling mode. According to such a special partial freezing mode, the partial freezing chamber 10 can be cooled to a temperature lower than that in the conventional forced cooling mode, and fresh foods such as meat can be appropriately cooled.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 in the special freezing mode can be made to be lower than the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 in the conventional strong cooling mode. Therefore, when the temperature of the stored material in the micro freezing chamber 10 is lowered, the temperature can be lowered slowly, and the stored material can be prevented from being damaged as the temperature is lowered.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 in the special freezing mode can be increased more slowly than the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 in the conventional strong cooling mode. Therefore, when the temperature of the stored material in the micro freezing chamber 10 rises, the temperature rise can be made to progress gradually, and the stored material can be prevented from being damaged as the temperature rises.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the special freeze mode is set lower than the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the strong cooling mode. According to such a special partial freezing mode, the momentum of the cold air blown onto the stored material in the partial freezing chamber 10 can be weakened, and the stored material can be prevented from being damaged as it cools.

Further, according to refrigerator 1, in the conventional strong cooling mode, the rotation speed of fan 14 is changed according to the temperature of the outside air of refrigerator 1, whereas in the special partial freezing mode, fan 14 is driven at a fixed rotation speed regardless of the temperature of the outside air of refrigerator 1. That is, if the rotational speed of the fan 14 is too high, the cold air may not easily enter the interior of the freezer compartment 10. Therefore, by setting the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the special partial freezing mode to a constant rotation speed regardless of the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, it is possible to supply cold air into the partial freezing chamber 10 in a satisfactory manner regardless of the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the cool air blown by the fan 14 is guided to the bottom surface of the freezing chamber 10 by the guide portion 12 c. According to this configuration, cold air can be efficiently supplied to the bottom surface of the freezer 10 in which the stored material is placed, and the stored material can be cooled more satisfactorily.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the wet mode is made higher than the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the special micro-freeze mode. That is, by setting the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the wet mode to a somewhat high rotation speed, frost adhering to the cooler 13 can be efficiently blown off and supplied into the freezing chamber 10, and moisture in the freezing chamber 10 can be sufficiently maintained.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, when another control mode different from the special freeze mode is selected during execution of the special freeze mode, execution of the special freeze mode is interrupted and another control mode is executed, and execution of the special freeze mode is restarted when the other control mode is ended. Further, according to the refrigerator 1, when the special freeze mode is selected in the execution of the other control mode different from the special cooling mode, the execution of the special freeze mode is started after the other control mode is ended. That is, according to the refrigerator 1, when the special freezing mode for cooling the freezing chamber 10 and the other control mode are simultaneously selected, the other control mode is prioritized.

Here, the special freeze mode is a control mode that is continuously or permanently executed for a somewhat long time once selected. In contrast, the other control mode is a control mode temporarily executed when selected. Therefore, when the special freeze mode and the other control mode are simultaneously selected, the temporarily executed control mode is prioritized, and the other control mode is completed and then the special freeze mode is executed, thereby suppressing deterioration in convenience for the user.

The rapid cooling mode, which is an example of another control mode, is also a cooling mode for cooling the interior of the freezer compartment 10. Therefore, the inside of the freezing chamber 10 can be cooled even during execution of another control mode, and the temperature rise of the stored material in the freezing chamber 10 can be suppressed.

The thawing mode, which is an example of another control mode, is a control mode in which the temperature in the freezer compartment 10 rises. Therefore, by executing the control mode first and then executing the special partial freezing mode, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise in the partial freezing chamber 10 and perform cooling well.

Further, the refrigerator 1 notifies that the special freeze mode is selected and the other control mode is selected during execution of the other control mode. According to this configuration, the user can confirm that the special freeze mode is in the standby state, and it is possible to suppress the user from performing an unnecessary operation such as an operation for selecting the special freeze mode again.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the execution time of the special partial freezing mode can be made longer than the execution time of the other control modes. That is, the special freeze mode is a control mode that is continuously or permanently executed over a somewhat long time. Therefore, by setting the priority of the special freeze mode lower than the priority of the other control modes, the other control modes that are required to be temporarily executed can be preferentially executed, and the deterioration of the user's convenience can be suppressed.

