RU2537196C2 - Refrigerator and electric device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: heating.

SUBSTANCE: refrigerator includes heat-insulated storage compartment, fogging device in the storage compartment. Fogging device includes fog generation compartment, output wall around the fog generation compartment, fogging actuator element positioned inside fog generation compartment. Output wall includes spraying channel through which fog spreads, and water feed channel. One of orifices of the spraying channel and the water feed channel are positioned at any surface except for top surface of the wall, and one orifice is positioned in bottom part of the output wall and serves as drain for water collected in the output wall.

EFFECT: enhanced reliability of refrigerator.

3 cl, 52 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to refrigerators that use a fog generator in a food storage chamber in which vegetables are stored, and it also relates to electrical appliances that use the same fog generator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vegetables lose their freshness due to temperature, humidity, gases in the environment, germs and light. The vegetable is alive, so that it “breathes” and undergoes transpiration on its surface. To maintain freshness, it is necessary to control "respiration" and transpiration. For a number of vegetables, with the exception of those that deteriorate due to low temperature, “respiration” by means of low temperature can be controlled, and transpiration by high humidity can be prevented. In recent years, a closed special container for vegetables has been used in the domestic refrigerator to keep vegetables fresh. Vegetables stored in this special container can be cooled at the appropriate temperature, and high humidity is maintained in a special container to prevent transpiration of vegetables. In some of these devices, a mist is used to maintain high humidity.

In a conventional refrigerator having an atomizer for generating fog of this kind, the fog is generated by an ultrasonic fog device designed to humidify the interior of the vegetable chamber while the interior of the chamber continues to be at low humidity, while transpiration of vegetables is prevented as a result of this humidification. This is disclosed, for example, in patent document 1.

In FIG. 51 shows a refrigerator having a conventional ultrasonic mist device disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. 52 shows a perspective view showing, on an enlarged scale, a substantial portion of an ultrasonic mist device. As shown in FIG. 51, a vegetable chamber 21 is located in the lower part of the main body 26 of the refrigerator 20, and its open front portion can be closed by a drawer door 22, which the user can extend. The partition plate 2 separates the vegetable chamber 21 from the refrigerator chamber located above the chamber 21.

The door 22 of the drawer, equipped with a pendant 23 attached to the inside of the door 22, and a special container 1 for vegetables, which contain food products, for example vegetables, is attached to this pendant 23. The upper opening of the special container 1 for vegetables can be hermetically closed lid 3. The defrosting chamber 4 is located inside a special vegetable container 1, and the chamber 4 is equipped with an ultrasonic device 5 for fogging.

As shown in FIG. 52, the ultrasonic misting device 5 includes an opening 6 for spraying mist droplets, a water storage tank 7, a moisture sensor 8, and a receiving receptacle 9 for the hose. The reservoir 7 is connected to the melt water hose 10 via a receptacle 9, and the hose 10 includes a cleaning filter 11 that purifies the melt water.

The operation of the above refrigerator is described below. The heat exchange evaporator cools the air, which then passes along the outer surface of the special container 1 for vegetables and the lid 3, thereby cooling the special container 1 for vegetables and food products placed inside it. Melt water generated by the evaporator during operation flows in a hose 10 for melt water, where the water is cleaned by a cleaning filter 11, and is supplied to the water storage tank 7 provided in the ultrasonic device 5 for fogging.

Then, when the humidity sensor 8 determines that the humidity in the food storage chamber does not exceed 90%, the fog generator 5 starts humidification, so that the humidity can be adjusted at an appropriate level so that the vegetables stored in the special vegetable container 1 are kept fresh .

When the humidity sensor 8 determines that the humidity in the food storage chamber exceeds 90%, the fog generator 5 stops excess moisture. Thus, the fog generator 5 can provide rapid humidification of the inner space of the special container 1 for vegetables and constant maintenance of high humidity in the inner space, which in this case allows you to adjust the transpiration of vegetables, as a result of which the vegetables are kept fresh.

Another refrigerator equipped with an ozonated water mist generator is also known in the market; this refrigerator is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 2 and includes an ozone generator, an exhaust channel, a water supply channel directly connected to the water pipe, and an ozonated water supply channel that is connected to the vegetable chamber. An ozone generator is connected to a water supply device directly connected to a water pipe, and an exhaust channel is connected to a channel for supplying ozonated water. The ultrasonic element is located in a special container for vegetables. The ozone generated in the ozone generator is in contact with water and converted into ozonated water, which functions as process water. Ozonated water is supplied to the vegetable chamber, where the water is converted into mist by means of an ultrasonic wave generator, and mist is generated by spraying in the chamber.

Despite the fact that this is not shown in the drawings, a refrigerator is known which uses a negative ion generator, a centrifugal force and Coriolis force generator and a device for separating gases and liquids, combined together to preserve the freshness of vegetables. This refrigerator is disclosed, for example, in patent document 3.

The generator of centrifugal forces and Coriolis forces performs the process of ionic dissociation, the activation of droplets and the process of ionization of gas molecules, as a result of which negative ions from water molecules are formed in the air as addition products. A device for separating gases and liquids separates air containing negative ions from droplets, as a result of which air is supplied to the food storage chamber 8, in which the temperature is kept below normal temperature and humidity is over 80% and air is It contains over 1000 negative ions per cubic centimeter for food storage.

The food storage chamber 8, filled with this high humidity air, makes it possible to clean the interior of chamber 8 and maintain the interior of chamber 8 without bacteria, so that food can be kept fresh thanks to the bacteria removal function and the deodorization function performed by the negative ions contained in in the air. These functions have an advantage in terms of suspended animation for animals and plants.

However, in the above conventional structure, water or ozonated water is vibrated by an ultrasonic wave generator, resulting in fog. Particles of misted water or particles of ozonized misted water cannot become finely divided particles, so that droplets of mist cannot be sprayed evenly in the food storage chamber 8. Thus, a small part of the fog “sticks” to the surface of the food product. If the amount of sprayed substance increases or spraying continues for a long time to increase the degree of addition, water causes spoilage of the vegetable, or dew forms in the food storage chamber 8.

The conventional design discussed above allows water to be supplied to the fog generator by using melt water stored in the tank or running water, so that the design requires a melt water hose, a cleaning filter or a water supply channel connected directly to the water pipe. Thus, this design will inevitably be complex.

The mechanism that provides ionization of the droplets in the food storage chamber becomes cumbersome, so it is not suitable for a domestic refrigerator. Simple ionization gives the droplets so low oxidative power that a slight advantage can be expected.

Mist spraying in a refrigerator chamber that is not tightly closed and which is kept at a low temperature requires some care to ensure uniform and stable spraying to form a mist, in order to avoid problems such as excessive dew formation due to excessive spray amount or inconvenience due to spraying to form fog in a condition characterized by dryness. However, the conventional structures discussed above cannot control the amount of mist generated, although mist is generated by spraying to maintain high humidity in the food storage chamber. Thus, it is possible that excessive spraying to form a mist will result in puddles of water in the chamber or spoilage of vegetables stored in the chamber under the influence of water.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H06-257933.

Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-2220949.

Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H07-135945.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the problems discussed above, and its purpose is to provide a refrigerator including a food storage chamber formed so that the chamber is thermally insulated, and a fog generating compartment for generating mist by spraying in the food storage chamber. The fog generating compartment is formed from an actuating element of the fog compartment, a voltage supply device for supplying voltage to the actuating element, and a heat conducting rod connected to the actuating element. The evaporator cools the Executive element of the Department for generating fog to a temperature not exceeding the dew point, resulting in condensation of water in the air with the formation of dew, which is then sprayed in the form of fog in the food storage chamber.

This design makes it possible to cool the heat-conducting rod, as a result of which indirect cooling of the spray electrode is provided without direct cooling of the actuating element of the mist generation compartment. The heat-conducting rod has a higher heat capacity than the actuator of the mist generation compartment, so that the direct effect of temperature changes in the evaporator on the actuator of the mist generation compartment can be attenuated. The actuating member of the mist generation compartment is cooled in a similar manner, so that the change in load on the actuating member can be reduced. As a result, fog can be generated by spraying in a constant amount.

Thus, the design of the present invention condenses the excess water vapor in a food storage chamber in which fruits and vegetables are stored to produce dew and energize the condensed water, resulting in a fine mist, droplets of which tend to adhere to the surface of the food product. This fine mist is formed by spraying in a food storage chamber to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables.

The present invention does not require a complex structure including a melt water hose that provides water to be used for spraying to form a mist, a cleaning filter or a water supply channel directly connected to the water pipe. The present invention provides for the efficient use of a cooling source formed during a freezing cycle in a refrigerator, as a result of which, through a simple design, fine mist is fed into a food storage chamber.

The present invention allows dew formation to occur without failures and with ease on the actuator of the fog compartment by using excess water vapor in the food storage chamber, so that the actuator of the fog compartment can form a fine mist with droplets of the order of nanometers. This fine mist is sprayed on top of fruits and vegetables, and small droplets of mist stick evenly to their surface so that fruits and vegetables can be kept fresh for a longer time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a vertical section is made of the refrigerator and the refrigerator is divided into right and left parts.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a substantial portion of the rear end surface of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a substantial portion of the periphery of the partition on the side of the door located above the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, with a vertical section of the periphery being made and the periphery divided into right and left parts.

FIG. 6 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating the periphery of a vegetable chamber and its upper partition provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which a vertical section is made of a vegetable chamber and its periphery, and this chamber and its periphery are divided into right and left parts .

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of a refrigerator taken along line B B in FIG. 9, in accordance with a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a section taken along line C C in FIG. 10, and this section illustrates the upper partition of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with the seventh embodiment, wherein a vertical section is made of the upper partition, and the upper partition is divided into right and left parts.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing in detail an ultrasonic mist device and its periphery in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this section illustrates an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the operational characteristics of the spray electrode as a function of the temperature and voltage values that monitor the discharge current, and the voltage values indicate a fog state in accordance with the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows an experimental result showing an appropriate range of values for dew formation, with an appropriate range being found based on a correlation between the temperature of the spray electrode and the humidity around the spray electrode in accordance with the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a functional diagram in accordance with an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows an example control algorithm in accordance with an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows a cross section detailing an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows a cross section of a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an ultrasonic mist device and its periphery in accordance with a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows a timing chart in accordance with a twenty-first embodiment.

FIG. 31 shows a timing chart in accordance with a twenty-first embodiment.

FIG. 32 shows a timing chart in accordance with a twenty-first embodiment.

FIG. 33 shows a timing chart in accordance with a twenty-first embodiment.

FIG. 34 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery in accordance with a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 shows a section taken along line D D in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 shows a vertical section of a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 shows a cross section of a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 shows a vertical section of another vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 shows a plan view taken along line E-E of FIG. 39. A plan view in detail shows a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 shows a cross section of a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 shows a cross section of a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a vertical section is made of the refrigerator and is divided into right and left parts.

FIG. 43 schematically shows a cooling cycle in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-eighth embodiment.

FIG. 44 shows a cross section of an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-eighth embodiment.

FIG. 45 shows a cross section of a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-ninth embodiment.

FIG. 46 shows a cross section of an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided for a vegetable compartment of a refrigerator in accordance with a twenty-ninth embodiment.

FIG. 47 shows a cross section of a vegetable chamber and its periphery provided in a refrigerator in accordance with a thirtieth embodiment.

FIG. 48 shows a section taken along line A A in FIG. 2, and this cross section shows in detail the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the refrigerator in accordance with the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 shows a partially exploded perspective view, and this perspective view illustrates an indoor air conditioner module using an electrostatic spray device in accordance with a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 shows a vertical section of a vegetable compartment of a conventional refrigerator.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view illustrating, on an enlarged scale, an essential part of an ultrasonic misting device provided for a vegetable compartment of a conventional refrigerator.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE POSITIONS

100 fridge

101 heat insulated housing

102 casing

103 inner wall

104 cooled chamber

105 temperature-controlled camera

106 ice maker

107 vegetable chamber

108 freezer

109 compressor

110 cooling chamber

111 partition located at the rear end

110a recess

111c end-to-end section

112 evaporator

113 cooling fan

114 radiation heater

115 tray for collecting melt water

116 drain pipe

117 evaporating tray for melt water

118 door

119 lower basket

120 upper basket

122 cap

123 first partition

124 outlet for vegetable chamber

125 second partition

126 inlet for vegetable chamber

131 electrostatic spray device

132, 209 spray channel

133 voltage supply device

134, 205, 501 heat transfer rod

134a, 191 protrusion

135 spray electrode

136 opposite electrode

137 exit wall

138 channel for supplying moisture

139, 211 compartment for generating fog

140 air inlet for food storage chamber

141 exhaust air duct for the freezer

146 control device

151 rear wall surface

152 heat-insulating element

154, 178 heater

155 recess in the insulating element

156 channel for low temperature air

158 heater for heat transfer rod

161, 401 partition plate

162 ledge

165 through section

166 cover element for heat transfer rod

167 hole

171 heat-insulating element

172 partition from the side of the freezer

173 partition from the side of the chamber for vegetables

174 partition

176 fog outlet

177 air channel for fog

181 air inlet for vegetable chamber

182 air outlet for vegetable chamber

183 suction port for fogging

192 spray channel

193 moisture supply channel

194 element for blocking cold air

196 empty space

197a, 197b, 197c, 197d element for filling empty space

200 ultrasonic fogger

201 horny part

202 electrode

202a fixing part on the electrode side for fogging

203 piezoelectric element

204 electrode

207 exit wall

208 console-type ultrasonic wave generator

222 thermoelectric module (Peltier module)

222a heat-conducting part from the side of the air channel

222b heat exchange part

251 partition

252 air inlet for vegetable chamber

253 air outlet for vegetable chamber

254 air vent

255 cooling air duct for the device for the formation of fog

301 temperature change camera

302 damper

303 evaporator on the side with a lower temperature

304 higher temperature side evaporator

305 first partition

306 second partition

307 capacitor

308 three-way valve

309 capillary tube on the lower temperature side

310 capillary tube on the higher temperature side

311 cooling air duct for temperature changing chamber

312 cooling air duct for the freezer

313 located on the rear end of the partition wall with temperature

314 freezer partition located at the rear end

321 partition plate

322 cooling fan

323 partition in the cooled chamber

324 air duct in the cooled chamber

325 channel for release from the chamber with a change in temperature

326 channel for suction in the chamber with a change in temperature

502 actuator for fog generation

503 water collector

504 508 channel

509 water conduit

510 pump

512 water

602a front suction duct

602b upper suction channel

604 front panel

605 pre-filter

606 heat exchanger

608 indoor fan

610 exhaust channel

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described more precisely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these preferred options for implementation.

Preferred Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sectional view in which a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown in sectional view and is divided into right and left parts. FIG. 2 is a front view of substantial portions of the rear end side of the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral part of an electrostatic spray device provided in a vegetable chamber in a refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention, when viewed in the direction of the cut arrows along line A-A in FIG. 2.

In the drawings, a thermally insulated casing 101, which is a refrigerator main body provided in a refrigerator 100, includes an outer casing 102 consisting mainly of a steel plate, an inner casing 103 formed of a polymer such as a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS ), and foamed heat-insulating material, such as rigid polyurethane foam, foamed and filling the space between the outer casing 102 and the inner casing 103. The inner space of the refrigerator 100 is isolated from ok uzhayuschey medium, has a thermal insulation and is divided by partitions into a plurality of chambers for storing products. In the highest part of the refrigerator 100, there is a chilled chamber 104 as a first food storage chamber, and at the bottom of a chilled chamber 104 a temperature-controlled chamber 105 as a fourth food storage chamber and an ice maker 106 as a fifth food storage chamber are located side by side side, at the bottom of the temperature-controlled chamber 105 and the ice maker 106, the vegetable chamber 107 is located as a second food storage chamber, and the freezer 108 is located in the lowermost part wife as a third chamber for storage of products.

The temperature in the chilled chamber 104 is always maintained with a lower limit of 1 ° C to 5 ° C so that there is no freezing for refrigerated storage, and the temperature in the chamber 107 for vegetables is regulated in the same way as in the chilled chamber 104, or maintained at slightly higher temperatures from 2 ° C to 7 ° C. The temperature of the freezer 108 is set in the freezing temperature zone, always at -22 ° C to -15 ° C for low-temperature storage or at lower temperatures from -30 ° C to -25 ° C to enhance the state of low-temperature storage.

The temperature-controlled chamber 105 can be transferred using different predetermined temperature zones from the temperature range of the refrigerated storage to the temperature zone of low-temperature storage, in addition to the temperature zone of the refrigerated chamber from 1 ° C to 5 ° C, the temperature zone of the vegetable chamber from 2 ° C to 7 ° C, temperature zones of the freezer from -22 ° C from -15 ° C. The temperature-controlled chamber 105 is a food storage chamber having an independent door arranged so that it also closes an ice maker 106, often provided with a drawer type door.

In this preferred embodiment, the temperature-controlled chamber 105 is a food storage chamber having temperature zones from refrigerated storage to low-temperature storage, but can be used as a specialized food storage chamber with only intermediate temperature zones from the temperature of the refrigerated chamber to the freezing temperatures chambers by restricting refrigerated storage to only storage in a refrigerated chamber 104 and a chamber 107 for vegetables and low temperatures Storage temperature only by storage in the freezer 108. Or, it can also be used as a food storage chamber, the temperature of which is fixed within a certain temperature zone.

The ice maker 106 provides ice formation in an automatic ice machine provided at the top of the chamber from water directed from the water tank in the cooled chamber 104, and ice storage in an ice container located at the bottom of the chamber.

The ceiling part of the heat-insulated casing 101 has a section with a recess similar to the steps of the stairs towards the rear side of the refrigerator, and the engine room 101a is formed in the recess with the shape of a step, and a compressor 109, a dryer for removing moisture and others under high are located in the engine room 101a pressure components for the freeze cycle. That is, engine room 101a having a compressor 109 is positioned by occupying the rear zone of the highest portion in the cooling chamber 104.

In other words, the engine room 101a having a compressor 109 is located in a hard-to-reach “dead” space in the rear zone in the food storage chamber in the highest part of the heat-insulated casing 101. As a result, the space of the engine room provided in the lowermost part of the heat-insulated casing 101 is accessible for the user in a conventional refrigerator, can be effectively used, being converted into the space of a food storage chamber, and storage efficiency and usability can be ut it is markedly increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the considerations regarding the essential parts of the present invention mentioned below can be applied to a conventional widespread type refrigerator in which an engine room is provided in the rear area of the food storage chamber in the lowermost part of the thermally insulated housing 101, and the compressor 109 is located in him.

At the rear side of the vegetable chamber 107 and the freezer 108, a cooling chamber 110 is provided for generating cold air and to be separated by a partition from the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer. Between the vegetable chamber 107, the freezer 108 and the cooling chamber 110, an exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer is arranged for directing cold air into the heat-insulated chambers, and a rear partition 111 for enclosing the food storage chambers with thermal insulation. Or, as shown in FIG. 3, a partition plate 161 is provided for isolating an exhaust air passage 141 for a freezer and a cooling chamber 110. The evaporator 112 is located in the cooling chamber 110, and the upper space of the evaporator 112 includes a cooling fan 113 for directing cold air cooled by the evaporator 112 to the cooling chamber 104, the temperature-controlled chamber 105, the ice maker 106, the vegetable chamber 107 and the freezer chamber 108 through a forced convection system.

The lower space of the evaporator 112 includes a radiation heater 114 formed of glass tubes designed to remove frost and ice deposited on the evaporator 112 and its peripheral parts in cooling mode. In addition, in the lower part there is provided a tray 115 for collecting melt water, designed to receive water in the defrost mode, together with a drain pipe 116 extending from the deepest part to the outside of the refrigerator, and an evaporation tray 117 for melt water is provided outside the refrigerator at its rear downstream side.

The vegetable chamber 107 includes a lower basket 119 mounted on a frame attached to the door 118 of the vegetable chamber 107 and an upper basket 120 mounted on the lower basket 119.

Mainly, when the door 118 is closed, the lid 122, designed to close the upper basket 120 almost completely, is held in the upper partition 123 and the inner casing 103 in the upper part of the vegetable compartment. When the door 118 is closed, the lid 122 is in close contact with the right and left sides and the inner side of the upper surface of the upper basket 120 and in almost tight contact with the front side of the upper surface. The boundary zone of the right, left and lower sides of the rear side of the upper basket 120 and the lower basket 119 is narrowed so that a gap is formed so that moisture does not appear in the food storage area and interference with the movement of the upper basket 120 is not created.

As shown in FIG. 2, there is a channel between the lid 122 and the first partition 123 for the passage of cold air leaving the outlet 124 for the vegetable chamber located in the rear partition 111. Free space is also provided between the lower basket 119 and the second partition 125, and a passage channel is formed cold air. The lower part of the rear partition 111 at the rear side of the vegetable chamber 107 is provided with an inlet 126 for the vegetable chamber, which allows the return of cold air to the evaporator 112 after heat exchange by cooling in the vegetable chamber 107.

In a preferred embodiment, the considerations regarding the essential parts of the present invention mentioned below can be applied to a conventional refrigerator of a widespread type, which must be opened and closed by means of rails provided on a frame attached to the door and the inner wall. Meanwhile, the design of the lid 122 and the configuration of the outlet 124 for the vegetable chamber, the inlet 126 for the vegetable chamber and the air passage can be optimized in accordance with the shape of the storage container.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rear partition 111 consists of a surface located at the rear end of the partition 151 formed of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a heat-insulating element 152 formed of polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation of the food storage chambers by insulation an exhaust air passage 141 for a freezer and a cooling chamber 110. In this case, the recess 111a is formed on a portion of the wall surface of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the food storage chamber, the recess having a lower temperature than the other sections, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in this recess.

The electrostatic spray device 131 consists mainly of a compartment 139 for generating fog and an exit wall 137, and the spray channel 132 and a channel 138 for supplying moisture are formed on a part of the output wall 137. The compartment 139 for generating fog consists mainly of a spray electrode 135 as an actuator a fog compartment member, a cooling rod 134 made of a heat-conducting material such as aluminum, stainless steel or brass, and a voltage supply device 133 for first supply voltage to atomizing electrode 135.

The spray electrode 135 is mounted almost centrally at one end of the cooling rod 134 and is electrically connected to one end of the wiring coming from the voltage supply device 133.

With this configuration, the cooling rod 134 is cooled, for example, by cold air passing in the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer in the cooling section, and the spray electrode 135 is cooled at the same time.

The cooling rod 134 is a heat-conducting material that is formed with a columnar shape with dimensions such that its diameter is, for example, approximately 10 mm and its length approximately 15 mm. Compared to the spray electrode 135, which is approximately 1 mm in diameter and approximately 5 mm in length, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 is 50 times or more 1000 times or less, preferably 100 times or more 500 times or less. Thus, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 is 50 times or more, or preferably 100 times or more, the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135. As a result, the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode can be significantly reduced, and fog can be stably formed by spraying with less load fluctuations.

Meanwhile, it is desirable that, as the upper limit of heat capacity, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 exceeds the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135 by 500 times or less, or preferably 1000 times or less. This upper limit is limited since more energy is required for cooling if the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 is too large and cooling of the cooling rod will be difficult while saving energy. If the fluctuations in the thermal loads acting on the side of the refrigeration unit are varied, then, by controlling within a range with a certain upper limit, significant effects on the spray electrode 135 can be reduced, and the spray electrode 135 can be stably cooled by a small amount of energy.

Furthermore, by adjusting within a range with a certain upper limit, the time period required for cooling the spray electrode 135 through the cooling rod 134 can be set within the corresponding interval. Therefore, this provides an effective prevention of the cooling delay of the spray electrode 135, that is, the start of the moisture supply to the electrostatic spray device 131, and the spray electrode 135 can be stably and suitably cooled.

The material of the cooling rod 134 is preferably a heat-conducting material, such as aluminum or copper, as mentioned above, and in order to efficiently transfer the cooling heat from one end to the other end of the cooling rod 134, it is desirable that the surrounding elements are covered by a heat-insulating element 152.

From the point of view of long-term use, it is also necessary to maintain the thermal conductivity of the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134, and the epoxy resin is cast to prevent moisture from entering the joint zone to reduce thermal resistance, and further, the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134 are fixed. Or, to reduce thermal resistance, the spray electrode 135 may be pressed into the cooling rod 134 and fixed therein.

In addition, it is necessary that the cooling rod 134 transfer the heat of cooling inside the heat-insulating element 152 for thermal insulation of the vegetable chamber 107 as a food storage chamber from the evaporator 112 or the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer, and its length is preferably 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more. However, if the length is more than 30 mm, its effect is reduced.

In addition, since the electrostatic spray device 131 installed in the vegetable chamber 107 is exposed to a high humidity environment and its humidity can affect the cooling rod 134, the cooling rod 134 is preferably made of a metal material having anti-corrosion and rust preventing properties, or from a material subjected to surface treatment with aluminite (alum clay) or other coating treatment.

In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the cooling rod 134 is a round column. Therefore, if insertion into the recess 111a in the heat insulating element 152 causes slight difficulties due to size, the electrostatic spray device 131 can be rotated and pressed into place. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 can be installed without forming a gap. The shape of the cooling rod 134 may be a box shape or a regular polygon shape. In the case of a polygon, in comparison with a round column, it is easier to perform installation in a predetermined position, and the electrostatic spray device 131 can be placed in the correct position.

Furthermore, by mounting the spray electrode 135 on the central axis of the cooling rod 134, if it is rotated when the cooling rod 134 is inserted, it is possible to maintain a constant distance between the opposing electrode 136 and the spray electrode 135, and a stable distance between the electrodes can be guaranteed.

The cooling rod 134 is fixed to the outlet wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 itself has a protrusion 134a protruding from the output wall 137. This cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134 on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion 134a is inserted into the deepest recess 111b, the depth of which is greater than the depth of the recess 111a in the rear wall 111.

Therefore, on the back side of the cooling rod 134 there is the deepest recess 111b with a depth greater than the depth of the recess 111a. That is, the heat-insulating element 152 from the side of the cooling chamber 110 in the region of the deepest recess 111b, that is, from the side of the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, is thinner than in other parts of the rear partition 111 at the rear side of the vegetable chamber 107. This thin heat-insulating element 152 is used as a heat-absorbing element and is located so that the cooling rod 134 can be cooled by cold air from the cooling chamber 110 from the rear side through the heat-insulating element 152.

As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134, as a heat-conducting material, is cooled by cold air formed in the cooling chamber 110. That is, a cooling source is used for the freezing cycle. Since the cooling rod 134 is made of a conductive metal part, a cooling section is sufficient for cooling to condense dew on the spray electrode 135 only by heat transfer from the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer as an air passage for conveying cold air formed in the evaporator 112, so that dew condensation can be achieved.

Since the cooling section can be created with such a simple design, fog generation is ensured at a low failure rate and high reliability. In addition, since the cooling rod 134 and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled by using a cooling source for the freezing cycle, fog generation is achieved with low energy consumption.

Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 in the preferred embodiment has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, inside the mist generation compartment 139, the end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a is closest to the cooling section. Therefore, cooling with cold air from the cooling section starts from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the spray electrode 135 in the cooling rod 134.

In a place opposite to the spray electrode 135, from the side of the food storage chamber 107, a toroidal circular opposite electrode 136 is provided at a certain distance from the front end of the spray electrode 135, and the spray channel 132 is formed at its extension.

In addition, a voltage supply device 133 is formed next to the fog generation section 139, and a negative potential side of the voltage supply device 133 for generating high voltage is electrically connected to the spray electrode 135, and a positive potential side is electrically connected to the opposite electrode 136 .

Next to the spray electrode 135, intended to form a mist by spraying, a discharge always occurs. Therefore, there is a possibility of abrasion on the front end of the spray electrode 135. The refrigerator 100 typically operates continuously for a long period exceeding 10 years, and the surface of the spray electrode 135 requires surface treatment to provide resistance and should preferably be treated, for example, by nickel plating, gilding or plating.

The opposing electrode 136 is made, for example, of stainless steel, and long-term reliability must be ensured. In particular, to prevent sticking of a foreign substance or to prevent contamination, it is preferable to treat the surface by electrodeposition of platinum or the like.

The voltage supply device 133 is controlled to provide communication with the control device 146 of the refrigerator main body, and the voltage supply device 133 turns the high voltage on or off via an input signal from the refrigerator 100 or the electrostatic spray device 131.

In this preferred embodiment, the voltage supply device 133 is located in the electrostatic spray device 131, and since the atmosphere in the vegetable chamber 107 has low temperature and high humidity, the surface of the circuit board of the voltage supply device 133 is coated with molding material or coating material to provide resistance to exposure to moisture.

However, such a coating is not necessary if the voltage supply device 133 is located in a high temperature place outside the food storage chamber.

A surface located at the rear end of the partition 151 for mounting the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a heater 154 or other heating element designed to control the temperature of the vegetable chamber 107 or to prevent condensation of dew on the surface between the surface located at the rear end of the partition 151 and heat insulating element 152.

The following explains the operations and actions performed in the refrigerator 100 of the preferred embodiment having a similar configuration.

First, the operation of the freeze cycle is explained. Depending on the temperature determined in the refrigerator, the freezing cycle starts at the signal from the control panel, and the cooling operation begins. A refrigerant having a high temperature and high pressure and discharged by operation of the compressor 109 condenses and to some extent liquefies in the condenser. Further, through pipelines for the refrigerant mounted on the side surface and the rear surface of the heat insulated body 101 of the refrigerator main body and at the front opening of the heat insulated body 101, the refrigerant condenses and liquefies while preventing dew condensation in the heat insulated body 101 and is sent to the capillary tubes. In the capillary tubes, the pressure of the refrigerant decreases while the heat is exchanged with the suction pipe leading to the compressor 109, and the refrigerant becomes a liquid refrigerant with a low temperature and low pressure and is sent to the evaporator 112.

Here, a liquid refrigerant having a low temperature and low pressure is heat exchanged with air in the food storage chambers, such as the air in the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, moved by the operation of the cooling fan 113, and the refrigerant in the evaporator 112 evaporates, turning into gas. At this point, cold air forms in evaporator 112 to cool the food storage chambers. Cold air with a low temperature is blown out from the cooling fan 113 and distributed into the cooling chamber 104, the temperature-controlled chamber 105, the ice maker 106, the vegetable chamber 107 and the freezer 108 through the air ducts and dampers, and each temperature zone is cooled to each corresponding temperature. In particular, the temperature in the vegetable chamber 107 is controlled within the range of 2 ° C to 7 ° C by turning on / off the heater 154 or by distributing cold air, and a temperature sensor in the chamber is generally not provided.

The vegetable chamber 107 is cooled by cold air, which, after cooling of the cooled chamber 104, is discharged into the vegetable chamber 107 from the outlet for the vegetable chamber 124 provided at the intermediate location of the air inlet channel 140 for the food storage chamber to allow air to pass through it to the evaporator 112. Later, air flows along the outer periphery of the upper basket 120 and the lower basket 119 to provide indirect cooling and returns to the evaporator 112 from the suction port 1 again. 26 for the camera for vegetables.

In the portion of the rear wall 111 located in the place where the environment has a relatively high humidity, the wall thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 is less than in other areas, and in particular, the deepest recess 111b is formed behind the cooling rod 134, and the thickness of the heat-insulating element is, for example, from about 2 mm to 10 mm. In the refrigerator 100 of this preferred embodiment, a similar thickness distribution is appropriate for a heat-absorbing element located between the cooling rod 134 and the evaporator. As a result, a recess 111a is formed in the rear baffle 111, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is inserted and mounted into the deepest recess 111b on the farthest rear side of the recess 111a by a protrusion 134 (134a) of the cooling rod 134.

The outlet air passage 141 for the freezer, located on the rear side of the cooling rod 134, is a channel for the passage of a stream of cold air with a temperature of from about -15 to -25 ° C through the cooling fan 113, while this flow is created by the evaporator 112 due to the work cooling systems. Further, due to heat transfer from the surface of the air channel, the cooling rod 134 is cooled, for example, to temperatures from about 0 to -10 C. In this case, since the cooling rod 134 is made of heat-conducting material, the heat of cooling is transferred easily, and the spray electrode 135 as the actuator of the mist generation compartment is indirectly cooled via a cooling rod 134 to approximately 0 -10 C.

In this case, the temperature of the vegetable chamber 107 is from about 2 C to 7 C, and the humidity is relatively high due to transpiration of the vegetables, and if the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as the actuating element of the mist generation compartment falls below the temperature corresponding to the dew point, then on the spray electrode 135, including its front end, forms water, and water droplets precipitate.

A negative potential is applied to the spray electrode 135 having water droplets, and a positive potential is supplied to the opposite electrode 136, and a high voltage (for example, 4 to 10 kV) will be applied between these electrodes from the voltage supply device 133. At this point, a corona discharge occurs between these electrodes, and water droplets at the front end of the spray electrode 135 are separated into small parts due to electrostatic energy. In addition, since water droplets are electrically charged, a very fine nanoscale mist having a charge with invisible droplets of the order of several nanometers, together with ozone and OH radicals, is formed due to Rayleigh scattering. The voltage applied between the electrodes is very high, from about 4 to 10 kV, but the discharge current at this moment is of the order of several μA, and the power consumption is very low, from about 0.5 to 1.5 watts.

More specifically, it can be assumed that the spray electrode 135 is on the reference potential side (0 V) and the opposite electrode 136 is on the high potential side (+7 kV), water generated as a result of dew condensation is deposited on the front end of the spray electrode 135, and the air insulation layer between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136 is destroyed, and the electrostatic force causes a discharge. At this point, water resulting from the condensation of dew is electrically charged, and small particles are formed. In addition, since the opposite electrode 136 is on the positive potential side, the charged fine mist is attracted, and liquid droplets are additionally sprayed. A fine mist with invisible nanoscale droplets having an electric charge and sizes of the order of several nm, containing radicals, is attracted to the opposite electrode 136, and its inertia force causes the fine mist to spray from the spray electrode 135 towards the food storage chamber 107.

If there is no water on the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance is large, and the air insulation layer cannot be destroyed, and the discharge phenomenon does not occur. As a result, no current flows between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136.

In addition, there is no direct cooling of the spray electrode 135, but the cooling rod 134 is cooled, so that the spray electrode 135 can be indirectly cooled. Since the cooling rod 134 has a higher heat capacity than the spray electrode 135, direct effects on the spray electrode 135 can be reduced, and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled. In addition, due to the fact that the cooling rod 134 has the function of preserving the heat of cooling, sudden changes in the temperature of the spray electrode 135 can be suppressed, and spray mist can be generated with a stable spray quantity.

Thus, the cooling rod 134 is cooled without directly cooling the spray electrode 135, and the spray electrode 135 can be indirectly cooled. Since the cooling rod 134 as a heat-conducting material has a higher heat capacity than the spray electrode 135, the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode 135 can be reduced, and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled. Therefore, fluctuations in the load on the spray electrode 135 can be suppressed, and spray fog can be achieved with a stable spray amount.

Thus, the opposite electrode 136 is located opposite the spray electrode 135, and a voltage supply device 133 for generating a potential difference corresponding to the high voltage is located between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136, so that the electric field can be stably formed side by side with a spray electrode 135. As a result, the phenomenon of spraying and the direction of spraying are stabilized, and this provides an effective increase in accuracy the control of fine mist sprayed into the storage container formed between the lower basket 119 and the upper basket 120. Therefore, the accuracy of the fog generating compartment 139 can be improved, and a highly reliable electrostatic spray device 131 can be obtained.

In addition, the cooling rod 134 is cooled through a heat-insulating element 152 made of a heat-absorbing element, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled through a cooling rod 134 and is further cooled by a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 made of a heat-absorbing element, so that excessive spray electrode cooling 135.

That is, in the case where the temperature of the spray electrode 135 decreases by 1 K, the rate of formation of water at its front end increases by about 10%. However, if the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the dew condensation rate will increase excessively. As a result, the spray amount increases, and the load on the fog generating compartment 139 increases. Therefore, this can lead to the expected increase in power consumed by the electrostatic fog generator 131, and to freeze and disrupt the generation of fog in the fog generation compartment 139. However, since excessive cooling of the spray electrode 135 is prevented, malfunctions due to an increased load on the fog generating compartment 139 can be prevented. Therefore, an appropriate amount of spraying material is provided, and stable spray mist formation is achieved at low power consumption.

To cool the cooling rod 134, the cold air generated in the cooling chamber 110 is used, and the cooling rod 134 consists of a heat-conducting metal part. Therefore, the cooling section is able to provide the required cooling only due to heat transfer from the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer as a channel for the passage of air intended for the passage of cold air formed in the evaporator 112.

Since the cooling section can be formed with such a simple structure, a fog generating compartment 139 can be obtained, characterized by low failure rate and high reliability. In addition, the cooling rod 134 and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled by using a cooling source for the freezing cycle, and spray mist is generated at low energy consumption.

Thus, the end portion 134b located in the location of the cooling rod 134 farthest from the spray electrode 135 is cooled. As a result, when cooling by the cooling section, after cooling of the cooling rod 134 having a high heat capacity, the spray electrode 135 is cooled by the cooling rod 134. Therefore, the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode 135 are further reduced, and a stable image can be realized. vanie spray mist at smaller load fluctuations.

