JP6964226B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator equipped with a humidifying unit.

Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that discharges the humidity of the vegetable case to the outside when the humidity is high and keeps the humidity of the vegetable case from escaping when the humidity is low.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-800

The refrigerator of Patent Document 1 is intended to prevent the moisture of the vegetable case from escaping when the humidity is low, and cannot be humidified in the low humidity condition.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of humidifying the inside of the storage container of the vegetable compartment.

The refrigerator in the present disclosure includes a vegetable compartment, a storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and a humidifying unit provided in the storage container, and the humidifying unit absorbs moisture generated by dew condensation inside the storage container to obtain moisture. The humidifying unit is provided with an absorbing part and a releasing part, and the moisture absorbed by the absorbing part moves to the releasing part .

The refrigerator in the present disclosure can absorb the moisture generated by dew condensation inside the storage container and release the moisture into the inside of the storage container. Therefore, the inside of the storage container can be humidified.

Longitudinal section of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment Longitudinal section of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment Longitudinal sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment Vertical sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment. Vertical sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment.

(Findings, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, even when vegetables and fruits were stored in the vegetable case, the vegetable case was used as a technique to maintain high humidity while preventing water rot due to dew condensation. There is a method of installing a moisture-sensitive and moisture-permeable device to discharge the moisture of the vegetable case to the outside when the humidity is high, and to prevent the moisture of the vegetable case from escaping when the humidity is low. rice field.

When there are many vegetables and the inside of the storage container is in a high humidity state, it is useful to release the humidity to the outside because the risk of water rot due to dew condensation can be suppressed. However, when there are few vegetables and the inside of the storage container is in a low humidity state, the humidity cannot be increased. Therefore, the inventors have discovered that there is a problem that vegetables and the like are dried and the quality is low, and in order to solve the problem, the subject of the present disclosure has been constructed.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator that keeps the inside of the storage container in a high humidity state while suppressing the risk of water rot due to dew condensation.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily redundant explanations below and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[1-1. composition]
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat insulating box body 2 of the refrigerator 1 is formed between an outer box 3 mainly made of steel plate, an inner box 4 molded of a resin such as ABS, and an outer box 3 and an inner box 4. It is composed of a foamed heat insulating material such as hard urethane foam that is filled and foamed in the space of the above, and is divided into a plurality of storage chambers to insulate the surroundings.

The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerating room 5, a switching room 6, an ice making room 7, a vegetable room 8, and a freezing room 9.

A refrigerating room 5 as a first storage is provided at the uppermost part. A switching chamber 6 as a fourth storage chamber and an ice making chamber 7 as a fifth storage chamber are provided side by side below the refrigerating chamber 5 side by side. A vegetable compartment 8 as a second storage chamber is provided below the switching chamber 6 and the ice making chamber 7. A freezing chamber 9 as a third storage chamber is arranged at the bottom.

The refrigerating room 5 is usually set to 1 ° C. to 5 ° C. with the lower limit of the temperature at which it does not freeze for refrigerated storage, and the vegetable room 8 is set to 2 ° C. to 7 ° C. having a temperature setting equal to or slightly higher than that of the refrigerating room 5. The freezing chamber 9 is set in the freezing temperature zone and is usually set at -22 ° C to -15 ° C for frozen storage, but for improving the frozen storage state, for example, -30 ° C or -25 ° C. It may be set at a low temperature of ° C. The switching chamber 6 has a refrigerating temperature range set at 1 ° C to 5 ° C, a vegetable temperature range set at 2 ° C to 7 ° C, and a freezing temperature range usually set at -22 ° C to -15 ° C. It is possible to switch from the refrigerating temperature zone to the refrigerating temperature zone to a preset temperature zone. The switching chamber 6 is a storage chamber provided with an independent door juxtaposed with the ice making chamber 7, and is often provided with a drawer-type door.

In the present embodiment, the switching chamber 6 is a storage chamber including the temperature zones of refrigeration and freezing. However, refrigeration is entrusted to the refrigeration chamber 5, the vegetable compartment 8, and freezing is entrusted to the freezing chamber 9. It may be a storage room specialized for switching only the above temperature zone between refrigeration and freezing. Further, a storage chamber fixed in a specific temperature zone may be used.

