EP3926265B1 - A refrigerator comprising a uv light source - Google Patents

A refrigerator comprising a uv light source Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3926265B1
EP3926265B1 EP21171568.5A EP21171568A EP3926265B1 EP 3926265 B1 EP3926265 B1 EP 3926265B1 EP 21171568 A EP21171568 A EP 21171568A EP 3926265 B1 EP3926265 B1 EP 3926265B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compartment
refrigerator
housing
light source
carrier plate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21171568.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3926265A1 (en
Inventor
Cihat BACAK
Cetin USLU
Kemal DINCER
Halil Ibrahim ALTINTAS
Tayfun Inal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP3926265A1 publication Critical patent/EP3926265A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3926265B1 publication Critical patent/EP3926265B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
    • F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
    • F25D25/024—Slidable shelves
    • F25D25/025—Drawers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
    • F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
    • F25D2317/0417—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification using an UV-lamp

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising at least one UV light source for disinfecting the foodstuffs placed therein, wherein the rays emitted by the UV light source are suffused over all the surfaces of the foodstuffs so as to increase the efficiency thereof.
  • pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or harmful substances such as pesticide residues on the packaged foods, fruits and vegetables placed in the refrigerator.
  • harmful microorganisms and substances on the packages directly threaten human health.
  • vegetables and fruits are consumed after being washed, sometimes cleaning with water is not sufficient to remove bacteria and viruses.
  • refrigerators comprising crispers having an ozone generator, shelves or crispers with UV light sources.
  • UV light sources are disclosed which are placed on a compartment so as to be above the photocatalytic member placed onto the compartment base.
  • Japan Patent Document No. JP6706733 relates to a refrigerator having a low-temperature storage compartment inside the refrigerating compartment.
  • the state of the art Chinese Patent Document No. CN101322000 relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator capable of storing vegetables and fruits or meat and fish in a fresher state.
  • US5253488 relates to a vegetable storage drawer of a refrigerator which has an absorbing apparatus positioned in the storage drawer for absorbing a noxious gas generated from vegetables and for preserving vegetables for a long period of time.
  • the state of the art Korea Patent Document No. KR20060107040 relates to a defrosting unit of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a defrosting unit and a defrosting chamber of a refrigerator for defrosting frozen food using radiant heat generated by a heating element.
  • Japan Patent Document No. JP2007003174 relates to refrigerators with storage compartments made more durable by means of LEDs with wavelengths in the ultraviolet region.
  • Japan Patent Document No. JP2002350040 relates to a refrigerator in which a storage chamber and a duct are defined within a heat-insulating box body, and cool air exchanged with a cooler disposed in the duct is circulated in the storage chamber by a blower.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator comprising UV light sources which are placed so as to enable the UV rays to suffuse over all the surfaces of the foodstuffs in order to ensure disinfection in the compartment wherein the foodstuffs are placed.
  • the refrigerator of the present invention comprises a carrier plate which is placed in the body of the refrigerator so as to be on the compartment wherein the foodstuffs are placed in order to sterilize the foodstuffs.
  • the carrier plate comprises at least one UV light source which is positioned so as to be parallel with the compartment base and which provides light in a manner perpendicular to the compartment, and at least another UV light source which is disposed on the carrier plate in an angled manner so as to be close to the center of the compartment base in order to enable the UV rays to reach the central regions.
  • the carrier plate comprises housings for receiving the UV light sources.
  • the UV light sources which are placed in an angled manner are attached into the housings on the carrier plate which are angled with respect to the compartment base.
  • the housings wherein the UV light sources are attached comprise at least one of the reflective materials which are Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide.
  • the UV light sources are mounted into the housing by means of holders.
  • the holder is coated with a reflective material which is Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide or is completely produced from a reflective material.
  • the thickness of the coating is between 0.1 micron and 5 mm, and the coating is carried out preferably by anodized coating method.
  • the UV light source is a source which emits in the UVC wavelength.
  • the UVC light sources emit a light in the range of 160-280 nm.
  • Quartz glasses are attached in front of the UV light sources so as to cover the housings to which the UV light sources are mounted and/or the holder.
  • the light in the UVC wavelength does not pass through plastic or other glasses.
  • the UV rays are enabled to spread in the compartment.
  • the refrigerator of the present invention comprises at least one elastic member which is placed between the holder and/or the housing and the quartz glass in order to dampen the possible impacts.
  • said elastic member is a sponge.
  • Voltage converters are provided in the compartment to operate the UV light sources.
  • a top plate is placed between the carrier plate and the compartment in order to prevent light leaks from the carrier plate to the outside of the compartment and to ensure that the carrier plate is not damaged by the UV rays.
  • Said top plate comprises a metal material, preferably stainless steel.
  • a reflector is disposed in the compartment in order to increase the mission of the UV rays. Elevations which increase the diffraction of the light are provided on the reflector surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said elevations are circular and/or polygonal and arranged in the horizontal and vertical plane on the reflector base with respect to each other. Thus, the light emitted by the UV light sources on the carrier plate can be refracted so as to reach all the foodstuffs in the compartment.
