JP2022099074A - Refrigerator and cooking method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator which improves storage stability of foods stored in a sealed container and promotes permeation of seasonings into the foods by repeating pressure reduction and cancellation of an airtight state.SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises: a sealed container 10 containing seasonings and foods immersed in the seasonings and disposed in a cold room 3; a vacuum pump 20 reducing pressure inside of the sealed container 10; airtight state cancelling means 50 which cancels an airtight state of the sealed container 10; and control means 40 which controls operations of the vacuum pump 20 and the airtight state cancelling means 50. In a case where it is determined that the pressure in the sealed container 10 is reduced equal to or lower than a threshold, the control means 40 executes first processing to stop a pressure reducing operation of the vacuum pump 20 and a second processing to drive the airtight state cancelling means 50 in such a manner that the airtight state of the sealed container 10 is cancelled. In a case where the number of times of repeating a set of the first processing and the second processing is less than a preset value, the control means drives the vacuum pump 20, executes the first processing and the second processing again and promotes permeation of the seasonings into the foods.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a cooking method.

Conventionally, a refrigerator provided with a vacuum pump and a closed container (closed section) in which the inside is depressurized by the vacuum pump to improve the storage stability of foodstuffs contained in the closed container has been provided (for example, Patent Document 1). Further, for example, a closed container (vacuum canister) capable of creating a vacuum state (a state lower than the atmospheric pressure) inside by a pressure reducing valve attached to a lid or a container body has also been conventionally provided. By storing the vacuum canister in which the food is stored in advance and the inside is decompressed in the refrigerator, the storage stability of the food can be improved.

Japanese Patent No. 4821565

Here, the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a storage chamber provided with a vacuum vessel having a closed structure, a cooling means for cooling the storage chamber or the vacuum vessel, a decompression means for varying the pressure in the vacuum vessel, and a vacuum vessel. At least part of the process of cooling a food consisting of an aggregate of small pieces housed inside a vacuum vessel to a predetermined freezing temperature and a pressure fluctuation device equipped with an atmospheric pressure introducing means for introducing atmospheric pressure inside. In the process, a control device is provided which changes the pressure of the gas space in contact with the food by the pressure fluctuation means. With this configuration, it is possible to introduce or pressurize the atmospheric pressure by the atmospheric pressure introducing means in a depressurized state and apply wind pressure to the food to freeze the food in a rose shape.

By the way, the pressure fluctuation treatment for foodstuffs is considered to be effective for foodstuffs having a form different from that of aggregates of small pieces (for example, minced meat, rice, etc.) as shown in Patent Document 1. In particular, it is expected that the efficiency of permeation of the seasoning into the food material can be improved by subjecting the food material soaked in the seasoning to the pressure fluctuation treatment. Furthermore, it is expected that the permeation of the seasoning into the foodstuff can be further promoted by repeating the pressure fluctuation treatment (decompression and opening to the atmosphere (release of the airtight state)) for the foodstuff soaked in the seasoning.

However, while the invention of Patent Document 1 is intended only for foodstuffs composed of aggregates of small pieces, it is not supposed to be applied to other forms of foodstuffs. Therefore, it is also suggested in Patent Document 1 that the pressure in the vacuum container (closed container) for accommodating the foodstuff immersed in the seasoning is repeatedly reduced and the airtight state is released to promote the permeation of the seasoning into the foodstuff. Not even done.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a refrigerator and a cooking method that promotes the permeation of seasonings into the foodstuff by repeatedly reducing the pressure and releasing the airtight state while improving the storage stability of the foodstuff contained in the closed container. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the refrigerator according to the present invention is
A closed container that contains the seasoning and the foodstuff that is immersed in the seasoning and is arranged in the refrigerator compartment.
A vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the closed container,
Airtightness release means for releasing the airtight state of the closed container,
At least, a control means for controlling the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release means,
Equipped with
The control means is
When it is determined that the pressure in the closed container has been reduced below the threshold value, the first process of stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump and the second process of driving the airtight state releasing means to release the airtight state of the closed container. And while doing
If the number of repetitions of the set of the first process and the second process is less than the set value, the vacuum pump is driven to execute the first process and the second process again.
It is characterized by promoting the penetration of seasonings into foodstuffs.