The top surface of the heat insulating box 2 has a shape in which a stepped recess is provided toward the back surface of the refrigerator 1, and a machine room 2a is formed in the stepped recess to remove water from the compressor 10. Contains high-pressure components of the refrigeration cycle, such as dryers (not shown). That is, the machine room 2a in which the compressor 10 is arranged is formed by biting into the uppermost rear region in the refrigerating room 5.

Regarding the matters concerning the main parts of the invention described below in the present embodiment, a machine room is provided in the lowermost storage chamber rear region of the heat insulating box 2 which has been generally used in the past, and the compressor 10 is provided therein. It may be applied to the type of refrigerator to be arranged. Further, the refrigerator 1 having a so-called mid-freezer configuration in which the arrangements of the freezing chamber 9 and the vegetable compartment 8 are exchanged may be used.

Next, a cooling chamber 11 for generating cold air is provided on the inner surface of the vegetable compartment 8 and the freezing chamber 9. Between the vegetable compartment 8 and the cooling chamber 11 or between the freezing chamber 9 and the cooling chamber 11, a cold air transport air passage (not shown) to each chamber having heat insulating properties and a heat insulating partition from each chamber are provided. The back surface partition wall 12 is configured.

A cooler 13 is arranged in the cooling chamber 11. In the upper space of the cooler 13, a cooling fan 14 that blows the cold air cooled by the cooler 13 by a forced convection method to the refrigerator chamber 5, the switching chamber 6, the ice making chamber 7, the vegetable chamber 8, and the freezer chamber 9 is arranged. .. In the lower space of the cooler 13, a radiant heater 15 made of a glass tube for removing frost and ice adhering to the cooler 13 and its surroundings at the time of cooling is provided. Further, a drain pan 16 for receiving the defrost water generated at the time of defrosting, a drain tube 17 penetrating from the deepest part thereof to the outside of the refrigerator, and an evaporating dish 18 are configured on the downstream side thereof. ..

In the vegetable compartment 8, a lower storage container 20 mounted on a frame attached to the drawer door 19 of the vegetable compartment 8 and an upper storage container 21 mounted on the lower storage container 20 are arranged.

Between the upper storage container 21 and the first partition wall 22a, an air passage for cold air discharged from the discharge port 23 for the vegetable compartment 8 configured in the back partition wall 12 is provided. A vegetable compartment heater 24 is arranged near the discharge port 23 for the purpose of adjusting the temperature inside the vegetable compartment 8.

Further, a space is also provided between the lower storage container 20 and the second partition wall 22b under the lower storage container 20 to form a cold air passage. The vegetable compartment 8 is provided with a suction port 25 for the vegetable compartment 8 for cooling the inside of the vegetable compartment 8 and returning the heat-exchanged cold air to the cooler 13. A temperature sensor 26 is installed near the suction port 25.

In FIG. 2, the humidification unit 28 includes an absorption unit 29, a discharge unit 30, and a transport unit 31. The humidification unit 28 is integrally composed of an absorption unit 29, a discharge unit 30, and a transport unit 31. The humidifying unit 28 is provided inside the wall surface that partitions the lower storage container 20. For example, the humidifying unit 28 is provided on the inner wall surface of the lower storage container 20 on which the cold air discharged from the discharge port 23 is blown.

The absorption unit 29 plays a role of absorbing and storing the water generated by dew condensation inside the lower storage container 20. The lower side of the back surface inside the lower storage container 20 is cooled to a temperature lower than the dew point temperature of the air in the lower storage container 20 by the cold air discharged from the discharge port 23, and dew condensation is likely to occur. The absorbing portion 29 is provided on the lower side of the inner back surface of the lower storage container 20 so that the moisture generated by the dew condensation can be absorbed. Further, the absorbing portion 29 is made of a fiber material such as a non-woven fabric so as to easily absorb the moisture generated by dew condensation, and has a large surface area.