The rear partition 111, including the mist generation compartment 139, has a recess 111a formed in the portion from the side of the vegetable chamber 107 as a food storage chamber, and a mist generation compartment 139 having the protrusion 134a is “inserted” into this recess 111a. Accordingly, the heat-insulating element 152 forming the rear wall 111 of the vegetable chamber 107 can be used as the heat-absorbing element, and the thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 can be adjusted without using any separate heat-absorbing element. Therefore, a heat-absorbing element can be formed capable of providing proper cooling of the spray electrode 135, and the design of the fog generating compartment 139 can be greatly simplified.

Furthermore, by “inserting” the mist generation compartment 139 having a protrusion 134a formed by the cooling rod 134 into the recess 111a, the mist generation compartment 139 can be firmly attached to the partition wall without being loose. In addition, the protrusion in the direction of the side of the vegetable chamber 107 as a food storage chamber can be reduced, and this compartment will be difficult to access for the user's hand, and safety is improved.

The fog generating compartment 139 does not extend to the outside through the rear baffle 111 of the vegetable chamber 107, there are no negative effects on the cross-sectional area of the air channel, which is the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, and a decrease in cooling capacity due to increase in resistance in the air channel.

A recess 111a is formed in the portion of the vegetable chamber 107, and the mist generation section 139 is “inserted” into it, and therefore, the storage capacity of vegetables, fruits, and food products does not change. The cooling rod 134 can be reliably cooled, and in other parts sufficient wall thickness can be guaranteed to provide thermal insulation. Therefore, dew condensation on the exit wall 137 can be prevented, and reliability is improved.

The cooling rod 134 provides a certain level of heat capacity, and the reaction associated with the transfer of heat from the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer as a channel for cooling air can be reduced. As a result, the cooling rod 134 can suppress temperature fluctuations of the spray electrode 135 and serves as an element for accumulating cooling heat. Therefore, a certain time is provided for the formation of dew condensing on the spray electrode 135, and freezing can be prevented.

In addition, when the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is connected to the heat-insulating element 152, the cooling heat can be distributed efficiently without loss. In addition, thermal resistance is suppressed at the junction of the cooling rod 134 and the spray electrode 135, and temperature fluctuations of the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134 occur smoothly. Since moisture does not penetrate the junction, the thermal junction can be maintained for a long period, which is a positive point.

The vegetable compartment 107 is in a high humidity environment, and its moisture may adversely affect the cooling rod 134. In such a case, the cooling rod 134 is made of a metal material that is resistant to corrosion or rust, or its surface is treated with alumite, or another coating is applied, and rusting is prevented, and the increase in surface thermal resistance is suppressed, and stable heat transfer is ensured.

In addition, since the surface of the spray electrode 135 is nickel plated, gilded, or plated, abrasion due to a discharge at the front end of the spray electrode 135 can be reduced. As a result, the shape of the front end of the spray electrode 135 is maintained, and spraying is possible for a longer period, and the shape of the liquid droplets at the front end is stable.

When droplets of fine mist are sprayed from the spray electrode 135, an ionic wind is generated. At this point, from the moisture supply passage 138 formed in the exit wall 137, as described below, fresh air with high humidity passes to the spray electrode 135 in the exit wall 137, and continuous spray fog can be generated.

The fine mist droplets formed on the spray electrode 135 are atomized mainly into the lower basket 119. However, since the fog is made up of very fine particles, diffusion is significant, and the fine mist also reaches the upper basket 120. The fine mist formed by spraying was formed behind high voltage discharge, and the fog has a negative charge. On the other hand, vegetables and fruits are stored in the vegetable chamber 107, and in particular vegetables and fruits having green leaves are stored, and these vegetables and fruits are likely to undergo transpiration or drying out due to transpiration during storage. Some of the fruits and vegetables stored in the vegetable chamber may already be dried up due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or during storage and have a positive charge. Therefore, the mist formed by spraying is likely to accumulate on the surface of vegetables, and therefore, the characteristic associated with the preservation of freshness is improved.

Fine nanoscale fog, particles of which adhere to the surface of vegetables, contains OH radicals and traces of ozone and is effective in killing microbes, counteracting microbes, and removing germs. In addition, it helps to increase the content of nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables by removing agricultural chemicals and their oxidation and decomposition.

In this case, when there is no water on the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance increases, and the air insulation layer cannot be destroyed, and the discharge phenomenon does not occur. As a result, no current flows between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136. This phenomenon can be detected by the control device 146 of the refrigerator 100, so that the high voltage supply can be turned on / off by the voltage supply device 133.

In this preferred embodiment, the voltage supply device 133 is located in a location with a relatively low temperature and high humidity in the vegetable chamber 107. The voltage supply device 133 is coated with a sealing material or other coating material to provide a moisture-proof and waterproof structure in order to protect the circuits.

If the voltage supply device 133 is mounted outside the food storage chamber, such processing is not required.

As explained here, in this preferred embodiment, the vegetable chamber 107 is a thermally insulated food storage chamber, and a mist generation section 139 for spraying mist is provided in the vegetable chamber 107. The mist generation section 139 includes a spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation section, intended for spray mist formation and electrically connected to a voltage supply device 133 for generating a high voltage, and an opposing electrode 136 located in place opposite to the spray electrode 135. The cooling rod 134 as a heat-conducting material is connected to the spray electrode 135. To maintain t mperatury atomizing electrode 135 below the dew point for condensing dew from the moisture in the air, cooling pin 134 is cooled by the cooling section. As the cooling rod 134 is cooled by the cooling section, the spray electrode 135 indirectly cools to a temperature below the dew point, and the dew condenses from moisture in the air on the spray electrode 135, and mist forms by spraying in the vegetable chamber 107.

As a result, the dew can easily condense on the spray electrode 135 and reliably generate excess steam in the vegetable chamber 107. In addition, a fine nanoscale mist can be generated by a high voltage corona discharge relative to the opposite electrode 136. Small droplets of atomized mist are evenly deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration of vegetables and fruits can be suppressed, and characteristics associated with maintaining freshness are improved. From the gaps between the cells and the pores on the surface of vegetables and fruits, moisture penetrates into the cells and is fed into the dried cells, and the vegetables can be returned to a fresh state.

In addition, since a discharge occurs between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136, an electric field is generated stably and the spray direction is determined, and droplets of fine mist can be sprayed more accurately into the storage container formed between the lower basket 119 and the upper basket 120.

Ozone and OH radicals formed simultaneously with fog are also useful for enhancing the effects of deodorization, removing harmful substances on food surfaces and preventing pollution.

Atomized mist can be fed directly to food products in a storage container in the vegetable chamber 107, and mist drops can adhere to the surface of vegetables by utilizing the potential of the mist and vegetables, and the freshness preservation efficiency is improved.

In addition, the dew condenses from the excess steam in the vegetable chamber 107 by means of a spray electrode 135, and water droplets accumulate and fog is generated by spraying. Therefore, no additional components are required, such as a thawing hose designed to supply water to form a spray mist, a cleaning filter, a water supply channel to be connected directly to the water supply system, or a water storage tank. No pump or water supply element is used, and fine mist can be fed into the vegetable chamber 107 using a simple structure that does not require a complicated mechanism.

Thus, using such a simple design, fine mist can be stably supplied to the vegetable chamber 107, and the risk of malfunctions of the refrigerator 100 can be significantly reduced, and the reliability is improved, and the quality of the refrigerator 100 is improved.

Instead of tap water, water is used which is formed as a result of dew condensation and is free of minerals and impurities, and provides effective prevention of destruction when using a water-retaining material or destruction of a water-retaining material due to clogging.

In addition, since fog is not generated by spraying under the influence of ultrasonic waves due to ultrasonic vibrations, it is not necessary to take into account resonance, noise or vibrations caused by vibrations with ultrasonic frequency.

Since a water tank is not required, there is no need for a water level sensor designed to prevent the destruction of the ultrasonic element caused by the lack of water required when installing the water tank, and a fog generating device with a simple structure can be installed in the refrigerator.

The part in which the voltage supply device 133 is placed is “recessed” in the rear partition 111 and is cooled, and the temperature rise of the circuit board can be reduced. As a result of exposure to temperature in the chamber 107 for vegetables can be reduced.

A preferred embodiment includes an evaporator 112 for cooling the food storage chambers 104, 105, 106, 107 and 108, and a rear wall 111 for heat insulating the cooling chamber 110 having the vaporizer 112 and the vegetable chamber 107. That is, by installing a partition in the chamber 107 for vegetables, without reducing the volume for storage, an increase in safety is ensured, since it is installed in a place that is deeper and inaccessible to the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 connected to the spray electrode 135 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is a heat-conducting metal part. The cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 uses heat transfer from the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer, in which the cold air formed in the evaporator 112 passes. Therefore, by adjusting the wall thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 of the rear partition 111 from the heat-absorbing element, it can be easily the temperature of the cooling rod 134 and the spray electrode 135 are set. In addition, by enclosing the heat-insulating element 152 as heat absorption pad provided no leakage of cold air at a low temperature, and effectively prevented decrease in reliability due to causes such as defrosting or dew condensation on outlet wall 137 or the like.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the rear partition 111 having a mist generation section 139 is provided with a recess 111a in a part from the side of the vegetable chamber 107. A cooling rod 134 connected to the spray electrode 135 is inserted into this recess. Therefore, the storage container for storing vegetables, fruits and food products does not change. In addition, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled in a reliable manner. Other parts of the electrostatic atomizing device 131, other than the atomizing electrode 135 or the cooling rod 134, are formed on the wall with sufficient thickness to provide thermal insulation to prevent dew condensation on the exit wall 137, and reliability is improved.

Since a high voltage is applied between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136 in the electrostatic spray device 131 of the preferred embodiment, ozone is also generated when fine mist is generated. However, by controlling the on / off control of the electrostatic spray device 131, the ozone concentration in the vegetable chamber 107 can be controlled. By appropriately controlling the concentration of ozone, yellowing or spoilage of vegetables caused by excess ozone can be prevented, and bactericidal and antibacterial effects on the surface of vegetables can be enhanced.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the spray electrode 135 is on the reference potential side (0 V), and a positive potential (+7 V) is supplied to the opposite electrode 136, and a potential difference creating a high voltage is created between the two electrodes. Alternatively, a potential difference creating a high voltage can be created between the two electrodes by adjusting the reference potential (0 V) on the opposite electrode 136 and applying a negative potential (-7 V) to the spray electrode 135. In this case, the opposite electrode 136 located closer to the chamber 107 for vegetables, will be on the side of the reference potential, and there will be no electric shock if the hand of the user of the refrigerator approaches the opposite electrode 136. In that case, when on atomizing electrode 135, a negative potential equal to -7 V, and a camera side 107 for vegetables will be configured as a side reference potential may not be a particular need in the opposite electrode 136.

In this case, for example, a conductive storage container will be provided inside the insulated vegetable chamber 107, and in addition, a holding element for holding the storage container is also made of conductive material. This conductive storage container is electrically connected to the conductive holding member and is detachable from the conductive member, so that the holding member can be connected to a component with a reference potential and can be grounded (0 V).

As a result, a potential difference is always maintained between the fog generating compartment 139 and the storage container and the holding member, and a stable electric field is generated. Therefore, droplets of fog are stably sprayed from the compartment 139 to generate fog. In addition, since the entire storage container has a reference potential, there is the possibility of uniform diffusion of the spray mist throughout the storage container. It also provides effective prevention of the supply of charge to peripheral objects.

Thus, if the opposite electrode 136 is not provided as a separate element, but is formed only by forming an earthed holding element on a part of the side of the vegetable chamber 107, a potential difference can be created with the spray electrode 135, and fog can be generated by spraying. Therefore, a stable electric field can be created in a simpler design, and droplets of fog can be sprayed in a more stable manner from the fog generating compartment 139.

In addition, since in the case where the holding member is located on the side of the storage container, the entire storage container has a supporting potential, dispersion of spray mist can occur throughout the storage container. It also provides effective prevention of the supply of charge to peripheral objects.

In a preferred embodiment, the air passage for the cooling rod 134 is an exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, but it is also possible to use an air passage leaving the ice maker 106 or an air inlet passage 140 for the food storage chamber. Therefore, the electrostatic spray device 131 can be installed anywhere.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 is cold air cooled by using a cooling source generated during a freezing cycle in the refrigerator 100, but it is also possible to use cold air from the cooling source in the refrigerator 100 or to transfer heat from cooling tube through the use of cold air. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of this cooling tube, it is possible to cool the heat-conducting material of the cooling rod 134 to a predetermined temperature, and it is easier to control the temperature while cooling the spray electrode 135.

In a preferred embodiment, the water holding member is not mounted around the spray electrode 135 of the electrostatic spraying device 131, but the water holding member may be installed. As a result, water resulting from dew condensation and generated near the spray electrode 135 can be held around the spray electrode 135 and can be appropriately supplied to the spray electrode 135.

In a preferred embodiment, the food storage chamber for generating mist by spraying in the mist generation section 139 is a vegetable chamber 107, but other food storage chambers in other temperature zones, such as a refrigerated chamber 104 or chamber 105, may be used. switchable temperature, and there is the possibility of development for various applications.

Preferred Embodiment 2

A longitudinal section showing a section in which the refrigerator according to the preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts is almost the same as in FIG. 1. A front view of the essential parts showing the inside of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 illustrating an electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in a vegetable chamber of a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention.

The drawings show that the rear wall 111 consists of a surface located at the rear end of the wall 151 made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a heat-insulating element 152 that insulates the food storage chamber from the low-temperature air channel 156 or chamber 110 cooling and made of polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation of food storage chambers. A recess 111a is formed on a portion of the wall of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the food storage chamber than in other places, and the electrostatic fog generator 131 is located in a through portion 111c formed in a recess formed on the side of the evaporator 112 at the installation site of the cooling rod 134.

In this case, a part of the cooling rod 134 made of heat-conducting material passes through the heat-insulating element 152 and is open for exposure to a portion of the low-temperature air channel 156. The low-temperature air channel 156 has a protruding part formed near the rear side of the cooling rod 134, i.e., a recess is formed 155 on a heat insulating element, and the air duct is partially expanded.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 having a similar configuration are explained below.

In the area of the zone open for exposure to a relatively high humidity environment, on the rear wall 111, the heat-insulating element 152 has a smaller wall thickness than in other places, and, in particular, the thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 behind the cooling rod 134 is from about 2 mm to 10 mm Therefore, a through section 111c is formed in the rear wall 111, and an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided at this location.

The cooling rod 134 is partially open for exposure in the low temperature air passage 156 from the rear side. Due to the operation of the cooling system, cold air is generated in the evaporator 112, and cold air with a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the vegetable chamber passes from the cooling fan 113, and the cooling rod 134 is cooled, for example, to a temperature of from about 0 to -10 C. Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 is made of heat-conducting material, the heat of cooling is transferred very quickly, and the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment is cooled approximately flax up to a temperature of 0 -10 C.

As a result, the zone of the low-temperature air channel 156, located near the recess 155 on the heat-insulating element, is expanded, and the resistance of the air channel is reduced. Therefore, the air flow rate from the cooling fan 113 is increased, and the efficiency of the cooling system is increased.

A high voltage (e.g., 4 to 10 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e., the spray electrode 135 having water droplets on the negative potential side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive electrode side, from the voltage supply device 133. At this point, a corona discharge occurs between the two electrodes, and water droplets at the front end of the spray electrode 135 are atomized by electrostatic energy. In addition, since liquid droplets are electrically charged, due to Rayleigh scattering, an electrically charged invisible fine mist of a nanoscale with droplet sizes of several nm and ozone and OH radicals are formed simultaneously. The voltage applied between the electrodes is very high, from about 4 to 10 kV, but the discharge current is currently on the order of several μA, and the power consumption is very low, from about 0.5 to 1.5 watts.

Drops of the fine mist formed are sprayed into the lower basket 119, and its particle size is very small, and therefore it has strong diffusion, and the fine fog easily reaches the upper basket 120. Since the fine fog formed by spraying is formed by a high voltage discharge, it is negatively charged.

On the other hand, the vegetable chamber 107 contains greens and leafy plants among vegetables and fruits, and these vegetables and fruits are likely to transpire or wither due to transpiration during storage. Some of the fruits and vegetables stored in the vegetable chamber may already be dried up due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or during storage and have a positive charge. Therefore, droplets formed by spraying the mist are likely to accumulate on the surface of the vegetables, and therefore, the characteristic associated with the preservation of freshness is improved.

Small droplets of nanoscale fog adhering to the surface of vegetables contain OH radicals and traces of ozone and are effective in killing germs, counteracting germs and removing germs, and in addition, it helps to increase the content of nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables by removing agricultural chemicals and their oxidation and decomposition.

In this case, in a preferred embodiment, the rear side of the rear wall 111, designed to heat insulate the evaporator 112 and the vegetable chamber 107 as a food storage chamber, is provided with at least one air channel (low temperature air channel 156) designed to move cold air to the food storage chamber or to the evaporator 112, and the heat-insulating element 152 is thermally insulated from the food storage chamber or other air passage to avoid lauryl effects. The heat-conducting material for cooling the spray electrode 135 (compartments 139 for generating fog) of the electrostatic spray device 131 and for condensing dew is a cooling rod 134 made of a part of heat-conducting metal and connected to the spray electrode 135. A cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134, is the cold air formed in the evaporator 112. Therefore, the spray electrode 135 can be cooled reliably . In addition, since no separate new cooling section is used, the structure can be created in a simple and inexpensive manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear partition 111 having a mist generation section 139 is formed with a recess 111a in parts from the side of the vegetable chamber 107. Through a recess 155 on the heat-insulating element, a through section 111c in communication with the recess 111a is formed in the rear wall 111. A cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material is inserted into this through section 111c, and thereby a spray electrode 135 will be formed in the rear wall 111.

The cooling rod 134 is inserted into the through portion 111c, and a portion of the cooling rod 134 passes through the heat-insulating element 152 and will be exposed to the low-temperature air passage 156 in the area. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 made of a metal part can be reliably cooled. A recess 155 on the heat insulating element is formed in the low temperature air channel 156, and the cross-sectional area of the air channel, which is a low temperature air channel 156, increases. As a result, the resistance of the air channel decreases or evens out, and a decrease in cooling capacity can be prevented. In addition, by adjusting the surface area of the cooling rod 134 exposed to the low temperature side of the air channel 156, it is possible to easily adjust the temperature of the spray electrode 135.

Preferred Embodiment 3

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of essential parts, showing a section on which the door periphery of the upper partition wall of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator of the preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts.

As shown in the drawing, the electrostatic atomizing device 131 is mounted in a first partition 123, which provides thermal insulation of the vegetable chamber 107 and the ice maker 106 with different temperature zones. In particular, the cooling rod 134 of the fog generating compartment 139 is mounted on a concave portion of the heat insulating material for forming the first partition 123.

The thermally insulated body 101, i.e. the main body of the refrigerator provided in the refrigerator 100 of the preferred embodiment, has a plurality of food storage chambers. The ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107 having a fog compartment 139 is provided with an ice maker 106, which is a low-temperature storage chamber in which a lower temperature is maintained than in the vegetable chamber 107 having a fog chamber 139. A mist generation section 139 is located in the first partition 123 on the ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107. The first partition 123 has a recess 123a on the side of the vegetable chamber 107, and a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material is inserted into the recess 123a.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 of a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration are explained below.

It is necessary that the thickness of the first partition 123 having a mist generation section 139 provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 ensures sufficient cooling capacity to cool the cooling rod 134 in which the spray electrode 135 is fixed. Therefore, the wall at the installation site of the electrostatic spray device 131 will be formed with a smaller thickness than in other parts. As a result, due to heat transfer from the ice maker 106 having a temperature comparatively lower than the vegetable chamber 107, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled. If, in this case, the temperature of the front end of the spray electrode 135 falls below the dew point, the steam near the spray electrode 135 condenses to form dew on the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed reliably.

Although not shown, by installing a camera temperature sensor, a humidity sensor in the camera, a temperature sensor on the spray electrode, or a humidity sensor in the camera, you can accurately calculate the dew point depending on the changes in the environment in the camera in accordance with a given calculation formula.

A high voltage (e.g., 7.5 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e., the spray electrode 135 on the negative potential side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive electrode side, from the voltage supply device 133. At this moment, the layer of air insulation between the electrodes is destroyed, and a corona discharge occurs, and water on the spray electrode 135 is sprayed from the front end of the electrode, and an electrically charged invisible finely dispersed nanoscale fog with droplet sizes of less than one micrometer along with the accompanying ozone and OH radicals is formed.

Drops of fine mist formed are sprayed into the vegetable chamber (lower basket 119, upper basket 120). The fine mist droplets sprayed from the electrostatic spray device 131 are negatively charged. On the other hand, the chamber 107 for vegetables contains vegetables and fruits, including greens and leafy plants and fruits. Some of the fruits and vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment may already be dried out due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or during storage. These vegetables and fruits usually have a positive charge, and atomized droplets of fine mist having a negative charge are likely to accumulate on the surface of the vegetables.

When the humidity in the chamber 107 for vegetables again increases, sprayed droplets of fine mist are simultaneously deposited on the surface of vegetables, and transpiration of vegetables and fruits is suppressed, and the characteristic associated with maintaining freshness is improved. Moisture enters the tissue from the gaps between the cells in vegetables and fruits, and transpiration occurs, and water is again fed into the dried cells, and the cells swell, stretch and regenerate.

The fine mist formed contains ozone and OH radicals, and they have strong oxidizing ability. Accordingly, the fine mist formed can deodorize the vegetable chamber 107 and sterilize and kill bacteria on the surface of vegetables, and can also oxidize, decompose, and remove agricultural chemicals, wax, and other harmful substances that adhere to the surface of vegetables.

Currently, the refrigerant used in the freezing cycle is mainly isobutane, which has less effect on global warming in terms of preserving the global environment.

Isobutane is a hydrocarbon, and in comparison with air its specific gravity is approximately 2 times greater at ordinary temperature and atmospheric pressure (300 K, 2.04).

If isobutane seeps out of the freezer when compressor 109 is stopped, it will seep down because it is heavier than air. In this case, the refrigerant may seep into the chamber through the rear baffle 111. In particular, when seeping from the evaporator 112, which contains a large amount of refrigerant, the leakage may be large, but the vegetable chamber 107, including an electrostatic spray device 131, is located above the evaporator 112, and the leaked refrigerant does not enter the chamber 107 for vegetables.

If isobutane seeps into the vegetable chamber 107 from the evaporator 112, then it will accumulate in the lower part of the food storage chamber 107 because the isobutane is heavier than air. Therefore, since the electrostatic spray device 131 is installed in the ceiling of the food storage chamber 107, the likelihood of a high concentration of isobutane near the electrostatic spray device 131 is very low.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the main body of the refrigerator, i.e. the thermally insulated body 101, has a plurality of food storage chambers. The ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107, which is a food storage chamber having a mist generation compartment 139, is provided with an ice maker 106, which is a low-temperature storage chamber whose temperature is kept lower than in the vegetable chamber 107, which is a food storage chamber having a fog compartment 139. A mist generation section 139 is provided in the first partition 123 from the ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107.

If a food storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone, such as a refrigerated chamber or an ice maker, i.e., an ice maker 106 in this preferred embodiment, is provided at the top of the vegetable chamber 107 having a mist generation compartment 139, a fog generation compartment 139 will be located in the first partition 123 on the ceiling to separate them. As a result, the cooling rod 134, made of heat-conducting material and available in the fog generating compartment 139, can be cooled with cold air from an ice maker 106 located at the top of the vegetable chamber 107. Therefore, the spray electrode 135 is cooled and the dew can condense. Therefore, no separate cooling device is required, and a fog generating compartment can be created with a simple structure, and a fog generating compartment with a low failure rate and high reliability can be obtained.

The refrigerator 100 according to a preferred embodiment includes a first partition 123 for separating the vegetable chamber 107 and the ice maker 106, which is a chamber for storing products with a lower temperature than in the vegetable chamber 107, on the ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107 . An electrostatic spray device 131 is attached to the first partition 123 on the ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107.

If a freezer, an ice maker 106, or another food storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone is provided at the top of the food storage chamber having an electrostatic spray device 131, a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material is installed in the first partition 123 from the ceiling side separating them. As a result, the dew can condense by cooling the spray electrode 135 through the cooling rod 134 by a cooling source in the freezing temperature zone, such as a freezer or ice maker 106, and no separate cooling device is required. In addition, since droplets of fog can be sprayed from the ceiling, it is easily dispersed throughout the storage container, consisting of the lower basket 119 and the upper basket 120, and does not come into contact with a part of the user's body, and safety is improved.

The fog generating compartment 139 of the preferred embodiment is for generating fog through an electrostatic fog generating system, and water droplets are destroyed and sprayed by high voltage or other electrical energy, and fine mist is generated. Since the mist formed has an electric charge, the mist has a charge with a polarity opposite to that of a given object, such as vegetables and fruits. For example, by spraying negatively charged drops of mist towards positively charged vegetables and fruits, a cohesive force is created on the vegetables and fruits, and the fog settles more evenly on the surface of the vegetables. At the same time, the degree of “attachment” of fog drops increases compared to fog that does not have an electric charge. Sprayed droplets of fine mist are delivered directly to the vegetable container, and fine mist can settle on the surface of vegetables by utilizing the potential of fine mist and vegetables, and freshness can be maintained in a more efficient manner.

In addition, the replenishment water used in the preferred embodiment is not tap water supplied from the outside, but is water resulting from dew condensation. It is free of minerals and impurities, and water deterioration due to clogging at the front end of the spray electrode can be prevented.

Fog in a preferred embodiment contains radicals, and agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the surface of vegetables can be decomposed and removed by a very small amount of water, and water savings and low power consumption are achieved.

Since the electrostatic fog generator 131 is mounted above the evaporator 112, if the freezing cycle is carried out using isobutane or propane or the refrigerant leaks, the vegetable chamber 107 is not contaminated, since the refrigerant is heavier than air and is very safe.

In addition, since when using the vegetable chamber 107, a compartment 139 for generating fog in the upper part of the vegetable chamber 107, if the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant piping in the main body of the refrigerator or the like, it will remain in the lower part of the chamber 107 for vegetables, and there will be no problems.

Since no part of the vegetable chamber 107 is in direct contact with the refrigerant piping or the like, the refrigerant will not leak directly from the refrigerant piping.

Preferred Embodiment 4

A longitudinal section showing a section in which the refrigerator according to the preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts is almost the same as in FIG. 1. A front view of the essential parts showing the inside of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention is the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, when viewed in the direction of the arrows indicating a sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-3 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-3 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The drawing shows that the rear partition 111 has a surface located at the rear end of the partition 151 as a partition designed to isolate the vegetable chamber 107 as a food storage chamber, and this surface is formed from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer . In addition, the rear wall 111 also has an exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, designed to allow cold air to cool another food storage chamber, such as a freezer 108, and a heat-insulating element 152 to provide thermal insulation for the food storage chamber. It also has a partition plate 161 for isolating the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer and the cooling chamber 110. Between the surface of the partition 151 located at the rear end on the side of the vegetable chamber 107 and the channel 141 for discharging air from the freezer, a heat-insulating element 152 made of polystyrene foam is formed to maintain thermal insulation. Between the surface of the partition 151 located at the rear end and the heat-insulating element 152, a heater 154 or other heating device is provided for controlling the temperature of the vegetable chamber 107 in order to prevent dew condensation on the surface.

In this case, the recess 111a is made on a portion of the wall surface of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the food storage chamber, the electrostatic spray device 131 is inserted in this place.

The electrostatic spray device 131 sprays mist droplets from water resulting from condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135 from moisture in the air around the mist generation section 139 by cooling the spray electrode 135 provided in the fog generation section 139 to a temperature that is lower than the temperature corresponding to the dew point by means of an evaporator.

Currently, dew condensation in a preferred embodiment, the low temperature air passing in the freezer outlet 141 is used as an evaporator, and the spray electrode 135 is not cooled directly, and the spray electrode 135 is cooled via a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material having a greater heat capacity than the spray electrode 135.

It is desirable that the rear side of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material, that is, the heat-insulating element 152 from the side of the cooling chamber 110, is (has) been made (made) thin (them) to provide cooling of the rod 134 of the heat-conducting material, as explained in connection with FIG. 3 related to preferred embodiment 1. However, if an extremely thin part is formed during molding from expanded polystyrene or the like, the stiffness of the thin part is reduced, and defects such as a crack or hole may be formed due to a lack of strength or molding with abnormalities, and a quality reduction can occur.

In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 162 is formed on the heat-insulating element 152 near the rear side of the cooling rod 134. As a result, compared to the flat portion, the rigidity of the periphery of the cooling rod 134 is increased, and the wall thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 is increased, and the rigidity is increased. In addition, through the protrusion 162, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled both from the side and from the back.

Furthermore, in order to reduce the increase in the bore of the air channel, the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 is formed with a taper so that it will be thinner as it approaches the front end.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 of a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration are explained below.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled through the heat-insulating element 152 of the heat-absorbing material. Therefore, the fog generating compartment 139 is indirectly cooled through a cooling rod 134, and is also indirectly cooled through a double structure through a heat-insulating member 152 of heat-absorbing material. Accordingly, there is no excessive cooling of the fog generating compartment 139. If there is excessive cooling of the fog generating compartment 139, the amount of dew condensing in the fog generating compartment 139 increases, and the fog generation load increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases, and the fog generating compartment 139 can be frozen , and there may be a malfunction in the generation of fog. However, in this preferred embodiment, defects caused by a similar increase in load in the fog generating compartment 139 can be prevented, and an adequate amount of condensing dew is maintained, and stable formation of spray mist is carried out at low cost.

The spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled in a “double” structure through a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material and a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material, and direct effects due to changes in temperature of the low temperature cooling section passing in the exhaust air duct 141 can be reduced. for the freezer, to compartment 139 for generating fog. Thus, load fluctuations in the mist generation compartment 139 can be suppressed, and spray mist is generated with a stable number of mist droplets.

Since the cooling rod 134 is cooled by the cold air formed in the cooling chamber 110 and the cooling rod 134 is formed of a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity, the cooling section can provide the required cooling only by heat transfer from the air channel with the flow of cold air formed in the evaporator 112.

In this case, the cooling rod 134 in this preferred embodiment has a protrusion 134a formed on the side opposite to the fog generating compartment 139. Therefore, in the fog generating compartment 139, the end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a will be closest to the cooling section. Accordingly, the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the mist generation compartment 139 from the spray electrode 135 by means of cold air from the cooling section.

Thus, in the part open for exposure from the side of the vegetable chamber 107, only the mist generation section 139 is cooled by heat transfer, and the dew condenses and fog forms in the mist generation section 139. Other locations are thermally insulated, and dew condensation can be prevented, for example, at outlet wall 137.

There is no part between the electrostatic spray device 131 and the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, which communicates between them, and low temperature air does not leak into the chamber. Therefore, dew condensation or other deviations associated with low temperatures will not occur in the vegetable chamber 107 and on the peripheral parts.

Since the cooling section is formed with a simple structure, a fog generating compartment 139 is obtained, characterized by low failure rate and high reliability. In addition, since the cooling rod 134 and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled by using a cooling source from a freezing cycle, fog can be generated at low energy consumption.

The rear baffle 111 having a mist generation compartment 139 has a recess 111a formed on a portion from the side of the vegetable chamber 107, and a mist generation compartment 139 having a protrusion 134a is “inserted” into this recess 111a. Therefore, the heat-insulating element 152, designed to form the rear walls 111 of the chamber 107 for vegetables, can be used as heat-absorbing material. Therefore, in the absence of the need for any separate heat-absorbing material, only by adjusting the thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 and by means of a similar heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 can be cooled appropriately, and the fog generating section 139 can be formed with a simpler structure.

In the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer provided on the rear side of the rear wall 111, a protrusion 162 with a partially conical shape is formed on the heat-insulating element 152. This protrusion 162 is formed with a small inclination angle that does not interfere with the direction of flow of cold air, and a decrease in cooling capacity is prevented . Since at the same time, the heat transfer zone for the cooling rod 134 is increased, the cooling efficiency of the cooling rod 134 is increased.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the heat-insulating element 152 of the rear wall 111 near the rear side of the cooling rod 134 is provided with a protrusion 162 protruding into the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer. Therefore, compared with the case of the formation of a flat plane from the side of the cooling rod 134 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer without the formation of a protrusion 162 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the stiffness of the zone around the cooling rod 134 is increased, and a sufficient wall thickness of the heat insulation is maintained element 152, and if the stiffness is further increased, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material can be cooled both from the side and from the back. Therefore, the surface area for heat transfer can be increased, and the stiffness of the zone around the cooling rod 134 can be increased without reducing the cooling efficiency of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material.

In addition, due to the formation of the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 with a taper so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the front end, cold air will flow around the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 having a curved surface with respect to the direction of flow of cold air, and decreases the increase in air channel resistance. Since at the same time, the cooling rod 134 is evenly cooled from the outer circumferential periphery of the peripheral wall, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material can be cooled evenly. Therefore, the spray electrode 135 can be cooled efficiently through the cooling rod 134.

The cooling rod 134 can provide a “storage” of a certain degree of heat capacity and a weakening reaction to changes in heat transfer from the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the temperature of the spray electrode 135. The cooling rod 134 also performs the function of storing cooling heat, and a certain dew condensation time is guaranteed on the spray electrode 135, and freezing can be prevented.

Since the fog generating device is an electrostatic spray device 131, the particle size of the fine mist formed is very small, and the fine mist has strong diffusion ability, reaching the entire space of the vegetable chamber 107 in which the spray is to be carried out. Fine mist formed by spraying is produced by a high voltage discharge and has a negative charge. Since the vegetable chamber 107 contains positively charged vegetables and fruits, spray mist drops are more likely to settle on the surface of the vegetables, and moisture on the surface of the vegetables rises, and moisture can penetrate the cells from the surface, so freshness can be improved.

The nanoscale fog, particles of which adhere to the surface of vegetables, contains OH radicals and traces of ozone. It is effective in killing germs, counteracting germs and removing germs, and in addition, it helps to increase the content of nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables by removing agricultural chemicals and their oxidation and decomposition.

If there is no water at the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance becomes larger, and the air insulation layer cannot be destroyed, and the discharge phenomenon does not occur. As a result, no current will flow between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136. This phenomenon will be detected by the control device 146 of the refrigerator 100, and the high voltage of the voltage supply device 133 can be turned on and off, so that the heat load in the chamber is suppressed while saving energy.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the conical protrusion 162 protruding into the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer is formed on the heat-insulating element 152 on the rear side of the cooling rod 134 in the form of a protrusion 134a of the fog generating section 139. Therefore, by increasing the stiffness of the heat-insulating element 152, the separation of the heat-insulating element 152 can be facilitated. In addition, by minimizing the resistance to passage in the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, it is possible to maintain the cooling ability of the cooling rod 134.

By reliably ensuring a certain wall thickness from the heat-insulating element 152, in the preferred embodiment, there will be no leakage of cold air between the vegetable chamber 107 and the adjacent portion of the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer, and dew or condensation on the outlet wall 137 can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet air passage 141 for the freezer is an air passage serving as a cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134, but the same passage may be played by another passage for passing low temperature air, such as a passage for discharging air from the ice maker 106 or the return air channel of the freezer 108. You can use cold air from the chamber to store food with a lower temperature than in the chamber 107 for vegetables, while there is no There is a restriction on the air passage. As a result, the area of possible installation of the electrostatic spray device 131 is expanded.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 is cold air cooled by using a cooling source generated during the freezing cycle in the refrigerator, but it is also possible to use heat transfer from the cooling tube by using cold air at low temperature from cooling source in the refrigerator. As a result, by adjusting the temperature of the cooling tube, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled to a predetermined temperature, and it is easy to adjust the temperature while cooling the spray electrode 135.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 is low temperature air, but it can be realized by an auxiliary component such as a thermoelectric element (Peltier element) using the Peltier effect. In this case, by supplying voltage to the thermoelectric element, the temperature at the front end of the spray electrode 135 can be controlled to provide very precise temperature control.

In a preferred embodiment, no buffer material is used between the exit wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 and the recess 111a in the heat insulating element 152. However, it is preferable to provide polyurethane foam or other absorbent material between the exit to prevent moisture from entering the cooling rod 134 or to prevent loosening. the wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 and the recess 111a in the heat-insulating element 152. In p As a result, moisture penetration into the cooling rod 134 can be prevented, and dew condensation on the heat-insulating member 152 can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the water holding member may be positioned around the spray electrode 135. As a result, water resulting from dew condensation generated near the spray electrode 135 can be held close to the spray electrode 135 and can be properly supplied to the spray electrode 135. In addition, by arranging the vegetable chamber 107 with a water holding member or a closing means, high humidity can be maintained.

In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable chamber 107 is used as a food storage chamber for spray misting in the mist generation section 139, but it can be replaced by a food storage chamber with a different temperature zone, such as a refrigerated chamber 104 or chamber 105 with switchable temperature, and in this case, various applications can be expanded.

