JP2008286516A - Freezer/refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a freezer/refrigerator provided with a storage space having a longer term of food storage than an icing temperature compartment and capable of reducing the degradation of food, being conveniently used, and offering a food storing state which requires no wasteful time for cooking. <P>SOLUTION: The freezer/refrigerator is equipped with a new temperature zone freezer compartment as a storage compartment separate from a freezer compartment, that avoids a maximum ice forming temperature zone of -1°C to -5°C to freeze and maintain foods such as meat and fish at a temperature lower than the maximum ice forming temperature zone and higher than -15°C to a frozen state soft enough to be handled by means of a kitchen knife or a hand. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator-freezer in which a new temperature zone freezing room or a new temperature zone freezing room is provided in one temperature zone of the switching room.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a refrigerator disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-27475.
In the figure, 200 is a freezing room, 100 is a refrigerated room, 700 is an ice greenhouse, 400 is a vegetable room, and the interior formed by foaming and filling the insulating material between the outer box and the inner box is a plurality of storage rooms. It is partitioned and the temperature zone of each storage room is different. 2 is a fan, 3 is a cooler, a part of the cold air cooled by the cooler 3 is blown out to the freezer compartment 200 by the fan 2, and the remaining cold air is the refrigerator compartment 100, the ice greenhouse 700, and the vegetable compartment 400. Blown out.

The temperature zone of each storage room is, for example, −18 ° C. to −20 ° C. in the freezer room 200, 3 ° C. to 5 ° C. in the refrigerator room 100, 0 ° C. to −3 ° C. in the ice greenhouse (chilled room or partial room) 700, vegetables The chamber 400 is set to 3 ° C. to 7 ° C., and the temperature zone is determined mainly in consideration of the storage period and type of food.
In particular, ice greenhouses have a longer shelf life than refrigerated and vegetable rooms and can be stored for about a week.
Furthermore, freezing in a freezer allows for long-term storage for about one month.

  In recent years, the employment ratio of women has increased due to an increase in the number of households with two or fewer people and the trend toward a declining birthrate, and further reduction of domestic labor is desired. It is growing.

  However, in the ice greenhouse 700, for example, the temperature range is 0 ° C. to −3 ° C., and the temperature is the maximum ice crystal formation zone in which the substance changes easily at the temperature at which the moisture in the food begins to freeze and is unstable. Considering that there is a possibility of being included in a certain range of -1 ° C to -5 ° C, it cannot be said that the temperature is appropriate for long-term food preservation.

Also, as a result of the increase in the employment rate of women as described above, the proportion of weekend bulk purchases has also increased. In such a case, it may be sufficient to purchase meat and fish for one week, but the meat and fish that were scheduled to be used up due to sudden changes in the schedule or the amount used may not be used in one week. Often comes out.
In such a case, storage for one week in an ice greenhouse is not sufficient, and food is often stored in the freezer compartment in consideration of safety.

  On the other hand, in the freezer, the food can be frozen for a longer period of time than the ice greenhouse, but by reducing the temperature to −18 ° C., the water content of the food is completely frozen. In some cases, the surface may be damaged or the taste may be lost.

Furthermore, it is necessary to thaw during cooking in order to completely freeze the food.
In this case, thawing is often performed by natural thawing or a microwave oven, but in the case of natural thawing, a time of 1 hour or more is often required, and thawing is very troublesome. In addition, although thawing with a microwave oven is quick, it gradually thaws from the surface of the food, and when the center of the food is thawed, it often fails because the surface is overheated.

In addition, when thawing in this way, it is necessary to thaw everything once because it is hard and cannot be subdivided after freezing unless the portion to be used next is subdivided before freezing the food.
In this way, the freshness of food is deteriorated by repeating the procedure of once thawing unused portions and then freezing again, as well as thawing and cooking takes a lot of labor, reducing housework. Will be in conflict.

  Since the conventional refrigerator is configured as described above, there is a possibility that food is stored in the maximum ice crystal formation zone (-1 ° C to -5 ° C) in an ice greenhouse, and the freshness is likely to deteriorate. was there.

  Another problem is that the storage period of one week, like an ice greenhouse, has become insufficient due to environmental changes.

  In addition, in the case of storing food in a freezer, the food is completely frozen, so that there is a problem that the surface of the food is damaged.

  Furthermore, since the food is completely frozen, it is necessary to thaw at the time of cooking.

  In addition, if the food is frozen at once, it is necessary to thaw everything when a small amount is used, and the portion not used is frozen again to deteriorate the freshness.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a storage space for a new temperature zone freezing room that has a longer storage period of food than an ice greenhouse and can be stored with less deterioration of the food. The purpose is that.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator-freezer that is easy to use and provides a food storage state that does not waste time for cooking.