The discharge unit 30 has a role of discharging the absorbed water into the lower storage container 20. On the upper side of the back surface inside the lower storage container 20, the dry cold air discharged from the discharge port 23 is introduced from the gap between the upper storage container 21 and the lower storage container 20. Therefore, the atmosphere around the upper side of the inner back surface of the lower storage container 20 has a lower humidity than the atmosphere around the absorbing portion 29 and the conveying portion 31. The discharge unit 30 is provided on the upper side of the inner back surface of the lower storage container 20 so that the absorbed water can be released. Further, the discharge unit 30 is made of a fiber material such as a non-woven fabric so as to easily release water, and has a large surface area.

The transport unit 31 plays a role of absorbing the stored water by the absorption unit 29 and moving the stored water to the discharge unit 30 by capillary force. Here, the capillary force is a force for causing a capillary phenomenon. The transport unit 31 is provided at a position where the absorption unit 29 and the discharge unit 30 are connected. The transport unit 31 is made of a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric.

[1-2. motion]
The operation and operation of the refrigerator 1 configured as described above will be described below.

An operation in which the humidifying unit 28 of the refrigerator 1 absorbs, moves, and releases the moisture generated by dew condensation will be described with reference to FIG. First, the operation of the refrigeration cycle will be described. The refrigeration cycle is operated by a signal from the control board (not shown) according to the set temperature in the refrigerator, and the cooling operation is performed. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the operation of the compressor 10 is condensed and liquefied to some extent by a condenser (not shown). Further, it is condensed and liquefied while preventing dew condensation on the refrigerator 1 via a refrigerant pipe (not shown) arranged on the side surface and the back surface of the refrigerator 1 and the front frontage of the refrigerator 1, and a capillary tube (not shown). To. After that, in the capillary tube, the pressure is reduced while exchanging heat with the suction pipe (not shown) to the compressor 10, and the liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature low-pressure liquid refrigerant and reaches the cooler 13.

Here, the low-temperature low-pressure liquid refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in each storage chamber conveyed by the operation of the cooling fan 14, and the refrigerant in the cooler 13 evaporates and vaporizes. At this time, cold air for cooling each storage chamber is generated in the cooling chamber 11.

The low-temperature cold air generated in the cooling chamber 11 is separated from the cooling fan 14 into the refrigerating chamber 5, the switching chamber 6, the ice making chamber 7, the vegetable compartment 8, and the freezing chamber 9 by using an air passage or a cooling damper 27. , It is adjusted by the cooling damper 27 so as to cool to each target temperature range.

The air cooled to −20 ° C. or lower by the cooler 13 usually rises to 2 to 7 ° C. in the vegetable compartment 8 on average. Therefore, the air outside the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21 in the vegetable compartment 8 is dry with an average relative humidity of about 15 to 29% RH. On the other hand, since the vegetables in the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21 have physiological activity and continue to transpire water even during storage, the air in the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21 becomes more humid. From the gap between the first partition wall 22a and the upper storage container 21 and the gap between the upper storage container 21 and the lower storage container 20, the dry air on the outer periphery of the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21 and the inside of the lower storage container 20. And the high humidity air inside the upper storage container 21 is replaced. Therefore, a part of the moisture is discharged from the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21.

If the humidity inside the lower storage container 20 becomes too high, dew condensation may occur, and if the water generated by the dew condensation comes into contact with the vegetables or the like, the vegetables or the like may rot. On the other hand, if the humidity in the lower storage container 20 becomes too low, there is a risk of promoting transpiration of vegetables and causing the vegetables to wither. Considering the balance between both risks, 90-95% RH is considered to be an appropriate storage humidity for many vegetables. In the present embodiment, the humidification unit 28 is installed, and the lower storage container 20 absorbs and stores the moisture generated by dew condensation to suppress the risk of water rot. Further, when the inside of the lower storage container 20 becomes in a low humidity state, it absorbs and releases the stored water to the inside of the lower storage container 20. Therefore, the risk of water rot due to dew condensation can be suppressed while keeping the inside of the lower storage container 20 in a high humidity state.

In FIG. 2, the humidifying unit 28 absorbs the water generated by dew condensation in the lower storage container 20 by the absorbing unit 29, moves the absorbed water by the transport unit 31, and releases the transferred water by the discharging unit 30.

