JP2007333318A - Cooling cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cooling cabinet capable of controlling the hindrance to the use of the cooling cabinet by a user caused by the defrosting operation by executing the defrosting operation in another time zone than when the user uses the cooling cabinet. <P>SOLUTION: The cooling cabinet comprises a cooler 15 capable of cooling air in cooling compartments 2, 3 and 4; a defrosting means 32 capable of eliminating the frost attached to the cooler 15; and a control part 30 for controlling the defrosting means for defrosting in the period other than a prescribed period by prohibiting the defrosting means 32 from defrosting for the prescribed period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator capable of defrosting operation.

  Conventionally, a cooling chamber for storing stored items, a cooling device capable of cooling the cooling chamber, a defrosting device capable of defrosting operation capable of defrosting the frost attached to the cooling device, and a stored item can be rapidly frozen. There is known a refrigerator that includes a quick refrigeration apparatus and a control section, and the control section controls the cooling apparatus, the defrosting apparatus, and the quick refrigeration apparatus (see Patent Document 1 below).

  The quick freezing operation is performed in order to cool the stored items stored in the storage chamber as quickly as possible. For example, the quick freezing operation switch is turned on by the user regardless of the normal freezer temperature control. To be forced. On the other hand, the defrosting operation is performed by stopping the driving of the cooling device and driving the defrosting device according to a command from the control unit when the driving time of the cooling device is accumulated up to a predetermined time.

  In order to prevent the defrosting operation from being performed during the quick freezing operation, various controls have been conventionally performed. For example, in the refrigerator described in JP-A-63-58077 and JP-A-63-176982, when the quick freezing operation is started, the counting of the driving time of the cooling device is stopped. Thus, the defrosting operation is suppressed during the quick freezing operation.

  Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 5-18654 and 5-1878 describe a refrigerator in which a defrosting start time is set in accordance with a daily behavior pattern of a user who uses the refrigerator. .

  This refrigerator has a storage unit that stores the number of times the door is opened and closed per unit time. When the accumulated time of the timer reaches a predetermined time, from this time until the accumulated time reaches the limit time. The time when the door is opened and closed is the minimum defrosting start time.

According to this refrigerator, the defrosting operation can be started in a time zone in which the door is not opened and closed.
JP-T 9-503289 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-58077 JP-A 63-176982 JP-A-5-18654 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-1878

  In the refrigerator having the conventional quick freezing function and the defrosting operation function, the quick freezing operation is not performed during the defrosting operation, and the quick freezing operation cannot be performed for the user. A message to that effect is displayed. For this reason, in the said conventional refrigerator, even if it is when a user wants to quick-freeze a stored item during defrost operation, the problem that quick freezing cannot arise arises. That is, in the conventional refrigerator, when the user wants to use the refrigerator such as quick freezing cooking, the defrosting operation is performed, so that the driving of the cooling device is prohibited and the use of the user is hindered. There was a problem of being.

  In the refrigerator described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-18654, the defrosting start time is high during the defrosting operation even if the door opening and closing time can be selected. There is a risk of time.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said subject, The objective is a user's defrost operation by performing defrost operation in time slots other than the time slot | zone which uses a refrigerator, and a user's. It is providing the refrigerator which suppressed using that is prevented.

  The refrigerator according to the present invention includes a cooler capable of cooling the air in the cooling chamber, a defrosting unit capable of defrosting frost adhering to the cooler, and defrosting by the defrosting unit for a certain period, A control unit that controls the defrosting means so as to perform defrosting in a period other than the above.

  Preferably, the fixed period is set based on a usage record period with a track record of using the refrigerator.

  Preferably, a storage unit capable of storing use record data relating to the use record period is further provided, and the use record data in the storage unit can be updated.

  Preferably, the operation period of the refrigerator includes a high output operation period in which the refrigerator is operated at a high output and a low output operation period in which the refrigerator is operated at a low output, and the control unit has a constant high output operation period. Recognizing the period, the driving of the defrosting means is prohibited.

Preferably, the period during which the refrigerator is expected to be used is set to a certain period in advance.
Preferably, when the amount of frost deposited on the cooler exceeds a predetermined amount during a certain period in which defrosting of the defrosting means is prohibited, the driving of the defrosting means is started after the lapse of the certain period.

  Preferably, the defrosting operation is started when the amount of frost adhering to the cooler a predetermined time before the predetermined period during which the defrosting is prohibited is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount.

  Preferably, a quick freezer capable of rapidly freezing stored items, a closing member capable of closing the opening of the cooling chamber, detection means for detecting the brightness outside the storage, and usage record data for each unit time zone It includes at least one of the number of times the closing member is opened / closed, whether or not the quick freezer is used per unit time, and the brightness outside the unit per unit time.

  According to the refrigerator which concerns on this invention, it can suppress that a user's use is prevented by defrost operation.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a Stirling refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment. The Stirling refrigerator (cooler) 100 is made of a heat insulating material, and includes a casing 1 that defines a plurality of cooling chambers 2 and 4 and a quick freezing chamber 3 that can rapidly freeze stored items, and a control unit 30 that controls each operation. And.