  The refrigerator-freezer according to the present invention is a refrigerator-freezer having a plurality of storage rooms including a freezing room for freezing and storing food at −18 ° C. or less, and is provided as a storage room separate from the freezing room, or in the freezing room Alternatively, it is provided in a storage room separate from the freezer compartment, avoiding the maximum ice crystal formation zone of -1 ° C to -5 ° C, and lower than the temperature of the maximum ice crystal formation zone and above -15 ° C. It is equipped with a new temperature zone freezing room that freezes and stores meat and fish in a frozen state that is hard enough to be subdivided with a knife or human hand without thawing.

  The refrigerator-freezer according to the present invention is a refrigerator-freezer having a switching chamber capable of switching a temperature zone in the storage chamber among a plurality of storage chambers, and the switching chamber is a maximum ice crystal generation zone. Avoid -1 ° C to -5 ° C, and subdivide meat and fish with a knife or human hands at temperatures below this maximum ice crystal formation zone and above -15 ° C without thawing. It is possible to switch to a new temperature zone freezer room that is frozen and stored in a frozen state of the hardness.

  According to the present invention, meat and fish can be stored in a new temperature zone freezer for a longer period than when stored in an ice greenhouse, and meat and fish stored frozen in a new temperature zone freezer can be stored. Can be subdivided immediately after taking it out of the new temperature zone freezing room without the need for thawing by a range or natural thawing that takes time, so the thawing step can be omitted and cooking time can be shortened, and the energy of thawing is wasted Easier to use and energy-saving refrigerator can be obtained.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention and is a front view of a refrigerator.
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator body, which includes a refrigerator compartment 100 disposed with an opening / closing door at the top of the refrigerator body 1, a freezer compartment 200 with a drawer door disposed below the refrigerator compartment 100, A new temperature zone freezer room 300 that is soft freezing, a new temperature zone freezer room 300, and a freezer room 200, which are freezer rooms having a drawer door disposed in the lower part and that are higher than the normal freezing temperature (−18 ° C.). It is comprised with the vegetable compartment 400 provided with the drawer door arrange | positioned between.

  A storage case 201 is installed in the freezer compartment 200 and can store food. A storage case 301 is also installed in the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 to store food. Similarly, a storage case 401 is installed in the vegetable compartment 400 to store food.

  FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator showing the configuration of the air passage in the first embodiment of the invention. The cold air cooled by the cooler 3 is circulated in the refrigerator main body 1 by the fan 2. The cooled cold air is sent to the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 through the new temperature zone freezer compartment air passage 5. Further, the air passes through the freezer compartment air passage 4 and is blown into the freezer compartment 200. A part of the cold air passing through the freezer compartment air passage 4 is further blown into the upper refrigerator compartment to cool the refrigerator compartment 100. The vegetable room 400 is cooled by circulating the return cold air from the refrigerating room 100 from the return path 6 for the refrigerating room, and then returned to the cooler room 3 from the return path 7 for the vegetable room. Then, the return cold air in the new temperature zone freezing room 300 is provided independently of the cold air return path of the other storage room and returned to the cooler room 3.

Here, the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the reaction rate of the degree of change in the surface color of food (methation) and the storage temperature. The vertical axis represents the methation reaction rate, and the horizontal axis represents the food storage temperature. Below the horizontal axis, the storage period of food and the time for thawing food are shown. The methation reaction rate becomes maximum at the maximum crystal formation zone of −1 ° C. to −5 ° C., which is the temperature at which water in the food begins to freeze. It becomes a state and the surface color is deteriorated, that is, the food cells are damaged and the taste is lowered.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the temperature of the new temperature zone freezer is set to −5 ° C. or lower in order to preserve the food avoiding this maximum crystal formation zone. In addition, although the storage period is long in the freezing temperature zone (−18 ° C. or lower), it takes a lot of time for thawing. Therefore, in order to preserve the food while avoiding the freezing temperature zone, for example, it is set above −15 ° C.

  As described above, the food in the new temperature zone freezer 300 is stored at, for example, −5 ° C. to −15 ° C., so it does not freeze tightly like food stored in the freezer, and is subdivided with a knife or a human hand. It can be frozen as softly as possible (soft freezing, soft frozen, frozen frozen), and the storage period of the food can be one week or longer, allowing the food to last longer in a better condition than an ice greenhouse.

  4 and 5 are data showing the relationship between food temperature and cutting load, including the relationship with the sense of human beings actually cutting food with a knife (somewhat hard, just good, too soft). It is a thing. Fig. 4 shows the result of tuna meat as the food, and Fig. 5 shows the result of pork as the food. For many foods, the temperature is between -5 ° C and -7 ° C. I found out that And the load is about 5-6 kg.

  Table 1 shows the shelf life of each food in the storage room at each storage temperature. The storage room is an example of a chilled room (about 0 ° C.), a partial room (about −3 ° C.), and a new temperature zone room (about −7 ° C.).

