JP7148416B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a refrigerator.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been provided a refrigerator having a chilled compartment inside the refrigerated compartment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-102320 A

By the way, fresh foods such as meat are stored in a special cooling chamber such as a chilled chamber in a refrigerator. Therefore, it is desired to provide a technique for cooling the inside of the special cooling chamber to a low temperature suitable for storing such perishables.

Therefore, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of cooling the inside of a special cooling chamber such as a chilled chamber to a lower temperature.

A refrigerator according to this embodiment includes a special cooling chamber provided in a refrigerating chamber, and control means for controlling cooling in the special cooling chamber. a normal cooling mode in which the inside of the special cooling chamber is cooled to a normal temperature zone; a strong cooling mode in which the inside of the special cooling chamber is cooled to a low temperature zone lower than the normal temperature zone in the normal cooling mode; A special cooling mode that cools to a special temperature zone that is even lower than the low temperature zone in the cooling mode can be executed, and the temperature at which cooling in the special cooling chamber is stopped in the special cooling mode is the temperature in the strong cooling mode. A temperature lower than the temperature at which cooling in the special cooling chamber is stopped is set, and the temperature in the special cooling chamber in the special cooling mode is controlled to drop more gently than the temperature in the special cooling chamber in the strong cooling mode. do

A front view schematically showing a configuration example of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration example of a chilled room and its peripheral parts according to the present embodiment. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a control system of a refrigerator according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of control in the special chilled mode according to this embodiment in comparison with other control modes (part 1); FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method for detecting the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment; A diagram showing temperature changes in the chilled chamber in the special chilled mode according to this embodiment in comparison with temperature changes in the chilled chamber in other control modes. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) schematically showing an operation example when the special chilled mode and another control mode according to the present embodiment are selected at the same time; FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) schematically showing an operation example when the special chilled mode according to the present embodiment and another control mode are selected at the same time; FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an operation example when the special chilled mode according to the present embodiment and another control mode are selected at the same time (part 3); FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an operation example when the special chilled mode according to the present embodiment and another control mode are simultaneously selected (No. 4); FIG. 2 shows an example of control in the special chilled mode according to this embodiment in comparison with other control modes (part 2);

An embodiment of a refrigerator will be described below with reference to the drawings. A refrigerator 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a plurality of storage compartments, in this case, a refrigerator compartment 3, a vegetable compartment 4, an ice-making compartment 5, a small freezer compartment 6, a refrigerator compartment 3, a vegetable compartment 4, an ice-making compartment 5, a small freezer compartment 6, A large freezer compartment 7 is provided. In this case, the refrigerating compartment 3 is provided at the uppermost part of the heat insulating box body 2 . The vegetable compartment 4 is provided below the refrigerator compartment 3 . The ice making compartment 5 and the small freezer compartment 6 are arranged side by side in the lower part of the vegetable compartment 4 . The large freezer compartment 7 is provided below the ice making compartment 5 and the small freezer compartment 6 , in other words, at the bottom of the heat insulating box body 2 . The heat insulating box body 2 has a structure in which a heat insulating material such as a vacuum heat insulating panel or urethane foam is provided between the inner box and the outer box. Further, the plurality of storage compartments 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are each opened and closed by storage compartment doors.

A chilled compartment 10, which is an example of a special cooling compartment, is provided inside the refrigerating compartment 3, in this case, at the bottom. Next, a configuration example of the chilled chamber 10 and its peripheral portion will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a cool air duct 11 extending vertically is provided in the rear portion of the refrigerator compartment 3 . A plurality of cool air outlets 11 a for the refrigerator compartment are provided in the upper portion of the cool air duct 11 . A cooling chamber 12 bulging toward the inside of the refrigerating chamber 3 on the front side of the refrigerator 1 is provided below the cold air duct 11 . The chilled compartment 10 is located in front of the cooling compartment 12 in the refrigerating compartment 3 .

A cold air outlet 12 a for the chilled room is provided in the upper part of the front surface of the cooling room 12 . In addition, a cold air intake port 12b for the chilled chamber is provided at the lower portion of the front surface of the cooling chamber 12. As shown in FIG. A guide portion 12c that protrudes toward the inner side of the chilled chamber 10, which is the front side of the refrigerator 1, is provided in the cold air outlet 12a for the chilled chamber. The guide portion 12 c is an example of a guide means, and in this case, is provided in a plate shape that is inclined downward toward the bottom surface inside the chilled chamber 10 . In addition, the refrigerator 1 is configured such that the chilled-compartment cool air outlet 12a and the chilled-compartment cool air inlet 12b are not provided with dampers. The refrigerator 1 may be configured to have a damper at the chilled-compartment cool air outlet 12a and the chilled-compartment cool air inlet 12b.

