US20030024254A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Refrigerator Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030024254A1
US20030024254A1 US10/103,963 US10396302A US2003024254A1 US 20030024254 A1 US20030024254 A1 US 20030024254A1 US 10396302 A US10396302 A US 10396302A US 2003024254 A1 US2003024254 A1 US 2003024254A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
deodorizing
refrigerator
air
refrigerated air
compartments
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/103,963
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English (en)
Inventor
Junji Yoshida
Mutsumi Kato
Toshie Hiraoka
Keiji Ohya
Masao Araki
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Assigned to MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ARAKI, MASAO, HIRAOKA, TOSHIE, KATO, MUTSUMI, OHYA, KEIJI, YOSHIDA, JUNJI
Publication of US20030024254A1 publication Critical patent/US20030024254A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
    • F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
    • F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
    • F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
    • F25D2317/0415—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification by deodorizing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
    • F25D2317/0665—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the top
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/067—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by air ducts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/068—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the fans
    • F25D2317/0682—Two or more fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/04—Refrigerators with a horizontal mullion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator provided with a deodorizing device.
  • Japanese Utility Model Gazette No. HEI 03-83793 discloses a fridge-freezer which is equipped with a deodorizing device.
  • This fridge-freezer is provided with by-pass channels which are provided in part of or through the circulating air duct in the fridge-freezer and contain deodorizing devices being installed, and characterized by the circulating air duct being divided into the by-pass channels and a main circulating air duct in which air resistance is lower than that in the by-pass channels.
  • the deodorizing device uses a combination of an ozonizer and a deodorizing catalyst. Inside the main circulating air duct, a damper is provided inside the main circulating air duct.
  • This damper is closed to enhance a deodorizing effect, and opened to refrigerate by supplying refrigerated air flow to the main circulating air duct.
  • the main circulating air duct is allowed to receive enough air flowing into for refrigerating.
  • a deodorizing operation which is carried out while the compressor is not operating has caused a temperature rise in the respective compartments in the fridge-freezer, which is another problem.
  • This is, in other words, the problem of failing to achieve an enhanced performance of deodorization and a secured performance of refrigeration at the same time.
  • the deodorizing device uses ozone, which is to be decomposed by a deodorizing catalyst.
  • the deodorizing catalyst after many years of use, gradually loses its decomposing efficiency, and in the end, ozone may flow back into the refrigerator room. Then, as a result, ozone may give a harmful influence on such as food, which has posed another problem.
  • An object of the present invention is to obtain a refrigerator which is provided with a deodorizing function for deodorizing the smell of such as food and allowed to be free from insufficient refrigeration. Another object of the present invention is to obtain a refrigerator which is provided with a deodorizing device usable without losing the deodorizing performance for a long time. Still another object of the present invention is to obtain a highly reliable refrigerator with no fear of an ozone-related harmful influence on such as food. Yet another object of the present invention is to obtain a simply-structured refrigerator, which is allowed to deodorize all the compartments. It is still another object of the present invention is to obtain a small-sized and low-cost refrigerator.
  • a refrigerator may include a plurality of compartments, which is provided in a front part of the body of the refrigerator, for storing such as food; a cooling device, which is installed in a cooling device chamber provided in a back part of the body of the refrigerator, for producing refrigerated air for refrigerating the plurality of compartments; an inside fan, which is installed in the cooling device chamber, for blowing off the refrigerated air produced by the cooling device to the plurality of compartments; a draft air duct, which is a passage of air flow of refrigerated air to be blown off forcibly by the inside fan to the plurality of compartments; a damper, which is installed in the draft air duct, opening/closing so as to allow/prevent the supply of the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments; a by-pass channel, which is provided in the draft air duct between the damper and the cooling device and used for returning the refrigerated air produced by the cooling device to
  • the deodorizing device may include a deodorizing filter for absorbing odor elements, and a refreshing unit for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filter so as to prolong the life of the deodorizing filter.
  • air resistance in the by-pass channel having the deodorizing device inside may be higher than air resistance in the draft air duct for supplying the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments so that the refrigerated air is not easily supplied to the by-pass channel in the case of opening the damper for allowing the supply of the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments.
