JP4610496B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

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. Moreover, 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, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a deodorizing unit having a blower that takes in air in a storage chamber for storing stored items and sends the air into the storage chamber, and an ion generator that generates ions by discharge. A deodorization mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber by ozone generated by the ion generation device provided in the storage chamber, and generated by the ion generation device with a smaller discharge amount than the deodorization mode. A sterilization mode for sterilizing the storage chamber by ions, an ozone catalyst for decomposing ozone generated by the ion generator , wherein the air volume during the deodorization mode is increased from the air volume during the sterilization mode ; A first passage for arranging the ozone catalyst and guiding the air that has passed through the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber; the ion generator; and the ozone A second passage for guiding the air branched from the first passage to the storage chamber with the medium, and a second air passage in the sterilization mode with the air passage on the first passage side in the deodorization mode. The deodorizing unit is provided with a damper that switches to the passage side, the air that has passed through the first passage is discharged in a direction along the inner wall of the storage chamber, and the air that has passed through the second passage is the central side of the storage chamber It is characterized by being discharged toward.

  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.

In the deodorizing mode, the air taken into the deodorizing unit by driving the blower contains ozone from the ion generator and flows through the first passage. The air flowing through the first passage is sent out from the deodorizing unit after ozone is decomposed by 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.

  According to the present invention, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the damper has a horizontal rotation shaft and alternatively opens the first passage and the second passage disposed below the first passage, and the ion generator. Is arranged with the ion generation surface for generating ions facing upward and facing the air flow path, and the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper when the second passage is closed has the same height as the downstream end of the ion generation surface It is characterized by having been arranged in.

  According to this configuration, the damper rotates on the rotation shaft to open the first passage and close the second passage in the deodorization mode, and open the second passage and close the first passage in the sterilization mode. In the deodorizing mode, the air in the deodorizing unit flows above the ion generation surface and flows along the upper surface of the damper with the second passage closed.

According to the present invention, in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the first and second passages are integrally formed with a ventilation duct, and the damper has a horizontal rotation shaft, and the first and second passages are alternatively selected. When the second passage is closed, it has a sealing material on the surface facing the second passage, and the outer peripheral surface is inclined so that the end of the second passage on the side where the damper contacts is narrower toward the tip. that it is characterized by having a circumferential wall.

According to the configuration of this, the damper closes the second passage opens the first passage deodorization mode rotates with rotating shaft, closes the first passage and the second passage open during sterilization mode. In the deodorizing mode, the opening of the second passage is sealed with a sealing material. Further, the opening of the second passage is hermetically sealed with the seal material of the damper in contact with the peripheral wall having a thin tip.

Further, the present invention, in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, a cold air passage that guides the cold air generated by the cooler to the storage chamber, a cooling plate that is disposed on the back side of the storage chamber and releases cold heat into the storage chamber, A discharge port that discharges cold air flowing through the cold air passage to a substantially central portion on the back side, and the cooling plate has a convex portion that can hold water droplets due to condensation formed on the surface, and is discharged from the discharge port. cold air is it are characterized by passing near the cooling plate.

  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. A first passage for arranging the ozone catalyst and guiding the air passing through the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber; and a second passage for guiding the air branched from the first passage between the ion generator and the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber; The damper is provided to switch the air flow path to the first passage side in the deodorization mode and the air flow path to the second passage side in the sterilization mode. It is possible to prevent the disappearance of ions and prevent the sterilization effect from decreasing.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the downstream end of the ion generation surface facing upward and the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper that closes the second passage are at the same height, the air flowing above the ion generation surface is smoothly flown. It can be guided to one passage to prevent a reduction in blowing efficiency and noise.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the air volume in the deodorization mode is increased from the air volume in the sterilization mode, the disappearance of ions during the sterilization mode is reduced, and the air flow efficiency is reduced and noise is prevented to prevent the air flow in the deodorization mode. The deodorizing effect can be improved.

  According to the present invention, since the damper has the sealing material on the surface facing the second passage when the second passage is closed, leakage of ozone in the deodorizing mode can be surely prevented by the sealing material.

  Further, according to the present invention, the end portion of the second passage on the side in contact with the damper has a peripheral wall that becomes thinner toward the tip, so that the sealing effect by the sealing material can be improved and ozone leakage can be prevented more reliably. . Further, since the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall is inclined, it is easy to form a ventilation duct in which the first and second passages are integrally formed, and the mass productivity can be improved.

