JP2007170773A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator having high capacity efficiency capable of deodorizing and eliminating bacteria. <P>SOLUTION: A storage chamber 2 is equipped with an air blower 63 for taking in air in the storage chamber 2 for storing a storing object and blowing air into the storage chamber 2, and a deodorizing unit 60 having an ion generator 64 for generating ions by electrical discharge. This refrigerator has a deodorizing mode for deodorizing air in the storage chamber 2 by ozone generated by the ion generator 64, and a bacteria eliminating mode for reducing the electrical discharge amount of the ion generator 64 more than in the deodorizing mode and eliminating bacteria in the storage chamber 2 by ions generated by the ion generator 64. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator that performs deodorization and sterilization in a storage chamber.

Conventional refrigerators are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an ozone generator that generates ozone by electric discharge. The air in the storage chamber is circulated and ozone is supplied to the circulation path to decompose odor components in the air. This deodorizes the storage chamber. The refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes an ion generator that generates positive ions and negative ions by discharge. The positive ions and negative ions sent into the storage chamber surround and destroy airborne bacteria. As a result, the inside of the storage chamber is sterilized.
Japanese Patent No. 2668139 (2nd page-4th page, Fig. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-221160 (pages 5-7, FIG. 2)

  According to the conventional refrigerator, an ozone generator and an ion generator are required when performing deodorization with ozone and sterilization with ions. For this reason, there was a problem that the internal volume of the refrigerator becomes narrow and the volumetric efficiency decreases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having high volumetric efficiency and capable of performing deodorization and sterilization.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores a deodorizing unit having a blower that takes in air in a storage chamber for storing a stored product and sends the air into the storage chamber, and an ion generator that generates ions by discharge. A deodorizing mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber by ozone generated by the ion generating device, and ions generated by the ion generating device with a smaller discharge amount of the ion generating device than the deodorizing mode. A sterilization mode for sterilizing the storage chamber is provided.

  According to this configuration, the air in the storage chamber is taken into the deodorizing unit by the blower in the deodorizing mode. The ion generator is driven with a large discharge amount, and decomposes odor components such as hydrogen sulfide and methylamine contained in the air taken into the deodorization unit by ozone generated by the ion generator. The air in which the odor component is decomposed is sent out from the deodorizing unit, and deodorization is performed in the storage chamber.

  In the sterilization mode, the air in the storage chamber is taken into the deodorizing unit by the blower. The ion generator is driven with a small amount of discharge, and ions generated by the ion generator are included in the air taken into the deodorizing unit and sent out from the deodorizing unit. The ions sent from the deodorizing unit destroy the floating bacteria in the storage chamber and are sterilized. The discharge amount of the ion generator can be varied depending on the number of discharges and the applied voltage.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the refrigerator having the above configuration, an ozone catalyst for decomposing ozone generated by the ion generator is provided in the deodorizing unit. According to this configuration, the deodorized air contains harmful ozone, and is sent from the deodorizing unit after ozone is decomposed by the ozone catalyst.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, the present invention provides a first ventilation state in which air that has passed through the ozone catalyst is sent out from the deodorizing unit, and a second ventilation state in which air that has not passed through the ozone catalyst is sent out from the deodorizing unit. Can be switched, and the first ventilation state is set in the deodorization mode and the second ventilation state is set in the sterilization mode.

  According to this configuration, the first ventilation state is switched in the deodorization mode. Thereby, the air taken in by the deodorizing unit contains ozone by the ion generator and is sent out from the deodorizing unit via the ozone catalyst. In the sterilization mode, the mode is switched to the second ventilation state. Thereby, the air taken into the deodorizing unit contains ions from the ion generator and is sent out from the deodorizing unit without passing through the ozone catalyst.

  According to the present invention, in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, a first passage between the ion generator and the ozone catalyst is arranged between the first passage for guiding the air that has passed through the ozone catalyst by arranging the ozone catalyst, and the storage chamber. The second passage for guiding the air branched from the passage to the storage chamber is switched to the first passage side in the deodorization mode and the second passage side in the sterilization mode. A damper is provided in the deodorizing unit.