In Table 1, fish for sashimi (for tuna sashimi), fish for cooking (for cooking tuna), meat for cooking (for cooking ground meat), and boiled (boiled) vegetables (broccoli) The storage period (days) in each criterion for processed products (meat sauce) such as canned foods is shown. Judgment criteria are sensory evaluation point criteria (1 spoilage, 2 odor and discoloration, 3 edible limit, 4 slightly odor and discoloration, 5 no odor and discoloration), K value criteria, surface bacteria count criteria, viable count Use the necessary standards. Normally, within K value, within 20% can be eaten, within 60% is edible limit by heat treatment, surface bacteria count is 10 ⁴ edible limit, live bacteria count is 10 ⁶ edible limit Since it was judged that there was, the number of days until the limit was obtained. The K value is the ratio of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) -related substance and is a food freshness index.

The storage period for tuna sashimi indicates the number of days at each storage temperature when the criterion is a sensory evaluation point of 4 and a K value of 20%. Further, the storage period for tuna cooking shows the number of days at each storage temperature when the judgment criteria are sensory evaluation point 3, K value 60%, and 10 ⁴ surface bacteria. Also, minced meat cooking for, blanching already broccoli, shelf life of the meat sauce was reheated commercial canned, criteria the number of days in each storage temperature when evaluation point 3, the number 10 of the ^six viable functional ing. The underlined portion in Table 1 is the shortest storage period (number of days) according to each criterion. For example, in the new temperature zone for tuna sashimi, 14 days based on sensory evaluation points, and 30 days based on K values Thus, the shortest storage period (underlined) is 14 days.

  From the above, it was determined that it could be stored for 2 to 3 weeks in a new temperature zone (about -7 ° C) for 2 weeks or more for raw food such as sashimi and 3 weeks or more for heated food.

  In addition, it was confirmed that the storage period of the new temperature zone can be stored for more than three times the chilled temperature zone and twice or more than the partial temperature zone. For vegetables and processed products, both are over 35 days, but in actual use, the initial quality of the food varies, so it can be stored in a new freezing temperature zone that is cooler, subdivided, thawed, etc. Needless to say, there are advantages in terms of usability and storage.

Next, it shows about the thawing time of frozen food.
Table 2 shows the time required for the food stored at −18 ° C. to be cut by the thawing method (refrigerated room, room temperature, range), Table 3 shows the food stored at −7 ° C., and −18 It is the table | surface which showed the food surface temperature when the food preserve | saved at ° C was defrosted with the range.

  As shown in Table 2, in refrigeration room thawing and room temperature thawing, each thawing time is necessary, so it takes time and labor, such as taking out in advance. Also, in the case of range thawing, only labor is required and it does not take time. When stored at −7 ° C. according to the present invention, the food can be cut immediately after being taken out, so the waiting time is zero.

  As shown in Table 3, food stored at −7 ° C. has a maximum food surface temperature of 0 ° C. when the food is thawed, and the temperature when the food stored at −18 ° C. is 3 ° C., 6 ° C., Much lower than 9 ° C and less food degradation due to thawing.

  FIG. 6 shows the surface temperature distribution of the food when the food stored at −7 ° C. is taken out to room temperature, and FIG. 7 shows the surface temperature distribution of the food when the food stored at −18 ° C. is thawed in a microwave oven. In FIG. 6, the whole surface of the meat is the same color, and the food surface temperature is the same throughout. In FIG. 7, the color varies and is uneven, and the distribution range of the food surface temperature is also large. Compared to FIG. 6, the temperature is higher overall, and in the microwave thawing of minced meat, the fat portion is easily heated selectively, so the temperature of that portion is higher. Even for the same food, the surface temperature distribution after thawing varies depending on the storage temperature.

  From the above, food stored at -7 ° C can be thawed without using a microwave oven, etc. (it can be used as it is without thawing). There is no failure by passing.

  The above shows the superiority of the time until thawing to a temperature at which cutting is possible, but the fact that cutting is possible immediately after taking out means that, for example, the area that comes into contact with air by taking out minced meat etc. and cutting it finely Because it has the effect of expanding and promoting thawing, it can be said that it can be cut out immediately after being thawed to the raw state, and it can be said that it has the effect of reducing domestic working hours for convenience. .

Next, a method for setting the temperature of the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows a temperature setting device for the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300. Reference numeral 302 denotes a temperature detection thermistor (temperature detection means) provided in the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300, 303 denotes a set resistor, and 304 denotes a damper (5a in FIG. 23) that controls the blowing of cold air to the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300. ), And a voltage of 5 V is applied. The damper 5 a is provided in the new temperature zone freezer compartment air passage 5, and when the temperature detection thermistor 302 reaches a predetermined set temperature or higher, the damper is opened and the cold air outlet is opened and the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 is cooled with air. To adjust the temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a method of determining a set temperature by setting a set resistor 303 in series with a temperature detection thermistor 302 mounted in the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 and inputting an A / D value to the microcomputer 304. Take. In this case, it can be realized at low cost.

  It should be noted that the temperature setting can be continuously changed by setting the setting resistor to be variable so that it can be set to an arbitrary temperature range. Other temperature zones can be realized by the same setting method.

  The temperature selection in the new temperature zone of the present invention will be described. In this new temperature zone, the frozen state of the food is frozen and stored at a temperature that can be cut, but naturally the temperature and the frozen state differ depending on the food. This differs not only depending on the material level but also on the processing state (how to season, how to cook, etc.). In particular, food preservation at home varies from home to home. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that the temperature setting can be changed in order to control the frozen state depending on the type of food to be stored and the content of processing.

