JPH09155369A - Automatic ice maker of freezing refrigerator - Google Patents

Automatic ice maker of freezing refrigerator

Info

Publication number
JPH09155369A
JPH09155369A JP31644995A JP31644995A JPH09155369A JP H09155369 A JPH09155369 A JP H09155369A JP 31644995 A JP31644995 A JP 31644995A JP 31644995 A JP31644995 A JP 31644995A JP H09155369 A JPH09155369 A JP H09155369A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
water supply
supply tank
water
photocatalyst
refrigerator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP31644995A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3380830B2 (en
Inventor
Naohiko Aoki
尚彦 青木
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sharp Corp
Original Assignee
Sharp Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sharp Corp filed Critical Sharp Corp
Priority to JP31644995A priority Critical patent/JP3380830B2/en
Publication of JPH09155369A publication Critical patent/JPH09155369A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3380830B2 publication Critical patent/JP3380830B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/10Refrigerator units
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/12Means for sanitation
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/14Water supply
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2323/00General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/122General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass the refrigerator is characterised by a water tank for the water/ice dispenser

Landscapes

  • Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Oxidation Or Reduction (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To impart excellent deodorizing effect while simplifying the mainte nance. SOLUTION: The inner wall surface of a transparent or translucent water supply tank 2 is coated with a photocatalyst 8 and a UV emitting means 6 irradiating the photocatalyst with UV rays is provided. When the photocatalyst is irradiated with UV rays by the UV emitting means 6, the photocatalyst is excited and the offensive smell component contained in the water within the water supply tank 2 is oxidatively decomposed to be deodorized. Since the photocatalyst is not deteriorated like activated carbon, maintenance can be simplified.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【0001】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、冷凍冷蔵庫におい
て脱臭機能を有する自動製氷器に関する。
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an automatic ice maker having a deodorizing function in a refrigerator-freezer.

【0002】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製氷器の脱臭方
法は、活性炭を用いるものが一般的である。これは給水
タンクから定量カップに水を入れる際に活性炭のフィル
タを通して、定量カップ内の一定量の水を脱臭してい
る。また、近年では、定量カップを必要とせず、ダイレ
クトに給水タンクから水を吸い上げて、製氷皿に流入さ
せる方式を採用し、水の浄化は給水タンクに設置された
活性炭フィルタで行っている。
2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, as a deodorizing method for an automatic ice maker of a refrigerator / freezer, a method using activated carbon is generally used. This deodorizes a certain amount of water in the fixed quantity cup through a filter of activated carbon when the water is put into the fixed quantity cup from the water supply tank. Further, in recent years, a method of directly sucking up water from a water supply tank and flowing it into an ice tray has been adopted without the need for a fixed amount cup, and water purification is performed by an activated carbon filter installed in the water supply tank.

【0003】[0003]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかし、上記自動製氷
器の定量カップに用いた活性炭では、臭気成分等の吸着
量が次第に増して行って脱臭効果が低下し、また吸着飽
和となると脱臭効果がなくなり、場合によっては臭気発
生源となったりカビ発生の原因となる。そのため、或る
一定期間しか脱臭効果がなく、活性炭フィルタを交換す
る必要がある。また定量カップのないダイレクト給水型
の上記自動製氷器においても、それと全く同様なことが
言える。
However, in the activated carbon used in the metering cup of the above-mentioned automatic ice maker, the deodorizing effect is decreased by gradually increasing the adsorption amount of odorous components and the like, and when the adsorption saturation is reached, the deodorizing effect is reduced. It disappears, and in some cases it becomes a source of odor and causes mold. Therefore, the deodorizing effect is exerted only for a certain period of time, and it is necessary to replace the activated carbon filter. The same thing can be said for the direct water supply type automatic ice maker described above, which does not have a fixed amount cup.

【0004】本発明の目的は、このような問題を解決す
るためになされたもので、脱臭効果に優れ、メンテナン
スの簡略化を図ることのできる冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製氷器
を提供するにある。
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice maker for a freezer-refrigerator, which has an excellent deodorizing effect and simplifies maintenance.