Preferred Embodiment 5

A longitudinal section showing a section in which the refrigerator of the preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts is almost the same as in FIG. 1. A front view of the essential parts showing the inside of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention is the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, when viewed in the direction of the arrows indicating a sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-4 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-4 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The drawing shows that the rear wall 111 has a surface located at the rear end of the wall 151 formed from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer. In addition, the rear partition 111 also has a heat-insulating member 152 formed of polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation between the surface of the rear end of the partition 151 and the air outlet 141 for the freezer. There is also a partition plate 161 to provide insulation between the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer and the cooling chamber 110. Between the surface of the partition 151 located at the rear end on the side of the vegetable chamber 107 and the heat-insulating element 152, a heater 154 or other heating device is provided for controlling the temperature in the vegetable chamber 107 or for preventing dew condensation on the surface.

In this case, the through section 165 is made in the wall portion of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the vegetable chamber 107, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is installed in this place.

The electrostatic spray device 131 sprays mist droplets from water generated by condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135 from moisture in the air around the mist generation compartment 139 by cooling the mist generation compartment 139 to generate a spray electrode cooling 135 provided in the mist generation compartment 139, to a temperature that is lower than the temperature corresponding to the dew point by means of an evaporator.

At the moment, dew condensation in a preferred embodiment, low temperature air passing in the freezer outlet 141 is used as an evaporator. The spray electrode 135 is not cooled directly, and the spray electrode 135 is cooled via a cooling rod 134 having a higher heat capacity than the spray electrode 135.

The electrostatic spray device 131 consists mainly of a mist generation compartment 139, a voltage supply device 133 and an output wall 137, and a part of the output wall 137 includes a spray channel 132 and a moisture supply channel 138. A spray electrode 135 is provided in the fog generating compartment 139, and the spray electrode 135 is attached to and fixed to the cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material such as aluminum or stainless steel. It is also electrically connected to one end of the wiring from the voltage supply device 133.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material has a high heat capacity that is more than 50 times or more up to 1000 times or less, preferably 100 times or more up to 500 times or less, the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the fog generating compartment. For example, aluminum or copper or other material with high thermal conductivity is preferred, and to ensure the transfer of heat of cooling from one end to the other end of the cooling rod 134 with high heat transfer efficiency, it is desirable that its periphery be covered with a heat-insulating element 152.

Thus, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 is more than 50 times, or preferably more than 100 times, the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135, and the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode are reduced. As a result, stable fogging by spraying occurs at less load fluctuations.

As the upper limit of heat capacity, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 exceeds the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135 by 500 times or less or 1000 times or less. If the heat capacity is too large, more energy will be required to cool the cooling rod 134, and stable cooling of the cooling rod will be difficult with a small amount of energy. If the fluctuations in the thermal loads acting on the side of the cooling section change, then direct control of the spray electrode can be reduced within a range with a similar upper limit, and stable cooling of the spray electrode can be achieved while saving energy.

In addition, by adjusting the heat capacity within a range with a similar upper limit, it is possible to adjust the amount of time required to cool the spray electrode through the cooling rod 134, within an appropriate interval. As a result, a delay in the start of cooling of the spray electrode, that is, the start of water supply to the fog generator, can be prevented, and the spray electrode can be stably and properly cooled.

As in this preferred embodiment, in the case where the cooling rod 134 is provided in the through section 165, the rigidity of the heat-insulating wall can be reduced if it is formed by molding from polystyrene foam or the like, and defects such as a crack or hole may be formed due to lack of strength or abnormal molding.

In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 162 protruding into the channel 141 for discharging air from the freezer is made on the heat-insulating element 152 of the rear partition 111 next to the through section 165, in which there is a cooling rod 134. As a result, in comparison with the case of the formation of a flat the plane from the side of the cooling rod 134 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer without forming a protrusion 162 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the stiffness on the periphery of the through about section 165 is increased, and the wall thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 is increased, and the stiffness is further increased. In addition, through the protrusion 162, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled both from the side and from the back.

In addition, to reduce the increase in resistance in the air channel, the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 is formed with a taper so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the front end.

If, in this case, the cooling rod 134 is installed directly in the air channel of the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the cooling becomes excessive and the amount of dew condensing on the spray electrode 135 increases too much, or freezing may occur.

Accordingly, the through-hole portion 165 is formed in a heat-insulating element near the rear side of the cooling rod 134, and the cooling rod 134 is inserted into this hole, and its periphery is surrounded by a heat-conducting rod closure member 166 made of polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) or another polymer material having both thermal insulation properties and water resistance, so that thermal insulation is guaranteed.

The heat-conducting rod closure member 166 may also be made of rust-resistant, insulation tape or the like. Although not shown in the drawing, when the buffer material and the cover member 166 for the heat-conducting rod are provided in the through-section 165 and the sealing is ensured, it is more effective in preventing the penetration of cold air from the freezing chamber outlet 141 to the periphery of the cooling rod 134.

Greater efficiency in blocking the access of cold air is provided by gluing a tape not shown or the like to the surface of the hole 167 of the through portion 165.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 of a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration are explained below.

The cooling rod 134 is cooled via the heat transfer rod closure member 166, and the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled via the heat transfer rod 134. It is also indirectly cooled via a double structure via the heat transfer rod intended for the heat transfer rod, the closure element 166 of heat absorbing material. Accordingly, there is no excessive cooling of the atomization electrode 135. If the atomization electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew will increase excessively and the load on the mist generation section 139 will increase, and the power consumed by the electrostatic atomization device 131 will increase, and the generation section 139 fog can be frozen, and there may be disturbances in the generation of fog. However, by providing indirect cooling by means of a double structure, malfunctions due to a similar increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139 can be prevented. Consequently, an appropriate amount of condensing dew is maintained, and stable spray mist formation is achieved at low power consumption.

The spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material and heat-absorbing material of the closure member 166 for the heat-conducting rod, heat-insulating element 152. As a result, the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode 135 can be reduced and fluctuations the load acting on the spray electrode 135 can be suppressed, and the formation of mist by spraying stable and "quantity" of fog.

The cooling heat conducting rod 134 is cooled by the cold air formed in the cooling chamber 110, and the cooling rod 134 is formed from a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the cooling section can provide cooling in the required manner only due to heat transfer from the air channel (exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer) through the flow of cold air generated in the evaporator 112.

In this case, the cooling rod 134 in this preferred embodiment has a protrusion 134a formed on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135. Therefore, in the mist generation compartment 139, the end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a will be closest to the cooling section, and the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the spray electrode 135 with cold air from the cooling section.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 162 protruding into the channel 141 for discharging air from the freezer is made on the heat-insulating element 152 near the through section 165. Therefore, if the stiffness rises at the periphery of the through section 165, the cooling rod 134 may be cooled both from the side and from the back. Therefore, the surface area for heat transfer can be increased, and the rigidity at the periphery of the cooling rod 134 can be increased without compromising the cooling efficiency of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material.

In addition, the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 is formed with a taper so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the front end. As a result, cold air will flow around the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 having a curved surface with respect to the direction of flow of cold air, and the increase in the resistance of the air channel is eliminated, and the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is evenly cooled from the outer circumferential periphery of the side wall. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled evenly, and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled efficiently through the cooling rod 134.

The through section 165 is formed only in the part of the heat-insulating element 152 from the rear side of the cooling rod 134, and no thin-walled section is created, and the polystyrene foam can be molded easily, and there is no problem of destruction during the assembly process.

In the configuration of this preferred embodiment, the part in contact with the cooling section on the rear side of the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 is a material with a buffering effect on heat. The buffering action of a material having a buffering action with respect to heat with respect to heat can be controlled by varying the thickness of a portion of the closure member 166 for a heat-conducting rod in contact with cold air. Therefore, the cooling state of the cooling rod 134 can be easily changed, and when used in refrigerators with different storage containers, for example, this can be applied by varying the thickness of the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod depending on the heat load of the cold flow rate.

There is no gap between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the surface of the through section 165, and the opening of the through section 165 is hermetically sealed with tape or the like to block the penetration of cold air from an adjacent section. Therefore, air with a low temperature does not leak into the chamber, and dew condensation or deviations due to low temperature will not occur in the vegetable chamber 107 or on the peripheral parts.

Thus, when cooling the cooling rod 134 by means of the cooling section, it is cooled from the end portion 134b that is farthest from the spray electrode 135. Therefore, after cooling the cooling rod 134 having a high heat capacity, the spray electrode 135 is cooled by the cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material, and the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode 135 can be further reduced and stability can be realized ie the formation of a spray mist with smaller load fluctuations.

Drops of the fine mist formed are sprayed into the vegetable chamber 107, but since the particles are very small and the diffusion is strong, the fine mist reaches all parts of the vegetable chamber 107.

Since the fog generating device is an electrostatic spray device 131, the fine mist formed has a very small particle size and strong diffusion and reaches the entire space of the vegetable chamber 107 in which the spray is to be carried out. Spray droplets of fine mist are formed due to a high-voltage discharge and are negatively charged. Chamber 107 for vegetables contains vegetables and fruits with a positive charge. Consequently, atomized droplets of fog are more likely to settle on the surface of vegetables, and freshness can be better preserved.

The nanoscale mist, whose droplets adhere to the surface of vegetables, contains OH radicals and traces of ozone and is effective in killing germs, counteracting germs and removing germs, and, in addition, it increases the content of nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables by removing agricultural chemicals and their oxidation and decomposition.

If, in the case of using spray water to generate mist resulting from condensation of dew by condensing dew from moisture in air by cooling the spray electrode 135, as in the preferred embodiment, there is no water on the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance becomes larger and the air layer isolation cannot be destroyed, and the phenomenon of discharge does not occur. As a result, no current will flow between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136, but this phenomenon will be detected by the control device 146 of the refrigerator 100, and the high voltage of the voltage supply device 133 can be turned on and off, so that the heat load in the chamber decreases while energy saving.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, when the cooling rod 134 is configured with a protrusion 134a in the fog generating compartment 139, a through portion 165 is formed in the heat-insulating member 152, and the cooling rod 134 is inserted in this place, and the heat-conducting rod closing member 166 is provided at the periphery. As a result, the heat-insulating element 152 can be molded easily while maintaining the cooling ability of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material.

By covering the lateral side and the rear side of the cooling rod 134 with an integrally molded, heat-conducting rod closure member 166, the penetration of cold air from the freezer outlet 14 to the periphery of the cooling rod 134 can be effectively prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, a buffer material may be provided at the periphery of the cooling rod 134. As a result, the gap between the through portion 165 and the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod may be narrowed, and the leakage of cold air can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the hole 167 of the through section 165 is not covered by tape or other insulating material, but it can also be closed. As a result, leakage of cold air can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet air passage 141 for the freezer is an air passage designed to cool the cooling rod 134, but the same passage may be played by another passage for passing low temperature air, such as a passage for discharging air from the ice maker 106 or the return air the channel of the freezing chamber 108. As a result, the area of the possible installation of the electrostatic spray device 131 is expanded.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 comprises cold air cooled by using a cooling source generated during a freezing cycle in the refrigerator 100. But it may also be possible to use heat transfer from the cooling tube by using cold air at low temperature. from the cooling source in the refrigerator 100. As a result, by controlling the temperature of the cooling tube, the cooling guide rod 134 of conductive material may be cooled to a predetermined temperature, and thus easily control the temperature when cooling atomizing electrode 135 as the actuating element for mist generation department.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 may be implemented by an auxiliary component, such as a thermoelectric element (Peltier element), using the Peltier effect. In this case, by supplying voltage to the thermoelectric element, the temperature at the front end of the spray electrode 135 can be controlled to provide very precise temperature control.

In a preferred embodiment, buffer material is not used between the outlet wall 137 of the electrostatic atomizing device 131 and the recess 111a in the heat insulating element 152. However, to prevent moisture from entering the cooling rod 134 or to prevent loosening, it is possible to provide polyurethane foam or other absorbent material between the outlet the wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 and the recess 111a in the heat-insulating element 152. As a result ozhet be prevented from penetration of moisture into the cooling pin 134 can be prevented, and dew condensation on the heat-insulating member 152.

Preferred Embodiment 6

A longitudinal section showing a section in which the refrigerator according to the preferred embodiment 6 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts is almost the same as in FIG. 1. A front view of the essential parts showing the inside of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 6 of the present invention, the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as shown in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 6 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-5 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-5 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The drawing shows that the rear wall 111 consists of a surface located at the rear end of the wall 151 formed from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a heat-insulating element 152 formed from polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation between the surface located at the rear end of the partition 151 and the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer. There is also a partition plate 161 to provide insulation between the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer and the cooling chamber 110. Between the surface of the partition 151 located at the rear end on the side of the vegetable chamber 107 and the heat-insulating element 152, a heater 154 or other heating device is provided for controlling the temperature in the vegetable chamber 107 or for preventing dew condensation on the surface.

In this case, the through section 165 is made in the wall portion of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the vegetable chamber 107, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is installed in this place.

The electrostatic spray device 131 mainly consists of a mist generation compartment 139, a voltage supply device 133 and an output wall 137, and a spray channel 132 and a moisture supply channel 138 are formed on a portion of the output wall 137.

The electrostatic spray device 131 generates mist by spraying water generated by condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135 from moisture in the air around the mist generation compartment 139 by cooling the spray electrode 135 provided in the mist generation compartment 139 to a temperature that is lower than the temperature corresponding dew point by means of an evaporator.

At the moment, dew condensation in a preferred embodiment, low temperature air passing in the freezer outlet 141 is used as an evaporator. The spray electrode 135 is not cooled directly, and the spray electrode 135 is cooled via a cooling rod 134 having a higher heat capacity than the spray electrode 135.

The spray electrode 135 is mounted in the fog generating compartment 139, and the spray electrode 135 is attached to and fixed to the cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material such as aluminum or stainless steel. It is also electrically connected to one end of the wiring from the voltage supply device 133.

The cooling rod 134 has a large heat capacity which is 50 times or more up to 1000 times or less, preferably 100 times or more up to 500 times or less, the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135. For example, aluminum or copper or other material with high thermal conductivity is preferred , and to ensure the transfer of heat of cooling from one end to the other end of the cooling rod 134 with high heat transfer efficiency, it is desirable that its periphery be covered with a heat-insulating element 152.

Thus, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 is more than 50 times, or preferably more than 100 times, higher than the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135. As a result, the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode are reduced, and stable fogging by spraying occurs with less load fluctuations.

As an upper limit of heat capacity, the heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 exceeds the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135 by 500 times or less, or preferably 1000 times or less. If the heat capacity is too large, more energy will be required to cool the cooling rod 134, and stable cooling of the cooling rod will be difficult with a small amount of energy.

If the fluctuations in the thermal loads acting on the side of the cooling section change, then direct control of the spray electrode can be reduced within a range with a similar upper limit, and stable cooling of the spray electrode can be achieved while saving energy. In addition, by adjusting the heat capacity within a range with a similar upper limit, it is possible to adjust the amount of time required to cool the spray electrode through the cooling rod 134, within an appropriate interval. As a result, a delay in the start of cooling of the spray electrode 135, that is, the start of the water supply to the fog generator, can be prevented, and the spray electrode can be stably and properly cooled.

A through section 165 is formed on the rear side of the recess 111a, and a protrusion 134a of the cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material is provided in this through section 165.

Since a cooling rod 134 is provided in the through portion 165, the rigidity of the heat-insulating wall can be reduced if it is formed by polystyrene foam molding or the like, and defects such as a crack or hole may be formed due to lack of strength or abnormal molding.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 162, protruding into the channel 141, designed to exhaust air from the freezer and in contact with the partition plate 161 at the front end, is made on the heat-insulating element 152 near the through section 165. As a result, compared with the case of formation on a flat plane from the side of the cooling rod 134 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer without forming a protrusion 162 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the stiffness on se ries of the through portion 165 is increased, and increased wall thickness of the heat insulating member 152, and the stiffness is further improved. In addition, through the protrusion 162, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled both from the side and from the back.

If, in this case, the cooling rod 134 is inserted directly into the air channel, the air outlet channel 141 for the freezer, the cooling becomes excessive, and the amount of dew condensing on the spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the fog generation compartment increases too much, or freezing may occur.

Accordingly, the through section 165 is made in the heat-insulating element 152 from the rear side of the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion 162 protruding into the channel 141 for discharging air from the freezer and in contact with the partition plate 161 at the front end is made on the heat-insulating element 152 near with through section 165. As a result, by inserting the cooling rod 134 into the through section 165 and providing thermal insulation, the cooling rod 134 does not directly contact the cooling section and the aktiruet with the insulating member 152 of the heat sink material through a partition plate 161.

In this case, the entire side of the cooling rod 134 with a circular columnar shape is covered by a heat-insulating element 152.

The hole 167 of the through section 165 is protected from the air channel by means of a partition plate 161 providing insulation between the channel 141 for discharging air from the freezer and the cooling chamber 110, and tightness will be ensured.

More effectively, if the flow of cold air is blocked by gluing an unshown tape or the like to the surface of the hole 167 of the through portion 165.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 of a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration are explained below.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled laterally through the protrusion 162 of the heat-insulating element 152. Therefore, the mist generation section 139 is indirectly cooled via the heat-conducting rod 134. It is also indirectly cooled by the double structure via the protrusion 162 of the heat-insulating element 152. Accordingly, the fog generating compartment 139 will not be excessively cooled.

The peripheral periphery of the cooling rod 134 with a circular columnar shape is closed to form a conical part by means of the heat-insulating element 152, and the thinnest part of the heat-insulating wall is the side farthest from the spray electrode 135. Therefore, the part located next to the hole 167, especially on the outer the peripheral periphery of the side of the cooling rod 134, cools most strongly, and other parts are also cooled evenly from the outer circumference of the side tenki.

The side of the end of the cooling rod 134 from the side of the air channel of the freezer outlet 141 is closed from the air channel of the freezer outlet 141 by the partition plate 161. In addition, a certain distance is provided at the end surface of the protrusion 162, and the partition plate 161 is pressed and installed. As a result, a certain distance for leakage is provided, and cold air directly to the cooling rod 134 from the heat-conducting material is prevented from entering. In addition, the tightness can be improved by gluing a tape or the like to the end surface. Thus, if temperature changes in the refrigerator 100 are significant due to ambient temperature, temperature in the chambers, or defrost control, then by fixing the area of the hole 167 of the through section 165 relative to the partition plate 161, the cooling rod 134 and the fog generating section 139 can be firmly fixed in case of thermal deformation.

The through section 165 is formed only in the part of the heat-insulating element 152 from the rear side of the cooling rod 134, and no thin-walled part is formed, and the polystyrene foam can be easily molded and there are no problems associated with breakdowns during the assembly process.

There is no gap between the cooling rod 134 and the surface of the through section 165, and the hole 167 of the through section 165 is hermetically sealed with tape or the like to block the penetration of cold air. Therefore, there is no communication part, and low temperature air does not leak into the chamber, and dew condensation or deviations due to low temperature will not occur in the chamber 107 for vegetables or peripheral parts.

As a result, the thickness of the rear wall 111 decreases, and the capacity of the camera is further increased.

Thus, when cooling by the cooling section, the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 on the side farthest from the spray electrode 135 cools most. Therefore, after cooling the cooling rod 134 having a high heat capacity, the spray electrode 135 is cooled by the cooling rod 134, and the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section on the spray electrode 135 can be further reduced, and stable fogging by spraying with less load fluctuations can be achieved. .

Since the fog generator is an electrostatic spray device 131, the particles of the fine mist formed are very small, and the diffusion is strong, and the fine mist reaches all parts of the vegetable chamber 107. Sprayed droplets of fine mist are generated by high voltage discharge and have a negative charge, while the vegetable chamber 107 contains positively charged vegetables and fruits, and sprayed droplets of mist are likely to settle on the surface of vegetables, and freshness can be improved.

The nanoscale fog, particles of which adhere to the surface of vegetables, contains OH radicals and traces of ozone, and it is effective in killing germs, counteracting germs and removing germs, and in addition, it increases the content of nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables by removing agricultural chemicals and their oxidation and decomposition.

If there is no water at the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance becomes larger, and the air insulation layer cannot be destroyed, and the discharge phenomenon does not occur. As a result, no current will flow between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136. This phenomenon will be detected by the control device 146 of the refrigerator 100, and the high voltage of the voltage supply device 133 can be turned on and off, so that the heat load in the chamber is reduced while saving energy.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the through portion 165 is formed in the heat insulating element 152, and the cooling rod 134 is inserted in this place, and the end surface of the cooling rod 134 is closed by the partition plate 161. As a result, the cooling rod 134 is cooled through the protrusion 162 of the thermal insulation element 152 and the partition plate 161. Therefore, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by the cooling rod 134. In addition, it can be indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through the protrusion 162 of the heat-insulating element 152. Therefore, this provides an effective prevention of excessive cooling of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the fog generating compartment. The end surface of the cooling rod 134 on the side of the air channel of the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer is closed from the air channel of the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer through the partition plate 161. In addition, a certain distance is provided at the end surface of the protrusion 162, and the partition plate 161 is pressed and installed, and provides some distance for seepage, and prevents the ingress of cold air directly onto the cooling rod 134.

As a result, the supercooling of the cooling rod 134 is prevented, and the supercooling or condensation of dew in the food storage chamber 107 caused by leakage of cold air or the like can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 162 protruding into the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer is formed on the heat-insulating element 152 of the rear partition 111 adjacent to the rear side of the cooling rod 134. Therefore, in comparison with the case of the formation of an even plane from the side of the cooling rod 134 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer without the formation of a protrusion 162 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the rigidity at the periphery of the cooling rod 134 increases, and I cool rd pin 134 of heat conducting material can be cooled from the side. Therefore, the surface area for heat transfer can be increased, and the rigidity at the periphery of the cooling rod 134 is increased without compromising the cooling efficiency of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material.

In addition, the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 is formed with a taper so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the front end, and cool air will flow around the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 having a curved surface with respect to the direction of flow of cold air. Therefore, the increase in the resistance of the air channel in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer is reduced, and the cooling rod 134 is evenly cooled from the outer circumferential periphery of the side wall. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled evenly, and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled efficiently through the cooling rod 134.

The shape of the protrusion 162 may be a circular columnar shape, and the cooling rod 134 may be cooled evenly from the side of the cooling rod 134, and more uniform cooling is performed.

If the temperature changes in the refrigerator 100 are significant due to the ambient temperature, the temperature in the chambers, or the defrost control, in the preferred embodiment, by fixing the area of the hole 167 of the through section 165 relative to the partition plate 161, the cooling rod 134 and the fog generating section 139 can be firmly fixed in case of thermal deformation.

In a preferred embodiment, buffer material may be provided at the periphery of the cooling rod 134. As a result, the cooling rod 134 and the through section 165 can be tightly connected, and the leakage of cold air can be prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the hole 167 of the through section 165 is not covered by adhesive tape or other insulating material, but it can also be closed. As a result, the leakage of cold air can be prevented in a more reliable way.

In a preferred embodiment, buffer material is not used between the exit wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 and the through section 165 of the heat insulating element 152. However, to prevent moisture from entering the cooling rod 134 or to prevent loosening, it is possible to provide polyurethane foam or other absorbent material between the exit the wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 and the recess 111a in the heat-insulating element 152 or through th portion 165. Alternatively, as shown in the preferred embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 7, a closure element may be provided for the heat-conducting rod. As a result, moisture penetration into the cooling rod 134 can be prevented, and dew condensation on the heat-insulating member 152 can be prevented.

Preferred Embodiment 7

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of essential parts, showing a cross section of a refrigerator in accordance with a preferred embodiment 7 of the present invention, with a vertical section of the vegetable chamber and its periphery at a part of the partition, and this chamber and its periphery divided into right and left parts. FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of a refrigerator taken along line B B in FIG. 9, when viewed in the direction of the arrows indicating a section, in accordance with preferred embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a section taken along line C C in FIG. 10, when viewed in the direction of the arrows indicating the cut, and this section illustrates the upper partition of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in accordance with the preferred embodiment 7 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-6 are explained, and parts of the same configuration as those described in preferred embodiments 1-6 or applicable to the same technical idea are omitted.

It can be seen in the drawing that the thermally insulated body 101, which is the main body of the refrigerator provided in the refrigerator 100, consists of an outer casing 102 made mainly of a steel plate, an inner casing 103 molded from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a foamed heat-insulating material, such as rigid polyurethane foam, foamed and filling the space between the outer casing 102 and the inner casing 103. The heat-insulated cabinet 101 is divided into GUSTs chambers for storing products, thermally isolated from the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable chamber 107 is located in the lowermost part of the refrigerator 100, and the freezer 108 with a comparatively low temperature setting corresponding to the freezing temperature is located in the upper part and the space is divided by a partition 174 and divided into parts in the form of food storage chambers .

A cooling chamber 110 is provided at the rear side of the freezer 108 to generate cold air, and the space between them includes air channels for moving cold air into each thermally insulated chamber, and a rear wall 111 for providing thermal insulation of each chamber.

The cold air generated in the evaporator 112 of the cooling chamber 110 is transferred to each chamber by means of a cooling fan 113. As for the vegetable chamber 107 of the preferred embodiment, the cold air formed in the evaporator 112 passes to the vegetable chamber 107 through the exhaust air duct 182 for the vegetable chamber, directly or through the channel for returning air that has undergone heat exchange in another chamber, and again returns to the evaporator 112 from the inlet air channel 181 for cameras for vegetables.

On the upper side of the chamber 107 for vegetables made a partition 174, designed to separate it from the freezer 108.

The partition 174 consists of a partition 173 on the side of the vegetable chamber and a partition 172 on the side of the freezer, made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a heat-insulating element 171 formed between them and made of polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam to provide thermal insulation. A recess 174a is made in a part of the wall of the partition 174 from the side of the vegetable chamber 107 so that the temperature in it is lower than in other parts, and the electrostatic spray device 131 and the air channel 177 for fog are located in this place.

The electrostatic spray device 131 mainly consists of a mist generation compartment 139 and a voltage supply device 133. The spray electrode 135 is installed in the fog generating compartment 139, and the spray electrode 135 is attached to a cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material such as aluminum, stainless steel or brass, and is electrically connected at one end to a wire from the voltage supply device 133.

The heat capacity of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is more than 50 times or preferably more than 100 times the heat capacity of the spray electrode 135. For example, aluminum or copper or other material with high thermal conductivity is preferred, and to ensure efficient heat transfer from one end to the other end the cooling rod 134, it is desirable that its periphery was covered with insulating material.

From the point of view of long-term use, it is also important to maintain heat transfer between the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134. Therefore, to prevent moisture or the like from entering the connecting part, an epoxy resin or the like is cast to reduce thermal resistance, and the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134 fixed. Or, to reduce thermal resistance, the spray electrode 135 may be pressed into the cooling rod 134 and fixed therein.

It is necessary that the cooling rod 134 provides the transfer of the cooling temperature in the heat-insulating material for the thermal isolation of the food storage chamber from the evaporator 112 or the air duct. Therefore, it is desirable that its length is 5 mm or more, or preferably 10 mm or more. However, if the length is more than 30 mm, its effect decreases, and the thickness of the partition 174 increases, and the capacity of the chamber decreases.

The electrostatic spray device 131 installed in the vegetable chamber 107 is exposed to a high humidity environment, and humidity can affect the cooling rod 134, and it is desirable that the cooling rod 134 is made of corrosion-resistant or anti-rust metal material, or it is desirable that the surface of the material be treated with alumite (alum clay) or subjected to another treatment for coating.

The cooling rod 134 is inserted into a recess 174a formed in the portion of the heat-insulating element 171 and is fixed in the heat-insulating element 171. The spray electrode 135 is attached to the cooling rod 134 to form a protruding L-shaped. This is intended to help reduce the wall thickness of the partition 174 to increase the capacity of the refrigerator.

The end of the cooling rod 134, from the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, is pressed into the partition 172 of the freezer formed by molding a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP). The spray electrode 135 is cooled from the side of the freezer 108 through a partition 172 on the side of the freezer, and the dew condenses at the front end and water forms.

In this way, the cooling section can be formed with a simple structure, and a compartment 139 is obtained for generating fog with a low failure rate and high reliability. In addition, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material and the spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the fog generating compartment can be cooled by using a cooling source for the freezing cycle, and the fog is generated at low energy consumption.

At a location opposite to the spray electrode 135, a circular toroidal opposite electrode 136 is provided at a certain distance from the front end of the spray electrode 135, and an air channel 177 for the fog is formed on its continuation.

An air channel 177 for fog is formed in the recess 174a of the partition 174 dividing the chamber 107 for vegetables and the freezer 108.

The wall thickness of the partition 174 is, as a rule, from 25 mm to 45 mm to provide both thermal insulation and capacity. An air channel 177 for fog is formed in this recess 174a.

The fog air passage 177 includes a mist suction port 183 for supplying moisture from the vegetable chamber 107, and a mist outlet 176 for spraying mist into the vegetable chamber 107. From this suction port 183 for fogging, high humidity air passes to the mist generating compartment 139, and since the spray electrode 135 in the mist generating compartment 139 is cooled via a cooling rod by heat transfer from the freezer, the dew condenses at the front end of the spray electrode 135 .

Fog is generated by applying a high voltage between the front end of the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136.

The mist formed passes through the fog air duct 177, and droplets of mist are sprayed into the vegetable chamber 107 from the mist outlet 176.

The voltage supply device 133 is electrically connected to the fog generating compartment 139, and the negative potential side of the voltage supply device 133 for generating the high voltage is electrically connected by wiring to the spray electrode 135, and the positive potential side, respectively, with the opposite electrode 136.

Near the spray electrode 135, discharge always occurs due to the formation of mist by spraying, which can cause abrasion at the front end of the spray electrode 135. Since the refrigerator 100 typically has been operating for more than 10 years, the surface of the spray electrode 135 requires surface treatment to provide resistance, and, for example, it is desirable electrodeposition of nickel (nickel plating), electrodeposition of gold (gilding) or electrodeposition of platinum (platinum).

The opposing electrode 136 is made, for example, of stainless steel, and long-term reliability is required, and it is preferable that the surface is subjected, in particular, to plating or the like in order to prevent the adherence of a foreign substance or to prevent contamination.

The voltage supply device 133 is connected to the control device 146, and the voltage supply device 133 is controlled by the control device 146 of the main body (thermally insulated body 101) of the refrigerator, and the high voltage is turned on or off by an input signal from the refrigerator 100 or the electrostatic spray device 131.

A baffle 174 for attaching an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a heater 178 or other heating device to prevent dew condensation in the air passage.

The operation and actions in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are explained below. The thickness of the heat-insulating element 171 of the septum 174 having the electrostatic spray device 131 requires sufficient cooling capacity to cool the cooling rod 134 to which the spray electrode 135 is attached. The wall thickness at the location of the electrostatic spray device 131 is less than in other parts. Accordingly, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled by transferring heat from the relatively low temperature freezer, the spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the mist generation compartment can be cooled. In this case, when adjusting the temperature of the front end of the spray electrode 135 so that it is below the dew point, steam near the spray electrode 135 builds up to condense the dew on the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed in a reliable manner.

Although not shown, by installing a temperature sensor in the chamber or a humidity sensor in the chamber in the refrigerator, the dew point can be calculated depending on environmental changes in the chamber exactly in accordance with a given formula.

A high voltage (e.g., 7.5 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e., the spray electrode 135 on the negative potential side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive potential side of the electrode, from the voltage supply device 133. At this moment, the layer of air insulation between the electrodes is destroyed, and a corona discharge occurs, and water on the spray electrode 135 is sprayed from the front end of the electrode, and an electrically charged invisible finely dispersed nanoscale fog with droplet sizes less than 1 micrometer or less, together with the accompanying ozone and OH- radicals.

Drops of the fine mist formed are sprayed into the vegetable chamber 107 (lower basket 119, upper basket 120). The fine mist droplets sprayed from the electrostatic spray device 131 are negatively charged. On the other hand, the chamber 107 for vegetables contains vegetables and fruits, including greens and leafy plants or fruits. Some of the fruits and vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment may already be dried out due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or during storage. These vegetables and fruits usually have a positive charge, and atomized droplets of fine mist having a negative charge are likely to accumulate on the surface of the vegetables. When the humidity in the chamber 107 for vegetables again increases, the sprayed droplets of fine mist are simultaneously deposited on the surface of vegetables or fruits, and transpiration from vegetables and fruits is suppressed, and the characteristic associated with maintaining freshness is improved. Moisture enters the tissue from the gaps between the cells in vegetables and fruits, and transpiration occurs, and water is again fed into the dried cells, and the cells swell, stretch and regenerate.

The fine mist formed contains ozone and OH radicals, and they have strong oxidizing ability. Accordingly, the fine mist formed can deodorize the interior of the vegetable chamber and sterilize and kill bacteria on the surface of vegetables, and can also oxidize, decompose, and remove agricultural chemicals, wax, and other harmful substances that adhere to the surface of vegetables.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermally insulated body 101 has a plurality of food storage chambers. The ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107 having a mist generation section 139 is provided with a freezer 108, which is a low-temperature storage chamber in which the temperature is kept below the temperature in the vegetable chamber 107. A mist generation section 139 is provided in the partition 174 on the ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107.

If a food storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone, such as a refrigerated freezer 108 or an ice maker 106, is provided at the top of the vegetable compartment 107 having a mist generation section 139, the fog generation section 139 will be located in a partition 134 on the ceiling intended to separate them. As a result, the cooling rod 134 in the mist generation section 139 is cooled by cold air from the freezer compartment 108 in the upper part, and the spray electrode 135 is cooled and the dew can condense. Therefore, no separate cooling device is required, and the fog generating compartment 139 can be created with a simple structure, and the fog generating compartment can be obtained, characterized by low failure rate and high reliability.

In a preferred embodiment, a partition is provided for separating the food storage chambers, and the freezer 108 is provided as a low-temperature storage chamber on the ceiling side of the vegetable chamber 107. An electrostatic spray device 131 is provided in the partition 174 on the ceiling. Therefore, when a food storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone, such as a freezer 108 or an ice maker 106, is located at the top, a spray electrode 135 is mounted in a partition 174 on the ceiling for separating them, and the upper food storage chamber is used as a cooling source, and the spray electrode 135 is cooled and the dew may condense. Therefore, no separate cooling device is required, and droplets of fog can be sprayed from the ceiling, and the fog is likely to disperse into all parts of the containers of the vegetable chamber 107 (lower basket 119, upper basket 120).

A mist generation section 139 is provided at the inside of the partition 173 from the side of the vegetable chamber, and not in the storage space in the vegetable chamber 107, the user rarely touches it, and security is improved.

The fog generating compartment 139 of the preferred embodiment is for generating fog through an electrostatic fog generating system, and water droplets are destroyed and sprayed by high voltage or other electrical energy, and fine mist is generated. Since the mist formed has an electric charge, the mist has a charge with a polarity opposite to that of a given object, such as vegetables and fruits. For example, by spraying drops of negatively charged fog towards positively charged vegetables and fruits, the adhesion force on vegetables and fruits increases. The fog settles more evenly on the surface of vegetables, and the degree of “attachment” of the fog increases compared to fog that does not have an electric charge. Sprayed droplets of fine mist are fed directly to the vegetable chambers (lower basket 119, upper basket 120), and fine mist can settle on the surface of vegetables by utilizing the potential of fine mist and vegetables, and freshness can be maintained in a more efficient manner.

In addition, the replenishment water used in the preferred embodiment is not tap water supplied from the outside, but is water resulting from dew condensation. It is free of minerals and impurities, and water deterioration due to clogging at the front end of the spray electrode 135 can be prevented.

Fog in a preferred embodiment contains radicals, and agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the surface of vegetables can be decomposed and removed by a very small amount of water, and water savings and low power consumption are achieved.

Preferred Embodiment 8

FIG. 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the periphery of an ultrasonic fog generating device in a refrigerator of a preferred embodiment 8 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-7 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-7 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The drawing shows that the rear partition 111 has a surface located on the rear end of the partition 151 made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a heat-insulating element 152 made of polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation of the storage chamber products. It also has a partition 161 for separating the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer and the cooling chamber 110. Between the surface of the partition 151 located at the rear end and the heat-insulating element 152, a heater 154 or other heating device is installed to control the temperature of the food storage chamber or to prevent dew condensation on the surface.

A recess 111a is formed on a portion of the wall surface of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the food storage chamber, and a fog generator, i.e., an ultrasonic device 200 of the cantilever type for generating fog, is installed (o) at this location.

An ultrasonic mist device 200 provided in the mist generator is provided in a rear wall 111 having a heater 154 in the side wall, and a heater 154 is located at least at the bottom of the ultrasonic mist apparatus 200.