  • the refrigerator may further include a deodorizing damper, which is installed in the by-pass channel, for regulating the flow rate of the refrigerated air, so that the refrigerated air is not supplied to the by-pass channel while a refrigerating operation is being carried out.
  • a deodorizing damper which is installed in the by-pass channel, for regulating the flow rate of the refrigerated air, so that the refrigerated air is not supplied to the by-pass channel while a refrigerating operation is being carried out.
  • a refrigerator may include a plurality of compartments, which is provided in a front part of the body of the refrigerator, for storing such as food; two cooling devices, which are installed in a back part of the body of the refrigerator, for producing refrigerated air in different temperatures so as to refrigerate the plurality of compartments; two separate draft air ducts corresponding to the two cooling devices for blowing off the refrigerated air in different temperature ranges produced by the two cooling devices independently to different compartments with different temperatures of the plurality of compartments; and a deodorizing device.
  • the deodorizing device may include deodorizing filters, which are provided in the two separate draft air ducts, for absorbing odor elements, and refreshing units for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filters so as to prolong lives of the deodorizing filters.
  • the refrigerator may include by-pass channels provided, respectively, in the two individual draft air ducts; and deodorizing devices installed, respectively, in the by-pass channels.
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partial front view illustrating a main part of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of air ducts illustrating a schematic structure of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of a filter according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the state of a deodorizing device 22 being installed according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling the deodorizing device of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a partial front view illustrating a main part of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of air ducts illustrating a schematic structure of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling a deodorizing device of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling a deodorizing device of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of air ducts illustrating a schematic structure of the air ducts of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a partial front view illustrating a main part of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • a reference numeral 1 denotes a body of the refrigerator.
  • a reference numeral 2 denotes an insulating box, which is filled with insulating materials.
  • a reference numeral 7 denotes a refrigerator room, which is placed in an upper part of the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • a reference 8 denotes a convertible compartment (a multi-purpose compartment), which is placed below the refrigerator room 7 , and the temperature of which is switched over in a wide range of temperatures for storing things from vegetables to frozen food.
  • a reference numeral 9 denotes a vegetable compartment, which is placed below the convertible compartment 8 , for storing such as vegetables.
  • a reference numeral 10 denotes a freezer (a freezer compartment), which is placed below the vegetable compartment 9 , for storing such as frozen food.
  • a reference numeral 3 denotes an opening/closing door for the refrigerator room, which is provided in the front part of the refrigerator room 7 .
  • a reference numeral 4 denotes a drawer-type door for the convertible compartment, which is provided in the front part of the convertible compartment 8 .
  • a reference numeral 5 denotes a drawer-type door for the vegetable compartment, which is provided in the front part of the vegetable compartment 9 .
  • a reference numeral 6 denotes a drawer-type door for the freezer, which is provided in the front part of the freezer 10 .
  • a reference numeral 11 denotes a compressor, which is installed in a machine compartment 11 a provided at a lower back of the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • a reference numeral 13 denotes a cooling device, which is installed in a cooling device chamber provided in a back part of the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • a reference numeral 12 denotes a defrosting heater for thawing frost settled on the cooling device 13 .
  • a reference numeral 14 denotes an inside fan for blowing off cool air refrigerated by the cooling device 13 forcibly to the respective compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 and the freezer 10 in the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • a reference sign 19 A denotes a draft air duct for the refrigerator room, which is a passage of refrigerated air flow to the refrigerator room 7 .
  • a reference sign 20 A denotes a draft air duct for the freezer, which is a passage of refrigerated air flow to the freezer 10 .
  • a reference sign 15 A is a damper for the refrigerator room, which is provided inside the draft air duct 19 A for the refrigerator room, for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air to be supplied to the refrigerator room 7 .
  • a reference sign 15 B denotes a damper for the convertible compartment, which is provided inside the draft air duct for the convertible compartment, for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air to be supplied to the convertible compartment 8 .
  • a reference sign 15 C denotes a damper for the freezer, which is provided inside the draft air duct 20 A for the freezer, for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air to be supplied to the freezer 10 .