Next, using the humidifying unit 28, the absorption unit 29 absorbs and stores the water generated by the dew condensation, the absorbed water moves to the discharge unit 30 by the transport unit 31, and the transferred water is released by the discharge unit 30. Will be described. When vegetables are placed in the lower storage container 20, the vegetables release water over time. At this time, if there is a surface that divides the lower storage container 20 and the temperature is lower than the dew point temperature, dew condensation occurs on that surface.

The surface where dew condensation occurs may change slightly depending on the design position of the vegetable compartment 8 and the operating conditions of the refrigerator, but in this case, the cold air discharged from the discharge port 23 is blown and the temperature is relatively low. Condensation basically occurs on a part of the back surface of the lower storage container 20. The upper side of the lower storage container 20 having a low density of vegetables is in a low humidity state due to the influence of the intrusion of dry cold air discharged from the discharge port 23. Therefore, since the lower side of the lower storage container 20 having a high density of vegetables has a relatively higher humidity than the upper side of the lower storage container 20, dew condensation occurs on the lower side of the back surface of the lower storage container 20. Is expected.

At this time, by installing the absorbing portion 29 of the humidifying unit 28 in the portion where dew condensation occurs, it is possible to absorb and store the moisture generated by the dew condensation in the lower storage container 20. Moisture absorbed and stored in the absorption unit 29 is moved by the transport unit 31 to the discharge unit 30 provided on the upper side of the back surface of the lower storage container 20. Convective low-humidity air flows around the discharge unit 30 due to the influence of the intrusion of dry cold air discharged from the discharge port 23 as compared with the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. Therefore, the water that has moved to the discharge unit 30 is released from the humidification unit 28 here. In particular, as the number of vegetables in the lower storage container 20 decreases, the humidity difference between the air in the lower storage container 20 and the atmosphere around the discharge unit 30 increases. Therefore, the release of water becomes more active, and as a result, the inside of the lower storage container 20 can maintain a high humidity state regardless of the amount of vegetables.

[1-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a vegetable compartment 8, a lower storage container 20, an upper storage container 21, and a humidifying unit 28. The humidification unit 28 is integrally composed of an absorption unit 29, a transport unit 31, and a discharge unit 30. When there are many vegetables in the lower storage container 20 and the humidity becomes high, the absorption unit 29 first absorbs and stores the moisture generated by dew condensation on the lower side of the back surface inside the lower storage container 20. Next, the moisture absorbed by the transport unit 31 moves to the discharge unit using the capillary force. Finally, when the inside of the lower storage container 20 becomes low humidity in the discharge unit 30, water is released into the lower storage container 20.

As a result, when the inside of the lower storage container 20 becomes low humidity due to the intrusion of dry cold air or the decrease of vegetables, the humidifying unit 28 supplies water to the lower storage container 20. Therefore, the lower storage container 20 can maintain a high humidity state regardless of whether the vegetables are abundant or abundant. In addition, the risk of water rot of vegetables due to dew condensation can be suppressed.

In order to maintain the freshness of vegetables, it is necessary to increase the degree of sealing of the storage container. If the gap between the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21 is reduced in order to increase the degree of sealing of the storage container, the replacement of the dry cold air outside the lower storage container 20 with the high humidity air inside the lower storage container 20 is reduced. .. Therefore, dew condensation is likely to occur in the lower storage container 20. On the other hand, since the humidifying unit 28 can absorb the moisture generated by dew condensation in the lower storage container, the gap between the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21 can be made smaller. Therefore, the degree of sealing of the storage container of the vegetable compartment 8 can be increased more than before, and the inside of the lower storage container 20 can be made more humid.

In the present embodiment, the lower storage container 20 has been described as an example of the place where the humidifying unit 28 is installed, but the place where the humidifying unit 28 is installed is not limited to the lower storage container 20. As another example, for example, the upper storage container 21 may be used.

As a result, the moisture generated by dew condensation in the upper storage container 21 can be absorbed by the absorption unit 29 and discharged into the upper storage container 21 by the discharge unit 30. Therefore, the inside of the upper storage container 21 is maintained in a high humidity state, and the risk of water rot due to dew condensation can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[2-1. composition]
The refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment in that the humidifying unit 28 is installed on the wall surface of the lower storage container 20 side of the bottom surface of the upper storage container 21 at least. .. The humidification unit 28 is composed of an absorption unit 29, a discharge unit 30, and a transport unit 31 as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the humidifying unit 28 is provided on the wall surface on the lower storage container 20 side of the bottom surface of the upper storage container 21, and the absorption unit 29, the transport unit 31, and the discharge unit are provided from the back side of the upper storage container 21, respectively. It is configured in the order of 30.