A heat insulating material 12d made of, for example, urethane foam is attached to the inner surface of the cooling chamber 12. As shown in FIG. In the cooling chamber 12, a cooler 13 forming a refrigeration cycle for generating cold air and a fan 14 for blowing the cold air generated by the cooler 13 are provided. By driving the fan 14, cool air generated by the cooler 13 is supplied into the refrigerating compartment 3 from the refrigerating compartment cool air outlet 11a of the cool air duct 11, and is supplied into the refrigerating compartment 3 through the chilled compartment cool air outlet of the cooling compartment 12. It is supplied into the chilled chamber 10 from 12a. At this time, the cool air blown by the fan 14 is guided by the guide plate 12c from the cool air outlet 12a for the chilled compartment and flows toward the bottom of the chilled compartment 10. As shown in FIG. The cold air supplied into the chilled chamber 10 is sucked into the cooling chamber 12 through the chilled chamber cold air suction port 12b of the cooling chamber 12 by the blowing action of the fan 14 .

In the refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure, a plurality, in this case, two storage containers 21 and 22 are arranged vertically in the chilled compartment 10 . These storage containers 21 and 22 can be taken in and out of the chilled compartment 10 along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator 1 .

Next, a configuration example of the control system of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The control device 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of control means. The control device 30 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example, and controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1 based on control programs and various setting contents. The fan 14 described above is connected to the control device 30 . Also connected to the control device 30 are an outside air temperature sensor 31, a chilled room temperature sensor 32, a display panel 33, a compressor 34 constituting a refrigerating cycle, and the like.

The outside air temperature sensor 31 is an example of temperature detection means, and detects the temperature of a predetermined area related to the refrigerator 1 . In the refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure, the outside air temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, that is, the temperature around the refrigerator 1, as a predetermined area related to the refrigerator 1 in this case. The outside air temperature sensor 31 is preferably provided at a portion of the refrigerator 1 where the outside air temperature can be detected, for example, on the outer surface of the heat insulating box body 2 or the like. The chilled room temperature sensor 32 is provided inside the chilled room 10 , for example, and detects the temperature inside the chilled room 10 .

The display panel 33 is an example of notification means, and is provided, for example, on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment 3 . The display panel 33 is configured to be able to display the selected control mode by, for example, character information or icon information. In addition, the display panel 33 includes, for example, a capacitive touch switch, and functions as an operation unit that receives user's operations.

Compressor 34 constitutes a well-known refrigeration cycle for generating cool air together with cooler 13 described above and a condenser (not shown).

The control device 30 controls the driving of the fan 14 and the compressor 34 based on various settings input via the control program and the display panel 33 to control the inside of various storage compartments such as the refrigerator compartment 3. each to the set temperature. In the refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure, in particular, ingenuity is applied to the cooling control in the chilled compartment 10 . Next, an example of cooling control in the chilled chamber 10 will be described in detail.

The control device 30 is configured to be able to execute a plurality of cooling modes, in this case, at least a normal cooling mode, a strong cooling mode, and a special chilling mode, as cooling modes for cooling the interior of the chilled chamber 10 .

The normal cooling mode is a cooling mode for cooling the inside of the chilled chamber 10 to a predetermined normal temperature zone. Note that the normal temperature zone in the normal cooling mode can be changed and set as appropriate.

The strong cooling mode is a cooling mode in which the interior of the chilled chamber 10 is cooled to a low temperature range lower than the normal temperature range in the normal cooling mode. Note that the low temperature zone in the strong cooling mode can be appropriately changed and set to a temperature zone lower than the normal temperature zone in the normal cooling mode.

The special chilled mode is an example of a special cooling mode, and is a cooling mode that cools the interior of the chilled chamber 10 to a special temperature zone that is lower than the normal temperature zone in the normal cooling mode and the low temperature zone in the strong cooling mode. Note that the special temperature zone in the special chilled mode can be appropriately changed and set to a temperature zone lower than the low temperature zone in the strong cooling mode.

Next, the above-described strong cooling mode and special chilled mode will be described with reference to FIG.