【0005】[0005]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、定量の水を貯
めることのできる給水タンクを備えた冷凍冷蔵庫の自動
製氷器において、前記給水タンクはこれの内壁面に光触
媒をコーティングするとともに、該光触媒に紫外線を照
射する紫外線発光手段を備えたことを特徴とする。
The present invention provides an automatic ice maker for a refrigerator / freezer having a water supply tank capable of storing a fixed amount of water, wherein the water supply tank is coated with a photocatalyst on the inner wall surface thereof. The photocatalyst is provided with an ultraviolet light emitting means for irradiating the ultraviolet light.

【0006】上記給水タンクはこれの一部又は全部を透
明又は半透明で、紫外線成分を透過するガラスあるいは
樹脂で構成する。上記紫外線発光手段は、給水タンクに
水がある場合常時オン状態で紫外線を照射し、給水タン
クが抜かれるか若しくは給水タンク内に水が無くなった
ことをセンサで判断した場合に紫外線の照射をオフする
ようにする。上記給水タンクはこれの周囲を囲む内壁の
一部又は全面を紫外線が反射する金属あるいは金属メッ
キからなる反射面に構成し、この反射面を利用して紫外
線を前記給水タンクの光触媒に照射するようにする。
The water supply tank is partially or entirely transparent or translucent, and is made of glass or resin that transmits ultraviolet components. The ultraviolet ray emitting means always irradiates ultraviolet rays in the ON state when there is water in the water supply tank, and turns off the ultraviolet ray irradiation when the sensor judges that the water supply tank is pulled out or there is no water in the water supply tank. To do so. In the water supply tank, a part or the whole of the inner wall surrounding the water supply tank is formed into a reflection surface made of metal or metal plating that reflects ultraviolet light, and the reflection surface is used to irradiate the photocatalyst of the water supply tank with ultraviolet light. To

【0007】本発明は、定量の水を貯めることのできる
給水タンク及び水の計量用の定量カップを備えた冷凍冷
蔵庫の自動製氷器において、前記定量カップの貯水部分
の一部又は全体に光触媒をコーティングするとともに、
該光触媒に紫外線を照射する紫外線発光手段を備えたこ
とを特徴とする。
The present invention relates to an automatic ice maker of a freezer / refrigerator equipped with a water supply tank capable of storing a fixed amount of water and a fixed amount cup for measuring water. With coating,
The photocatalyst is provided with an ultraviolet light emitting means for irradiating with ultraviolet light.

【0008】この場合、上記定量カップはこれの一部又
は全部を透明又は半透明で、紫外線成分を透過するガラ
スあるいは樹脂で構成するとよい。また上記紫外線発光
手段は、給水タンクがセットされた時点からオン状態で
紫外線を照射し、給水タンクが抜かれるか若しくは給水
タンク内に水が無くなったことをセンサで判断した場合
に紫外線の照射をオフするようにするとよい。上記定量
カップの一部又は全面は紫外線が反射する金属あるいは
金属メッキからなる反射面に構成するとともに、この反
射面の上に光触媒をコーティングし、前記反射面を利用
して紫外線を前記光触媒に照射するようにするとよい。
In this case, it is preferable that a part or all of the fixed quantity cup is transparent or translucent and is made of glass or resin that transmits an ultraviolet component. Further, the ultraviolet light emitting means emits ultraviolet light in the on state from the time when the water supply tank is set, and emits ultraviolet light when it is determined by the sensor that the water supply tank is pulled out or there is no water in the water supply tank. You should turn it off. Part or all of the quantitative cup is formed on a reflecting surface made of metal or metal plating that reflects ultraviolet rays, and a photocatalyst is coated on the reflecting surface, and the photocatalyst is irradiated with ultraviolet rays using the reflecting surface. You should do it.

【0009】給水タンクの内壁面に光触媒をコーティン
グしている場合は該給水タンク内の水の臭気成分は前記
光触媒の塗膜表面に吸着され、定量カップに光触媒をコ
ーティングしている場合は該定量カップ内の水の臭気成
分は前記光触媒の塗膜表面に吸着される。給水タンク内
壁又は定量カップ内壁の光触媒は、紫外線発光手段の紫
外線によって励起され、光触媒の塗膜表面に吸着された
臭気成分を酸化分解して主に炭酸ガスと水に分解され、
無臭、無害にして脱着され再生される。
When the inner wall surface of the water supply tank is coated with a photocatalyst, the odorous component of water in the water supply tank is adsorbed on the surface of the coating film of the photocatalyst, and when the fixed amount cup is coated with the photocatalyst, the fixed quantity is determined. The odorous component of water in the cup is adsorbed on the coating surface of the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst on the inner wall of the water tank or the inner wall of the metering cup is excited by the ultraviolet rays of the ultraviolet light emitting means, and the odorous components adsorbed on the coating surface of the photocatalyst are oxidized and decomposed into mainly carbon dioxide gas and water,
It is made odorless, harmless, and desorbed for reproduction.