  For example, for the purpose of preserving mainly raw materials such as meat and fish, the temperature should be controlled at -7 ° C. However, the freezing point is used for those seasoned with miso, soy sauce, salt, etc. Since it is low, for example, it is better to set it lower than in the case of material storage such as −10 ° C.

  The storage period of the food in the new temperature zone as in the first embodiment is about 2 weeks. For example, even if the food purchased by bulk purchase on the weekend is not used up due to a change in schedule or the like, it can be stored with confidence until the next week.

  Moreover, since the water | moisture content of a foodstuff is not completely frozen, the surface of a foodstuff is not damaged and a taste does not fall. Therefore, foods with high moisture content (for example, curry, stew, radish grated, roasted eggplant) will not be frozen in the tick, and will not be spoiled and the flavor and texture will not be spoiled.

  Furthermore, it can be frozen softly without becoming frozen until it becomes firm, and it does not require thawing with a microwave oven or natural thawing that takes more than 1 hour, and it is possible to put a knife as it is, so that the thawing failure and labor are eliminated.

  Further, since it can be subdivided immediately after being taken out from the new temperature zone freezer room (soft freezing room), it is not necessary to subdivide it before storage, so that labor can be saved here.

  In addition, in the new temperature zone, foods with high sugar content such as fruits such as bananas, desserts such as pudding jelly, juices of fruit juice, etc. It becomes an unfrozen sorbet shape, etc., and a new texture different from the freezing and refrigeration unique to soft freezing can be obtained. The same applies to not only foods containing sugar but also salt, for example, octopus, salt salmon, and sports drinks.

  Furthermore, if it is normal beer (alcohol degree is about 5%), it does not freeze, and it does not forget that it was stored like a freezer and it does not burst. In the experiment, it did not freeze above -7 ° C.

  In addition, the preservation of food in the new temperature zone is faster than the partial room (ice greenhouse) and chilled room, and the period until the vitamin as a nutritional value is reduced. It is long, and the flavor and nutritional value are maintained for a long period of time until the taste changes as a taste. For example, the amount of decrease in anthocyan, which is an index indicating the color change of foods such as strawberries, is small, the rate of change in chlorophyll, which is an index indicating the color change of foods such as spinach, is slowed, and the quality of the food is maintained.

In general, it is said that when the passing speed of the maximum ice crystal formation zone (-1 ° C to -5 ° C) is slow, the preservation quality of food, particularly the protein denaturation is affected.
This means that when the passage speed is slow, ice crystals grow large and destroy the cell membrane of food, resulting in an increase in the amount of drip after thawing (a delicious taste flows out) or a bad texture. Is.

  FIG. 9 is a value obtained by measuring the amount of drip spilled from the thawed food after storing the beef steak and ground beef pork for 2 weeks at −7 ° C. and −18 ° C. 10 and 11 show the measurement of compressive stress (hardness) after storage, thawing and cooking after heating as described above. FIGS. 12 and 13 are the same as described above, and are the results of microscopic observation of the cross-section of the muscular tissue of the beef steak after thawing. The black part is the muscle fiber and the white part is the binding composition (main component: collagen). .

  From each result, the food stored at -7 ° C and -18 ° C and thawed has no difference in the amount of drip, and there is no significant difference in the state of the tissue. In addition, there is no difference in the quantitative evaluation such as no difference in compressive stress indicating the texture, and there is no problem in the quality of food. In the microscopic observations of FIGS. 12 and 13, the tissues are regularly and uniformly arranged, and changes such as destruction of the cell membrane are not observed. In addition, a taste test was also conducted as a sensory test, but no difference was felt. It is clear that there is no problem in practical use because it is seasoned in most cases.

  This is because the cell membrane in food is elastic and is not immediately destroyed by ice crystals, and the time lapse is considered to be a major factor in the destruction. That is, it is considered that the cell membrane is not destroyed by ice crystals in the period of 2 to 3 weeks.

  As described above, the storage in the new freezing temperature zone proposed in the present invention has a quality in a period of 2 to 3 weeks, is a temperature that is easy to use, and is a chilled ( Create a new concept of storage as a new storage temperature that has ease of use of chilled and partial and storage stability of frozen, for storage by (about 0 ℃) or partial (about -3 ℃) and frozen (about -18 ℃) Is.

  Table 4 is a table regarding the effects on the thawing time, hardness, and stickiness of food in each storage state (immediately after cooking, 1 hour after cooking, 5 ° C., 0 ° C., −7 ° C., −18 ° C.), FIG. FIG. 15 compares the hardness and stickiness data in Table 4 in a bar graph. The hardness of rice is indicated by compressive stress (g), and the stickiness of rice is indicated by tensile stress (g).

  Those stored at 0 ° C. and 5 ° C. with respect to the storage temperature increase in hardness, and those stored at −7 ° C. and −18 ° C. are equivalent to the state after 1 hour of cooking, and are well preserved in freezing. It has been confirmed that there is no problem with the quality of rice.