  • the compartment further comprises a wire shelf for ensuring that the foodstuffs are not placed onto the elevations in a manner to prevent the refraction of the glass.
  • the wire shelf is in the form of a grill so as not to cover the elevations on the reflector.
  • the UV light source is a U-shaped fluorescent lamp or a flat fluorescent lamp.
  • a voltage converter is used to operate the light sources.
  • the power supplied by the control unit of the refrigerator is transmitted from said voltage converter to the UV light sources.
  • a refrigerator is realized, wherein the UV rays are enabled to reach all the foodstuffs in the compartment and all the surfaces of a foodstuff, thus providing disinfection at the maximum level.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2); a compartment (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the foodstuffs are placed; a shelf (4) which is disposed in the body (2); and at least one UV light source (5) which is positioned so as to emit light into the compartment (3).
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a carrier plate (6) having a housing (8) wherein the at least one UV light source (5) is placed so as to emit light into the compartment (3) in an angled manner.
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises at least one UV light source (5) which provides the disinfection of the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (3).
  • a carrier plate (6) is placed between the compartment (3) and the shelf (4) such that the rays emitted by said UV light sources (5) reach all the surfaces in the compartment (3).
  • the carrier plate (6) comprises at least one housing (8) thereon wherein the UV light source (5) is placed so as to emit light onto the base of the compartment (3) in an angled manner.
  • the carrier plate (6) has a thickness suitable for comprising a housing (8) deep enough to place the UV light sources (5) therein, and comprises a planar surface in the form of a table.
  • At least one housing (8) is provided which enables the light to be transmitted onto the base of the compartment (3) in an angled manner and which is parallel with the base of the compartment (3).
  • the UV light source (5) is placed into the at least one housing (8) formed on said angled surfaces so as to emit light into the compartment (3) at a non-perpendicular angle.
  • UV light source (5) which is placed on the carrier plate (6) so as to emit light at a right angle and the UV light source (5) which is placed onto the carrier plate (6) in an angled manner, an equal amount of UV rays is enabled to reach all the parts of the compartment (3).
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a holder (7) which comprises at least one reflective material selected from among Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide so as to efficiently reflect the UV rays into the compartment (3) and which enables the UV light source (5) to be mounted into the housing (8).
  • the UV light source (5) can be more easily mounted into the housing (8), and by means of the reflective materials of the holder (7), the UV rays are enabled to be efficiently reflected into the compartment (3).
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a holder (7) and/or housing (8) which is coated with at least one reflective material selected from among Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide.
  • a coating with reflective materials is applied such that the UV rays are enabled to be suffused.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a reflector (9) having a plurality of elevations (13) for refracting the UV light so as to be transmitted to all the surfaces of the foodstuffs in the compartment (3), and a wire shelf (10) which enables the foodstuffs to be placed so as not to cover the elevations (13) and which is placed onto the reflector (9).
  • the UV rays coming from the carrier plate (6) to the compartment (3) hit the elevations (13) on the reflector (9) to be refracted and suffuse into the compartment (3).
  • the wire shelf (10) placed onto the reflector (9) the foodstuffs are prevented from being placed so as to cover the elevations (13) and the UV rays are enabled to reach the underside of the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (3).
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises the reflector (9) having the circular and/or polygonal elevations (13) which are successively arranged in vertical and horizontal rows.
  • the elevations (13) on the reflector (9) are enabled to better refract and reflect the light.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a metal top plate (11) which is placed between the compartment (3) and the carrier plate (6) and which protects the carrier plate (6) against the UV rays so as to prevent the same from being damaged.
  • the top plate (11) prevents the rays reflected from the reflector (9) from damaging the material of the carrier plate (6).
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a quartz glass (12) which closes the housing (8) and/or the holder (7) so as to cover the UV light source (5), and an elastic member (14) which is placed between the quartz glass (12) and the housing (8) and/or the holder (7).
  • a refrigerator (1) is realized, wherein in a compartment in which foodstuffs are placed the light emitted by the UV light sources (5) is enabled to reach all the foodstuffs and all the surfaces of a foodstuff in the compartment (3), thus providing a sterilization process at maximum efficiency.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising at least one UV light source for disinfecting the foodstuffs placed therein, wherein the rays emitted by the UV light source are suffused over all the surfaces of the foodstuffs so as to increase the efficiency thereof.
  • There are many pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or harmful substances such as pesticide residues on the packaged foods, fruits and vegetables placed in the refrigerator. Especially when the packaged foods are placed in compartments without being cleaned, harmful microorganisms and substances on the packages directly threaten human health. Moreover, although vegetables and fruits are consumed after being washed, sometimes cleaning with water is not sufficient to remove bacteria and viruses.