【0010】[0010]

【発明の実施の形態】BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(第1実施形態)図1ないし図3は本発明の第1実施形
態を示す。図1は冷凍冷蔵庫全体を概略的に示す正面
図、図2は給水タンクの断面図、図3は図2におけるA
−A線断面図である。図1において、1は自動製氷器で
ある。この自動製氷器1は、給水タンク2に水Wをセッ
トし、給水ポンプ3を介して或る一定量の水Wを製氷皿
4へ流入する。
(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view schematically showing the entire refrigerator-freezer, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a water supply tank, and FIG. 3 is A in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A. In FIG. 1, 1 is an automatic ice maker. In this automatic ice maker 1, water W is set in a water supply tank 2 and a certain amount of water W flows into an ice tray 4 via a water supply pump 3.

【0011】その後、氷ができ上がったことを検知し、
アイスボックス5に氷を入れる。この一連の動作を給水
タンク2の水Wが無くなるまで繰り返す。給水タンク2
は、図2及び図3のように紫外線を透過する樹脂あるい
はガラス7で構成し、その内面に光触媒8がゾルゲル法
により薄膜を形成するようにコーティングされている。
この光触媒8とは、紫外線の照射により励起されて活性
化に至る触媒をいい、例えば、TiO2、ZnOなどが
ある。これらはバンドギャップ以上の光エネルギーを照
射すると、価電子帯から伝導帯へ電子が励起され、一方
に電子が他方に正孔が生じて光励起される。
After that, when the completion of ice is detected,
Put ice in ice box 5. This series of operations is repeated until the water W in the water supply tank 2 is used up. Water supply tank 2
Is made of a resin or glass 7 that transmits ultraviolet rays as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a photocatalyst 8 is coated on its inner surface so as to form a thin film by the sol-gel method.
The photocatalyst 8 is a catalyst that is excited by irradiation of ultraviolet rays to be activated, and examples thereof include TiO 2 and ZnO. When they are irradiated with light energy larger than the band gap, electrons are excited from the valence band to the conduction band, and electrons are excited on one side and holes on the other side.

【0012】この励起状態における光触媒表面は非常に
強い酸化力を持ち、各種の有機物(臭気成分)を分解す
ることができる。前記バンドギャップ以上の光エネルギ
ーとは、例えば、TiO2の場合のバンドギャップは約
3eVであり、波長に直すと約400nm、すなわち4
00nm以下の紫外線を照射することにより反応は進行
する。
The photocatalyst surface in this excited state has a very strong oxidizing power and can decompose various organic substances (odorous components). The light energy above the band gap is, for example, the band gap in the case of TiO 2 is about 3 eV, and when converted to the wavelength, it is about 400 nm, that is, 4 nm.
The reaction proceeds by irradiating with ultraviolet rays of 00 nm or less.

【0013】上記給水タンク2は、図1に示す紫外線発
光手段6により、給水タンク2の外側から樹脂又はガラ
ス7を通過する紫外線によって光触媒8を照射する。そ
の際、水Wに含まれるカルキ成分、雑菌、臭気成分を光
触媒8に吸着されながら紫外線照射により前記雑菌や臭
気成分などを炭酸ガスと水に分解し、水Wの浄化を行
う。
The water supply tank 2 irradiates the photocatalyst 8 with the ultraviolet light emitted from the outside of the water supply tank 2 through the resin or the glass 7 by the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 shown in FIG. At that time, the chlorine component, the germs, and the odorous component contained in the water W are adsorbed by the photocatalyst 8, and the germs and the odorous component are decomposed into carbon dioxide gas and water by irradiation of ultraviolet rays to purify the water W.