Further, in the refrigerator according to the present invention,
The control means further executes a third process of stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump when it is determined that the pressure in the closed container is not decompressed below the threshold value after a lapse of a predetermined time. ..

Further, the cooking method according to the present invention is
A closed container that contains the seasoning and the foodstuff that is immersed in the seasoning and is arranged in the refrigerator compartment.
A vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the closed container,
Airtightness release means for releasing the airtight state of the closed container,
At least, a control means for controlling the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release means,
Using a refrigerator equipped with
The control means is
When it is determined that the pressure in the closed container has been reduced below the threshold value, the first process of stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump and the second process of driving the airtight state releasing means to release the airtight state of the closed container. And while doing
If the number of repetitions of the set of the first process and the second process is less than the set value, the vacuum pump is driven to execute the first process and the second process again.
It is characterized by promoting the penetration of seasonings into foodstuffs.

According to the present invention, the pressure inside the closed container can be reduced in the refrigerated environment of the refrigerated chamber. As a result, the storage stability of the foodstuff contained in the closed container can be improved. Further, when the pressure in the closed container is reduced to the threshold value or less, the depressurizing operation of the vacuum pump is stopped (first process), and the airtight state of the closed container is released (second process). Further, when the number of repetitions of the set of the first process and the second process is less than the set value, the vacuum pump is driven and the first process and the second process are executed again. As a result, the pressure reduction of the closed container and the release of the airtight state are repeated, and the permeation of the seasoning into the food material can be promoted.

Further, according to the present invention, if the pressure in the closed container is not reduced to the threshold value or less after a lapse of a predetermined time, the depressurizing operation of the vacuum pump is stopped. Therefore, in the decompression process of the closed container, a defect of the vacuum pump or the closed container can be detected at an early stage. As a result, it is possible to prevent the vacuum pump from operating unnecessarily even though the closed container cannot be depressurized to the threshold pressure. In addition, since the operation of the vacuum pump can be stopped at an early stage, it is possible to prevent further damage to the vacuum pump and adverse effects on other members and devices in the refrigerator.

Further, according to the present invention, the pressure inside the closed container is reduced by the operation of the vacuum pump. As a result, the storage stability of the foodstuff contained in the closed container can be improved. Further, when the pressure in the closed container is reduced to the threshold value or less, the depressurizing operation of the vacuum pump is stopped (first process), and the airtight state of the closed container is released (second process). Further, when the number of repetitions of the first process and the set of the second process is less than the set value, the vacuum pump is driven and the set of the first process and the second process is executed again. As a result, the pressure reduction of the closed container and the release of the airtight state are repeated, and the permeation of the seasoning into the food material can be promoted.

A side view vertical sectional view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment. A partial perspective view of a refrigerating chamber accommodating a closed container and a vacuum pump in the present embodiment. Horizontal sectional view of a closed container and a vacuum pump housed in a refrigerator compartment. BB'cross-sectional view of the closed container and vacuum pump shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC'of the closed container and the vacuum pump shown in FIG. The block diagram for demonstrating the control means in this embodiment. A flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in the cooking mode. A flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in the cooking mode. An example of a data table constructed in the storage unit of a control means. A flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in the normal mode.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In explaining the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, the "up and down" direction corresponds to the height direction of the refrigerator 1, the "left and right" direction corresponds to the width direction of the refrigerator 1, and the "front and back" direction corresponds to the height direction of the refrigerator 1. , Corresponds to the depth direction of the refrigerator 1.