  • In the state of the art, in order to provide the user with cleaner and safer foodstuffs, there are refrigerators comprising crispers having an ozone generator, shelves or crispers with UV light sources.
  • In the state of the art Korean Patent Document No. KR20050026739 , a refrigerator is disclosed, having a strip-shaped glass with UV light sources placed on the sides of a shelf.
  • In the state of the art European Patent Document No. EP2525173B1 , UV light sources are disclosed which are placed on a compartment so as to be above the photocatalytic member placed onto the compartment base.
  • The state of the art Japan Patent Document No. JP6706733 relates to a refrigerator having a low-temperature storage compartment inside the refrigerating compartment.
  • The state of the art Chinese Patent Document No. CN101322000 relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator capable of storing vegetables and fruits or meat and fish in a fresher state.
  • The state of the art United States Patent Document No. US5253488 relates to a vegetable storage drawer of a refrigerator which has an absorbing apparatus positioned in the storage drawer for absorbing a noxious gas generated from vegetables and for preserving vegetables for a long period of time.
  • The state of the art United States Patent Document No. US2013104579 relates to a refrigerator including ultraviolet light emitting diodes.
  • The state of the art Korea Patent Document No. KR20060107040 relates to a defrosting unit of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a defrosting unit and a defrosting chamber of a refrigerator for defrosting frozen food using radiant heat generated by a heating element.
  • The state of the art Japan Patent Document No. JP2007003174 relates to refrigerators with storage compartments made more durable by means of LEDs with wavelengths in the ultraviolet region.
  • The state of the art Japan Patent Document No. JP2002350040 relates to a refrigerator in which a storage chamber and a duct are defined within a heat-insulating box body, and cool air exchanged with a cooler disposed in the duct is circulated in the storage chamber by a blower.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator comprising UV light sources which are placed so as to enable the UV rays to suffuse over all the surfaces of the foodstuffs in order to ensure disinfection in the compartment wherein the foodstuffs are placed.
  • This aim is achieved by a refrigerator according to independent claim 1. The refrigerator of the present invention comprises a carrier plate which is placed in the body of the refrigerator so as to be on the compartment wherein the foodstuffs are placed in order to sterilize the foodstuffs. The carrier plate comprises at least one UV light source which is positioned so as to be parallel with the compartment base and which provides light in a manner perpendicular to the compartment, and at least another UV light source which is disposed on the carrier plate in an angled manner so as to be close to the center of the compartment base in order to enable the UV rays to reach the central regions.
  • The carrier plate comprises housings for receiving the UV light sources. The UV light sources which are placed in an angled manner are attached into the housings on the carrier plate which are angled with respect to the compartment base.
  • In the primary embodiment of the present invention, the housings wherein the UV light sources are attached comprise at least one of the reflective materials which are Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the UV light sources are mounted into the housing by means of holders. In said embodiment, the holder is coated with a reflective material which is Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide or is completely produced from a reflective material.
  • The thickness of the coating is between 0.1 micron and 5 mm, and the coating is carried out preferably by anodized coating method.
  • In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the UV light source is a source which emits in the UVC wavelength. The UVC light sources emit a light in the range of 160-280 nm.
  • Quartz glasses are attached in front of the UV light sources so as to cover the housings to which the UV light sources are mounted and/or the holder. The light in the UVC wavelength does not pass through plastic or other glasses. Thus, the UV rays are enabled to spread in the compartment.
  • The refrigerator of the present invention comprises at least one elastic member which is placed between the holder and/or the housing and the quartz glass in order to dampen the possible impacts. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said elastic member is a sponge.
  • Voltage converters are provided in the compartment to operate the UV light sources.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, a top plate is placed between the carrier plate and the compartment in order to prevent light leaks from the carrier plate to the outside of the compartment and to ensure that the carrier plate is not damaged by the UV rays. Said top plate comprises a metal material, preferably stainless steel.
  • A reflector is disposed in the compartment in order to increase the mission of the UV rays. Elevations which increase the diffraction of the light are provided on the reflector surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said elevations are circular and/or polygonal and arranged in the horizontal and vertical plane on the reflector base with respect to each other. Thus, the light emitted by the UV light sources on the carrier plate can be refracted so as to reach all the foodstuffs in the compartment. The compartment further comprises a wire shelf for ensuring that the foodstuffs are not placed onto the elevations in a manner to prevent the refraction of the glass. The wire shelf is in the form of a grill so as not to cover the elevations on the reflector.
  • In the refrigerator of the present invention, the UV light source is a U-shaped fluorescent lamp or a flat fluorescent lamp. A voltage converter is used to operate the light sources. The power supplied by the control unit of the refrigerator is transmitted from said voltage converter to the UV light sources.
  • By means of the present invention, a refrigerator is realized, wherein the UV rays are enabled to reach all the foodstuffs in the compartment and all the surfaces of a foodstuff, thus providing disinfection at the maximum level.
  • The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
    • Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the refrigerator of the present invention.
    • Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the body where the compartment illuminated by the UV light source is removed in the refrigerator of the present invention.
    • Figure 3 - is the exploded view of the carrier plate, the top plate, the reflector and the UV light sources placed between the compartment and the shelf in the refrigerator of the present invention.
    • Figure 4 - is the exploded view of the retainer, the UV light source and the quartz glass disposed in the housing in the refrigerator of the present invention.
    • Figure 5 - is the exploded view of the components disposed in the compartment in the refrigerator of the present invention.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. 1. Refrigerator
    2. 2. Body
    3. 3. Compartment
    4. 4. Shelf
    5. 5. UV light source
    6. 6. Carrier plate
    7. 7. Holder
    8. 8. Housing
    9. 9. Reflector
    10. 10. Wire shelf
    11. 11. Top plate
    12. 12. Quartz glass
    13. 13. Elevation
    14. 14. Elastic member
  • The refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2); a compartment (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the foodstuffs are placed; a shelf (4) which is disposed in the body (2); and at least one UV light source (5) which is positioned so as to emit light into the compartment (3).
  • The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a carrier plate (6) having a housing (8) wherein the at least one UV light source (5) is placed so as to emit light into the compartment (3) in an angled manner.
  • The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises at least one UV light source (5) which provides the disinfection of the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (3). A carrier plate (6) is placed between the compartment (3) and the shelf (4) such that the rays emitted by said UV light sources (5) reach all the surfaces in the compartment (3). The carrier plate (6) comprises at least one housing (8) thereon wherein the UV light source (5) is placed so as to emit light onto the base of the compartment (3) in an angled manner. The carrier plate (6) has a thickness suitable for comprising a housing (8) deep enough to place the UV light sources (5) therein, and comprises a planar surface in the form of a table. On said planar surface, at least one housing (8) is provided which enables the light to be transmitted onto the base of the compartment (3) in an angled manner and which is parallel with the base of the compartment (3). Moreover, on the long or short sides of the carrier plate (6), there are surfaces which are angled with respect to the planar surface of the carrier plate (6) and which are not parallel with the base of the compartment (3). The UV light source (5) is placed into the at least one housing (8) formed on said angled surfaces so as to emit light into the compartment (3) at a non-perpendicular angle. Thus, by means of the UV light source (5) which is placed on the carrier plate (6) so as to emit light at a right angle and the UV light source (5) which is placed onto the carrier plate (6) in an angled manner, an equal amount of UV rays is enabled to reach all the parts of the compartment (3).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a holder (7) which comprises at least one reflective material selected from among Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide so as to efficiently reflect the UV rays into the compartment (3) and which enables the UV light source (5) to be mounted into the housing (8). Thus, the UV light source (5) can be more easily mounted into the housing (8), and by means of the reflective materials of the holder (7), the UV rays are enabled to be efficiently reflected into the compartment (3).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a holder (7) and/or housing (8) which is coated with at least one reflective material selected from among Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide. In said embodiment, even if the housing (8) and/or the holder (7) is produced from any plastic material, a coating with reflective materials is applied such that the UV rays are enabled to be suffused.
  • According to the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a reflector (9) having a plurality of elevations (13) for refracting the UV light so as to be transmitted to all the surfaces of the foodstuffs in the compartment (3), and a wire shelf (10) which enables the foodstuffs to be placed so as not to cover the elevations (13) and which is placed onto the reflector (9). Thus, the UV rays coming from the carrier plate (6) to the compartment (3) hit the elevations (13) on the reflector (9) to be refracted and suffuse into the compartment (3). Moreover, by means of the wire shelf (10) placed onto the reflector (9), the foodstuffs are prevented from being placed so as to cover the elevations (13) and the UV rays are enabled to reach the underside of the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (3).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the reflector (9) having the circular and/or polygonal elevations (13) which are successively arranged in vertical and horizontal rows. Thus, the elevations (13) on the reflector (9) are enabled to better refract and reflect the light.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a metal top plate (11) which is placed between the compartment (3) and the carrier plate (6) and which protects the carrier plate (6) against the UV rays so as to prevent the same from being damaged. The top plate (11) prevents the rays reflected from the reflector (9) from damaging the material of the carrier plate (6).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a quartz glass (12) which closes the housing (8) and/or the holder (7) so as to cover the UV light source (5), and an elastic member (14) which is placed between the quartz glass (12) and the housing (8) and/or the holder (7). Thus, a possible impact to the UV light sources (5) is dampened, and the user is prevented from reaching the housing (8) wherein the UV light sources (5) are placed and from being hurt.
  • By means of the present invention, a refrigerator (1) is realized, wherein in a compartment in which foodstuffs are placed the light emitted by the UV light sources (5) is enabled to reach all the foodstuffs and all the surfaces of a foodstuff in the compartment (3), thus providing a sterilization process at maximum efficiency.

