JP4695182B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator provided with an ion generator that generates ions.

  A conventional refrigerator is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This refrigerator has a cooler at the bottom and a refrigerator compartment at the top. A blower is provided in the vicinity of the cooler. A cold air passage through which the cold air is guided from the cooler by driving the blower is disposed on the back of the refrigerator compartment. The cold air passage is bent along the periphery of the refrigerator compartment and is provided at the left end portion, the upper end portion and the right end portion of the refrigerator compartment, and a plurality of discharge ports are opened. A return opening is provided in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment, and a return passage extending downward from the return opening to return the cool air to the cooler is provided.

  When the blower is driven, the cold air generated by the cooler is guided upward from the lower part of the refrigerator and flows through the cold air passage. The cold air flowing through the cold air passage is discharged from a discharge port arranged in the peripheral part of the refrigerator compartment. The cold air discharged from the discharge port flows through the refrigerator compartment, flows into the return passage from the return port, and returns to the cooler. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment is cooled.

  An electrode of the ion generator is supported by a support member in the upper end portion of the cold air passage, and is disposed so as to protrude into the passage. The main body of the ion generator is disposed below the cold air passage, and negative ions are generated from the electrodes by driving the main body. The cold air flowing through the cold air passage contains negative ions and is discharged from the discharge port at the left end portion on the downstream side of the ion generator. Thereby, a negative ion can distribute | circulate in a refrigerator compartment and food odor can be reduced.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-14365 (pages 4-7, FIG. 2)

  However, according to the conventional refrigerator, since the electrode and the support member protrude in the cold air passage, the flow path becomes narrow and the air current collides with the electrode and the support member to generate turbulent flow. Thereby, there existed a problem that ventilation efficiency fell. In addition, since ions generated from the electrodes collide and disappear due to turbulent flow, there is a problem that the supply efficiency of ions is reduced.

  An object of this invention is to provide the refrigerator which can improve ventilation efficiency and the supply efficiency of ion.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a storage chamber for storing stored items, a cooler for generating cold air, and a cold air passage for supplying the cool air generated by the cooler to the storage chamber through a discharge port. A blower for guiding cold air to the cold air passage and an ion generator having an ion generator for generating ions, the ion generator being provided in the vicinity of a corner between the back surface portion and the top surface portion of the cold air passage. And it is distribute | arranged along the wall surface by the side of the said storage room of the said cold air | gas channel | path.

  According to this configuration, when the blower is driven, the cool air generated by the cooler flows through the cool air passage. Ions generated from the ion generators disposed at the corners of the back surface portion and the top surface portion of the cold air passage are included in the cold air flowing through the cold air passage and are discharged from the discharge port into the storage chamber.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, the discharge port may be provided on the left and right ends of the back surface of the storage chamber and on the top surface of the storage chamber downstream from the ion generation unit. It is a feature. According to this configuration, the cold air flowing through the cold air passage is discharged into the storage chamber from the discharge outlets at both ends at the back surface portion, and a part of the cold air is guided to the top surface and discharged from the top surface discharge port including ions. The

  In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the ion generating device includes an induction electrode facing the discharge electrode, and the discharge electrode and the induction electrode are disposed facing the air flow in the cold air passage. Yes. According to this configuration, ions generated between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode are included in the airflow facing the discharge electrode and the induction electrode.

  In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the induction electrode is disposed around the discharge electrode formed in a needle shape to form the ion generation unit between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode. The ion generator is covered with a housing, and an opening is formed in the housing that communicates with the ion generator through the housing and faces the cool air passage.

  According to this structure, an ion generation part is arrange | positioned along an airflow, and ion is discharge | released toward an airflow. Moreover, an opening part opens in an ion generator, and the cold air | gas inflow from an opening part flows out out of an ion generating part through the inside of a housing. Thereby, the cold air flowing out from the ion generation unit includes the ions generated at the electrodes, and merges with the airflow flowing along the ion generation unit.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, a plurality of the ion generating portions are provided, and a vent hole that communicates with the opening and is provided with a filter is provided between the ion generating portions. According to this configuration, when the amount of cool air flowing into the housing through the opening varies, a part of the cool air flows out from the vent hole through the filter. Thereby, a uniform air current is supplied to the ion generating part.

  According to the present invention, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the ion generator includes a plurality of the discharge electrodes, and the one discharge electrode that generates positive ions and the other discharge electrode that generates negative ions are cooled. It is characterized by being arranged apart in the direction intersecting the distribution direction. According to this configuration, for example, the cold air flows from the rear to the front, and the discharge electrodes are arranged apart from the left and right so as to face the air flow. Positive ions and negative ions are discharged from the discharge electrodes, respectively, and are conveyed forward by the air current.

  Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, a partition plate is provided between the discharge electrodes.

  According to the present invention, since the ion generating part is arranged along the wall surface of the cold air passage on the storage chamber side, generation of turbulent flow due to collision between the air flow and the electrode or the support member as in the conventional case is prevented. Therefore, the air blowing efficiency can be improved, and the disappearance due to the collision of ions can be reduced, so that the ion supply efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since the ion generation part is installed near the corner of the back surface part and the top surface part of the cold air passage, the ion generation part can be easily disposed along the wall surface. In addition, the top and rear surfaces of the cold air passage that are easily visible to the user do not protrude by the ion generator, and the upper rear corner of the storage chamber that protrudes less easily protrudes downward. Therefore, the aesthetics of the refrigerator can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. 2 and 3 are sectional views taken along lines AA and BB in FIG. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a refrigerator compartment 2 at the top, and below the refrigerator compartment 2, a temperature switching chamber 3 and an ice making chamber 4 are arranged side by side. A freezing room 6 is arranged below the temperature switching room 3 and the ice making room 4, and a vegetable room 5 is arranged below the freezing room 6.