  • a reference numeral 16 denotes a blow-off outlet for the refrigerator room for supplying refrigerated air through the draft air duct 19 A for the refrigerator room into the refrigerator room 7 .
  • a reference numeral 17 denotes a blow-off outlet for the convertible compartment for supplying refrigerated air through the draft air duct for the convertible compartment into the convertible compartment 8 .
  • a reference numeral 18 denotes a blow-off outlet for the freezer for supplying refrigerated air through the draft air duct 20 A for the freezer into the freezer 10 .
  • a reference numeral 21 denotes a by-pass channel, which is provided inside a main draft air duct which is a passage of refrigerated air guided to the respective compartments in the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • a deodorizing device 22 is provided inside the bypass channel 21 .
  • a deodorizing device 22 By closing those dampers ( 15 a, 15 b, 15 c ), refrigerated air passes through the by-pass channel 21 and then returns to the cooling device 13 .
  • This short cycle is a passage of air flow through which refrigerated air circulates from the upstream of the cooling device 13 back to the cooling device 13 without flowing into any of the compartments of the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • FIG. 2 is a partial front view illustrating a main part of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.
  • the figure shows the draft air ducts for supplying refrigerated air to the respective compartments only. Return passages of the refrigerated air flow from the respective compartments are not shown.
  • elements which are the same as or equivalent to those of FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals or signs, and will not be explained here.
  • reference sign 19 A represents the draft air duct for the refrigerator room
  • reference sign 20 A represents the draft air duct for the freezer
  • a reference numeral 25 denotes a draft air duct for the convertible compartment for supplying refrigerated air to the convertible compartment 8 .
  • a reference numeral 26 denotes a draft air duct for an ice-maker (not shown) for supplying refrigerated air into the ice-maker which is provided inside or separately from the freezer 10 .
  • a reference numeral 15 E denotes a damper for the ice-maker, which is provided inside the draft air duct for the ice-maker 26 , for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air supplied to the ice-maker. Then, the deodorizing device 22 is installed inside the by-pass channel 21 . In the case of all the dampers provided in the draft air ducts being closed, refrigerated air is not supplied to the draft air ducts having little air resistance, but the refrigerated air is supplied to the by-pass channel 21 whose air resistance is high. This causes the short cycle.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of air ducts illustrating a schematic structure of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.
  • the schematic diagram shows the passages of air flow of the refrigerator room 7 and the freezer 10 only. Then, the passages of the convertible compartment 8 , the ice-maker and the vegetable compartment 9 are not shown.
  • elements which are the same as or equivalent to the elements of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals or signs, and will not be explained here.
  • reference sign 19 A represents the draft air duct for the refrigerator room
  • reference sign 20 A represents the draft air duct for the freezer.
  • a reference sign 19 B denotes a return air duct for the refrigerator room, which is a passage of returning refrigerated air flow to the cooling device 13 after refrigerating the inside of the refrigerator room 7 .
  • a reference sign 20 B denotes a return air duct for the freezer, which is a passage of returning refrigerated air flow to the cooling device 13 after refrigerating the inside of the freezer 10 .
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a filter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • a reference numeral 23 denotes a deodorizing filter, which is built in the deodorizing device 22 .
  • the deodorizing filter may be substances such as zeolite 115 , copper manganese 116 and activated charcoal 117 , which are stuck on fibrous pulp 118 , then formed into a paper, and thereafter formed into a corrugated cardboard as shown by a reference sign 23 a.
  • the particles of substances such as those mentioned above may be sintered to form the deodorizing filter to be used.
  • the deodorizing device 22 composed of those elements may be installed in the draft air ducts for blowing off refrigerated air into the respective compartments in the body 1 of the refrigerator.