The ultrasonic mist device 200 has a horn-shaped section 201 and a cooling rod 205 to form a mist generation compartment 211. The ultrasonic mist device 200 includes a horn-shaped ultrasonic wave generator 208, consisting of a mist generation section 211, electrodes 202, 204 and a piezoelectric element 203, an exit wall 207 for fixing and enclosing them, and a spray channel 209 for spraying droplets in the form of a mist into a vegetable chamber having an exit wall 207. The horn-shaped section 201, that is, the actuating member of the mist generation compartment, is formed with a convex shape from the bottom to the anterior about the end through a cutting process or sintering process. The front end 201a of the horn-shaped section 201 is formed into a rectangular or round shape, and the surface ratio in its cross section is approximately 1/5 or less, and the lateral shape of the horn-shaped section 201 depends on the frequency of the piezoelectric element 203. The horn-shaped section 201, electrode 202, the piezoelectric element 203 and the electrode 204 are integrally formed in this order, and each component is adhered and fixed by means of epoxy glue or silicone compound, and it is provided that natural oscillations generated in the piezoelectric element 203 should achieve maximum amplitude at the leading end 201a of horn-shaped section 201.

The piezoelectric element 203 and the electrode 204 are formed with a cylindrical shape, which is not shown, and the central part is hollow. A cooling rod is formed in this hollow space and is glued and attached to the horn-shaped section 201.

The outer core of the horn-shaped ultrasonic vibrating generator 208 is coated with a silicone resin, an epoxy resin, a polyacrylic resin or the like.

The horn-shaped section 201 as an actuating element of the fog generating compartment is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel or other metal. In particular, from the point of view of low weight, high thermal conductivity and the ability to increase the amplitude when transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, it is preferable to choose a material consisting mainly of aluminum. However, taking into account the special characteristics of the refrigerator, such as corrosion resistance and long service life, a material consisting mainly of stainless steel such as SUS304 or SUS316L is desirable, since in this case, deterioration due to aging is unlikely, and reliability can be ensured for a long period of time.

The spray channel 209 has a rectangular or circular hole made in the part of the outlet wall 207, and is made in the direction of generating fog from the liquid from the fog generation compartment 211, that is, in that place in the outlet wall 207, which is located opposite the front end 201a of the horn section 201 .

The ultrasonic misting device 200 provides cooling of the horn-shaped section 201 as an actuating member of the mist generation section provided in the mist generation section 211 to a temperature below the temperature corresponding to the dew point by a refrigeration unit. As a result, the dew condenses on the horn-shaped section 201 from moisture in the air in the peripheral part of the mist generation compartment, and the water generated by the dew condensation is sprayed in the form of mist from the front end 201a.

If the wet state continues to persist due to the frequent opening and closing of a door or the like, and water generated as a result of dew condensation is supplied to the horn-shaped section 201 in an amount that is larger than necessary, water is discharged from the channel 138 to supply moisture. This channel 138 for the supply of moisture performs the function of supplying moisture to supply cold air inside the output wall 207, and also performs the function of a drain hole for discharging water that has accumulated inside the output wall 207 to the outside.

Thus, in the present invention, both openings of the spray channel 209 and the moisture supply channel 138 are made in a surface different from the upper surface of the outlet wall 207. Therefore, if water formed as a result of dew condensation in the food storage chamber and accumulated in the part located from the top in relation to the outlet wall 207 in the food storage chamber, in the refrigerator in an enclosed space with a low temperature, drips onto the outlet wall 207, because in the upper surface of the outlet wall 207 is no hole, is prevented from entering the water droplets exit wall 207 from the space outside of outlet wall 207, and can be obtained by a refrigerator, which provides a high degree of safety and is free from current leakage or short circuit.

Moisture inlet channel 138 is formed in the lower part of the outlet wall 207, and the upper side of the outlet wall 207 is closed and does not open, and if there is a possibility of condensation of dew on the outlet wall 207, the lower side of the outlet wall 207 is designed as an opening for water drainage, and also made with a channel 138 for supplying moisture in the form of an opening for a stream of cold air, and the formation of scale or the growth of bacteria or mold on the exit wall 207 can be prevented.

The discharged water resulting from the condensation of dew flows over the surface of the rear partition 111 located at the rear end of the partition 151, but the amount of this water is very small and the water will quickly evaporate due to convection in the vegetable chamber or under the action of a heater from the rear side. Since in this case the wall is provided with a heater 154 or the like, an upward flow of air is likely to take place around the rear partition 111, unlike other side walls. Therefore, a mist generation compartment 211 is provided in the rear baffle 111, and cold air with the highest humidity will flow inwardly from the moisture supply passage 138 formed on the lower side of the outlet wall 207 in which the mist generation compartment is located, and this may more effectively promote dew condensation.

The operation and actions in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are explained below.

Excess steam in the chamber 107 for vegetables enters the cooling rod 205 in the ultrasonic device 200 for the formation of fog, installed in part of the rear walls 111, and is cooled in the air duct passing from the freezer, in which cold air with a lower temperature than in chamber for vegetables. Since the cooling rod 205 and the horn-shaped section 201 are tightly connected, the horn-shaped section 201 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment is cooled by heat transfer, and the temperature of the vapor contained in the humid air in the vegetable chamber decreases and the dew condenses on the horn-shaped section 201, and as a result of dew condensation, water is formed, and water precipitates at the front end 201a.

In this state, power is supplied to the high-voltage oscillatory circuit, and high voltage oscillations occur at a given frequency (for example, from 80 kHz to 210 kHz), and high voltage is supplied to the electrode 202 and electrode 204. As a result, the piezoelectric element 203 oscillates and the capillary waves are formed on the surface of the supplied water deposited on the front end 201a of the mist generation section 211. Water at the front end is sprayed in the form of small particles with sizes from a few micrometers to tens of micrometers and sprayed in the form of fog in the direction of oscillation. Small particles of fog pass through the spray channel 209, and large particles of fog that form in parts other than the front end 201a of the horn section 201 collide with the outer peripheral wall of the rectangular or circular spray channel 209. That is, these fog drops are not sprayed into the food storage chamber, but remain in the “casing”, and relatively small particles of fog are “sorted”, and only droplets of fine mist are sprayed into the food storage chamber, that is, into chamber 107 for vegetables.

When the ultrasonic mist device 200 is periodically driven for a certain period, for example, at intervals at which the on state is 1 minute and the off state is 9 minutes, the amount of mist generated is controlled and mist drops are sprayed into the chamber 107 for vegetables, so that the camera 107 for vegetables can be quickly moistened. As a result, the humidity in the vegetable chamber 107 rises, and transpiration from vegetables can be suppressed. At the same time, the vibrations created in the piezoelectric element 203 are characterized by a concentration of energy in order to achieve maximum amplitude at the front end 201a of the horn section 201, and the heat generation on the piezoelectric element 203 is reduced to a low level corresponding to from about 1 W to 2 Watts and temperature effects on the vegetable chamber 107 can be reduced.

In a refrigerator designed for continuous operation for an average period of approximately 10 years, it is necessary to avoid the destruction of the coating material of the piezoelectric element 203. Therefore, it is preferable to choose a coating material consisting mainly of silicone resin, which is less damaged by repetitive vibrations due to excellent flexibility in terms of the ability to amplify vibrations when transmitting ultrasonic vibrations. By preventing the penetration of liquid and vapor into the connecting parts of the horn-shaped section 201, the electrode 202, the piezoelectric element 203 and the electrode 204, and by preventing the deterioration of the quality of the adhesive, the silicone resin helps to increase the service life and increase reliability, and it is possible to withstand the actual load when it used in the refrigerator.

The gap between the outlet wall 207 and the horn-shaped generator of ultrasonic vibrations can be filled with sealing material to prevent leakage of water or to prevent resonance. As a result, the penetration of liquid or vapor can be prevented in a more reliable manner, and in addition, noise suppression can be provided. In particular, when using a sealing material from a fluorine compound, the service life and reliability will be improved.

Thus, the preferred embodiment includes a vegetable chamber, which is thermally separated and open to exposure to a relatively high humidity environment, and a console-type ultrasonic device designed to form fog and to spray liquid into the vegetable chamber, and a cooling rod is installed in horny section for the formation of water as a result of condensation of dew at the front end of the horny element, and the dew condenses at the front end, and it is directly sprayed, ak that product quality can be maintained in the chamber for vegetables.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid to be sprayed is not specifically defined with respect to the content of metal ions having bactericidal or deodorizing properties, for example, as in water with zinc ions, water with silver ions or water with copper ions. As a result, microorganisms formed in the food storage chamber can be destroyed.

In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the heat-insulating member 152 having a cooling rod 205, such as that shown in FIG. 12. However, similar effects are achieved if the shape of the part in which the cooling rod 205 is placed is as explained above in preferred embodiments 1-7.

In a preferred embodiment, the fog generator is an ultrasonic fog device 200, but it can also be replaced by an electrostatic spray device, explained in preferred embodiments 1-7, or other fog generators, such as an ejector type fog generator, and may be any other fog generators are used, provided that the fog is generated by spraying using water condensed from moisture in the air, and the technical ID its foregoing preferred embodiments may be applied in a similar manner.

Preferred Embodiment 9

A longitudinal section showing a section in which the refrigerator according to the preferred embodiment 9 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts is almost the same as in FIG. 1. A front view of the essential parts showing the inside of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 9 of the present invention is the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 13 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as shown in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 9 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-8 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-8 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The drawing shows that the recess and the through section 165 are made in the wall portion of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the food storage chamber 107, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in this place.

The surface of the partition at the rear end 151 with the electrostatic spray device 131 has a protrusion 191, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is closed by the protrusion 191 of the surface located at the rear end of the partition and the heat-insulating element 152.

The surface protrusion 191 located at the rear end of the partition is made with the spray channel 192 as a continuation of the spray channel 132 provided in the electrostatic spray device 131. Similarly, the moisture supply channel 193 is made adjacent to the moisture supply channel 138 formed in the part of the electrostatic outlet wall 137 spray device 131.

If a thin-walled portion with a thickness of approximately 2 mm is formed by molding from polystyrene foam or the like, the stiffness of the heat-insulating wall in the area of the through section 165 having the cooling rod 134 is reduced, and defects such as a crack or hole may be formed due to lack of strength or molding with irregularities, and quality may be impaired.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the heat-insulating element 152 of the rear wall 111 next to the through hole 165, in which there is a cooling rod 134, is made with a protrusion 162, protruding into the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer. As a result, in comparison with the case of the formation of an even plane from the side of the cooling rod 134 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer without forming a protrusion 162 in the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the stiffness around the through section 165 is increased, and the wall thickness of the heat-insulating element is provided 152, and rigidity is further increased. In addition, through the protrusion 162, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled both from the side and from the back.

In addition, to reduce the increase in resistance in the air channel, the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 is formed with a taper so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the front end.

If, in this case, the cooling rod 134 is installed directly in the air channel of the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, the cooling may be excessive and the amount of dew condensing on the spray electrode 135 may be excessive, or even freezing may occur.

Accordingly, a through portion 165 is formed in the heat-insulating element near the rear side of the cooling rod 134, and the cooling rod 134 is inserted in this place, and it is surrounded by a closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod made of polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) or other polymer a material having both thermal insulation properties and water resistance, so that thermal insulation is guaranteed. The closure member 166 for the heat-conducting core may also be made of heat-resistant insulating tape or the like.

Although this is not shown in the drawing, when a buffer material can be provided between the through section 165 and the closure member 166 for the heat-conducting rod and the tightness is ensured, it is more effective in preventing the penetration of cold air from the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer to the periphery of the cooling rod 134, and cold air does not enter the food storage chamber, and hypothermia or freezing in the food storage chamber can be effectively prevented.

The cooling rod 134 is fixed in the outlet wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 itself has a protrusion 134a protruding from the outside. This cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135. The protrusion 134a is smaller than the recess 111a in the heat-insulating element 152 of the rear partition 111, and is inserted into the recess formed in the through section 165. The hole 167 of the through section 165 on the side of the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer is covered with a tape 194 (an element for blocking cold air), such as an aluminum tape, by gluing it to the heat-insulating element 152, and dullness of cold air is blocked.

The tape 194 adhered to the area of the hole 167 can also be in contact with the baffle 161, so that it will not be possible to easily strip the tape 194. From the cooling chamber 110, the heat of cooling is transferred through the baffle 161 from the rear side 134b of the cooling rod 134.

However, due to some dimensional error, some empty space 196 may be present between the cooling rod 134 and the closing member 166 for the heat-conducting rod. Due to the presence of such an empty space 196, this portion becomes an air layer and is adiabatic, and cooling of the cooling rod 134 may be impaired. Therefore, the empty space 196 is filled with elements 197a, 197b, 197c to fill the empty space made of a heat-stabilizing element such as butyl or heat dissipating compound. That is, these elements for filling the empty space 197a, 197b, 197c are placed between the cooling rod 134 and the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod or between the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod and the tape 194.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 of a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration are explained below.

The cooling rod 134 is cooled via a heat transfer rod closure member 166, and the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled via the heat rod 134, and it is also indirectly cooled via a double structure via the heat transfer rod for the heat transfer rod. In this case, the empty spaces 196 are filled with elements 197a, 197b, 197c for filling the empty space, such as a butyl or heat-scattering compound, between the cooling rod 134 and the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod or between the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod and the tape 194.

As a result, if there is the possibility of creating an empty space 196 between the cooling rod 134 and the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod or between the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod and the tape 194, due to the accuracy of processing, heat transfer from the tape 194 to the closing element 166 for heat transfer rod and from the closing element 166 for the heat transfer rod to the cooling rod 134.

That is, if an empty space 196 is formed, the thermal conductivity in this space is low, and the cooling rod 134 may not be sufficiently cooled, and the temperature of the cooling rod 134 or the temperature of the spray electrode 135 may fluctuate, and the dew condensation process at the front end of the spray electrode may to be broken. However, since, according to a preferred embodiment, the empty space 196 is filled with elements 197a, 197b, 197c to fill the empty space, such as a butyl or heat-scattering compound, heat transfer from the tape 194 to the cover member 166 for the heat-conducting core and from the cover element 166 for a heat-conducting rod to the cooling rod, and the cooling ability of the spray electrode 135 is provided.

The cooling rod 134 can be cooled both from the side of the cooling rod 134 by using cold air generated in the cooling chamber 110, through the heat-insulating element 152 from the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, and from the rear side 134b of the cooling rod 134 by heat transfer through the partition 161 of the cooling chamber 110 and the tape 194.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the heat-insulating element 152 near the through section 165 is made with a protrusion 162, protruding into the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer. Therefore, if the stiffness around the through portion 165 is increased, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled both from the side and from the back. As a result, the surface area for heat transfer can be increased, and the stiffness around the cooling rod 134 can be increased without reducing the cooling efficiency of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material.

In addition, the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 is formed with a taper so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the front end. As a result, cold air will pass through the outer circumferential periphery of the protrusion 162 having a curved surface with respect to the direction of flow of cold air, and the increase in the resistance of the air channel is reduced. In addition, the cooling rod 134 may be uniformly cooled from the outer circumferential periphery of the side wall. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 is cooled evenly, and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled efficiently through the cooling rod 134.

The through section 165 as a penetration hole is formed only on a part of the heat-insulating element 152 from the rear side of the cooling rod 134, and no thin-walled section is formed, and the polystyrene foam can be molded easily, and there is no problem of destruction during the assembly process.

There is no gap between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the through-through portion 165, and the opening 167 of the through-through portion 165 is hermetically sealed with tape 194 or the like to block the penetration of cold air from an adjacent cooling air passage. Therefore, low temperature air does not leak into the chamber, and dew condensation or deviations due to low temperature will not occur in the food storage chamber 107 or peripheral parts.

The heat transfer deterioration caused by the presence of an empty space formed between the heat-conducting rod cover member 166 and the cooling rod 134 can be avoided with the inevitability of processing precision or assembly accuracy by filling the empty space 196 with butyl or other heat-conducting material, and the heat conductivity will be maintained and will be ensured cooling ability. The empty space 196 formed between the tape 194 and the closure member 166 for the heat-conducting rod can be filled in a similar manner.

Due to condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135 due to these cooling effects, a high voltage discharge occurs between the opposite electrode 136 and the spray electrode 135, and the fine mist formed passes through the spray channel 132 formed in the outlet wall 107 of the electrostatic spray device 131, and mist drops are sprayed into the chamber 107 for vegetables from the spray channel 192, made in the surface located on the rear end of the partition 151. Since the size is sprayed s mist particles are very small, the diffusion is strong, and the fine mist reaches all parts of the chamber 107 for vegetables. Spray droplets of fine mist are formed due to high-voltage discharge and have a negative charge. Vegetable chamber 107 contains positively charged vegetables and fruits, therefore, atomized mist drops are more likely to settle on the surface of vegetables, and freshness can be improved.

Since the moisture supply channel 138 is open in the lower part with respect to the spray electrode 135 and the moisture supply channel 193 is formed on its extension in the surface located at the rear end of the partition 151, in the event of deviations during dew condensation occurring on the spray electrode 135, water accumulates in branch 139 to generate fog, and there will be no violations.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, in the configuration of the fog generating compartment 139 with a cooling rod 134 having a protrusion 134a, a through section 165 is formed in the heat-insulating element 152, and the cooling rod 134 is inserted in this place, and a heat-conducting rod closing element 166 is provided on the periphery. The void space 196 between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the cooling rod 134 or the void space 196 between the tape 194 adhered to the area of the opening 167 of the through portion 165 and the cooling rod 134 is filled with elements for filling the void. Therefore, these empty spaces 196 are eliminated, and heat transfer from the cooling air duct or cooling chamber 110 can be ensured.

The tape 194, glued to the area of the hole 167 of the through section 165, is pressed by a partition 161 for separating the cooling chamber 110 and the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, and the separation of this tape is prevented, and quality stability is maintained. Cooling ability can also be provided by transferring heat to the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134.

In a preferred embodiment, buffer material may be provided at the periphery of the cooling rod 134. As a result, the gap between the through portion 165 and the closing member 166 for the heat-conducting rod may be narrowed and cold air leakage may be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the air passage for cooling the cooling rod 134 of the thermally conductive material is the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, but another channel for the passage of low temperature air, such as the channel for discharging air from the ice maker 106, can play the same role. or the return air channel of the freezer chamber 108. As a result, the area of possible installation of the electrostatic spray device 131 is expanded.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cold air cooled by using a cooling source generated during a freezing cycle in the refrigerator 100. But there is also the possibility of using heat transfer from the cooling tube through the use of cold air at a low temperature from the cooling source in the refrigerator 100. As a result, by controlling the tempo Aturi cooling tube cooling pin 134 of heat conducting material may be cooled to a predetermined temperature, and thus easily control the temperature when cooling atomizing electrode 135 as the actuating element for mist generation department.

Preferred Embodiment 10

A longitudinal section showing a section in which the refrigerator of the preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention is divided into right and left parts is almost the same as in FIG. 1. A front view of the essential parts showing the inside of the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention is the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 14 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as shown in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-9 are explained, and parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-9 or applicable to the same technical idea are omitted.

The drawing shows that the through section 165 is made in part of the wall of the rear partition 111 on the inside of the vegetable chamber 107, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in this place.

The surface of the partition at the rear end 151 with the electrostatic spray device 131 has a protrusion 191, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is closed by the projection 191 of the surface located at the rear end of the partition 151 and the heat-insulating element 152.

The cooling rod 134 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is surrounded by a heat-conducting rod closure member 166 made of polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) or other polymeric material having both thermal insulation properties and water resistance, and is inserted into the through section 165 of the thermal insulation element 152.

In this case, the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod is tightly attached to the heat-insulating element 152 at the periphery, and when water is deposited on the cooling rod 134, water does not stick to the heat-insulating element 152, thereby avoiding penetration, freezing and breakage from the inside of the heat-insulating element .

However, the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 is formed with a cylindrical shape and is located in the cover member 166 for the heat-conducting rod to provide cooling ability from the rear side, and only the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 is open. The hole 167 of the through section 165 is hermetically sealed with a tape 194, such as an aluminum tape glued to the heat-insulating element 152, and the cold air is blocked.

In this case, the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 is adhered to the tape 194, and thermal conductivity is maintained.

The heat-conducting rod closure member 166 may be an insulating tape having thermal insulation.

However, due to some dimensional error, some empty space 196 may be present between the cooling rod 134 and the closing member 166 for the heat-conducting rod. Therefore, the empty space 196 is filled with an element 197d to fill the empty space, such as a butyl or heat dissipating compound providing relatively good heat transfer, and a similar heat transfer stabilizing element is placed between the cooling rod 134 and the closing element 166 for the heat transfer rod.

The operation and actions in the refrigerator 100 of a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration are explained below.

The cooling rod 134 is cooled through a cooling air duct or partition 161 to separate the cooling chamber 110, the tape 194 or the element 197d to fill the empty space, or to separate from the heat-insulating element at the side of the cooling rod 134. When cooling indirectly through a double structure through tape 194 there may be a situation where, due to insufficient processing accuracy, an empty space 196 may be formed between the closing element 166 heat-conducting rod and tape 194. If an empty space 196 is formed, heat transfer in this space will be very weak, and the cooling rod 134 may not be sufficiently cooled, and the temperature of the cooling rod 134 or the temperature of the spray electrode 135 may fluctuate and the dew condensation process on the front the end of the spray electrode may be broken.

To prevent this, the tape 194 and the cooling rod 134 should be tightly connected during assembly. Given the possibility of creating empty space, it is necessary to fill the empty space 196 with a heat transfer stabilizing element, such as butyl or a heat-scattering compound, in the form of an element 197d for filling empty space. Thus, heat transfer from the tape 194 to the cooling rod 134 is supported, and the cooling ability of the spray electrode 135 is ensured.

There is no empty space between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the surface of the through section 165, and the hole 167 of the through section 165 is hermetically sealed with tape 194, and the penetration of cold air from the adjacent cooling air channel is blocked, and low-temperature air does not leak into the chamber. Therefore, in the chamber 107 for vegetables or in the peripheral parts there will be no dew condensation or deviations associated with low temperatures.

Heat transfer deterioration caused by the presence of an empty space formed between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the cooling rod 134 can be avoided with the inevitability of processing accuracy or assembly accuracy by filling the empty space 196 with butyl or other heat-conducting material. Therefore, thermal conductivity will be maintained, and cooling capacity will be provided. The empty space 196 formed between the tape 194 and the closure member 166 for the heat-conducting rod can be similarly filled with butyl or other heat-conducting material fed into the empty space 196.

Since a gap is not allowed between the closing member 166 for the heat-conducting rod and the through portion 165, water is prevented from being retained in the heat-insulating member made of polystyrene foam. Therefore, the heat-insulating element 152 is free from water penetration, freezing of the penetration or cracking zone or destruction in this zone due to an increase in water volume and stress, and therefore quality is guaranteed.

The hole 167 of the through section 165 is hermetically sealed with a tape 194 to block the penetration of cold air from an adjacent cooling air channel, air with a low temperature does not leak into the chamber. Therefore, the chamber 107 for vegetables and its peripheral parts will be free from dew condensation or deviations associated with low temperature.

Due to condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135 due to these cooling effects, a high voltage discharge occurs between the opposite electrode 136 and the spray electrode 135, and fine mist is formed. Fine mist passes through the spray channel 132 formed in the outlet wall 107 of the electrostatic spray device 131, and droplets of fine mist are sprayed into the vegetable chamber 107 from the spray channel 192 formed in the surface located at the rear end of the partition 151. Since the size of the spray mist particles is very small , diffusion is strong, and fine mist reaches all parts of the chamber 107 for vegetables. Spray droplets of fine mist are formed due to high-voltage discharge and have a negative charge. Vegetable chamber 107 contains positively charged vegetables and fruits, and atomized mist drops are more likely to settle on the surface of vegetables, and freshness can be improved.

Since the moisture supply channel 138 is open in the lower part with respect to the spray electrode 135 and the moisture supply channel 193 is also formed on its extension in the surface located on the rear end of the partition 151, in case of deviations during dew condensation occurring on the spray electrode 135, water accumulates in compartment 139 to generate fog, and there will be no disturbance.

Thus, when in the preferred embodiment, when configuring the cover member 166 for the heat transfer rod provided for the cooling rod 134, at the protrusion 134a in the mist generation section 139, the cooling rod 134 is inserted into the through portion 165 of the heat-insulating member 152, the cover member 166 for the heat-conducting rod provided on the periphery of the cooling rod 134, and it is very tightly inserted into the through section 165. The closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod from the end side Asti 134b of the cooling rod 134 is opened, and the empty space between the tape adhered to the area of the opening 167 of the through portion 165, and cooling pin 134 is filled with heat conducting rod. Therefore, these empty spaces are eliminated, and heat transfer from the cooling air duct or cooling chamber can be ensured.

Therefore, cooling ability can be provided by transferring heat to the spray electrode and the cooling rod.

The tape adhered to the area of the hole 167 of the through section 165 is pressed by a partition 161 for separating the cooling chamber 110 and the exhaust air channel 141 for the freezer, and the separation of this tape is prevented, and quality stability is maintained.

Since the closing member 166 for the heat-conducting core is pressed and fixed relative to the through portion 165, the penetration of water into the heat-insulating member 152 made of polystyrene foam is prevented, and cracking and destruction of the heat-insulating member can be prevented.

Buffer material may be provided at the periphery of the cooling rod 134. As a result, the gap between the through portion 165 and the closing member 166 for the heat-conducting rod may be narrowed, and cold air leakage may be prevented.

The above explanation relates to a configuration related to spraying mist droplets into a product storage chamber from a mist generation compartment in a simple structure by indirectly cooling the mist generation compartment by means of a cooling section through a heat-conducting material. However, in this configuration, there is the possibility of an unstable supply of spray mist droplets, and water accumulation may be formed in the chamber due to excessive spraying. In particular, in a refrigerator having a narrow hermetically sealed space, water may accumulate or freeze due to slight changes in temperature, and spray quantity may need to be regulated. A configuration for stably controlling the spray amount in accordance with the individual above embodiments is explained below.

Preferred Embodiment 11

FIG. 15 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as seen in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 11 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, instead of the one shown in FIG. 3, the electrostatic spray device provided in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 1, uses the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. fifteen.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-10 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-10 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

In the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 15, just as explained for preferred embodiment 1, between the surface of the rear end of the partition 151 that secures the electrostatic atomizing device 131 and the heat-insulating element 152, a heater 154, such as a heater in the partition, is provided as a means for controlling the temperature in a food storage chamber or to prevent dew condensation on the surface. In addition, as a means for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material provided in the electrostatic spray device 131, and to prevent excessive dew condensation on the peripheral parts, including the spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the fog generating compartment, a heater 158 for the heat-conducting a rod is provided adjacent to the compartment 139 for generating fog.

The heat-conducting material of the preferred embodiment, that is, the cooling rod 134, has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode, and an end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion protrusion 134a of the mist generation is closest to the cooling section. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the spray electrode 135 by means of a control section.

The heat-insulating element 152 as a heat-absorbing material covers the cooling rod 134, at least from the side of the cooling section, but preferably the entire surface of the protrusion 134a of the cooling rod should be closed. In this case, the heat penetration in the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cooling rod 134 is reduced, and heat is transferred in the longitudinal direction from the side of the end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a. Therefore, the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the spray electrode 135 by means of a control section.

The operation for controlling the amount of water at the front end of the spray electrode in such a configuration is explained by reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17.

In FIG. 16, the abscissa axis indicates time, and the ordinate axis shows the magnitude of the voltage that monitors the discharge current. The voltage value for monitoring the discharge current is set and output in such a way that the voltage value can decrease whenever the current flows between the electrodes, that is, in each case of the occurrence of a discharge phenomenon and the formation of fine mist.

When the temperature of the evaporator 112 in the refrigerator 100 begins to decrease, that is, when the freezing cycle begins, the cooling of the vegetable chamber 107 also begins. As a result, cold air begins to flow into the vegetable chamber 107, and a dry state is established therein, and the spray electrode 13 also tends to remain dry.

Further, when the shutter of the refrigerated chamber is closed, the temperature of the air leaving the refrigerated chamber rises, and the temperature and humidity in the refrigerated chamber 104 and the vegetable chamber 107 increase. At this time, the temperature of the cold air leaving the freezer is gradually reduced, and the cooling rod 134 is further cooled, and on the spray electrode 135 of the compartment 139 for generating fog placed in the vegetable chamber 107 in which the medium changes to a high humidity environment, more likely to condense dew. The liquid droplets increase at the front end of the spray electrode 135, and when the distance between the front end with the liquid droplets and the opposite electrode 136 reaches a certain size, the air insulation layer is destroyed and a discharge phenomenon begins, and the droplets of fine mist are sprayed from the front end of the spray electrode 135. At this point, a small current flows between the electrodes, and the voltage that monitors the discharge current decreases, as shown in the form of a wave in the graph. Later, the compressor 109 stops and the cooling fan 113 stops, and although the temperature of the cooling rod 134 rises, the atmosphere of the fog generating compartment 139 continues to be a high humidity atmosphere, and fog generation continues.

However, during thawing, that is, when frost and ice deposited on evaporator 112 is thawed and removed, the temperature of evaporator 112 will exceed 0 C. At this point, the temperature in the channel for air leaving the freezer from the back of the electrostatic spray device also rises, and with this increase in temperature, the temperature of the cooling rod 134 also rises, and the temperature of the spray electrode 135 also rises, and the water generated by dew condensation and deposited on the front At the end, it evaporates and the spray electrode is dried.

The defrosting system heater is configured to turn it off when the evaporator temperature rises to a certain extent. Accordingly, there is no excessive increase in the temperature of the electrode or heat-conducting material, and the increase in temperature of the electrode or heat-conducting material is regulated within the appropriate limits.

In a preferred embodiment, the heating section is provided not only with a defrost heater, but also with a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod, but without using a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod, the heating section of the control section can only be formed from a defrost heater. Therefore, if excessive dew condensation occurs, by controlling synchronously with the defrosting of the evaporator in this way, the spray electrode as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment can be heated by means of a heat-conducting material. Therefore, droplets of excess water can be easily removed, and no separate configuration is required. Without the use of any separate motor as a control section, due to the use of the defrosting system heater provided in the freezing cycle, there is no need for any separate device or power source. Thus, the atomization of droplets of fog is carried out while saving material and energy. In addition, with respect to evaporator thawing, reliability is further enhanced.

Given the practical use of the refrigerator 100, depending on the operating environment, the frequency of opening and closing the door, or the state of food storage, the moisture state or degree of humidification in the vegetable chamber 107 varies, and the amount of dew condensing on the spray electrode 135 as an actuator compartments for generating fog may become redundant. In the worst case, liquid droplets may increase so much that they cover the entire surface of the spray electrode 135, the electrostatic power generated by the discharge may not overcome the surface tension, and fog may not form. Therefore, when the damper of the cooled chamber is opened, in addition to the dehydrating action of cold air, the spray electrode 135 is heated by supplying power to the heat-conducting rod heater 158. As a result, evaporation of precipitated water droplets is accelerated, and excessive thawing is prevented, and fog can be generated continuously and stably. There is the possibility of preventing an increase in liquid droplets due to excessive dew condensation, or a deterioration in quality due to water draining from the rear partition 111 or the like.

Thus, a spray cycle in the refrigerator 100 is used for the spray electrode 135, and the spray electrode 135 provides repeated dew condensation and drying, as shown in FIG. 17, and continuous spraying of droplets of fog. As a result, by controlling the amount of water at the actuator of the mist generation compartment, continuous fog generation is performed while preventing excessive dew condensation.

Thus, the temperature of the spray electrode 135 can be indirectly controlled by cooling or heating the cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material without directly cooling or heating the spray electrode 135. Since the heat-conducting material 134 has a higher heat capacity than the spray electrode 135, the direct effects of temperature changes in the control section to the spray electrode can be reduced, and the temperature of the spray electrode can be adjusted. Therefore, when suppressing fluctuations in the load on the spray electrode, mist droplets are sprayed with a stable spray quantity.

The opposite electrode 136 is provided at a location opposite to the spray electrode 135, and a voltage supply device 133 is provided for generating a high voltage potential difference between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136, and a stable electric field can be created next to the spray the electrode 135, and the spraying phenomena and the spraying direction will be determined, and the accuracy of the direction of the fine mist droplets to be increased spraying into the storage container, and the accuracy of the operation of the fog generating compartment 139 is improved, and a high reliability electrostatic atomizing device 131 is created.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled or heated through the heat-absorbing material, and the temperature of the spray electrode 135 is indirectly changed by the cooling rod 134, and the temperature of the spray electrode 135 is indirectly changed through a double structure through the heat-insulating element 152 of the heat-absorbing material, and therefore, excessive cooling or spray heating can be avoided about electrode 135. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and due to the increased load on the fog generating compartment 139, there may be a risk of increased power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 or improper fog generation in the fog generating compartment 139, but such defects due to the increased load on the fog generating compartment 139 can be prevented, and an appropriate amount can be provided. condensing dew, and stable spraying of mist droplets at low power consumption can be achieved.

Alternatively, if the spray electrode 135 is excessively heated, the temperature of the voltage supply device or food storage chamber around the mist generation compartment may suddenly increase, and malfunctions due to breakdown of the electrical components or cooling problems due to the temperature rise of the contained vegetables may occur. However, such defects caused by an increase in temperature in the fog generating compartment 139 can be prevented, and an adequate amount of condensing dew can be provided, and stable spraying of the droplets of fog at low power consumption can be achieved.

Furthermore, by adjusting the temperature of the spray electrode 135 indirectly by means of a double structure through the heat-conducting material and the heat-absorbing material, the direct effects of temperature changes in the control section on the spray electrode can be further reduced, and fluctuations in the load on the spray electrode can be suppressed, and droplets are sprayed fog with a stable spray quantity.

To regulate the temperature of the cooling rod 134 from the heat-conducting material, cold air formed in the cooling chamber 110 is used, and since the cooling rod 134 is formed from a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity, the temperature control section allows cooling in the required manner only due to heat transfer from the air channel with a stream of cold air formed in the evaporator 112.

In this case, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material according to the preferred embodiment is configured to have a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode, and in the mist generation compartment, the end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a is closest to the cooling section, and the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the spray electrode 135 with cold air from the cooling section.

To cool the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material, cold air formed in the cooling chamber 110 is used, and since the cooling rod 134 is formed of a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity, the cooling section allows cooling in the required manner only by heat transfer from the air channel with a cold stream air formed in evaporator 112.

Since the cooling section can be created with a similar simple construction, a fog compartment can be obtained with a low failure rate and high reliability. In addition, by using a cooling source for the freezing cycle, a cooling rod 134 made of heat-conducting material and a spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the mist generation compartment can be cooled, and fog is generated with a small amount of energy.

In this case, in the fog generating compartment of the preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is configured to have a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode, and in the fog generating compartment, the end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a is closer total to the cooling section, and the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the end portion 134b farthest from the spray electrode 135 with cold air from the cooling section.

Thus, the cooling section or the regulation section is located at the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 farthest from the spray electrode 135, and the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling section or the regulation section on the spray electrode 135 can be further reduced, and stable spraying can be performed droplets of fog with less load fluctuations, and temperature control of the spray electrode can be performed in a more stable manner.

A rear partition 111 having a compartment for generating fog is provided with a recess 111a in a part from the side of the food storage chamber, and a fog generating compartment having a protrusion 134a is “inserted” into the deepest recess 111b, the depth of which is greater than the depth of this recess 111a, and the heat-insulating element 152 forming the partition of the food storage chamber can be used as a heat-absorbing material, and the thickness of the heat-insulating element can be adjusted without using any separate t plopogloschayuschego material, and can be obtained by a heat absorbing material that provides for a proper cooling of the spray electrode 139 and separating mist generation can be formed with a simpler structure.

By “inserting” the mist generation compartment 139 into the recess 111a by placing the mist generation compartment 139 in the recess 111a and inserting the cooling rod 134 having the protrusion 134a into the deepest recess 111b, the mist generation compartment can be reliably placed in the partition, and this does not allow looseness in a two-stage design, protrusion towards the food storage chamber, that is, the vegetable chamber 107, can be reduced, and the user's hand is unlikely to touch s of the separation, and safety is improved.

Since the fog generating compartment 139 does not protrude into the area surrounding the rear wall 111 of the food storage chamber, i.e. the vegetable chamber 107, from the outside, and there is no effect on the air channel zone, a decrease in cooling capacity due to an increase in resistance in the air channel can be avoided.

A recess is formed in the portion of the vegetable chamber 107, and the fog generating compartment 139 is “inserted” at this location, and the storage container for storing vegetables, fruits, and food is not changed, and the heat-conducting material can be reliably cooled, and the wall thickness at other sites is sufficient to provide thermal resistance, and dew condensation in the casing is prevented, and reliability can be improved.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material maintains a certain heat capacity and can reduce the reaction associated with heat transfer from the cooling air channel, and can suppress the temperature fluctuations of the spray electrode 135, and also acts as an element for the accumulation of cold, and a certain dew condensation time is provided for spray electrode, and freezing can be prevented. When the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is connected to the heat-insulating element, the heat of cooling can be distributed without loss. Since thermal resistance is suppressed at the junction of the cooling rod 134 and the spray electrode 135, temperature fluctuations of the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134 occur smoothly. Since moisture cannot penetrate the junction, the thermal junction may persist for a long period.

Since the food storage chamber is in a high humidity environment and its humidity can affect the cooling rod 134, the cooling rod 134 is made of a corrosion-resistant and rust-preventing metal material, or a material whose surface is coated with aluminum or subjected to other surface treatment, it has no rust, and the increase in thermal resistance of the surface is suppressed, and stable heat transfer is ensured.

