CN110088543B

CN110088543B - Refrigerator, ion generator, and storage

Info

Publication number: CN110088543B
Application number: CN201780053632.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 藤田司; 宫田昭雄; 井上善一; 长浓笃史; 青山遥
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2017-08-31
Publication date: 2021-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-31
Also published as: TW201821113A; JPWO2018109989A1; JP6824286B2; WO2018109989A1; CN110088543A; TWI661843B

Abstract

A refrigerator (100,200) is provided and an ion generating device is provided. The refrigeration device (100,200) is provided with: a first ion generating unit (110,110B) for supplying ions to the first housing space (104,106, 107); and a first conductor (120) disposed at least at or near the bottom of the first housing space (104,106, 107). The ion generating device supplies ions to a storage space (103), and is provided with: a generating unit (110) having a brush electrode (112) for generating ions; and an ejection port (113X) for ejecting the ions to the housing space, wherein a housing area (114) for housing the conductor detached from the brush electrode is provided between the brush electrode and the ejection port.

Description

Refrigerator, ion generator, and storage

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a technique of a refrigerator for storing food, beverage, or the like, and more particularly to a refrigerator having an ion generating unit mounted thereon. Or an ion generating device having an ion generating unit having a brush electrode.

Background

Conventionally, an ion generating unit and a refrigerator including the same are known. For example, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2010-281526 (patent document 1) discloses a refrigerator. According to patent document 1, there is provided an ion generating device including a storage chamber for storing stored articles, a cooler for generating cold air, a cold air passage through which the cold air generated by the cooler flows, an ejection port opened in a wall surface of the storage chamber and ejecting the cold air flowing through the cold air passage to the storage chamber, and an ion generating portion for generating ions, which is disposed in the vicinity of the ejection port in the cold air passage.

Further, Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2002-58731 (patent document 2) discloses that hydrogen peroxide H, which is an active species, is generated by the simultaneous generation of negative ions and positive ions₂O₂Or a hydroxyl radical OH, and the H₂O₂Or OH shows a very strong activity and thus can remove floating bacteria and the like.

In addition, japanese patent laid-open No. 2004-. More specifically, according to patent document 3, in a refrigerator provided with a direct cooling storage chamber for cooling by introducing forced air cooling air, and an indirect cooling storage chamber for indirectly cooling a storage container by arranging the storage container and a storage container cover of the storage container in the storage chamber, a discharge port and a suction port are formed in the storage container cover, a circulation blower for circulating cold air in the storage container and a negative ion generator are provided on the upper surface of the storage container cover, and air discharged from the circulation blower is directly blown to a moisture absorption/deodorization sheet.

Further, an ion generating apparatus having a brush electrode is known. For example, international publication No. 2015/151309 pamphlet (patent document 4) discloses an ion generating device and an electric apparatus. More specifically, according to patent document 4, an ion generating apparatus capable of generating ions more efficiently than an ion generating apparatus using a needle electrode as a discharge electrode is provided. The ion generating device includes an inductive electrode, and a discharge electrode for generating ions between the inductive electrode and the discharge electrode. The discharge electrode has a joint portion between the plurality of filament conductors and the root portion of the bundled conductor. The induction electrode is disposed on the root side of the conductor.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2010-281526

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2002-58731

Patent document 3: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2004-28498

Patent document 4: international publication No. 2015/151309 pamphlet

Disclosure of Invention

With the tendency of the storage space of the storage room to expand, there is a demand for a technique for removing bacteria without depending on the storage position of food, drink, or the like stored in the storage space. An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of efficiently removing bacteria without variation in the contents in a storage space.

In the ion generating device disclosed in patent document 4, since the conductor constituting the brush electrode is made thin in the range of several μm to several tens of μm and the brush tip is opened by applying current to the brush electrode, the wire conductor constituting the brush electrode may be repeatedly bent by the application and interruption of current, and the wire conductor may fall off after long-term use.

When the detached conductor is attached between the discharge electrodes, there is a possibility that the detached conductor affects ions. In addition, the entry into the housing space is also not preferable.

In view of the above, it is an object of another aspect of the present invention to provide an ion generating device in which a conductor of a brush electrode that has come off is accommodated in a predetermined accommodation region.

Means for solving the problems

According to an aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration device includes: a first ion generating unit for supplying ions to the first accommodating space; and a first conductor disposed at least at or near the bottom of the first housing space.

Preferably, the ions from the first ion generating unit are supplied to the first receiving space without using a fan.

Preferably, the refrigerator is configured to indirectly cool the first storage space via a box constituting the first storage space without directly blowing cold air into the first storage space.

Preferably, a second housing space is provided around the first housing space or a second housing space different from the first housing space. The refrigerator further includes a second ion generating unit for supplying ions to the second storage space. Ions from the second ion generating unit are supplied to the second accommodating space by the fan.

Preferably, the second conductor is disposed on or near the upper surface of the first housing space.

Preferably, the first electrical conductor is not conductively connected to other electrically conductive parts of the cold storage device.

Preferably, the first ion generating unit includes a step-up transformer having a primary winding connected to the power supply and a secondary winding for boosting a voltage of the power supply to a discharge voltage; the first conductor is connected to the secondary winding.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an ion generating apparatus for supplying ions to a housing space is provided. The ion generating device includes an ion generating unit having a brush electrode for generating ions, and an ejection port for ejecting the ions into the housing space. A recess recessed downward is formed between the brush-shaped electrode and the discharge port, and a conductor (also referred to as a brush) detached from the brush-shaped electrode is accommodated.