【0014】上記給水タンク2を含む自動製氷器1の一
連動作の一例を図9のフローチャートを用いて説明す
る。最初に給水タンク2の有無状態を検知(S1)し、
給水タンク2が抜かれて無ければ紫外線発光手段6はO
FF(S7)し、給水タンク2が抜かれた後再度セツト
されるまで待機する(S8)。給水タンク2が有れば、
紫外線発光手段6はON(S2)し、製氷皿4に給水す
る(S3)。
An example of a series of operations of the automatic ice maker 1 including the water supply tank 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the presence / absence of the water supply tank 2 is detected (S1),
If the water supply tank 2 is not removed, the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is O
After FF (S7), the water supply tank 2 is removed and then waits until it is reset (S8). If you have a water tank 2,
The ultraviolet ray emitting means 6 is turned on (S2), and water is supplied to the ice tray 4 (S3).

【0015】給水動作後、製氷皿4の水Wの有無をサー
ミスタなどの温度検知手段や重量センサなどを用いて検
知する(S4)。この場合、水Wが無ければ、給水タン
ク2が無い時と同様に、紫外線発光手段6はOFF(S
7)し、給水タンク2が抜かれた後再度セツトされるま
で待機する(S8)。水Wが有れば、氷ができるまで待
機(S5)し、待機後離氷動作(S6)し、再度給水タ
ンク2が有るか否かを検知(S1)する。この一連の動
作により、水Wが有る場合にだけ、紫外線発光手段6に
より紫外線を照射する。
After the water supply operation, the presence or absence of water W in the ice tray 4 is detected by using a temperature detecting means such as a thermistor or a weight sensor (S4). In this case, if there is no water W, the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is turned off (S
7) Then, it stands by until the water tank 2 is removed and then set again (S8). If the water W is present, it waits until ice is formed (S5), and after the waiting, the ice removing operation is performed (S6), and it is again detected whether or not the water supply tank 2 is present (S1). Through this series of operations, ultraviolet rays are emitted by the ultraviolet ray emitting means 6 only when the water W is present.

【0016】(第2実施形態)図4は本発明の第2実施
形態を示す冷蔵庫を概略的に示す正面図である。給水タ
ンク2の周囲を囲む内壁9を金属で構成するか、該内壁
9に金属メッキ9aを施して紫外線が反射する反射面に
構成する。その内壁9の内部でかつ給水タンク2の上方
あるいは側方に、紫外線発光手段6を配設する。給水タ
ンク2これ自体は紫外線を透過する透明又は半透明の樹
脂かガラス7で構成すること、また給水タンク2の内壁
に光触媒8をコーティングすることは第1実施形態の場
合と同様である。
(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The inner wall 9 surrounding the water supply tank 2 is made of metal, or the inner wall 9 is metal-plated 9a to be a reflecting surface for reflecting ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is disposed inside the inner wall 9 and above or on the side of the water supply tank 2. The water supply tank 2 itself is made of a transparent or semitransparent resin or glass 7 that transmits ultraviolet rays, and the inner wall of the water supply tank 2 is coated with the photocatalyst 8 as in the first embodiment.

【0017】光触媒8は光源からの紫外線量が増加すれ
ば、消臭などの効果が増大する。従って、この実施形態
のように内壁9の金属又は金属メッキ9aからなる反射
面を利用し、給水タンク2を透過する紫外線の量を増大
させることで、給水タンク2内の水Wに含まれる臭気成
分などの分解反応をより促進することができる。
With the photocatalyst 8, the effect of deodorization and the like increases as the amount of ultraviolet rays from the light source increases. Therefore, the odor contained in the water W in the water supply tank 2 is increased by increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays that pass through the water supply tank 2 by using the reflection surface made of the metal or the metal plating 9a of the inner wall 9 as in this embodiment. The decomposition reaction of components and the like can be further promoted.