  Each of the cooling chambers 2, 4 and the quick freezing chamber 3 has an opening on the front side of the Stirling refrigerator 100, and each opening can be closed by doors 5, 6, 7. In each of the cooling chambers 2, 4 and the quick freezing chamber 3, a shelf 9 suitable for the type of stored food (contained items), and sensors 33, 36 for sensing the open / closed state of the doors 5, 6, 7, Is provided.

  A machine room 10 is provided at one corner of the back surface of the housing 1, and a Stirling refrigerator 11 is disposed in the machine room 10.

  The Stirling refrigerator 11 includes a low temperature portion that generates cold heat and a high heat portion that generates high heat when driven.

  And the low temperature side condenser 12 is provided in the low temperature part. The low temperature side condenser 12, a low temperature side evaporator (cooling means) 15 provided on the back side of the cooling chamber 4, a refrigerant pipe 16 connecting the low temperature side condenser 12 and the low temperature side evaporator 15, Thus, the low temperature side circulation circuit 14 is configured.

A refrigerant such as CO ₂ is sealed in the low-temperature side circulation circuit 14, and heat is transferred between the low-temperature side condenser 12 and the low-temperature side evaporator 15.

  A heater 32 for removing frost adhering to the surface of the low temperature side evaporator 15 is provided in the vicinity of the low temperature side evaporator 15.

  Inside the housing 1, a duct 20 is provided for distributing the cold air obtained by the low temperature side evaporator 15 to the cooling chambers 2, 4 and the quick freezing chamber 3. Fans 22 and 23 for forcibly supplying cool air into the cooling chambers 2 and 4 and the quick freezing chamber 3 are provided in the duct 20. When the fan 24 arranged in the vicinity of the low temperature side evaporator 15 is driven, the air around the low temperature side evaporator 15 is convected, and new air having a relatively high temperature is supplied around the low temperature side evaporator 15. The

  The duct 20 is formed with a cold air supply port 21 communicating with the cooling chambers 2, 4 and the quick freezing chamber 3.

  A damper 25 that can control the communication state of the duct 20 is provided in the duct 20. When the duct 20 is closed by the damper 25 and the fan 23 is driven, the cold air generated by the low temperature side evaporator 15 is preferentially supplied into the quick freezer 3. Thereby, quick freezing cooking is enabled in the quick freezing chamber 3.

  The housing 1 is provided with a sensor 34 that senses brightness outside the cabinet. The control unit 30 can control driving of the heater 32, the Stirling refrigerator 11, the damper 25, the fans 22, 23, 24, and the like. The control unit 30 is provided with a storage unit 31 and a timer 35. And the memory | storage part 31 memorize | stores the doors 5, 6, and 7 opening / closing frequency from the sensors 33 and 36, and the time slot | zone when the doors 5, 6, and 7 were opened and closed. Furthermore, the memory | storage part 31 memorize | stores the brightness outside the store | warehouse | chamber from the sensor 34, and the time slot | zone when the quick freezer 3 was used for every time slot | zone.

  A high temperature side evaporator 13 is provided in the high temperature portion of the Stirling refrigerator 11. In addition, a high-temperature side condenser 37 that radiates heat to the outside environment and a blower fan 41 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 1. A high temperature side circulation circuit 40 is configured by the high temperature side evaporator 13, the high temperature side condenser 37, and the refrigerant pipe connecting the high temperature side condenser 37 and the high temperature side evaporator 13.

  In the high-temperature side circulation circuit 40, water (including an aqueous solution) or a hydrocarbon-based natural refrigerant is sealed.

  In the Stirling refrigerator 100 configured as described above, when the Stirling refrigerator 11 is driven, the temperature of the low temperature portion is decreased. Thereby, the refrigerant in the low temperature side condenser 12 is cooled and condensed.

  The refrigerant condensed in the low temperature side condenser 12 circulates in the low temperature side circulation circuit 14 and flows into the low temperature side evaporator 15. The refrigerant that has flowed into the low temperature side evaporator 15 is evaporated by the heat of the air passing through the low temperature side evaporator 15, and cools the low temperature side evaporator 15. And the air which passes the low temperature side evaporator 15 is cooled by heat-exchange with a refrigerant | coolant, and becomes cold air. The cold air thus generated passes through the duct 20 and is supplied into the cooling chambers 2 and 4 and the quick freezing chamber 3. Thereafter, the refrigerant returns to the low temperature side evaporator 15 through a duct (not shown).

  The refrigerant evaporated in the low temperature side evaporator 15 passes through the low temperature side circulation circuit 14 and is condensed again in the low temperature side condenser 12.

  On the other hand, the heat generated by driving the Stirling refrigerator 11 heats and evaporates the refrigerant in the high temperature side evaporator 13. The refrigerant that has become a gas phase in the high temperature side evaporator 13 passes through the high temperature side circulation circuit 40 and flows into the high temperature side condenser 37. The gas-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the high-temperature side condenser 37 is cooled and condensed by the outside air. Then, the condensed refrigerant passes through the high temperature side circulation circuit 40 and returns to the high temperature side evaporator 13.