  • the deodorizing filter absorbs such substances as methyl-captan and trimethyl-amine which are the cause of an offensive smell or odors substances given off from such as food stored in the respective compartments in the body 1 of the refrigerator. For that reason, an offensive smell will not be given off from the respective compartments in the body 1 of the refrigerator. It is particularly effective in deodorization if the deodorizing device 22 is installed in such a manner as to clog the by-pass channel 21 as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the deodorizing filter 23 may be formed by supporting titanium oxide which is a photo-catalyst. If titanium oxide is used for the deodorizing filter 23 and light emitting diode is used for a refreshing unit, the deodorizing device is allowed to have a simple structure. As a result, a highly-reliable and low-cost deodorizing device may be obtained. Hence, an odorless highly-reliable and low-cost refrigerator may be provided. In addition to that, the refrigerator is allowed to become more minimized than that using other refreshing unit such as a black light.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the state of the deodorizing device 22 when installed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • reference numeral 21 represents the by-pass channel
  • reference numeral 23 represents the deodorizing filter
  • a reference numeral 24 denotes a refreshing unit for the deodorizing filter 23 .
  • the deodorizing filter 23 is fitted in such a manner as to clog the by-pass channel 21 , all the refrigerated air is allowed to pass forcibly through the deodorizing filter 23 . Hence, a deodorization efficiency may be enhanced.
  • the filter refreshing unit 24 such as an LED light-emitting device, which emits ultraviolet rays, may be added in the deodorizing device 22 .
  • the ultraviolet ray has a property of prolonging the life of the filter through oxidation-reduction reaction by decomposing odors substances absorbed by the filter 23 .
  • the life of the filter 23 is prolonged, which may save a lot of trouble over changing filters.
  • an odorless and low-cost refrigerator may be provided. This also allows the refrigerator to be more minimized than using such as a black light for the filter refreshing unit 24 .
  • this allows air duct resistance in the by-pass channel 21 to be reduced, and therefore the by-pass channel 21 may also be minimized.
  • a small-sized and compact refrigerator performing a highly efficient deodorization may be obtained.
  • a compact deodorizing device may be provided in the air duct and air duct resistance may be reduced.
  • an energy efficient refrigerator consuming less power may be provided.
  • FIG. 6 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling the deodorizing device of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.
  • the compressor 11 installed in the body 1 of the refrigerator is operating, at least one of the dampers provided in the air ducts for supplying refrigerated air to the respective compartments is opened. Therefore, refrigerated air is supplied little into the by-pass channel 21 in which the deodorizing device 22 having a high air resistance is installed. For that reason, it is efficient to perform a deodorizing operation while the compressor 11 is not working.
  • Conditions for stopping the compressor 11 may be such that the refrigerator is performing a defrosting operation, and the operating time of the compressor accumulated from immediately after the termination of a defrosting operation has reached a given time.
  • a reference sign S 1 denotes a compressor stopping step for stopping the compressor 11 .
  • a reference sign S 2 denotes a damper closing step for closing all the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air to be supplied to the respective compartments.
  • a reference sign S 3 denotes an inside fan operating step for operating the inside fan 14 .
  • a reference sign S 4 denotes a timer-on step for starting a timer for measuring an operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • a reference sign S 5 denotes an inside fan operating time judgement step for judging whether the operating time of the inside fan 14 has reached the given time or not.
  • a reference sign S 6 denotes an inside fan stopping step for stopping the operation of the inside fan 14 .
  • a reference sign S 7 denotes a deodorizing operation terminating step.
  • the compressor 11 is stopped in S 1 initially. However, if the compressor has already stopped in such a case where the refrigerator is performing a defrosting operation, or the accumulated operating time of the compressor 11 has reached the given time just after the termination of a defrosting operation, then the stopping state of the compressor is unchanged. Then, in S 2 , all the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air, for regulating an amount of refrigerated air to be supplied to the respective compartments, are closed. In S 3 , the inside fan 14 is started to operate. Then, in S 4 , the timer, which may be built in such as a microcomputer provided in a control unit for controlling the operation of the refrigerator, is started to count. This timer is provided for controlling the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • the given time is a time required for all the air in the cooling device chamber accommodating the cooling device 13 passing through the deodorizing device 22 .
  • the given time may be a period of several seconds to several minutes.
  • the operating time of the inside fan 14 may be some 30 seconds.