  The refrigerator compartment 2 is opened and closed by a rotating door 2a to store stored items in a refrigerator. The vegetable compartment 5 is opened and closed by a drawer-type door 5a integrated with the storage case 5b, and the vegetables are cooled and stored at a higher room temperature (about 8 ° C.) than the refrigerator compartment 2. The temperature switching chamber 3 is opened and closed by a door 3a, and the room temperature can be switched by the user as will be described in detail later.

  The freezer compartment 6 is opened and closed by a drawer-type door 6a integrated with the storage case 6b to store the stored items in a frozen state. The ice making chamber 4 is opened and closed by a door 4a integrated with the ice storage container 4b, and communicates with the freezing chamber 6 to make ice. The ice making chamber 4 and the freezing chamber 6 are maintained below the freezing point.

  A chilled chamber 21, an accessory storage chamber 102, and a water tank chamber 103, which are made of an isolation chamber separated from the upper portion by a partition plate 40, are provided side by side in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2. The chilled chamber 21 is provided with a storage case 21a and is maintained in a chilled temperature range (about 0 ° C.), for example, a temperature range lower than that in the refrigerator compartment 2. An ice greenhouse maintained at an ice temperature (about −3 ° C.) may be provided instead of the chilled chamber 21.

  In the water tank chamber 103, a water tank 103a for ice making is detachably stored. The accessory storage chamber 102 is disposed in front of a cold air passage 32, which will be described in detail later, and has an accessory case 102a for storing accessories such as eggs.

  The main body of the refrigerator 1 is formed by filling a foam heat insulating material 1c between the outer box 1a and the inner box 1b. The ice making chamber 4 and the temperature switching chamber 3 are separated from the refrigerator compartment 2 by a heat insulating wall 7, and the freezer compartment 6 and the vegetable compartment 5 are separated from each other by a heat insulating wall 8. Further, the temperature switching chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 6 are isolated by a heat insulating wall 35, and the temperature switching chamber 3 and the ice making chamber 4 are isolated by a vertical heat insulating wall 36.

  When the foam heat insulating material 1c is filled between the outer box 1a and the inner box 1b, the heat insulating walls 7 and 8 are filled simultaneously. That is, the stock solution of the foam heat insulating material 1c is injected simultaneously between the outer box 1a and the inner box 1b and into the heat insulating walls 7 and 8 communicating with the outer box 1a, and is foamed integrally. By filling the heat insulating walls 7 and 8 simultaneously with the space between the outer box 1a and the inner box 1b with the foam heat insulating material 1c such as urethane foam heat insulating material, the heat insulating walls 7 and 8 can be easily formed thin. Therefore, the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be secured widely.

  The refrigerator compartment 2 is provided with a plurality of placement shelves 41 on which stored items are placed. In the present embodiment, the mounting shelf 41 is provided in three stages up and down. A plurality of storage pockets 42 are provided on the door 2 a of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  A machine room 50 is provided behind the vegetable room 5, and a compressor 57 is disposed in the machine room 50. A condenser, an expander (all not shown), and a cooler 11 are connected to the compressor 57 in order, and a refrigerant such as isobutane is circulated by driving the compressor 57 to constitute a refrigeration cycle. Thereby, the cooler 11 becomes the low temperature side of the refrigeration cycle.

  Behind the freezer compartment 6 is provided a cold air passage 31 partitioned by a back plate 6c. As will be described in detail later, the cold air passage 31 communicates with a cold air passage 32 disposed behind the refrigerator compartment 2 via a refrigerator compartment damper 20 (cold air distributor). The cool air passage 31 is partitioned into a front part 31a and a rear part 31b by a partition plate 31c, and the cooler 11 is arranged in the rear part 31b.

  The cooler 11 is formed by meandering refrigerant pipes 11a through which refrigerant flows, and left and right ends of the refrigerant pipes 11a are supported by end plates 11b. A large number of fins (not shown) for heat dissipation are provided in contact with the refrigerant pipe 11a. A gas-liquid separator 45 is connected to the upper part of the refrigerant pipe 11a.

  The cooler 11 on the low temperature side of the refrigeration cycle exchanges heat with the air flowing through the rear portion 31b of the cool air passage 31 to generate cool air. Since the cooler 11 is arranged on the back side of the freezer compartment 6, the cold heat of the cooler 11 is released to the freezer compartment 6 side through the partition plate 31c and the back plate 6c. For this reason, the freezer compartment 6 is cooled efficiently and the cooling efficiency is improved.

  A defrost heater 33 for defrosting the cooler 11 is provided below the cooler 11. Below the defrost heater 33, a drain pan 63 for receiving water by defrost is provided. The drain pan 63 is provided with a drain pipe 64, and drain water is guided to the evaporation tray (not shown) disposed in the machine room 50 through the drain pipe 64.

  A freezer compartment blower 12 composed of an axial fan is disposed in the cold air passage 31 with the rotational axis direction horizontal. The cold air passage 31 is provided with an opening (not shown) facing the ice making chamber 4 in front of the freezer blower 12 and discharge ports 6d and 6e facing the storage case 6b of the freezer compartment 6. Thereby, when the freezer compartment fan 12 is driven, cold air is sent to the ice making compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 6. In the lower part of the freezer compartment 6, there is provided a return port 22 that opens in front of the cooler 11 and returns cool air to the cooler 11.

  The cooler 11 is disposed in the left-right direction so as to be biased toward the ice making chamber 4, and a communication path 34 that connects the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 is disposed on the side of the cooler 11. Further, the refrigerator compartment damper 20 and the freezer compartment fan 12 are arranged in the vertical direction so as to be biased in the same direction as the cooler 11. That is, the refrigerator compartment damper 20 and the freezer compartment fan 12 are arranged so as to overlap in the planar projection. Thereby, while the width | variety of the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1 can be narrowed, the cool air passages 31 and 32 can be shortened and volume efficiency and ventilation efficiency can be improved.