  As described above, if the Stirling refrigerator 100 is continuously driven, it is necessary to perform a defrosting operation in which frost adheres to the surface of the low-temperature evaporator 15 and defrosts the frost attached to the surface of the low-temperature evaporator 15. There is. Furthermore, after performing this defrosting operation, in order to cool the low temperature side evaporator 15 which became high temperature, it is necessary to perform the pre-cooling operation which drives the Stirling refrigerator 11 with the driving of the fans 22, 23, 24 stopped. There is.

  During such a defrosting operation, the operation of the Stirling refrigerator 11 is stopped, the heater 32 is driven, the internal temperature is high, and the internal temperature is high even during the precooling operation, and the quick freezer 3 It is in the situation where quick freezing cooking is not possible using. For this reason, it is preferable not to perform the defrosting operation and the precooling operation associated therewith at the timing when the user uses the quick freezer compartment 3.

  FIG. 2 is a time flow chart showing actual use data of the Stirling refrigerator 100 stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the storage unit 31 stores time zones 0 to 15 obtained by dividing 24 hours (a certain period) into 16 times, and the use of the Stirling refrigerator 100 for each time zone 0 to 15 is used. Use result data consisting of result values is stored. The actual use value is calculated based on the number of times the doors 5, 6, and 7 are opened and closed, the brightness outside the refrigerator, and whether or not the quick freezer 3 is used.

  Specifically, the actual use value is set to 0 in the initial state where the driving of the Stirling refrigerator 100 is started. In the process of using the Stirling refrigerator 100, when the doors 5, 6, and 7 are opened and closed N times, the actual use value in the time zone when the doors 5, 6, and 7 are opened and closed is set to N. A value (N × P1) multiplied by is added. Further, in each time zone 0 to 15, when the average value of the brightness outside the warehouse is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, P2 is added to the use result value in the time zone. Furthermore, in each time slot | zone 0-15, when quick freezing cooking using the quick freezer compartment 3 is made, P3 is added to the use performance value of the time slot | zone.

  In this way, the use result data of the Stirling cooler 100 is accumulated in the storage unit 31.

  In the initial state of the Stirling refrigerator 100, the actual use value of each time zone 0 to 15 is 0. For example, each time from when the consumer purchases and starts using it at home, etc. The use actual value count of bands 0 to 15 is started. Then, the use result value for each time zone is stored in the storage unit 31. In addition, as the length of one time slot | zone, it is preferable to set it as the time required for this defrost on the basis of the time from the start to the completion of the defrost operation.

  Moreover, although the time zone 0-15 stored in the memory | storage part 31 is prescribed | regulated by dividing 24 hours into 16, it is not restricted to this, It may be 16 divisions or less, More than 16 divisions The time zone may be defined by dividing.

  When the use of the Stirling refrigerator 100 is started and 24 hours elapses, the control unit 30 starts the defrosting prohibited time period (predetermined period) based on the usage record data accumulated in the storage unit 31 during the 24 hours. A1 to A4 are set. The defrosting prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are selected in descending order from the actual use values in the respective time zones 0 to 15, and the time zones at this time are set as the defrosting prohibition time zones A1 to A4. Then, when another 24 hours elapse from the first day, the control unit 30 uses the first-day usage record data and the second-day usage record data stored in the storage unit 31 to newly defrost. Time zones A1 to A4 are set.

  That is, in each time zone 0-15, the usage record value of the second day is added to the usage record value of the first day, and four new usage record values are selected in the descending order. To 15 are defined as new defrosting prohibition time zones A1 to A4.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for setting the defrosting operation prohibition time zone when 30 days or more have elapsed from the start of use of the Stirling refrigerator 100. In addition, the memory | storage part 31 can store the use performance data for 30 days. The data is updated every 24 hours. This updating operation employs a method of deleting the oldest data and taking in new data (first-in first-out method). For this reason, for example, when the data for the 31st day is stored after 30 days from the start of use, the data for the 1st day is deleted.

  3 and 1, the storage unit 31 has already stored 30 days worth of usage record data T1 to T30 for one day composed of each time slot 0 to 15 and the usage record value for each time slot 0 to 15. is doing.

  Specifically, the usage record data Tn (the usage record data of n days ago, where n is an integer of 1 to 30) is Q (n, m), R (n, m), S (n, m ) (Where m is an integer from 0 to 15 and matches the number of time zones). And Q (n, m) shows the use performance value calculated from the brightness outside the room in the time zone m n days ago, and R (n, m) is the number of times of opening and closing the door in the time zone m n days ago. Indicates the calculated actual usage value. Further, S (n, m) indicates a use result value calculated from the presence or absence of quick freezing cooking in the time zone m n days ago.

  Here, in order to calculate Q (n, m), first, the brightness of the outside of the warehouse during the time zone m is sensed over the time zone m n days ago. And the average value of the brightness outside a store | warehouse | chamber in the time slot | zone m is calculated. When the calculated average brightness value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, Q (n, m) is set to P1 (real number, preferably integer, for example, 5 points).

  In order to calculate R (n, m), for example, when the number of times of opening and closing the doors 5, 6, and 7 shown in FIG. ) Is N × P2 (for example, 2 points).

  Furthermore, in order to calculate S (n, m), in the time zone m before n days, for example, when quick freezing cooking is performed using the quick freezer room 3, S (n, m) is set to P3. (For example, 10 points).