In the strong cooling mode, regardless of the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1, the cooling operation starts when the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 reaches or exceeds a predetermined start temperature, and when the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 falls below a predetermined end temperature. A cooling mode in which the cooling operation is terminated. In this case, 3.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined start temperature, and 1.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined end temperature. Note that the predetermined start temperature and the predetermined end temperature in the strong cooling mode can be changed and set as appropriate.

As described above, the condition for starting the cooling operation in the strong cooling mode is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air in the refrigerator 1, and the cooling operation in the strong cooling mode is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined termination temperature regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 .

Further, in the strong cooling mode, when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, the rotation speed of the fan 14 is changed to a predetermined low-rank rotation speed so that the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is If the temperature is a predetermined middle-rank temperature, the rotation speed of the fan 14 is changed to a predetermined middle-rank rotation speed, and if the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature, the fan 14 rotates. A cooling mode that changes the speed to a predetermined high rank rotational speed. In this case, 1000 rpm is set as an example of the predetermined low-rank rotation speed, 1500 rpm is set as an example of the predetermined middle-rank rotation speed, and 2000 rpm is set as an example of the predetermined high-rank rotation speed. The predetermined low-rank rotation speed, the predetermined middle-rank rotation speed, and the predetermined high-rank rotation speed in the strong cooling mode can be changed and set as appropriate.

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

On the other hand, in the special chilled mode, the cooling operation in the special chilled mode is performed when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, a predetermined medium-rank temperature, and a predetermined high-rank temperature. It is a cooling mode that changes the end condition of Here, when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, it is an example of the first stage, and when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined medium-rank temperature, it is an example of the second stage. This is an example, and the case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature is an example of the third stage. That is, the third stage is when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is higher than the second stage and the first stage, and the second stage is when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is higher than the first stage. be.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, the outside air temperature RT rises from a temperature lower than 11° C., for example, as indicated by symbol Ta. This is when the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 13° C. or less, and when the outside air temperature RT is falling from a temperature higher than 13° C., for example, as indicated by symbol Tb, This is the case when the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 11° C. or higher. In this case, even if the outside air temperature RT rises from a temperature lower than 11° C. and fluctuates, it is determined to be a low-rank temperature. Further, when the outside air temperature RT fluctuates from a temperature higher than, for example, 13° C., it is determined to be a middle rank temperature. Further, the case where the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined medium-rank temperature means that the outside air temperature RT is rising from, for example, a temperature lower than 13° C. This is the case where the temperature RT is, for example, 26° C. or lower, and in a situation where the temperature RT of the outside air drops from a temperature higher than 26° C., for example, the temperature RT of the outside air is 13° C. This is the case when the above is the case. In this case, even if the outside air temperature RT fluctuates between 13.degree. C. and 26.degree. Further, when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature, the outside air temperature RT rises from a temperature lower than 26° C., for example, as indicated by the symbol Te. This is the case where the temperature RT is, for example, 28°C or lower, and when the temperature RT of the outside air drops from a temperature higher than, for example, 28°C as illustrated by the symbol Tf, the temperature of the outside air RT is, for example, 26°C. This is the case when the above is the case. In this case, even if the outside air temperature RT fluctuates from a temperature higher than 28° C., it is determined to be a high-rank temperature. Also, when the temperature RT of the outside air rises from a temperature lower than 26° C. and fluctuates, it is determined to be a medium rank temperature.

That is, in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is rising, if the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 13° C. or lower, it is determined as a low-rank temperature, and if the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 26° C. or lower, If the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 28° C. or lower, it is determined to be a high-rank temperature. In addition, in a situation where the outside air temperature RT is decreasing, if the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 11° C. or higher, it is determined as a low rank temperature, and if the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 13° C. or higher, If the outside air temperature RT is, for example, 26° C. or higher, it is determined to be a high-rank temperature.

In other words, the control device 30 changes the end conditions for ending the cooling operation in the special chilled mode based on comparison with different reference temperatures depending on whether the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 rises or falls. It's becoming Note that the plurality of reference temperatures illustrated in FIG. 5 are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed and set according to, for example, the model of the refrigerator 1, the capacity of the refrigerator compartment 3, the capacity of the chilled compartment 10, and the like.

When the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, the cooling operation in the special chill mode is started when the temperature inside the chilled chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature. The cooling operation in the special chilled mode is terminated when the temperature drops below the predetermined termination temperature. In this case, 3.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined start temperature, and -1.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined end temperature. The predetermined start temperature and predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the special chilled mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature can be appropriately changed and set.

As described above, the condition for starting the cooling operation in the special chilled mode when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature. When the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, the condition for ending the cooling operation in the special chill mode is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined end temperature.