  Further, in order to secure a large volume of the temperature switching chamber 3, the vertical heat insulating wall 36 that separates the temperature switching chamber 3 and the ice making chamber 4 is arranged to be shifted to the left side in FIG. 1. When the front portion 31 a of the cold air passage 31 and the refrigerator compartment damper 20 are provided behind the temperature switching chamber 3, heat is released from the temperature switching chamber 3 to the cold air in the cold air passage 31.

  The cold air flowing through the cold air passage 31 is, for example, −23 ° C., and if the temperature switching chamber 3 is controlled to a temperature higher than the cold air (for example, 3 ° C., 8 ° C., 50 ° C.), heat loss increases. For this reason, the refrigerator compartment damper 20 and the front part 31a of the cold air passage 31 are provided behind the vertical heat insulation wall 36 or on the left side of the vertical heat insulation wall 36 to prevent heat from being released from the temperature switching chamber 3 to the cold air. Thereby, cooling efficiency can be improved more.

  The temperature switching chamber 3 is connected to an introduction ventilation path 15 that branches from the cold air passage 31 and guides the cold air. A temperature switching chamber blower 18 and a heater 16 are disposed at the rear of the temperature switching chamber 3. A temperature switching chamber discharge damper 37 is provided at the lower left portion of the temperature switching chamber 3. The temperature switching chamber discharge damper 37 is arranged in the introduction ventilation path 15, and the temperature switching chamber blower 18 is arranged in the upper part of the introduction ventilation path 15.

  When the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 37 is opened and the temperature switching chamber blower 18 is driven, cold air flows from the cooler 11 into the temperature switching chamber 3 through the introduction ventilation path 15. The amount of air flowing into the temperature switching chamber 3 from the introduction ventilation path 15 is adjusted by the opening / closing amount of the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 37. In addition to the heater 16, the temperature switching chamber 3 may be provided with a panel heater at the bottom.

  A temperature switching chamber return damper 38 is provided below the temperature switching chamber 3. The temperature switching chamber return damper 38 opens and closes the return passage 17 extending downward, and the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 returns to the cool air passage 31 via the return passage 17.

  Note that when the room temperature of the temperature switching chamber 3 is set to a high temperature, the air in the introduction ventilation path 15 and the return path 17 is lower in temperature than the air in the temperature switching chamber 3. Hot air rises in the temperature switching chamber 3, and a temperature switching chamber discharge damper 37 and a temperature switching chamber return damper 38 are provided in the lower part of the temperature switching chamber 3. For this reason, leakage of hot air from the temperature switching chamber 3 to the introduction ventilation path 15 and the return path 17 can be reduced.

  The air flowing through the return passage 17 is returned to the cooler 11 from an outlet 17a provided in the middle of the cooler 11 in the vertical direction. The cool air flowing out of the freezer compartment 6 through the freezer compartment return port 22 returns to the lower part of the cooler 11. Moreover, cold air | gas returns from the vegetable compartment 5 to the downward direction of the cooler 11 via the return channel | path 46 (refer FIG. 2).

  Therefore, the cold air flowing out from each storage chamber is returned to the cooler 11 in a dispersed manner. For this reason, the frost by the cold air containing the water | moisture content which circulated through each store room and returned does not generate | occur | produce intensively, but disperse | distributes and generate | occur | produces in the whole cooler 11. Thereby, clogging of the cold air flow due to frost is prevented, and a decrease in cooling performance of the cooler 11 can be prevented.

  In addition, the cold air that has flowed through the temperature switching chamber 3 with a small volume is cooled at the upper part of the cooler 11, and the cold air that has flowed through the cold room 3, the vegetable room 5, and the freezer room 6 with a large capacity is Cooled by. Therefore, the cold air flowing out from the temperature switching chamber 3 is not heat exchanged with the cooler 11 more than necessary, and the heat exchange efficiency of the cooler 11 can be improved.

  A cold air passage 32 is provided behind the refrigerator compartment 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. The cooling air passage 32 is integrally formed above the accessory storage chamber 102 by a cooling panel 70 disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. The cooling panel 70 has a rectangular front shape, and includes a panel base 71 and a member 72.

  The panel base 71 is divided into a front part 71a and a rear part 71b. The rear portion 71 b is formed of a molded product of a heat insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and forms the outer shape of the cold air passage 32. The front portion 71a is made of a resin molded product such as PS (polyethylene styrene) resin, and reinforces the panel base 71.

  The member 72 is disposed on the front surface of the panel base 71, and the front shape is formed in a substantially rectangular shape by a good heat conductor such as a metal plate. As the material of the member 72, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, plated steel plate, or the like can be selected. It is more desirable that the member 72 is made of aluminum in consideration of thermal conductivity, rust prevention, strength, lightness, price, and the like.

  As will be described later, the cold heat of the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 32 is transmitted to the member 72 via the panel base 71 and is uniformly discharged from the member 72 into the refrigerator compartment 2. Thereby, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be made uniform. At this time, the heat insulation may be lowered by forming part of the front part 71a and the rear part 71b of the panel base 71 to be thin or opening. Thereby, according to the magnitude | size and shape of the refrigerator compartment 2, the amount of cold heat discharge | released to the refrigerator compartment 2 can be partially increased, and the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be made more uniform. It is more desirable to reduce the heat insulation of the panel base 71 as the distance from the cooler 11 increases.