【0018】(第3実施形態)図5は本発明の第3実施
形態を示す冷凍冷蔵庫全体を概略的に示す正面図であ
る。この冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製氷器1は給水タンク2のほ
かに、給水タンク2から一定量の水Wを溜めることがで
きる定量カップ10を備える。定量カップ10に溜めら
れた水Wは給水パイプ3を介して製氷皿4に一定量だけ
流入させる。その後、氷ができ上がったことを自動検知
し、その氷をアイスボックス5に自動的に移し入れる。
この一連の動作が給水タンク2の水Wが無くなるまで繰
り返して行われる。
(Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing an entire refrigerator-freezer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the water supply tank 2, the automatic ice maker 1 of this freezer-refrigerator is provided with a fixed quantity cup 10 capable of storing a fixed amount of water W from the water supply tank 2. The water W stored in the fixed quantity cup 10 is caused to flow into the ice tray 4 through the water supply pipe 3 by a predetermined amount. After that, the completion of ice is automatically detected, and the ice is automatically transferred to the ice box 5.
This series of operations is repeated until the water W in the water supply tank 2 is exhausted.

【0019】上記定量カップ10は、図6及び図7のよ
うにその内壁11の一部又は全体が紫外線を透過する透
明又は半透明の樹脂かガラスで構成し、その内面に光触
媒8をコーティングする。そして光触媒8に紫外線を照
射できるように紫外線発光手段6を定量カップ10の上
方、側方あるいは下方に設置して、定量カップ10内の
水の雑菌、臭気成分を光触媒8の表面に吸着させ、紫外
線照射で分解させる。
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the quantitative cup 10 has a part or the whole of its inner wall 11 made of transparent or translucent resin or glass that transmits ultraviolet rays, and its inner surface is coated with the photocatalyst 8. . Then, the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is installed above, laterally or below the quantitative cup 10 so that the photocatalyst 8 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays so that various bacteria and odorous components in the quantitative cup 10 are adsorbed on the surface of the photocatalyst 8. Decompose by UV irradiation.

【0020】上記定量カップ10を含む自動製氷器1の
一連動作の一例を図10のフローチャートを用いて説明
する。先ず、給水タンク2の有無を検知(S11)す
る。給水タンク2が抜かれて無ければ紫外線発光手段6
はOFF(S18)し、給水タンク2が抜かれた後再度
セツトされるまで待機(S19)する。給水タンク2が
有れば、紫外線発光手段6はON(S12)し、給水タ
ンクセット後の或る一定の時間待機(定量カップ10内
に有る一定量の水Wが溜まるまでの時間待ち)(S1
3)する。
An example of a series of operations of the automatic ice maker 1 including the fixed amount cup 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the presence or absence of the water supply tank 2 is detected (S11). The ultraviolet light emitting means 6 unless the water supply tank 2 is removed
Is turned off (S18) and stands by until the water tank 2 is removed and then set again (S19). If the water supply tank 2 is present, the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is turned on (S12), and waits for a certain time after the water supply tank is set (waits until a certain amount of water W in the fixed quantity cup 10 is accumulated) ( S1
3) Yes.

【0021】その後、定量カップ10から製氷皿13に
給水パイプ12を介して給水される。給水後、製氷皿1
3の周囲温度検知手段もしくは重量センサなどにより、
製氷皿13内の水Wの有無を検知する(S13)。この
時、水Wが製氷皿13に無い場合は紫外線発光手段6は
OFF(S18)し、給水タンク2が無い場合と同様、
給水タンク2が抜かれた後再度セツトされるまで待機す
る(S19)。水Wが有れば、氷ができるまで待機(S
16)し、待機後離氷動作(S17)し、再度給水タン
ク2が有るか否かを検知(S1)する。この一連の動作
により、水Wが有る時にだけ、紫外線発光手段6により
紫外線を照射する。
Then, water is supplied from the fixed quantity cup 10 to the ice tray 13 through the water supply pipe 12. After water supply, ice tray 1
By the ambient temperature detection means of 3 or a weight sensor,
The presence or absence of water W in the ice tray 13 is detected (S13). At this time, when the water W is not in the ice tray 13, the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is turned off (S18), and like the case where the water supply tank 2 is not provided,
After the water supply tank 2 is pulled out, it stands by until it is reset (S19). If there is water W, wait until ice forms (S
16) Then, after waiting, the ice removing operation is performed (S17), and it is again detected whether the water supply tank 2 is present (S1). Through this series of operations, ultraviolet rays are emitted by the ultraviolet ray emitting means 6 only when the water W is present.