  And the control part 30 sets the defrosting operation prohibition time zone A1-A4 of the next day based on the usage performance data T1-T30 for these 30 days.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, first, a total value for 30 days of the use result value calculated from the brightness outside the warehouse is calculated for each time zone. Specifically, Qm (the total value for 30 days of the actual use value calculated from the brightness of the outside in the time zone m) = Q (1, m) + Q (2, m) + Q (3, m) + ... + Q (n, m) + ... + Q (30, m).

  Then, for each time period, the total value of the actual use values calculated from the number of times of opening / closing the doors 5, 6 and 7 shown in FIG. 1 is calculated. Rm (total value for 30 days of actual use value calculated from the number of times of opening and closing the door in time zone m) = R (1, m) + R (2, m) + R (3, m) +... + R (n , M) +... + R (30, m).

  Further, for each time zone, the total value of the actual use values calculated from the presence or absence of use of the quick freezer 3 shown in FIG. 1 is calculated. Sm (total value for 30 days of actual use value calculated from use / non-use of quick freezer in time zone m) = S (1, m) + S (2, m) + S (3, m) +. + S (n, m) +... + S (30, m).

Thus, the total usage record T _total is (U0 (Q0, R0, S0), U1 (Q1, R1, S1), U2 (Q2, R2, S2), ..., Um (Qm, Rm, Sm). ,..., U15 (Q15, R15, S15)).

And in this total _Ttotal , the sum _total of the use performance value for every time slot _| zone is calculated. Specifically, M0 = Q0 + R0 + S0, M1 = Q1 + R1 + S1, M2 = Q2 + R2 + S2,..., Mm = Qm + Rm + Sm,.

  And four of these total use results values M0 to M15 are selected in descending order, and the time zone at that time is set as a defrosting prohibition time zone A1 to A4.

  In addition, the method of calculating defrosting operation prohibition time zone A1-A4 is not restricted to the said calculation method. For example, in each time zone, first, the number of times the brightness outside the warehouse is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in 30 days is divided by 30, and the average number is calculated, and this average value is multiplied by P1 to store When the outside becomes brighter, the average value of the usage results added is calculated.

  Similarly, an average value is calculated for the actual use value added depending on the number of times the doors 5, 6, 7 are opened and closed, and an average value of the actual use values added by using the quick freezer 3 is calculated. Then, each average value is totaled and it is good also considering four time zones 0-15 with this large total value as defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1-A4.

  Note that P1, P2, and P3 used in calculating the actual usage value are set to satisfy P1: P2: P3 = 2: 5: 10, respectively. The ratio of P1, P2, and P3 is not limited to the above values. The reason why the weight of P3 is made larger than P1 and P2 is that when the user wants to perform quick freezing cooking etc. using the quick freezer compartment 3, the quick freezer compartment 3 cannot be used by the defrosting operation. This is because there is a great need to avoid the situation.

  Here, the brightness of the outside of the warehouse was also used as the material for calculating the actual usage value. The bright outside of the room is considered to be brighter due to sunlight or lighting, and the user is active. This is because the possibility of using the Stirling refrigerator 100 is high.

  In addition, the number of times the doors 5, 6, 7 are opened and closed is also used as a material for calculating the actual use value. The user uses the Stirling refrigerator 100 during the time when the doors 5, 6, 7 are opened and closed. This is because it can be considered as a time zone with a high probability of quick-frozen cooking.

  That is, in the first embodiment, the Stirling refrigerator is driven greatly in the time zone in which the door is opened and closed, the time zone in which the outside is bright, and the time zone in which quick freezing cooking is performed using the quick freezer. It is recognized as a high output operation period, and this high output operation period is set as a defrosting operation prohibition time zone. On the other hand, the defrosting operation is performed in a period other than the high output operation period.

  The timing at which the defrosting operation is performed in the state where the defrosting prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are calculated as described above will be described.

  FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts for determining a time zone for actually performing the defrosting operation after calculating the defrosting prohibition time zone.

  In FIG. 4, first, the control unit 30 determines whether or not it is the switching timing of each time zone of time zones 0 to 15 (step 1). If it is determined that it is the switching timing of each time slot in the time zone 0 to 15, whether or not the switching timing is the switching timing from the time slot 0 to the time slot 15 or not. Is determined (step 2). And if the control part 30 shown in FIG. 1 judges that it switches from the time slot | zone 15 to the time slot | zone 0, the control part 30 will start the operation | work which sets new defrost operation prohibition time slot | zones A1-A4.

  Specifically, first, the control unit 30 deletes the oldest usage record data, and newly inputs the latest use record data instead (step 3).

  Here, when the latest usage record data is input, the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 1 stores the brightness of the outside of the store every time zone 0 to 15 for the latest time zone 0 to time zone 15. The data regarding the depth, the number of times the doors 5, 6 and 7 are opened and closed, and information on whether or not quick freezing cooking has been performed are stored. Therefore, first, the control unit 30 calculates the average value of the outside brightness for each time zone 0 to 15 from the data regarding the outside brightness in each time zone 0 to 15. And when the calculated brightness outside the warehouse is larger than a predetermined value, P1 is added to the use result value of the time zone 0-15.

