JP2011064454A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator having high deodorizing-disinfecting performance. <P>SOLUTION: The refrigerator includes a box body composed of a heat insulating material and forming a storage compartment in therein, a door body attached to an opening of the box body so as to freely open and close, a cooling means for cooling air and generating cold air, and a cold air circulating passage circulating the cold air between the storage compartment and the cooling means. It includes a disinfecting device 200 having a carrier 201 carrying a photocatalyst and an irradiating means 202 for irradiating excitation light exciting the photocatalyst on the carrier 201 in the cold air circulating passage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator in which cold air circulates between a storage room and a cooling means.

  In recent years, since various foods in various regions are stored in refrigerators, there is a great need for deodorization and sterilization of foods stored in refrigerators. For the purpose of sterilization, development of a sterilization / deodorization apparatus using various methods is in progress.

  A filter constituting a conventional sterilization apparatus is arranged so as to block an air passage, and performs deodorization and sterilization in air passing through the filter (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as a conventional sterilization apparatus using a photocatalyst, a filter-like member carrying titanium oxide is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and an organic substance in the refrigerator is oxidized and decomposed using a photocatalytic reaction to deodorize and remove. Several methods, such as those that carry out fungi, are employed.

  The conventional sterilization / deodorization apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 9 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator when the sterilization apparatus is attached to the refrigerating room return air suction section.

  The sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a sterilization filter 1, a deodorization filter 2, and an attachment frame 3. Here, the sterilization filter 1 is formed by mixing a zeolite composed of oxides of silicon, aluminum, sodium and the like into a honeycomb shape, and has a cell count of 100 to 250 cells / in 2 in relation to ventilation resistance. An aperture ratio of 70 to 80% and a thickness of about 8 mm are used.

  The deodorizing filter 2 is kneaded with manganese oxide and silicon or aluminum oxide and molded into a honeycomb shape. In this case, the number of cells and the aperture ratio are often almost the same as those of the sterilizing filter. The sterilizing filter 1 and the deodorizing filter 2 are integrally fixed by a mounting frame 3.

  The sterilization apparatus is disposed in a cool air passage 9 provided in a penetrating manner in a heat insulating portion 8 between the freezer compartment 5 and the refrigerator compartment 6, and is attached so as to close the cool air passage 9.

  The operation of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described below.

  A part of the cold air generated in the evaporator 11 flows into the freezer compartment 5, and a part flows into the refrigerator compartment 6 and other storage rooms below. The cold air circulated through each chamber travels from the return air suction portion 7 to the evaporator 11 through the cold air passage 9. At this time, the wind speed in the cool air passage 9 is about 0.5 m / sec.

  By installing the sterilization device, first, bacteria and mold spores are captured together with dust and dust by the sterilization filter 1 in the returning cold air, and then chemical changes of odorous components are advanced by the deodorization filter 2 to remove the odor. Is done.

JP-A-5-157444

  However, in the above conventional configuration, since the deodorizing / sterilizing filter is arranged so as to block the inside of the cool air return air passage, the air flow resistance in the cold air circulation route is large. Therefore, in order to obtain a cooling performance equivalent to that without the filter, it is necessary to increase the ability of the fan 10 for forcibly circulating the cool air.

  However, increasing the fan's ability is not desirable because it goes against noise and energy saving problems.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and a refrigerator capable of obtaining a deodorizing and sterilizing effect over a wide range while suppressing pressure loss in a cold air circulation path as much as possible. It is intended to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a box body that is formed of a heat insulating material and forms a storage chamber therein, and a door body that is openably and closably attached to an opening of the box body. A refrigerator comprising cooling means for cooling the air in the box body to generate cold air, and a cold air circulation path through which the cold air circulates between the storage chamber and the cooling means, on which a photocatalyst is supported A sterilization apparatus having a body and irradiation means for irradiating the support with excitation light for exciting the photocatalyst is provided in the cold air circulation path.