[Constitution]
First, the overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a side view vertical sectional view of the refrigerator 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment includes a heat insulating box 2 corresponding to a refrigerator main body. The heat insulating box 2 is a heat insulating material made of polyurethane foam (urethane foam) that is filled in the gap formed between the outer box 2a made of steel plate, the inner box 2b made of synthetic resin, and the outer box and the inner box. The material 2c is provided.

Further, the heat insulating box 2 includes a plurality of storage chambers 3, 4, and 5. Each storage chamber is partitioned by heat insulating partition walls 6a and 6b. The plurality of storage rooms in the present embodiment correspond to the refrigerating room 3, the vegetable room 4, and the freezing room 5 in this order from the top. However, the arrangement order of each storage room is not limited to this (for example, the refrigerating room, the freezing room, and the vegetable room may be arranged in order from the top).

The front surface of each storage chamber provided in the heat insulating box 2 is open. Insulation doors (not shown) are provided to close each of these openings so that they can be opened and closed. Here, in the heat insulating door covering the opening of the refrigerating chamber 3, for example, the upper and lower ends of the right end of the refrigerator are rotatably supported by the heat insulating box 2 to close the front opening of the refrigerating chamber 3. Further, the heat insulating door covering the opening of the vegetable room 4 is arranged so as to be able to be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the heat insulating box 2, and closes the front opening of the vegetable room 4. Similarly, the heat insulating door covering the opening of the freezing chamber 5 is arranged so as to be retractable in the front-rear direction with respect to the heat insulating box 2, and closes the front opening of the freezing chamber 5.

Next, the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 housed in the refrigerating chamber 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. Here, FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the refrigerating chamber 3 accommodating the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20. Further, FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 housed in the refrigerating chamber 3 (a view obtained by cutting the refrigerating chamber 3 shown in FIG. 1 along the AA' line). Further, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB'of the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC'of the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 in this embodiment are installed on the bottom wall 31 side of the refrigerating chamber 3. Further, the closed container 10 is arranged on the front side of the refrigerating chamber 3. Although not particularly limited, the closed container 10 is placed on the guide rib 32 projecting upward from the bottom wall 31 of the refrigerating chamber 3 in a detachable state.

The guide rib 32 guides the closed container 10 to a predetermined installation position. Therefore, the closed container 10 can be reliably set, and the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 can be easily connected so that the air exhausted from the closed container 10 does not leak.

That is, the closed container 10 is housed in a state where it can be taken in and out (detachable) from the refrigerating chamber 3. By allowing the closed container 10 to be taken in and out of the refrigerating chamber 3, the food can be stored in the closed container 10 in advance outside the refrigerator 1, and then the closed container 10 can be stored in the refrigerating chamber 3. As a result, the foodstuff can be easily stored in the closed container 10.

The food material in the present embodiment is stored in the closed container 10 in a state of being immersed in the seasoning. Examples of foodstuffs include beef, pork, chicken and other livestock meat; fish and shellfish; vegetables and the like. Examples of seasonings include salts, sugars, acidulants, spices, starch-based raw materials, liquid seasonings containing flavor components, and paste-like seasonings such as miso. However, it is not limited to this.

On the other hand, the vacuum pump 20 is arranged on the rear side of the closed container 10. The vacuum pump 20 in this embodiment is housed in a case 21. However, the position of the vacuum pump 20 is not limited to this as long as the pressure inside the closed container 10 can be depressurized. Further, the vacuum pump 20 may be provided in a place other than the refrigerating chamber 3 in the refrigerator 1.

Further, a closed container detection sensor 33 for detecting that the closed container 10 is housed in a predetermined position in the refrigerating chamber 3 is provided in a region sandwiched between the closed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20. The aspect of the closed container detection sensor 33 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect that the closed container 10 is housed in a predetermined position. Examples of the closed container detection sensor 33 include a micro switch that outputs a detection signal in response to contact with the closed container 10, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, and the like.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, the closed container 10 in the present embodiment includes a hollow container main body 11 for storing food, an inner lid 12 covering an opening at the upper part of the container main body 11, and an inner lid 12. (The inner lid 12 and the upper lid 13 may be collectively referred to as a "cover portion"). However, the form of the lid portion is not limited to the one in which the inner lid 12 and the upper lid 13 are separate members, and these may be integrated. Moreover, it may be in other forms.