Further, the fact that the time of -7 ° C. can be shortened compared to −18 ° C. in the thawing time is considered to lead to energy saving while giving priority to storage stability.
Of course, the same can be said for heating in cooking.

  In addition, the above is qualitatively equivalent to the portion that has an advantage in comparison with the conventional freezing temperature zone of -18 ° C when the food is frozen at -7 ° C and then stored at -7 ° C. However, if the food is used for 2 to 3 weeks or more, first store it frozen at -18 ° C or the like, and then move the food to -7 ° C when you want to use it. It is also possible to use it while thawing to -7 ° C instead of complete thawing. This means that if the food is completely thawed from the conventional freezing, the food must be used immediately. However, if it is thawed at -7 ° C, it is thawed to a severable state and stored. In terms of sex, it can be done on a weekly basis, and since it can be cut, there is no need for subdivision when stored frozen, and it is easy to use.

  In addition, when it is desired to use while subdividing at −7 ° C., when there is no plan to use for a while, it is also possible to store it at a lower temperature until it is used next time. Moreover, what is necessary is just to move to -7 degreeC when using.

  As described above, by providing a new temperature zone that is an intermediate temperature zone between complete freezing and thawing as in the present invention, it is possible to utilize food more rationally.

  Furthermore, in small families, frozen chunks of meat and fish (food that has been frozen and sold at the time of sale) must be used up once thawed, so the sales unit is large and inexpensive. However, in the temperature range of the present invention, even in the case of a small number of people, it can be used while being subdivided in a half-thawed state, so it is possible to purchase food at low cost, and future food purchase and It is considered to be a temperature zone that affects the distribution form.

  Furthermore, the rationale for utilization in general households has been described above. However, food processing can also be performed in food processing in a temperature range that can be processed (cut) at a lower temperature by processing food in the temperature range of the present invention. It can be said that the processing is superior to the conventional in terms of hygiene and processing.

  If you want to use food stored in the freezer room a few days later, for example, by setting a timer with a microcomputer, or using the display outside the warehouse as a switch, and setting the date you want to use it or the number of days until it is used A storage room is set up so that it automatically becomes a new freezing temperature zone when food is used. When used, it is possible to obtain a method of using a refrigerator that allows food to be taken out and cooked from the freezer compartment in a new freezing temperature zone.

  For example, a food to be used after one month is put in a storage room and a timer is set. Here, it takes about one day for food stored in the freezer temperature zone to reach the new freezing temperature, and the timer is scheduled to be used by inputting the date (or the number of days later) minus one day after one month. The food is in good condition on a daily basis. Since the scheduled date may change somewhat, the timer may be set on the schedule of about one week after one month (after about three weeks). Alternatively, a timer that automatically calculates a schedule for transition to a new freezing temperature zone when a scheduled use date is input may be used.

  With this, it is possible to bring the food into a state where it can be easily cooked at any time with a simple operation (setting), and the food can be used in a timely manner in a state of a food that is easy to cook. Therefore, sorting work and thawing work before thawing are eliminated, and waste can be saved. In addition, when the food stored in the refrigerator compartment is to be used after a few days, the use schedule may be set in order to obtain a frozen state that can be processed slightly frozen from the refrigerator state.

  Therefore, it has the merit that the meat tissue is firmer than the raw state, so that it is easy to cut and handle, and because it is low temperature, it is difficult for bacteria to propagate. Of course, the temperature of the food such as −7 ° C. Although it may be in the temperature zone of the present invention, the working environment may be set to the corresponding temperature.

  It can also suppress the growth of most bacteria that cause food degradation. Since it doesn't freeze completely, there are few cell destruction at the time of freezing, and it suppresses that a taste, aroma, and nutritional value are spoiled.

  In addition, by soft freezing (freezing softly) the food, the energy of thawing used when subdividing the conventional food is not wasted and energy is saved. Also, the time for cooking is shortened by omitting the thawing step out of the steps of taking out the conventional food from the refrigerator, thawing, subdividing and starting cooking, saving the time of thawing.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view of the arrangement of the storage room of the refrigerator. Reference numeral 500 denotes a switching chamber that can be switched from a refrigeration temperature zone (−18 ° C.) having a drawer door disposed at the lower part of the refrigeration chamber 100 to a new temperature zone refrigeration, refrigeration, vegetable, and chilled temperature zone. The lower part of the refrigerating room 100 is composed of a vegetable room 400 provided between the switching room 500 and the freezing room 200 arranged at the lowermost part and provided with a drawer door. A storage case 501 is installed in the switching chamber 500 and can store various foods. Similarly, a storage case 401 is also installed in the vegetable compartment 400.

  For example, if the switching room 500 is used in an ice greenhouse of about 0 ° C (chilled temperature zone or partial chamber zone), it can be used as a storage room that can store food for about a week without freezing. It becomes a convenient refrigerator.

  In addition, depending on the season, the switching chamber 500 can be switched to a freezing temperature range (−18 ° C.), and ice cream, ice, and the like can be stored in a convenient location such as in summer.