Further, when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-rank temperature, the cooling operation in the special chill mode is started when the temperature inside the chilled chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature, and the temperature inside the chilled chamber 10 The cooling operation in the special chilled mode is terminated when the temperature drops below the predetermined termination temperature. In this case, 3.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined start temperature, and −2.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined end temperature. The predetermined start temperature and predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the special chilled mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-rank temperature can be appropriately changed and set.

As described above, the condition for starting the cooling operation in the special chilled mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-rank temperature is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature. When the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle rank temperature, the termination condition of the cooling operation in the special chill mode is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined termination temperature.

Further, when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high rank temperature, the cooling operation in the special chill mode is started when the temperature inside the chilled chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature. The cooling operation in the special chilled mode is terminated when the temperature drops below the predetermined termination temperature. In this case, 3.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined start temperature, and 0.0° C. is set as an example of the predetermined end temperature. The predetermined start temperature and predetermined end temperature of the cooling operation in the special chilled mode when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature can be appropriately changed and set.

As described above, the condition for starting the cooling operation in the special chilled mode when the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined start temperature. When the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high rank temperature, the termination condition of the cooling operation in the special chill mode is that the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined termination temperature.

Further, according to the special chilled mode, the same temperature, in this case, 3.0° C., is set as the predetermined start temperature for starting the cooling operation regardless of the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 . In the special chilled mode, the predetermined start temperature for starting the cooling operation may be changed according to the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 .

Moreover, according to the special chilled mode, the predetermined end temperature for ending the cooling operation is changed according to the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 . In the special chilled mode, regardless of the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1, the same temperature may be set as the predetermined end temperature for ending the cooling operation. In the special chilled mode, regardless of the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1, the predetermined end temperature for ending the cooling operation is set to a temperature lower than the predetermined end temperature for the cooling operation in the strong cooling mode. there is

In the special chilled mode, the rotation speed of the fan 14 is driven at a constant rotation speed regardless of the outside air temperature RT of the refrigerator 1 . In this case, 900 rpm is set as the constant rotational speed. That is, the control device 30 makes the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the special chilled mode lower than the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the strong cooling mode.

As described above, the control device 30 changes the termination condition for terminating the cooling operation in the special chilled mode in three stages of the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage according to the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 . The temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the termination condition of the cooling operation in the second stage, in this case −2.0° C., is the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the termination condition of the cooling operation in the first stage. The temperature, in this case, is below -1.0°C. The temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the termination condition for the cooling operation in the third stage, in this case 0.0° C., is the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the termination condition for the cooling operation in the second stage. , in this case higher than -2.0°C.

Moreover, the control device 30 is further configured to be able to execute the moisture mode. The moisture mode is a control mode for supplying humidity to the inside of the chilled chamber 10. In this case, the humidity mode is a control mode for blowing off the frost adhering to the cooler 13 by the blowing action of the fan 14 and supplying it to the chilled chamber 10. . Then, the control device 30 makes the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the moist mode higher than the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the special chilled mode, which is 900 rpm in this case. In this case, the control device 30 sets the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the moisture mode to, for example, 1800 rpm.

In addition, the start condition for starting the operation of the moisture mode and the end condition for ending the operation can be changed and set as appropriate. For example, the start condition for starting the operation of the moisture mode is when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, and when the humidity detected by a humidity sensor (not shown) falls below a predetermined humidity, the user selects moisture. It is possible to set a case such as when the start of the mode is input. The end conditions for ending the operation of the moisturizing mode are when the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 falls below a predetermined temperature, and when the humidity detected by a humidity sensor (not shown) rises above a predetermined humidity. It is possible to set a case such as when the end of the mode is input.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the control device 30 controls the conditions for starting and ending the special chilled mode, the rotational speed of the fan 14, the output of the compressor 34, etc., as described above. The temperature TP in the chilled chamber 10 is lowered more slowly than the temperature TQ in the chilled chamber 10 in the strong cooling mode. In addition, the control device 30 controls the conditions for starting and ending the special chilled mode, the rotational speed of the fan 14, the output of the compressor 34, etc., as described above, so that the temperature TP in the chilled room 10 in the special chilled mode is reduced to , the temperature TQ in the chilled chamber 10 in the strong cooling mode is raised more gently. It should be noted that the output control of the compressor 34 may be controlled by appropriately switching the output level in multiple stages such as low output, medium output, and high output, for example.