  Thus, since the circulating cold air is deodorized and sterilized, the deodorizing and sterilizing effects can be exerted over a wide range in the refrigerator, and the inside of the refrigerator can be maintained in a low odor and sterilized state.

  The refrigerator according to the present invention hardly affects airflow resistance, and has various effects such as maintaining the circulation efficiency of cold air even when a sterilization apparatus is arranged in the storage chamber and protecting the sterilization apparatus from dew condensation. be able to.

Front view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The figure showing the duct structure which is a part of the circulation path of the cold air of the embodiment The perspective view which shows the sanitization apparatus of the state attached to the refrigerator of the embodiment (A) Sectional drawing which shows the attachment aspect of the bacteria elimination apparatus of the embodiment (b) Sectional drawing which shows the attachment aspect of the bacteria elimination apparatus of the embodiment The perspective view which shows another aspect of the microbe elimination apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the disinfection apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention in the state which notched some back walls of the refrigerator compartment. Sectional drawing which shows the other aspect of the bacteria elimination apparatus of the embodiment Partial longitudinal sectional view showing a refrigerator equipped with a conventional sterilization apparatus

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a box body formed of a heat insulating material and forming a storage chamber therein, a door body attached to the opening of the box body so as to be openable and closable, and cooling the air in the box body to cool the air. A refrigerator comprising a cooling means for generating, a cold air circulation path through which the cold air circulates between the storage chamber and the cooling means, a carrier on which a photocatalyst is carried, and excitation light for exciting the photocatalyst A sterilization apparatus having irradiation means for irradiating the carrier is provided in the cold air circulation path.

  Thus, since the circulating cold air is deodorized and sterilized, the deodorizing and sterilizing effects can be exerted over a wide range in the refrigerator, and the inside of the refrigerator can be maintained in a low odor and sterilized state.

  In the second invention, the irradiation means of the first invention is a blue light in the visible light region that can excite the photocatalyst carried on the carrier, thereby activating components in the cold air and removing them based on this. Bacteria and deodorization can be done.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the irradiating means of the second aspect of the invention is a blue LED, it is possible to extend the life.

(Embodiment 1)
Next, an embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, a refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment is a refrigerator 100 including a door that is a double-spread type door, and a plurality of storage rooms are provided in a heat insulating box 101 as a box body. I have.

  A plurality of compartments in the refrigerator 100 are divided into a refrigeration room 102, an ice making room 105, an ice making room 105 according to its function (cooling temperature), a switching room 106 in which the temperature in the warehouse can be changed, a vegetable room 104, Also referred to as the freezer compartment 103 or the like.

  At the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 102, a rotary heat insulating door 107 filled with foam heat insulating material such as urethane is provided.

  In addition, the ice making chamber 105, the switching chamber 106, the vegetable chamber 104, and the freezing chamber 103 are each provided with a heat insulating plate 108 as a front plate of the drawer, thereby sealing the storage chamber so that there is no leakage of cold air. .

  FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator in the present embodiment, and shows a state cut along the line AA in FIG.

  The heat insulating box 101 is a box body formed by filling a heat insulating material such as hard foamed urethane between the outer box and the inner box. This heat insulation box 101 insulates the inside of the heat insulation box 101 from the periphery.

  The refrigerator compartment 102 is a storage compartment maintained at a low temperature that does not freeze for refrigerated storage. The lower limit of the specific temperature is usually set at 1 to 5 ° C.

  The vegetable room 104 is a storage room that is set to a temperature that is equal to or slightly higher than that of the refrigerator room 102. Specifically, it is set at 2 ° C to 7 ° C. In addition, it is possible to maintain the freshness of leafy vegetables for a long time, so that it becomes low temperature.

  The freezer compartment 103 is a storage room set in a freezing temperature zone. Specifically, although it is normally set at −22 to −18 ° C. for frozen storage, it may be set at a low temperature of −30 or −25 ° C., for example, in order to improve the frozen storage state.

The ice making chamber 105 is a storage chamber in which an ice making machine (not shown) is provided and ice is made by the ice making machine and the ice is stored.