In addition, the surface of the spray electrode 135 is nickel-plated, gilded or plated, and the abrasive wear of the front end of the spray electrode due to discharge can be reduced, and the shape of the front end of the spray electrode 135 is maintained, and spraying is guaranteed for a long period and the shape of liquid droplets The front end is stable.

When droplets of fine mist are sprayed from the spray electrode 135, an ionic wind is generated. At this point, fresh air with high humidity passes from the moisture supply passage 138 to a mist generation compartment 139, and therefore continuous spraying of mist droplets can be ensured.

In this case, if there is no water on the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance is large, and the air insulation layer cannot be destroyed, and the discharge phenomenon does not occur. As a result, no current flows between the spray electrode and the opposite electrode. When this phenomenon is detected by the control device 146 in the refrigerator 100, the high voltage supplied by the voltage supply device 133 can be turned on or off.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing an example of this preferred embodiment.

The voltage value 231 for monitoring the discharge current, which is provided by the electrostatic spray device 131, and the signals from the spray electrode temperature sensor 232 and the door closing sensor 233 are supplied to the control device 235 in the main body of the refrigerator, and the operation of the voltage supply device 133 for high voltage supply in the electrostatic spray device 131, a heater (heater in the partition) 154 and a heater 158 for heat conduit conductive rod. For example, if in the control device 235, by means of the spray electrode temperature sensor 232, it is estimated that the temperature of the spray electrode is below the dew point, the voltage supply device supplies a high voltage to the electrostatic spray device 131. If, let us assume, the temperature is determined, which makes it possible to freeze the spray electrode 135, very high humidity in vegetable chamber 107 due to frequent opening and closing of the door or a state of excessive dew condensation on the spray electrode 135, power is supplied to the heater (heater in the baffle) 154 or the heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod to start heating, and the water generated by dew condensation and deposited on the surface of the spray electrode 135 is thawed and evaporated, and the amount of water is regulated on the spray electrode 135.

Although a spray electrode temperature sensor 232 is used, this temperature sensor may not be necessary if the nature of the temperature change can be easily estimated from the freezing cycle in the refrigerator 100. In addition, since the humidity in the food storage chamber fluctuates due to the operation of the shutter 234 cooled chamber, the device 133 for supplying voltage can be turned on or off in cooperation with the shutter 234 of the cooled chamber.

The damper 234 of the chilled chamber in a preferred embodiment may be replaced by the damper of the vegetable chamber.

FIG. 19 illustrates a control algorithm in an example of a preferred embodiment.

To control the temperature of the spray electrode 135, the temperature of the spray electrode is determined. In step S250, a transition is made to the temperature control mode of the spray electrode, and if it is determined in step S251 that the temperature Tf of the spray electrode is higher than the pre-programmed first value T1 (for example, T1 = 6 ° C), this means that the temperature of the spray electrode 135 is high and the dew does not condense. Or, if it is determined that the temperature in the chamber is high, go to step S252, and the generation of high voltage in the electrostatic spray device 131 is stopped, and the cooling rod 134 is heated and the heating of the cooling rod 134 is stopped, for example, by shutting off the power to a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the temperature Tf of the spray electrode is lower than the preprogrammed first value T1, the process advances to step S253. If it is determined in step S253 that the temperature Tf of the spray electrode is higher than the pre-programmed second value T2 (for example, T2 = -6 ° C), it will be considered that the spray electrode 135 has the appropriate temperature and the transition to step S254 and high voltage will be generated in the electrostatic spray device 131. However, the operation of the heating section of the cooling rod 134 does not start. If the temperature Tf of the spray electrode is lower than the preprogrammed second value T2, the process advances to step S255. If it is determined in step S255 that the temperature Tf of the spray electrode is higher than the pre-programmed third value T3 (e.g., T3-10 ° C), this will be regarded as the spray electrode 135 being in a supercooled state, and the process proceeds to step S256. In step S256, discharge at the spray electrode 135 is maintained, but to prevent freezing, heaters are activated, such as a heater 158 for the heat transfer rod and a heater (heater in the baffle) 154. If it is determined in step S255 that the temperature Tf of the spray electrode is lower than T3, this will be regarded as the fact that the spray electrode is frozen and the discharge stops, and heaters, such as a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod and a heater (heater in a partition) 154, are driven And atomizing electrode 135 is heated and its temperature rises, and is primarily provided by the melting of frost or ice deposited on the atomizing electrode 135.

After step S252, step S254, step S256, and step S257, after a certain time, the process returns to the initial step S251, and regulation continues, and the amount of water at the spray electrode 135 is adjusted.

Thus, a preferred embodiment includes food storage chambers thermally insulated by partitions, and a fog generating compartment for spraying mist droplets into the food storage chamber, and the fog generating compartment is comprised of an actuating element of the fog generating compartment for for spraying mist droplets into a food storage chamber, a voltage supply device for supplying voltage to an actuator compartments for generating fog, and heat-conducting material connected to the actuating element of the compartment for generating fog, and by cooling the actuating element of the mist generation compartment to a temperature below the dew point by means of an evaporator, moisture in the air is cooled to condense dew on the actuating element of the mist generating compartment and droplets of mist are sprayed into the food storage chamber, and the spray amount is controlled by a regulation section for lation amount of water deposited on the actuating element for mist generation department.

In this configuration, the dew can easily and reliably condense on the spray electrode from excess steam in the food storage chamber, and by adjusting the amount of water at the front end of the spray electrode, corona discharge occurs stably and continuously between the spray electrode and the opposite electrode. As a result, a fine nanoscale mist is formed, and atomized droplets of fine mist are uniformly deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration from vegetables and fruits can be suppressed, and freshness characteristics are improved. From the gaps between the cells and the pores on the surface of vegetables and fruits, moisture penetrates into the cells and is fed into the dried cells, and the vegetables can be returned to a fresh state.

In addition, since a discharge occurs between the spray electrode and the opposite electrode, an electric field is generated stably, and the spray direction is determined, and droplets of fine mist can be sprayed more accurately into the storage container.

Ozone and OH radicals formed simultaneously with fog are also useful for enhancing the effects of deodorization, removing harmful substances on food surfaces and preventing pollution.

Sprayed mist droplets can be fed directly to food products in a storage container, and mist droplets can adhere to the surface of vegetables by using the potential of the mist and vegetables, and the freshness preservation efficiency is increased, and the effects of deodorization, removal of harmful substances on the surface of foods are further enhanced. and pollution prevention.

In addition, dew condenses on the spray electrode from excess steam in the food storage chamber, and water droplets accumulate and mist is generated by spraying, and no additional components are required, such as a defrost hose, for supplying water to form a spray mist, a cleaning filter, a water supply channel to be connected directly to the water supply system, or a water storage tank. No pump, capillary tube or water supply element is used, and fine mist can be fed into the food storage chamber using a simple structure that does not require a complicated mechanism.

Thus, when using this simple design, fine mist can be stably supplied to the food storage chamber, and the risk of refrigerator malfunctions can be significantly reduced, and reliability is improved, and the quality of the refrigerator is improved.

Instead of tap water, water is used resulting from the condensation of dew, and it is free of minerals and impurities, and effective destruction is prevented when using a water-retaining material or the destruction of a water-holding material due to clogging.

In addition, since fog is not generated by spraying under the influence of ultrasonic waves due to ultrasonic vibrations, it is not necessary to take into account the breakdown of the piezoelectric element due to lack of water or deformation of the peripheral parts, and there is no need for a water tank, and the power consumption is low and the effects of temperature are negligible in the camera.

The part in which the voltage supply device is located is “recessed” in the rear partition 111 and is cooled, and the temperature rise of the circuit board can be reduced. As a result of the effects of temperature in the food storage chamber, they can be reduced, and at the same time, the reliability of the circuit board is increased.

In a preferred embodiment, a partition is provided for thermal insulation of the food storage chamber, and an electrostatic spray device is formed in the partition, and since it is installed in the gap in the food storage chamber, the capacity does not decrease, and since it is installed on the inside, the user's hand cannot it’s easy to touch and the security is enhanced.

In a preferred embodiment, the control element for cooling and heating the spray electrode of the electrostatic spray device or for controlling the amount of condensing dew at the front end of the spray electrode is a cooling rod formed from a heat-conducting metal rod and a heating element for cooling and heating the metal parts, is a heating section formed by heating Vatel and heat transfer from the air passage with a flow of cold air generated in the evaporator, and only by adjusting the wall thickness of the heat insulating member and the amount of power consumed by the heater can be easily determined and the temperature of the cooling rod spray electrode. Due to the enclosure of the heat-insulating element, cold air does not leak out, and a heater and other heating elements are provided, and the formation of frost or dew condensation on the outlet wall can be prevented, and a decrease in reliability can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear wall 111 having an electrostatic spray device has a recess formed in the portion of the food storage chamber, and a metal part is inserted at this point as an element for adjusting the volume of water provided in the electrostatic spray device, and without changing the capacity for storage intended for the storage of vegetables, fruits and food products, wall thickness sufficient to maintain thermal insulation is provided in particular different from the part where the electrostatic spray device is installed, and dew condensation on the outlet wall can be prevented, and reliability is improved.

In a preferred embodiment, a partition intended for thermal separation of the evaporator and the food storage chamber is provided with at least an air channel for moving cold air to the food storage chamber or the evaporator, and the heat-insulating element is insulated from thermal effects with the sides of the food storage chamber or other air channel, and the part for changing the temperature of the spray electrode in the electrostatic aspylitelnom device is a metal piece of heat conductive material, and "part", designed to regulate the temperature of this metal piece is cold air generated in the evaporator, and a heater or other heating element, so that the temperature of the atomizing electrode can be adjusted reliably.

In addition, to prevent excessive dew condensation at the front end of the spray electrode, a heater or other heating element is provided as a component of the means for controlling the amount of water, and the size and number of liquid droplets at the front end can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the front end, and stable spray mist formation, and bactericidal ability is further enhanced.

When generating fine mist, traces of ozone are formed, but since the discharge current is very small and, in addition, since the reference potential is 0 V and the opposite electrode has a charge on the positive side corresponding to +7 kV, the concentration is much lower than that felt by the human body. By turning the electrostatic spray device on / off, the concentration of ozone in the food storage chamber can be controlled, and the concentration can be adjusted accordingly, and yellowing or spoilage of vegetables due to excess ozone can be prevented, and the bactericidal and antibacterial effect on the surface of vegetables can be enhanced.

In a preferred embodiment, a potential difference creating a high voltage on the spray electrode is created between the reference potential side (0 V) and the opposite electrode (+7 kV), but a potential difference creating high voltage can be created by applying -7 kV to the spray electrode with the opposite electrode located on the side of the reference potential (0 V). In this case, the opposite electrode, located closer to the food storage chamber, is on the side of the reference potential, and there will be no electric shock if the user approaches the opposite electrode. When −7 kV is applied to the spray electrode, there may not be a special need for the opposite electrode if the side of the food storage chamber is the side of the reference potential.

In a preferred embodiment, the air channel for cooling the cooling rod is a channel for discharging air from the freezer, but it can also be replaced by a channel for discharging air from the ice maker, a channel for returning air from the freezer, or another channel for cooling air. As a result, the area of possible installation of an electrostatic spray device can be expanded.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling section for cooling a cooling rod of heat-conducting material is cold air cooled by using a cooling source generated during a freezing cycle in a refrigerator, but it is also possible to use heat transfer from cold air from a cooling source in a refrigerator or from cooling tube with low temperature. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of a given cooling tube, the electrode cooling element can be cooled to a predetermined temperature, and it is easy to adjust the temperature while cooling the spray electrode.

In a preferred embodiment, the water holding material is not provided around the spray electrode of the electrostatic spray device, but the water holding material may also be provided. As a result, water resulting from dew condensation and generated near the spray electrode can be held around the spray electrode and can be supplied to the spray electrode accordingly.

In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator compartment for storing food is a vegetable compartment, but it can also be replaced by a refrigerated compartment or a temperature-controlled compartment in a different temperature zone, and various applications are possible.

In a preferred embodiment, a cooling rod is used, but this is not a limitation provided that a thermally conductive material is used, and, for example, a high molecular weight polymer with high thermal conductivity can be used. In this case, the mass is reduced, and machinability is improved, and the configuration is inexpensive.

Preferred Embodiment 12

FIG. 20 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as seen in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 12 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, instead of the one shown in FIG. 4 of the electrostatic spray device provided in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 2, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. twenty.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-11 are explained, and parts of the same configuration as those described in preferred embodiments 1-11 or applicable to the same technical idea are omitted.

In the electrostatic spray device of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 20, in addition to the configuration explained in the preferred embodiment 2, next to the mist generation compartment 139, an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a spray electrode 135 as an actuator of the mist generation compartment and a heater 158 for the heat transfer rod as a heating element for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Preferably, the cooling rod 134 is made of a metal material having anticorrosion properties and rust prevention properties, or of a material subjected to surface treatment with aluminite (alum clay) or other coating treatment.

The cooling rod 134 on the rear side is partially open for impact from the side of the channel 156 for low temperature air. Due to the operation of the freezing cycle, the cooling rod 134 is cooled to approximately 0 - -6 ° C by cold air with a low temperature formed in the evaporator 112, and from the side of the vegetable chamber by means of a cooling fan 113, and a heating element is provided, such as a heat-conducting heater 158 rod or heater (heater in the baffle) 154. Since in this case the cooling rod 134 is a heat-conducting material, the heat of cooling is transferred smoothly, and the temperature is cooling gate electrode 135 is regulated to about 0 - -6 ° C.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the heat-insulating element is provided in a partition intended for the thermal separation of the evaporator and the food storage chamber, and the section for regulating the temperature of the spray electrode 135 of the electrostatic spray device to a temperature below the dew point is a heat-conducting core 134 material, made of a metal part with high thermal conductivity, and regulation section, designed started to regulate the temperature of the cooling rod 134, is an evaporator due to the cold air generated in the evaporator, and a heater provided next to the cooling rod, so that the temperature of the spray electrode can be controlled in a reliable manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the baffle having the electrostatic spray device has a recess in part from the side of the food storage chamber, and the metal part of the cooling section of the electrostatic spray device is inserted in this place, and the metal part can be reliably cooled. As the cross-sectional area of the air passage gradually increases, the resistance of the air passage decreases or becomes equivalent, and a decrease in cooling capacity is prevented. In addition, the temperature of the spray electrode can be easily controlled by the surface area of the cooling rod, open to exposure from the air channel, and the power consumed by the heater.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod is mounted in a recess in the air channel, but the recess may not be made on the side of the air channel, provided that it is possible to maintain a suitable temperature of the cooling rod. In this case, easy processing of the air channel can be provided.

Preferred Embodiment 13

FIG. 21 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as seen in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 13 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in preferred embodiment 3, instead of the one shown in FIG. 5, electrostatic spray device, using the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 21.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-12 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-12 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

When considering the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 21, it should be noted that, as explained for the preferred embodiment 3, the electrostatic spray device 131 as a fog generator is mounted in a first partition 123 for insulating to separate the temperature zones of the vegetable chamber 107 and the ice maker 106. In addition, of this preferred embodiment, in section 134 of the cooling rod in the section corresponding to the cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material provided in the compartment 139 for generating mana, a recess, in particular, is formed in a heat-insulating element, and a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided near this recess.

The basic principle of operation is the same as in the preferred embodiment 3 of implementation. However, in this preferred embodiment, the temperature control of the ice maker 106 may vary, and the spray electrode 135 may be supercooled due to fluctuations in ambient temperature or a rise in frost, the temperature of the spray electrode 135 is controlled by a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod installed adjacent to the spray electrode 135, and may the proper amount of water is maintained at the front end of the spray electrode 135.

Preferred Embodiment 14

FIG. 22 shows a section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, as seen in the direction of the arrows indicating the sectional view illustrating the electrostatic spray device and its periphery provided in the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 14 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-13 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-13 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

It can be seen in the drawing that the rear partition 111 consists of a partition 151 located at the rear end, formed from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and a heat-insulating element 152 formed from polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation. A partition 401 is provided for isolating the low temperature air passage 156 and the cooling chamber 110. A recess 111a is provided in the wall portion of the rear wall 111 from the inside of the food storage chamber so that the temperature therein is lower than in other parts, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is installed as a fog generator.

The electrostatic spray device 131 mainly consists of a fog generation compartment 139, a voltage supply device 133 and an output wall 137, and a spray channel 132 and a moisture supply channel 138 are formed in a part of the output wall 137. A fog generation compartment 139 is provided with a spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the mist generation compartment, and the spray electrode 135 is fixed by a fixing member 202a (202) on the side of the mist generation electrode, wherein anny fixing member is made of thermally conductive material.

A through section 111c is formed at the rear side of the fixing element 202a (202) on the side of the fog generation electrode, and this section is located next to one side of the Peltier module 22 including the Peltier element for controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135. The other side of the Peltier module 222 is located next to the heat-conducting element 222a from the side of the air channel, made of heat-conducting material, and the heat exchange element 222b is formed on the heat-conducting element 222a from the side of the air channel, etc. found in through section 111c.

The operation and actions in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are described below. The low temperature air channel 156 located on the rear side of the spray electrode 135 generates cold air by means of the evaporator 112 due to the operation of the freezing cycle, and the cold air moves into the low temperature air channel. In this case, when voltage is applied to the Peltier module 222 including the Peltier element, the temperature of the spray electrode can be reduced to a temperature below the dew point depending on the direction of supply and the magnitude of the applied voltage. For example, when cooling of the spray electrode 135 is required, the heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier module 222 will be the surface on the side of the spray electrode, and the output surface will be the surface on the side of the air channel, and voltage is applied. On the contrary, when heating the spray electrode 135 is required, the heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier module 222 will be the surface on the side of the air channel, and the output surface will be the surface on the side of the spray electrode 135, and voltage is applied. As a result, water can be appropriately stored at the front end of the spray electrode 135, and stable spray mist formation is achieved.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the section for controlling the amount of water deposited on the spray electrode of the electrostatic spray device allows the temperature of the spray electrode to be regulated only by applying voltage to the Peltier element by using the Peltier element, and by inverting the voltage can be implemented as cooling and heating, and there is no need for any additional heater or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, by accurately adjusting the voltage supplied to the Peltier module 222, precise temperature control can be performed, and precise control of the amount of water at the front end of the spray electrode can be made.

In a preferred embodiment, the Peltier module 222 plays the role of both a heater and an evaporator, and no separate heater is required, and the number of components can be reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor is not provided near the compartment for generating fog, but more precise regulation is possible, and stable spraying can be performed.

The heat-conducting element on the air channel side 222a and the heat-exchange element 222b can be integrally formed. As a result, the thermal resistance in the contact zone between the two elements is eliminated, and the heat transfer is smooth, and the reaction improves.

In addition, the spray electrode 135 and the locking element on the side of the electrode for generating fog can be formed in one piece. As a result, the thermal resistance in the contact zone between the two elements is eliminated, and the heat transfer is smooth, and the reaction improves.

Thus, only by means of the voltage applied to the Peltier element can the temperature of the spray electrode be controlled, and a randomly selected temperature can only be adjusted at the spray electrode.

Only by inverting the voltage can both cooling and heating be performed, and both cooling and heating can be carried out using a simple design without adding an additional device for cooling or heating, and the reaction to temperature is quick, and the sensitivity of the water amount control section increases, and an arbitrarily selected temperature can be adjusted, and the accuracy of the operation of the mist generation compartment can be further improved.

Preferred Embodiment 15

FIG. 23 shows a detailed sectional view of a zone adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 15 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts that are different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-14 are explained, and parts of the same configuration as those described in preferred embodiments 1-14 or applicable to the same technical idea are omitted.

It can be seen in the drawing that the fog generator or electrostatic spray device 131 consists mainly of a fog generation compartment 139, a voltage supply device 133 and an output wall 137, and a spray channel 132 and a moisture supply channel 138 are formed in the part of the output wall 137. The compartment 139 for generating fog has a spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the fog generating compartment fixed to the exit wall 137, and the spray electrode 135 is provided with a cooling rod 134 as a thermally conductive material. Nearby, a heater 158 is provided as a heating element for controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135. At a location opposite to the spray electrode 135, a round circular toroidal electrode 136 is provided on the side of the food storage chamber at a certain distance from the front end of the spray electrode 135, and spray channel 132 is formed on its continuation.

An evaporator 112 adjacent to it is provided at the rear side of the electrostatic spray device 131 to cool the food storage chamber, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is fixed in a recess 111a in the rear partition 111.

Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the device for controlling the amount of water resulting from the condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135, which is an actuating element of the fog generating compartment in the electrostatic spray device as a fog generator, uses an evaporator 112 to cool the food storage chamber as a cooling device and a heat exchanger as a heating element. Therefore, the actuator of the mist generation compartment, the spray electrode 135 can be cooled directly using the evaporator 112 as a cooling source in the refrigerator, and the reaction to temperature is faster.

Thus, the temperature control apparatus is used in the freezing cycle, and the temperature control of the heat-conducting material and the spray electrode can be carried out, and the temperature control of the spray electrode can be carried out with less energy.

Since the heat exchanger is used as the heating element of the control section, the energy generated in the freezing cycle can be accumulated and used efficiently, and the thermal efficiency of the freezing cycle is increased, and a refrigerator can be obtained that saves energy.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, in the freezing cycle, an expansion valve can be used to control the temperature of the evaporator. As a result, the temperature of the evaporator can be controlled by the degree of throttling of this valve.

Preferred Embodiment 16

FIG. 24 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of an area adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in preferred embodiment 16 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator of the preferred embodiment 4, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 5, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 24.

In this preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in preferred embodiment 4, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, next to the cooling rod 134, a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 is cooled through a heat-insulating member of a heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by a cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material. In addition, it is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material. Excessive cooling can be prevented by controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment by means of a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases due to an increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139, and there may be a risk of malfunctioning in the fog generation due to the freezing of the fog generating compartment 139. However, such malfunctions due to an increase in the load on the mist generation compartment 139 can be avoided, and an appropriate amount of condensing dew is ensured, and spray fog is stable at low power consumption.

When cooled by such a cooling device, by cooling from the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material farthest from the spray electrode 135, the cooling rod 134 having a high heat capacity is first cooled, and then the spray electrode 135 is cooled by the cooling rod 134, and the direct effects of temperature changes in the cooling device on the spray electrode 135 can be further reduced, and load fluctuations are small, and stable spray mist formation occurs.

Preferred Embodiment 17

FIG. 25 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of an area adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in preferred embodiment 17 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 5, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 7, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 25. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in the preferred embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 7, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, next to the cooling rod 134, there is provided a heater 158 for a heat conducting rod for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 is cooled through a heat-insulating member of a heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by a cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material. In addition, it is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material. Excessive cooling can be prevented by controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment by means of a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases due to an increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139, and there may be a risk of malfunctioning in the fog generation due to the freezing of the fog generating compartment 139. However, such malfunctions due to an increase in the load on the mist generation compartment 139 can be avoided, and an appropriate amount of condensing dew is ensured, and spray fog is stable at low power consumption.

Preferred Embodiment 18

FIG. 25 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of an area adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in preferred embodiment 18 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 6, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 8, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 26. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in the preferred embodiment 6 shown in FIG. 8, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26, next to the cooling rod 134, a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

The cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material in a preferred embodiment has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode, and an end portion 134b on the side of the protrusion 134a in the mist generation compartment is closest to the cooling device. Therefore, the end portion 134b on the side of the cooling rod 134 farthest from the spray electrode 135 is cooled by cold air from the cooling device.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 is also cooled via a heat insulating element of heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by means of a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material. In addition, it is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material. Excessive cooling can be prevented by controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment by means of a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases due to an increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139, and there may be a risk of malfunctioning in the fog generation due to the freezing of the fog generating compartment 139. However, such malfunctions due to an increase in the load on the mist generation compartment 139 can be avoided, and an appropriate amount of condensing dew is ensured, and spray fog is stable at low power consumption.

Preferred Embodiment 19

FIG. 27 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of a zone adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 19 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 7, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 9, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 27. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in the preferred embodiment 7 shown in FIG. 9, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 27, next to the cooling rod 134, a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 is also cooled via a heat insulating element of heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by means of a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material. In addition, it is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material. Excessive cooling can be prevented by controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment by means of a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases due to an increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139, and there may be a risk of malfunctioning in the fog generation due to the freezing of the fog generating compartment 139. However, such malfunctions due to an increase in the load on the mist generation compartment 139 can be avoided, and an appropriate amount of condensing dew is ensured, and spray fog is stable at low power consumption.

Preferred Embodiment 20

FIG. 28 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of an area adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 20 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 8, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 12, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 28. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in the preferred embodiment 8 shown in FIG. 12, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, next to the cooling rod 134, a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 is also cooled via a heat insulating element of heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by means of a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material. In addition, it is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material. Excessive cooling can be prevented by controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment by means of a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases due to an increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139, and there may be a risk of malfunctioning in the fog generation due to the freezing of the fog generating compartment 139. However, such malfunctions due to an increase in the load on the mist generation compartment 139 can be avoided, and an appropriate amount of condensing dew is ensured, and spray fog is stable at low power consumption.

Preferred Embodiment 21

FIG. 29 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of an area adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 21 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 9, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 13, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 29. In a preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in preferred embodiment 9 shown in FIG. 13, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29, next to the cooling rod 134, a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Below, by reference to the timing diagrams shown in FIG. 30-33, operations of an electrostatic spray device 131 and a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod in a preferred embodiment, including operations in a refrigerator, are explained.

Typically, in the refrigerator 100, when the temperature in the chamber rises, such as a freezer 108 or a refrigerated chamber 104, above the set temperature, the compressor 109 starts to cool each chamber (point A in Fig. 30). At this point, for cooling and controlling the temperature of the chilled chamber 104, a closed choke of the chilled chamber is opened, and cooling begins in the chilled chamber 104 and the vegetable chamber 107 on the downstream side of the air channels of the refrigerator. Cold air passes into the food storage chambers through these air channels, and the corresponding regulation in the food storage chambers is carried out at low humidity. In this case, in order to prevent freezing and to accelerate the drying of the spray electrode 135 of the electrostatic spray device 131, the input power for the heater is supplied to the heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod while the damper of the cooled chamber is open. That is, while cold air passes into the vegetable chamber, its flow is regulated to speed up drying.

Therefore, when the cooled chamber 104 is cooled to a certain temperature, the shutter of the cooled chamber closes and the cold air no longer passes into the vegetable chamber 107. As a result, the humidity in the food storage chamber, which is the vegetable chamber 107, begins to increase, and the power supply to the heat conductor heater 158 is stopped, and the operation mode changes to the dew condensation and atomization mode on the spray electrode 135 (point B in FIG. thirty). Currently, to generate fine mist, the voltage supply device 133 provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 is turned on to supply high voltage. As a result, the spray electrode 135 cools and the humidity around the spray electrode 135 rises, and then the dew begins to condense at the front end of the spray electrode. When the dew condensation increases to a certain extent, a fine nanoscale mist will be generated by a high voltage discharge between the opposite electrode 136 and the spray electrode 135, and droplets of fine mist are sprayed into the food storage chamber. That is, when the flow of cold air passing into the vegetable chamber is stopped, this process is controlled to dew condensation by means of a spray electrode.

After that, when the freezer 108 is cooled to a certain temperature, the compressor 109 stops (point C in FIG. 30), and cooling stops and the temperature of the evaporator 112 starts to rise. As a result, the humidity in the vegetable chamber rises, and the environment is more likely to generate fog. Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 has a specific heat capacity, the temperature will not rise sharply, but the cooled state is maintained. Therefore, the spray electrode 135 is successively cooled and the dew condenses at the front end of the spray electrode, and spray mist can be generated.

The temperature of the freezer chamber 108 and the chilled chamber 104 again becomes higher than a certain temperature, and the operation of the compressor 109 starts again (point A in FIG. 30). In this case, immediately after the commencement of operation of the compressor 109, water generated as a result of dew condensation is still present on the front end of the spray electrode and does not dry quickly, and during the time interval Δt1 from point A, for example, from 3 minutes to 10 minutes continues to supply high voltage device 133 for supplying voltage. As a result, the spraying time can be increased and the freshness is improved.

As shown in FIG. 31, immediately after the transition from the drying mode to the dew condensation and spraying mode, water is rarely available at the front end of the spray electrode by delaying the start of the high voltage supply for the time interval Δt2 from point B, for example, from about 5 minutes to 10 minutes (point E) , spray mist formation can be carried out after dew condensation is sufficient, so that spray mist formation can be carried out in an efficient manner, and at the same time, energy is saved.

However, if the temperature of the environment surrounding the refrigerator is low, then when the chilled chamber damper is opened, the cooling time of the chilled chamber will be very short.

Accordingly, if the ambient temperature is below a certain temperature or if the load on the cooled chamber 104 is relatively small, it is difficult to dry the spray electrode 135 only by interacting with the shutter. However, the operation of the heat-conducting rod heater 158 is not related to the damper of the cooled chamber, as shown in FIG. 30, but connected to compressor 109, as shown in FIG. 32, so that a certain heating time is guaranteed on the side of the heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod, thereby preventing freezing and accelerating the drying of the spray electrode 135. Accordingly, for supplying a high voltage by means of a voltage supply device 133 for supplying voltage to dew on the electrode and causing spray mist, power is supplied while the compressor 109 is stopped, and a high voltage is supplied between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136. However, as explained in FIG. 30, the high voltage supply continues from point A to point D. As a result, stable spray mist formation can be achieved even in a low temperature environment.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 33, if there is sufficient margin to supply power to the heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod, then to ensure the cooling time of the spray electrode, the heating ability of the heater increases more than usual over a period of time Δt3 (from point A to point F) after the start compressor 109, and can be successfully implemented to prevent freezing and accelerate drying. As a result, the drying time can be shortened. Therefore, all the time after the heater has been turned off, it can be used for cooling, and dew will most likely be deposited on the front end of the spray electrode, and the time for mist generation by spraying will increase, and the number of drops of mist deposited on vegetables will increase, and freshness will improve.

In addition, although not specifically described here, when defrosting the evaporator or immediately after thawing, there is a high probability of the entry of cold air with high humidity, and the spray electrode 135 is in an environment in which there is the possibility of spray mist. Therefore, it is preferable to switch to the dew condensation and spray mode by applying a high voltage. In addition, the spray electrode immediately after thawing has a relatively high temperature, and after stopping the operation of the heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod for a certain time, it is desirable to apply a high voltage to generate spray mist.

Thus, the dew condensation and spraying mode and the drying mode are repeated to provide appropriate control of the state of the spray electrode 135 of the electrostatic spray device 131 as a fog generator, and the efficiency of the formation of spray mist can be improved. As a result, spray mist formation can be realized while saving energy, and it is easy to adjust the temperature while cooling the spray electrode 135 as an actuating member for separating to generate mist, and the spray amount can be controlled with higher accuracy.

In order to avoid the presence of an air layer in a preferred embodiment, between the cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material for cooling the fog generating compartment and the cooling section, the empty spaces 196 between the cooling rod 134 and the cooling section are filled with empty spaces 197a, 197b, 197c made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than that of the air layer, such as butyl or heat-scattering compound. However, such filling ^{x / is} not required if there is no air layer between the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material and the cooling section. For example, by removing the air layer by tightly attaching the cooling rod 134 to the wall of the partition 161, heat is transferred to the cooling rod 134, and the temperature can be adjusted appropriately by cooling the spray electrode 135 as an actuator for generating fog in a simpler configuration.

Preferred Embodiment 22

FIG. 34 shows taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, a detailed cross-sectional view of a zone adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 22 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 10, instead of the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 14, the electrostatic spray device shown in FIG. 34. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration is the same as in the preferred embodiment 10 shown in FIG. 14, and similar effects are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 34, next to the cooling rod 134, a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod is provided for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 134 is also cooled via a heat insulating element of heat-absorbing material, the spray electrode 135 is indirectly cooled by means of a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material. In addition, it is indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a heat-insulating element 152 of heat-absorbing material. Excessive cooling can be prevented by controlling the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment by means of a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod. If the spray electrode 135 is excessively cooled, the amount of condensing dew increases, and the power consumed by the electrostatic spray device 131 increases due to an increase in the load on the fog generating compartment 139, and there may be a risk of malfunctioning in the fog generation due to the freezing of the fog generating compartment 139. However, such malfunctions due to an increase in the load on the mist generation compartment 139 can be avoided, and an appropriate amount of condensing dew is ensured, and spray fog is stable at low power consumption.

As has been explained so far, when using the cooling section, the fog generating compartment is indirectly cooled by means of heat-conducting material, and the volume of water in the fog generating compartment is regulated, and the configuration allowing the formation of mist by spraying by controlling the number of mist droplets sprayed from the compartment for generating fog into a food storage chamber, in a simple construction, is explained in the above preferred embodiments.

The spray channel and the moisture supply channel are specifically described below with reference to the drawings, to explain preferred embodiments. In particular, it is explained that the moisture supply channel also serves as a cold air supply channel for supplying cold air.

Preferred Embodiment 23

FIG. 35 is a front view of a cross-section of the area adjacent to the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 23 of the present invention, and the configuration is the same as in FIG. 3, showing preferred embodiment 1. Therefore, as in FIG. 3, in FIG. 35 is a detailed sectional view of the area adjacent to the electrostatic spray device taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 35, a spray channel and a moisture supply channel serving as a cold air channel of the present invention are specifically described below.

The fog generator or electrostatic spray device 131 mainly consists of a fog generation compartment 139, a voltage supply device 133 and an output wall 137, and a spray channel 132 is formed in the output wall 137 together with a moisture supply channel 138 as a cold air supply channel the outlet wall 137 from the lower side of the outlet wall 137, which is orthogonal to the surface in which another spray channel 132 is formed, and a fog generation compartment 139 and a voltage supply device 133 wives inside. The mist generation compartment 139 includes a spray electrode 135 having an actuator for generating a mist designed to generate mist by spray, and the spray electrode 135 is attached to a cooling rod 134 of a heat-conducting material such as aluminum or stainless steel.

This cold air supply channel, that is, the moisture supply channel 138, is positioned so that the shortest distance d2 between the moisture supply channel 138 and the spray channel 132 can be less than the shortest distance d1 between the moisture supply channel 138 and the spray electrode 135 as an actuator an element for separating fog to condense dew.

In other words, the moisture supply passage 138 is formed in the exit wall 137 from the lower side of the spray electrode 135 having an actuating member for the mist generation compartment provided in the mist generation compartment 139.

The cooling rod 134 is fixed to the output wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 itself protrudes from the output wall. At a location opposite to the spray electrode 135, the opposing round-shaped electrode 136 is located on the side of the food storage chamber at a certain distance from the front end of the spray electrode 135, and the spray channel 132 is formed at its extension.

A voltage supply device 133 is formed adjacent to the fog generating compartment 139, and a negative potential side of the voltage supply device 133 for generating high voltage is electrically connected to the spray electrode 135, and a positive potential side, respectively, with the opposite electrode 136.

A voltage supply device 133 is connected to a control device 146 and is controlled by a control device 146 of a refrigerator main body, and enables or disables high voltage by an input signal from a refrigerator 100 or an electrostatic spray device 131.

The surface of the rear end of the partition 151, which secures the fog generator, i.e. the electrostatic spray device 131, is provided with a heater 154 or other heating means designed to control the temperature in the food storage chamber or to prevent dew condensation on the surface and installed between the surface of the at the rear end of the partition 151 and the heat-insulating element 152.

Thus, the fog generator is installed in the partition having a heater 154 or other heating means on the side wall, and a heater 154 is also provided at least from the bottom side of the fog generator.

The operation and effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are explained below. In addition, the operation of the freezing cycle is described. Depending on the set temperature in the chamber, the freezing cycle begins by means of a signal from the control circuit board, and a cooling operation is performed. A refrigerant having a high temperature and high humidity and discharged by operation of the compressor 109 condenses to some extent and liquefies in a condenser, passes through the side or back side of the refrigerator main body, and passes through refrigerant pipelines located at the front opening of the refrigerator main body , and condenses and liquefies while preventing dew condensation in the main body of the refrigerator, and reaches the capillary tube. After that, the pressure of the refrigerant in the capillary tube decreases while the heat is exchanged with the suction pipe leading to the compressor 109, and the refrigerant becomes a liquid refrigerant with a low temperature and low pressure and reaches the evaporator 112. Here, a liquid refrigerant having a low temperature and low pressure, undergoes heat exchange with air in the food storage chambers, such as air in the freezer outlet 141, which is transported by operation of the cooling fan 113, and the refrigerant in the evaporator 112 is vaporized and converted into steam. At this point, cold air is formed in the cooling chamber to cool each food storage chamber. Cold air with a low temperature is distributed from the cooling fan 113 to the cooling chamber 104, the temperature-controlled chamber 105, the ice maker 106, the vegetable chamber 107 and the freezer 108 through the air duct and the damper, and each chamber is cooled to a predetermined temperature zone. In particular, the temperature in the vegetable chamber 107 is controlled within the range of 2 ° C to 7 ° C by initiating / stopping the operation of distributing cold air or turning the heating element on / off, and the temperature sensor in the chamber is generally not provided.