  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 42c (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 formed on the cooling plate 42 are held on the upper surface of the convex portion 42c. 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 portion 42c 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 at the subsequent stage of the blower 63. The ion generator 64 is arranged with the ion generation surface 64a having an electrode (not shown) for generating ions when a high voltage is applied facing the ventilation path 72 facing upward.

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), the active species [.OH] (hydroxyl radical) and H ₂ O ₂ (hydrogen peroxide) are aggregated and formed on the surface of the 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 ventilation duct 80 is disposed downstream of the ion generator 64 in the ventilation path 72. The ventilation duct 80 is made of a resin molded product, and branches the ventilation path 72 into a first passage 67 extending in the horizontal direction and a second passage 68 extending downward. The ventilation duct 80 is provided with a damper 65 that is rotated by a horizontal rotation shaft 65 a by driving a motor 69. The motor 69 is fixed to the outside of the side surface of the ventilation duct 80 with screws.

  Sealing members 65b and 65c made of an elastic body are provided on both surfaces of the damper 65. The sealing materials 65b and 65c are pasted by forming an independent foam such as a polyethylene foam in the form of a sponge. If rubber-like or sponge-like members (for example, fluorine-based, silicon-based or ethylene-propylene-based materials) having ozone resistance are used as the sealing materials 65b and 65c, durability can be further improved.

  A rectangular opening 67a is formed in the first passage 67 of the ventilation duct 80 by an inclined annular rib 80a. A rectangular opening 68a is formed on the inlet side of the second passage 68 of the ventilation duct 80 by an annular rib 80b. Note that an opening 67 b is formed at the front end of the ventilation duct 80, and the first passage 67 is formed to extend forward of the ventilation duct 80.

  The damper 65 rotates to selectively open the openings 67a and 68a of the first and second passages 67 and 68. The openings 67a and 68a can be sealed with the sealing materials 65b and 65c. 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.

  When the damper 65 is opened and the second passage 68 is closed, the upper surface of the damper 65 is arranged to be at the same height as the downstream end of the ion generation surface 64 a of the ion generator 64. Thereby, the air which circulates above ion generating surface 64a is smoothly led to the 1st passage 67, and it can prevent ventilation efficiency fall and noise.

  In the present embodiment, when the second passage 68 is closed, the upper surface of the damper 65 is substantially horizontal. If the damper 65 is inclined, the damper 65 may be disposed so that the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper 65 is at the same height as the downstream end of the ion generation surface 64a. Note that the rotation shaft 65a of the damper 65 may be disposed upstream of the opening 68a to open and close the second passage 68. In this case, another damper that opens and closes the first passage 67 is provided.

  As will be described in detail later, in the sterilization mode in which the second passage 68 is opened, the air volume of the blower 63 is set small in order to prevent ions from colliding and disappearing due to turbulent flow. In the deodorizing mode in which the first passage 67 is opened, the air volume of the blower 63 is increased in order to improve the deodorizing effect. For this reason, by disposing the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper 65 at the same height as the downstream end of the ion generation surface 64a, the deodorization mode can be executed while preventing the blowing efficiency from being lowered and noise even if the air volume is increased. it can.

  The same effect can be obtained if the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper 65 is close to the downstream end of the ion generation surface 64a. Further, when the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper 65 is lower than the downstream end of the ion generation surface 64a, the increase in ventilation resistance is small, and the reduction of the blowing efficiency can be prevented. For this reason, the upstream end of the upper surface of the damper 65 may be set to a position (for example, 1 to 3 mm) lower than the downstream end of the ion generation surface 64a. Thereby, even if there is a variation in the vertical direction due to assembly during mass production or the like, it is possible to stably obtain the required predetermined blowing performance.

  FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state when the ventilation duct 80 is formed. The mold of the ventilation duct 80 includes a base 91 and blocks 92 to 94 that move relative to the base 91. The blocks 92 and 93 move parallel to the surface of the base 91, and the block 94 moves vertically. In the figure, the arrow indicates the pulling direction.

  The base 91 forms a top surface of the ventilation duct 80 with a flat surface. In the figure, the left block 92 is the inner wall surface of the first passage 67, the upper inner peripheral surface of the annular rib 80a, the lower outer peripheral surface of the rib 80a, the end surface of the left end of the annular rib 80b, and the position where it abuts the block 93. The outer peripheral surface of the rib 80b is formed. In the drawing, the block 93 on the right side is the inner wall surface of the ventilation path 72 before branching, the end surface of the annular rib 80a, the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the rib 80a, the end surface of the rib 80b, and the rib 80b up to the position where it abuts the block 92. An outer peripheral surface is formed. In the drawing, the lower block 94 forms the inner wall surface of the second passage 68.