  Further, a gap 88 is formed on the side of the cooling panel 70 between the rear end of the mounting shelf 41 and the back surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. A duct extending in the vertical direction by the gap 88 is formed at the rear part of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  1 to 3, the cold air passage 32 extends upward from the cold room damper 20, and an inflow portion 32 e having a narrow lateral width is provided at the lower part of the cold room 2 behind the accessory storage chamber 102. A refrigerator compartment fan 23 is disposed in the inflow portion 32e. Between the refrigerating room blower 23 and the refrigerating room damper 20, a circulation port 82 formed of a small hole communicating with the inside of the refrigerating room 2 is provided. The refrigerating room blower 23 is composed of an axial fan, and the suction side is inclined to face the lower refrigerating room damper 20 and the front circulation port 82. Thereby, the pressure loss of the airflow led from the circulation port 82 and the refrigerator compartment damper 20 to the refrigerator compartment fan 23 can be reduced.

  The cold air generated in the cooler 11 is circulated through the cold air passage 32 by opening the cold room damper 20 and driving the cold room blower 23. The cold air immediately after flowing into the cold air passage 32 from the refrigerator compartment damper 20 is extremely low temperature (about −20 ° C. to −18 ° C.). For this reason, the heat insulating material 107 is arranged on the inner side of the lower part of the cold air passage 32. Thereby, dew condensation on the back wall surface of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be prevented.

  The refrigerator compartment damper 20 is disposed at a position where a part thereof overlaps the heat insulating wall 7 in front projection. For this reason, the amount by which the refrigerator compartment damper 20 protrudes into the refrigerator compartment 2 and the freezer compartment 6 can be reduced, and the refrigerator compartment 2 and the refrigerator compartment 6 can be formed widely. Further, the refrigerator compartment blower 23 is provided close to the refrigerator compartment damper 20. And the back wall of the refrigerator compartment 2 inclines in the downstream of the refrigerator fan 23, and depth is narrowed to about 10 mm.

  Accordingly, the depth of the cold air passage 32 can be narrowly formed on the downstream side of the refrigerator compartment fan 23 to ensure a wide depth of the refrigerator compartment 2. Further, a protruding portion in which the cold air passage 32 protrudes toward the refrigerating chamber 2 by the refrigerating chamber blower 23 is disposed at the lower end of the refrigerating chamber 2. For this reason, this protrusion part can be made inconspicuous and the fall of the aesthetics of the refrigerator 1 can be prevented. Further, since the protruding portion is arranged behind the accessory storage chamber 102 which is an isolation chamber, it can be made less noticeable.

  The cold air passage 32 has a widened portion 32f widened in the left-right direction over the left and right ends of the refrigerator compartment 2 above the inflow portion 32e. The widened portion 32f branches in three directions and includes a right passage 32a, a left passage 32b, and a middle passage 32c that are partitioned by a partition wall 32g. An intermediate passage 32c is disposed between the right passage 32a and the left passage 32b. A plurality of discharge ports 73a, 73b, 73c, and 73d are provided at the side end of the right passage 32a in order from the top and open to the side. A plurality of discharge ports 74a, 74b, 74c, and 74d are provided at the side end of the left passage 32b in order from the top and open to the side. Accordingly, the discharge ports 73 a to 73 d and 74 a to 74 d are arranged at both ends in the left-right direction of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  The discharge ports 73a and 74a are provided above the first shelf 41 from the top. The discharge ports 73b and 74b are provided between the first stage mounting shelf 41 and the second stage mounting shelf 41 from the top. The discharge ports 73c and 74c are provided between the second stage mounting shelf 41 and the third stage mounting shelf 41 from the top. The discharge ports 73d and 74d are provided between the mounting shelf 41 and the partition plate 40 in the third row from the top.

  The opening areas of the upper discharge ports 73a and 74a are larger than the opening areas of the lower discharge ports 73b to 73d and 74b to 74d. Thereby, the amount of cool air discharged from the lower discharge ports 73b to 73d and 74b to 74d close to the cool air inflow side of the cool air passage 32 and close to the return port 2d disposed in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2 is limited. Accordingly, the cold air can be guided to the upper part of the cold air passage 32.

  A discharge port 75 for discharging cold air to the chilled chamber 21 is provided at the lower end of the right passage 32a. Since the cold air immediately after flowing into the cold air passage 32 from the refrigerator compartment damper 20 is discharged from the discharge port 75 to the chilled chamber 21, the chilled chamber 21 can be maintained at a low temperature.

  A return port 2d through which cold air from the refrigerator compartment 2 flows out is provided at the lower back of the chilled chamber 21. From the return port 2d, a communication passage 34 for communicating the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 is led out. The upper part of the communication path 34 faces the return port 2d and is provided with a cold air return part 34a extending from the left end to the right end of the chilled chamber 21, and the lower part of the communication path 34 extends downward from the right part of the cold air return part 34a.

  An inflow port 5 c that opens to the vegetable compartment 5 is provided at the lower end of the communication path 34. A return passage 46 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the upper part of the vegetable compartment 5 so as to open the front of the vegetable compartment 5 and the front of the cold air passage 31 and return the cold air below the cooler 11.

  The right passage 32a, the left passage 32b, and the middle passage 32c communicate with a ceiling passage 32d formed on the ceiling surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the ceiling passage 32d. The ceiling passage 32d is provided to extend in the front-rear direction, and a right passage 32a, a left passage 32b, and a middle passage 32c divided by a partition wall 32g are continuously extended from the back to the ceiling passage 32d. At the front end of the ceiling passage 32d, a plurality of discharge ports 84 are provided symmetrically across the left and right sides of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  An ion generator 86 having an ion generator 86f (see FIG. 6) for generating ions is disposed in the ceiling passage 32d communicating with the middle passage 32c. The ion generator 86 is installed in the vicinity of a corner between the middle passage 32c disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the ceiling passage 32d disposed on the top surface. The ceiling passage 32d divided into the right and left merges on the downstream side of the ion generator 86.