Claims (6)

  1. A refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2); a compartment (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the foodstuffs are placed; a shelf (4) which is disposed in the body (2); a carrier plate (6) placed between the compartment (3) and the shelf (4) and having a planar surface and at least one surface on the long or short sides of the carrier plate (6) which is angled with respect to the planar surface and which is not parallel with the base of the compartment (3), at least one housing (8) which is placed on the planar surface as parallel with the base of the compartment (3), wherein at least one UV light source is placed into the housing on the planar surface, so as to emit light into the compartment at a right angle characterized in that the refrigerator further comprises
    - at least another housing (8) which is placed on the at least one angled surface, wherein at least another UV light source is placed into the housing on the angled surface, so as to emit light into the compartment at a non-perpendicular angle,
    - a reflector (9) placed in the compartment, wherein the reflector (9) has a plurality of elevations (13) for refracting the UV light so as to be transmitted to all the surfaces of the foodstuffs in the compartment (3), and a wire shelf (10) which enables the foodstuffs to be placed so as not to cover the elevations (13) and which is placed onto the reflector (9).
  2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by holders (7) which comprise at least one reflective material selected from among Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide so as to efficiently reflect the UV rays into the compartment (3) and which enable each UV light source (5) to be mounted into each housing (8).
  3. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by each holder (7) and/or each housing (8) which is coated with at least one reflective material selected from among Teflon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium carbonate, silicon or zirconium dioxide.
  4. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the reflector (9) having the circular and/or polygonal elevations (13) which are successively arranged in vertical and horizontal rows.
  5. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a metal top plate (11) which is placed between the compartment (3) and the carrier plate (6) and which protects the carrier plate (6) against the UV rays so as to prevent the same from being damaged.
  6. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a quartz
    glass (12) which closes each housing (8) and/or each holder (7) so as to cover the UV
    light source (5), and an elastic member (14) which is placed between the quartz
    glass (12) and each housing (8) and/or each holder (7).
EP21171568.5A 2020-06-15 2021-04-30 A refrigerator comprising a uv light source Active EP3926265B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR2020/09227A TR202009227A1 (en) 2020-06-15 2020-06-15 A REFRIGERATOR WITH A UV LIGHT SOURCE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3926265A1 EP3926265A1 (en) 2021-12-22
EP3926265B1 true EP3926265B1 (en) 2023-08-02