  According to this configuration, in the deodorization mode, the air taken into the deodorization unit by driving the blower contains ozone by the ion generator and flows through the first passage. The air flowing through the first passage is sent out from the deodorizing unit via the ozone catalyst. In the sterilization mode, the air taken into the deodorizing unit by driving the blower includes ions from the ion generator, and is sent from the deodorizing unit through the second passage by switching the damper.

  Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that in the refrigerator configured as described above, the temperature in the storage room is higher than the freezing point. According to this structure, freezing of the water vapor | steam contained in the air which passes a deodorizing unit is prevented.

  Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, a low-temperature catalyst that adsorbs an odor component of air in the storage chamber is provided in the deodorizing unit. According to this configuration, odor components such as dimethyl disulfite, trimethylamine, and methyl mercaptan contained in the air flowing into the deodorizing unit are adsorbed by the low temperature catalyst.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the discharge amount of the ion generator is varied in the deodorization mode. According to this configuration, the ozone generation amount is varied according to the time during the deodorizing mode operation.

  In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the discharge amount of the ion generator is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the discharge amount of the ion generator is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the deodorization mode. Yes.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the rotational speed of the blower is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the rotational speed of the blower is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the deodorization mode.

  According to the present invention, the refrigerator having the above-described configuration includes an odor sensor that detects the odor of the storage chamber, and the discharge amount of the ion generator is varied based on a detection result of the odor sensor. According to this configuration, when the odor in the storage chamber becomes strong, the discharge amount of the ion generator increases due to the detection of the odor sensor, and the amount of ozone generation increases. When the odor in the storage chamber becomes weak, the discharge amount of the ion generator is reduced by the detection of the odor sensor, and the ozone generation amount is reduced.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the discharge amount is varied depending on the number of discharges of the ion generator.

  The present invention also includes an ion generator that generates ions by discharge, a deodorization mode that deodorizes the air in the storage chamber by ozone generated by the ion generator, and a discharge amount of the ion generator that is higher than the sterilization mode. And a sterilization mode in which the storage chamber is sterilized by ions generated by the ion generator.

  According to this configuration, in the deodorization mode, the ion generator is driven with a large amount of discharge, and the odor components contained in the air in the storage chamber are decomposed by ozone generated by the ion generator. Thereby, deodorization in a storage chamber is performed. In the sterilization mode, the ion generator is driven with a small amount of discharge, and ions generated by the ion generator destroy the floating bacteria in the storage chamber, and sterilization is performed.

  According to the present invention, the deodorizing unit having the blower and the ion generator is provided, and the deodorizing mode for generating ozone by changing the discharge amount of the ion generating device and the sterilizing mode for generating ions are provided. Space saving can be achieved and the internal volume of the refrigerator can be widened. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that has high volumetric efficiency and performs deodorization and sterilization. Further, since the air is circulated in the storage chamber by the blower, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing effect from being reduced due to the water vapor containing the odor component frozen by the cooling of the cooler.

  According to the present invention, since the ozone catalyst for decomposing ozone generated by the ion generator is provided in the deodorizing unit, it is possible to prevent the outflow of ozone toxic to the human body.

  Further, according to the present invention, the air that has passed through the ozone catalyst during the deodorization mode is in the first ventilation state that is sent out from the deodorization unit, and the air that does not pass through the ozone catalyst is in the second ventilation state that is sent out from the deodorization unit in the sterilization mode. In addition, it is possible to prevent the outflow of ozone during the deodorization mode, to prevent the disappearance of ions due to contact with the ozone catalyst during the sterilization mode, and to prevent the deterioration of the sterilization effect.