Further, the control device 30 is configured to operate, for example, as follows when the special chilled mode and another control mode different from the special chilled mode are selected at the same time. Note that, in the following description, the quick refrigerating mode, the thawing mode, and the quick freezing mode, which are exemplified as other control modes, are all control modes that are temporarily executed when the mode is selected. On the other hand, the special chilled mode is a control mode that, once selected, is continuously or permanently executed over some long period of time. That is, the control device 30 is configured to make the execution time of the special chilled mode longer than the execution time of the other control modes. Selection of the special chilled mode and other control modes can be made, for example, based on the operation input by the user via the operation unit provided in the refrigerator 1, and the control program and various setting contents can be selected. It is also possible for the control device 30 to make a selection based on The operation unit of the refrigerator 1 is provided, for example, on the front surface of the storage compartment door, in this case, on the front surface of the refrigeration compartment door that opens and closes the refrigeration compartment 3 .

(About the case when the rapid cooling mode is selected while the special chilled mode is running)
A case where the quick refrigerating mode is selected as another control mode different from the special chilled mode during execution of the special chilled mode will be described below. The rapid refrigerating mode is a control mode in which the inside of the refrigerating compartment 3 is rapidly cooled by increasing the rotational speed of the fan 14 and the output of the compressor 34 . According to this rapid refrigerating mode, as the interior of the refrigerating chamber 3 is rapidly cooled, the interior of the chilled chamber 10 provided within the refrigerating chamber 3 can also be indirectly cooled. In other words, this rapid cooling mode is also a cooling mode for cooling the inside of the chilled chamber 10 . Also, the execution time of this rapid cooling mode is set to 2 hours in this case.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control device 30 starts executing the special chilled mode when the special chilled mode is selected while no other control mode is selected. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. Also, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected.

Then, when the quick chilling mode is selected during execution of the special chilled mode, the control device 30 interrupts execution of the special chilled mode and starts executing the quick chilling mode. As a result, the inside of the refrigerating compartment 3 is cooled at a strong level for refrigerating, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. In addition, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected, and character information or icon information indicating that the quick refrigerating mode is selected. is displayed on the display panel 33 . In other words, the control device 30, while the quick chilling mode is being executed, displays information indicating that the special chilling mode has been selected and that the quick chilling mode has been selected to the user via the display on the display panel 33. to be notified.

When the rapid cooling mode ends, the control device 30 resumes execution of the special chilled mode. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. In addition, control device 30 stops displaying the character information or icon information indicating that the quick chill mode has been selected, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode has been selected. Displayed on panel 33 .

(Regarding when defrosting mode is selected while special chilled mode is running)
A case will be described below in which the thawing mode is selected as another control mode different from the special chilled mode during execution of the special chilled mode. The thawing mode is a control mode for thawing the food stored in the chilled compartment 10 by stopping or weakening the cooling inside the chilled compartment 10 . This defrosting mode is a control mode in which the temperature inside the chilling chamber 10 rises as the cooling inside the chilling chamber 10 is stopped or weakened. Also, the execution time of this decompression mode is set to 1 hour in this case.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the special chilled mode is selected while no other control mode is selected, the control device 30 starts executing the special chilled mode. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. Also, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected.

When the thawing mode is selected during execution of the special chilled mode, the control device 30 suspends execution of the special chilled mode and starts execution of the thawing mode. As a result, the cooling inside the chilling chamber 10 is stopped or weakened, and the temperature inside the chilling chamber 10 rises to, for example, about 6.0°C. In addition, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected, and character information or icon information indicating that the defrosting mode is selected. Displayed on the display panel 33 . In other words, the control device 30 provides the user with information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected and that the quick refrigerating mode is selected through the display on the display panel 33 during execution of the thawing mode. notify.

After finishing the thawing mode, the control device 30 resumes execution of the special chilled mode. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. Also, the control device 30 stops displaying the character information or icon information indicating that the defrosting mode has been selected, and displays the character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode has been selected on the display panel. 33.

(When quick freezing mode is selected while special chilled mode is running)
A case where the quick freezing mode is selected as another control mode different from the special chilled mode during execution of the special chilled mode will be described below. The rapid freezing mode is a control mode in which the inside of the freezer compartment 7 is rapidly cooled by increasing the rotation speed of the freezing fan (not shown) and the output of the compressor 34 to enhance the cooling action of the freezing cooler (not shown). . Also, the execution time of this quick freezing mode is set to 3 hours in this case.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the special chilled mode is selected while no other control mode is selected, the control device 30 starts executing the special chilled mode. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. Also, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected.