The absorption unit 29 is provided on a wall surface that is cooled by the cold air that enters the lower storage container 20 and has a dew point temperature or lower.

Further, the discharge unit 30 is warmed by the influence of the outside air that has entered the vegetable compartment 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19 on the front side of the upper storage container 21, and is in a lower humidity state than the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. It is installed on the wall surface.

The transport unit 31 is provided so as to connect the absorption unit 29 and the discharge unit 30.

[2-2. motion]
In the present embodiment, the operation of the portion other than the operation of the humidifying unit 28 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the humidifying unit 28 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Since the absorption unit 29 is provided on the wall surface which is cooled by the cold air entering the lower storage container 20 and becomes below the dew point temperature, if there are vegetables in the upper storage container 21, dew condensation occurs and the moisture generated by the dew condensation is absorbed. do.

When the absorbing unit 29 has absorbed water, the transport unit 31 moves the water to the discharging unit 30 by capillary force.

The discharge unit 30 is warmed by the influence of the outside air that has entered the vegetable compartment 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19 on the front side inside the upper storage container 21, and is in a lower humidity state than the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. It is installed on the wall surface. Therefore, when there is moisture in the release unit 30, the release unit 30 releases the moisture into the air due to diffusion due to the humidity difference.

In the present embodiment, since the dry cold air passes between the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21, convection occurs around the discharge portion 30 to promote the release of moisture.

[2-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1 has the humidifying unit 28 installed on the wall surface of the lower storage container 20 side of the bottom surface of the upper storage container 21.

As a result, even in a situation where dew condensation occurs on the bottom surface of the upper storage container 21 and the wall surface on the lower storage container 20 side, the discharge effect of the discharge unit 30 can be enhanced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of water rot of vegetables due to the water generated by the dew condensation adhering to the wall surface falling into the lower storage container 20, and to keep the humidity in the lower storage container 20 high. You can also.

Further, since it is difficult for the user to touch the portion where the humidifying unit 28 is installed when the user takes out the vegetables or the like in the lower storage container 20, it becomes easy to prevent the humidifying unit 28 from being damaged or soiled.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[3-1. composition]
In the refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment, at least in the humidification unit 28, the absorption unit 29 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower storage container 20, and the discharge unit 30 is provided on the upper side of the front inside the lower storage container 20. Is different from the refrigerator 1 according to the first and second embodiments in that the two are connected by the transport unit 31. The humidification unit 28 is composed of an absorption unit 29, a discharge unit 30, and a transport unit 31 as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the absorption unit 29 is the bottom surface of the lower storage container 20 and flows outside the lower storage container 20 including heat transfer from another room and between the lower storage container 20 and the second partition wall 22b. It is installed on a wall surface that is cooled by cold air and falls below the dew point temperature.

Further, the discharge unit 30 is warmed by the influence of the outside air that has entered the vegetable compartment 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19 on the front side inside the lower storage container 20, and has a lower humidity than the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. It is installed on the wall surface that is in a state.

The transport unit 31 is provided so as to connect the absorption unit 29 and the discharge unit 30.

[3-2. motion]
In the present embodiment, the operation of the portion other than the operation of the humidifying unit 28 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the humidifying unit 28 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The absorption unit 29 is cooled by the influence of heat absorption from the freezing chamber 9 below the vegetable compartment 8 and the cold air flowing outside the lower storage container 20 including between the lower storage container 20 and the second partition wall 22b, and has a dew point. It is installed on the wall surface where the temperature drops below the temperature. Therefore, if there are vegetables in the lower storage container 20, dew condensation occurs, and the absorption unit 29 absorbs and stores the water generated by the dew condensation.

When the transport unit 31 has water absorbed by the absorption unit 29, the transport unit 31 moves the absorbed water to the discharge unit 30 by capillary force.