Ingredients soaked in seasonings are stored in the container body 11. Further, the inner lid 12 is formed with a first through hole 121 that communicates with the inside of the container body 11. Further, the inner lid 12 includes a first valve 122 capable of closing the first through hole 121 of the inner lid 12. The first valve 122 in the present embodiment is a flat plate-shaped member (for example, a rubber check valve), but is not limited to this as long as the first through hole 121 can be closed.

Further, the upper lid 13 includes a first communication passage 131 including a first through hole 121 and one end 1311 facing the first valve 122. Further, the first communication passage 131 includes the other end 1312 that communicates with the outside of the upper lid 13 (outside the lid portion) and faces the vacuum pump 20 (inside the case 21).

Although not particularly limited, the other end 1312 of the first communication passage 131 and the intake port 22 of the vacuum pump 20 may be connected via a pipeline 24. The pipeline 24 in this embodiment is a bendable resin tube. However, it is not limited to this. Further, the sealing portion 25 may be arranged between the closed container 10 and the case 20. The sealing portion 25 ensures that air leakage from the flow path from the first communication passage 131 to the pipeline 24 is prevented.

Before the start of the depressurizing operation (intake) in the vacuum pump 20, the first valve 122 closes the first through hole 121 (FIG. 4B). On the other hand, when the depressurizing operation (intake) in the vacuum pump 20 is started, the surrounding air is sucked from the intake port 22 of the vacuum pump 20. Along with this, the pressure inside the first communication passage 131 communicating with the case 21 is reduced, and the first valve 122 is separated (FIG. 4 (c)). As a result, the first through hole 121 is opened, and the inside of the container body 11 communicates with the first communication passage 131. Subsequently, the vacuum pump 20 operates to reduce the pressure inside the container body 11 (sealed container 10).

Further, it is preferable that the present embodiment includes a pressure sensor (element indicated by reference numeral 24 in FIG. 6 described later). When the pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the container body 11 (sealed container 10) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.5 atm or less), the depressurization operation of the vacuum pump 20 is stopped. As a result, the first valve 122 moves toward the first through hole 121 (falls into the first through hole 121 due to the differential pressure inside and outside the container), and the first through hole 121 is closed.

As a result, the pressure inside the container body 11 is maintained at the pressure after depressurization. The mode of the pressure sensor is not particularly limited, and an example thereof includes a current sensor that measures the motor drive current of the vacuum pump 20 (more specifically, the control of the current value signal detected by the current sensor is described later. The current value transmitted to the means 40 and received by the control means 40 is converted into the pressure value after decompression).

Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second through hole 123 is provided at a position different from the first through hole 121 of the inner lid 12. Further, the inner lid 12 includes a second valve 124 capable of closing the second through hole 123. When the pressure inside the closed container 10 is reduced, a force for pulling the inside of the closed container 10 acts on the second valve 124 fitted in the second through hole 123. As a result, the second valve 124 is fixed in a state of being fitted in the second through hole 123. The second valve 124 in the present embodiment is a spherical member, but is not limited to this as long as the second through hole 123 can be closed.

Further, the upper lid 13 includes a second communication passage 132 including a second through hole 123 and one end 1321 facing the second valve 124. Further, the second communication passage 132 includes the other end 1322 communicating with the outside of the upper lid 13 (outside the lid portion). In the case of this embodiment, the other end 1322 communicates with the inside of the case 21 of the vacuum pump 20.

Further, a rack and pinion mechanism (rack 51 and pinion 52) is arranged in the case 21. Further, a long pin-shaped working portion 53 capable of pushing the second valve 124 is attached to the tip of the rack 51. The action unit 53 is inserted into the second communication passage 132, and can be moved forward and backward by the rack and pinion mechanism.