  Further, according to the present invention, the first passage for guiding the air passing through the ozone catalyst by arranging the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber, and the air branched from the first passage between the ion generator and the ozone catalyst are guided to the storage chamber. Since the second passage and the damper that switches the air flow path to the first passage side during the deodorization mode and the air flow path to the second passage side during the sterilization mode are provided, the ozone catalyst is used during the sterilization mode. Disappearance of ions due to contact with the liquid can be prevented, and a decrease in the sterilization effect can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the room temperature of the storage chamber is higher than the freezing point, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing effect from being lowered due to the water vapor in the air in the storage chamber being frozen containing the odor component.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the low temperature catalyst that adsorbs the odor component of the air in the storage room is provided in the deodorization unit. be able to.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the discharge amount of the ion generator is varied in the deodorization mode, the discharge amount of the ion generator can be reduced at a predetermined time, and the life of the ion generator can be extended and the power can be saved. .

  In addition, according to the present invention, the discharge amount of the ion generator is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the discharge amount of the ion generator is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the deodorization mode. Life and power saving can be achieved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the rotation speed of the blower is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the rotation speed of the blower is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the deodorization mode. Can be achieved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the discharge amount of the ion generating device is varied based on the detection result of the odor sensor for detecting the odor of the storage room, the ion generating device can reduce the discharge amount of the ion generating device when the odor is weak. It is possible to extend the service life and save power.

  According to the present invention, the discharge amount can be easily varied by controlling the number of discharges of the ion generator.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the deodorizing mode for generating ozone by changing the discharge amount of the ion generating device and the sterilizing mode for generating ions are provided, the internal volume of the refrigerator can be reduced by deodorizing and sterilizing in a space-saving manner. Can be widened. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that has high volumetric efficiency and performs deodorization and sterilization.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are a front view and a side sectional view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a refrigerator compartment 2 opened and closed by a door 2 a at the top, and a temperature switching chamber 3 and an ice making chamber 4 are juxtaposed on the left and right below the refrigerator compartment 2. A vegetable room 5 is disposed below the temperature switching chamber 3, and a freezing room 6 communicating with the ice making room 4 is disposed below the ice making room 4. In addition, a chilled chamber 23 is provided separately in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  A cool air passage 31 is provided behind the freezer compartment 6, and a cooler 17 connected to a compressor (not shown) is disposed in the cool air passage 31. The cooler 17 becomes the low temperature side of the refrigeration cycle by driving the compressor, and generates cool air. A freezer compartment blower 18 is disposed above the cooler 17, and a refrigerator compartment damper 27 is provided above the freezer compartment blower 18.

  A return port 22 through which cold air flows out of the freezer compartment 6 is provided at the lower portion of the freezer compartment 6. The cold air flowing out from the return port 22 returns to the cooler 17 through the cold air passage 31. Further, the cold air passage 31 branches at the upper portion, guides cold air to the temperature switching chamber 3 via the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13, and guides cold air to the chilled chamber 23 via the chilled chamber damper 25.

  In the refrigerator compartment 2, a plurality of placement shelves 41 on which stored items are placed are arranged. At the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2, an odor sensor 73 for detecting the odor inside the refrigerator compartment 2 is provided. A substantially U-shaped cold air passage 32 communicating with the cold air passage 31 via the cold room damper 27 is provided behind the refrigerating chamber 2. A refrigerating room blower 28 is disposed below the cold air passage 32. The cold air flowing through the cold air passage 31 is guided to the cold air passage 32 by opening the cold room damper 27 and driving the cold room blower 28.

  FIG. 3 shows a top sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 2. A cooling plate 42 that covers the cold air passage 32 is disposed on the back of the refrigerator compartment 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cooling plate 42. The cooling plate 42 is formed by pressing a metal plate such as aluminum or stainless steel, and a stepped portion 42 b recessed rearward is formed in the central portion along the left and right cold air passages 32.

  A plurality of discharge ports 32a are provided in the side wall of the cold air passage 32, and a discharge port 42a that overlaps the discharge port 32a is opened in the stepped portion 42b. The cold air flowing through the cold air passage 32 is discharged into the refrigerating chamber 2 from the discharge port 42a and the discharge ports 32a at the left and right ends as shown by arrows in FIG. Further, the cold heat of the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 32 is released from the cooling plate 42 into the refrigerator compartment 2. Thereby, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be cooled uniformly.