The discharge unit 30 is warmed by the influence of the outside air that has entered the vegetable compartment 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19 on the front side inside the lower storage container 20, and is in a lower humidity state than the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. It is provided on the wall surface of the lower storage container 20. Therefore, when there is moisture in the release unit 30, the release unit 30 releases the moisture into the air due to diffusion due to the humidity difference.

In the present embodiment, since the dry cold air passes between the lower storage container 20 and the upper storage container 21, convection occurs around the discharge unit 30 to promote the release of moisture.

[3-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is provided with the absorbing portion 29 of the humidifying unit 28 near the back surface of the bottom surface of the lower storage container 20 and the discharging portion 30 on the front side inside the lower storage container 20.

As a result, the absorption unit 29 can absorb and store the moisture generated by the dew condensation flowing down the back surface even when dew condensation occurs on the back surface other than the bottom surface of the lower storage container 20. Therefore, the risk of water rot of vegetables due to dew condensation on the back surface can be suppressed. At the same time, the inside of the lower storage container 20 can be kept in a high humidity state.

In the present embodiment, the lower storage container 20 has been described as the place where the humidifying unit 28 is installed, but the place where the humidifying unit 28 is installed is not limited to the lower storage container 20. As another example, for example, the upper storage container 21 may be used.

As a result, the moisture generated by dew condensation in the upper storage container 21 can be absorbed by the absorption unit 29 and discharged into the upper storage container 21 by the discharge unit 30. Therefore, the inside of the upper storage container 21 is maintained in a high humidity state, and the risk of water rot due to dew condensation can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 4)
Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[4-1. composition]
The refrigerator 1 according to the fourth embodiment has a lid 32 at least for the purpose of suppressing the intrusion of cold air into the storage container 33, and the humidification unit 28 is provided on the wall surface of the lid 32 on the storage container 33 side. In that respect, it is different from the refrigerator 1 according to the first to third embodiments. The humidification unit 28 is composed of an absorption unit 29, a discharge unit 30, and a transport unit 31 as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the absorption unit 29 is a wall surface of the lid 32 on the storage container 33 side, and is cooled by the influence of heat absorption from the switching chamber 6 and the ice making chamber 7 above the vegetable compartment 8 and the cold air flowing outside the storage container 33. It is installed on the wall surface where the dew point temperature is lower than the dew point temperature.

Further, the discharge unit 30 is warmed by the influence of the outside air that has entered the vegetable compartment 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19 on the front side of the lid 32, and the humidity is lower than that of the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. It is provided on the wall surface on the storage container 33 side.

The transport unit 31 is provided so as to connect the absorption unit 29 and the discharge unit 30.

[4-2. motion]
In the present embodiment, the operation of the portion other than the operation of the humidifying unit 28 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the humidifying unit 28 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The absorption unit 29 is cooled by the influence of heat absorption from the switching chamber 6 and the ice making chamber 7 above the vegetable compartment 8 and the cold air flowing outside the storage container 33, and is cooled by the cold air flowing outside the storage container 33, and the wall surface of the lid 32 on the storage container 33 side becomes lower than the dew point temperature. It is provided in. Therefore, if there are vegetables in the storage container 33, dew condensation occurs, and the absorbing unit 29 absorbs and stores the water generated by the dew condensation.

When the transporting unit 31 has water absorbed by the absorbing unit 29, the transporting unit 31 moves the absorbed water to the discharging unit by capillary force.

Of the front side of the lid 32, the discharge unit 30 is warmed by the influence of the outside air that has entered the vegetable compartment 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19, and the humidity is lower than that of the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. It is provided on the wall surface on the 33rd side. Therefore, when there is moisture in the release unit 30, the release unit 30 releases the moisture into the air due to diffusion due to the humidity difference. The side surface portion of the lid 32 on the front side of the storage container 33 is generally in the vicinity of a vent through which air escapes to the outside of the storage container 33, and convection of dry air occurs around the vent. Therefore, the ability to release water from the release unit 30 is improved.

[4-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the refrigerator 1, the absorbing portion 29 of the humidifying unit 28 is provided on the wall surface of the lid 32 on the storage container 33 side, and the discharging portion 30 is provided on the wall surface of the lid 32 on the front side of the storage container 33 side. Has been done.