  Further, a value obtained by multiplying the opening / closing frequency N of the doors 5, 6, and 7 by P2 for each time zone 0 to 15 is added to the use result value in that time zone 0 to 15. Moreover, P3 is added to the use performance value of the time zone 0-15 in which the quick freezing cooking was made using the quick freezer compartment 3.

  In this way, the control unit 30 creates the latest 24-hour usage record data, stores the latest use record data in the storage unit 31 instead of the oldest use record data, and uses the use record data. Update. And based on this updated usage record data for 30 days, new defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are set by the steps shown in FIG. 3 (step 4).

  As described above, when new defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are set, it is determined whether or not the defrosting operation is currently being performed (step 5). In “step 2”, when the control unit 30 determines that the switching of the time zone is not the switching from the time zone 15 to the time zone 0, whether or not “step 5” is currently in the defrosting operation is determined. to decide.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow performed after the defrosting operation is completed when the defrosting operation is performed.

  4 and 5, the control unit 30 does not switch from the time zone 15 to the time zone 0 when the defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are newly set or in “step 2” in FIG. 4. When it is determined that the defrosting operation is being performed, it is determined whether or not the defrosting operation and the precooling operation (return operation) are finished in this time zone (step 6).

  When the controller 30 determines that the defrosting operation and the precooling operation are finished within this time zone, the actual usage value of the next new time zone is determined after the defrosting operation and the precooling operation are finished. Starts to be calculated (step 7).

  Here, even when the control unit 30 determines that the defrosting operation and the precooling operation are not completed within the time zone when the new defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are set, the next new time The actual usage value of the belt is calculated.

  When calculating the actual use value, first, the outside brightness measured by the sensor 34 shown in FIG. 1, the number of times the doors 5, 6, and 7 are opened and closed measured by the sensors 33 and 36, Whether or not quick freezing has been performed using the quick freezer 3 is stored.

  And the control part 30 stores the brightness information outside the chamber | room input from the sensor 34 shown in FIG. 1 in the memory | storage part 31 (step8).

  Moreover, the control part 30 stores the opening-and-closing frequency N of the doors 5, 6, and 7 measured by the sensors 33 and 36 shown in FIG. 1 in the memory | storage part 31 (step9).

  Furthermore, the control part 30 stores in the memory | storage part 31 whether quick freezing cooking etc. were made | formed using the quick freezer compartment 3 shown in FIG. 1 (step10). By repeating the process from step 8 to step 10 as described above, the use of the brightness information outside the cabinet, the number of times the doors 5, 6, 7 are opened and closed, and whether quick freezing cooking has been performed for each time zone 0 to 15 The results are stored in the storage unit 31.

  In FIG. 4, when it is determined in “step 5” that the defrosting operation has not been performed, the control unit 30 determines that the next time zone 0 to 15 is the defrosting operation prohibited time zone A1 to A4. Or not (step 11).

  When determining that the next time zone 0 to 15 is the defrosting operation prohibited time zone A1 to A4, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the next time zone 0 to 15 is the defrosting operation prohibited time zone A1 to A4 ( step 12).

  In addition, if the control part 30 judges in the said "step11" that the next time slot | zone is not defrost operation prohibition time slot | zone A1-A4, as shown in FIG. Information about whether the doors 5, 6, 7 are opened and closed and quick freezing cooking is performed is stored in the storage unit 31.

  When determining that the next time zone 0 to 15 is the defrosting operation prohibition time zone A1 to A4, the control unit 30 first calculates the amount of frost attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 shown in FIG.

  The amount of frost attached to the low-temperature evaporator 15 is opened and closed in addition to the amount of frost expected from the operation time of the refrigerator-freezer and the operation time of the Stirling refrigerator 100. Thus, the amount of water vapor entering the interior is predicted from the number of times the doors 5, 6 and 7 are opened and closed, and the amount of frost attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 is predicted from the amount of water vapor entering the interior. Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated frosting amount is larger than 70% of the defrosting start frosting amount (step 13). The defrosting start frosting amount is determined in a range of about 80% from the maximum amount of frosting that can adhere to the low temperature side evaporator 15 while ensuring the cooling capacity of the low temperature side evaporator 15. It is a numerical value stored in the storage unit 31 in advance.

  When it is determined in “step 13” that the calculated frosting amount is larger than 70% of the defrosting start frosting amount, the defrosting operation and the precooling operation associated therewith are started (step14). When the defrosting operation is started, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 30 again performs the quick freezing cooking in the outside brightness, the opening / closing of the doors 5, 6, and 7 and the quick freezing chamber 3. Is stored in the storage unit 31.

  Thus, when two defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1 to A4 are set continuously, the defrosting operation is performed even when the defrosting amount has not reached the defrosting start frosting amount. Thus, it is possible to prevent excessive frost from adhering to the low-temperature evaporator 15 when the defrosting prohibition time zones A1 to A4 have elapsed. Thereby, it can suppress that the cooling capability of a low temperature side evaporator falls remarkably.

  In addition, when it is determined that the calculated frosting amount is 70% or less of the defrosting start frosting amount in this “step 12”, the defrosting operation is not performed, and as shown in FIG. Then, sensing and creation of usage record data are performed again regarding the brightness of the outside, the number of times the doors 5, 6, 7 are opened and closed, and whether quick freezing cooking has been performed in the quick freezer 3.