When the quick freezing mode is selected during execution of the special chilled mode, the control device 30 interrupts execution of the special chilled mode and starts execution of the quick freezing mode. As a result, the inside of the freezer compartment 7 is cooled at a strong level for freezing, and at this time, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 is maintained at a temperature of, for example, about 3.0°C or about 4.0°C. In addition, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected, and character information or icon information indicating that the quick freezing mode is selected. is displayed on the display panel 33 . In other words, the control device 30 provides the user with information indicating that the special chill mode has been selected and that the quick refrigerating mode has been selected through the display on the display panel 33 during execution of the quick freezing mode. to be notified.

After finishing the quick freezing mode, the control device 30 resumes execution of the special chilled mode. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. Further, the control device 30 stops displaying the character information or icon information indicating that the quick freezing mode is selected, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected. Displayed on panel 33 .

(Regarding when the special chilled mode is selected while the quick freezing mode is running)
A case in which the special chilled mode is selected during execution of the quick freezing mode, which is an example of another control mode different from the special chilled mode, will be described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the control device 30 starts executing the quick freezing mode when the quick freezing mode is selected while the special chilled mode is not selected. As a result, the inside of the freezer compartment 7 is cooled at a strong level for freezing, and at this time, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 is maintained at a temperature of, for example, about 3.0°C or about 4.0°C. Further, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information, icon information, or the like indicating that the quick freezing mode is selected.

Then, when the special chilled mode is selected during execution of the quick freezing mode, the control device 30 continues execution of the quick chilling mode without starting the special chilled mode. At this time, the control device 30 displays on the display panel 33 character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected, and character information or icon information indicating that the quick freezing mode is selected. etc. are displayed on the display panel 33 . That is, the control device 30 allows the user to view information indicating that the special chill mode has been selected and that the quick freezing mode has been selected through the display on the display panel 33 during execution of the quick freezing mode. to be notified.

After finishing the rapid cooling mode, the control device 30 starts executing the special chilled mode. As a result, the inside of the chilling chamber 10 is cooled to a special level for chilling, for example, to a low temperature of about 1.0°C. Further, the control device 30 stops displaying the character information or icon information indicating that the quick freezing mode is selected, and displays character information or icon information indicating that the special chilled mode is selected. Displayed on panel 33 .

Further, according to the results of verification by the inventors of the present application, it has been confirmed that the special chilled mode described above greatly increases the umami components of stored items such as meat in the chilled chamber 10 . Specifically, it has been confirmed that the glutamic acid contained in the meat increased by about 36% when the meat was housed in the chilling chamber 10 and the above special chilling mode was continued for 7 days.

According to the refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure, the temperature at which cooling inside the chilled compartment 10 is stopped in the special chilled mode is set to a temperature lower than the temperature at which cooling inside the chilled compartment 10 is stopped in the strong cooling mode. According to such a special chill mode, the inside of the chill chamber 10 can be cooled to a lower temperature than the conventional strong cooling mode, and perishable foods such as meat can be cooled appropriately.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 in the special chilled mode can be lowered more gently than the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 in the conventional strong cooling mode. Therefore, when the temperature of the stored items in the chilled chamber 10 drops, the temperature drop can be moderated, and damage to the stored items due to the temperature drop can be suppressed.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 in the special chilled mode can be raised more gently than the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 in the conventional strong cooling mode. Therefore, when the temperature of the stored items in the chilled chamber 10 rises, the temperature rise can be moderated, and damage to the stored items due to the temperature rise can be suppressed.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the special chilled mode is made lower than the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the strong cooling mode. According to such a special chill mode, it is possible to weaken the momentum of the cold air blown to the stored items in the chilled chamber 10, and it is possible to prevent the stored items from being damaged due to cooling.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, in the conventional strong cooling mode, the rotational speed of the fan 14 is changed according to the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, whereas in the special chilled mode, regardless of the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, The fan 14 is driven at a constant rotational speed. That is, if the rotation speed of the fan 14 is too high, it may become difficult for cool air to enter the chilled chamber 10 . Therefore, by setting the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the special chilled mode to a constant rotational speed regardless of the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, the temperature inside the chilled chamber 10 can be maintained regardless of the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. cool air can be supplied to the