Preferably, an adhesion portion to which the conductor detached from the brush electrode adheres is formed between the brush electrode and the ejection port.

Preferably, a member for preventing the detached conductor from flowing out into the housing space is disposed between the brush electrode and the ejection port.

Preferably, a pull-out storage container is disposed in the storage space. The recess portion can vibrate by a part of the container abutting when the container is closed.

Preferably, the brush electrode is disposed substantially horizontally or substantially downward.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box in which the ion generating device is mounted.

Effects of the invention

As described above, according to an aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator capable of efficiently removing bacteria without variation in the contents in the storage space is provided. In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ion generating apparatus including a brush electrode in which a conductor is accommodated in a predetermined accommodation region.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an overall front view of a refrigerator 100 of a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the air conditioning duct 131 of the first and eighth embodiments.

Fig. 3 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the refrigerating space 104 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the refrigerating space 104 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the ion generating unit 110 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of the ion generating unit 110 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram of the ion generating unit 110 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a side view showing positive ions and negative ions in the refrigerating space 104 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the refrigerating space 104 in which the plate member 120 is disposed according to the first example of the second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a side view showing positive ions and negative ions in the refrigerating space 104 in which the plate 120Y is disposed according to the second example of the second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the refrigerating space 104 in which the

plates

122A and 122B are arranged, according to the third example of the second embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the refrigerating space 104 in which the conductive disks 123A and 123B are arranged according to the fourth example of the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a side view showing positive ions and negative ions of the refrigerating space 104 in which the plate 120X is disposed according to the first example of the third embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a side view showing positive ions and negative ions of the refrigerating space 104 in which the plate 120Z is arranged in the second example of the third embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a side view showing positive and negative ions in the refrigerating space 104 in which the

plates

120 and 120B are arranged according to the third example of the third embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a side view showing positive and negative ions in the refrigerating space 104 in which the plates 120,120B,120C, and 120D are arranged in the fourth example of the third embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the refrigerating space 104 in which the mesh member 127 of the fourth embodiment is disposed.

Fig. 18 is a side view showing positive ions and negative ions of the refrigeration space 104 in which the plate member 120 of the fifth embodiment is disposed.

Fig. 19 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the refrigerating space 104 of the first example of the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the refrigerating space 104 of the second example of the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the refrigerating space 104 of the third example of the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the vegetable storage space 106 and the fruit storage space 107 in the seventh embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a front cross-sectional view of the main refrigerating space 103 according to the seventh embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a rear view of the cold air duct 131 of the eighth embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the storage chamber 200 according to the ninth embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a side view showing positive ions and negative ions in a general refrigerating space.

Fig. 27 is an external perspective view showing a refrigerator 100 according to a tenth embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a front view showing a food storage space 103 of a refrigerator 100 according to a tenth embodiment.

Fig. 29 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the ion generating apparatus 1100 and the drawer 109 according to the tenth embodiment.

Fig. 30 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus 1100 according to a tenth embodiment.

Fig. 31 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus 1100 according to the eleventh embodiment.

Fig. 32 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus 1100 according to a twelfth embodiment.

Fig. 33 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the vicinity of the first ion generating device 1100 according to the thirteenth embodiment.

Fig. 34 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of the second ion generating apparatus 1100 according to the thirteenth embodiment.

Fig. 35 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the vicinity of the third ion generating device 1100 according to the thirteenth embodiment.

Fig. 36 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus 1100 according to a fourteenth embodiment.

Fig. 37 is a side cross-sectional enlarged view showing the vicinity of the first ion generating device 1100 according to the fifteenth embodiment.

Fig. 38 is a side cross-sectional enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second ion generating device 1100 according to the fifteenth embodiment.

Fig. 39 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of the first ion generating device 1100 according to the sixteenth embodiment.

Fig. 40 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of the second ion generating device 1100 according to the sixteenth embodiment.

Fig. 41 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of the third ion generating device 1100 according to the sixteenth embodiment.

Fig. 42 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus 1100 according to a seventeenth embodiment.

Fig. 43 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus 1100 according to an eighteenth embodiment.

Modes for carrying out the invention

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are given the same reference numerals. These are named and function the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 1 is an overall front view of a refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment. The ion generating unit 110 of the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, a refrigerator 100 as an example of a refrigerating apparatus shown in fig. 1. The refrigerator may be a storage such as a drawer, a cabinet, or a wardrobe in a kitchen without involving cooling.

The refrigerator 100 is composed of, for example, a main body 101 and

doors

102L and 102R. The main body 101 includes a main refrigerating space 103, a freezing space 105, a vegetable accommodating space 106, a fruit accommodating space 107, an ice storing space 108, and the like. In the present embodiment, a refrigerating space 104 is provided in the main refrigerating space 103, and an ion generating unit 110 for the refrigerating space 104 is mounted in the refrigerating space 104.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the cooling air duct 131 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the refrigerating space 104 according to the present embodiment. Referring to fig. 3, the refrigerating space 104 of the present embodiment is mainly formed by an upper box 104B attached to the inner wall of the main refrigerating space 103 and a lower box 104A slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the main refrigerating space 103 or the upper box 104B.