  Between the left and right step portions 42b of the cooling plate 42, a concave portion 42c recessed further rearward is formed extending vertically. The recess 42a is provided with an illumination lamp 50 that illuminates the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2, and is covered with a transparent resin illumination lamp cover 51. Since the metal cooling plate 42 is arranged behind the illuminating lamp 50, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be brightened with less power consumption by reflecting the light from the illuminating lamp 50.

  Further, a convex portion 42d (see FIG. 4) extending horizontally is formed on the surface of the cooling plate 42. When the door 2a of the refrigerating chamber 2 is opened and high-temperature air flows in, water droplets due to condensation generated on the cooling plate 42 are held on the upper surface of the convex portion 42d. Thereby, water drops are not allowed to flow down to the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2, but the stored items are prevented from getting wet by collecting the water drops flowing down to the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2. The water droplets held by the convex portions 42d are dried when the door 2a is closed and the refrigerator compartment 2 is cooled.

  In the illumination lamp cover 51, a plurality of openings 51a (see FIG. 1) are formed at positions corresponding to the respective mounting shelves 41. A deodorizing unit 60 is disposed on the upper part in contact with the back surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. Between the recess 42c of the cooling plate 42 and the illuminating lamp cover 51, a circulation passage 52 is formed which takes in the cold air flowing on each mounting shelf 41 in the refrigerator compartment 2 from the opening 51a and guides it to the deodorizing unit 60. The As will be described in detail later, the cold air flowing through the circulation path 52 passes through the deodorizing unit 60 and is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 2. Thereby, cold air circulates in the refrigerator compartment 2.

  1 and 2, openings (not shown) are provided in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2 and in the upper part of the vegetable compartment 5, and the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 communicate with each other through a communication path connecting them. ing. A return duct 19 is provided behind the vegetable compartment 5, and an outlet (not shown) facing the return duct 19 is formed in the vegetable compartment 5.

  The temperature switching chamber 3 is provided with a temperature switching chamber return duct 20 that communicates with the return duct 19 when opened. The return duct 19 communicates with the cold air passage 31 and returns cold air from the vegetable compartment 5 and the temperature switching chamber 3 to the cooler 17 via the return duct 19 and the cold air passage 31. Further, a heater 15 and a temperature switching chamber blower 14 are provided in the temperature switching chamber 3.

  In the refrigerator 1 having the above configuration, the cold air generated by the cooler 17 is sent to the freezer compartment 6 and the ice making chamber 4 through the cold air passage 31 by driving the freezer compartment fan 18. The cold air flows through the freezing chamber 6 and the ice making chamber 4, flows out from the return port 22, and returns to the cooler 17. As a result, the freezer compartment 6 and the ice making compartment 4 are maintained at about -18 ° C. to store the stored items and ice in a frozen state. Further, the cold air branched at the upper part of the cold air passage 31 flows into the chilled chamber 23 via the chilled chamber damper 25, and cools the chilled chamber 23 to 0 ° C., for example.

  A part of the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 31 is driven to the cold air passage 32 by driving of the refrigerator air blower 28, and is sent to the refrigerator compartment 2 from the discharge ports 32a and 42a. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 2 is hold | maintained at about 3 degreeC, and preserves refrigerated storage. The cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 2 merges with the cold air flowing out from the chilled chamber 23 and flows into the vegetable compartment 5 through a communication path (not shown). The cold air flows through the vegetable compartment 5 and returns to the cooler 17 through the return duct 19. Thereby, the vegetable compartment 5 is hold | maintained at about 8 degreeC, and refrigerates and preserves vegetables.

  When the temperature switching chamber 3 is switched to the low temperature side, the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 and the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 are opened. The cold air branched at the upper part of the cold air passage 31 flows into the temperature switching chamber 3 via the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 and returns to the return damper 19 via the temperature switching chamber return damper 20. As a result, the inside of the temperature switching chamber 3 is maintained at a desired temperature at which the stored material is stored in a cooled state.