  • step S 3 As discussed with reference to step S 3 , while the compressor 11 is operating, the air resistance is high, and therefore little air is allowed to pass through the deodorizing device 22 installed in the by-pass channel 21 . However, by operating the inside fan 14 with all the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air in the respective compartments being closed, all the air around the cooling device 13 is allowed to circulate. As a result, refrigerated air passed through the deodorizing device 22 is deodorized through the absorption function of the deodorizing device 22 .
  • the by-pass channel 21 accommodating the deodorizing device 22 is structured so that the short cycle occurs thereby returning refrigerated air which is blown off by the inside fan 14 to the cooling device chamber accommodating the cooling device 13 through the by-pass channel 21 .
  • This allows the cooling device chamber where offensive smells given off from the respective compartments of the refrigerator easily accumulate to stagnate, to be deodorized in an efficient manner.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the by-pass channel 21 and the draft air ducts may be provided separately. In that case, the by-pass channel does not influence on the fan performance of the draft air ducts such as the size and length of a draft air duct.
  • the by-pass channel is allowed to be designed with less restriction. Hence a low-cost refrigerator may be obtained.
  • FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a partial front view illustrating a main part of the draft air ducts of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the draft air ducts illustrating a schematic structure of the draft air ducts of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.
  • elements which are the same as or equivalent to those discussed in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals or signs, and will not be discussed here.
  • a deodorizing damper 15 D for regulating the flow rate of air passing through the by-pass channel 21 is provided inside the by-pass channel 21 of the body 1 of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.
  • reference sign 15 D represents the deodorizing damper provided inside the by-pass channel 21 . Therefore, the resistance of air passing through the by-pass channel 21 may be regulated by the deodorizing damper 15 D, which means that the air resistance is not necessarily required to be high in the by-pass channel 21 . As a result, the deodorizing device 22 and the by-pass channel 21 are allowed to be simplified and designed with less restriction. Hence, a refrigerator may be obtained at a low cost. In this case, the deodorizing damper 15 D may be opened in a deodorizing operation, and the deodorizing damper 15 D may be closed in a refrigerating operation.
  • the opening of the deodorizing damper 15 D is adjusted so as to regulate the flow rate of refrigerated air to be supplied to the by-pass channel in such a manner that the refrigeration performance is not lowered.
  • the deodorizing damper 15 D is provided on the downstream side of the deodorizing device 22 between the deodorizing device 22 and the cooling device 13 .
  • the deodorizing damper 15 D may be provided on the upstream side of the deodorizing device 22 between the deodorizing device 22 and the cooling device 13 .
  • FIG. 9 shows the air ducts for guiding refrigerated air to the refrigerator room 8 and the freezer 10 exclusively. The air ducts for guiding refrigerated air to the vegetable compartment 9 and air ducts for guiding refrigerated air to other compartments are not shown in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 10 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling the deodorizing device of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.
  • a reference sign S 11 denotes a refrigerator room selecting step for deodorization.
  • the refrigerator room selecting step for deodorization is a step for selecting a compartment to be deodorized, and in this particular example, the refrigerator room 7 is selected to be deodorized.
  • a reference sign S 12 denotes a deodorizing operation switch-on step for turning on a deodorizing operation switch for a compartment (refrigerator room 8 ) selected in S 11 .
  • a reference sign S 13 denotes a defrosting judgement step for judging whether the refrigerator is performing a defrosting operation or not.
  • a reference sign S 31 denotes a deodorizing operation denying step for denying a deodorizing operation if it is judged in S 13 that the refrigerator is performing a defrosting operation.
  • a reference sign S 14 denotes a deodorizing judgement step for judging whether the refrigerator is in the deodorizing operation mode or not if it is judged in S 13 that the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting operation.
  • a reference sign S 41 denotes a deodorizing operation continuing step for continuing the deodorizing operation if it is judged in S 14 that the refrigerator is in the deodorizing operation mode.
  • a reference sign S 15 denotes a deodorizing operation starting step for the refrigerator room for starting a deodorizing operation for the refrigerator room if it is judged in S 14 that the refrigerator is not in the deodorizing operation mode.