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the cold air blown by the fan 14 is guided to the bottom surface of the chilled compartment 10 by the guide portion 12c. According to this configuration, cold air can be efficiently supplied toward the bottom surface of the chilled chamber 10 on which the stored items are placed, so that the stored items can be cooled even better.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the moisture mode is made higher than the rotational speed of the fan 14 in the special chilled mode. That is, by setting the rotation speed of the fan 14 in the moisture mode to a certain high rotation speed, the frost adhering to the cooler 13 can be efficiently blown off and supplied into the chilled chamber 10, and the frost can be supplied to the chilled chamber 10. Moisture can be well maintained.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, when another control mode different from the special chilled mode is selected during execution of the special chilled mode, the execution of the special chilled mode is interrupted and another control mode is executed. When the control mode is terminated, execution of the special chilled mode is resumed. Further, according to the refrigerator 1, when the special chilled mode is selected during execution of another control mode different from the special chilled mode, execution of the special chilled mode is started after finishing the other control mode. That is, according to the refrigerator 1, when the special chilled mode for cooling the inside of the chilled compartment 10 and another control mode are selected at the same time, the other control mode is given priority.

Here, the special chilled mode is a control mode that, once selected, is continuously or permanently executed over a certain long period of time. In contrast, other control modes are control modes that are temporarily executed when selected. Therefore, when the special chilled mode and other control modes are selected at the same time, by giving priority to the execution of the temporarily executed control mode, the special chilled mode is executed after completing the other control modes. It can be executed, and it is possible to suppress impairing the user's convenience.

A rapid cooling mode, which is an example of another control mode, is also a cooling mode for cooling the inside of the chilled chamber 10 . Therefore, the inside of the chilled chamber 10 can be cooled even during execution of other control modes, and it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the stored items in the chilled chamber 10 .

A thawing mode, which is an example of another control mode, is a control mode in which the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10 rises. Therefore, by executing such a control mode first and then executing the special chill mode, the temperature rise in the chill room 10 can be suppressed and the inside of the chill room 10 can be cooled well.

Also, the refrigerator 1 notifies that the special chilled mode is selected and that another control mode is selected during execution of the other control mode. According to this configuration, the user can confirm that the special chilled mode is in the standby state, and can prevent the user from performing unnecessary operations such as an operation for reselecting the special chilled mode. can be suppressed.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the execution time of the special chilled mode is set longer than the execution time of the other control modes. That is, the special chilled mode is a control mode that is continuously or permanently executed over a certain long period of time. Therefore, by setting the priority of such a special chilled mode lower than the priority of other control modes, it is possible to give priority to the execution of other control modes that are temporarily required to be executed, and the user can It is possible to suppress that the convenience of

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, in this case, the end condition for ending the special chilled mode is changed according to the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. Here, the higher the temperature of the outside air, the more smoothly the compressor 34 of the refrigeration cycle that generates cold air will operate, so there is a risk that the inside of the chill chamber 10 will be cooled more than necessary and the stored items will freeze. . On the other hand, the lower the temperature of the outside air, the more likely the inside of the chilled chamber 10 is cooled. Therefore, by changing the conditions for ending the special chilled mode according to the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1, it is possible to prevent the inside of the chilled compartment 10 from being cooled more than necessary.

In addition, according to the refrigerator 1, the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10, which is set as the condition for ending the special chilled mode in the second stage, that is, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle rank temperature, is set to the first temperature. It is set lower than the temperature in the chilled compartment 10 which is set as the termination condition of the special chilled mode when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low rank temperature. In addition, the temperature inside the chilled compartment 10, which is set as the condition for ending the special chilled mode in the third stage, that is, when the outside air temperature of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature, is changed to the second stage, that is, the refrigerator 1 The temperature in the chilled room 10 is set higher than the temperature in the chilled room 10 set as the termination condition of the special chilled mode when the temperature of the outside air is a predetermined middle rank temperature.

That is, according to the refrigerator 1, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined medium-rank temperature, the temperature of the condition for ending the special chilled mode is the temperature when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature. The temperature is lower than the temperature of the special chilled mode end condition and the temperature of the special chilled mode end condition when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature.

Therefore, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature and when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature, the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-rank temperature. , the special chilling mode is terminated when the temperature in the chilling chamber 10 is high. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inside of the chilled chamber 10 from being cooled more than necessary.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-rank temperature, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, and when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature As compared with the case of , there is less need to worry about the inside of the chilled chamber 10 being cooled more than necessary. Therefore, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined middle-rank temperature, when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined low-rank temperature, and when the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 is a predetermined high-rank temperature , the temperature in the chilling chamber 10 can be maintained at a low temperature, and the stored items in the chilling chamber 10 can be cooled in a good condition.