As shown in fig. 2, a cold air duct 131 is provided behind the refrigerating space 104, and a part of cold air flowing through the cold air duct 131 flows from the discharge port 133 along the outer wall of the lower box 104A or the upper box 104B, thereby indirectly cooling the inside of the refrigerating space 104. Therefore, cold air can be prevented from directly contacting the food or drink in the refrigerating space 104, and the food or drink can be cooled without drying.

An ion generating unit 110 is disposed behind the upper case 104B. An opening 104X is provided in the rear surface of the upper case 104B, and positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generating unit 110 flow into the refrigerating space 104 through the opening 104X.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the refrigerating space 104 of the present embodiment. Referring to fig. 4, a conductive plate 120 is disposed on the bottom surface inside the lower case 104A. As described later, the degree of deviation of the positive ions and the negative ions generated by the ion generating unit 110 can be reduced by the conductive plate 120.

Fig. 5 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the ion generating unit 110 according to the present embodiment. The ion generating unit 110 of the present embodiment is installed in an installation space 113 defined by an inner wall of the refrigerator 100. The periphery of the front portion of the installation space 113 is connected to the upper case 104B through a gasket 118. In the present embodiment, the ion generating unit 110 has the brush-shaped

discharge electrodes

1,2, and generates high-concentration ions near the brush-shaped

discharge electrodes

1, 2. A slit 1150 is disposed in front of the

discharge electrodes

1,2 so that articles do not enter between the ion generating unit 110 and the refrigerating space 104.

Here, the structure of the ion generating unit 110 of the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 shows an internal structure of the ion generating unit 110 according to the present embodiment. The ion generating unit 110 includes two

discharge electrodes

1,2, annular inductive electrodes 3,4, and two rectangular printed boards 5, 6. The inductive electrode 3 is an electrode for forming an electric field with the discharge electrode 1. The inductive electrode 4 is an electrode for forming an electric field with the discharge electrode 2. The discharge electrode 1 is an electrode for generating negative ions between itself and the induction electrode 3. The discharge electrode 2 is an electrode for generating positive ions between itself and the induction electrode 4.

The printed boards 5 and 6 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. The inductive electrode 3 is formed on the surface of one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the printed board 5 using the wiring layer of the printed board 5. A hole 5a penetrating the printed board 5 is formed inside the inductive electrode 3. The inductive electrode 4 is formed on the surface of the other end in the longitudinal direction of the printed board 5 using the wiring layer of the printed board 5. A hole 5b penetrating the printed board 5 is formed inside the inductive electrode 4.

Each of the

discharge electrodes

1,2 is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the printed substrate 5, 6. The base end of the discharge electrode 1 is inserted into the hole of the printed circuit board 6, and the other end penetrates the center of the hole 5a of the printed circuit board 5. The base end of the discharge electrode 2 is inserted into the hole of the printed circuit board 6, and the other end penetrates the center of the hole 5b of the printed circuit board 5. The base end portion of each of the

discharge electrodes

1,2 is fixed to the printed board 6 by solder.

The inductive electrodes 3,4 are formed on a printed circuit board 5, and the

discharge electrodes

1,2 are fixed to a printed circuit board 6 different from the printed circuit board 5. Therefore, even when the ion generating apparatus is in a high humidity environment in a state where dust is deposited on the printed boards 5 and 6, the leakage of current between the

discharge electrodes

1 and 2 and the inductive electrodes 3 and 4 can be suppressed, and ions can be stably generated.

The tip of each of the

discharge electrodes

1,2 is formed in a brush shape. The discharge electrode 1 has a plurality of wire-like conductors 7 provided at the tip end thereof, and a junction 7a that bundles root elements of the plurality of conductors 7. The discharge electrode 2 has a plurality of wire-like conductors 8 provided at the tip end thereof, and a junction 8a that bundles the root elements of the plurality of conductors 8.

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram of the ion generating unit 110 according to the present embodiment. Referring to fig. 7, ion generating unit 110 includes power supply terminal T1, ground terminal T2,

diodes

32 and 33, and step-up transformer 31, in addition to

discharge electrodes

1 and 2 and inductive electrodes 3 and 4. The power supply terminal T1 and the ground terminal T2 are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of a dc power supply, respectively. A dc power supply voltage (for example, +12V or +15V) is applied to the power supply terminal T1, and the ground terminal T2 is grounded. The power supply terminal T1 and the ground terminal T2 are connected to the step-up transformer 31 through the power supply circuit 30.

The step-up transformer 31 includes a primary winding 31a and a secondary winding 31 b. One terminal of the secondary winding 31b is connected to the inductive electrodes 3 and 4, and the other terminal is connected to the cathode of the diode 32 and the anode of the diode 33. The anode of the diode 32 is connected to the base end of the discharge electrode 1, and the cathode of the diode 33 is connected to the base end of the discharge electrode 2.

The operation of the ion generating unit 110 will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. When a dc power supply voltage is applied between the power supply terminal T1 and the ground terminal T2, electric charges are charged in a capacitor (not shown) included in the power supply circuit 30. The charge charged in the capacitor is discharged through the primary winding 31a of the step-up transformer 31, and a pulse voltage is generated in the primary winding 31 a.

When the pulse voltage is generated in the primary winding 31a, the positive and negative high-voltage pulses are generated in the secondary winding 31b while alternately attenuating. A negative high voltage pulse is applied to the discharge electrode 1 through the diode 32, and a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the discharge electrode 2 through the diode 33. This causes corona discharge to occur in the conductors 7 and 8 at the tips of the

discharge electrodes

1 and 2, thereby generating negative ions and positive ions, respectively.