  If the amount of frost formed is controlled to such a level, the possibility that the amount of frosted amount becomes excessive even after two defrosting operation prohibition time zones have passed is small. This is because it is unlikely that the cooling capacity of the low temperature side evaporator 15 shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, by controlling in this way, it can suppress that a defrosting operation bites into the defrosting operation prohibition time slot | zone A1-A4 with the high probability that use will use the Stirling refrigerator 100. FIG.

  For this reason, when a user tries to perform quick freezing cooking using the quick freezer compartment 3 shown in FIG. 1, for example, the bad effect that the quick freezer compartment 3 cannot be used by defrosting operation etc. arises. Can be suppressed.

  Here, in the above "step 12", when the control unit 30 determines that the next is not the defrosting operation prohibition time zone, the amount of frost attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 shown in FIG. It is judged whether it is more than 80% of the defrosting start frosting amount.

  And when it determines that the amount of frost adhering to the low temperature side evaporator 15 is more than 80% of the amount of defrost start frosting, a defrost operation is started (step14).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount of frost attached to the low-temperature side evaporator 15 is 80% or less of the defrosting start frost amount, in FIG. 5, the control unit 30 displays the sensor shown in FIG. The outside brightness information input from 34 is stored in the storage unit 31 (step 8). Moreover, the control part 30 stores the opening-and-closing frequency N of the doors 5, 6, and 7 measured by the sensors 33 and 36 shown in FIG. 1 in the memory | storage part 31 (step9). Furthermore, the control part 30 stores in the memory | storage part 31 whether quick freezing cooking etc. were made | formed using the quick freezer compartment 3 shown in FIG. 1 (step10).

  In FIG. 4, when it is determined at “step 4” that the timing is not the time zone switching timing, the control unit 30 determines whether the defrosting operation or the precooling operation associated therewith is being performed (step 15). ).

  When the defrosting operation and the precooling operation are being performed, in FIG. 5, after the defrosting operation and the precooling operation (return operation) are completed, or during the defrosting operation and the precooling operation, the control unit 30 The brightness information, the number of times the doors 5, 6, and 7 are opened and closed, and whether or not quick freezing cooking is performed in the quick freezer 3 are stored in the storage unit 31 (step 6 to step 10).

  When the control unit 30 determines that the defrosting operation or the precooling operation is not being performed in the “step 15”, the defrosting amount attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 shown in FIG. Whether it is the above or not is determined (step 16).

  And when it is judged that the amount of frost adhering to the low temperature side evaporator 15 is more than the amount of defrost start frosting, whether the present time zone 0-15 is defrost operation prohibition time zone A1-A4. Is determined (step 17).

  Here, if the control unit 30 determines that the present time is the defrosting operation prohibition time zone A1 to A4, the amount of frost attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the amount is twice or more (step 18).

  And when it determines that the amount of frost adhering to the low temperature side evaporator 15 is 2 times or more of the amount of defrost start frosting, a defrost operation is started (step 19).

  That is, even in the defrosting operation prohibition time zones A1 to A4, an excessive amount of frost is low, such that the amount of frost attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 is more than twice the amount of defrosting start frosting. When it adheres to the side evaporator 15, priority is given to the defrosting operation. The reason for controlling in this manner is that if an excessive amount of frost as described above is attached to the low-temperature evaporator 15, the cooling capacity of the low-temperature evaporator 15 may be significantly reduced. This is because it is necessary to quickly defrost and restore the cooling capacity.

  And the control part 30 stores the brightness information outside the chamber | room input from the sensor 34 shown in FIG. 1 in the memory | storage part 31 during a defrost operation or after completion | finish of a defrost operation (steps 6-8). Moreover, the control part 30 stores the opening-and-closing frequency N of the doors 5, 6, and 7 measured by the sensors 33 and 36 shown in FIG. 1 in the memory | storage part 31 (step9). Furthermore, the control part 30 stores in the memory | storage part 31 whether quick freezing cooking etc. were made | formed using the quick freezer compartment 3 shown in FIG. 1 (step10).

  Here, in the “step 16”, when the control unit 30 determines that the frosting amount is smaller than the defrosting start frosting amount, in FIG. The presence or absence of rapid freezing cooking is stored in the storage unit 31.

  Further, in the “step 17”, when the control unit 30 determines that the current time zone 0 to 15 is not the defrosting operation prohibition time zone A1 to A4, the control unit 30 starts the defrosting operation (step 19).

  In this way, the user sets the defrost period while avoiding the time periods 0 to 15 in which the probability of performing quick freezing cooking is high. Thereby, when a user intends to perform quick freezing cooking, it can suppress the bad effect that a user cannot perform quick freezing cooking because it is performing defrost operation.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the Stirling refrigerator 100 has time zones 0 to 15 defined based on the driving of the timer 35 shown in FIG. 1, and there is no relationship between the time zones 0 to 15 and the time. It has become.