Further, according to the refrigerator 1, the condition for ending the special chilled mode is changed based on comparison with different reference temperatures depending on whether the outside air temperature of the refrigerator 1 rises or falls. That is, according to the refrigerator 1, the conditions for ending the special chilled mode are changed based on a comparison between the temperature range having a certain temperature range and the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, the end condition of the special chilled mode can be determined while flexibly coping with the temperature of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 .

The present embodiment is not limited to the one embodiment described above, and various modifications or extensions can be made without departing from the scope of the present embodiment. For example, the refrigerator 1 is not limited to detecting the outside air temperature as the temperature of a predetermined area related to the refrigerator 1. , the temperature in the cooling chamber 12, and the like.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the control device 30 may be configured to change the start condition for starting the cooling operation in the special chilled mode according to the temperature of the predetermined region related to the refrigerator 1 . When changing the starting condition, similarly to the ending condition, the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the starting condition in the second stage is changed to the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the starting condition in the first stage. should be lower than Also, the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the starting condition in the third stage should be higher than the temperature in the chilled chamber 10 set as the starting condition in the second stage. Further, the control device 30 may be configured to change the start condition for starting the cooling operation in the special chilled mode and not change the end condition for ending the cooling operation according to the temperature of the predetermined region related to the refrigerator 1. good.

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

Also, the special cooling chamber is not limited to the chilled chamber, and may be another cooling chamber. Further, the position where the special cooling chamber is provided is not limited to the bottom portion within the refrigerating chamber 3, but may be changed as appropriate, such as the upper portion or side portion within the refrigerating chamber 3, or the inside of another storage chamber. can be implemented.

Further, in the special chilled mode, the control device 30 is configured to change the rotation speed of the fan 14 according to the temperature of a predetermined region related to the refrigerator 1 at a rotation speed lower than that in the strong cooling mode. You may Further, control device 30 may change the termination condition for terminating the cooling operation in the special chilled mode in a plurality of stages of four or more stages according to temperature RT of the outside air of refrigerator 1 . Further, the control device 30 may change the start condition for starting the cooling operation in the special chilled mode in a plurality of stages of four or more stages according to the temperature RT of the outside air of the refrigerator 1 .

Although multiple embodiments of the invention have been described above, the embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

In the drawings, 1 is a refrigerator, 3 is a refrigerator room, 10 is a chilled room (special cooling room), 12c is a guide part (guide means), 14 is a fan, 30 is a control device (control means), 31 is an outside air temperature sensor ( temperature detection means), and 33 indicates a display panel (notification means).

Claims (6)

a special cooling chamber provided in the refrigerating chamber;
a control means for controlling cooling in the special cooling chamber;
with
The control means is
As a cooling mode for cooling the inside of the special cooling chamber,
a normal cooling mode for cooling the inside of the special cooling chamber to a normal temperature zone;
a strong cooling mode for cooling the inside of the special cooling chamber to a low temperature range lower than the normal temperature range in the normal cooling mode;
a special cooling mode for cooling the inside of the special cooling chamber to a special temperature zone that is lower than the low temperature zone in the strong cooling mode;
is executable and
The temperature at which cooling in the special cooling chamber is stopped in the special cooling mode is set to a temperature lower than the temperature at which cooling in the special cooling chamber is stopped in the strong cooling mode ,
A refrigerator that controls the temperature inside the special cooling chamber in the special cooling mode to fall more gently than the temperature inside the special cooling chamber in the strong cooling mode . Equipped with a fan for blowing cold air into the special cooling chamber,
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein said control means makes the rotational speed of said fan in said special cooling mode lower than the rotational speed of said fan in said strong cooling mode. Equipped with temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined area,
The control means is
In the special cooling mode, the fan is driven at a constant rotational speed regardless of the temperature detected by the temperature detection means,
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein in said strong cooling mode, the rotation speed of said fan is changed according to the temperature detected by said temperature detecting means. Equipped with temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined area,
The control means is
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein in said special cooling mode, the rotation speed of said fan is changed according to the temperature detected by said temperature detection means at a rotation speed lower than that in said strong cooling mode. 5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , further comprising guide means for guiding cold air blown by said fan to the bottom surface of said special cooling chamber. The control means is capable of executing a moisture mode that supplies moisture into the special cooling chamber,
6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the rotation speed of the fan in the moisture mode is higher than the rotation speed of the fan in the special cooling mode.

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