In addition, the positive ion is a plurality of water molecules in the hydrogen ion (H)<+>) The cluster ion of the peripheral cluster, denoted as H<+>(H₂O) m (m is an arbitrary integer of 0 or more). The negative ion is oxygen ion (O) containing multiple water molecules₂<->) Clustered ions clustered around, denoted O₂<->(H₂O) n (n is an arbitrary integer of 0 or more). When the positive ions and the negative ions are released into the room, the both ions surround bacteria and viruses suspended in the air, and cause chemical reactions with each other on the surfaces thereof. Floating bacteria and the like are removed by the action of the hydroxide radicals (. OH) of the active species generated at this time.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of wire-like conductors 7 and 8 constituting the tip portions of the brush-

like discharge electrodes

1 and 2 are bent and deformed outward by mutual electrical repulsion and electrical attraction to the inductive electrodes 3 and 4, respectively, and the area of the region where the tip portions of the conductors 7 and 8 are present is increased. That is, the area of the region where ions are generated becomes large, and the amount of ions generated when the same voltage is applied is increased as compared with the needle-shaped discharge electrode.

In the refrigerator 100 or the ion generating unit 110 according to the present embodiment, a fan for discharging ions to the refrigerating space 104 is not mounted. Accordingly, since the wind does not blow the food and drink in the refrigerating space 104, the drying of the food and drink can be suppressed. On the other hand, positive ions and negative ions generated by the conductors 7,8 at the tips of the

discharge electrodes

1,2 are not released into the refrigerating space 104 by the wind force of the fan, and therefore it is difficult to uniformly spread both positive ions and negative ions over a wide range in the refrigerating space 104.

However, in the refrigerating space 104 of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the positive ions and the negative ions are less likely to deviate due to the potential variation of the conductive plate 120. As a result, bacteria can be efficiently removed or inactivated.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 26, in a general refrigerator, when positive or negative cluster ions are diffused by natural convection or the like, repulsive force is generated between the cluster ions and the wall surface according to coulomb's law by the charged state of the wall surface material. In general, wall materials are often made of electrically insulating materials such as resins, and since charge hardly migrates in the wall, the charged state differs from wall to wall, and as a result, the balance between positive ions and negative ions is lost at each wall, and the sterilization ability is lowered. However, in the present embodiment, since the conductive plate 120 is disposed at the bottom of the refrigerating space 104, the bottom of the conductive plate 120 may have the same potential regardless of the charged state at each place. Therefore, the imbalance between the positive ions and the negative ions locally at the bottom can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the imbalance between positive ions and negative ions in the entire vicinity of the bottom in the refrigerating space 104 is further improved. That is, if there are a large number of positive ions near the bottom in the refrigerating space 104, the large number of positive ions are taken by the conductive plate 120, and the conductive plate 120 is positively charged. When the conductive plate member 120 is positively charged, the attraction force for negative ions increases, and the repulsion force for positive ions increases. Therefore, more negative ions are attracted to the vicinity of the bottom in the refrigerating space 104. When a large amount of negative ions exist near the bottom of the refrigerating space 104, the large amount of negative ions are taken by the conductive plate 120, and the conductive plate 120 is negatively charged. When the conductive plate member 120 is negatively charged, the attraction force to the positive ions increases, and the repulsion force to the negative ions increases.

Therefore, positive ions or negative ions are easily present in a well-balanced manner in the vicinity of the conductive plate 120, and bacteria can be efficiently removed or inactivated by the reaction between the positive ions and the negative ions.

Further, it is preferable that the upper case 104A or the lower case 104B does not contain or contain less pigment such as titanium oxide or carbon. That is, it is preferable that the refrigerating space 104 itself or a member near the refrigerating space 104 is easily electrically neutral and does not have polarity due to the molecular structure. This can suppress imbalance between positive ions and negative ions in the vicinity of the side wall of the upper case 104A or the lower case 104B where the conductive plate 120 is not disposed.

(second embodiment)

In the first embodiment, the conductive plate 120 is disposed on the entire bottom surface of the lower case 104A in the refrigerating space. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in fig. 9, the panel 120 may be disposed on the front side of the bottom surface of the refrigerating space 104. As shown in fig. 10, the conductive plate 120Y may be disposed on the front surface of the refrigerating space 104.

Since ions are not easily reached to a region distant from the ion generation unit 110, the ion amount tends to be small. Therefore, by disposing the conductive plate member in a region away from the ion generating unit 110, imbalance between the positive ions and the negative ions can be improved, and therefore, even a small amount of ions can efficiently remove or inactivate bacteria. On the other hand, since the ion amount is sufficient in the region close to the ion generating unit 110, even if unbalance between the positive ions and the negative ions occurs, both of the positive ions and the negative ions sufficient for removing bacteria or rendering them inactive can be supplied. Therefore, the amount of the conductive plate 120 used can be reduced compared to the first embodiment.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 11, two

conductive plates

122A and 122B may be arranged in parallel in the lower case 104A of the refrigerating space. Further, a plurality of

conductive plates

122A,122B … may be arranged in line according to the size of the refrigerating space 104, or a plurality of

conductive plates

122A,122B … may be arranged in a stacked manner.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 12, one or more electrically conductive disks 123A,123B …, etc. may be disposed in the refrigerating space 104. This makes it easy to maintain the balance between positive ions and negative ions around the food and drink placed on the dishes 123A,123B ….