  The switching chamber 106 can be switched from a refrigeration temperature zone to a freezing temperature zone according to the use by an operation panel attached to the refrigerator 100.

  The top surface portion of the heat insulating box 101 is formed with a recess 113 so as to be stepped toward the back of the refrigerator, and includes a first top surface portion 111 and a second top surface portion 112. The step-shaped recess 113 accommodates a compressor 114, a dryer (not shown) for removing moisture, and other components on the high-pressure side of the cooling means for realizing the refrigeration cycle. That is, the recess 113 in which the compressor 114 is disposed is formed by biting into the uppermost rear region in the refrigerator compartment 102. Therefore, the compressor 114 is not disposed in the rear region of the lowermost storage chamber of the heat insulating box 101 that has been generally used conventionally.

  On the back surfaces of the freezing room 103 and the vegetable room 104, a cooling room 115 is provided in such a manner as to straddle both rooms. The cooling chamber 115 is partitioned from the freezer compartment 103 and the vegetable compartment 104 by a first partition 116 having heat insulation as a partition wall. Moreover, between the freezer compartment 103 and the vegetable compartment 104, the 2nd partition 117 which has the heat insulation as a heat insulation partition wall is arrange | positioned.

  Since the first partition 116 and the second partition 117 are parts assembled to the heat insulating box 101 after the heat insulating box 101 is foamed, expanded polystyrene is usually used as a heat insulating material. In addition, in order to improve heat insulation performance and rigidity, rigid foaming urethane may be used, and furthermore, a vacuum insulation material having high heat insulation properties may be inserted to further reduce the partition structure. In addition, the ice partition 105 and the third partition 118 which is the top surface of the switching chamber 106 and the fourth partition 119 on the bottom surface of the ice making chamber 105 and the switching chamber 106 which are arranged in parallel are integrally formed of the same foam heat insulating material as the heat insulating box 101.

  The cooling chamber 115 includes an evaporator 120 as a cooling means. In addition, the cooling chamber 115 is arranged vertically in the vertical direction across the freezing chamber 103 and the vegetable chamber 104. However, the cooling chamber 115 is arranged so that the area facing the vegetable chamber 104 is smaller than the area facing the freezing chamber 103. This is because the cooling chamber 115 has the lowest temperature in the refrigerator 100, and thus the influence of the low temperature state on the vegetable chamber 104 is reduced.

  A cooling fan 121 is disposed in the upper space of the evaporator 120. The cooling fan 121 is cooled by the evaporator 120 and blows cool air, forcibly convects the cool air to each storage chamber, and circulates the cool air in the refrigerator 100.

  Inside the refrigerator 100, a circulation path for forcibly circulating cool air is formed. Specifically, the cold air cooled by the evaporator 120 is forced into a blowing state by the cooling fan 121 and is carried to each room through a duct provided between each storage room and the heat insulating box 101. The chamber is cooled and returned to the evaporator 120 through the suction duct.

  The cold air is circulated by a single cooling fan 121.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a duct configuration which is a part of the cold air circulation path in the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the refrigerator 100 includes a refrigerating room 102 / vegetable room 104 circulation path through which relatively high-temperature cold air circulates, an ice making room 105 circulation path through which relatively low-temperature cold air circulates, and a freezer room 103 circulation path. The switching chamber 106 has a circulation path.

  First, the route of the refrigerator compartment 102 and the vegetable compartment 104 will be described.

  The cool air cooled by the evaporator 120 is blown by the cooling fan 121 to the refrigerator compartment 102 through the duct 129a.

  However, the cool air cooled by the evaporator 120 is cooled to a temperature that can sufficiently cope with the freezer compartment 103. Accordingly, if the air is kept being blown to the refrigerator compartment 102 in a relatively low temperature cold state, the refrigerator compartment 102 becomes too cold. Therefore, a twin damper 128 capable of controlling the insertion of the cold air is provided in the cold air circulation path including the refrigerator compartment 102. The cold air cooled by the evaporator 120 is controlled by the twin damper 128 to be inserted (cool air circulation ON / OFF) and does not always circulate through the path of the refrigerator compartment 102 and the vegetable compartment 104. Further, when the entire refrigerator 100 is sufficiently cooled, the rotation of the cooling fan 121 is stopped and the circulation of the cold air is also stopped. At this time, the cooling cycle, that is, the compressor 114 and the like are also stopped.