  • a reference sign S 16 denotes a timer starting step for starting the timer to count the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • a reference sign S 17 denotes a damper opening step for the refrigerator room for opening the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room only.
  • a reference sign S 18 denotes a deodorizing damper opening step for opening the deodorizing damper 15 D.
  • a reference sign S 19 denotes an inside fan stop judgment step for judging whether the inside fan 14 is stopped or not.
  • a reference sign S 20 denotes an inside fan operation starting step for starting the inside fan 14 to operate if it is judged in S 19 that the inside fan 14 is not working.
  • a reference sign S 21 denotes an inside fan operating time confirming step for judging whether the time counted by the timer for measuring the operating time of the inside fan 14 has reached the give time or not.
  • a reference sign 22 denotes a deodorizing damper closing step for closing the deodorizing damper 15 D.
  • a reference sign 23 denotes a deodorizing operation terminating step for the refrigerator room.
  • the refrigerator room is selected for deodorization in S 11 initially.
  • the deodorizing operation switch is turned on.
  • the deodorizing operation switch may be provided on such as a liquid-crystal display panel which may be installed in the front part, for example, of the refrigerator. Alternatively, the function of selecting a compartment to be deodorized may also be provided on the display panel.
  • S 13 it is judged whether a defrosting operation is being carried out or not. If it is judged that a defrosting operation is being carried out, then in S 31 a deodorizing operation is denied so that a deodorizing operation is not carried out and the current operation is continued.
  • this timer is provided for controlling the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • the timer counts a period of operating time of the inside fan 14 from a deodorizing operation started.
  • the given time is a time required for all the air in the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 passing through the deodorizing device 22 . If the volume of air in the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 is 0.3 cubic meters, for example, then some 1.5 minutes are sufficient for the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • the deodorizing operation is allowed to be performed in such a short time.
  • all the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the compartments are closed except the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room.
  • the operation returns to S 20 to continue the counting of the operating time. If it is judged in S 21 that the inside fan 14 has already operated for the given time, then in S 22 the deodorizing damper 15 D is closed and the counted time by the timer is reset.
  • the given time is a time required for all the air of the cooling device chamber containing the cooling device 13 passing through the deodorizing device 22 . The given time may be around several seconds to several minutes. If the volume of air around the cooling device 13 is 0.05 cubic meters, for example, the operating time of the inside fan 14 may be some 30 seconds.
  • S 22 when the deodorizing damper 15 D is closed, then in S 23 the deodorizing operation for the refrigerator room 7 is terminated.
  • refrigerated air is supplied to the by-pass channel in or after a defrosting operation, and thus a deodorizing operation is performed before starting a refrigerating operation. Accordingly, when the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air, for regulating an amount of refrigerated air supplied to the respective compartments, are opened at the time of operating the compressor 11 , no odor is allowed to flow into the respective compartments of the refrigerator. Hence, an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be obtained.
  • a deodorizing operation is performed after the termination of a defrosting operation, and therefore there is no fear of an offensive smell given off as a result of a temperature rise in the cooling device chamber just after terminating a defrosting operation flowing into the respective compartments of the refrigerator.
  • an odorless refrigerator may be obtained.
  • refrigerated air is not allowed to pass through the deodorizing device 22 while the compressor 11 is operating, which may also contribute to preventing a refrigeration performance from being lowered.
  • the by-pass channel 21 accommodating the deodorizing device 22 is structured so that the short cycle occurs thereby returning refrigerated air which is blown off by the inside fan 14 to the cooling device chamber accommodating the cooling device 13 through the by-pass channel 21 .
  • This allows the cooling device chamber where offensive smells given off from the respective compartments of the refrigerator easily accumulate to stagnate, to be deodorized in an efficient manner.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the deodorizing operation is tried to be performed as much as possible even while the compressor 11 is operating (in a refrigerating operation for the compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 , the convertible compartment 8 , the vegetable compartment 9 and the freezer 10 ).
  • This allows offensive smells given off from such as food stored in the respective compartments to be deodorized.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • FIG. 11 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling a deodorizing device of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • a reference sign S 50 denotes a refrigerator room selecting step for deodorization.