Thus, the conductive plate can be made smaller than a large plate, and therefore, the cost can be reduced. In addition, when taking out the food along with the conductive plate member, in the case where it is desired to remove the conductive plate member when the conductive plate member is contaminated or damaged, it is not necessary to take out all the food in the refrigerating space 104.

(third embodiment)

For example, as shown in fig. 13, the conductive plate 120X may be formed in an L-shape in side view so as to cover the bottom surface and the lower front surface of the lower case 104A. As shown in fig. 14, the conductive plate 120Z may have a U-shape in side view so as to cover the bottom surface and the lower front and rear surfaces of the lower case 104A.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 15, conductive plates 120,120B may be disposed on both the bottom surface and the top surface of the refrigerating space 104. This makes it possible to easily maintain the balance between positive ions and negative ions in all regions of the refrigerating space 104.

As shown in fig. 16, conductive plates 120,120B,120C, and 120D may be disposed on each of the bottom surface, the top surface, and the side surfaces of the refrigerating space 104. This makes it possible to easily maintain the balance between positive ions and negative ions in all regions of the refrigerating space 104.

As described above, in the present embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, there is an effect that the balance between the positive ions and the negative ions can be maintained even for the food stored in the height direction in the refrigerating space 104.

(fourth embodiment)

In the first to third embodiments, the refrigerating space 104 includes the conductive plate 120. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in fig. 17, a conductive mesh member 127 may be disposed in the refrigerating space 104. Further, the slit-shaped member may be conductive. Further, the conductive film may be disposed on the surface where the refrigerating space 104 is formed.

(fifth embodiment)

As shown in fig. 18, the conductive plate 120 or the mesh member 127 may be electrically connected to the secondary winding side of the ion generating unit 110. More specifically, the conductive plate 120, the mesh member 127, and the like are electrically connected to the intermediate potential on the secondary side of the inductive electrodes 3,4, and the like of the ion generating unit 110 through the connector 119 and the like. This stabilizes the potential of the conductive plate 120 or the mesh member 127 at an intermediate potential with respect to the generated ions. Therefore, the electric field in the refrigerating space 104 is stable, and the balance between the positive ions and the negative ions can be easily maintained over a wide area.

Further, the conductive plate 120 or the mesh member 127 is preferably a ground potential of the refrigerator 100. When the

doors

102L and 102R are opened, the conductive plate 120 or the mesh member 127 is preferably electrically disconnected from the secondary winding side of the ion generating unit 110. At this time, it is more preferable that the driving of the ion generating unit 110 also stops. This eliminates the possibility that the user touches the conductive plate 120 or the mesh member 127 to get an electric shock.

(sixth embodiment)

In the first to fifth embodiments, the cooling space 104 includes a conductive plate 120. However, it is not limited to this configuration. As shown in fig. 19, a conductive plate 124X may be disposed outside the refrigerating space 104, for example, in the main refrigerating space 103 at a position facing the bottom surface of the lower case 104A of the refrigerating space.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 20, the conductive plate 124Y may form a part of the lower case 104Y of the refrigerating space, for example, a bottom surface or a front surface, or a part of the upper case 104B.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 21, the lower case 104Z or the upper case 104B of the refrigerating space may be mixed with a conductive material to be molded.

(seventh embodiment)

In the first to sixth embodiments, the cooling space 104 includes a conductive plate 120. However, it is not limited to this configuration. As shown in fig. 22, an ion generating unit 110B for supplying ions to the vegetable storage space 106 or the fruit storage space 107, which is preferable to prevent the cold air from directly flowing, may be provided. The ion generating unit 110B also supplies positive ions and negative ions to the vegetable accommodating space 106 or the fruit accommodating space 107 without using a fan. In this case, it is preferable to dispose a conductive plate 120 or the like in the vegetable storage space 106 or the fruit storage space 107.

It is to be understood that the position of the vegetable box or the fruit box is not limited to the position shown in fig. 1, and for example, as shown in fig. 23, the vegetable storage space 106 or the fruit storage space 107 may be provided in the main refrigerating space 103.

(eighth embodiment)

Further, it is more preferable that the main refrigerating space 103 or the freezing space 105 or the ice storage space 108 shown in fig. 1 may also be supplied with ions. Positive ions and negative ions may be blown into the region together with cold air by a fan. This will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 2 and 24. Fig. 24 is a rear view of the cooling air duct 131 according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the ion generating unit 110C is disposed in the middle of the passage of the main cool air flowing through the fan 132, for example, in the lower portion of the cool air duct 131. As a result, cold air and positive and negative ions are blown from outlet port 131X into main refrigerating space 103 or freezing space 105 by the air blown by fan 132. On the other hand, the cold storage space 104, the vegetable storage space 106, or the fruit storage space 107 is not directly blown with cold air, that is, positive ions and negative ions are supplied in a balanced manner while being indirectly cooled.

(ninth embodiment)

In the first to eighth embodiments, the refrigerator 100 for home use is described as an example of the refrigerating apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to such a constitution. For example, as shown in fig. 25, the techniques of the first to eighth embodiments may be applied to a storage having a size that allows a person to enter.

More specifically, the rack 251,251 251,251 … on which the stored articles are placed may be provided with conductive plates 125,125 125,125 … or a mesh member 127. Thus, the positive ions and the negative ions supplied from the ion generating device 210 may exist in equilibrium around the racks 251,251 251,251 ….