More specifically, the rack 51 slides forward as the pinion 52 rotates. Accordingly, the acting unit 53 at the position of FIG. 5 (b) moves forward (advances to the right side of the figure). As a result, the second valve 124 is pushed and moved by the acting unit 53 (FIG. 5 (c)). As a result, the second valve 124 moves away from the second through hole 123 and opens the second through hole 123.

On the other hand, when the acting portion 53 is retracted (when it is retracted to the left side in the figure), the pinion 52 is rotated in the reverse direction. As a result, the rack 51 slides to the rear side, and the acting portion 53 retracts. As a result, the second valve 124 returns to the position before being pushed and moved by the working portion 53, and closes the second through hole 123. A mechanism other than the rack and pinion mechanism may be provided as long as the acting unit 53 can be operated so as to be able to move forward and backward. The mechanism for advancing and retreating the acting unit 53 may be hereinafter referred to as "acting unit advancing / retreating mechanism".

By this series of operations, the airtight state of the container body 11 (sealed container 10) is released. Hereinafter, a mechanism including an action unit advancing / retreating mechanism (rack 51, pinion 52) and an action unit 53 may be referred to as an airtight state releasing means 50. Examples of the drive source of the pinion 52 include electric actuators such as motors (for example, stepping motors) and solenoids. However, it is not limited to this.

The operation of releasing the airtight state of the airtight container 10 by the airtight state releasing means 50 is performed inside the refrigerating chamber 3. Therefore, the airtight state of the closed container 10 can be released without leaking the odors of the ingredients and seasonings in the closed container 10 to the outside of the refrigerator 1.

[control]
Next, the control mode of the vacuum pump 20 and the airtight state releasing means 50 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. Here, FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the control means 40 provided in the present embodiment. Further, FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing executed in the cooking mode (mode in which depressurization of the closed container 10 and release of the airtight state are repeated). Further, FIG. 9 is an example of a data table constructed in the storage unit of the control means 40. Further, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed in a normal mode (a mode in which depressurization of the closed container 10 is continued).

The control means 40 in the present embodiment includes a calculation unit (for example, a processor such as a CPU), a storage unit (for example, a memory such as a ROM or RAM), a communication interface unit, and the like. The calculation unit of the control means 40 is stored in the storage unit from various signals input from the pressure sensor 24, the closed container detection sensor 33, the display unit 60 (for example, the touch panel provided on the surface of the heat insulating door of the refrigerator 1) and the like. Performs predetermined operations based on programs and data. Further, the calculation unit inputs the control signal generated from the calculation result to the vacuum pump 20, the airtight state release means 50, the notification means 70 (lighting unit such as display unit 60 and LED, voice transmission unit), alarm means 80 (LED, etc.). It is output to the lighting part and voice transmission part).

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the flow of processing executed in the cooking mode will be described. First, the operation mode that can be selected by the user is displayed on the display unit 60 provided on the surface of the heat insulating door of the refrigerating room 3. Here, the operation mode displayed on the display unit 60 includes a cooking mode and a normal mode. However, the displayed operation mode may be other than that.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the cooking mode is selected by the user's operation (S701), a list of cooking names is displayed on the display unit 60. For example, a list of lightly pickled vegetables as the cooking name α, marinade as the cooking name β, fried chicken seasoning processing as the cooking name γ, and the like is displayed. Further, by the user's operation, a desired cooking name is selected from the list of displayed cooking names (the display area of the cooking name on the display unit 60 is touched). Along with this, information on the selected cooking name is transmitted to the control means 40 (S702).

Here, in the storage unit of the control means 40, each selectable cooking name and the corresponding number of repetitions (the number of times of repeating the set of depressurization and release of the airtight state) are stored (see FIG. 9). The control means 40 that has received the information of the cooking name selected by the user refers to the storage unit and specifies the corresponding number of repetitions (for example, as shown in S703 to S706, the cooking name is α (lightly pickled)). In the case of, the number of repetitions is specified as A times, and when the cooking name is β (marinated), the number of repetitions is specified as B times).