  The cold air cooled by the evaporator 120 passes through the duct 129a, which is a cold air circulation path, from the lower side to the upper side in accordance with the control, and is discharged to the cold room 102 through the discharge port 130 opened at the upper part of the cold room 102. The cold air that has passed through the refrigerator compartment 102 is sucked into the recovery port 131 that opens at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 102. Next, the cold air sucked into the collection port 131 is discharged into the vegetable compartment 104. Finally, the cold air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 104 returns to the evaporator 120 again. The above is the circulation path of the cold air refrigerator compartment 102 and vegetable compartment 104.

  In the case of the present embodiment, in addition to the path of the cool air discharged to the refrigerator compartment 102 through the discharge port 130, a part of the cool air is branched before being discharged from the discharge port 130 and introduced into the sterilization apparatus 200. After that, it is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 102 and returns to the circulation path of the refrigerator compartment 102 and the vegetable compartment 104. A branch path constituting a part of the cold air circulation path will be described later.

  In the ice making chamber 105 and the switching chamber 106, the circulation of the cold air is controlled by a damper for intermittently controlling the discharged cold air, and the temperature of each chamber is controlled. Each of the refrigerator compartment 102, the ice making compartment 105, and the switching compartment 106 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown) for controlling the internal temperature, and a control board 122 (see FIG. 2) attached to the back of the refrigerator 100. ) Controls the opening and closing of the damper. That is, when the temperature sensor is higher than a preset first temperature, the damper is opened, and when the temperature sensor is lower than the second temperature, the damper is closed to adjust the internal temperature to a predetermined temperature.

  The ice making room damper 123 for intermittently controlling the ice making room 105 is installed in the upper part of the cooling room 115, and the cool air blown from the cooling fan 121 passes through the ice making room damper 123 and the ice making room discharge duct 124a in the ice making room 105. After being discharged and heat-exchanged, the duct is configured to return to the evaporator 120 via the ice making chamber return duct 124b.

  The twin damper 128 includes a damper for intermittently controlling the refrigerator compartment 102 and a damper for intermittently controlling the switching chamber 106. Further, the twin damper 128 intermittently interrupts the cold air in the refrigerator compartment flap 125 and the switching chamber 106. In addition to the switching chamber flap 126, a motor unit 127 for driving the flap is also provided. The twin damper 128 is installed around the back of the ice making chamber 105 and the switching chamber 106.

  Next, the sterilization apparatus 200 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the sterilization apparatus attached to the refrigerator in the present embodiment.

The sterilization apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment forcibly sterilizes bacteria, spores and the like present in the cold air, and can also achieve deodorization by decomposing organic substances present in the cold air. And a support body 201 on which the photocatalyst is supported and an irradiation means 202 for irradiating the support body with excitation light for exciting the photocatalyst.

  The carrier 201 is made of a resin made of a porous material that can come into contact with a large amount of cold air, and has a filter-like shape formed by entangled fibers in which a photocatalyst is kneaded. Further, as the base resin, a resin capable of transmitting light that is easily excited by the photocatalyst is used.

  A photocatalyst is a catalyst that can be sterilized by irradiating light of a specific wavelength to sterilize germs in cold air or oxidize or decompose odor components (organic substances, etc.) in cold air. Yes, it is a substance that is considered to be able to activate (for example, ionize or radicalize) components in cold air and to sterilize or deodorize based on this. Specific examples of the photocatalyst include silver oxide and titanium oxide.

  The wavelength of light necessary for silver oxide to exhibit functions such as sterilization is the blue region of visible light of about 400 nm to 580 nm. The wavelength of light necessary for titanium oxide to perform functions such as sterilization is 380 nm.