In addition, the storage may be a drawer, a cabinet, or a wardrobe in a kitchen or the like.

(tenth embodiment)

As described below, the ion generating unit 110 of the above embodiment is combined with the surrounding structure to realize the ion generating apparatus 1100 in which the conductor is accommodated in the predetermined accommodation region. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the main body of the ion generating unit 110 according to the first to ninth embodiments is referred to as the ion generating unit 110, and a system in which the main body of the ion generating unit 110 and its surrounding structure are combined is referred to as the ion generating apparatus 1100.

The ion generating device 1100 according to the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, a refrigerator 100 as an example of a storage box shown in fig. 27. Further, the storage may be a drawer of a kitchen or the like, a microwave oven, a cabinet, or a wardrobe. A storage such as refrigerator 100 generally includes a main body 101 and a door 102.

The ion generating device 1100 is disposed in the food storage space 103 of the refrigerator 100 shown in fig. 28. For example, the ion generating device 1100 is disposed on the rear surface of the food storage space 103, the rear surface of the refrigerator box (refrigerator space) 104, the rear surface of the fruit box (fruit space) 107, the rear surface of the vegetable box (vegetable space) 106, and the like, and supplies ions into the food storage space 103, the refrigerator box 104, the fruit box 107, or the vegetable box 106.

Fig. 29 is a side sectional view showing the ion generating apparatus 1100 and the drawer 109 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 30 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the vicinity of the ion generating device 1100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 29 and 30, the ion generating device 1100 according to the present embodiment is mainly composed of an installation space 113, an ion generating unit 110, and a recess 114. The ion generating unit 110 has a brush electrode 112.

The installation space 113 is formed, for example, on the rear surface of the food storage space 103 of the refrigerator 100. The end of the installation space 113 on the food storage space 103 side serves as an ejection port 113X for ions generated by the brush electrode 112.

The ion generating unit 110 is disposed inside the installation space 113. The ion generating unit 110 includes a brush electrode 112 as a discharge electrode, an induction electrode and a circuit board, which are not shown. Ions are generated between the brush electrode 112 and the sensing electrode. The generated ions are ejected from the ejection port 113X toward the food storage space 103 by diffusion.

The structure of the ion generating unit 110 is not particularly limited, and for example, the structure described in patent document 2 can be used. That is, the brush electrode 112 has a plurality of wire-like conductors (simply referred to as brushes) at the tip thereof and a joint portion with a root member binding the plurality of conductors. The conductor is made of, for example, metal or carbon fiber, and preferably has an outer diameter of 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. Preferably, the conductor protrudes from the joint by 3mm or more.

A recess 114 is formed downward between the ion generating unit 110 and the ejection port 113X of the installation space 113. The depth H of the recess 114 is preferably longer than the length of the wire-like conductor. For example, the recess 114 is preferably 3 to 4mm deep.

Thus, if the conductor falls off from the brush electrode 112, it also falls into the housing area, i.e., the recess 114. That is, the conductor can be accommodated in the predetermined accommodation area.

(eleventh embodiment)

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 31, in addition to the ion generating device 1100 of the tenth embodiment, a brush passage preventing portion 115 is provided between the ejection port 113X and the brush electrode 112. The brush passage preventing portion 115 is formed of a mesh, a net, a slit, or the like. The brush passage preventing portion 115 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the ejection port 113X. Thus, the brush electrode 112 can be prevented from being accidentally touched by the user by the brush passage preventing portion 115.

The size of the gap of the brush passage preventing portion 115 is preferably shorter than the length of the conductor and has a size that allows ions to easily pass therethrough. For example, it is preferably about several mm, more preferably 4mm or less and 2mm or more.

Accordingly, if the conductor is detached from the brush-shaped electrode 112, the brush passage preventing portion 115 can further reduce the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area.

(twelfth embodiment)

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 32, in addition to the ion generating device 1100 of the tenth or eleventh embodiment, a brush attachment portion 116 is provided in the vicinity of the ejection port 113X. The brush attachment portion 116 has a surface formed of a raised surface such as Magic Tape (registered trademark), or an adhesive surface such as an adhesive Tape.

In the case where the conductor is of a metallic specification, a magnet may be disposed on the surface of the installation space 113 or inside the installation space. Alternatively, when the conductor is of a specification with a high possibility of being electrically charged, an electric charge may be applied to the bottom surface of the installation space 113.

Thus, if the conductor falls off from the brush-shaped electrode 112, the brush attachment portion 116 can further reduce the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area.

The brush attachment portion 116 is not limited to be provided on the bottom surface of the installation space 113, and may be provided on the side surface or the top surface of the installation space 113.

Alternatively, the brush attachment portion 116 may be provided on a side surface or a bottom surface of the recess 114. This reduces the possibility that the conductor dropped into the recess 114 returns to the installation space 113 again, and as a result, the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area can be further reduced.

(thirteenth embodiment)

In this embodiment, as shown in fig. 33, in addition to the configuration of the ion generating device 1100 of the tenth to twelfth embodiments, the ion generating unit 110 of the ion generating device 1100 is fixed to the main body 101 side of the refrigerator 100, and the recess 114 of the ion generating device 1100 is attached to the main body 101 through a spring 117 or the like so that the recess 114 is easily vibrated with respect to the main body 101 of the refrigerator 100.