Subsequently, when the user installs the closed container 10 containing the foodstuff soaked in the seasoning at a predetermined position in the refrigerating chamber 3, the detection signal of the closed container 10 is transmitted from the closed container detection sensor 33 to the control means 40. It is transmitted (S707). Upon receiving the detection signal of the closed container 10, the control means 40 drives the vacuum pump 20 to start the decompression operation of the closed container 10 (S708).

Subsequently, the control means 40 determines whether or not the pressure in the closed container 10 has been reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less by the signal from the pressure sensor 24. When the control means 40 determines that the pressure in the closed container 10 has been reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less (YES in S709), the control means 40 controls the vacuum pump 20 and stops the pressure reducing operation (S710). This process (process for stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump 20) is hereinafter referred to as "first process".

Subsequently, the control means 40 drives the airtight state release means 50 so as to release the airtight state of the closed container 10 (S711). This process (process for driving the airtight state releasing means 50 to release the airtight state of the closed container 10) is hereinafter referred to as "second process". The second process of the present embodiment corresponds to the process of the control means 40 for driving the drive source (stepping motor, solenoid, etc.) of the pinion 52. Along with the operation of the drive source, the pinion 52 and the rack 51 operate, and the acting unit 53 moves forward. As a result, the acting unit 53 pushes and moves the second valve 124, and the second through hole 123 is opened. As a result, the airtight state of the closed container 10 is released.

Subsequently, the control means 40 counts the number of repetitions of the set of the first process and the second process (the number of repetitions of the set of depressurization and release of the airtight state), and sets the counted number of repetitions as a predetermined number of repetitions. compare. As a result of comparison, when the counted number of repetitions is less than the predetermined number of repetitions (set value) (NO in S712), the control means 40 processes S707 to S712 including the first process and the second process (NO in S712). Step) again.

This iterative process is performed until the number of repetitions of the set of the first process and the second process counted reaches a predetermined number of repetitions. For example, when α is selected as the cooking name and the number of repetitions reaches A, the repetition process ends (YES in S712).

As a result of repeating depressurization of the closed container and release of the airtight state in this way, it is possible to promote the permeation of the seasoning into the food material. Finally, the control means 40 may display a notification that the repetitive processing is completed (cooking is completed) on the notification means 70 (for example, the display unit 60) (S713). This allows the user to confirm the end of the cooking mode.

On the other hand, it is determined as NO in the step of S709 (the control means 40 determines that the pressure in the closed container 10 is not reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less), and the control means 40 is further determined for a predetermined time (. For example, when it is determined that the pressure in the closed container 10 is not reduced to the threshold value or less (YES in S714) after about 3 minutes have passed, the depressurizing operation of the vacuum pump 20 is stopped (S715). In addition, this process (a process for determining that the pressure in the closed container 10 is not decompressed below the threshold value at the time when a predetermined time elapses and stopping the depressurization operation of the vacuum pump) is described below as "the third process". ".

As a result, defects in the vacuum pump 20 and the closed container 10 in the depressurizing step can be detected at an early stage. As a result, it is possible to prevent the vacuum pump 20 from operating unnecessarily even though the closed container 10 cannot be depressurized to the threshold pressure. Further, since the operation of the vacuum pump 20 can be stopped at an early stage, it is possible to prevent further damage to the vacuum pump 20 and adverse effects on other members and devices in the refrigerator 1.

Further, the control means 40 may transmit a signal that a defect has occurred in the depressurization step to the alarm means 80 (S716). This allows the user to confirm that a defect has occurred in the depressurizing process. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S714), the control means 40 again determines whether or not the pressure in the closed container 10 is reduced to the threshold value or less.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the flow of processing executed in the normal mode will be described. First, the operation mode that can be selected by the user is displayed on the display unit 60 provided on the surface of the heat insulating door of the refrigerating room 3. At this time, the normal mode is selected by the user's operation (S901).