Family

ID=75746481

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21171568.5A Active EP3926265B1 (en) 2020-06-15 2021-04-30 A refrigerator comprising a uv light source

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3926265B1 (en)
PL (1) PL3926265T3 (en)
TR (1) TR202009227A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
PL4300016T3 (en) 2022-06-30 2025-04-07 Arçelik Anonim Sirketi A refrigerator comprising a uv light source

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002350040A (en) * 2001-05-24 2002-12-04 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Refrigerator

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR940002230B1 (en) * 1991-06-13 1994-03-19 삼성전자 주식회사 Equipment to remove harmful gas from refrigerator and vegetable room
KR20050026739A (en) 2003-09-06 2005-03-16 엘지전자 주식회사 Refrigerator with ultraviolet rays permeation shelf
KR100755400B1 (en) * 2005-04-07 2007-09-04 엘지전자 주식회사 Thawing unit and thawing room of the refrigerator
JP2007003174A (en) * 2005-05-26 2007-01-11 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd refrigerator
KR20070045482A (en) * 2005-10-27 2007-05-02 엘지전자 주식회사 Refrigerator and food storage
EP2525173B1 (en) 2011-05-18 2018-11-21 Whirlpool Corporation Fruits and vegetables compartment of a refrigerator with means for preserving freshness
EP2773384A4 (en) * 2011-10-31 2015-09-09 Qingdao Jason Electric Co Ltd Refrigerator with ultraviolet light emitting diode
US9919068B2 (en) * 2012-08-28 2018-03-20 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
JP6706733B2 (en) * 2016-03-25 2020-06-10 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 refrigerator
CN106839585B (en) * 2016-12-09 2023-07-21 海尔智家股份有限公司 Freezer

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002350040A (en) * 2001-05-24 2002-12-04 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Refrigerator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3926265A1 (en) 2021-12-22
PL3926265T3 (en) 2024-01-22
TR202009227A1 (en) 2021-12-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10849996B2 (en) Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
US10383964B2 (en) Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
US9034271B2 (en) Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
US9919068B2 (en) Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
US9707307B2 (en) Ultraviolet system for disinfection
US10688210B2 (en) Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
US9295741B2 (en) Apparatus and method for sanitizing articles utilizing a plurality of reflector units to evenly distribute UV radiation
US20180221521A1 (en) Multi Wave Sterilization System
US20140060104A1 (en) Ultraviolet Gradient Sterilization, Disinfection, and Storage System
US20140061509A1 (en) Ultraviolet system for disinfection
CN104856185B (en) Storage device including ultraviolet illumination
US20130004367A1 (en) Sanitization method and apparatus
EP1887297A1 (en) Refrigerator
US20050230639A1 (en) Knife and kitchen tool sterilizer and holder
EP3926265A1 (en) A refrigerator comprising a uv light source
KR20180015801A (en) Smart type tableware storage and sanitary processing equipment
KR101700194B1 (en) Refrigerator and controlling method thereof
CN101543240A (en) Ultraviolet sterilization device
JP2023012365A (en) dry disinfection machine
US12458714B2 (en) Ice machine with ultraviolet light source
KR20180110739A (en) A baby bottle sterilizer with attachable and detachable of light source
CN223691371U (en) Sterilization and preservation compartments and refrigerators
CN217330335U (en) Quick-cooling food processor
EP3933313B1 (en) A refrigerator detecting the malfunction of the uv light source
CN201194518Y (en) Ultraviolet sterilization device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210430

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

B565 Issuance of search results under rule 164(2) epc

Effective date: 20211020

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20220927

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230420

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602021003891

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20230802

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1595204

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231204

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231102

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231202

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231103

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602021003891

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20240503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20240430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240430

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20250422

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20250418

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20250414

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20210430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20210430

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20260306

Year of fee payment: 6