The vegetable chamber 107 provides cooling for the cooled chamber 104, and this air is discharged into the vegetable chamber 107 from the outlet for the vegetable chamber 124 located at an intermediate location of the air channel 140, with the air passing from the cooled chamber to the evaporator 112 for circulation and passes along the outer periphery of the upper basket 120 or lower basket 119 to provide indirect cooling and returns to the evaporator 112 from the inlet 126 for the vegetable chamber again.

In a certain area of the rear partition 111 in a place with a relatively high humidity, the wall thickness of the heat-insulating element 152 is less than in other areas, and in particular, the heat-insulating element is formed with a thickness, for example, from about 2 mm to 10 mm behind the cooling rod 134. As a result, a recess is formed in the rear wall 111, and an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided at this point, so that the direction of spraying can be ensured towards the space in the storage chamber Recreatives Products.

The exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, provided on the rear side of the cooling rod 134, is a channel for the passage of a stream of cold air with a temperature of from about -15 to -25 ° C formed in the evaporator 112 due to the operation of the cooling system and blown through the cooling fan 113, and due to heat transfer from the surface of the air channel, the cooling rod 134 is cooled, for example, to temperatures from about 0 to -6 ° C. Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 is made of heat-conducting material, the heat of cooling is transferred quickly, and the spray electrode is also cooled to approximately 0 -6 ° C.

Since in this case the temperature of the vegetable chamber is from 2 ° C to 7 ° C and the vegetable chamber has a relatively high humidity due to transpiration from vegetables, the temperature of the spray electrode 135 will be below the dew point.

Moisture in the air coming from the moisture supply channel 138 as a cold air supply channel made in the outlet wall 137 condenses to form dew, and this water formed as a result of the dew condensation turns into fog in the fog generating section 139 and is sprayed from the spray channel 132, and thus, an air inlet or outlet channel is formed in the exit wall 137, and due to the effects of air convection in the food storage chamber, including the area of the spray electrode 135, the stuffy stream, and air having relatively high humidity due to transpiration from vegetables, is supplied efficiently and stably to the spray electrode 135 from the moisture supply channel 138, and water droplets are formed and applied to the spray electrode 135, including its front end.

This cold air supply channel, i.e. the moisture supply channel 138, is positioned so that the shortest distance d2 between the moisture supply channel 138 and the spray channel 132 can be less than the shortest distance d1 between the moisture supply channel 138 and the spray electrode 135 as an actuator an element for separating the mist, designed to condense dew, and part of the cold air passing into the outlet wall 137 from the moisture supply channel 138 passes to the periphery of the spray electrode 135 for dew condensation, as well as part passes through the air channel with the least resistance to air movement as the channel with the smallest length to the spray channel 132 from the channel 138 for supplying moisture without passing through the spray electrode 135, and through cold air passing through the air channel with the least length, the air flow can be created in a more reliable way inside the outlet wall 137, and moisture does not remain inside the outlet wall 137 and circulates with the passing cold air.

Thus, the channel 138 for supplying moisture provides the input of moisture inside the output wall 137, and also acts as a channel for supplying cold air, designed to form a stream of cold air inside the output wall 137.

When an air stream is formed that passes along the path with the smallest length and the least resistance to air movement from the channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray channel 132 and does not pass through the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the fog generation compartment, the shortest distance d2 between the channel 138 for supplying moisture and the spray channel 132 will be shorter than the shortest distance dl between the moisture supply channel 138 and the spray electrode 135 as an actuator for generating fog designed to condense dew, but the air channel with the least resistance to air movement can be formed in other parts, and similar effects will be obtained.

In this case, a moisture supply passage 138 is formed on the lower side of the outlet wall 137 from the lower side of the food storage chamber, and if water generated as a result of dew condensation due to dew condensation in the fog generating section 139 accumulates at the lower side of the exit wall 137 , water resulting from condensation of dew can be discharged outward from the outlet wall from this opening. That is, this hole functions not only as a channel for supplying moisture or a channel for supplying cold air, but also as a channel for removing water, which is dripping water resulting from dew condensation, and the formation of scale or penetration of water can be prevented, formed as a result of dew condensation in a device for supplying voltage due to the accumulation of dripping water resulting from dew condensation, and the safety of the electrostatic atomizer is increased device 131.

Thus, in the present invention, these openings, such as a spray channel 132 and a moisture supply channel 138, are formed on a surface different from the upper surface of the outlet wall 137, and if water resulting from condensation of dew in the food storage chamber and accumulated in a higher place than the exit wall 137, in the food storage chamber, gets on the exit wall 137 in the food storage chamber in the refrigerator, which limits the cold and closed space, because, in the upper side of the exit There is no opening on the wall 137, water droplets falling from the space outside the output wall 137 into the space inside the output wall 137 can be prevented, and a refrigerator with higher reliability can be obtained, free from current leakage or short circuit.

Since the moisture supply channel 138 is formed on the lower side of the output wall 137, the upper surface of the output wall 137 is closed and has no openings, and if dew condensation occurs inside the output wall 137, the lower side of the output wall 137 has a moisture supply channel 138 functioning as a channel for draining water and as an opening for a stream of cold air, and the formation of scale or the growth of bacteria or mold within the outlet wall 137 can be prevented.

The fog generator and exit wall 137 have a moisture supply passage 138 made at a location immediately above the upper end of the lower basket 119 in the food storage chamber, mainly for spray mist, as shown in FIG. 1, so that cold air having high humidity can be absorbed from the moisture supply passage 138, and cold air having high humidity will most likely pass into the moisture supply passage 138 from the food storage chamber, and water, which is the result of dew condensation forms more efficiently and can be sprayed in the form of fog.

A fog generator is provided in the partition having a heater 154 or other heating means in the side wall, and compared to the other side wall, the heater 154 in the partition provides a greater likelihood of an upward air flow; an exit wall 137 is formed, inside which there is a compartment for generating fog provided in the fog generator, and the lower side has an opening in the form of a channel for supplying moisture, and, having "mounted" the upward air flow, cold air smoothly enters the outlet wall, and the air flow reliably forms inside the exit wall 137, and moisture does not accumulate inside the exit wall 137, but circulates with the passing cold air or circulates in the form of fog due to condensation of dew in the generation compartment fog.

A heater 154 is also formed at least from the lower side of the fog generator, and the upward air flow passing into the moisture supply passage 138 is generated in a more reliable manner, and the cold air is likely to pass into the exit wall 137, and the air flow more reliably formed inside the outlet wall 137, and the channel 138 for supplying moisture more effectively acts as a channel for supplying cold air, designed to form a stream of cold air passing inside the outlet wall 137.

The fog generator and the exit wall 137 have a fog generator located on the side of the vegetable chamber inlet 126 as a cold air outlet, offset laterally from the center of the food storage chamber, as shown in FIG. 2, so that high humidity cold air can be introduced from the moisture supply passage 138. As a result, cold air with high humidity from the food storage chamber passes in large quantities to the side of the inlet 126 for the vegetable chamber as a cold air outlet, and laterally in the food storage chamber, at the cold air outlet, the humidity is higher from the side of the inlet 126 for the vegetable compartment as an outlet for the exit of cold air, and there is a high probability that cold air with high humidity from the food storage chamber will to enter the channel 138 for supplying moisture, and condensing water is formed more efficiently, and fog can be generated by spraying.

The area near the mist generator has high humidity due to spray mist formation, and in particular inside the exit wall 137 there is a possibility of scaling or current leakage through moisture, but since the moisture supply channel 138, which functions as a cold air supply, is preferably In an embodiment, an air passage is formed, and an air stream is reliably formed inside the outlet wall 137, and moisture does not accumulate inside the outlet wall 137, but may circulate together with the cold air passing.

Inside the outlet wall 137, especially on the underside of the spray electrode 135 with respect to the mist generation compartment, relatively large and heavy particles in the mist formed by the spray collide with the exit wall, and mist particles not sprayed into the food storage chamber may precipitate, and there may be a possibility of scale formation or current leakage through moisture, but since in the preferred embodiment the moisture supply channel is formed in the exit wall 137 from the lower sides with respect to the mist generation compartment, where moisture is likely to precipitate, high humidity cold air at the lower side passes into the mist generation compartment, and dew condenses reliably in the mist generation compartment, and moisture does not remain inside the outlet wall 137, and cold air having sufficient humidity is supplied to the mist generation compartment, and relatively high humidity air is efficiently and stably supplied from the channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed and supplied to the spray electrode 135, including its front end, in the mist generation compartment.

In addition, since the electrostatic spray device 131 is used in the preferred embodiment, the particle size of the generated fog is small and amounts to several nm or tens of nm, and the spray electrode is sterilized by applying a high voltage, and the fine mist formed is deposited near the spray channel without accumulating water, and since the fine mist contains OH radicals and ozone with a high oxidizing ability, bacterial growth near aspylitelnym channel and the scum is not formed.

If water resulting from dew condensation and precipitating directly on the rear wall 111 drips in the form of liquid droplets or drips along the outlet wall 137, water is discharged outward from the space inside the outlet wall 137 from the moisture supply passage 138, and its ingress can be prevented into the device 133 for supplying voltage.

Thus, the dew from the steam in the vegetable chamber 107 can condense on the spray electrode 135 easily and reliably, and no water supply device or other complex device is required, and fog can be generated by spraying using a simple structure.

By spraying the mist with an electrostatic spraying device, fine mist is formed, and the sprayed droplets of fine mist are uniformly deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration of vegetables and fruits can be suppressed, and freshness is improved.

Since the spray electrode 135 and the voltage supply device 133 are contained within the output wall 137, inadvertent contact by the user's hand with the spray electrode 135 and the voltage supply device 133 can be prevented, and if high voltage is supplied to the food storage chamber, fine mist can be generated by spraying while guaranteeing user safety.

A high voltage (e.g., 4 to 10 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e. the spray electrode 135 on the negative voltage side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive electrode side from the voltage supply device 133. At this point, a corona discharge occurs between the two electrodes, and water droplets at the front end of the spray electrode 135 are sprayed by electrostatic energy, and since the liquid droplets are electrically charged, due to Rayleigh scattering, an electrically charged invisible fine nanoscale mist with droplet sizes of several nm and ozone and OH radicals are formed simultaneously. The voltage applied between the electrodes is very high, from about 4 to 10 kV, but the discharge current is currently on the order of several μA, and the power consumption is very low, from about 0.5 to 1.5 watts.

When droplets of fine mist are sprayed from the spray electrode 135, an ionic wind is generated. At this point also, through the moisture supply passage 138 formed separately from the spray passage 132, fresh, high humidity air passes to the spray electrode 135, and spray mist can be generated continuously.

Particles of the fine mist formed are sprayed into the lower basket 119 and have a very small size, and therefore, its diffusion is significant, and the fine fog easily reaches the upper basket 120. Since the fog formed by spraying is formed by a high voltage discharge, it has a negative charge. On the other hand, in a vegetable chamber 107, among vegetables and fruits, greens and leafy plants are contained, and these vegetables and fruits are likely to undergo transpiration or wilting due to transpiration during storage. Some of the fruits and vegetables stored in the vegetable chamber may already be dried up due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or during storage and have a positive charge. Consequently, sprayed droplets of fog are likely to accumulate on the surface of vegetables, and therefore, the characteristic associated with maintaining freshness is improved.

Fine nanoscale fog, particles of which adhere to the surface of vegetables, contains OH radicals and traces of ozone and is effective in killing germs, counteracting germs and removing germs, and in addition, it increases the content of nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables by removing agricultural chemicals and their oxidation and decomposition.

If in this case there is no water on the spray electrode 135, the discharge distance becomes larger and the air insulation layer cannot be destroyed, and the discharge phenomenon does not occur. As a result, no current flows between the spray electrode and the opposite electrode. This phenomenon is detected by the control device 146 of the refrigerator 100, and the high voltage supplied by the voltage supply device 133 can be turned on and off.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided for spraying mist droplets into a thermally insulated food storage chamber 107 and a food storage chamber 107, and the mist generation section 139 includes a spray electrode 135 electrically connected to the supply device 133 voltage, designed to generate high voltage, the opposite electrode 136 located in a place opposite the spray electrode 135 and a cooling section for cooling the spray electrode 135 to a temperature below the dew point, and moisture is cooled to allow condensation of dew on the spray electrode 135 and sprayed in the form of a mist into the food storage chamber 107, and dew generated from excess steam in the storage chamber products 107, can easily condense on the spray electrode 135, and fine nanoscale mist is generated by high-voltage corona discharge through the opposite electrode 136, and atomized droplets m lkodispersnogo mist uniformly deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruit, and transpiration of vegetables and fruits can be suppressed, and the freshness is improved. In addition, moisture can be supplied to dried cells from gaps and pores between cells on the surface of vegetables and fruits due to penetration through tissues, and vegetables return to a fresh state.

Ozone and OH radicals generated simultaneously with fog are effective for deodorizing, removing harmful substances from food surfaces and preventing pollution.

Atomized mist drops are fed directly to the foodstuffs in the vegetable chambers (in the upper basket 120 and the lower basket 119), and by using the potential difference between the fog and vegetables, fog can be applied to the surface of the vegetables, and storage efficiency is improved.

The dew condenses from the excess steam in the food storage chamber 107 on the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are supplied and the mist is sprayed, and no water tank is required, or a pump, capillary tube or other components for supplying water are not used, and a structure is created inexpensive way.

In addition, instead of tap water, water generated as a result of dew condensation is used, and it is free of minerals and impurities, and destruction by using the water holding material or deterioration of the water holding property due to clogging can be prevented.

This fog is not a fog formed by ultrasonic waves due to ultrasonic vibrations, a water tank is not required, and the temperature effects in the chamber are negligible.

The part in which the voltage supply device 133 is located is “recessed” in the rear partition 111 and is cooled, so that the temperature rise of the circuit board can be reduced. As a result of exposure to temperature in the food storage chamber 107, they are kept negligible.

A preferred embodiment is a refrigerator including food storage chambers thermally insulated by a partition, and a mist generation compartment for spraying mist droplets into the food storage chamber, and the mist generation compartment includes an actuator for the fog generation compartment for spraying mist into a food storage chamber, a voltage supply device for applying voltage to an additional compartment for generating fog, and a heat-conducting material connected to an actuating unit for generating fog, and an output wall for receiving an actuating unit for generating fog, and the output wall includes a spray passage for passing fog and a moisture supply passage, intended for the passage of moisture, in addition to the spray channel, and the front end for generating fog is cooled by means of a cooling section to a temperature below the dew point, and moisture in The air is cooled to condense dew on the actuating element of the mist generation compartment and is sprayed into the food storage chamber.

Since this configuration creates an air passage, due to the effects of air convection in the food storage chamber 107, an air flow also forms on the spray electrode 135, and moisture in the air in the food storage chamber 107 can be efficiently and stably supplied to the spray electrode 135, and accelerates condensation of dew.

A moisture supply channel 138 is formed on the lower side of the exit wall 137, and the penetration of water droplets generated by dew condensation and deposited on the rear wall 111 into the voltage supply device 133 from the moisture supply channel 138 can be prevented, and safety is improved.

When droplets of fine mist are sprayed from the spray electrode 135, an ionic wind is generated, and at that moment fresh air passes to the spray electrode 135 from the moisture supply channel 138, which also functions as a cold air supply channel, and a circulation stream is not formed near the spray channel 132, and spray mist formation can occur continuously and stably.

When a gap is formed in the food storage chamber 107, the capacity does not decrease, and since it is provided on the inside and is not accessible to the user's hand, safety is increased.

Ozone is also generated by the formation of fine mist. By controlling the on / off control of the electrostatic spray device 131, the ozone concentration in the food storage chamber 107 can be controlled. By appropriately controlling the ozone concentration, deterioration such as yellowing of vegetables can be prevented, and the bactericidal and antibacterial effects on the surface of vegetables can be enhanced.

In a preferred embodiment, the air passage for cooling the cooling rod 134 is an exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer, but another low temperature air passage, such as a channel for discharging air from the ice maker 106 or a channel for returning air from the freezer, can also be used. . As a result, the area of possible installation of the electrostatic spray device 131 can be expanded.

In a preferred embodiment, the water holding material is not provided around the atomization electrode 135 of the electrostatic atomizing device 131, but the water holding material may be provided. As a result, water resulting from dew condensation and generated near the spray electrode 135 can be held around the spray electrode 135 and can be appropriately supplied to the spray electrode 135.

In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator chamber 100 for storing products and for installing the electrostatic spray device 131 therein is a vegetable chamber 107, but it can also be installed in a cooled chamber 104 or a temperature-controlled chamber 105, or in a chamber for storage in a different temperature zone, and various applications are possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling source of the spray electrode 135 is heat transfer from the surface of the exhaust air passage 141 for the freezer through the flow of cold air generated in the evaporator 112, but this can be realized by a Peltier element that uses the Peltier effect and which is located directly on the cooling the rod 134. In this case, by adjusting the voltage supplied to the Peltier element, the temperature can be regulated s accurately, and can be adjusted to the optimum temperature at the actuating element.

In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the spray channel 132, the moisture supply channel 138 is formed on the lower side of the output wall 137, perpendicular to the side with the spray channel 132, and almost the entire area of the bottom side of the output wall 137 can be opened in the form of this channel 138 for supply of moisture. In this case, a large volume of air can be supplied into the outlet wall 137 from the lower side of the lower casing 137, and the air resistance inside the air wall 137 can be reduced, and therefore this facilitates the flow of cold air inside the outlet wall 137, and can be provided more effective acceleration of dew condensation in the mist generation compartment.

In addition, since the bottom side portion is almost completely open, the accumulation of water generated by dew condensation inside the outlet wall 137 can be prevented, and if the water formed as a result of the dew condensation directly drips or drips along the outlet wall 137, the water smoothly is discharged out of the space inside the outlet wall 137 through the channel 138 for supplying moisture, and penetration into the device 133 for supplying voltage is prevented, and the safety of the electrostatic spray device 131 is additional ADDITIONAL increases.

Thus, in the case where the moisture supply passage 138 made in the lower part of the outlet wall 137 is also provided with the function of a water outlet, the moisture supply channel 138 is preferably located on the lower side in the lower part of the outlet wall 137, so that water does not accumulate inside the outlet wall 137, but rather is released quickly by gravity.

To ensure a smoother discharge of water, the lower part of the output wall 137 is tilted down, and the channel 138 for supplying moisture as a channel for draining water is located on the lower side in the lower part.

In particular, when the door is closed, the food storage chamber is cold and closed, and water generated by condensation of dew on the wall may drip in such a refrigerator. However, in a preferred embodiment, the upper side of the outlet wall 137 is closed and has no opening, and water resulting from condensation of dew in the upper parts of the outlet wall 137 will not drip and pass into the outlet wall 137. Therefore, there are no malfunctions such as current leakage or defective mist formation by spraying caused by the penetration of water resulting from condensation of dew outside the outlet wall 137 into the spray electrode 135 or device ystvo 133 for energization.

In addition, since the upper side of the outlet wall 137 is closed, depending on the environment with high humidity inside the outlet wall 137, water resulting from dew condensation may form inside the outlet wall 137 at the upper side. Since, in this case, the moisture supply channel is also made from the lower side, if the dripping water generated as a result of dew condensation is likely to accumulate due to the closure of the upper side, the dripping water formed as a result of dew condensation is smoothly discharged from the moisture supply channel 138 to the space outside the output wall 137. Consequently, the dripping of dew water generated as a result of condensation is prevented from entering the voltage supply device 133, and the safety of the electrostatic eskogo spray device 131 is further enhanced.

In a preferred embodiment, the fog generator is represented by an electrostatic spray device 131, but the fog generator is not limited to only the electrostatic spray device 131, and it can be implemented, for example, by means of an ultrasonic device for generating fog or an ejection fog generator, and the same technology can be applied to output wall 137, inside of which there is an actuating element for the fog generation compartment, designed to form fog leniem fog generator. In particular, when water is replenished for a mist generator by using water resulting from condensation of dew from moisture in the air in a food storage chamber by condensation of dew in a mist generation section 139, the same technology can be applied to ensure effective dew condensation for the channel 138 for the supply of moisture, designed to enter cold air with high humidity inside the output wall 137.

In a preferred embodiment, the moisture supply passage 138 also functions as a cold air supply passage. Moisture inlet channel 138, primarily designed to introduce high humidity cold air, is effective for the following reasons. That is, as explained in the preferred embodiment, the moisture contained in the air in the food storage chamber 107 is condensed in the mist generation section 139, and this water generated by dew condensation is used to generate mist by spraying. In a similar configuration, for example, it can also be effective when water accumulated in the water tank is supplied to the electrostatic spray device 131 and fog is generated by spraying. In the latter case, as explained in the preferred embodiment, there is a tendency to increase humidity around the electrostatic spray device 131 due to the formation of mist by spraying, and especially similar problems such as scale formation or current leakage due to moisture can occur inside the exit wall 137. Therefore, the method of replenishing water in the electrostatic spray device 131 is not limited to the method of condensing dew, but the same technology can be effectively applied to another method of replenishing water, such as the method of using a water tank and supplying accumulated water to the electrostatic spray device 131.

Preferred Embodiment 24

FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the area adjacent to the vegetable chamber in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 24 of the present invention, showing a detailed sectional view of the electrostatic spray device taken along line D-D in FIG. 2.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-23 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-23 is omitted. In particular, the technical idea of the preferred embodiment 23 for generating a stream of cold air through a channel for supplying cold air into the outlet wall is similarly applied to the configuration of this preferred embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 36, the outlet wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a spray channel 132 and, in addition, with a moisture supply channel 138 as a channel for supplying cold air located in the space between the lower basket 119 and the upper basket 120, which does not have obstacles between the side, having a spray channel 132, and the perpendicular side of the outlet wall 137 in the food storage chamber.

The operation and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are described below. The cooling section of the cooling rod 134 and the operation and operation of the spray mist are the same as in the preferred embodiment 1, and explanation is omitted.

The air coming from the moisture supply passage 138 made in the exit wall 137 is converted to fog in the mist generation section 139 and is sprayed from the spray channel 132, and an air passage is formed, and due to effects due to convection of air in the food storage chamber , an air stream is generated inside the outlet wall 137, which includes a spray electrode 135, and air with a relatively high humidity due to transpiration from vegetables is fed efficiently and stably from the channel 138 for moisture to the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed and applied to the spray electrode 135, including its front end.

Thus, a preferred embodiment includes an evaporator 112 for cooling each food storage chamber 107, and a rear wall 111 for heat insulation of the evaporator 112 and the food storage chamber, an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided in the rear wall 111, and the output wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is made with a channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray electrode 135, in addition to the supply channel 132, in the space dy lower basket 119 and upper basket 120 not having obstacle between the side in which there is a spray channel 132 and the perpendicular side of outlet wall 137.

Therefore, an air passage is formed, and due to effects due to convection of air in the food storage chamber 107, an air flow is also generated in the part with the spray electrode 135, and moisture in the air in the food storage chamber 107 is supplied in an efficient and stable manner to the spray electrode 135, and dew condensation accelerates.

In particular, since the mist is generated by spraying, the medium inside the outlet wall 137 tends to scale or cause current leakage through moisture, but since a moisture supply channel is provided in the preferred embodiment, an air passage is formed and the air flow is reliably generated inside the outlet walls 137, and moisture does not remain inside the outlet wall 137, but circulates with the passing cold air.

In a preferred embodiment, as the channel for supplying cold air, the channel for supplying moisture is made in addition to the spray channel 132 in the side of the outlet wall 137, perpendicular to the side on which the spray channel 132 is formed, and more preferably, as the channel for supplying moisture the lower side of the exit wall 137 may be open. In this case, a large volume of air can be supplied into the outlet wall 137 from the lower side of the lower casing, and the air resistance inside the outlet wall 137 can be reduced, and therefore, acceleration of dew condensation in the fog generating section 139 can be provided in a more efficient manner.

In addition, since the bottom of the side is open, the accumulation of water generated by the dew condensation inside the outlet wall 137 can be prevented by the functioning of the water drainage channel, and if the water formed as a result of the dew condensation drips directly or drips along the output wall 137, water is smoothly discharged out of the space inside the output wall 137 through the channel 138 for supplying moisture, and its penetration into the device 133 for supplying voltage is prevented, and the safety of the electrostatic discharge the dusting device is further enhanced.

Thus, when the moisture supply passage provided on the side of the outlet wall 137 also functions as a water outlet, the moisture supply channel is preferably located on a protruding portion at the lowermost side in the lower part of the exit wall 137, so that the water does not accumulates inside the exit wall 137, and is quickly released under the action of gravity.

In particular, when the door is closed, the food storage chamber is cold and closed, and water generated by condensation of dew on the wall may drip in such a refrigerator. However, in a preferred embodiment, the upper side of the outlet wall 137 is closed and has no opening, and water generated by condensation of dew in the upper parts of the outlet wall 137 will not drip and pass into the outlet wall 137, and therefore, there will be no malfunction such as current leakage or defective mist formation by spraying caused by the penetration of water resulting from the condensation of dew outside the output wall 137 into a spray electrode or device ystvo supply voltage.

In addition, since the upper side of the output wall 137 is closed, depending on the environment with high humidity inside the output wall 137, water resulting from dew condensation may form inside the output wall 137 at the upper side, but since in this case the supply channel moisture is also made in the lower part of the side, if dripping water formed as a result of condensation of dew is likely to accumulate due to the closure of the upper side, dripping formed as a result of condensation In case of dew condensation, water is smoothly discharged from the channel 138 for supplying moisture to the space outside the output wall 137, and the dripping water generated as a result of condensation of dew is prevented from entering the voltage supply device 133, and the safety of the electrostatic spray device 131 is further enhanced.

Preferred Embodiment 25

FIG. 37 is a longitudinal section of a zone adjacent to a vegetable compartment in a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment 25 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-24 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-24 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 37, the electrostatic spray device 131 is mounted in a first partition 123 for thermal insulation of the temperature zones of the vegetable chamber 107 and the ice maker 106, so that the spraying direction can be a direction toward the space of the food storage chamber, and its heat-insulating element has a recess in part compartments for generating fog provided with a cooling rod 134.

The output wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a spray channel 132 and another channel 138 for supplying moisture on the side of the outer casing 137 from the inside of the food storage chamber perpendicular to the side on which the spray channel 132 is formed.

The operation and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are explained. The thickness of the first partition 123 on which the electrostatic spray device 131 is mounted must be large enough to provide cooling ability to cool the cooling rod 134 to which the spray electrode 135 is attached, and the wall thickness at the installation site of the electrostatic spray device 131 is less than in other parts . Therefore, due to heat transfer from an ice machine having a relatively low temperature, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled, and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled, and the temperature of the front end of the spray electrode 135 will be below the dew point.

Although not shown, by installing a camera temperature sensor or a humidity sensor in the camera, you can accurately calculate the dew point depending on environmental changes in the camera in accordance with a given formula.

Since the spray channel 132 and the moisture supply channel 138 formed in the exit wall 137 form an air passage, due to the effects of air convection in the food storage chamber, an air stream is generated, including the area of the spray electrode 135, and air with relatively high humidity due to transpiration from vegetables is fed efficiently and stably from the channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed and applied to the spray electrode 135, including its front end.

A high voltage (e.g., 7.5 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e., the spray electrode 135 on the negative voltage side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive electrode side, from the voltage supply device 133. At this moment, the layer of air insulation between the electrodes is destroyed, and a corona discharge occurs, and water on the spray electrode 135 is sprayed from the front end of the electrode, and an electrically charged, invisible finely dispersed nanoscale fog with droplet sizes less than 1 μm is formed together with the accompanying ozone and OH- radicals.

Drops of fine mist formed are sprayed into the vegetable chamber. The fine mist droplets sprayed from the electrostatic spray device 131 are negatively charged. On the other hand, the chamber 107 for vegetables contains vegetables and fruits, including greens and leafy plants. These vegetables and fruits are often stored in a slightly dried state due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or transpiration during storage. These vegetables and fruits usually have a positive charge, and therefore, atomized droplets of fine mist having a negative charge are likely to accumulate on the surface of vegetables. When the humidity in the vegetable chamber rises again, atomized droplets of fine mist are simultaneously deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration of vegetables and fruits is suppressed, and freshness is improved. Moisture penetrates into the tissue from the gaps between the cells in vegetables and fruits, and transpiration occurs, and moisture is fed back into the dried cells, and drying stops due to cell expansion, and the vegetables “freshen”.

The fine mist formed contains ozone and OH radicals, and they have strong oxidizing ability. Accordingly, the fine mist formed provides deodorization of the vegetable chamber or sterilization or destruction of bacteria on the surface of vegetables, and also provides oxidation, decomposition and removal of agricultural chemicals, wax and other harmful substances that adhere to the surface of vegetables.

Currently, isobutane is mainly used as a refrigerant in the freezing cycle, which has less effect on global warming in terms of preserving the environment on earth. This isobutane is a hydrocarbon, and in comparison with air its specific gravity is approximately 2 times greater at ordinary temperature and atmospheric pressure (300 K, 2.04).

If isobutane seeps out of the freezer when the compressor is stopped, it will seep down because it is heavier than air. In this case, the refrigerant may seep into the chamber through the rear baffle 111. In particular, when seeping from the evaporator 112, which contains a large amount of refrigerant, the leakage may be large, but the vegetable chamber 107, including an electrostatic spray device 131, is located above the evaporator 112, and the leaked refrigerant does not enter the chamber 107 for vegetables.

If isobutane seeps into the chamber 107 for vegetables from the evaporator 112, it will accumulate in the lower part of the chamber for storing food, since the refrigerant is heavier than air. Therefore, since the electrostatic spray device 131 is installed in the ceiling of the food storage chamber, the probability of being isobutane near the electrostatic spray device 131 is very low.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a first partition 123 is provided for separating the food storage chamber 107, and a low-temperature storage chamber (ice maker 106) is formed at the ceiling side of the food storage chamber 107, and if the food storage chambers are in the freezing temperature zone, such as a freezer 108 or an ice maker 106, are formed in the upper parts, when installing the electrostatic spray device 131 in the first partition 123 in the ceiling, designed to dividing them, no separate cooling device is required, and only by spraying from the side of the ceiling the fog can easily be dispersed throughout the food storage chamber (lower basket 119, upper basket 120).

In a preferred embodiment, in the outlet wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131, in addition to the spray channel 132, a channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray electrode 135 is formed on the inner side of the output wall 137 perpendicular to the side on which the spray channel 132 is formed. As a result, a passage is formed for air, and due to the effects of air convection in the food storage chamber 107, an air flow also forms on the spray electrode 135, and moisture in the air in the wound products 107 can be efficiently and stably supplied to the atomizing electrode 135, and dew condensation is accelerated. Since, at the same time, the moisture supply channel 138 is formed on the inside of the output wall 137, the hand touch of the voltage supply device 133 from the moisture supply channel 138 is prevented from being touched by the user's hand, and safety is improved.

In particular, since the mist is generated by spraying, the medium inside the outlet wall 137 tends to scale or cause current leakage through moisture, but since the moisture supply passage is provided as a cold air supply passage, in the preferred embodiment, an air passage is formed, and air flow is generated reliably inside the outlet wall 137, and moisture does not remain inside the outlet wall 137, but circulates with the passing cold air.

Thus, the moisture supply channel 138 provides moisture input into the outlet wall 137, and also serves as a channel for supplying cold air to form a stream of cold air within the outlet wall 137.

Since in the preferred embodiment, the lower part is open in the form of a spray channel 132, this spray channel 132 serves as a channel for draining water to prevent the accumulation of water resulting from the condensation of dew inside the outlet wall 137. Therefore, if the water resulting from the condensation dew, drips directly or drips along the outlet wall 137, water is smoothly discharged out of the space inside the outlet wall 137 through the spray channel 132, and its penetration into the device 133 d I energization is prevented, and the safety of electrostatic atomizing device is further enhanced. Thus, when the spray channel 132, made on the lower side of the output wall 137, functions as a channel for draining water, the spray channel 132 is preferably located at the lowermost side in the lower part of the output wall 137, so that water does not accumulate inside the output wall 137, but quickly released by gravity.

Thus, in the present invention, both openings of the spray channel 132 and the moisture supply channel 138 are formed on a surface different from the upper surface of the outlet wall 137, and if water resulting from condensation of dew in the food storage chamber and accumulated in the upper part is higher the outlet wall 137 in the food storage chamber in the refrigerator in a confined space with a low temperature drips onto the outlet wall 137, since there is no hole in the upper surface of the outlet wall 137, ingress is prevented water droplets inside the outlet wall 137 from the space outside the outlet wall 137, and a refrigerator with greater safety without current leakage or short circuit can be obtained.

The spray channel 132 is formed in the lower part of the output wall 137, and the upper side of the output wall 137 is closed and does not open, and if there is a possibility of condensation of dew inside the output wall 137, the lower side of the output wall 137 is made with a spray channel 132 that acts as a channel for water drainage, and the formation of scale or the growth of bacteria or mold on the exit wall 137 can be prevented.

In particular, when the door is closed, the food storage chamber is cold and closed, and water generated by condensation of dew on the wall may drip in such a refrigerator. However, in a preferred embodiment, the upper side of the outlet wall 137 is closed and has no opening, and water resulting from condensation of dew in the parts upper with respect to the outlet wall 137 will not drip and pass into the outlet wall 137, and therefore ensures the absence of malfunctions, such as current leakage or defective mist formation by spraying, caused by the penetration of water generated as a result of dew condensation outside the outlet wall 137 into the spray ktrod or device for supplying a voltage.

In addition, since the upper side of the outlet wall 137 is closed, depending on the environment with high humidity inside the outlet wall 137, water resulting from dew condensation may form inside the outlet wall 137 at the upper side, but since in this case the spray channel 132 also is made in the lower part, then, if the dripping water resulting from the condensation of dew is likely to accumulate due to the isolation of the upper side, the dripping water resulting from the condensation of dew in and smoothly discharged from the spray channel 132, performs the channel function to divert water into the space outside of outlet wall 137, and is prevented from penetration into the device 133 for supplying voltages and the safety of electrostatic atomizing device 131 is further enhanced.

In addition, since the spray electrode 135 and the voltage supply device 133 are contained within the output wall 137, the user does not touch the spray electrode 135 and the voltage supply device 133 and, if high voltage is applied to the food storage chamber 107, the formation of fine mist spraying can be carried out while guaranteeing the safety of the user.

A mist generation compartment 139 and a cooling rod 134 are provided in the recess and do not protrude into the food storage chamber 107, and the user's hand is unlikely to touch the spray electrode 135 and voltage supply device 133. Therefore, if a high voltage is applied to the food storage chamber 107, the safety of the user can be further enhanced. In addition, since the exit wall 137 is formed on the inside of the ceiling side, safety is further enhanced.

Since spray droplets of fog can be sprayed from the ceiling, the fog can be dispersed throughout the food storage chamber (lower basket 119, upper basket 120).

The fog generating compartment 139 of the preferred embodiment is designed to form fog through an electrostatic fog generation system, and water droplets are destroyed and atomized by high voltage electrical energy, and fine mist is generated. Since the mist formed has an electric charge, when the mist has a charge with a polarity opposite to that of the given vegetables and fruits, for example, by spraying drops of a negatively charged fog towards positively charged vegetables, the adhesion force on the vegetables and fruits increases, and the fog is fed more evenly on the surface of vegetables, and the degree of “attachment” of droplets of fog increases compared with fog that does not have a charge. Sprayed droplets of fine mist are fed directly to food products in the vegetable compartment (in the lower basket 119, upper basket 120), and the fine mist can adhere to the surface of vegetables by utilizing the potential of the fine mist and vegetables, and freshness can be effectively improved.

The replenishment water in the preferred embodiment is water resulting from condensation of dew, and not tap water. It is free of minerals and impurities, and there is no destruction at the front end of the spray electrode 135 or deterioration of the water retention property due to clogging.

Since the mist in the preferred embodiment contains radicals, agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the surface of the vegetables, can be decomposed and removed by means of an extremely small amount of water, and water is saved and the power consumption is low.

Since the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in a higher position than the evaporator 112, in the case of a freezing cycle using a refrigerant such as isobutane or propane, and if the refrigerant seeps out, it will not accumulate in the vegetable chamber 107 because it is heavier than air and this camera is very safe.

Since, when using the vegetable chamber 107, a mist generation compartment 139 is also located above the food storage chamber 107, if the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant piping in the main body of the refrigerator or the like, it will not remain in the lower parts of the vegetable chamber 107 , and there will be no problems.

Since the vegetable chamber 107 does not have any part directly facing or in direct contact with the refrigerant pipelines, the refrigerant will not leak directly from the refrigerant pipelines or the like.

Preferred Embodiment 26

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the area adjacent to the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 26 of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the area adjacent to the vegetable chamber in the refrigerator in another variation of preferred embodiment 26 of the present invention. FIG. 40 is a detailed plan view of the area adjacent to the electrostatic spray device, taken along line E-E of FIG. 39.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in the above preferred embodiments are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in the above preferred embodiments or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

As shown in the drawing, in a preferred embodiment, in the highest part of the refrigerator 100, the cooling chamber 104 is formed as a first food storage chamber, and at the bottom of the cooling chamber 104 is a temperature-controlled chamber 105 as a fourth food storage chamber and an ice maker 106 in as a fifth food storage chamber, are adjacent to each other, a freezer 108 is formed at the bottom of the temperature-controlled chamber 105 and an ice maker 106, and a vegetable chamber 107 is called in the part that is even below the freezer 108.