【0022】(第4実施形態)図8は本発明の第4実施
形態を示す定量カップ10の断面図である。定量カップ
10の内壁11を金属で構成するか、該内壁11に金属
メッキ9aを施して紫外線が反射する反射面に構成し、
その反射面上に光触媒8をコーティングする。給水タン
ク2は紫外線を透過する透明又は半透明の樹脂かガラス
7で構成すること、また冷蔵庫内では、定量カップ10
の光触媒8に紫外線を照射できるように紫外線発光手段
6を配設することは図5に示す第3実施形態の場合と同
様である。しかるときは、紫外線発光手段6により紫外
線を定量カップ10に照射すると、直接光触媒8に当た
る紫外線と金属又は金属メッキ9aからなる反射面に反
射して当たる紫外線とにより、光触媒8がより効果的に
反応し、定量カップ10内の水Wの脱臭などが効率よく
行える。
(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a metering cup 10 showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The inner wall 11 of the metering cup 10 is made of metal, or the inner wall 11 is plated with a metal 9a to form a reflection surface that reflects ultraviolet rays,
The photocatalyst 8 is coated on the reflecting surface. The water supply tank 2 should be made of transparent or translucent resin or glass 7 that transmits ultraviolet rays.
The ultraviolet light emitting means 6 is provided so that the photocatalyst 8 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light, as in the case of the third embodiment shown in FIG. At this time, when the quantitative cup 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet ray emitting means 6, the photocatalyst 8 reacts more effectively by the ultraviolet rays directly hitting the photocatalyst 8 and the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflecting surface made of the metal or the metal plating 9a. However, deodorization of the water W in the fixed quantity cup 10 can be efficiently performed.

【0023】(第5実施形態)図11は本発明の第5実
施形態を示す冷凍冷蔵庫全体を概略的に示す正面図であ
る。この実施形態では紫外線発光手段6として白色の蛍
光灯12を使用し、この蛍光灯12は庫内全体を照射で
きる場所に設置する。その他の構成は図5に示す第3実
施形態のものと同様である。これによれば、紫外線発光
手段6としての蛍光灯12が庫内灯として使用できると
ともに、蛍光灯12に含まれる400nm以下の紫外線
によって光触媒8が励起され、定量カップ10内の水の
臭気成分などを酸化分解できる。
(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing the entire refrigerator-freezer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a white fluorescent lamp 12 is used as the ultraviolet light emitting means 6, and the fluorescent lamp 12 is installed at a place where the entire interior of the refrigerator can be illuminated. Other configurations are similar to those of the third embodiment shown in FIG. According to this, the fluorescent lamp 12 as the ultraviolet light emitting means 6 can be used as an interior lamp, and the photocatalyst 8 is excited by the ultraviolet rays of 400 nm or less contained in the fluorescent lamp 12 to cause an odor component of water in the fixed quantity cup 10 or the like. Can be oxidatively decomposed.

【0024】[0024]

【発明の効果】本発明によれば、紫外線発光手段による
紫外線照射により給水タンク又は定量カップの内壁面の
光触媒が励起され、給水タンク又は定量カップ内の水に
含まれる臭気成分を酸化分解して脱臭を効果的に行うこ
とができ、しかも活性炭のように劣化による交換の必要
がなくてメンテナンスの簡略化を図ることができる。
According to the present invention, the photocatalyst on the inner wall surface of the water supply tank or the constant quantity cup is excited by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet light emitting means, and the odorous components contained in the water in the water supply tank or the constant quantity cup are oxidatively decomposed. Deodorization can be effectively performed, and maintenance can be simplified because there is no need for replacement due to deterioration like activated carbon.

【0025】給水タンクの一部又は全部を透明又は半透
明で、紫外線成分を透過するガラスあるいは樹脂で構成
してあるので、紫外線の照射を給水タンク外で行うこと
ができ、紫外線発光手段の配設位置の範囲を拡大でき、
設計の自由度が得られる。
Since part or all of the water supply tank is transparent or translucent and is made of glass or resin that transmits ultraviolet components, it is possible to irradiate ultraviolet rays outside the water supply tank, and to arrange the ultraviolet light emitting means. The range of installation positions can be expanded,
The degree of freedom in design is obtained.