  Furthermore, by making it possible to switch the temperature of the switching chamber 500 to the temperature of the new temperature zone freezing chamber 300, the effects described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the usage applications are expanded.

  Reference numerals 8a to 8d denote display units indicating the temperature zone regions of the storage rooms. 8a is the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 100, 8b is the temperature of the switching chamber 500, 8c is the temperature of the vegetable compartment, and 8d is the temperature of the freezer compartment. The set value of each storage room is determined, the set value is stored in the microcomputer, the stored set value data is transmitted as a signal, and the temperature is displayed on the display units 8a to 8d. Further, this display may be the actual temperature at that time instead of the set value data, or both may be displayed.

  As the display method, the temperature value is entered and displayed, or the temperature is displayed in different colors. In FIG. 16, display units are provided for all the storage rooms, but only the storage rooms required by the user, for example, a switching room in which the temperature range in the storage room is difficult to understand, or a new freezing temperature range. You may provide in a freezer room etc. which wants to check a freezing temperature. Moreover, you may use what shows the temperature zone in several storage chambers with one display part. In FIG. 16, the display unit is installed outside the warehouse, but may be installed inside the warehouse.

  From the above, it is not necessary to open the refrigerator to confirm the temperature zone of one or both of the installation temperature of each storage room or the actual temperature at a glance, so that the temperature zone of the switching room 500 can be confirmed by mistake. It is possible to provide a user-friendly refrigerator without opening the storage room, even if the number of temperature zones in the storage room is increased or a new temperature zone (new freezing temperature zone) is increased.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view of the arrangement of the storage rooms of the refrigerator 1. A structure in which a refrigerator compartment 100 is provided at the top of the refrigerator, a vegetable compartment 400 for storing vegetables at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment 200 at the bottom, and the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 is provided between the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment. It has become.

  In a refrigerator having a freezer compartment in a new temperature zone independently, by providing one or more other freezer compartments, for example, the freezer compartment 200 stores frozen foods stored for a long time, and the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 has Can be stored separately according to the purpose of storing leftovers of food and food preparation, meat that needs to be subdivided, and the like. You don't have to eat leftovers immediately (continue), and you can eat the same food for a while.

  The new temperature zone freezing room 300 may be a storage room that can be switched from freezing to a new temperature zone, refrigeration, vegetables, ice temperature (chilled), and the like.

  Further, in the arrangement of the storage room, as shown in FIG. 18, a refrigerator room 100 is provided in the upper part of the refrigerator, a new temperature zone freezer room 300 having the new temperature zone in the lower part of the refrigerator room, and a freezer room 200 in the lowermost part. A vegetable room 400 may be provided between the new temperature zone freezer room and the freezer room.

  The new temperature zone freezer room 300 may be a storage room that can be switched from freezing to a new temperature zone, refrigerated, vegetables, ice temperature (chilled), etc., and by changing the set temperature of the new temperature zone freezer room 300, Control the temperature zone.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a refrigerator 100 is provided in the upper part of the refrigerator, a freezer room 200 is provided in the lower part of the refrigerator, a vegetable room 400 is provided in the lowermost part, and a new temperature zone freezer room is provided between the freezer room and the vegetable room. 300 may be provided.

  The new temperature zone freezer room 300 may be a storage room that can be switched from freezing to a new temperature zone freezer room, a refrigerator room, a vegetable room, an ice greenhouse (chilled), or the like.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, the ice storage room 600 is made independent and the new temperature zone freezing room 300 is provided in parallel with the ice storage room 600. For example, the refrigerator compartment 100 is provided above the refrigerator, and the new compartment is provided below the refrigerator compartment. The temperature zone freezing room 300 and the ice storage room 600 may be provided in parallel, the freezing room 200 may be provided at the bottom, and the vegetable room 400 may be provided between the new temperature zone freezing room, the ice storage room, and the freezing room provided in parallel. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, a refrigerator 100 can be provided in the upper part of the refrigerator, and the new temperature zone freezer room 300 (a storage room that can be switched from freezing to a new temperature zone, refrigerator, vegetables, chilled, etc.) can be used in the lower part of the refrigerator. ) And the ice storage chamber 600 may be provided in parallel, the vegetable room at the bottom, and the freezing chamber 200 may be provided between the new temperature zone freezing room, the ice storage room, and the vegetable room provided in parallel.

  The new temperature zone freezer room 300 may be a storage room that can be switched from freezing to a new temperature zone freezer room, a refrigerator room, a vegetable room, an ice greenhouse (chilled), or the like.

  In addition, the new temperature zone freezer room 300 has a shorter storage period and a higher frequency of use than the freezer room. In addition, the freezing room is used less frequently than the refrigerated room or the vegetable room, so it is provided below the refrigerator. In addition, when the freezer is provided below the refrigerator, the drawer door is better because it is difficult to take out food at the back with the open door.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the third embodiment, it has been described that one or more freezer compartments can be provided in addition to the independent new temperature zone freezer compartment 300. More storage rooms that can be stored for a longer time are required. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a refrigerator compartment 100 is provided at the top of the refrigerator, a vegetable compartment 400 is provided at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, a first freezer compartment 200 is provided at the bottom of the vegetable compartment, and a second freezer compartment 250 is provided at the bottom. In two freezer compartments (including two or more), one of them can be handled by a specification that can be selected from either a new temperature zone freezer compartment or a normal freezer compartment.