A second partition 125 having heat-insulating properties is provided for separating the temperature zones of the vegetable chamber 107 and the freezer 108, and the partition 251 is formed on the inside of the second partition 125 and on the inside of the freezer 108. An evaporator is installed between the partition 251 and the thermally insulated body 101 of the refrigerator. 112, and a radiator heater 114 is provided at its lower part to ensure thawing of the frost deposited on the evaporator, together with a tray 115 for collecting melt water, is intended for receiving melt water. Together with them, a cooling chamber 110 is formed, including a cooling fan 113 for moving cold air into separate chambers.

In a second partition 125 for separating the cooling chamber 110 and the vegetable chamber, the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided as a fog generator in order to use the cooling source generated by the cooling chamber 110, as shown in FIG. 38, and in particular, a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material provided in the fog generating section 139, is formed in a recess in the heat-insulating element of the second partition 125, and a heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod is formed near it.

An air passage for cooling the vegetable chamber 107 is formed as shown in FIG. 38, which shows that an air passage extending from the cooled chamber or an exhaust air passage 252 for the vegetable chamber using an air passage extending from the freezer is formed at the inside of the vegetable chamber 107 and air with a temperature that is slightly below the temperature in the chamber 107 for vegetables, passes through the exhaust air channel 252 for the chamber for vegetables and passes to the lower part from the inner side of the lower basket 119 of the chamber 107 for vegetables from the outlet 124 for the chamber for vegetables. A stream of cold air flows from the lower part of the lower basket 119 to the front side and passes into the beverage container 107a in the front of the storage container, and passes further into the vegetable chamber inlet 126 located on the lower side of the second partition 125, and by circulation passes to the evaporator 112 through the inlet air channel 253 for the chamber for vegetables.

The upper basket 120 has a part at its lower side located in the lower basket 119, and a plurality of air passage openings 107c are provided in the upper basket 120 located in the lower basket 119.

The bottom of the upper basket 120 is made with a corrugated shape formed from convex and concave shaped elements.

The second partition 124 is mainly made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer on its exit wall, and the inside is made of polyurethane or polystyrene foam, and the vegetable compartment 107, the freezer 108 and the cooling chamber 110 are thermally insulated, and the recess 111a is made in the wall part from the inside of the food storage chamber so that the temperature in it is lower than in other parts, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is installed in this place as for generators fog.

A second baffle 125, in which the electrostatic spray device 131 is fixed, is provided with a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod next to the mist generation section 139, for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134 from the heat-conducting material provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 and to prevent excessive condensation dew in the peripheral zone, including a spray electrode 135 as an actuator of the compartment for generating t umana.

A cooling rod 134 of thermally conductive material is attached to the output wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 itself has a protrusion 134a protruding from the output wall. This cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion 134a is inserted into the corner formed by the second partition 125 and the partition 251 from the rear side of the food storage chamber.

The output wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a spray channel 132 and a moisture supply channel 138 formed on the lower side of the output wall 137 from the inside of the food storage chamber perpendicular to the side on which the spray channel 132 is formed.

As a result, the electrostatic spray device 131, including the cooling rod 134, is located in the thickest part of the heat-insulating wall in the corner, and since the heat-insulating wall is thicker than in other parts, the electrostatic spray device 131 can be “recessed” deeper into the heat-insulating wall, and eliminates the loss of the internal volume of the chamber for storing products due to the installation of a fog generator. Therefore, a large-capacity food storage chamber having a fog generator is obtained, and since thermal insulation is provided in an efficient manner, overcooling of the electrostatic atomizing device 131 and the vicinity thereof can be prevented, and quality degradation caused by dew condensation in peripheral parts.

Therefore, the rear side of the cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material will be located closer to the side of the cooling chamber 110.

In this case, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled by using cold air formed in the cooling chamber 110, and since the cooling rod 134 is made of a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity, it can be effectively cooled only by heat transfer from the cold air formed in vaporizer 112.

A mist generation section 139 provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in the gap between the cap 122 and the upper basket 120, and the working end of the spray electrode is located towards the upper basket 120.

As shown in FIG. 39 and FIG. 40, depending on the circumstances, the spray electrode 135 may be installed in the second partition 125 in the perpendicular direction.

In this case, the cooling rod may be cooled by heat transfer from the freezer 108, and the opening is made in the portion of the lid 122, so that mist droplets from the electrostatic spray device 131 can be sprayed into the upper basket.

The operation and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are explained below. The thickness of the second partition 125, on which the electrostatic atomizing device 131 is mounted, must be large enough to provide thermal insulation for the freezer 108, the cooling chamber 110 and the vegetable chamber, and it must also be provided with sufficient cooling capacity to cool the cooling rod 134 to which a spray electrode 135 is attached as an actuator of the mist generation compartment, and a wall thickness at the installation location of the electrostatic spray device 131 less than other parts. The wall thickness of the deepest recess in which the cooling rod 134 is held is further reduced. Therefore, by heat transfer from the low temperature cooling chamber 110, the cooling rod 134 can be cooled and the spray electrode 135 can be cooled. When the temperature of the working end of the spray electrode 135 drops below the dew point, the steam near the spray electrode 135 condenses to form dew on the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed in a reliable manner.

Due to fluctuations in the ambient temperature, the temperature control in the freezer 108 may vary, and the spray electrode 135 may be supercooled, and the temperature of the spray electrode 135 is controlled by a heater 158 for a heat transfer rod located adjacent to the spray electrode 135 and the amount of water at the working end of the spray electrode 135 can be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, a radiation heater 114 may be used to control the temperature of the spray electrode 135.

Since the spray channel 132 and the moisture supply channel 138 formed in the exit wall 137 form an air passage, due to the effects of air convection in the food storage chamber, including the area of the spray electrode 135, an air stream and air with relatively high humidity due to transpiration are generated from vegetables is fed efficiently and stably from the channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray electrode 135, and water droplets are formed and fed to the spray electrode 135, including its working end.

In this case, as a stream of cold air from the vegetable chamber 107, cold air having a lower temperature than the temperature in the vegetable chamber is discharged from the outlet for the vegetable chamber 252 from the outlet for the vegetable chamber 124 and passes into the air a channel formed between the storage container in the lower part of the lower basket 119 and the heat-insulated body, and passes further to the front wall side. It passes further into the storage container from the ventilation hole 254 formed in the portion of the lower basket 119, and thereby cools the drinks in the beverage container. In this case, the section of the lower basket 119, located on the inside, is cooled indirectly. Cold air passes further into the inlet 126 for the vegetable chamber, made at the lower side of the second partition 125, and through circulation passes into the evaporator 112 through the inlet air channel 253 for the vegetable chamber. Thus, the effects of cold air will also be less in the upper basket, and freshness is maintained.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the flow of cold air in the vegetable compartment is regulated and used rationally. First, cold low temperature dry air is supplied in large quantities to a beverage container 107a in front of a beverage partition 107b containing bottles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and soft drinks cans, and by direct contact with cold air having a low temperature, the cooling rate is increased, and the cold air coming from the front side of the vegetable compartment passes to the rear side, and its humidity is gradually increased, and by providing humidity much higher at the rear side than the door side, the periphery of the electrostatic spray device 131 mounted at the rear side is in a high humidity atmosphere, and an environment conducive to condensation of dew from moisture in the air is formed around the electrostatic spray device 131. In addition, fog generated by atomization by means of an electrostatic spray device 131 by using water droplets resulting from the condensation of dew from moisture in a food storage chamber, is a very fine mist with a nanoscale particle size and has strong diffusion, and fills the upper basket 120, and passes down to the lower basket 119, and the humidity is maintained.

When controlling the flow of cold air in this way, objects that it is desirable to cool quickly are placed in the front of the beverage container 107a, and ordinary vegetables and fruits that are relatively resistant to spoilage due to low temperature are placed in the lower basket 119, and vegetables and fruits having a relatively lower resistance to spoilage associated with low temperature, is placed in the upper basket 120, and cooling is carried out corresponding to the nature of the objects, and a vegetable chamber can be obtained which provides r the best quality and the best freshness.

In a preferred embodiment, in principle, spray mist is generated, but cold air from the outlet for the vegetable chamber 124 can be discharged directly to the polyethylene terephthalate bottle container, and the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can be quickly cooled, and if the apparatus for forming spray mist has not been established, the cooling rate of polyethylene terephthalate bottles is increased, while the humidity in the upper basket 120 can be increased.

Therefore, if the spray mist apparatus is not installed, as in the preferred embodiment, low temperature dry air is used, and by forming an air channel so that the dry cold air first enters the beverage container 107a in the portion of the lower basket 119 located at side of the door, and passes into the upper basket 120 through the lower basket 119 containing vegetables, the upper basket is kept moist and maintained at a high temperature. In addition to this configuration, by further generating spray mist, problems associated with low temperature can be reduced by synergistic effects.

Although not shown, by installing a temperature sensor in the camera or a humidity sensor in the camera, you can accurately calculate the dew point depending on environmental changes in the camera in accordance with a given formula.

A high voltage (e.g., 7.5 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e., the spray electrode 135 on the negative potential side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive electrode side, from the voltage supply device 133. At this moment, the layer of air insulation between the electrodes is destroyed, and a corona discharge occurs, and water on the spray electrode 135 is sprayed from the working end of the electrode, and an electrically charged, invisible, fine nanoscale fog with droplet sizes less than 1 μm is formed together with the accompanying ozone and OH- radicals.

Drops of fine mist formed are sprayed into the upper basket 120. Drops of fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic spray device 131 have a negative charge. On the other hand, the vegetable compartment contains vegetables and fruits, and in particular, the upper basket often contains fruits and vegetables that are not resistant to low temperature. These vegetables and fruits are often stored in a slightly dried state due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or transpiration during storage. These vegetables and fruits usually have a positive charge, and therefore, atomized droplets of fine mist having a negative charge are likely to accumulate on the surface of vegetables. When the humidity in the vegetable chamber rises again, atomized droplets of fine mist are deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration of vegetables and fruits is suppressed, and freshness is improved. Moisture penetrates into the tissue from the gaps between the cells of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration occurs, and moisture is again fed into the dried cells, and drying stops due to cell expansion, and the vegetables “refresh”, and at the same time due to the radicals contained in the fog , the fog provides sterilization, reducing the severity of problems associated with low temperatures, increasing the nutrient content, decomposition of agricultural chemicals due to the strong oxidizing ability and easy removal of agricultural chemicals from the surface of vegetables.

When the refrigerator is used in the defrosting operation of the cooling chamber 110, performed at certain intervals, the heat from the radiation heater 114 provides heating of the lower part of the cooling chamber due to both radiation and convection, and therefore, the cooling rod 134 is located next to the cooling chamber, and the spray electrode 135, including the cooling rod 134, is heated at certain intervals. Therefore, the mist generation compartment 139 including the spray electrode 135 can be dried if there is a malfunction in the mist generation due to abnormal dew condensation on the actuator of the mist generation compartment, the dry state is restored after a certain time, and the normal generation state is restored. fog.

In the exit wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131, in addition to the spray channel 132, a channel 138 for supplying moisture to the spray electrode 135 is formed on the inner side of the output wall 137, perpendicular to the side on which the spray channel 132 is formed and an air passage is formed, and due to the effects of air convection in the food storage chamber 107 on the spray electrode 135 also generate an air flow, and moisture in the air in the food storage chamber 107 can efficiently and stably supply to the spray electrode 135, and dew condensation can be accelerated, and since at the same time the moisture supply channel 138 is formed on the inside of the output wall 137, the hand touch of the voltage supply device 133 from the side of the moisture supply channel 138 is prevented from touching, and security is enhanced.

In particular, since the mist is generated by spraying, the medium inside the outlet wall 137 tends to scale or cause current leakage through moisture, but since a moisture supply channel is provided in the preferred embodiment, an air passage is formed and the air flow is reliably generated inside the outlet walls 137, and moisture does not remain inside the outlet wall 137, but can circulate together with the passing cold air.

As described herein, in a preferred embodiment, a partition is provided for separating food storage chambers, and a low-temperature storage chamber is provided on the ceiling side of the food storage chamber, and an electrostatic spray device is provided in the partition on the ceiling side, and therefore a food storage chamber in freezing temperature zones, such as a cooling chamber, a freezer and an ice maker, are installed in the upper parts, they are installed in the partition e in the ceiling to separate them, and the spray electrode of the electrostatic spray device can be cooled by a cooling source, and the dew can condense, no separate cooling device is required, and droplets of fog can be sprayed from the ceiling, and it is easily dispersed throughout the container for storage, and the user's hand rarely touches the electrostatic spray device, and safety is enhanced.

The fog generating compartment of the preferred embodiment is for generating fog through an electrostatic fog generating system, and water droplets are destroyed and atomized by using electric energy, such as high voltage energy, and fine mist is generated. Since the fog formed has an electric charge, due to the charge of the fog with a polarity opposite to that of the given vegetables and fruits, for example, by spraying negatively charged drops of fog towards positively charged vegetables and fruits, the adhesion force on vegetables and fruits increases, and the fog more evenly served on the surface of vegetables, and the degree of "attachment" of the fog is significantly increased compared with a fog of the type that has no charge. Drops of fine mist can be sprayed directly onto foodstuffs in the vegetable chamber, and by using the potential of fine mist and vegetables, fine mist can “stick” to the surface of vegetables, and freshness can be improved in an efficient manner.

In addition, since the cooling rod 134 is installed in the corner formed by the second partition 125 and the partition 251 on the rear side of the food storage chamber, an electrostatic spray device 131 including the cooling rod 134 will be located in the thickest part of the heat-insulating wall in the corner, and, since the heat-insulating wall is thicker than in other parts, the electrostatic spray device 131 can be “recessed” deeper into the heat-insulating wall. Therefore, the loss of the internal volume of the food storage chamber due to the installation of the fog generator is eliminated, and a large-capacity food storage chamber having a fog generator is obtained, and since sufficient thermal insulation is provided at the same time, overcooling of the electrostatic spray device 131 can be prevented. and areas near it, and quality degradation caused by dew condensation in the peripheral parts can be avoided.

In addition, the cooling rod 134 is installed in the corner formed by the adjoining parts of the second partition 125 and the partition 251 from the rear side of the food storage chamber, and the cooling section for cooling the cooling rod is the lower side of the cooling chamber 110, and warm air rises up, and the cold air drops, and due to a similar characteristic feature, the part of the cooling chamber 110 having the lowest temperature can be used as a cooling source, and cooling conductive rod 134 can be cooled more effectively.

In addition, since the lower side of the cooling chamber 110 is used as a cooling section for cooling the cooling rod, the lower side of the cooling chamber with slight temperature fluctuations in the low temperature air duct is used as a cooling source, and the cooling rod can be cooled more stably.

During thawing of the cooling chamber 110, heat from the radiation heater 114 can be absorbed near it, and the spray electrode 135 can be heated and dried at certain intervals, and in the event of a malfunction in the generation of fog due to abnormal dew condensation on the actuator of the fog generation compartment, the dry state is restored after a certain time, and the normal state of fog generation can be easily returned.

The replenishment water in the preferred embodiment is water resulting from condensation of dew, and not tap water supplied from the outside. It is free of minerals and impurities, and the destruction of the working end of the spray electrode or the deterioration of the water retention property due to clogging can be prevented.

Since the mist in the preferred embodiment contains radicals, agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the surface of vegetables, can be decomposed and removed by means of an extremely small amount of water, and water is saved and power consumption is reduced.

Preferred Embodiment 27

FIG. 41 is a sectional view of the area adjacent to the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator in preferred embodiment 27 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-26 are explained, and parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-26 or applicable to the same technical idea are omitted.

As shown in the drawing, in a preferred embodiment, in the highest part of the refrigerator 100, the cooling chamber 104 is formed as a first food storage chamber, and at the bottom of the cooling chamber 104 is a temperature-controlled chamber 105 as a fourth food storage chamber and an ice maker 106 in as a fifth food storage chamber, are adjacent to each other, a freezer 108 is formed at the bottom of the temperature-controlled chamber 105 and an ice maker 106, and a vegetable chamber 107 is called in the part that is even below the freezer 108.

A second partition 125 having heat-insulating properties is provided for separating the temperature zones of the vegetable chamber 107 and the freezer 108, and the partition 251 is formed on the inside of the second partition 125 and on the inside of the freezer 108. An evaporator is installed between the partition 251 and the thermally insulated body 101 of the refrigerator. 112, and a radiator heater 114 is provided at its lower part to ensure thawing of the frost deposited on the evaporator, together with a tray 115 for collecting melt water, is intended for receiving melt water. Together with them, a cooling chamber 110 is formed, including a cooling fan 113 for moving cold air into separate chambers. A cooling air channel is provided in the lower part of the cooling chamber 110 for the fogging device, and an electrostatic spray device 131 is located in a part of this air channel, as shown in FIG. 41. In particular, a cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material provided in the fog generating compartment 139 is very close to this air passage, and a heater 158 for the heat-conducting rod is provided at its periphery.

The upper basket 120 has a part at its lower side located in the lower basket 119, and a plurality of holes for air passage 107c are made in the upper basket 120 located in the lower basket 119.

The bottom of the upper basket 120 is made with a corrugated shape formed from convex and concave shaped elements.

The walls of the cooling air channel 255 for the fogging device are made mainly of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) or another polymer and heat-insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and the cold air passing through the air channel 255 has a relatively low temperature of about -15 to -25 ° C, and on the inside of the vegetable chamber 107, an electrostatic spray device 131 including a cooling rod 134 is set to over The passage opposite the cooling air channel for the fogging device is adjacent to the gap between the upper basket and the lower basket. As a result, the configuration of the vegetable chamber will be almost the same as the configuration in the preferred embodiment 1.

The operation and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are explained below. When the cooling air passage 255 for the fogging device formed on the side of the partition 251 on which the electrostatic spray device 131 is mounted has sufficient cooling capacity to cool the cooling rod 134 to which the spray electrode 135 is attached as an actuating member of the fog generation compartment, due to transpiration from the contained vegetables near the electrostatic spray electrode 131, a high humidity state is created and water droplets are treated uyutsya reliable manner on the actuating element for mist generation department. The regulation of the number of water droplets can be carried out by using a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod and a radiation heater 114.

In this state, a high voltage (for example, 7.5 kV) is applied between the two electrodes, i.e. the spray electrode 135 on the negative potential side and the opposite electrode 136 on the positive electrode side, from the voltage supply device 133. At this moment, the layer of air insulation between the electrodes is destroyed, and a corona discharge occurs, and water on the spray electrode 135 is sprayed from the working end of the electrode, and an electrically charged, invisible, fine nanoscale fog with droplet sizes less than 1 μm is formed together with the accompanying ozone and OH- radicals.

Drops of the fine mist formed are sprayed between the upper basket 120 and the lower basket 119. The fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic spray device 131 has a negative charge. On the other hand, the vegetable compartment contains vegetables and fruits, and in particular, the upper basket often contains fruits and vegetables that are not resistant to low temperature. These vegetables and fruits are often stored in a slightly dried state due to transpiration upon delivery from the store or transpiration during storage. These vegetables and fruits usually have a positive charge, and therefore, atomized droplets of fine mist having a negative charge are likely to accumulate on the surface of vegetables. When the vegetable chamber again returns to a high humidity state, atomized droplets of fine mist are deposited on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration from vegetables and fruits is suppressed, and freshness is improved. Moisture penetrates into the tissue from the gaps between the cells of vegetables and fruits, and transpiration occurs, and moisture is again fed into the dried cells, and drying stops due to cell expansion, and the vegetables “refresh”, and at the same time due to the radicals contained in the fog , the fog provides sterilization, reducing the severity of problems associated with low temperatures, increasing the nutrient content, decomposition of agricultural chemicals due to the strong oxidizing ability and easy removal of agricultural chemicals from the surface of vegetables.

As described herein, a preferred embodiment includes partitions for separating the food storage chambers and a cooling air channel for the fogging device for cooling the spray electrode, and an electrostatic spray device is installed in the air channel, and if sections with low zones temperatures, such as the cooling chamber, the freezer and the ice maker, are located in the upper parts, the heat of cooling from these sources of heat of cooling It can be transferred to the rear side of the vegetable chamber via air ducts, and the spray electrode of the electrostatic spray device can be cooled using these cooling sources to precipitate dew, and fogging is stable by spraying, and these elements are installed from the inside hand, they will be difficult to access for the user's hand, and security is enhanced.

The fog generating compartment of the preferred embodiment is for generating fog through an electrostatic fog generating system, and water droplets are destroyed and atomized by using electric energy, such as high voltage energy, and fine mist is generated. Since the fog formed has an electric charge, due to the charge of the fog with a polarity opposite to that of the given vegetables or fruits, for example, by spraying drops of a negatively charged fog towards positively charged vegetables, the adhesion force on vegetables and fruits increases, and the fog more evenly served on the surface of vegetables, and the degree of "attachment" of the fog is significantly increased compared with a fog of the type that has no charge. Drops of fine mist can be sprayed directly onto foodstuffs in the vegetable chamber, and by using the potential of fine mist and vegetables, fine mist can “stick” to the surface of vegetables, and freshness can be improved in an efficient manner.

In addition, as a cooling section for cooling the cooling rod 134, there is provided a cooling air channel for the fogging device, independent of the cooling air channel designed to cool a conventional food storage chamber, and temperature fluctuations due to the condition of the cooling air channel, can be suppressed more efficiently, and by using the bottom side of the cooling chamber with the smallest temperature changes in the passage for passage x Of fresh air as a cooling source, the cooling rod can be cooled more stably.

The replenishment water in the preferred embodiment is water resulting from condensation of dew, and not tap water supplied from the outside. It is free of minerals and impurities, and the destruction of the working end of the spray electrode or the deterioration of the water retention property due to clogging can be prevented.

Since the mist in the preferred embodiment contains radicals, agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the surface of vegetables, can be decomposed and removed by means of an extremely small amount of water, and water is saved and power consumption is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the air passage for the mist generator is used as a means of moving the heat source of cooling, but the heat transfer ability of aluminum, copper or other solid material can be used, or a heat transfer element, such as a heat pipe or heat pipe corridor, can be used. As a result, an area for the air channel is not required, and the effects on the chamber volume can be reduced.

Preferred Embodiment 28

FIG. 42 is a sectional view of a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment 28 of the present invention. FIG. 43 is a simplified diagram of a refrigeration cooling cycle in a preferred embodiment 28 of the present invention. FIG. 44 is a detailed sectional view of an area adjacent to an electrostatic spray device.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-27 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-27 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

As shown in the drawing, in a preferred embodiment, in the highest part of the refrigerator 100, the cooled chamber 104 is formed as a first food storage chamber, and a temperature changing chamber 301 is formed at the bottom of the cooled chamber 104, in which the temperature can be changed to the temperature of the chamber for vegetables of approximately 5 ° C, and the freezer 108 is formed below the temperature of the camera 301. The temperature changing chamber 301 consists of a first partition 305 designed to provide thermal insulation between the temperature zones of the cooled chamber 104 and the temperature changing chamber 301, and a second partition designed to provide thermal insulation of the temperature zone of the chamber 301 with a temperature change located at the rear end of the chamber partition 313 301 with temperature and door 118.

The cooled chamber 104 has an evaporator 304 located on the higher temperature side contained in the inner wall at the rear end of the cooled chamber as a cooling source, and a temperature-changing chamber 301 and a freezer 108 are installed at the inner side of the freezer 108, and located on the side at a lower temperature, an evaporator 303 installed in the cooling chamber 110 is used as a cooling source, and a cooling fan 113 is located above the evaporator 303 located on the side not at a lower temperature, for blowing cold air generated in evaporator 303 is located on the side of lower temperature.

A cooling air channel 311 is formed on the inside of the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, and a shutter 302 is located in this air channel, and the temperature in the chamber 301 is controlled with temperature change, and an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided in the partition located at the rear end 313 temperature change chambers for spraying mist droplets into the temperature change chamber 301.

The cooling cycle of the present invention allows the refrigerant to be discharged from the compressor 109, condensed in the condenser 307, and a plurality of channels switched by a three-way valve 308. A portion of the refrigerant is depressed by means of a capillary tube on the higher temperature side 310, is heat exchanged in the evaporator 304 to side with a higher temperature and passes through the evaporator 303 on the side with a lower temperature and the collector, and returns to the compressor 109, and simultaneously a cooling cycle of the chilled chamber and the freezer is formed, and the other part is subjected to pressure reduction by means of a capillary tube on the lower temperature side 309, is heat exchanged in the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side, and passes through the collector, and returns to the compressor 109, and an independent cooling cycle of the freezer is formed.

Therefore, the temperature changing chamber 301 uses cold air from the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side, and the temperature is properly controlled by the operation of the cooling fan 113 and the shutter 302, the compressor 109, and the operation of the three-way valve 308.

The temperature barrier chamber 301 located at the rear end is mainly made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer from the outlet wall side, and the inside consists of polystyrene foam or the like, and the chamber 301 with temperature change and cooling air the channel 311 for the chamber 301 with temperature change is thermally isolated, a recess is formed in a part of the wall on the inside of the chamber with a temperature change so that the temperature in it can be lower than in another parts, and an electrostatic spray device 131 as a fog generator is installed at this location.

A temperature-varying chamber baffle 313 located at the rear end for mounting the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod near the fog generating section 139 for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134 from the heat-conducting material provided in the electrostatic spray device 131, and to prevent excessive dew condensation in the peripheral parts, including the spray electrode 135 as an actuator fog compartment element.

A cooling rod 134 of thermally conductive material is attached to the output wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a protruding from the output wall. The cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion 134a is inserted in the temperature changing chamber wall 313 located at the rear end.

As a result, the rear side of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material will be at the temperature of the freezing temperature zone adjacent to the cooling air channel 311 for the camera with a temperature change.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled by using cold air generated in the cooling chamber 110 and blown by the cooling fan 113, and since the cooling rod 134 is made of a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity, the cooling section is cooled only by heat transfer from the cold air formed in the evaporator 303, located on the side with a lower temperature. The damper 302 is mounted on the downstream side.

A mist generation section 139 provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in the gap between the lower basket 119 and the upper basket 120, and the working end of the spray electrode is disposed toward this gap.

The temperature-changing chamber wall 313 located at the rear end, in which the electrostatic spray device 131 is mounted, has a recess, and the electrostatic spray device 131 is located in this place.

The cooling rod 134 of the electrostatic spray device 131 is closed by a heat-conducting rod closure member 166 made of a heat-resistant and waterproof material such as polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) or another polymer so that its circumferential periphery is surrounded and the cooling rod 134 inserted in the through section 165 of the heat-insulating element 152 in this state.

In this case, the closure member 166 for the heat-conducting core adheres tightly to the insulation member 152 from the outside, and when water is deposited on the cooling member 134, the insulation member 152 adheres, and water penetration into the insulation member and freezing and destruction can be prevented.

The end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 is formed with a cylindrical shape in the heat-conducting rod closing member 166 to provide cooling capability on the rear side, and only the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134 is open, and the hole 167 of the through portion 165 is hermetically sealed with aluminum tape or another tape 194 glued to the heat-insulating element 152 to block the passage of cold air.

The tape 194 is adhered to the end portion 134b of the cooling rod 134, and heat transfer is guaranteed.

The heat-conducting rod closure member 166 may be an adiabatic insulation tape. However, due to some dimensional error, some empty space 196 is present between the cooling rod 134 and the closing element 166 for the heat transfer rod, and this empty space 196 is filled with the element 197d to fill the empty space, such as butyl, heat-scattering compound, or heat-stabilizing material having relatively good thermal conductivity and capable of filling the empty space, and a similar material is placed between the cooling rod 134 and the closing element 166 for a heat transfer rod.

The temperature in the chamber 301 with a change in temperature can be changed from the freezing temperature to the storage temperature of the wines, and if necessary, for example, a heater designed to control the temperature can be installed in the peripheral zone.

Functioning and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are described. First, the operation of the freeze cycle is explained. Depending on the set chamber temperature, the signal is supplied from the control circuit board, and a freezing cycle is initiated, and the cooling operation begins. The refrigerant having a high temperature and high pressure is discharged by operation of the compressor 109 and to some extent condenses and liquefies in the condenser 307, and passes through refrigerant pipelines installed on the side and rear side of the main body of the refrigerator of the heat-insulated body 101 or the front opening of the main body of the refrigerator of the insulated body 101, and further condenses and liquefies while preventing dew condensation on the main the case of the refrigerator with a thermally insulated body 101, and reaches the three-way valve 308. In this case, the passage of the three-way valve 308 is determined by the control signal from the control circuit board in the refrigerator 100, and the refrigerant passes either to the capillary tube on the lower side 309, or capillary tube on the higher temperature side, or in both of these tubes. When the passage of the three-way valve 308 is open to the capillary tube on the higher temperature side, a low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant is formed in the capillary tube on the higher temperature side 310 and passes to the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side.

Here, a liquid refrigerant having a low temperature and low pressure and located in the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side has a temperature of from about -10 ° C to -20 ° C, and it undergoes direct or indirect heat exchange with air in the cooled chamber 104 and a portion of the refrigerant in the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side evaporates. It then passes through the refrigerant piping and reaches the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side.

It goes further through the collector and returns to compressor 109 during the operation of the cooling cycle.

On the other hand, when the passage of the three-way valve 308 is open to the capillary tube on the lower temperature side 309, a liquid refrigerant with a lower temperature and low pressure is formed in the capillary tube on the lower temperature side 309 and passes to the evaporator 303 on the side with the higher low temperature.

Here, the liquid refrigerant having a low temperature and low pressure has a temperature of from about −20 ° C. to −30 ° C., and the air in the cooling chamber is heat exchanged by convection by the cooling fan 113, and almost all of the refrigerant in the evaporator 303, on the lower temperature side, evaporates. This cold air is blown into the freezer chamber 108 or the chamber 301 with a change in temperature by means of the cooling fan 113. The heat-exchanged refrigerant passes through the collector and returns to the compressor 109.

On the other hand, in the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side of the cooling chamber 110, cold air is discharged by the cooling fan 113 and passes through the cooling air passage 312 for the freezer in the freezer compartment 314 located at the rear end and discharged into the freezer chamber 108 from the exhaust channel. The released cold air is heat exchanged with the casing of the freezer and is sucked into the lower part of the freezer compartment 314 located at the rear end, and is returned to the cooling chamber 110 having an evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side.

A portion of the cold air discharged by the cooling fan 113 passes into the cooling air channel 311 for the temperature-changing chamber in the temperature-changing chamber 313 located at the rear end thereof. The cold air passing into the cooling air passage 311 for the temperature changing chamber passes through the shutter 302 and is discharged into the chamber 301 with changing the temperature from the exhaust channel, and is heat exchanged in the chamber 301 with changing temperature, and is sucked into the channel from the rear side, and returns to the cooling chamber 110. In this case, by means of a temperature sensor installed in the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, it is determined which operation will be performed in the shutter 302, opening or closing, and the volume of cold air passing through the shutter is controlled, so that the temperature in the chamber 301 is constantly controlled with a change temperature.

In this case, the temperature-changing chamber 301 is a chamber in which an arbitrary temperature can be set, practically from the freezing temperature zone of approximately -20 ° C to the temperature of the vegetable chamber of approximately 5 ° C, or to the temperature of the wine a cellar of approximately 12 ° C. Therefore, it can also be used as a chamber for vegetables, intended for storing vegetables and fruits.

Accordingly, when the temperature setting for the temperature changing chamber 301 is approximately the storage temperature of vegetables, for example 2 ° C or higher, the electrostatic spray device 131 is activated and the freshness of the contents is improved.

In this case, in the temperature-changing chamber 301, in that part of the temperature-changing chamber 313 located at the rear end where the medium with relatively high humidity is located, the heat-insulating element has a smaller wall thickness than in other parts, and the deepest recess 111b is formed in particular, behind the cooling rod 134. Consequently, a recess 111a is formed in the temperature-varying chamber located at the rear end 313 and in the deepest recess 111b from the very back side of the recess Ia 111a installed and fixed electrostatic atomizing device 131 with a shape having projecting protrusion 134a of cooling of the rod 134.

In the cooling air passage 311 for the temperature-varying chamber at the rear side of the cooling rod 134, cold air with a temperature of about −15 ° C. to −25 ° C. is formed on the side of the evaporation tray 303 on the lower temperature side due to the operation of the cooling system and blown by the cooling fan 113, and due to heat transfer from the surface of the air channel, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled, for example, to a temperature of from about 0 to -10 ° C. Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 is a heat-conducting material 134, the heat of cooling is transferred quickly, and the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment is indirectly cooled to about 0 - 10 ° C through the cooling rod 134.

In this case, when the shutter 302 is open, cold air directly passes into the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, and a low humidity state will be created in the chamber with a change in temperature. When the shutter 302 is closed, dry air does not enter the chamber with a change in temperature, and the chamber with a change in temperature will have a relatively high humidity, and the temperature in the cooling air duct in the chamber with a change in temperature from the rear side of the cooling rod 134 is maintained at a relatively low temperature.

In this case, when the temperature setting for the temperature changing chamber 301 is the setting for the vegetable chamber, the temperature is from 2 ° C to 7 ° C, and the humidity is relatively high due to transpiration from the vegetables, and if the temperature of the spray electrode 135 is the actuator of the fog generating compartment provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 becomes lower than the temperature corresponding to the dew point, water is formed, and water droplets are deposited on the spray SG electrode 135 including its peripheral parts.

A negative potential is supplied to the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the fog generating compartment having water droplets, and a positive potential to the opposite electrode 136 and a high voltage (e.g., 4 to 10 kV) will be applied between these electrodes from the voltage supply device 133 . At this point, a corona discharge occurs between these electrodes, and the water droplets at the working end of the spray electrode 135 are separated into small parts due to electrostatic energy, and since the water droplets are electrically charged, a very fine mist of a changed nanoscale, having an invisible particle size of the order of several nanometers, is formed due to Rayleigh scattering together with concomitant ozone and OH radicals. The voltage applied between the electrodes is very high, from about 4 to 10 kV, but the discharge current at this moment is of the order of several μA, and the power consumption is very low, from about 0.5 to 1.5 watts.

More precisely, it can be assumed that the spray electrode 135 is on the reference potential side (0 V) and the opposite electrode 136 is on the high voltage side (+7 kV), water generated as a result of dew condensation is deposited on the front end of the spray electrode 135, and the air insulation layer between the spray electrode 135 and the opposite electrode 136 is destroyed, and the electrostatic force causes a discharge. At this point, water resulting from the condensation of dew is electrically charged, and small particles are formed. In addition, since the opposite electrode 136 has a positive charge, the charged fine mist is attracted, and liquid droplets are additionally sprayed, and the fine mist with invisible nanoscale droplets having an electric charge and sizes of the order of several nm containing radicals is attracted to the opposite electrode 136, and it the inertia force causes the dispersion of fine mist droplets toward the food storage chamber (temperature changing chamber 301).

In this case, the cooling rod 134 is cooled from the side of the cooling air channel 311 for the camera with a temperature change through the tape 194 or the element 197d to fill the empty space or is cooled from the side of the heat-insulating element on the side of the cooling rod. When indirectly cooled by means of a double structure through a tape 194, an empty space 196 can be formed between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the tape 194 due to the machining accuracy, and if an empty space 196 is formed, the thermal conductivity in this space becomes low and the cooling the rod 134 may not be sufficiently cooled, and the temperature of the cooling rod 134 or the temperature of the spray electrode 135 may fluctuate, and the dew condensation process in operation Onze atomizing electrode may be disturbed depending on the circumstances.

To prevent these malfunctions, the tape 194 and the cooling rod 134 should be checked for tight contact during assembly, or if there is a possibility of creating empty space, fill the empty space 196 with an element 197d to fill the empty space, such as butyl, a heat-scattering compound or the heat transfer stabilizing material, and heat is transferred from the tape 194 to the cooling rod 134, and the cooling ability on the spray electrode 135 is guaranteed.

In addition, there is no gap between the closing element 166 for the heat-conducting rod and the surface of the through section 165, closing the hole 167 of the through section 165 prevents the penetration of cold air from the cooling air channel adjacent to the tape 194, and cold air with a low temperature does not leak into the chamber, and in the food storage chamber (temperature changing chamber 301) or in its peripheral parts there will be no dew condensation or deviations due to low temperatures.

To prevent deterioration in heat transfer caused by the formation of empty spaces between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the cooling rod 134 due to unavoidable errors causing a reduction in processing accuracy or assembly accuracy, the empty spaces 196 can be filled with butyl or other heat-conducting material, and thermal conductivity is ensured, and guaranteed cooling ability. The empty spaces 196 formed between the tape 194 and the cooling rod 134 can be filled by filling the empty spaces 196 with butyl or other heat-conducting material, and thermal conductivity can be ensured.