【0026】紫外線発光手段は、給水タンクに水が有る
場合常時オン状態で紫外線を照射し、給水タンクが抜か
れるか若しくは給水タンク内に水が無くなったことをセ
ンサで判断した場合に紫外線の照射をオフするようにし
てある。したがって、給水タンク内に水が有る時のみ照
射するため、効率よく冷蔵庫の消費電力を抑え、省エネ
ルギー化を図ることができる。
The ultraviolet light emitting means irradiates ultraviolet light in the always-on state when there is water in the water supply tank, and irradiates ultraviolet light when the sensor judges that the water supply tank is pulled out or there is no water in the water supply tank. Is turned off. Therefore, irradiation is performed only when water is present in the water supply tank, so that power consumption of the refrigerator can be efficiently suppressed and energy saving can be achieved.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図1】第1実施形態の冷凍冷蔵庫全体を概略的に示す
正面図である。
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the entire refrigerator-freezer of a first embodiment.

【図2】第1実施形態の給水タンクの断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply tank according to the first embodiment.

【図3】図2におけるA−A線断面図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2;

【図4】第2実施形態の冷蔵庫を概略的に示す正面図で
ある。
FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a refrigerator according to a second embodiment.

【図5】第3実施形態の冷凍冷蔵庫全体を概略的に示す
正面図である。
FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the entire refrigerator-freezer of a third embodiment.

【図6】第3実施形態の定量カップの正面図である。FIG. 6 is a front view of a metering cup according to a third embodiment.

【図7】図6におけるA−A線断面図である。FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

【図8】第4実施形態の定量カップの断面図である。FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a metering cup according to a fourth embodiment.

【図9】第1実施形態の動作フローチャートである。FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment.

【図10】第3実施形態の動作フローチャートである。FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the third embodiment.

【図11】第5実施形態の冷凍冷蔵庫全体を概略的に示
す正面図である。
FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing the entire refrigerator-freezer of a fifth embodiment.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

1 自動製氷器 2 給水タンク 3 給水パイプ 4 製氷皿 5 アイスボックス 6 紫外線発光手段 9 内壁 8 光触媒 10 定量カップ 11 内壁 12 蛍光灯 1 Automatic Ice Maker 2 Water Supply Tank 3 Water Supply Pipe 4 Ice Making Plate 5 Ice Box 6 Ultraviolet Light Emitting Means 9 Inner Wall 8 Photocatalyst 10 Quantitative Cup 11 Inner Wall 12 Fluorescent Lamp

Claims (5)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項1】 定量の水を貯めることのできる給水タン
クを備えた冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製氷器において、前記給水
タンクはこれの内壁面に光触媒をコーティングするとと
もに、該光触媒に紫外線を照射する紫外線発光手段を備
えたことを特徴とする冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製氷器。
1. An automatic ice maker for a refrigerator / freezer equipped with a water supply tank capable of storing a fixed amount of water, wherein the water supply tank has an inner wall surface coated with a photocatalyst and emits ultraviolet light to irradiate the photocatalyst with ultraviolet light. An automatic ice maker for a freezer-refrigerator, characterized by comprising means.
【請求項2】 前記給水タンクがこれの一部又は全部を
透明又は半透明で、紫外線成分を透過するガラスあるい
は樹脂で構成されている請求項1記載の冷凍冷蔵庫の自
動製氷器。
2. The automatic ice maker of a refrigerator / freezer according to claim 1, wherein the water supply tank is partially or wholly transparent or translucent and is made of glass or resin that transmits an ultraviolet component.
【請求項3】 前記紫外線発光手段は、給水タンクに水
がある場合常時オン状態で紫外線を照射し、給水タンク
が抜かれるか若しくは給水タンク内に水が無くなったこ
とをセンサで判断した場合に紫外線の照射をオフするよ
うにしてある請求項1又は2記載の冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製
氷器。
3. The ultraviolet light emitting means irradiates ultraviolet rays in an always-on state when there is water in the water supply tank, and when the sensor determines that the water supply tank is pulled out or there is no water in the water supply tank. The automatic ice maker for a refrigerator / freezer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein irradiation of ultraviolet rays is turned off.
【請求項4】 前記給水タンクはこれの周囲を囲む内壁
の一部又は全面を紫外線が反射する金属あるいは金属メ
ッキからなる反射面に構成し、この反射面を利用して紫
外線を前記給水タンクの光触媒に照射するようにしてあ
る請求項1〜3のいずれかに記載の冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製
氷器。
4. The water supply tank is configured such that a part or the whole of an inner wall surrounding the water supply tank is a reflecting surface made of a metal or a metal plating that reflects ultraviolet rays, and the ultraviolet rays of the water supply tank are utilized by utilizing the reflecting surface. The automatic ice maker of a freezer-refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst is irradiated.
【請求項5】 定量の水を貯めることのできる給水タン
ク及び水の計量用の定量カップを備えた冷凍冷蔵庫の自
動製氷器において、前記定量カップの貯水部分の一部又
は全体に光触媒をコーティングするとともに、該光触媒
に紫外線を照射する紫外線発光手段を備えたことを特徴
とする冷凍冷蔵庫の自動製氷器。
5. In an automatic ice maker of a refrigerator / freezer equipped with a water supply tank capable of storing a fixed amount of water and a fixed amount cup for measuring water, a part or the whole of the water storing portion of the fixed amount cup is coated with a photocatalyst. At the same time, an ultraviolet light emitting means for irradiating the photocatalyst with ultraviolet rays is provided.
JP31644995A 1995-12-05 1995-12-05 Freezer refrigerator automatic ice maker Expired - Fee Related JP3380830B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP31644995A JP3380830B2 (en) 1995-12-05 1995-12-05 Freezer refrigerator automatic ice maker