  The irradiation means 202 is an apparatus including a light source 132 that can emit light including a wavelength that can excite the photocatalyst.

  The light source 132 may be any light source capable of emitting a predetermined amount of light having a wavelength including the light having the above wavelength, and examples thereof include an ultraviolet lamp and a normal light bulb. In addition, when the photocatalyst is silver oxide, the use of an LED that emits blue light (470 nm) in the visible light region makes it possible to extend the life and cost. In addition, when the photocatalyst is titanium oxide, it is possible to adopt a UV-LED that emits UV light of 380 nm.

  In the case of the present embodiment, silver oxide is used as a photocatalyst, and three LEDs as the light source 132 of the irradiation means 202 are arranged side by side on an elongated substrate.

  Next, how the sterilization apparatus 200 is attached to the refrigerator 100 will be specifically described.

  5 (a) and 5 (b) are cross-sectional views showing how the sterilization apparatus is attached in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a recessed portion 203 having an open front surface is provided between the discharge ports 130 at the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 102. The recessed portion 203 is provided in front of a stepped recess 113 to which the compressor 114 and the like are attached. The portion is an invalid space that does not become a storage space, and by providing the recessed portion 203 for attaching the sterilization apparatus 200 to the portion, sterilization can be performed without sacrificing the storage space in the refrigerator compartment 102. The device 200 can be attached.

  A branch port 204 for branching cold air is provided on both side walls of the recessed portion 203. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, a part of the cool air discharged into the refrigerator compartment 102 is introduced into the sterilization apparatus 200 by the branch port 204.

  The irradiation means 202 is embedded in the back wall of the recessed portion 203 so that the light sources 132 (LEDs) are arranged side by side, and is arranged so that the light of the light sources 132 can be irradiated toward the front carrier 201. The light projecting direction of the light source 132 is directional and spreads at a predetermined solid angle. Therefore, the distance between the light source 132 and the carrier 201 is set to a predetermined distance.

  The front opening of the recessed portion 203 is covered with a cover member 205 having heat insulating performance. The cover member 205 is a plate-like member that is curved so as to bulge in the direction of the refrigerator compartment 102. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 205 is such that a part of the center portion projects from the front surface of the back wall of the refrigerating chamber 102 (the dashed line in the figure). Due to the curve of the cover member 205, a gap is generated between the front surface of the back wall of the refrigerator compartment 102 and the cover member 205. The clearance forms a communication hole 207 that communicates the inside of the sterilization apparatus 200 and the refrigerator compartment 102 in the vertical direction.

  With this communication hole 207, the cold air introduced into the recessed portion 203 is discharged from the communication hole 207. In addition, when the cooling fan 121 is stopped and the forced circulation of the cold air is not performed, the cold air in the cold storage chamber 102 passes through the communication hole 207 and the inside of the sterilization apparatus 200 due to natural convection of the cold air in the cold storage chamber 102. It is supposed to go in and out.

  The upper end edge 205a and the lower end edge 205a of the cover member 205 are semi-transparent frosted glass, and a part of light from the light source 132 or reflected light reflected inside the sterilization apparatus 200 is reflected on the upper end of the cover member 205. It leaks out through the edge 205a and the lower end edge 205a.

  The cover member 205 protects the carrier 201 attached to face the refrigerator compartment 102 and the irradiation unit 202 from condensation. That is, each time the door 107 is opened, the refrigerating chamber 102 introduces moist air from the outside of the refrigerator 100. Therefore, if the cover member 205 is not provided, the cold storage room 102 applies the carrier 201 and the irradiation unit 202 having a temperature lower than the outside temperature. Moist air is in direct contact and condensation tends to occur. Therefore, the cover member 205 prevents external air from coming into direct contact with the carrier 201 and the irradiation unit 202, and avoids condensation. Further, the heat insulating performance of the cover member 205 prevents condensation of the cover member 205 itself.