Thus, for example, when the drawer 109 or the like is closed, the back surface of the drawer 109 comes into contact with the wall surface of the food storage space 103, and the recess 114 is likely to vibrate. As a result, the conductor attached to the upper portion of the recess 114 is likely to fall into the bottom surface of the recess 114, and the possibility that the conductor falling into the recess 114 returns to the installation space 113 again can be reduced, and as a result, the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area can be further reduced.

Conversely, as shown in fig. 34, the recess 114 of the ion generating device 1100 may be fixed to the main body 101 of the refrigerator 100, and the ion generating unit 110 or the installation space 113 may be attached to the main body 101 through a spring 117 or the like so that the ion generating unit 110 of the ion generating device 1100 is easily vibrated with respect to the main body 101 of the refrigerator 100.

Thus, for example, when the drawer 109 or the like is closed, the back surface of the drawer 109 comes into contact with the wall surface of the food storage space 103, and the installation space 113 and the ion generating unit 110 are likely to vibrate. As a result, the conductor located in the installation space 113 or the ion generating unit 110 is likely to fall into the recess 114, and as a result, the possibility of the conductor moving outside the predetermined housing area can be further reduced.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 35, installation space 113 and recess 114 of ion generating device 1100 may be attached to main body 101 via spring 117 or the like so that installation space 113, ion generating unit 110, and recess 114 are easily vibrated with respect to main body 101 of refrigerator 100.

Thus, for example, when the drawer 109 or the like is closed, the back surface of the drawer 109 comes into contact with the wall surface of the food storage space 103, and the installation space 113, the ion generating unit 110, or the recess 114 is likely to vibrate. As a result, the conductor located in the installation space 113 or the ion generating unit 110 easily falls into the recess 114, and the conductor located above the recess 114 also easily falls into the bottom surface of the recess 114, so that the possibility of the conductor moving out of the predetermined housing area can be further reduced.

(fourteenth embodiment)

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 36, the ion generating device 1100 includes the brush passage preventing portion 115 of the eleventh embodiment and the brush attachment portion 116 of the twelfth embodiment, but does not have the recess 114.

Thus, if the conductor is detached from the brush-shaped electrode 112, the conductor can be retained in advance by the brush passage preventing portion 115 and the brush attachment portion 116. Therefore, even if the conductor drops off from the brush electrode 112, the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area can be reduced.

(fifteenth embodiment)

In addition, instead of forming the recess 114 provided further downward from the bottom surface of the installation space 113 in the tenth embodiment, a brush passage preventing portion 115B provided upward from the bottom surface of the installation space 113 shown in fig. 37 and 38 may be used.

In other words, instead of the brush passage preventing portion 115 of the eleventh embodiment covering the entire discharge port 113X, the brush passage preventing portion 115B may be used to cover the lower portion of the discharge port 113X.

That is, a space lower than both the brush electrode 112 and the ejection port 113X is provided between the brush electrode 112 and the ejection port 113X, not limited to the recess 114. This achieves the same effect as the recess 114.

(sixteenth embodiment)

In the tenth to fifteenth embodiments, the ion generating unit 110 and the brush electrode 112 are horizontally arranged, but the invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 39 and 40, the ion generating unit 110 is disposed vertically below the installation space 113, and the brush electrode 112 is disposed facing upward.

More specifically, for example, as shown in fig. 39, the concave portion 114B may be formed on the ejection port 113X side of the ion generating unit 110. In this way, when the concave portion 114B where the conductor stays is formed between the brush electrode 112 and the ejection port 113X, the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area can be reduced.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 40, a brush attachment portion 116 may be provided between the brush electrode 112 and the ejection port 113X. That is, if the conductor falls off from the brush electrode 112, the brush attachment portion 116 can further reduce the possibility that the conductor moves out of the predetermined housing area.

As shown in fig. 41, the ion generating unit 110 may be disposed vertically above the installation space 113, and the brush electrode 112 may be disposed downward. Further, as in the tenth embodiment, the conductor dropped from the brush-like electrode 112 may fall into the recess 114, or the conductor may be prevented from moving out of the predetermined housing area by the brush passage preventing portion 115 of the eleventh embodiment or the brush attachment portion 116 of the twelfth embodiment.

(seventeenth embodiment)

In order to reduce the possibility that the conductor dropped off the brush electrode 112 moves outside the predetermined housing area, another configuration may be adopted. For example, as shown in fig. 42, by directing the discharge port 113Y upward from the horizontal, the possibility of the conductor moving outside the predetermined housing area can be reduced.

Further, the ejection port 113Y may be made of metal, and the conductive body Z may be dropped into the

concave portions

114 and 114B or may be made less likely to be lifted from the bottom surfaces of the

concave portions

114 and 114B by the moisture X on the wall surface or the moisture Y dropped from the wall surface due to frost formed on the ejection port 113Y, thereby reducing the possibility that the conductive body Z moves out of the predetermined storage area.

(eighteenth embodiment)

The brush electrodes 112 are not limited to the configuration in which they are horizontally oriented or vertically oriented upward or downward, and may be obliquely arranged as shown in fig. 43.

(conclusion)

In the above embodiment, the

refrigeration apparatuses

100 and 200 include: first ion generating units 110,110B for supplying ions to the first accommodating spaces 104,106, 107; and a first conductor 120 disposed at least at or near the bottom of the first receiving spaces 104,106, 107.

Preferably, the ions from the first ion generating units 110,110B are supplied to the first receiving spaces 104,106,107 without using a fan.