As a result, even when dew condensation occurs inside the lid 32, the absorption unit 29 can absorb and store the water generated by the dew condensation, and the discharge unit 30 can release the water to the low humidity part. Therefore, the risk of water generated by dew condensation from the lid 32 falling onto the stored vegetables can be suppressed. Further, the risk of water rot of vegetables due to dew condensation can be suppressed, and the inside of the storage container 33 can be maintained in a high humidity state.

In the present embodiment, the discharge portion 30 is provided on the wall surface of the storage container 33 on the front side of the lid 32. This portion generally serves as an air passage for cold air passing through the storage container 33, and convection occurs in the surrounding air in sequence. If the release unit 30 is provided in this portion, the release capacity can be enhanced. Therefore, the size of the discharge unit 30 can be reduced, which leads to cost reduction.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiments 1 to 4 have been described as examples of the techniques disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. It is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments 1 to 4 to form a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the vegetable room has been described as an example of the place where the humidifying unit 28 is installed, but the place where the humidifying unit 28 is installed is not limited to the vegetable room. As another example, it may be another storage room such as a refrigerating room or a freezing room. Moreover, not only vegetables but also fruits and rice can be stored in the vegetable compartment.

In the first to fourth embodiments, a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric has been described as an example of the material constituting the absorbing portion 29. The absorbing portion 29 may be a porous body capable of absorbing a larger amount of water generated by dew condensation. Therefore, the absorbing portion 29 is not limited to a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric. Since the absorbing portion 29 is made of a porous body, the surface area becomes large and a large amount of water can be absorbed and stored.

Therefore, it is possible to absorb water due to a large amount of dew condensation that is expected to occur when there are a lot of vegetables, and to increase the effect of suppressing the risk of dew condensation. Further, when the amount of vegetables is reduced, the amount of water released by the discharging unit 30 is increased, which makes it easier to respond to fluctuations in the amount of vegetables. As a result, the inside of the storage container can be kept in a high humidity state for a long time, so that the freshness of the vegetables can be kept for a longer time.

Further, the absorption unit 29 may be configured by a groove. As a result, the absorbing portion 29 can retain the moisture generated by dew condensation between the grooves. Further, since the moisture generated by dew condensation can be absorbed and stored only by providing a groove on the wall surface of the storage container, the trouble of installing a new member can be eliminated and the cost can be reduced.

In the first to fourth embodiments, a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric has been described as an example of the material constituting the transport unit 31. The transport unit 31 may be a porous body capable of transporting the water absorbed by the absorption unit 29 to the discharge unit 30 by capillary force. Therefore, the transport unit 31 is not limited to a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric. Since the transport unit 31 is made of a porous body, a large amount of water absorbed by the absorbent unit 29 can be moved to the discharge unit 30 by the capillary force of the porous body.

Therefore, even when dew condensation occurs continuously, the water absorbed by the absorbing unit 29 can be continuously moved. As a result, the absorption performance of the absorption unit 29 can be improved, and the risk of dew condensation in the storage container can be suppressed.

Further, the member constituting the transport unit 31 may be made of a material having anisotropy in the direction in which water moves from the absorption unit 29 to the discharge unit 30. Since the transport unit 31 is made of an anisotropic material, the water moving in the transport unit 31 flows in a certain direction, and the water is quickly moved to the discharge unit 30 which is the target destination. Can be done.

Therefore, even if the amount of water absorbed by the absorption unit 29 becomes excessive, the water can be quickly carried to the release unit 30. As a result, the storage capacity of the absorption unit 29 can be improved, and the risk of water generated by dew condensation falling into the storage container can be suppressed as the number of vegetables increases or decreases.

Further, the transport unit 31 may be configured by a groove. As a result, the water absorbed by the absorbing portion 29 can be moved by the capillary force of the groove. Further, since the water can be transferred only by providing a groove on the wall surface of the storage container, the trouble of installing a new member can be eliminated and the cost can be reduced.