Also, according to the refrigerator 1, the termination condition for terminating the special partial freezing mode is changed in this case according to the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. Here, since the compressor 34 of the refrigeration cycle for generating cold air operates more smoothly as the temperature of the outside air is higher, there is a concern that the interior of the micro-freezing chamber 10 is cooled more than necessary and the stored material is frozen. On the other hand, as the temperature of the outside air is lower, the inside of the freezing chamber 10 is more easily cooled, and therefore, there is a concern that the inside of the freezing chamber 10 is cooled more than necessary and the stored material is frozen. Therefore, by changing the termination condition for terminating the special partial freezing mode according to the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, the interior of the partial freezing chamber 10 can be suppressed from being cooled more than necessary.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the second stage, that is, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the special freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined middle stage temperature is set to be lower than the first stage, that is, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the special freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined low stage temperature. The temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the special freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined high-range temperature, which is the third-range, is set to be higher than the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the end condition of the special freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined middle-range temperature, which is the second-range.

That is, according to the refrigerator 1, the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature of the end condition of the special partial freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined middle-range temperature, and is lower than the temperature of the end condition of the special partial freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined low-range temperature and the temperature of the end condition of the special partial freezing mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined high-range temperature.

Therefore, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low range temperature and when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high range temperature, the special freeze mode is ended in a state where the temperature in the freeze chamber 10 is high as compared with a case where the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle range temperature. Therefore, the interior of the freezing chamber 10 can be prevented from being cooled more than necessary.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-range temperature, the necessity of cooling the inside of the freezing chamber 10 to a necessary level or more may be small as compared with the case where the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-range temperature and the case where the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-range temperature. Therefore, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined middle-range temperature, the state in which the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 is low can be continued and the stored material in the freezing chamber 10 can be cooled to a good state, as compared with the case in which the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined low-range temperature and the case in which the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is the predetermined high-range temperature.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the termination condition for terminating the special partial freezing mode is changed in each of the case where the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 increases and the case where the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 decreases, based on the comparison with the different reference temperatures. That is, according to the refrigerator 1, the termination condition of the special partial freezing mode is changed according to the comparison between the temperature range having a certain temperature range and the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, the termination condition of the special partial freezing mode can be flexibly determined in response to the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1.

The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described one embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the scope of the present embodiment. For example, the refrigerator 1 is not limited to detecting the temperature of the outside air as the temperature of the predetermined area of the refrigerator 1, and may be configured to detect the temperature in the storage chamber, the temperature in a machine chamber not shown in the drawings of the control device 30 or the compressor 34, the temperature in the cooling chamber 12, and the like.

As illustrated in fig. 11, control device 30 may be configured to change the starting condition for starting the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode according to the temperature of the predetermined region of refrigerator 1. In the case of changing the start condition, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the start condition of the second stage may be set lower than the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the start condition of the first stage, as in the case of the end condition. Further, the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the starting condition of the third stage may be set to be higher than the temperature in the freezing chamber 10 set as the starting condition of the second stage. Further, the control device 30 may be configured to change the start condition for starting the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode and to leave the end condition for ending the cooling operation unchanged, in accordance with the temperature of the predetermined region of the refrigerator 1.

The other control modes are not limited to the plurality of control modes exemplified in the above embodiment, and various control modes can be adopted as long as they can be applied to the refrigerator 1.

The special cooling chamber is not limited to the freezing chamber, and may be another cooling chamber. The position where the special cooling chamber is provided is not limited to the bottom of the refrigerating chamber 3, and may be appropriately changed to, for example, the upper part or the side part of the refrigerating chamber 3 or the inside of another storage chamber.

In the special freeze mode, controller 30 may be configured to change the rotation speed of fan 14 in accordance with the temperature of the predetermined region of refrigerator 1 at a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed of fan 14 in the intensive cooling mode. Further, control device 30 may change the termination condition for terminating the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode in a plurality of four or more stages in accordance with outside air temperature RT of refrigerator 1. Further, control device 30 may change the start condition for starting the cooling operation in the special partial freezing mode in a plurality of four or more stages in accordance with outside air temperature RT of refrigerator 1.