Preferably, the refrigerating apparatuses 100,200 are configured such that the first storage spaces 104,106,107 are indirectly cooled via the

boxes

104A,104B constituting the first storage spaces 104,106,107 without directly blowing cold air into the first storage spaces 104,106, 107.

It is preferable to provide the second housing space 103 around the first housing spaces 104,106,107 or to provide the second housing space 103 different from the first housing spaces 104,106, 107. The refrigerator 100,200 further includes a second ion generating unit 110C for supplying ions to the second housing space 103. The ions from the second ion generating unit 110C are supplied to the second housing space 103 using a fan.

Preferably, the second conductor 120B is disposed on or near the upper surface of the first housing spaces 104,106, 107.

Preferably, the first electrical conductor 120 is not conductively connected to other electrically conductive components of the

refrigeration unit

100, 200.

Preferably, the first conductor 120 is connected to the secondary side of the first

ion generating unit

110, 110B.

In the above embodiment, the ion generating apparatus 1100 for supplying ions to the housing space is provided. The ion generating device 1100 includes an ion generating unit 110 having a brush electrode 112 for generating ions, and

ejection ports

113X and 113Y for ejecting ions into the housing space. Recesses 114,114B recessed downward are formed between the brush electrode 112 and the ejection ports 113X,113T, and accommodate the conductor dropped from the brush electrode 112.

Preferably, an adhesion portion 116 is formed between the brush electrode 112 and the

ejection ports

113X and 113Y to adhere the conductor Z detached from the brush electrode 112.

Preferably, a member 115 for preventing the detached conductor Z from moving outside the predetermined housing area is disposed between the brush electrode 112 and the

ejection ports

113X and 113Y.

The pull-out storage container 109 is preferably disposed in the storage space. When the container 109 is closed, a part of the container 109 abuts on the recess 114,114A, and the recess vibrates.

The brush electrode 112 is preferably disposed so as to be substantially horizontal or substantially downward.

Further, a refrigerator 100 mounted with the ion generating device 1100 is provided.

The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims. In addition, a combination of the configurations of the different embodiments described in the present specification is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[ description of reference numerals ]

1 discharge electrode

2 discharge electrode

3 inductive electrode

4 inductive electrode

5 printed substrate

5a hole

5b holes

6 printed circuit board

7 electric conductor

7a joint

8 electric conductor

8a joint

30 power supply circuit

31 step-up transformer

31a primary winding

31b secondary winding

32 diode

33 diode

100 refrigerator

101 body

102 door

102L door

102R door

103 main refrigeration space (food storage space)

104 refrigeration space (refrigeration box)

104A lower box

104B upper box

104X opening part

104Y lower box

104Z lower box

105 freezing space

106 vegetable storage space (vegetable box)

107 fruit accommodating space (fruit box)

108 ice storage area

109 drawer

1100 ion generating device

110 ion generating unit

110B ion generating unit

110C ion generating unit

112 brush-shaped electrode

113 installation space

113X spout

113Y outlet

114 recess

114B recess

115 brush passage preventing part

1150 slit

116 Brush attachment

117 spring

118 liner

119 connector

120 plate

120A plate

120B plate

120C plate

120D plate

120X plate

120Y plate

120Z plate

121 mesh member

122A plate

122B plate

123A dish

123B dish

124X plate

124Y plate

125 plate

127 mesh component

131 cold air pipe

132 Fan

200 refrigerating chamber

210 ion generating device

251 frame body

X, Y water

Z conductor (Brush)

Claims

1. A refrigeration device is provided with:

a first ion generating unit for supplying ions to the first accommodating space;

a first conductor disposed at least at or near a bottom of the first housing space; and an ejection port for ejecting the ions toward the first accommodation space,

the first ion generating unit has a brush electrode for generating ions,

the brush electrode is disposed so as to face substantially horizontally or substantially downward,

between the brush electrode and the ejection port, a receiving area is provided in which a recess recessed downward is formed to receive the conductor detached from the brush electrode.

2. A refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ions from the first ion generating unit are supplied to the first accommodation space without using a fan.

3. A refrigerator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first storage space is cooled indirectly via a box member constituting the first storage space without blowing cold air directly into the first storage space.

4. A refrigerator as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a second storage space is provided around the first storage space or a second storage space different from the first storage space;

further provided with a second ion generating unit for supplying ions to the second accommodating space;

the ions from the second ion generating unit are supplied to the second housing space using a fan.

5. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second conductor disposed on or near an upper surface of the first storage space.

6. A cold storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrical conductor is not conductively connected to other electrically conductive components of the cold storage device.

7. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first ion generating unit has a step-up transformer having a primary winding connected to a power supply and a secondary winding for boosting a voltage of the power supply to a discharge voltage;

the first conductor is connected to the secondary winding.

8. An ion generating apparatus for supplying ions to a housing space, comprising:

an ion generating unit having a brush electrode for generating ions; and

an ejection port for ejecting the ions toward the housing space;

9. The ion generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an adhesion portion to which the detached conductor adheres is formed between the brush electrode and the ejection port.

10. The ion generating apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a member for preventing the detached conductor from flowing out of the housing area is disposed between the brush electrode and the ejection port.

11. The ion generating apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a pull-out type storage container is disposed in the storage space;

the recess may vibrate by a part of the container abutting when the container is closed.

12. A storage box on which the ion generating device according to claim 8 or 9 is mounted.