  Therefore, a control method that further suppresses the batting between the use timing of the Stirling cooler 100 and the timing of the defrosting operation with the user taking into account the control method in consideration of the time is shown in FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 1, a timer 35 has a clock function and can be set by a user. In the Stirling refrigerator 100 provided with such a timer 35, the control flow shown in FIG. 6 is adopted instead of the control flow shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the control flow shown in FIG. 3 above, and is stored in the storage unit 31 shown in FIG. Based on the brightness, the number of times the doors 5, 6 and 7 are opened and closed stored in the storage unit 31 every time zone 0 to 15, and the presence or absence of quick freezing cooking stored in the storage unit 31 every time zone 0 to 15 It is a flowchart for calculating defrosting prohibition time slot | zone A1-A4.

  The procedures from “step 20” to “step 23” shown in FIG. 6 are the same as the procedure shown in FIG.

By going through the steps “step 20” to “step 23”, the _total of the actual use values for each time zone is calculated in the total T _total . Specifically, M0 = Q0 + R0 + S0, M1 = Q1 + R1 + S1, M2 = Q2 + R2 + S2,..., Mm = Qm + Rm + Sm,.

  And the control part 30 judges whether the time adjustment of the timer 35 shown in FIG. 1 is completed, after calculating the sum total of the use performance value for every time slot | zone (step24).

  When determining that the time of the timer 35 is set, the control unit 30 corrects the total use result values M0 to M15 in each time zone.

  For example, when the time zone 0 corresponds to 0 o'clock, the total use actual values M0, M1, M2, and M15 of the time zones 0, 1, 2, and 15 are set to M0 = Q0 + R0 + S0 + 0, M1 = Q1 + R1 + S1 + 0, M2 = Q2 + R2 + S2 + 0, M15 = Q15 + R15 + S15 + 0 is corrected.

  Further, the total use actual values M3, M6, M9, M13, and M14 of the time zones 3, 6, 9, 13, and 14 are set to M3 = Q3 + R3 + S3 + (10 (points) × 30 (days)), M6 = Q6 + R6 + S6 + (10 ( (Point) x 30 (day)), M9 = Q9 + R9 + S9 + (10 (point) x 30 (day)), M13 = Q13 + R13 + S13 + (10 (point) x 30 (day)), M14 = Q14 + R14 + S14 + (10 (point) x 30 ( Day)).

  In addition, the total use results values M5, M7, and M10 of the time zones 5, 7, and 10 are expressed as M5 = Q5 + R5 + S5 + (15 (points) × 30 (day)), M7 = Q7 + R7 + S7 + (15 (points) × 30 (day)). , M10 = Q10 + R10 + S10 + (15 (points) × 30 (days)).

  Then, the total use results values M4, M8, M11, and M12 of the time zones 4, 8, 11, and 12 are set to M4 = Q4 + R4 + S4 + (30 (points) × 30 (day)), M8 = Q8 + R8 + S8 + (30 (points) × 30 (Day)), M11 = Q11 + R11 + S11 + (30 (points) × 30 (day)), M12 = Q12 + R12 + S12 + (30 (points) × 30 (day)).

  In FIG. 2, in a time zone corresponding to a time when the probability that the user uses the Stirling refrigerator 100 is generally high, correction is made so that the value of the actual use value is increased. Thereby, it can suppress that control different from a general usage mode is performed, and when a user wants to perform quick freezing cooking etc., the probability that it will be in defrosting operation can further be reduced. .

  In particular, immediately after the user starts using, usage result data is not accumulated by the user's use. Even in such a case, in general, by correcting so that the value of the use record value in the time zone in which the use record is expected is increased, the probability that the user's use is hindered by the defrosting operation is reduced. be able to.

  If it is determined in the “step 24” that the time of the timer 35 shown in FIG. 1 has not been set, the same procedure as that shown in FIG. 3 is performed (step 26).

  The control method according to the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 in addition to or instead of the control method shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the control method of the first embodiment. Control may be performed. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for setting the timing for performing the defrosting operation in consideration of the time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 30 determines whether a defrosting operation is being performed. When it is determined that the defrosting operation is performed, the control unit 30 determines whether the defrosting operation and the precooling operation associated therewith are performed (step 27).

  Further, when it is determined in the “step 27” that the defrosting operation is not performed, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the time of the timer 35 shown in FIG. 1 is adjusted.

  When it is determined that the time of the timer 35 is set, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the current time is 4 o'clock or 4 o'clock (step 31).

  When the control unit 30 determines that the current time is 4 o'clock or 4 o'clock, the amount of frost attached to the low-temperature side evaporator 15 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is larger (step 32). When the control unit 30 determines that the amount of frost attached to the low temperature side evaporator 15 is larger than 80% of the defrosting start frosting amount, the control unit 30 starts the defrosting operation.

  Thus, generally, if it is 4 o'clock or 4 o'clock, the user is considered to be sleeping, and the probability of performing quick freezing cooking or the like is considered to be low. For this reason, even if it performs defrost operation, it is thought that the probability of inhibiting use of a user's Stirling refrigerator 100 is low.

  On the other hand, it is considered that there is a high probability that the Stirling refrigerator 100 is used for breakfast preparation between about 6 o'clock and about 8 o'clock.

  For this reason, when the amount of frosting is 80% or more of the defrosting start frosting amount to a certain extent, excessive frost may be attached after the breakfast preparation period has elapsed, so defrosting is performed in advance. .