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP31644995A JP3380830B2 (en) 1995-12-05 1995-12-05 Freezer refrigerator automatic ice maker

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH09155369A true JPH09155369A (en) 1997-06-17
JP3380830B2 JP3380830B2 (en) 2003-02-24

Family

ID=18077217

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP31644995A Expired - Fee Related JP3380830B2 (en) 1995-12-05 1995-12-05 Freezer refrigerator automatic ice maker

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP3380830B2 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11114558A (en) * 1997-10-13 1999-04-27 Corona Kogyo Kk Hot water circulating bathtub device having ultraviolet sterilizer
JP2002277151A (en) * 2001-03-15 2002-09-25 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Humidifier and refrigerator using it
WO2004015337A1 (en) * 2002-08-05 2004-02-19 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigerating appliance comprising water-bearing fittings
JP2004125360A (en) * 2002-01-08 2004-04-22 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Refrigerator
WO2004071964A1 (en) * 2003-02-12 2004-08-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Purification device and refrigerator using the same
CN1327178C (en) * 2002-01-08 2007-07-18 三菱电机株式会社 Refrigerator
WO2012035002A3 (en) * 2010-09-14 2012-08-16 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A refrigerator the water storage container of which is sterilized
CN105841430A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-08-10 东部大宇电子株式会社 Refrigerator with detachable water tank
CN105841431A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-08-10 东部大宇电子株式会社 Refrigerator and method of replacing water tank for refrigerator
JP2019219095A (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-12-26 ホシザキ株式会社 Ice-making machine

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10156393B2 (en) 2016-09-09 2018-12-18 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Stand-alone ice making appliance

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11114558A (en) * 1997-10-13 1999-04-27 Corona Kogyo Kk Hot water circulating bathtub device having ultraviolet sterilizer
JP2002277151A (en) * 2001-03-15 2002-09-25 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Humidifier and refrigerator using it
JP2004125360A (en) * 2002-01-08 2004-04-22 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Refrigerator
CN1327178C (en) * 2002-01-08 2007-07-18 三菱电机株式会社 Refrigerator
WO2004015337A1 (en) * 2002-08-05 2004-02-19 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigerating appliance comprising water-bearing fittings
WO2004071964A1 (en) * 2003-02-12 2004-08-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Purification device and refrigerator using the same
WO2012035002A3 (en) * 2010-09-14 2012-08-16 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A refrigerator the water storage container of which is sterilized
CN105841430A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-08-10 东部大宇电子株式会社 Refrigerator with detachable water tank
CN105841431A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-08-10 东部大宇电子株式会社 Refrigerator and method of replacing water tank for refrigerator
US9709321B2 (en) 2014-11-06 2017-07-18 Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation Refrigerator and method of replacing water tank for refrigerator
US9752820B2 (en) 2014-11-06 2017-09-05 Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation Refrigerator with a detachable water tank
JP2019219095A (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-12-26 ホシザキ株式会社 Ice-making machine

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