  When the temperature switching chamber 3 is switched to the high temperature side, the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 and the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 are closed. Further, the heater 15 is energized, and the temperature switching chamber blower 14 is driven. Thereby, the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 circulates and the temperature is raised, and the temperature switching chamber 3 is maintained at a desired temperature for keeping the heated object warm.

  5 and 6 are a side sectional view and an exploded perspective view of the deodorizing unit 60. FIG. In the deodorizing unit 60, a housing 61 in which each component is stored is attached to the ceiling surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. The rear end of the housing 61 is provided with an intake port 61a having an open bottom surface. The intake port 61 a is arranged in the circulation path 52 (see FIG. 3), and the cold air flowing through the circulation path 52 flows into the deodorizing unit 60.

  In the deodorizing unit 60, an air passage 72 that extends upward from the air inlet 61a and bends forward is formed. A low temperature deodorizing catalyst 62 is installed above the intake port 61a. The low temperature deodorizing catalyst 62 is formed in a corrugated honeycomb shape mainly composed of manganese dioxide, cupric oxide and zeolite.

  Thereby, odor components such as dimethyl disulfite, trimethylamine, and methyl mercaptan contained in the cold air passing through the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62 are adsorbed. Therefore, the deodorizing effect can be improved by adsorbing odor components that cannot be decomposed by ozone, which will be described later. Moreover, even if it is a case where ozone is not generated, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be deodorized.

  A blower 63 is provided above the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62. The cool air is taken in from the air inlet 61 a by driving the blower 63, and the cool air flows through the ventilation path 72. An ion generator 64 is provided downstream of the blower 63 so as to face the ventilation path 72. The ion generator 64 has an electrode (not shown) that generates ions when a high voltage is applied.

A voltage having an AC waveform or an impulse waveform is applied to the electrode of the ion generator 64. When the applied voltage of the electrode is a positive voltage, positive ions mainly composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n are generated, and when the voltage is negative, negative ions mainly composed of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m are generated. Here, n and m are arbitrary natural numbers. H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m aggregate on the surface of airborne bacteria and odor components and surround them.

Then, as shown in the formulas (1) to (3), active species [.OH] (hydroxyl radicals) and H ₂ O ₂ (hydrogen peroxide) are agglomerated and produced on the surface of a microorganism or the like by collision. Destroy airborne bacteria and odor components. Here, n ′ and m ′ are arbitrary natural numbers. Therefore, sterilization and deodorization in the refrigerator compartment 2 can be performed by generating and sending out positive ions and negative ions.

H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n + O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m → OH + _1/2 O ₂ + (n + m) H ₂ O (1)
H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n + H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _{n ′} + O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m + O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _{m ′} → 2.OH + O ₂ + (n + n ′ + m + m ′) H ₂ O (2)
H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n + H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _{n ′} + O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m + O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _{m ′} → H ₂ O ₂ + O ₂ + (n + n ′ + m + m ′) H ₂ O (3)

  Further, ozone is generated by the discharge of the ion generator 64. When the applied voltage of the ion generator 64 is set to 2 kV, the number of discharges is set to 100 times / second, and the discharge amount is increased, the ozone concentration is increased. Thereby, odor components such as hydrogen sulfide and methylamine contained in the cold air taken into the deodorizing unit 60 by ozone can be decomposed. Therefore, stronger deodorization than deodorization by the low temperature catalyst 62 or ions can be performed. For example, when the applied voltage of the ion generator 64 is 2 kV, the number of discharges is 60 times / second, and the discharge amount is reduced, the ozone concentration is 0.01 ppm or less, which is lower than the allowable concentration of Japan Industrial Hygiene Association of 0.1 ppm. Can be reduced.

  A damper 65 that is rotated by a shaft portion 65 a by driving a motor 69 is disposed in the ventilation path 72 at the rear stage of the ion generator 64. The damper 65 alternatively opens the first and second passages 67 and 68 from which the ventilation path 72 is branched. In the following description, the case where the first passage 67 is opened and the second passage 68 is closed is referred to as a state where the damper 65 is closed. Further, as shown by a one-dot chain line 65 ′ in the drawing, the case where the second passage 68 is opened and the first passage 67 is closed is referred to as a state where the damper 65 is opened. The first passage 67 extends horizontally forward and is provided with a first discharge port 61b at the front end. A decorative cover 71 is provided at the first discharge port 61b. The second passage 68 extends downward from the ventilation path 72, and a second discharge port 61c is provided at the lower end.