  Here, in the “step 31”, when the control unit 30 determines that the current time is not 4 o'clock or 4 o'clock, it determines whether the current time is from 6 o'clock to 8 o'clock.

  And if the control part 30 judges that the present | current time is the time from 6:00 to 8:00, the amount of frost adhering to the low temperature side evaporator 15 shown by FIG. It is judged whether the amount is twice or more (step 38).

  From 6 o'clock to 8 o'clock is generally considered as a breakfast preparation period, and it is considered that the user frequently uses the Stirling refrigerator 100. Therefore, except when a large amount of frost adheres to the low-temperature side evaporator 15, priority is given to the use of the user without performing the defrosting operation.

  If the control unit 30 determines that the current time is not from 6 o'clock to 8 o'clock, the control unit 30 determines whether the current time corresponds to the time from 11 o'clock to 13 o'clock (step 35). When the current time is between 11:00 and 13:00, the defrosting operation is not performed unless the defrosting amount of the low-temperature evaporator 15 is more than twice the defrosting start defrosting amount. I am going to do that. This is because the period from 11 o'clock to 13 o'clock is generally considered to be a lunch preparation period.

  Furthermore, when it is determined that the current time does not fall between 11:00 and 13:00, the control unit 30 determines whether the current time falls between 16:00 and 19:00.

  This is because it is generally considered that the period from 16:00 to 19:00 corresponds to the preparation period for a midnight snack. For this reason, when the current time is between 16:00 and 19:00, the controller 30 determines that the amount of frost attached to the low-temperature side evaporator 15 is more than twice the amount of defrosting start frost. If not, the defrosting operation is not performed.

  In the above “step 30”, when the control unit 30 determines that the time of the timer 35 is not set, the amount of frost attached to the low-temperature side evaporator 15 is larger than the amount of defrosting start frost. to decide. When it is determined that the frost amount is larger than the defrost start frost amount, the defrost operation is started.

  On the other hand, when the frost amount is smaller than the defrost start frost amount, the control from “step 6” to “step 10” shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

  As described above, according to the control method according to the second embodiment, it is possible to perform control so that the defrosting operation is not performed in a time zone in which use of the Stirling refrigerator 100 is generally expected.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. Furthermore, the above numerical values are examples, and are not limited to the above numerical values and ranges.

  The present invention is suitable for a refrigerator, particularly a refrigerator having a function capable of defrosting frost attached to the surface of an evaporator.

It is sectional drawing which shows the Stirling cooling which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a time flow figure which shows the use performance data of the Stirling refrigerator stored in the memory | storage part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which sets the defrost operation prohibition time slot | zone from the start of use of a Stirling refrigerator. It is a flowchart for determining the time slot | zone which actually performs a defrost operation, after calculating a defrost prohibition time slot | zone. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow made after completion | finish of a defrost operation, when a defrost operation is made. It is a flowchart for calculating a defrosting prohibition time slot | zone similarly to the control flow shown by the said FIG. It is a flowchart figure for setting the timing which performs defrost operation in consideration of time.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing | casing, 2 Cooling chamber, 3 Quick freezer, 11 Stirling refrigerator, 12 Low temperature side condenser, 13 High temperature side evaporator, 14 Low temperature side circulation circuit, 15 Low temperature side evaporator, 20 Duct, 21 Cold air supply port, 22, 23, 24 Fan, 25 Damper, 30 Control unit, 31 Storage unit, 32 Heater, 33, 34, 36 Sensor, 35 Timer, 37 High temperature side condenser, 40 High temperature side circulation circuit, 100 Stirling cooler, A1 removal Frost operation prohibited time zone.

Claims (8)

A cooler capable of cooling the air in the cooling chamber;
Defrosting means capable of defrosting frost adhering to the cooler;
A control unit that prohibits defrosting by the defrosting unit for a certain period and controls the defrosting unit to perform defrosting in a period other than the certain period; and
With a refrigerator.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the certain period is set based on an actual use period with a history of using the refrigerator. A storage unit capable of storing usage record data relating to the usage record period;
The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the usage record data in the storage unit can be updated. The operation period of the refrigerator includes a high output operation period for operating the refrigerator at a high output, and a low output operation period for operating the refrigerator at a low output,
The said control part is the refrigerator of Claim 1 which recognizes the said high output operation period as the said fixed period, and prohibits the drive of the said defrost means.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a period during which the refrigerator is expected to be used is set as the predetermined period in advance.   The driving of the defrosting unit is started after the lapse of the predetermined period when the frosting amount attached to the cooler exceeds a predetermined amount during the predetermined period in which defrosting of the defrosting unit is prohibited. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   7. The defrosting operation is started when the amount of frost adhering to the cooler a predetermined time or more from a predetermined period before the defrosting is prohibited is a predetermined amount or more. The refrigerator as described in. A quick freezer that can quickly freeze stored items;
A closing member capable of closing the opening of the cooling chamber;
Detection means for detecting the brightness outside the cabinet;
The usage record data includes at least one of the number of times the closing member is opened and closed per unit time zone, whether or not the quick freezer is used per unit time, and the brightness outside the unit per unit time. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

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