  Since the first and second passages 67 and 68 are integrally formed by the ventilation duct 80, the dimensions of each part are stabilized, airflow leakage can be prevented, and air blowing efficiency is improved. Further, the number of fitting points can be reduced and the seal can be simplified. In addition, productivity and quality can be improved and costs can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.

  The rib 80b is formed so that the outer peripheral surface is inclined so as to become thinner toward the tip. As a result, the sealing material 65c of the damper 65 bites into contact with the rib 80b having a thin tip, and the opening 68a of the second passage 68 can be reliably sealed.

  The opening 68a formed of the rib 80b is inclined so that the left side is downward in the drawing, and a draft angle of about 0.5 ° is provided on the end surface of the rib 80b and the plane portion where the rib 80b is erected. When the blocks 92 and 93 are pulled out during the molding process, the end surfaces of the blocks 92 and 93 that form the outer peripheral surface of the rib 80b are separated from each other.

  When the outer peripheral surface of the rib 80b is formed vertically, the block 93 slides with the rib 80b when being pulled out in the direction of the arrow in the figure. When the block 93 is pulled out, it moves upward relative to the rib 80b by the amount of the draft. For this reason, when the outer peripheral surface of the rib 80b is inclined, a gap is formed between the block 93 and the rib 80b when the block 93 is pulled out. Therefore, by inclining the outer peripheral surface of the rib 80b, the ventilation duct 80 can be easily molded and the mass productivity can be improved, and the quality can be ensured.

  In the present embodiment, the first passage 67 and the second passage 68 are formed substantially vertically, but it is more desirable to incline the second passage 68 downward and forward. That is, the branched airflow can be efficiently discharged by inclining the airflow direction of the second passage 68 downward and forward. Thereby, the direction of the air flow can be changed without difficulty, and the collision of the air flow with the wall surface of the second passage 68 can be reduced. As a result, the air blowing efficiency can be improved and noise can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the disappearance of ions due to ion collision with the wall surface and to prevent a decrease in the discharge amount of ions into the chamber.

  Moreover, although the opening part 68a which consists of the rib 80b is formed substantially horizontal, it is more desirable to incline so that the right side may be made low in the figure and the upstream side of airflow may become low. As a result, the direction of airflow can be changed more comfortably, and the above-described effect is increased. Further, since the draft is increased at the portion of the block 93 that contacts the end face of the rib 80b, the mold release state is improved, the molding process is facilitated, and the mass productivity can be further improved.

  In FIG. 5, the 1st channel | path 67 is extended horizontally ahead of the ventilation duct 80, and the 1st discharge port 61b is provided in the front end. A decorative cover 71 is provided at the first discharge port 61b. The second passage 68 is provided with a second discharge port 61c at the lower end. A grid-like grill 61d is disposed at the second discharge port 61c.

  The grill 61d is supported by a plurality of bars extending in the left-right direction. The crosspieces extending left and right are inclined forward and downward, and both ends of the grill 61 d are arranged in contact with the lower surface of the housing 61. As a result, both end surfaces of the grill 61d have openings 61e that open sideways. For this reason, as described later, when ions are discharged from the second discharge port 61c, the ions can be discharged from the opening 61e on the side surface that is open even if the front surface of the grill 61d is blocked by the stored item. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the sterilization effect from being lowered.

  The same effect can be obtained even if each crosspiece is arranged on a curved surface protruding downward or on a plurality of planes arranged so as to protrude downward and the central portion of the grill 61d protrudes to the inner side. A plurality of protrusions may be provided on the inner surface of the grill 61d.

  An ozone catalyst 66 is provided in the first passage 67 in front of the ventilation duct 80. 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 integrated with the holder 70 and installed in the housing 61.

  Further, a space 67 c that widens the passage width is formed by the housing 61 below the opening 67 b side of the ventilation duct 80. The space 67c becomes a pressure chamber by reducing the wind speed by widening the passage width, and the ventilation pressure is uniformly applied to the entire opening of the ozone catalyst 66. Thereby, the air which contains ozone uniformly flows into the ozone catalyst 66, and the ventilation efficiency and ozone adsorption decomposition efficiency of the ozone catalyst 66 which has ventilation resistance can be improved.