  6 and 7 show a front view and a side sectional view of the ion generator 86. The ion generator 86 is covered with a housing 86a made of an insulator, and needle-like discharge electrodes 86p and 86q are arranged apart from each other.

  An annular induction electrode 86e is disposed around the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q. The housing 86a is provided with a through hole 86b facing the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q. Thereby, the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q are exposed on the ion generation surface 86d. An opening 86c opens on one side surface of the housing 86a orthogonal to the ion generation surface 86d.

  A vent hole 86g having a filter 86h is formed between the through holes 86b on the ion generation surface 86d. The inside of the housing 86a is formed so that the opening 86c, the through hole 86b, and the vent hole 86g communicate with each other.

  A positive or negative high voltage is applied to the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q with respect to the induction electrode 86e. As a result, positive ions and negative ions are generated, for example, by corona discharge in the ion generator 86f formed between the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q and the induction electrode 86e.

For example, a positive voltage is applied to one of the discharge electrodes 86p, and ions generated by ionization combine with moisture in the air to generate positive cluster ions whose charges mainly consist of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m. A negative voltage is applied to the other discharge electrode 86q, and ions generated by ionization combine with moisture in the air to generate negative cluster ions mainly composed of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n. Here, m and n are arbitrary natural numbers. H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n agglomerate and surround the surface of airborne bacteria, odorous components, and stored bacteria.

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, m ′ and n ′ are arbitrary natural numbers. Therefore, indoor sterilization and odor removal can be performed by generating positive ions and negative ions and discharging them from the discharge port 20b.

H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m + O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n → OH + 1 / 2O ₂ + (m + n) H ₂ O (1)
_{^{H + (H 2 O) m}} + H + (H 2 O) m '+ O 2 - (H 2 O) n + O 2 - (H 2 O) n'
→ 2 OH + O ₂ + (m + m ′ + n + n ′) H ₂ O (2)
_{^{H + (H 2 O) m}} + H + (H 2 O) m '+ O 2 - (H 2 O) n + O 2 - (H 2 O) n'
→ H ₂ O ₂ + O ₂ + (m + m ′ + n + n ′) H ₂ O (3)

  The induction electrode 86e is formed with an aperture hole at the center to increase the area facing the discharge electrode 86d, thereby increasing the discharge efficiency between the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q. The induction electrode 86e has a bent leg (not shown) around it and is fixed to the housing 86a, and the distance from the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q is maintained at a predetermined value.

  FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing details of a main part of the refrigerator 1. The ion generator 86 has an ion generation surface 86d facing the cold air passage 32, and a plurality of ion generation portions 86f (see FIG. 6) each having discharge electrodes 86p and 86q along the wall of the cold air passage 32 on the refrigerator compartment 2 side. Be placed. Further, the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q are arranged side by side so as to intersect the airflow flowing forward. The opening 86c faces rearward and is disposed so as to face the back surface portion (the middle passage 32c) of the cold air passage 32. As a result, ions are released from the ion generation surface 86d into the airflow flowing through the cool air passage 32, and cool air flows into the housing 86a from the opening 86c.

  Further, a guide portion 87 made of a curved plate attached to the inner box 1d is provided at a corner portion on the outer peripheral side between the top surface passage 32d and the back surface portion of the cold air passage 32. The air flow rising up the middle passage 32c by the guide portion 87 can be smoothly guided to the top surface passage 32d and the opening 86c to circulate in the vicinity of the ion generation surface 86d.

  The cold air that has flowed into the housing 86a from the opening 86c passes through the ion generator 86f, is discharged into the cold air passage 32 from the through hole 86b, including ions, and merges with the airflow flowing through the top surface passage 32d. Thereby, ion can be efficiently included in cold air.

  When the airflow flowing in from the opening 86c has a speed variation due to pulsating flow or turbulent flow, a part of the cold air flows out through the filter 86h (see FIG. 6). Thereby, a uniform air current is supplied to the ion generating part 86f, and the air stream containing ions can be stably discharged from the through hole 86b. Therefore, the disappearance due to the collision between the positive ions and the negative ions generated in the housing 86a can be reduced, and the ion supply efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, even if the ion generator 86 is not provided with the opening 86c, ions are included in the airflow by circulating the airflow around the through hole 86b. At this time, if a partition plate such as a rib is provided to block the space between the ion generators 86f each having the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q, extinction due to collision between positive ions and negative ions can be reduced.

  The ion generator 86 includes needle-like discharge electrodes 86p and 86q and an induction electrode 86e, but may have other configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, an ion generator in which a flat discharge electrode 86p is arranged on an ion generation surface 86d may be used. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, an ion generator having a needle-like discharge electrode 86p connected to a power supply unit 86j by a lead wire 86k may be used. In these cases as well, the discharge electrode 86p is arranged along the wall surface on the refrigerator compartment 2 side of the corner between the top surface portion and the back surface portion of the cold air passage 32 in the same manner as described above.

  In the refrigerator 1 having the above configuration, when the freezer blower 12 is driven, the cold air generated by the cooler 11 is discharged into the ice making chamber 4 and is discharged into the freezer compartment 6 through the discharge ports 6d and 6e. The cold air discharged into the ice making chamber 4 circulates through the ice making chamber 4, mixes with the cold air discharged into the freezing chamber 6, and flows through the freezing chamber 6. The cold air flowing through the ice making chamber 4 and the freezer compartment 6 flows out from the freezer return port 22 and returns to the cooler 11. As a result, the ice making chamber 4 and the freezing chamber 6 are cooled.