  Here, when one is a freezer compartment and the other is a new temperature zone freezer compartment, the storage period is shorter and the frequency of use is higher than that of the freezer compartment.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the air path configuration of the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the refrigerator is the same as that shown in FIG. 20, with the refrigerator compartment 100 from the top and the ice storage compartment 600 and the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 in parallel at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment 200 and the top of the freezer compartment at the bottom. This is a refrigerator provided with a vegetable room 400.

  In the figure, 2 is a fan motor that sends out cool air, 3 is a cooler, 5 is an air passage for a new temperature zone freezer compartment, and further opens and closes the damper 5a according to the set temperature in order to improve the temperature distribution of the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 The flow rate of cold air is controlled. The damper 5a is provided in the air passage, the amount of cold air blown out to the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 can be adjusted, and the distribution in the storage compartment can be improved.

  For example, when the set temperature of the new temperature zone freezer is set to −7 ° C., the damper 5a is closed when the temperature detecting means (temperature detection thermistor) 302 of the new temperature zone freezer 300 becomes −7.5 ° C. Shut off the cool air. Thereafter, when the temperature rises to −6.5 ° C., the damper 5a is opened and cold air is introduced. By repeating this, the storage chamber can be controlled to a stable temperature.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 of refrigerator 1 showing the air path configuration diagram of new temperature zone freezer compartment 300 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Reference numeral 5 denotes a new temperature zone freezer compartment air passage for sending cold air into the new temperature zone freezer compartment 300.

As shown in the figure, it is possible to improve the temperature distribution by providing an air passage for blowing cold air to the new temperature zone freezing room 300 in the ceiling portion 305 and providing several cold air outlets 306.
In addition, the same stable temperature control is possible even if the air passage is attached separately.

  Further, FIG. 25 shows a plan cross-sectional view, but the same effect can be obtained by providing an air passage on the side surface 307 instead of the ceiling portion 305 of the new temperature zone freezing chamber 300 and providing the cold air outlet 308.

  Further, by providing the ceiling portion 305 and the side surface portion 307, the temperature of the storage room can be controlled more stably.

  Further, the temperature distribution is improved by installing a tray formed of a material having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum on the bottom surface portion, and similarly forming the storage case by a material having good thermal conductivity.

  As described above, the new temperature zone freezing room 300 is shown as a storage room partitioned by a partition wall or the like, but it may be partitioned by a case or the like and provided in a storage room of another temperature zone.

  FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a storage corner formed in the refrigerator compartment 100. 801 is a partition with the refrigerator compartment 100, 802 is a heat insulating material that insulates the refrigerator compartment 100 and the storage compartment 800, 805 is a duct that forms a cooling air passage between the heat insulating material 802 and the storage corner 800, and 800c is provided in the duct 805. It is an air outlet. Further, a lid 803 is formed on the front surface of the storage corner 800 by a heat insulating material or air heat insulation, and a packing 806 is provided around the cover 803. A tray 804 is provided at the bottom, and is formed of a material such as plastic or aluminum having good heat conductivity. The storage corner 800 is cooled by adjusting the cool air cooled by the cooler to a set temperature by the air volume adjusting damper 800a for the storage corner 800. 100a is a damper for the refrigerator compartment 100.

  27 is a cross-sectional view including the return air path of the storage corner 800, and FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. In 800d, the cool air blown from the outlet 800c at the suction port of the storage corner 800 circulates in the corner, and is returned to the cooler through the return air path 800e from the suction port 800d. The return air path 800e of the storage corner 800 is provided independently of the other return air paths, and in particular, the freezing of the hot and humid cold air in the refrigerator compartment or the like is independent and mixed to cause freezing. It is comprised so that etc. may be prevented.

  FIG. 29 is a front view of the refrigerator compartment 100, and a water supply tank 900 for an automatic ice making machine is installed on the floor of the refrigerator compartment 100. 900a is a heater for preventing freezing of the water supply tank 900 due to the temperature effect of the storage corner 800, and 900b is a heater for preventing freezing of the storage room located at the lower stage of the storage corner 800, which is disposed on the back side of the main body. The temperature of the corner 800 is prevented from being affected.

  In addition, when the storage corner 800 is set as a new temperature zone room of the present invention, the switching room shown in the other embodiments can be used as a freezing ice cream room according to the life pattern of the user, The temperature zone of the invention can be used with a large capacity in combination with an independent switching chamber.