  If the opening at the upstream end of the ozone catalyst 66 is widened, air can flow more uniformly into the ozone catalyst 66 and the ventilation resistance can be reduced. For example, the upstream end surface of the ozone catalyst 66 may be cut obliquely so that the opening surface faces downward.

  Further, by providing the space 67c, the first passage 67 in the ventilation duct 80 can be made narrower than the thickness of the ozone catalyst 66 without reducing the blowing efficiency. Thereby, air diffuses in the up-down direction in the ozone catalyst 66, and ozone can be adsorbed efficiently. Moreover, since the height of the 1st channel | path 67 can be made low and the ventilation duct 80 can be formed thinly, the deodorizing unit 60 can be reduced in size and the volumetric efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be improved. In addition, the height of the 1st channel | path 67 is ensured at least about 10 mm in consideration of ventilation efficiency.

  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. 8 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. Further, since the opening 68a of the second passage 68 closed by the damper 65 is sealed with the sealing material 65c, leakage of ozone in the circulation mode can be reliably 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. 9 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. Moreover, since the opening 68a of the second passage 68 closed by the damper 65 is sealed by the sealing material 65c, it is possible to reliably prevent ozone from leaking out.

  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 80 times / second, for example. 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 deodorization mode is not performed in step # 20 of FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step # 22. In step # 22, the sterilization mode process shown in FIG. 10 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 of an applied voltage of 2 kV and a discharge frequency of 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.

  Moreover, since the ozone catalyst 66 for decomposing ozone generated by the ion generator 64 is provided in the deodorizing unit 60, it is possible to prevent the outflow of ozone toxic to the human body. Further, a first passage 67 for arranging the ozone catalyst 66 to guide the air that has passed through the ozone catalyst 66 to the storage chamber and the air branched from the first passage 67 between the ion generator and the ozone catalyst are guided to the storage chamber. Since the second passage 68 and the damper 65 that switches the air flow path to the first passage 67 side in the deodorization mode and the air flow path to the second passage 68 side in the sterilization mode are provided, It is possible to prevent the disappearance of ions due to contact with the ozone catalyst during the mode, and to prevent the sterilization effect from being lowered.

  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 Side surface sectional drawing which shows the state at the time of shaping | molding the ventilation duct of 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 61d Grill 62 Low temperature deodorizing catalyst 63 Blower 64 Ion generator 65 Damper 65b, 65c Sealing material 66 Ozone catalyst 67 First passage 67c Space 68 Second passage 69 Motor 72 Ventilation passage 73 Odor sensor 80 Ventilation duct

Claims (4)

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,
A deodorization mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber by ozone generated by the ion generator, and a discharge amount of the ion generator is reduced compared to the deodorization mode, and the ions generated by the ion generator in the storage chamber are reduced. A sterilization mode to disinfect,
Increase the air volume at the time of the deodorization mode than the air volume at the time of the sterilization mode,
An ozone catalyst for decomposing ozone generated by the ion generator, a first passage for arranging the ozone catalyst and guiding the air that has passed through the ozone catalyst to the storage chamber, and the ion generator and the ozone catalyst A second passage for guiding air branched from the first passage to the storage chamber, and an air flow path on the first passage side in the deodorization mode and an air flow path on the second passage side in the sterilization mode The deodorizing unit is provided with a damper that switches so as to
The air passing through the first passage is discharged in a direction along the inner wall of the storage chamber, and the air passing through the second passage is discharged toward the central side of the storage chamber.   The damper has a horizontal rotation shaft and selectively opens a first passage and a second passage disposed below the first passage, and the ion generator has an ion generation surface for generating ions upward. The upstream end of the upper surface of the damper when the second passage is closed is disposed at the same height as the downstream end of the ion generation surface. Refrigerator. A ventilation duct formed integrally with the first and second passages is provided, and the damper has a horizontal rotation shaft and selectively opens the first and second passages and closes the second passage. having a sealing material on a surface facing the second passage, according to claim 1 the ends of the second passage on the side where the damper is in contact is characterized by having a peripheral wall outer peripheral surface is inclined to become thinner toward the distal end Refrigerator. A cool air passage that guides the cool air generated by the cooler to the storage chamber, a cooling plate that is disposed on the back side of the storage chamber and discharges cool heat into the storage chamber, and cool air that flows through the cool air passage is on the back side And a discharge port for discharging at a substantially central portion of
The said cooling plate has a convex part which can hold | maintain the water droplet by the dew condensation produced on the surface, The cold air discharged from the said discharge outlet passes the vicinity of the said cooling plate, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Refrigerator.

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