  When the refrigerator compartment damper 20 is opened and the refrigerator compartment fan 23 is driven, the cold air branched off on the exhaust side of the freezer compartment fan 12 flows through the cold air passage 32. The cold air flowing through the cold air passage 32 flows into the widened portion 32f downstream of the cold room blower 23 and branches into the right passage 32a, the left passage 32b, and the middle passage 32c. At this time, since the flow path is widened from the inflow portion 32e to the widened portion 32f extending from the left and right ends of the refrigerator compartment 2, the flow rate of the cold air is rapidly reduced.

  A part of the cold air passing through the right passage 32a is discharged into the chilled chamber 21 through the discharge port 75 as shown by an arrow A1 (see FIG. 1). The cold air flowing through the chilled chamber 21 flows out from the return port 2d. The cool air rising up the right passage 32a and the left passage 32b is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 2 from the discharge ports 73a to 73d and 74a to 74d in an amount corresponding to the opening area as shown by an arrow A2 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). . Cold air discharged from the discharge ports 73a to 73d and 74a to 74d to the side flows along the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 2 and flows forward. Further, some of the cool air discharged from the discharge ports 73a to 73c and 74a to 74c descends through the gap 88 behind the mounting shelf 41.

  The cool air flowing forward along the side wall from the discharge ports 73a to 73c and 74a to 74c cools the stored items on the mounting shelf 41 from the surroundings, and descends the front of the mounting shelf 41 along the side wall. Then, it is guided to the return port 2d. Thereby, the amount of cool air that directly hits the stored items placed on the mounting shelf 41 can be reduced, and drying of the stored items can be reduced.

  The cold air rising through the cold air passage 32 flows into the ceiling passage 32d. The cold air flowing into the ceiling passage 32d from the middle passage 32c includes ions generated by the ion generator 86. The cold air containing ions merges with the cold air flowing into the ceiling passage 32d from the right passage 32a and the left passage 32b, and is discharged from the discharge port 84 to the refrigerator compartment 2 as shown by an arrow A5 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  At this time, cool air is discharged obliquely downward from the discharge port 84 toward the upper door pocket 42 and the mounting shelf 41. Thereby, the inside of the door pocket 42 is cooled and sterilized, and cold air containing ions descends in front of the mounting shelf 41. The cold air discharged from the discharge port 84 to the refrigerator compartment 2 descends in front of the mounting shelf 41 and is guided to the return port 2d.

  A part of the cool air led to the return port 2d cools the stored items in the small article storage chamber 102 and the water tank 103a in the water tank chamber 103, and flows into the cool air passage 32 through the circulation port 82. Thereby, the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 32 is mixed with the wet cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2. For this reason, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 can be circulated through the cold air passage 32 to make the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2 uniform. In addition, the ions are clustered by bonds with water molecules and are not easily eliminated, and positive and negative ions reach the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  Further, the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 32 and the cold heat discharged from the discharge ports 73 a to 73 d and 74 a to 74 d are transmitted to the member 72. Since the member 72 has high thermal conductivity, the temperature is made uniform, and cold heat is released from the entire back surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. Thereby, the temperature distribution of the refrigerator compartment 2 can be made more uniform.

  Furthermore, when the door 2a is opened and the outside air flows into the refrigerator compartment 2, the surface of the member 72 becomes cloudy due to condensation of outside water. The condensed moisture is then evaporated by the circulation of cold air and released into the refrigerator compartment 2. Therefore, the refrigerator 72 is moisturized by the member 72.

  If the unevenness by bending is provided on the front surface of the member 72, the dew condensation water flowing down on the member 72 is accumulated on the surface facing the upper side of the unevenness, so that the moisturizing effect can be further improved. Unevenness can be easily formed by bending by pressing or drawing.

  The return port 2d is arranged to be deviated to the left of the chilled chamber 21 and is arranged in the vicinity of the central portion in the left-right direction of the refrigerator compartment 2. For this reason, the refrigerator compartment 2 can be cooled more uniformly by the cold air | gas guide | induced to the return port 2d from the discharge ports 73a-73d and 74a-74d of the both ends of the left-right direction.

  The cold air flowing out of the refrigerator compartment 2 through the return port 2d passes through the communication path 34 and flows into the vegetable compartment 5 from the inlet 5c. At this time, since the inflow port 5c is provided above the vegetable compartment 2, the communication path 34 is formed short, and the pressure loss can be reduced. The cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment 5 flows through the vegetable compartment 5 and returns to the cooler 11 via the return passage 46. Thereby, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 is cooled, and when it becomes preset temperature, the refrigerator compartment damper 20 will be closed.

  At this time, the refrigerating room blower 23 is driven constantly or periodically with the refrigerating room damper 20 closed. Thereby, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 circulates through the cold air passage 32 without passing through the cooler 11, and the refrigerator compartment 2 can be maintained at a uniform temperature. Moreover, since ion is continuously supplied to the refrigerator compartment 2, the fall of the germicidal effect in the refrigerator compartment 2 can be prevented.

  In addition, the cold air branched on the exhaust side of the freezer compartment fan 12 flows into the temperature change chamber 3 via the temperature change chamber discharge damper 37 by driving the temperature change chamber fan 18. The cold air that has flowed into the temperature switching chamber 3 flows through the temperature switching chamber 3, flows out of the temperature switching chamber return damper 38, and returns to the cooler 11 through the return passage 17. Thereby, the inside of the temperature switching chamber 3 is cooled.

  As described above, the temperature switching chamber 3 can switch the room temperature by a user's operation. The operation modes of the temperature switching chamber 3 are wine (8 ° C.), refrigeration (3 ° C.), chilled (0 ° C.), soft freezing (−8 ° C.), and freezing (−15 ° C.) depending on the temperature zone. Provided.