  An ozone catalyst 66 is provided in the first passage 67. The ozone catalyst 66 is formed in a corrugated honeycomb shape mainly composed of manganese dioxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon oxide. Thereby, the ozone contained in the cold air passing through the ozone catalyst 66 is adsorbed. The blower 63, the ion generator 64, the damper 65, and the motor 69 are attached to the holder 70 and are integrally installed in the housing 61.

  The deodorizing unit 60 is driven by setting an operation mode by an operation of an operation panel (not shown) by a user. As operation modes, a circulation mode, a deodorization mode, and a sterilization mode are provided. In the circulation mode, deodorization by the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62 is performed. In the deodorization mode, deodorization by ozone generated from the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62 and the ion generator 64 is performed. In the sterilization mode, deodorization by the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62 and sterilization and deodorization by ions generated from the ion generator 64 are performed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deodorizing unit 60. When the operation of the refrigerator 1 is started, the damper 65 is closed and the second passage 68 is closed in step # 11. In step # 12, it is determined whether or not an operation for stopping the operation of the deodorizing unit 60 has been performed. If an operation to stop the operation of the deodorizing unit 60 is performed, the process proceeds to step # 13. In step # 13, the ion generator 64 is stopped, and in step # 14, the blower 63 is stopped. In step # 15, the operation waits until an operation mode switching operation is performed. When the operation mode switching operation is performed, the process returns to step # 12.

  When the operation for stopping the operation of the deodorizing unit 60 is not performed, the process proceeds to step # 16. In step # 16, it is determined whether or not an operation for instructing the circulation mode has been performed. When the operation for instructing the circulation mode is performed, the process proceeds to step # 17. In step # 17, the blower 63 is driven, and in step # 18, the ion generator 64 is stopped. In step # 19, the operation waits until an operation mode switching operation is performed. When the operation mode switching operation is performed, the process returns to step # 12.

  Thereby, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 flows into the deodorizing unit 60 from the air inlet 61a via the circulation path 52. The cold air flowing into the deodorizing unit 60 passes through the low temperature deodorizing catalyst 62, passes through the first passage 67 of the ventilation path 72, and passes through the ozone catalyst 66. And it discharges in the refrigerator compartment 2 from the 1st discharge outlet 61b. Therefore, the cold air in the refrigerator 2 is deodorized by the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62.

  Further, since the damper 65 is closed when the deodorizing unit 60 is stopped and in the circulation mode, cold air passes through the ozone catalyst 66 even if ozone is generated due to an abnormal operation of the ion generator 64. For this reason, the outflow of ozone can be prevented.

  If the operation for instructing the circulation mode is not performed, the process proceeds to step # 20. In step # 20, it is determined whether or not an operation for instructing the deodorizing mode has been performed. When an operation for instructing the deodorizing mode is performed, the process proceeds to step # 21. In step # 21, the process of the deodorization mode shown in FIG. 8 is called.

  In step # 31 of the deodorization mode, the odor sensor 73 is driven. In step # 32, the blower 63 is driven in a state where the rotational speed is high. In step # 33, the ion generator 64 is driven in a state where the discharge amount is large, for example, under the condition that the applied voltage is 2 kV and the number of discharges is 100 times / second. As a result, a predetermined amount of ozone is generated, and odor components that cannot be removed by the low temperature deodorization catalyst 62 are decomposed by ozone. Therefore, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be deodorized more strongly than the circulation mode.

  In step # 34, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the deodorization mode. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the deodorization mode, the process proceeds to step # 40. In step # 40, it is determined whether or not an operation mode switching operation has been performed. When the operation mode switching operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step # 34. This waits for the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the deodorization mode. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the deodorizing mode, the process proceeds to step # 35.