  In addition, although one storage corner 800 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 100 here, one storage corner 800 is provided in a storage temperature room (one door room) other than the refrigerator compartment, By providing a plurality of storage corners in the refrigerator, it becomes a refrigerator suitable for the user's purpose of use. In the combination of multiple storage corners, for example, in the case of a refrigerated room and a new temperature zone freezing room, what was planned to be used immediately and stored in the refrigerated room has been changed to be stored for 2-3 weeks. When moving to the new temperature zone freezer, it is easy to move food in the same door.

  In addition, for example, in the case of a new temperature zone freezer room and a freezer room, what was planned to be used in 2 to 3 weeks and stored in the new temperature freezer zone changed its schedule and required long-term storage. Similarly, it is easy to move, and the refrigerator can be used reasonably.

  The same applies to the exchange between the opposite storage chambers. The combination of the storage rooms may be suitable for the user, and the storage room is also suitable for the user such as up and down, left and right. Moreover, even if it does not become a storage corner, what was divided by a simple partition may be used.

  Thus, by providing two or more switchable corners or independent storage rooms in the refrigerator, it is possible to realize a refrigerator having a temperature zone that matches the user's eating habits.

  As described above, the storage room used as a freezer room is automatically set to be variable to a new freezing temperature range (approximately -7 ° C) with a microcomputer or the like by changing a switch outside the warehouse or an adjustment knob inside the warehouse. By making it possible to store foods with a storage period of 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer for long-term storage, or even if the schedule suddenly changes, such as without moving the food By simple operation (setting change), the appropriate temperature can be set, saving energy.

  In addition, the storage room temperature of a freezer warehouse (large refrigerator) or a frozen food transport vehicle can be set to a freezing temperature including the temperature zone of the new temperature zone freezer room (soft freezing room). Maximum ice crystal formation zone (-1 ° C to -5 ° C) or lower Freezing temperature zone (-18 ° C to -20 ° C) or higher Temperature range can be switched continuously, and storage days (transport days) ) And the purpose of storage and food content, it was possible to set the freezing temperature. The storage room temperature can be switched to any number of degrees Celsius at any time using the temperature control method described in the above embodiment. Therefore, food can be stored frozen in a better state.

The refrigerator front view which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is an air passage configuration diagram showing the first embodiment according to the present invention. The new temperature zone setting figure which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The figure showing the relationship between the temperature of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention, and cutting load. The figure showing the relationship between the temperature of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention, and cutting load. The surface temperature distribution map of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The surface temperature distribution map of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The new temperature zone setting figure which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the drip amount which flowed out from the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the compressive stress of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the compressive stress of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The figure which observed the cross section of the muscular structure | tissue of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention with a microscope. The figure which observed the cross section of the muscular structure | tissue of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention with a microscope. The figure which shows the hardness of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the stickiness of the foodstuff which shows Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 2 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 3 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 3 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 3 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 3 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 3 which concerns on this invention. The storage room arrangement | positioning figure which shows Embodiment 4 which concerns on this invention. Airway block diagram showing Embodiment 5 according to the present invention. Airway block diagram showing Embodiment 6 according to the present invention. Airway block diagram showing Embodiment 6 according to the present invention. Sectional drawing of the storage corner formed in the refrigerator compartment which shows Embodiment 6 which concerns on this invention. Sectional drawing of the storage corner formed in the refrigerator compartment containing the return air path of the storage corner which shows Embodiment 6 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. The front view of the refrigerator compartment which shows Embodiment 6 which concerns on this invention. The refrigerator side surface sectional drawing which shows the prior art example which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator main body, 2 fan, 3 cooler, 4 freezer compartment air duct, 5 new temperature zone air duct, 5a new temperature zone freezer damper, 6 refrigerator compartment return channel, 7 vegetable room return channel, 8 display part , 100 refrigerator compartment, 200 freezer compartment, 201 freezer compartment storage case, 250 second freezer compartment, 300 new temperature zone freezer room, 301 new temperature zone freezer compartment case, 302 new temperature zone freezer thermistor, 303 set resistance, 304 microcomputer, 400 vegetable room, 401 vegetable room storage case, 500 switching room, 501 switching room storage case, 600 ice storage room, 700 ice greenhouse, 800 storage corner.

Claims (2)

A refrigerator-freezer having a plurality of storage rooms including a freezing room for freezing and storing food at −18 ° C. or less,
Provided as a separate storage room from the freezer room, or provided in the freezer room or in a separate storage room from the freezer room, avoiding the maximum ice crystal formation zone of -1 ° C to -5 ° C, Freeze and store meat and fish in a frozen state that can be subdivided with a knife or human hands without thawing at temperatures below the maximum ice crystal formation zone temperature and above -15 ° C A freezing refrigerator comprising a new temperature zone freezing room. A refrigerator-freezer having a switching room capable of switching a temperature zone in the storage room in a plurality of storage rooms,
This switching room avoids the maximum ice crystal formation zone of -1 ° C to -5 ° C, and does not thaw meat and fish at temperatures below this maximum ice crystal formation zone and above -15 ° C A freezing refrigerator characterized by being able to switch to a new temperature zone freezing room that is frozen and stored in a frozen state that is hard enough to be subdivided with a knife or human hand.

Images