  The carrier 201 is held at the tip of a support member 206 protruding rearward from the back surface of the cover member 205. The carrier 201 is held so that the surface with the largest area becomes a vertical surface, and the surface with the largest area faces the irradiating means 202, and the light from the light source 132 is efficiently irradiated. .

  As a result, the carrier 201 is in a substantially floating state, and the entire area of the carrier 201 can be brought into contact with the cold air. Moreover, the contact with the other member prevents the condensation generated in the other member from moving to the carrier as much as possible. Furthermore, it is not necessary to form a complicated shape in the refrigerator 100 main body, and it is only necessary to form the support member 206 on the cover member 205 that is very small as compared with the refrigerator, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. .

  Further, the front surface of the carrier 201 is supported by a plurality of protrusions 208 provided on the back surface of the cover member 205.

  As a result, the carrier 201 does not flutter in cold air, or the carrier 201 does not bend due to gravity or the like, so that the surface of the carrier 201 is kept straight, and a shadow portion where light from the irradiation means 202 does not reach occurs. It is possible to excite the photocatalyst carried on the carrier 201 efficiently.

  In addition, since the surface with the largest area of the carrier 201 is a vertical surface, even when the carrier 201 is condensed, moisture condensed on the surface with the largest area is pulled downward by gravity and has the largest area. The part is in a state where the water has been cut. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize and deodorize the cold air branched without being disturbed by the dewed water by the photocatalyst.

  About the refrigerator 100 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  First, the operation of the refrigeration cycle will be described. A refrigeration cycle is operated by a signal from the control board 122 according to a set temperature in each storage chamber, and a cooling operation is performed. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the operation of the compressor 114 dissipates heat in a condenser (not shown), condenses and liquefies, and reaches a capillary tube (not shown). Thereafter, the capillary tube is depressurized while exchanging heat with a suction pipe (not shown) to the compressor 114, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant and reaches the evaporator 120. By the operation of the cooling fan 121, heat is exchanged with the air in each storage chamber, the refrigerant in the evaporator 120 evaporates, and supply of low-temperature cold air is controlled by a damper or the like to perform desired cooling of each chamber. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 120 is sucked into the compressor 114 through the suction pipe.

  In addition, as shown in FIG.5 (b), you may give a change to the flow and pressure of cold air by bulging the surface which opposes the support body 201, for example. As a result, more cold air comes into contact with the carrier 201 and the sterilization effect and the deodorizing effect can be improved.

  Next, the function of the sterilization apparatus 200 will be described.

  The cold air containing odors (organic substances, etc.) and bacteria blown from the cooling fan 121 passes through the cold room flap 125 and a duct (cold air circulation duct) 129a for discharging cold air to the cold room, and from the discharge port 130. It is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 102. At this time, a part of the cold air is branched and introduced into the sterilization apparatus 200. The introduced cool air passes so as to lick the surface having the largest area of the carrier 201. Odor components and bacteria contained in the cold air are captured on the surface of the carrier 201. The trapped odor components and bacteria are deodorized and sterilized by oxidative degradation and sterilization by silver oxide. As a result, the odor decomposition and sterilization action is exerted by the action of silver oxide even when light is not irradiated, so the amount of light irradiation and time can be reduced while ensuring the desired deodorization and sterilization effect, The life of the irradiation means can be prolonged and the energy saving effect can be enhanced. Further, the light energy (blue or ultraviolet light) emitted from the LED (light source) 132 excites silver oxide having an absorption spectrum in these wavelength regions with the light energy of the blue light, and the photocatalyst on the surface of the support 201 is Excited. When the photocatalyst is excited, OH radicals are generated from moisture in the air, and the odor components captured by the carrier 201 are oxidatively decomposed and the bacteria are lysed.

  The cold air that has passed through the sterilization apparatus 200 as described above becomes clean cold air that has been deodorized and sterilized, and is blown out into the cabinet through the communication hole 207. And inside the refrigerator compartment 102, it mixes with the cold air discharged from the discharge port 130 and circulates in the circulation path.