  In step # 35, it is determined by the detection of the odor sensor 73 whether or not the odor of the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 is stronger than a predetermined value. When the smell of cold air is weaker than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step # 36, and the number of discharges of the ion generator 64 is reduced to, for example, 80 times / second. Thereby, the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 decreases. In step # 37, the rotational speed of the blower 63 is decreased. Then, the process proceeds to step # 40.

  Accordingly, the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the deodorization mode. And power saving can be achieved. Further, since the rotational speed of the blower 63 is reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the deodorization mode, it is possible to perform quick deodorization and to extend the life of the blower 63 and to save power.

  When the odor of cool air becomes stronger than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step # 38 in the determination of step # 35, and the number of discharges of the ion generator 64 increases to, for example, 100 times / second. Thereby, the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 increases. In step # 39, the rotational speed of the blower 63 is increased. Then, the process proceeds to step # 40.

  Therefore, when the odor in the refrigerator 2 is strong, the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 is increased, and when the odor is weak, the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 is decreased, thereby extending the life and power saving of the ion generator 64. Can be achieved. Further, since the rotational speed of the blower 63 is reduced when the odor is weak, the life of the blower 63 can be extended and power can be saved.

  Steps # 34 to # 40 are repeated until there is an operation mode switching operation. If there is an operation mode switching operation, the process proceeds to step # 41. In step # 41, the odor sensor 73 is stopped, and the process returns to step # 12 in the flowchart of FIG.

  If the operation for instructing the deodorizing mode is not performed in step # 20 of FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step # 22. In step # 22, the sterilization mode process shown in FIG. 9 is called. In step # 51 of the sterilization mode, the blower 63 is driven. In step # 52, for example, the ion generator 64 is driven with a smaller discharge amount than in the deodorization mode under the conditions that the applied voltage is 2 kV and the number of discharges is 60 times / second. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions are generated by the ion generator, and the ozone concentration becomes 0.01 ppm or less. At this time, the cold air passing through the deodorizing unit 60 is discharged from the first discharge port 61a.

  In step # 53, it is determined whether or not the previous operation mode is the deodorization mode. If the immediately preceding operation mode is not the deodorizing mode, the process proceeds to step # 55, and if the immediately preceding operation mode is the deodorizing mode, the process proceeds to step # 54. In step # 54, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization mode. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the sterilization mode, the process proceeds to step # 56. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization mode, the process proceeds to step # 55.

  In step # 55, the damper 65 is opened, the first passage 67 is closed, and the second passage 68 is opened. Thereby, the loss | disappearance of the ion by contact with the ozone catalyst 66 is avoided, and ion is discharged from the 2nd discharge outlet 61c. The ions discharged from the second discharge port 61c circulate in the refrigerator compartment 2 and are sterilized. Further, the second passage 68 is not opened until a predetermined time elapses when the deodorization mode is switched to the sterilization mode. For this reason, ozone remaining in the ventilation path 72 can be prevented from flowing out from the second discharge port 61c.

  In step # 56, it is determined whether or not an operation mode switching operation has been performed. When the operation mode switching operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step # 53, and steps # 53 to # 56 are repeatedly performed. When the operation mode switching operation is performed, the process proceeds to step # 57, the damper 65 is closed, and the process returns to step # 12 of the flowchart of FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the deodorizing unit 60 having the blower 63 and the ion generator 64 is provided, the deodorization mode in which the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 is varied to generate ozone and deodorize, and the ions are sent out to be sterilized. Since the sterilization mode is provided, the space for the deodorizing unit 60 can be saved, and the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to provide the refrigerator 1 that has high volumetric efficiency and performs deodorization and sterilization.