Since there is no gap between the heat-conducting rod closure member 166 and the surface of the through portion 165, water cannot penetrate into the heat-insulating element formed of polystyrene foam, and this effectively prevents water from entering the heat-insulating element, freeze the penetration zone and apply a load in this area beyond by expanding the volume of water and the concomitant cracking and fracture, and the quality is ensured in a more reliable manner.

In addition, the hole 167 of the through section 165, closing the hole 167 of the through section 165, blocks the penetration of cold air from the cooling air channel adjacent to the tape 194, and cold air does not leak into the chamber and in the food storage chamber (chamber 301 with change temperature) or in its peripheral parts there will be no dew condensation or deviations associated with low temperatures.

Due to these cooling effects, dew condenses on the spray electrode 135 and a high voltage discharge occurs between the opposite electrode 136 and the spray electrode 135, and the fine mist formed passes through the spray channel 132 formed in the exit wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131, and mist drops are sprayed into the chamber 301 with temperature, but since the particle size is very small, diffusion is strong and fine mist reaches all parts of the chambers s 301 with temperature. Since atomized droplets of fine mist are generated by a high voltage discharge, they have a negative charge, while the temperature-sensitive chamber 301 contains positively charged vegetables and fruits, and atomized droplets of mist are likely to accumulate on the surface of vegetables, and freshness is improved.

With regard to the possibility of spraying, the temperature is not particularly determined. For example, if the temperature in a chamber with a temperature change is set at a partial temperature of approximately -2 ° C, a freezing temperature of approximately 0 ° C, or a zone of cooling temperatures of approximately 1 ° C, then until that mist droplets can be sprayed from the electrostatic spray device 131 only by spraying, fine mist is deposited on the surface of fresh food products, and the bactericidal property is enhanced, and there may be estvleno storage for a long period.

If the temperature in the chamber 301 with a change in temperature is set at the level of the wine storage temperature, the shutter 302 is almost closed and the humidity is relatively high in the food storage chamber, and mold growth is possible, but this can be prevented by spraying drops of fog having radicals with strong oxidizing ability.

If the temperature in the chamber 301 with a change in temperature is set in the temperature zone, which is considered a zone in which spraying is not possible, such as a set point for freezing, or if the operation of the electrostatic spray device 131 can be freely stopped by a manual control button or the like, the electrostatic spray the device can be stopped.

By controlling the operation of the electrostatic spray device 131 through the opening and closing operation of the shutter, the electrostatic spray device 131 can be actuated in an efficient manner.

Furthermore, by arranging the temperature control heater next to the cooling rod 134 of the electrostatic spray device 131, the temperature of the spray electrode can be controlled, and the volume of water at the working end of the spray electrode can be controlled, and a more stable fog generation state can be ensured.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the refrigerator having a plurality of evaporators is provided with a partition for separating the temperature changing chamber for varying the temperature and its food storage chamber, and has a cooling air passage for the temperature changing chamber for cooling temperature-changing chambers and an electrostatic spray device mounted on a rear partition designed to separate the air duct ala and food storage chambers. Therefore, when the temperature setting in the temperature changing chamber is the temperature setting for the vegetable chamber, the spray electrode can be cooled by heat transfer from the air passage passing into the chamber with the temperature changing, and the dew can condense, and stable spraying is performed. Since the spray electrode is mounted on the inside, it is difficult to reach for the user's hand, and safety is enhanced.

If, in a preferred embodiment, the shutter is closed, the temperature of the air channel at the rear side of the chamber with a change in temperature is the temperature at the upstream side of the shutter, and a relatively low temperature is maintained, and the spray electrode can be cooled sufficiently and the dew can condense on the working end of the spray electrode, and fog can be generated.

The fog generating compartment of the preferred embodiment is intended to form fog by means of an electrostatic fog generation system, and water droplets are destroyed and atomized by high voltage electrical energy, and fine mist is formed. Since the formed fog has an electric charge, due to the fact that the fog receives a charge with a polarity opposite to that of the given vegetables and fruits, for example, by spraying drops of a negatively charged fog towards positively charged vegetables, the adhesion force on vegetables and fruits increases. and the fog can be more evenly “adhered” to the surface of vegetables, and the degree of “attachment” of the fog is increased compared to a fog of the type that has no charge. Sprayed droplets of fine mist can be applied directly to food in a special container for vegetables, and fine mist can be applied to the surface of vegetables by utilizing the potential of fine mist and vegetables, and freshness can be further improved.

The damper according to a preferred embodiment is an engine-driven damper, and there is no limitation on the temperature setting due to a restriction associated with the mechanical damper, and the temperature in the chamber with temperature can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature, and a temperature suitable for different foods.

Although this is not possible in the case of a mechanical damper, forced closure is possible, and when the chamber with a temperature change is not used, it is not necessary to circulate cold air in the chamber with a temperature change, and useless cooling of the motor-driven damper is prevented from useless cooling, and energy consumption can be reduced. When thawing an evaporator located on the lower temperature side in the cooling chamber by forcing the motor-driven shutter to close, the penetration of a medium with high temperature and humidity into the chamber with a temperature change can be prevented and frost will build up, and the thawing efficiency will increase, and energy consumption can be reduced, and at the same time the spray electrode can be heated, and this serves as a means for drying the spray electrode , and reliability is enhanced.

In addition, the damper according to a preferred embodiment is a temperature-controlled chamber fan configured to change the rotational speed, and the volume of cold air supplied to the chamber with temperature variation can be controlled, and there is no restriction on the temperature setting required in the case of mechanical damper, and the temperature in the chamber 301 with a change in temperature can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature, and temperature can be provided and suitable for each foodstuff. In addition, it is possible to control the cooling rate, such as quick cooling or slow cooling, and the freshness of the food product is further improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the temperature changing chamber is a food storage chamber having an electrostatic spray device, but it can be implemented as a vegetable chamber in which the temperature zone is more strictly limited. As a result, the range of temperature fluctuations will be smaller and a simpler specification of control functions is provided.

Preferred Embodiment 29

FIG. 45 is a sectional view of a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment 29 of the present invention. FIG. 46 is a sectional view of a zone adjacent to an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 29 of the present invention.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in the above preferred embodiments are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in the above preferred embodiments or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

As shown in the drawing, in a preferred embodiment, in the highest part of the refrigerator 100, the cooled chamber 104 is formed as a first food storage chamber, and a temperature changing chamber 301 is formed in the lower part of the refrigerated chamber 104, in which the temperature can be changed to the temperature of the chamber for vegetables of approximately 5 ° C, and the freezer 108 is formed below the temperature of the camera 301. The temperature changing chamber 301 consists of a partition 321 designed to provide thermal insulation between the temperature zones of the cooled chamber 104 and the temperature changing chamber 301, a second partition designed to provide thermal insulation of the temperature zone of the chamber 301 with changing temperature, the inner casing 103 at the inner side of the chamber 301 with temperature and door 118.

For the cooled chamber 104 and the temperature changing chamber 301, an evaporator 304 is used located on the higher temperature side and located in the inner wall on the inside of the cooled chamber and on the inside of the temperature changing chamber as a cooling source, and for the freezer 108 an evaporator 303 located on the lower temperature side and provided in the cooling chamber located at the inner side of the freezer chamber 108 as a cooling source I, and a cooling fan 113 is provided in a part upstream of the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side to blow cold air formed in the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side.

An electrostatic spray device 131 is formed at the inside of the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, designed to spray mist into the chamber 301 with a change in temperature.

The cooling cycle of the present invention allows the refrigerant to be discharged from the compressor 109, condensed in the condenser 307, and a plurality of channels switched by a three-way valve 308. A portion of the refrigerant is depressed by means of a capillary tube on the higher temperature side 310, is heat exchanged in the evaporator 304 to side with a higher temperature and passes through the evaporator 303 on the side with a lower temperature and the collector, and returns to the compressor 109, and simultaneously a cooling cycle of the chilled chamber and the freezer is formed, and the other part undergoes a pressure reduction in the capillary tube on the lower temperature side 309, undergoes heat exchange in the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side, and passes through the collector, and returns to the compressor 109, and an independent cooling cycle of the freezer is formed.

Therefore, an evaporator 304 located on the higher temperature side is used for the temperature changing chamber 301, and the temperature is properly controlled by the temperature sensor in the cooled chamber or the temperature sensor in the temperature changing chamber, compressor 109, and three-way valve 308.

The inner casing 103 on the rear side of the temperature-changing chamber 301 is mainly made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer, and an electrostatic spray device 131 as a fog generator is installed in part of this inner casing.

An inner casing 103 for mounting the electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a heater 158 for a heat conducting rod adjacent to the fog generating section 139 for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134 from the heat conducting material provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 and to prevent excessive dew condensation in peripheral parts, including the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the Department for generating fog.

A cooling rod 134 of thermally conductive material is attached to the output wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a protruding from the output wall. The cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion 134a is inserted into a recess formed in the portion of the inner casing 103.

Therefore, it is located closer to the evaporator 304, located on the higher temperature side, from the rear side of the cooling rod 134 of heat-conducting material.

Functioning and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are described. First, the operation of the freeze cycle is explained.

Depending on the set chamber temperature, the signal is supplied from the control circuit board, and a freezing cycle is initiated, and the cooling operation begins. The refrigerant having a high temperature and high pressure is discharged by operation of the compressor 109 and to some extent condenses and liquefies in the condenser 307 and passes through refrigerant pipelines installed on the side and rear side of the refrigerator main body (heat insulated body 101) or at the front opening of the main body of the refrigerator (heat-insulated body 101), and additionally condenses and liquefies while preventing dew condensation on the main m of the refrigerator case (heat-insulated case 101), and reaches the three-way valve 308. In this case, the channel of the three-way valve 308 is determined by the control signal from the control circuit board in the refrigerator 100, and the refrigerant passes either into the capillary tube on the lower side 309 or into the capillary tube on the higher temperature side, or into both of these tubes. When the channel of the three-way valve 308 is open to the capillary tube on the higher temperature side, a low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant is formed in the capillary tube on the higher temperature side 310 and passes to the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side.

Here, a liquid refrigerant having a low temperature and low pressure and located in the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side has a temperature of from about -10 ° C to -20 ° C, and it undergoes direct or indirect heat exchange with air in the cooled chamber 104 or a temperature changing chamber, and a portion of the refrigerant in the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side evaporates. He then goes through the pipelines for the refrigerant and reaches the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side.

The refrigerant passes further through the collector and returns to the compressor 109 during the operation of the cooling cycle.

On the other hand, when the channel of the three-way valve 308 is open to the capillary tube on the lower temperature side 309, a liquid coolant with lower temperature and low pressure is formed in the capillary tube on the lower temperature side 309 and passes to the evaporator 303 on the side with the higher low temperature.

Here, the liquid refrigerant having a low temperature and low pressure has a temperature of from about −20 ° C. to −30 ° C., and the air in the cooling chamber is heat exchanged by convection by the cooling fan 113, and almost all of the refrigerant in the evaporator 303, on the lower temperature side, evaporates. This cold air is blown into the freezer compartment 108 by means of a cooling fan 113. The heat-exchanged refrigerant passes through a collector and returns to the compressor 109.

On the other hand, in the evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side of the cooling chamber 110, cold air is discharged by the cooling fan 113 and passes through the cooling air passage 312 for the freezer in the freezer compartment 314 located at the rear end and discharged into the freezer chamber 108 from the exhaust channel. The released cold air is heat exchanged with the casing of the freezer and is sucked into the lower part of the freezer compartment 314 located at the rear end, and is returned to the cooling chamber 110 having an evaporator 303 on the lower temperature side.

The channel extending to the capillary tube on the higher temperature side 310 is opened by a three-way valve, and the cooled chamber 104 and the temperature changing chamber 301 are cooled. In this case, by means of a temperature sensor installed in the chilled chamber 104 or in the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, it is determined which operation will be performed for the three-way valve opening or closing, so that the temperature in the chilled chamber 104 or in the chamber 301 with a temperature change is constantly controlled .

In this case, the temperature-changing chamber 301 is a chamber in which an arbitrary temperature can be set, practically from a partial temperature zone of approximately -2 ° C or a temperature of a vegetable chamber of approximately 5 ° C to the temperature of the wine cellar approximately 12 ° C. Therefore, it can also be used as a chamber for vegetables, intended for storing vegetables and fruits.

Accordingly, when the temperature setting for the temperature changing chamber 301 is approximately the storage temperature of vegetables, for example 2 ° C or higher, the electrostatic spray device 131 is activated and the freshness of the contents is improved.

In this case, in the temperature changing chamber 301, in that part of the inner casing 103 on the inside where the medium with relatively high humidity is located, an electrostatic spray device 131 is located, and the back of the cooling rod 134 is close to the evaporator 304 located on the c side higher temperature.

In the evaporator 304, located on the higher temperature side at the rear side of the cooling rod 134, due to the functioning of the cooling system, the refrigerant tube or fin or heat transfer material is cooled to a temperature of from about -15 ° C to -25 ° C, and due to heat transfer from them, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled to a temperature of from about 0 to -10 ° C. Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 is a heat-conducting material, the heat of cooling is transferred quickly, and the spray electrode 135, as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment, is indirectly cooled to about 0 - 10 ° C through the cooling rod 134.

Thus, the cooling rod 134 is cooled by direct heat transfer from the evaporation tray.

Therefore, the cooling source section for cooling the cooling rod 134 is not low temperature air from the air channel, but is direct heat transfer from the evaporation tray in which an almost constant evaporation temperature is maintained, and the cooling rod can be cooled more stably, and the heat capacity increases by means of an evaporation tray and a refrigerant, and a stable temperature is ensured.

In this case, when the three-way valve 308 is configured so that the channel is open for the capillary tube on the side with a higher temperature, the cooling mode will be set in the cooled chamber 104 and the camera 301 with a change in temperature, and the camera will be in a state with a change in temperature low humidity. On the other hand, when the three-way valve 308 is configured so that the channel is closed to the capillary tube on the higher temperature side, the temperature changing chamber 301 will be in a relatively high humidity state and a certain low temperature will be maintained in the side evaporator 304 with a higher temperature on the rear side of the cooling rod 134.

If the temperature setting in the temperature changing chamber 301 is the setting for the vegetable chamber, the temperature is 2 to 7 ° C, and the humidity is relatively high due to transpiration from the vegetables, and if the temperature of the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the fog generating compartment provided in the electrostatic spray device 131, becomes lower than the temperature corresponding to the dew point, water is formed on the spray electrode 135, including its working end, and water Clear droplets precipitate, and a fine mist having radicals is formed by applying high voltage.

This fine mist passes through the spray channel 132 formed in the outlet wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131, and droplets of mist are sprayed into the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, and since the particle size is very small, diffusion is very strong, and the fine mist reaches all parts in the chamber 301 with temperature change. Since atomized droplets of fine mist are generated by a high voltage discharge and have a negative charge, while the temperature changing chamber 301 contains vegetables and fruits having a positive charge, atomized droplets of mist will most likely accumulate on the surface of vegetables, and freshness will improve.

With regard to the possibility of spraying, the temperature is not determined. For example, if the temperature in a chamber with a temperature change is set to a partial temperature of approximately -2 ° C, a freezing temperature of approximately 0 ° C, or a cooling temperature of approximately 1 ° C, then it is believed that atomization can be provided from the electrostatic spray device 131, by spraying fine mist is deposited on the surface of fresh food products, and the sterilizing effect is enhanced, and the food product can store Xia for a long period.

More efficient spray misting is achieved by mutually matching the operation of the three-way valve 308 and the operation of the electrostatic spray device 131.

The heater may be located adjacent to the cooling rod 134 of the electrostatic spray device 131 for controlling the temperature, and it may be possible to control the temperature of the spray electrode and regulate the volume of water on the actuating member of the fog generation compartment, and a more stable fog generation state is provided.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, there is provided a refrigerator having a plurality of evaporation trays, a temperature changing chamber for varying the temperature, and an evaporating tray for cooling the temperature changing chamber, and the temperature changing chamber is cooled by using an evaporating tray designed to cool the chilled chambers, and an electrostatic spray device are provided in the part of the inner casing from the inside temperature changing chamber, and when the temperature setting in the temperature changing chamber is the temperature setting in the vegetable chamber, the spray electrode can be cooled by heat transfer from the evaporator on the higher temperature side, and the dew can condense, and stable spraying is possible , and since the electrostatic spray device is installed on the inside, it is difficult to reach for the user's hand, and security is increased, and, in addition, the number of elements s can be reduced, and the structure is less expensive.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod is cooled by direct heat transfer from the evaporation tray, but provided that the temperature of the fog compartment is appropriate, it can be indirectly cooled by placing a polymer or heat insulating element. As a result, the electrostatic spray device can be assembled next to the vaporization tray, and the number of processes can be reduced, and the control for providing heat transfer can be simplified.

Preferred Embodiment 30

FIG. 47 is a sectional view of a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment 30 of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-29 are explained, and parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-29 or applicable to the same technical idea are omitted.

As shown in the drawing, in a preferred embodiment, in the highest part of the refrigerator 100, the cooled chamber 104 is formed as a first food storage chamber, and a temperature changing chamber 301 is formed at the bottom of the cooled chamber 104, in which the temperature can be changed to the temperature of the chamber for vegetables of approximately 5 ° C, and the freezer 108 is formed below the temperature of the camera 301.

The camera 301 with a change in temperature consists of a partition plate 321, designed to separate the temperature zones of the cooled chamber 104 and the camera 301 with a change in temperature, the second partition, designed to provide thermal insulation of the temperature zone of the camera 301 with a change in temperature, the partition plate 321 located on the inside of the camera 301 with a change in temperature, and the door 118, and the channel 325 for the release from the chamber with a temperature change is made in part of the partition plate 321.

A partition 323 in the chilled chamber is provided on the inside of the chilled chamber 104 and the temperature changing chamber 301, and this partition is formed so that it extends to the inner side of the chamber 301 with changing temperature, and the air passage 324 in the chilled chamber is located over the entire gap width, and a channel 326 for suction into the chamber with a temperature change is formed at one end thereof. An evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side is provided in the interior, and a fan 322 for the chilled chamber is mounted on top of the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side, and cold air is blown into the chilled chamber.

In the part of the partition plate 321, an electrostatic spray device 131 is formed on the inside of the chamber 301 with a change in temperature to spray drops of mist into the chamber 301 with a change in temperature.

The partition plate 321 on the rear side of the chamber 301 with temperature change is formed mainly from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer and polystyrene foam or other heat-insulating material, and the electrostatic spray device 131 as a fog generator is located in a part of the inner casing of the chamber.

A partition plate 321 for attaching an electrostatic spray device 131 is provided with a heater 158 for a heat-conducting rod located adjacent to the mist generation section 139, for controlling the temperature of the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material provided in the electrostatic spray device 131 and to prevent excessive condensation of dew in the peripheral parts, including the spray electrode 135 as an actuator of the generation compartment fog.

A cooling rod 134 of thermally conductive material is attached to the output wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a protruding from the output wall. The cooling rod 134 has a protrusion 134a on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion 134a is inserted into a recess formed in part of the partition plate 321.

Therefore, the rear side of the heat-conducting material cooling rod 134 is located closer to the evaporator 304 on the higher temperature side.

Functioning and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are described. When the channel of the three-way valve 308 is open to the capillary tube on the higher temperature side 310, the cooled chamber 104 and chamber 301 are cooled with a change in temperature. In this case, by means of a temperature sensor installed in the cooled chamber 104 or in the temperature changing chamber 301, a decision is made to open or close the three-way valve and actuating the fan 322 for the cooled chamber, and the temperature of the cooled chamber 104 and the temperature changing chamber 301 is maintained constant.

In this case, the temperature-changing chamber 301 is a chamber in which an arbitrary temperature can be set, practically from a partial temperature zone of approximately -2 ° C or a temperature of a vegetable chamber of approximately 5 ° C to the temperature of the wine cellar approximately 12 ° C. Therefore, it can also be used as a chamber for vegetables, intended for storing vegetables and fruits.

Accordingly, when the temperature setting for the temperature changing chamber 301 is approximately the storage temperature of vegetables, for example 2 ° C or higher, the electrostatic spray device 131 is activated and the freshness of the contents is improved.

In this case, in the temperature changing chamber 301, in that part of the partition plate 321 on the inside where the medium with relatively high humidity is located, an electrostatic spray device 131 is located, and the back of the cooling rod 134 is close to the evaporator 304 located on the c side higher temperature.

In the evaporator 304, which is on the higher temperature side at the rear side of the cooling rod 134, due to the functioning of the cooling system, the refrigerant pipe or fin or heat transfer material is cooled to a temperature of about -15 to -25 ° C, and due to heat transfer from them, the cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is cooled to a temperature of from about 0 to -10 ° C. Since in this case, the cooling rod 134 is a heat-conducting material, the heat of cooling is transferred quickly, and the spray electrode 135, as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment, is indirectly cooled to about 0 - 10 ° C through the cooling rod 134.

In this case, when the three-way valve 308 is configured so that the channel is open for the capillary tube on the side with a higher temperature, the cooling mode will be set in the cooled chamber 104 and the camera 301 with a change in temperature, and the camera will be in a state with a change in temperature low humidity. On the other hand, when the three-way valve 308 is configured so that the channel is closed to the capillary tube on the higher temperature side, the temperature changing chamber will be in a relatively high humidity state, and the fan 322 for the cooled chamber will be actuated and frost deposited on the evaporator on the higher temperature side melts and is removed, and at this time, the chamber 301 will be in a space with a relatively high humidity with a change in temperature. Consequently, fog generation is achieved if the temperature is raised in the evaporator 304 located on the higher temperature side of the rear side of the cooling rod 134.

If the temperature setting in the temperature changing chamber 301 is the setting for the vegetable chamber, the temperature is 2 to 7 ° C, and the humidity is relatively high due to transpiration from the vegetables, and the spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the fog generating compartment provided in electrostatic spray device 131, has a temperature below the temperature corresponding to the dew point, water is formed on the spray electrode 135, including its working end, and water drops precipitate are given, and a fine mist having radicals is formed by applying a high voltage.

This fine mist passes through the spray channel 132 formed in the outlet wall 137 of the electrostatic spray device 131 and is sprayed into the chamber 301 with a change in temperature, and since the particle size is very small, diffusion is very strong, and the fine mist reaches all parts in the chamber 301 s temperature change. Since atomized droplets of fine mist are generated by a high voltage discharge and have a negative charge, while the temperature changing chamber 301 contains vegetables and fruits having a positive charge, atomized droplets of mist will most likely accumulate on the surface of vegetables, and freshness will improve.

With regard to the possibility of spraying, the temperature is not determined. For example, if the temperature in a chamber with a temperature change is set to a partial temperature of approximately -2 ° C, a freezing temperature of approximately 0 ° C, or a cooling temperature of approximately 1 ° C, then it is believed that atomization can be provided from the electrostatic spray device 131, by spraying fine mist is deposited on the surface of fresh food products, and the sterilizing effect is enhanced, and the food product can store Xia for a long period.

More efficient spray misting is achieved by mutually matching the operation of the fan 322 for the chilled chamber and the operation of the electrostatic spray device 131.

The heater may be located adjacent to the cooling rod 134 of the electrostatic spray device 131 for controlling the temperature, and it may be possible to control the temperature of the spray electrode and regulate the volume of water on the actuating member of the fog generation compartment, and a more stable fog generation state is provided.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, there is provided a refrigerator having a plurality of evaporation trays, a temperature changing chamber for varying the temperature, and an evaporating tray for cooling the temperature changing chamber, and the temperature changing chamber is cooled by using an evaporating tray designed to cool the chilled chamber, and provides the transfer of heat of cooling generated in it by means of a fan for the cooled Kame ry, and an electrostatic spray device is provided in the part of the partition on the inside of the chamber with temperature change, and when the temperature setting in the camera with temperature change is the temperature setting in the vegetable chamber, the spray electrode can be cooled by heat transfer from the evaporator located on side with a higher temperature, and the dew can condense, and stable spraying is possible, and since the electrostatic spraying device is installed with on the inside, it is inaccessible to the user's hand, and security is enhanced, and in addition, the number of elements can be reduced and the design is less expensive.

Preferred Embodiment 31

FIG. 48 is a sectional view of the area adjacent to the vegetable chamber of the refrigerator in the preferred embodiment 31 of the present invention, illustrating a detailed sectional view of the area near the electrostatic spray device taken along line A-A in FIG. 2.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-30 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-30 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The drawing shows that the rear wall 111 is formed from a surface located at the rear end of the part 151 made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or other polymeric material, and a heat-insulating element 152 made of polystyrene foam or the like to provide thermal insulation between the camera 107 for vegetables and an air outlet 141 for the freezer.

A recess 111a is formed in a part of the rear wall 111 from the side of the vegetable chamber 107 so that the temperature therein is lower than in other parts, and a cooling rod 509 of heat-conducting material is located in this place.

The cooling rod 509 is cooled mainly by heat transfer from the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer from the rear side, and the actuator 502 of the mist generation compartment consists of a polymer material. Channels 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 are formed in a cooling rod 501 and an actuator 502 for generating fog. That is, the actuator 502 of the mist generation compartment is provided with a small diameter channel 504 formed on the side of the spray channel 132 and a larger diameter channel 505 communicating with the channel 504. The insulating element 152 has a small pump 510 located in a portion located below a cooling rod 501, and a channel 507 is formed, one end of which is open towards the side of the vegetable chamber 107 and the other end is connected to a pump 510. A channel 508 is formed above the pump 510 to allow communication I between the heat-insulating element 152 and the cooling rod 501. The cooling rod 501 also has a channel 506 to provide communication between the end part of the channel 508 located in the cooling rod 501 and the channel 505 of the actuating compartment 502 for generating fog. As a result, a passage will be formed from the vegetable chamber 107 by means of a channel 507, a pump 510, a channel 508, a channel 506, a channel 505 and a channel 504 with a smaller diameter.

In the part located on top of the cooling rod 501 on the side of the vegetable chamber 107, a water collector 503 is formed for collecting water in the vegetable chamber 107. The sump 503 consists of a metal plate formed in a perpendicular plane in the recess 511 formed in that part of the heat-insulating element 152, which is located above the cooling rod 501 from the side of the chamber 107 for vegetables, and the metal plate of the sump 503 is thermally connected to the cooling rod 501.

A water conduit 509 is formed in the cooling rod 501, extending from the surface of the portion located above the cooling rod 501 from the side of the vegetable chamber 107 and opened through the recess 511, and communicating with the channel 506.

The end portion of the cooling rod 501, located on the side of the cooling chamber 110, is connected to the baffle 401 by means of a tape 194 as an element for blocking the passage of cold air in the same way as in the preferred embodiment 10 shown in FIG. 14. The space around the cooling rod 501 is enclosed by a heat insulating element 152, and the empty space between the surface of the recess 111a and the cooling rod 501 is filled with an element for filling the empty space.

Functioning and its effects in a refrigerator having a similar configuration are described. The cooling rod 501 of the heat-conducting material is cooled through the heat-insulating element 152 of the buffer material, and the air in the vegetable chamber 107 having high humidity provides condensation of dew on the water collector 503 thermally connected to the cooling rod 501, and water 512 is formed. This water 512 goes to the conduit 509 and passes into the channel 505.

On the other hand, when the pump 510 is driven, the air from the vegetable chamber 107 is sucked in and passes from the channel 505 to the channel 504 at a relatively high speed through the channels 507, 508, 506. Since, as mentioned above, water 512 is supplied from the conduit 509 , in channel 505, it is mixed with a high-velocity air stream from channel 506, and droplets of mist from the fluid are sprayed from the spray channel 132 of the actuator 502 for generating fog.

Formed droplets of mist are sprayed into the vegetable chamber 107, and the food contained therein is moistened and freshness is improved.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling rod 501 of the heat-conducting material is cooled in the exhaust air duct 141 for the freezer, and water is formed in the water collector 503. The formed water flows into the channel 505 formed inside the cooling rod 501, and air passes inward from other channels 506, 507, 508 by means of a pump and mixed with water to form a mist. The vegetable chamber 107 can be moistened with a mist formed, and the freshness of the vegetables can be improved.

Preferred Embodiment 32

In the above preferred embodiments, the electrostatic spray device is used in a refrigerator. However, an electrostatic spray device for generating spray mist and explained in the above preferred embodiments can be used not only in a refrigerator, but also in other devices, such as an air conditioner, as a cooling device having a cooling source. Without being limited to use for a cooling device, it can be similarly applied to other household electrical appliances having a large temperature difference between a spray mist space and a space in which there is a cooling rod, including, for example, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a rice cooker, vacuum cleaner and other household electrical appliances.

This preferred embodiment relates to an example of using an electrostatic spray device in an air conditioner. An air conditioner typically consists of a module installed outdoors (outdoor module) and a module installed indoors (indoor module) connected to each other by piping for a refrigerant, and in this preferred embodiment, the indoor air conditioner module is mainly explained.

FIG. 49 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an indoor unit of an air conditioner using an electrostatic spray device in a preferred embodiment 32 of the present invention. FIG. 50 is a configuration of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 49 shown in cross section.

In this preferred embodiment, only parts different from the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-31 are explained, and explanation of parts similar to the configuration specifically described in preferred embodiments 1-31 or applicable to the same technical idea is omitted.

The indoor unit has suction channels for suctioning indoor air into the main body 602, that is, the front suction channel 602a and the upper suction channel 602b, and the front suction channel 602a has a front movable panel 604 configured to freely open and close, and, when the air conditioner is stopped, the front panel 604 contacts the main body 602 to close the front suction channel 602a, but when the air conditioner is operating, the front panel 604 is shifted in such On the assumption that it moves away from the main body 602, and the front suction panel, the front suction channel 602a opens.

The interior of the main body 602 includes a pre-filter 605 for removing dust contained in the air and provided on the downstream side of the front suction channel 602a and the upper suction channel 602b, a heat exchanger 606 for exchanging heat with indoor air sucked from the front suction channel 602a and the upper suction channel 602b and provided on the downstream side of this pre-filter 605 ventilation, internal fan 608, designed to move the air subjected to heat exchange in the heat exchanger 606, a vertical bar 612, designed to open and close the exhaust channel 610, designed to exhaust air sent from the internal fan 608, into the room and to change the direction of the air to vertical and side bar 614, designed to change the direction of the air to the side. The upper part of the front panel 604 is connected to the upper part of the main body 602 by means of a plurality of levers provided on its both end parts, and by actuating the drive motor and controlling the drive motor connected to one of the plurality of levers during operation of the air conditioner, the front panel 604 moves forward from the position when the air conditioner is stopped (closed position of the front intake duct 602a). The vertical bar 612 is likewise connected to the lower part of the main body 602 by means of a plurality of levers provided on its both end parts.

Part of the heat exchanger 606 is equipped with an electrostatic spray device 131 that performs the function of air purification, which provides air purification in the room by generating electrostatic fog.

Thus, FIG. 49 shows a state in which the cover of the main body for closing the front panel 604 and the main body 602 is removed, and FIG. 50 shows the junction of the main body 602 of the indoor unit and the electrostatic spray device 131.

As shown in FIG. 50, an electrostatic atomizing device 131 is mounted on the downstream side of a heat exchanger 606 to provide heat exchange with sucked air.

The electrostatic spray device 131 mainly consists of a mist generation compartment 139 and an exit wall 137 molded from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene (ABS) or another polymer. The output wall 137 is made with a spray channel 132 and a channel for supplying moisture. The mist generation compartment 139 consists of a spray electrode 135 as an actuating element of the mist generation compartment, a cooling rod 134 for attaching the spray electrode 135 almost at the center of one end portion, and a voltage supply device for supplying voltage to the spray electrode 135. The cooling rod 134 is formed of an element designed to connect the electrode and made of a heat-conducting material such as aluminum, stainless steel l or brass.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is preferably coated with a heat-insulating element at its peripheral periphery to transfer heat of cooling from one end to the other end through heat transfer.

From the point of view of long-term use, it is important to maintain the heat transfer between the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134 and to prevent the ingress of moisture or the like into the connecting part, the epoxy material or the like is poured in, and the thermal resistance is reduced, and the spray electrode 135 and the cooling rod 134 will be fixed . To reduce thermal resistance, the spray electrode 135 can be fixed by pressing into the cooling rod 134.

The cooling rod 134 of the heat-conducting material is fixed in the output wall 137, and the cooling rod 134 has a protrusion protruding from the output wall. This cooling rod 134 has a protrusion on the side opposite to the spray electrode 135, and the protrusion is inserted into a portion of the pipe or fixed in the pipe for the flow of refrigerant inside the heat exchanger 606.

The cooling rod 134 is cooled by using the volume of cooling air generated in the heat exchanger 606. Since the cooling rod 134 is made of a metal part with excellent thermal conductivity, the cooling section provides sufficient cooling to condense the dew on the spray electrode 135, only by transferring heat from pipelines passing from the heat exchanger 606, and dew condensation may occur on the actuating element of the compartment to generate mana.

Since the cooling section can be formed with a similar simple structure, fog is generated with a low failure rate and high reliability. Furthermore, by means of a cooling source in a freezing cycle, a cooling rod 134 made of heat transfer material or a spray electrode 135 as an actuating member of the mist generation compartment can be cooled and fog is generated at low energy consumption.

A voltage supply device is located adjacent to the fog generating section 139, and the negative potential side in the voltage supply device for generating high voltage is connected to the spray electrode 135, and the positive potential side is respectively electrically connected to the opposite electrode 136.

Discharge always occurs near the spray electrode 135 to form a spray mist, and abrasive wear can occur at the front end of the spray electrode 135. Like a refrigerator, the air conditioner also works for a long period of more than 10 years. Therefore, the surface of the spray electrode 135 requires surface treatment to provide resistance, and, for example, nickel plating, gilding or plating may be preferred.

The opposing electrode 136 consists, for example, of stainless steel, and long-term reliability is required, and surface treatment by plating or the like is desirable in order to prevent foreign matter from sticking or to prevent contamination.

The voltage supply device is connected to the control device, and the voltage supply device is controlled by the control device in the main body of the air conditioner, and the voltage supply device enables the high voltage to be turned on or off by an input signal from the main body of the air conditioner or the electrostatic spray device 131.

The operation and its effects are explained in a preferred embodiment having a similar configuration. An electric atomization device 131 is fixed to a heat exchanger 606, and the cooling rod 134 is cooled by heat transfer or heat transfer from its cooling source, and the atomization electrode 135 thermally coupled thereto is cooled, and water droplets are formed at the working end. Fine mist is generated by applying a high voltage to water droplets at the front end of the spray electrode 135. The fog generated in the electrostatic spray device 131 has an electric charge, and so that it is not attracted to the heat exchanger 606 after generating the fog, it is released into the room, in which air conditioning should be carried out, through one air channel, also functioning as a silencer, formed from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and st roll (ABS) or other polymer.

Fine mist emitted passes and dissipates due to convection in the room in which air conditioning should be performed. Diffusing fog is deposited on clothing and furniture in the room in which air conditioning is to be performed. At this time, the room can be deodorized and sterilized by the radicals contained in the fog, and a comfortable space is created in the room.

In the case of an air conditioner, in the cooling operation, the low temperature air passing through the indoor unit heat exchanger 606 has high relative humidity, and the atomization electrode 135 of the electrostatic atomization electrode 131 requires very little electrical energy to generate fog as the dew condenses on the atomization electrode 135 only when the temperature is slightly lower than the ambient temperature.

The heating element may be located adjacent to the electrostatic spray device 131, and the temperature of the spray electrode 135 may be controlled and stable fog generation is possible.

Without the use of such a heating element, by stopping the cooling operation for a short time and ensuring that only the fan is operating, the spray electrode can be dried with dry air in the room in which air conditioning is to be performed, and excessive dew condensation can be prevented, and reliability is improved, and more stable fog generation.

Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, by placing the electrostatic spray device 131 in the air conditioner heat exchanger 606, the fog can be reliably applied to clothes and furniture in the room in which air conditioning is to be performed. In this case, the room can be subjected to deodorization and sterilization by means of radicals contained in the fog, and a comfortable space is created in the room.

Thus, the electrostatic spray device can be used in a dishwasher, washing machine, rice cooker, vacuum cleaner and other electrical appliances, and the sterilization effect, bactericidal effect and deodorization effect are provided by spraying fog using a simple design and low energy consumption.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is characterized by a stable supply of fine mist using a simple design and is widely applicable in household and industrial refrigerators, vegetable warehouses, in a washing machine, dishwasher and other machines in which sterilization and deodorization are expected.

Claims (3)

1. Refrigerator containing:
insulated storage compartment;
a fog device for generating fog in the storage compartment, the fog device comprising:
fog generation unit;
exit wall surrounding the fog generation compartment; and
a fog generation actuator located inside the fog generation compartment, a fog generation actuator is effective for spraying fog, wherein
the output wall includes a spray channel through which the fog spreads, and a channel for supplying moisture;
wherein one of the openings of the spray channel and the moisture supply channel are located on any surface except the upper surface of the output wall, and one hole is located in the lower part of the output wall to operate as a drain hole for discharging water that has accumulated in the output wall to the outside. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the channel for supplying moisture is located in the outlet wall on the lower side of the spray electrode having an actuator for generating fog. 3. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which
the mist generation section sprays the mist by using water in the form of dew formed by humidifying the air of the storage compartment with water.

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