  Further, the OH radicals generated by the sterilization apparatus 200 are discharged together with cold air to the refrigeration chamber 102 and the like, and deodorization and sterilization are performed in the refrigeration chamber 102.

  Next, another aspect of the sterilization apparatus 200 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another aspect of the sterilization apparatus in the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in addition to the sterilization apparatus 200, the sterilization apparatus 210 includes a light source cover member 212 as a second cover member and a double cover member 211 as a third cover member. ing. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member as the said microbe elimination apparatus 200, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The light source cover member 212 is a semi-cylindrical member that covers the irradiation unit 202 in a hermetically sealed state without cold air flow, and protects the irradiation unit 202 from condensation. The light source cover member 212 may be made of a material that can sufficiently transmit light capable of exciting the photocatalyst.

  According to the light source cover member 212, since the irradiation unit 202 can be completely covered, it is possible to completely prevent the irradiation unit 202 from condensing. The light source 132 with the electrical system can be particularly protected.

  The double cover member 211 has a three-layer structure including an air layer for a cover that covers the sterilization apparatus 210.

  By the double cover member 211, the cover covering the sterilization apparatus 210 is doubled to form an air layer, and the heat insulating function can be exhibited by the structure. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the cover member 205 and the double cover member 211 with a highly heat-insulating material, and the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the cover member 205 or the double cover member 211 can be increased. For example, the cover member 205 and the double cover member 211 can be made of a transparent material, and it can be confirmed from the outside of the sterilization apparatus 200 whether or not the irradiation unit 202 emits light throughout the cover member.

  As described above, when the door 107 of the refrigerator 100 is opened, the operating state of the sterilization apparatus 200 can be confirmed without providing a separate display device by seeing blue light from the back side of the refrigerator compartment 102. Is possible. Moreover, it can recognize that the refrigerator 100 is disinfected by the said light, and it becomes possible to give a feeling of relief and a clean feeling to the refrigerator 100 user.

  Furthermore, in the case of silver oxide, a long-lived blue LED can be employed as a light source for excitation, so that stable performance can be ensured for a long time and contribution to cost reduction can be achieved.

  As described above, the present invention provides a sterilization apparatus having a support 201 on which a photocatalyst is supported and an irradiation unit 202 that irradiates the support with excitation light that excites the photocatalyst. Since the cool air is deodorized and sterilized, the deodorizing and sterilizing effects can be exerted over a wide range in the refrigerator, and the inside of the refrigerator can be maintained in a low odor and sterilized state.

  In addition, the carrier 201 is preferably a flat plate, and is disposed so that the normal line 201a of the surface having a large area intersects the flow direction of the cold air.

  Thereby, sterilization can be performed in a state in which it is difficult to increase the air path resistance of the circulating cold air. In addition, since the surface of the carrier and the flow direction of the cold air are substantially parallel and the cold air passes through the carrier to lick the carrier, it is possible to secure a large amount of contact between the carrier and the cold air.

  In addition, it is possible to perform sterilization in a state where the pressure loss in the air passage is suppressed as compared with the case where the filter is arranged so as to block the duct perpendicular to the conventional wind direction.

  It is preferable that the carrier has a flat plate shape and a surface having a large area is arranged on a vertical surface.

  As a result, even when the surface of the carrier is condensed, the surface of the carrier can be maintained in a state where there is no dew on the surface of the carrier by allowing the dew to be pulled down by gravity under the carrier. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress the degradation of the performance due to dew condensation of the sterilization apparatus as much as possible.

  The sterilization apparatus preferably includes a first cover member that is attached to a storage chamber and covers the sterilization apparatus.

Thereby, even when high-temperature and humid air flows into the refrigerator by opening the door of the refrigerator, the sterilization apparatus can be protected from dew condensation.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the sterilization apparatus includes a second cover member that is attached to the storage chamber and covers the irradiation unit.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to effectively protect the irradiation means with the electric system from condensation.

  In the sterilization apparatus, the carrier is disposed between the irradiation member and the first cover member, and the first cover member protrudes from the first cover member and supports the carrier. It is preferable to include a member, and a protrusion that maintains the first cover member and the carrier at a predetermined interval.