Subsequently, when the closed container 10 containing the food material is installed at a predetermined position in the refrigerating chamber 3 by the user, the detection signal of the closed container 10 is transmitted from the closed container detection sensor 33 to the control means 40 (S902). .. The control means 40 that has received the detection signal of the closed container 10 drives the vacuum pump 20 so as to start the decompression operation of the closed container 10 (S903).

Subsequently, the control means 40 determines whether or not the pressure in the closed container 10 has been reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less by the signal from the pressure sensor 24. When the control means 40 determines that the pressure in the closed container 10 has been reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less (YES in S904), the control means 40 controls the vacuum pump 20 and stops the pressure reducing operation (S905). In this state, the closed container 10 is stored in the refrigerated environment in the refrigerated chamber 3. At the same time, the control means 40 may display a notification that the evacuation step has been completed on the notification means 70 (for example, the display unit 60) (S906). This allows the user to confirm the end of the normal mode.

On the other hand, it is determined as NO in the step of S904 (the control means 40 determines that the pressure in the closed container 10 is not reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less), and the control means 40 further elapses for a predetermined time. If it is determined that the pressure in the closed container 10 is not decompressed below the threshold value (YES in S907), the decompression operation of the vacuum pump 20 is stopped (S908).

At that time, the control means 40 may transmit a signal that a defect has occurred in the decompression step to the alarm means 80 (S909). On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S907), the control means 40 again determines whether or not the pressure in the closed container 10 is reduced to the threshold value or less.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the above description is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not described for the purpose of limiting the present invention. The present invention may include those that can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, the present invention includes the equivalent thereof.

1 ... Refrigerator 2 ... Insulated box body 2a ... Outer box 2b ... Inner box 2c ... Insulation material 3 ... Refrigerator room 4 ... Vegetable room 5 ... Freezing room 10 ... Sealed container 11 ... Container body 12 ... Inner lid 121 ... First penetration Hole 122 ... First valve 123 ... Second through hole 124 ... Second valve 13 ... Top lid 131 ... First communication passage 132 ... Second communication passage 20 ... Vacuum pump 40 ... Control means 50 ... Release of airtight state Means 51 ... Rack 52 ... Pinion 53 ... Acting part

Claims (3)

A closed container that contains the seasoning and the foodstuff that is immersed in the seasoning and is arranged in the refrigerator compartment.
A vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the closed container,
Airtightness release means for releasing the airtight state of the closed container,
At least, a control means for controlling the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release means,
Equipped with
The control means is
When it is determined that the pressure in the closed container has been reduced below the threshold value, the first process of stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump and the second process of driving the airtight state releasing means to release the airtight state of the closed container. And while doing
If the number of repetitions of the set of the first process and the second process is less than the set value, the vacuum pump is driven to execute the first process and the second process again.
A refrigerator characterized by promoting the penetration of seasonings into ingredients. The control means further executes a third process of stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump when it is determined that the pressure in the closed container is not decompressed below the threshold value after a lapse of a predetermined time. The refrigerator according to claim 1. A closed container that contains the seasoning and the foodstuff that is immersed in the seasoning and is arranged in the refrigerator compartment.
A vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the closed container,
Airtightness release means for releasing the airtight state of the closed container,
At least, a control means for controlling the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release means,
Using a refrigerator equipped with
The control means is
When it is determined that the pressure in the closed container has been reduced below the threshold value, the first process of stopping the decompression operation of the vacuum pump and the second process of driving the airtight state releasing means to release the airtight state of the closed container. And while doing
When the number of repetitions of the first process and the second process set is less than the set value, the vacuum pump is driven to execute the first process and the second process again.
A cooking method characterized by promoting the penetration of seasonings into foodstuffs.

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