In addition, the following problems can be solved in the present embodiment. That is, the degree of cooling inside a special cooling chamber such as a freezer chamber of the refrigerator is affected by the temperature of the predetermined area of the refrigerator, such as the temperature of the outside air. That is, for example, as the temperature of the outside air is higher, the compressor of the refrigeration cycle for generating cold air operates more smoothly, and therefore, the interior of a special cooling chamber such as a freezing chamber may be cooled more than necessary, and the stored material may be frozen. On the other hand, as the temperature of the outside air becomes lower, the interior of a special cooling chamber such as a freezer chamber is easily cooled, and there is a concern that the interior of the special cooling chamber is cooled more than necessary, and the stored material may freeze.

Therefore, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a special cooling chamber provided in a refrigerating chamber, a control unit for controlling cooling in the special cooling chamber, and a temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of a predetermined region, and the control unit may execute the following modes as a cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber: a normal cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a normal temperature section; and a special cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a special temperature stage lower than the normal temperature stage of the normal cooling mode, wherein at least one of a start condition for starting the special cooling mode and an end condition for ending the special cooling mode is changed according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection means.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that can suppress the interior of a special cooling chamber such as a freezer chamber from being cooled to a necessary level or more.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiment can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Claims

1. A refrigerator has:

the special cooling chamber is arranged in the refrigerating chamber; and

a control unit controlling cooling in the special cooling chamber,

the control unit may be capable of executing the following modes as a cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber:

a normal cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a normal temperature section; and

a special cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber to a special temperature section lower than a normal temperature section of the normal cooling mode,

when other control different from the special cooling mode is selected in the execution of the special cooling mode, the control unit interrupts the execution of the special cooling mode to execute the other control, and restarts the execution of the special cooling mode when the other control is ended.

2. A refrigerator has:

the special cooling chamber is arranged in the refrigerating chamber; and

a control unit controlling cooling in the special cooling chamber,

when the special cooling mode is selected in the execution of other control different from the special cooling mode, the control unit starts the execution of the special cooling mode after the other control is ended.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2,

the other control is a cooling mode for cooling the special cooling chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2,

the other control is control of temperature rise in the special cooling chamber.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2,

the refrigerator has a notification unit that notifies that the special cooling mode is selected and the other control is selected during execution of the other control.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit makes an execution time of the special cooling mode longer than an execution time of the other control.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2,

the refrigerator has a temperature detecting unit that detects a temperature of a prescribed area,

and changing at least one of a start condition for starting the special cooling mode and an end condition for ending the special cooling mode according to the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means.

8. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 7, wherein,

the temperature detection means detects the temperature of the outside air that is the predetermined area.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7 or 8,

the control unit changes an ending condition for ending the special cooling mode according to a plurality of grades at least including a first grade and a second grade according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit,

the second gear is a gear set in a case where the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit is higher than the first gear,

the temperature in the special cooling chamber set as the second-stage end condition is lower than the temperature in the special cooling chamber set as the first-stage end condition.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 7 or 8,

the control unit changes an ending condition for ending the special cooling mode according to a plurality of grades at least including a first grade, a second grade and a third grade according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit,

the third gear is a case where the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is higher than the second gear and the first gear, the second gear is a case where the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is higher than the first gear,

the temperature in the special cooling chamber set as the second-stage end condition is lower than the temperature in the special cooling chamber set as the first-stage end condition,

the temperature in the special cooling chamber set as the end condition of the third gear is higher than the temperature in the special cooling chamber set as the end condition of the second gear.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 7 or 8,

the control unit changes an ending condition for ending the special micro-freezing mode according to comparison with different reference temperatures when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is increased and when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is decreased.

12. A refrigerator has:

the special cooling chamber is arranged in the refrigerating chamber;

a control unit that controls cooling in the special cooling chamber; and

a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the predetermined region,

the control unit changes at least one of a start condition for starting the special cooling mode and an end condition for ending the special cooling mode according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.