  As a result, the carrier can be held in a suspended state, and deformation of the carrier can be prevented by the protrusions. Therefore, since almost the entire carrier is in contact with the cold air, the sterilization effect can be enhanced.

  The sterilization apparatus may further include a third cover member disposed at a predetermined distance from the first cover member.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to insulate the sterilization apparatus without adopting a heat insulating material as the material of the cover member. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the cover member can be increased, and for example, a transparent cover member can be employed as the cover member.

  The first cover member may include a communication hole that communicates the inside of the storage chamber and the inside of the sterilization apparatus.

  Thereby, the inside of a refrigerator can be distribute | circulated by natural convection in a microbe elimination apparatus.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, another embodiment of the sterilization apparatus 200 attached in another mode will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the sterilization apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a state where a part of the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is cut away.

  As shown in the figure, the sterilization apparatus 200 is disposed inside a duct 129a that is a circulation path of cold air.

  The carrier 201 according to the present embodiment has a shape in which a thin plate-like body having a rectangular surface with the largest area is bent at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and is viewed from the side (parallel to the surface with the largest area). ) It is V-shaped. The carrier 201 is attached in a projecting manner toward the upstream in the flow direction of the cold air, and the carrier 201 separates and converts the flow direction of the cold air to divide the flow of the cold air into two. In the present specification and claims, the term “bending” is used in a broad concept including bending.

  Three light sources 132 included in the irradiation unit 202 are arranged at positions where the support 201 can be efficiently irradiated with light. Each of these light sources 132 is independently installed in the duct 129a so as not to cause a resistance to cool air.

According to the sterilization apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the contact rate between the carrier 201 and the cold air can be improved, the sterilization capacity and the deodorization capacity can be improved, and the sterilization apparatus 200 is provided in the duct 129a. Even in the case of the arrangement, it is possible to suppress the increase of the wind path resistance as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the cold air is divided by the carrier 201 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other aspects of the sterilization apparatus of the present embodiment in FIG. As shown in the cross-sectional view shown, a bent carrier 201 may be provided, and the air path may be changed along the cold air along the recess.

  Thus, the carrier 201 is bent and may be arranged to change the flow direction of the cold air.

  By changing the flow direction of the cold air by the carrier 201, the contact amount between the carrier 201 and the cold air is increased without sacrificing the airflow resistance, and the deodorizing rate and removal of odor components and bacteria contained in the cold air are increased. It becomes possible to increase the bacteria rate.

  In particular, since the flow of cold air in the air passage changes and disturbs at the part that changes the flow direction of the cold air, the carrier 201 is disposed in the part, and the carrier 201 actively changes the flow direction of the cold air. By converting, the residence time of the cold air on the surface of the carrier 201 can be extended. Accordingly, the contact frequency between the photocatalyst on the support 201 and the cold air is increased, and as a result, the photocatalytic reaction can be enhanced.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can efficiently increase the sterilization capacity of a refrigerator and can be applied to uses such as food storage.

100 refrigerator 101 heat insulation box (box body)
107 Door (door)
115 Cooling chamber 120 Evaporator (cooling means)
121 Cooling fan 129a Duct (Cooling air circulation path)
132 Light source (LED)
200 sterilization apparatus 201 carrier 202 irradiation means

Claims (3)

  A box body that is formed of a heat insulating material and forms a storage chamber therein; a door body that is openably and closably attached to an opening of the box body; and a cooling means that cools air in the box body and generates cold air; A refrigerator comprising a cold air circulation path through which the cold air circulates between the storage chamber and the cooling means, wherein the carrier is loaded with a photocatalyst, and excitation light that excites the photocatalyst is irradiated onto the carrier. A refrigerator provided with a sterilization apparatus having irradiation means in the cold air circulation path.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the irradiating means is blue light in a visible light region capable of exciting a photocatalyst carried on the carrier.   The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation unit is a blue LED.