In the first to fourth embodiments, a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric has been described as an example of the material constituting the release unit 30. The release unit 30 may be a porous body capable of releasing more water generated by dew condensation. Therefore, the release unit 30 is not limited to a fibrous material such as a non-woven fabric. Since the release portion 30 is made of a porous body, the surface area becomes large and a large amount of water can be released.

Therefore, when the amount of vegetables fluctuates or the humidity in the storage container becomes low due to the inflow of dry cold air, it is possible to release a large amount of water in a short time. As a result, drying of vegetables and the like in the storage container can be suppressed, and freshness can be maintained.

In the second to fourth embodiments, as an example of the place where the discharge unit 30 is installed, the drawer door 19 is warmed by the influence of the outside air invading the vegetable chamber 8 due to the opening of the drawer door 19, and is warmed by the influence of the outside air, which is larger than the absorption unit 29 and the transport unit 31. The wall surface in a low humidity state was explained. The discharge portion 30 may be provided near the inflow portion where cold air flows into the storage container from the outside of the storage container. As a result, convection of dry air occurs in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30, and the ability to release water from the discharge unit 30 can be improved. Therefore, the size of the discharge unit 30 can be reduced when trying to obtain the same discharge capacity, which leads to cost reduction.

Further, the cold air entering the storage container is relatively dry air as compared with the air inside the storage container, and the inflowing dry air can be humidified by releasing the moisture from the discharge unit 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dry air from hitting the vegetables and the like, and it can be expected that the freshness of the vegetables and the like will last for a long time. In order to improve the discharge performance of the discharge unit 30, the discharge performance can be further improved by providing the discharge unit 30 in a portion of the inflow portion of the cold air in which the inflow cold air is turbulent.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the humidification unit 28 including the absorption unit 29, the transport unit 31, and the release unit 30 has been described. The humidification unit 28 may have an absorption unit 29, a transport unit 31, and a discharge unit 30 integrally formed of the same material. As a result, the configuration becomes simpler than when the absorption unit 29, the transport unit 31, and the discharge unit 30 are made of different materials and have different configurations. Therefore, the man-hours for assembly can be reduced, which can be expected to lead to cost reduction. Further, the humidifying unit 28 may be formed by integrally forming the absorbing unit 29, the conveying unit 31 and the discharging unit 30 with a non-woven fabric, and storing the non-woven fabric inside the case.

Since the above-described embodiment is for exemplifying the technique in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

According to the present disclosure, the moisture generated by dew condensation in the storage container is absorbed by the humidifying unit, and the moisture is released into the storage container to suppress water rot of vegetables due to dew condensation and to increase the humidity in the storage container. It can be applied not only to household or commercial refrigerators or vegetable storages, but also to distribution and warehouses that require high-humidity storage including items other than vegetables.

1 Refrigerator 8 Vegetable room 20 Lower storage container 21 Upper storage container 23 Discharge port 28 Humidification unit 29 Absorption unit 30 Discharge unit 31 Transport unit 33 Storage container

Claims (6)

A vegetable compartment, a storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and a humidifying unit provided in the storage container are provided, and the humidifying unit absorbs moisture generated by dew condensation inside the storage container to absorb the moisture. A refrigerator that discharges into the inside of the storage container, the humidifying unit includes an absorbing portion and a releasing portion, and the moisture absorbed by the absorbing portion moves to the releasing portion. The vegetable compartment is provided with a discharge port for discharging cold air, and the humidification unit is provided on a wall surface of the inner wall surface of the storage container to which the cold air discharged from the discharge port is blown. The refrigerator described in. The absorption portion provided on the lower side of the back surface of the storage container, the discharge portion provided on the upper side of the back surface of the storage container, and the discharge port for discharging cold air on the back surface of the vegetable compartment are provided. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein when the cold air flows through the upper part of the discharge portion, the discharge portion releases the moisture. The absorption portion provided on the back side of the top surface of the storage container and the discharge portion provided on the front side of the top surface of the storage container are provided, and the door is opened around the discharge portion. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the outside air invades and is warmed, and the discharging portion releases the moisture by diffusion due to a humidity difference. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the water moves from the absorbing portion to the releasing portion by a capillary phenomenon. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the humidifying unit has a non-woven fabric, and the moisture moves from the absorbing portion to the releasing portion by a capillary phenomenon.

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