  Further, the cool air circulated in the refrigerator compartment 2 by the blower 63 passes through the deodorizing unit 60. When the cool air passing through the cooler 17 passes through the deodorizing unit 60 without being provided with the blower 63, the water vapor in the cryogenic cool air that has reached the cooler 17 is frozen including the odor component. Therefore, by providing the blower 63, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing effect from being reduced due to freezing of water vapor containing odor components. In addition, since the deodorizing unit 60 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 2 having a temperature higher than the freezing point, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing effect from being reduced due to freezing of water vapor in the room air containing odor components. For this reason, the deodorizing unit 60 may be provided in the vegetable compartment 5.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge amount of the ion generator 64 is varied depending on the number of discharges, but may be varied by increasing or decreasing the applied voltage. Further, the deodorization mode may be started based on the detection result of the odor sensor 73.

  Although the cool air passage in the deodorization mode and the sterilization mode is changed by the damper 65, a common passage may be provided, and the ozone catalyst 66 disposed in the passage may be retracted in the sterilization mode. . That is, it is only necessary to switch between the first ventilation state that passes through the ozone catalyst 66 and the second ventilation state that does not pass through the ozone catalyst 66. Thereby, the effect similar to the above can be acquired by making it the 1st ventilation state at the time of deodorizing mode, and making it the 2nd ventilation state at the time of bacteria elimination mode.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can utilize for the refrigerator which deodorizes and disinfects in a storage chamber.

The front view which shows the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention Side surface sectional drawing which shows the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention Top sectional drawing which shows the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The perspective view which shows the cooling plate of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention Side surface sectional drawing which shows the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The disassembled perspective view which shows the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the deodorizing mode of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the disinfection mode of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigerating room 3 Temperature switching room 4 Ice making room 5 Vegetable room 6 Freezer room 17 Cooler 18 Freezer room blower 23 Chilled room 27 Refrigerating room damper 28 Refrigerating room air blower 31, 32 Cold air passage 42 Cooling plate 50 Illuminating lamp 51 Illuminating light Cover 52 Circulating passage 60 Deodorizing unit 61 Housing 62 Low temperature deodorizing catalyst 63 Blower 64 Ion generator 65 Damper 66 Ozone catalyst 67 First passage 68 Second passage 69 Motor 72 Ventilation passage 73 Odor sensor

Claims (12)

  A deodorizing unit having a blower that takes in the air in the storage chamber for storing the stored material and sends the air into the storage chamber, and an ion generator that generates ions by discharge is provided in the storage chamber, and is generated by the ion generator. A deodorization mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber with ozone, and a sterilization mode for sterilizing the storage chamber with ions generated by the ion generation device by reducing the discharge amount of the ion generation device compared to the deodorization mode. A refrigerator characterized by providing.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein an ozone catalyst that decomposes ozone generated by the ion generator is provided in the deodorizing unit.   It is possible to switch between a first ventilation state in which air that has passed through the ozone catalyst is sent out from the deodorizing unit and a second ventilation state in which air that has not passed through the ozone catalyst is sent out from the deodorizing unit. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the refrigerator is in a ventilation state and is in a second ventilation state in the sterilization mode.   A first passage that arranges the ozone catalyst and guides air that has passed through the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber, and guides air that is branched from the first passage between the ion generator and the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber. The deodorizing unit is provided with a second passage and a damper that switches the air passage to the first passage side during the deodorization mode and the air passage to the second passage side during the sterilization mode. The refrigerator according to claim 2.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an indoor temperature of the storage room is higher than a freezing point.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a low-temperature catalyst that adsorbs an odor component of air in the storage chamber is provided in the deodorizing unit.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a discharge amount of the ion generator is varied in the deodorization mode.   The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the discharge amount of the ion generator is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the discharge amount of the ion generator is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the deodorization mode.   The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the rotation speed of the blower is increased at the start of the deodorization mode, and the rotation speed of the blower is decreased after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the deodorization mode.   The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising an odor sensor that detects the odor of the storage chamber, and the discharge amount of the ion generator is varied based on a detection result of the odor sensor.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the discharge amount is varied depending on the number of discharges of the ion generator.   A deodorizing mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber with ozone generated by the ion generating device, and a discharge amount of the ion generating device less than the sterilizing mode; A refrigerator comprising a sterilization mode for sterilizing the storage chamber by ions generated by an ion generator.

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