  Thereby, the user can preserve | save the stored item at the desired temperature. The room temperature can be switched by varying the amount of opening of the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 37. For example, the heater 16 may be energized to switch the temperature from the refrigerated room temperature to the refrigerated room temperature. Thereby, it can switch to desired room temperature rapidly.

  By energizing the heater 16, the room temperature of the temperature switching chamber 3 can be switched from a low temperature side where the stored items are cooled and stored to a high temperature side higher than normal temperature. Thereby, temporary heat insulation, warm cooking, etc. of the cooked heated food can be performed.

  Since the growth temperature of the main food poisoning bacteria is 30 ° C. to 45 ° C., the indoor temperature on the high temperature side is preferably set to 50 ° C. or more in consideration of the tolerance of the heater capacity, the temperature distribution in the temperature switching chamber 3, and the like. Thereby, propagation of food poisoning bacteria can be prevented.

  Moreover, since the heat-resistant temperature of the general resin parts used for a refrigerator is 80 degreeC, when the room temperature of a high temperature side shall be 80 degrees C or less, it can implement | achieve cheaply. In addition, in order to sterilize food poisoning bacteria, for example, in the case of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (pathogenic E. coli O157), heating at 75 ° C. for 1 minute is required. Therefore, it is more desirable to set the indoor temperature on the high temperature side to 75 ° C. to 80 ° C.

The following are test results on sterilization of food poisoning bacteria at 55 ° C. In the initial state, E. coli 2.4 × 10 ³ CFU / mL, Staphylococcus aureus 2.0 × 10 ³ CFU / mL, Salmonella 2.1 × 10 ³ CFU / mL, Vibrio parahaemolyticus 1.5 × 10 ³ CFU / ML, Cereus 4.0 × 10 ³ CFU / mL. This test sample was heated from 3 ° C. to 55 ° C. over 40 minutes, kept at 55 ° C. for 3.5 hours, then returned from 55 ° C. to 3 ° C. over 80 minutes, and the amount of each bacterium was examined again. As a result, all the bacteria were reduced to a level of 10 CFU / mL or less (not detected). Therefore, even if the set temperature on the high temperature side of the temperature switching chamber 3 is 55 ° C., there is a sufficient sterilization effect.

  According to this embodiment, since the ion generating part 86f is arranged along the wall surface of the cold air passage 32 on the refrigerator compartment 2 side, generation of turbulent flow due to collision between the air flow and the electrode or the support member as in the conventional case is prevented. The Therefore, the air blowing efficiency can be improved, and the disappearance due to the collision of ions can be reduced, so that the ion supply efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the ion generator 86f is installed in the vicinity of the corner of the back surface portion (the middle passage 32c) and the top surface portion (the top surface passage 32d) of the cold air passage 32, the ion generator 86f is easily arranged along the wall surface. it can. In addition, the top and rear surfaces of the cold air passage 32 that are easily visible to the user do not protrude by the ion generator 86, and the upper rear corner of the refrigerator compartment 2 that protrudes less easily protrudes downward. Therefore, the aesthetics of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

  Further, the discharge ports 73a to 73d and 74a to 74d are provided on the left and right ends of the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment 2, and the discharge port 84 is provided on the top surface of the refrigerator compartment 2 downstream of the ion generator 86f. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of cold air that flows through the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 2 and directly contacts the stored product to prevent the stored product from drying, and discharge ions from the upper part of the refrigerator compartment 2 together with the cold air. Ions spread throughout the entire refrigerator compartment 2.

  Further, since the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q and the induction electrode 86e facing the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q are arranged facing the air flow in the cold air passage 32, the ion generating portion 86f faces the air flow and efficiently contains ions. Can do.

  Further, since the opening 86c that communicates with the ion generator 86f through the housing 86a and faces the cold air passage 32 is provided, the cold air flowing into the housing 86a from the opening 86c contains ions, and the cold air passage from the ion generator 86f. 32. Therefore, ions generated by the ion generator 86 can be reliably supplied to the airflow flowing through the cold air passage 32, and the ion supply efficiency can be further improved.

  In addition, since the air holes 86g that communicate with the opening 86c and in which the filter 86h is disposed are provided between the plurality of ion generating portions 86f, the airflow flowing from the opening 86c has a speed variation due to pulsating flow or turbulent flow. Even part of the cold air flows out through the filter 86h. Thereby, a uniform air current is supplied to the ion generator 86f, and the air stream containing ions can be stably discharged. Accordingly, annihilation due to collision between positive ions and negative ions can be reduced, and ion supply efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, since the plurality of ion generating portions 86f that respectively generate positive ions and negative ions by the discharge electrodes 86p and 86q are arranged away from each other in the direction intersecting the flow direction of the cold air, the positive ions and the negative ions are respectively air currents. To reduce the collision. Therefore, ion supply efficiency can be further improved.

  Further, by providing a partition plate between the both ion generation portions 86f, collision between positive ions and negative ions can be further reduced.

  Moreover, since the circulation port 82 is provided between the refrigerator compartment damper 20 which opens and closes the cold air passage 32, and the refrigerator compartment fan 23, when the refrigerator compartment damper 20 is closed, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 is removed by driving the refrigerator compartment fan 23. It can circulate and cool the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 uniformly. Furthermore, ions can be supplied to the refrigerator compartment 2 even when the refrigerator compartment 2 is at a set temperature. In addition, since ions are contained in the moist cool air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 2, cluster ions combined with water molecules increase. Thereby, since it becomes difficult for ions to disappear, positive and negative ions reach the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  Next, FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing the main part of the refrigerator of the second embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. This embodiment differs in the structure of the refrigerator compartment damper 20 with respect to 1st Embodiment. Other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The refrigerator compartment damper 20 connecting the cold air passages 31 and 32 opens the circulation port 82 when the cold air passage 32 is closed, and closes the circulation port 82 when the cold air passage 32 is opened. That is, the refrigerator compartment damper 20 selectively opens and closes the cold air passage 32 and the circulation port 82.

  Thereby, when the cold air passage 32 is opened by the cold room damper 20, the cold air supplied from the cooler 11 is discharged into the cold room 2 without being mixed with the cold air in the cold room 2. Therefore, the cooling air temperature supplied to the refrigerator compartment 2 can be stabilized to improve the cooling efficiency, and the backflow of the cooling air from the circulation port 82 can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment described above, a member that opens and closes the circulation port 82 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment damper 20 may be provided, and the same operation as this embodiment may be performed. For example, a shutter that opens and closes the circulation port 82 is provided so as to be movable up and down, and the front end of the open / close plate of the refrigerator compartment damper 20 is connected to the lower end of the shutter. Thereby, when the opening / closing plate is lowered and the cool air passage 32 is opened, the shutter is lowered and the circulation port 82 is closed, and when the opening / closing plate is raised and the cold passage 32 is closed, the shutter is raised and the circulation port 82 is opened. . If an urging means for urging the shutter upward is provided, these operations can be performed more smoothly.

  Next, FIG. 12 is a front view showing the refrigerator of the third embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the widened portion 32f of the cold air passage 32. Other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The partition wall 32g that partitions the right passage 32a, the left passage 32b, and the middle passage 32c is formed up to the upper part on the back side, and the partition wall 32g of the ceiling passage 32d is omitted. Thereby, the right passage 32a, the left passage 32b, and the middle passage 32c merge on the upstream side of the ceiling passage 32d. For this reason, the flow velocity of the cold air flowing in the vicinity of the ion generator 86 can be further reduced as compared with the first embodiment. Therefore, ion collision can be further reduced and ion generation efficiency can be improved.

  As in the second embodiment, the circulation port 82 may be closed when the cold air passage is opened by the refrigerator compartment damper 23.

  In the first to third embodiments, only the negative ions may be generated by the ion generator 86. Thereby, although the disinfection effect falls, the deodorizing effect can be acquired. Further, even if the circulation port 82 is omitted, the same effect is obtained for the release of ions. Furthermore, the discharge ports 73b to 73d and 74b to 74d may be omitted on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment 2, and only the upper discharge ports 73a and 74a may be formed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can utilize for the refrigerator provided with the ion generator which generate | occur | produces ion.

The front view which shows the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention. AA sectional view of FIG. BB sectional view of FIG. CC sectional view of FIG. The top view which shows the ceiling passage of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention The top view which shows the ion generator of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention Side surface sectional drawing which shows the ion generator of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the other ion generator of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the other ion generator of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the refrigerator of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows the refrigerator of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigerated room 2d Return port 3 Temperature switching room 4 Ice making room 5 Vegetable room 6 Freezer room 7, 8, 35 Insulation wall 11 Cooler 12 Freezer room fan 15 Introduction ventilation path 16 Heater 17, 46 Return path 18 Temperature switching room Blower 20 Refrigerating room damper 21 Chilled room 23 Refrigerating room blower 31, 32 Cold air passage 32a Right passage 32b Left passage 32c Middle passage 32d Ceiling passage 32e Inflow portion 32f Widening portion 32g Partition wall 37 Temperature switching chamber discharge damper 38 Temperature switching chamber return damper 41 Mounting shelf 70 Cooling panel 71 Panel base 72 Member 73a-73d, 74a-74d, 84 Discharge port 82 Circulation port 86 Ion generator 86a Housing 86c Opening 86d Ion generation surface 86e Induction electrode 86f Ion generation unit 86g Vent hole 86h Filter 86p, 86q Discharge electrode 8 Guide portion 88 gap 102 small-article storage chamber 103 the water tank chamber

Claims (7)

A storage chamber for storing stored items, a cooler for generating cold air, a cool air passage for supplying the cool air generated by the cooler to the storage chamber via a discharge port, and a blower for guiding the cool air to the cool air passage; An ion generator having an ion generator for generating ions,
The ion generator is covered with a housing made of an insulator and has a discharge electrode,
The ion generation unit is provided near the corner of the back surface portion and the top surface portion of the cold air passage and is disposed along the wall surface on the storage chamber side of the cold air passage,
The housing opens a through-hole facing the ion generation surface on which the discharge electrode is arranged, and opens an opening facing one of the side surfaces orthogonal to the ion generation surface facing the rear side of the cold air passage. And
Cool air flowing into the housing through the opening passes through the ion generating section, merges before Kinuki hole the airflow flowing in the top portion of the cool air passage is discharged into the cool air passage includes ions A refrigerator characterized by that.   2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is provided on the left and right ends of the back surface of the storage chamber, and is provided on the top surface of the storage chamber downstream from the ion generation unit.   The said ion generator is equipped with the dielectric electrode facing the said discharge electrode, The said discharge electrode and the said dielectric electrode were arrange | positioned facing the airflow of the said cold air | gas channel | path, The Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. refrigerator.   4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the dielectric electrode is disposed around the discharge electrode formed in a needle shape to form the ion generation unit between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode. 5.   The said ion generating part was provided with two or more, The ventilation hole which connected the said opening part and the filter was distribute | arranged was provided between both the said ion generating parts, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. refrigerator.   The ion generator has a plurality of the ion generators, and intersects the cold air flow direction with the one ion generator that generates positive ions and the other ion generator that generates negative ions. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the refrigerator is arranged separately.   The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein a partition plate is provided between both the ion generation units.

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