  • the refrigerator room selecting step for deodorization is a step for selecting a compartment to be deodorized, and in this particular example, the refrigerator room 7 is selected to be deodorized.
  • a reference sign S 51 denotes a deodorizing operation switch-on step in which a deodorizing operation switch is turned on for a compartment (refrigerator room 7 ) selected in S 50 .
  • a reference sign S 52 denotes a defrosting judgement step in which it is judged whether the refrigerator is performing a defrosting operation or not.
  • a reference sign S 71 denotes a deodorizing operation denying step in which a deodorizing operation is denied if it is judged in S 52 that the refrigerator is performing a defrosting operation.
  • a reference sign S 53 denotes a deodorizing judgement step in which it is judged whether the refrigerator is in the deodorizing operation mode or not if it is judged in S 52 that a defrosting operation is not being carried out.
  • a reference sign S 81 denotes a deodorizing operation continuing step in which a deodorizing operation is continued if it is judged in S 53 that the refrigerator is in the deodorizing operation mode.
  • a reference sign S 54 denotes a deodorizing operation starting step for the refrigerator room in which a deodorizing operation is started for the refrigerator room if it is judged in S 53 that the refrigerator is not in the deodorizing operation mode.
  • a reference sign S 55 denotes a timer starting step in which the timer is started to count the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • a reference sign S 56 denotes a damper opening step for the refrigerator room in which only the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room is opened with adjusting the opening.
  • a reference sign S 57 denotes a deodorizing damper opening step in which the deodorizing damper 15 D is opened.
  • a reference sign S 58 denotes an inside fan stop judgment step in which it is judged whether the inside fan 14 is stopped or not.
  • a reference sign S 59 denotes an inside fan operation starting step in which the inside fan is operated if it is judged in S 58 that the inside fan 14 is not operating.
  • a reference sign S 60 denotes an inside fan operating time confirming step in which it is judged whether the counted time by the timer for measuring the operating time of the inside fan 14 has reached the given time or not.
  • a reference sign S 61 denotes a deodorizing damper closing step in which the deodorizing damper 15 D is closed.
  • a reference sign S 62 denotes a deodorizing operation terminating step for the refrigerator room.
  • the refrigerator room 7 is selected in S 50 for deodorization initially. Then, in S 51 , the deodorizing operation switch is turned on.
  • the deodorizing operation switch may be provided on such as a liquid-crystal display panel which may be installed in the front part, for example, of the refrigerator. Alternatively, the function of selecting a compartment to be deodorized may also be provided on the display panel.
  • S 52 it is judged whether a defrosting operation is being carried out or not. If it is judged that a defrosting operation is being carried out, then in S 71 , a deodorizing operation is denied to be performed, so that no deodorizing operation is carried out and the current operation is continued.
  • the opening of the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room may be obtained in advance by confirming the opening through such as experiments. For example, according to the refrigerator of this embodiment, this opening is some 45 degrees.
  • S 58 it is judged whether the inside fan 14 is operating or not. Then, if the inside fan 14 is not operating, then in S 59 the inside fan 14 is started to operate. Then, in S 60 it is judged whether the operating time of the inside fan 14 , which is counted by the timer built in such as a microcomputer provided in the control unit for controlling the operation of the refrigerator, has reached the given operating time or not.
  • this timer is provided for controlling the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • the timer counts a period of operating time of the inside fan 14 from a deodorizing operation started.
  • the given time is a time required for all the air in the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 passing through the deodorizing device 22 . If the volume of air in the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 is 0.3 cubic meters, for example, then some 1.5 minutes are sufficient for the operating time of the inside fan 14 .
  • Such a speedy deodorization may be achieved because all the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the compartments are closed except the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room. In other words, it is designed that only a minimum required capacity or space is deodorized. For that reason, a speedy deodorization may be achieved for the refrigerator room.
  • the operation returns to S 59 to continue the counting of the operating time. If it is judged in S 60 that the inside fan 14 has already operated for the given time, then in S 61 the deodorizing damper 15 D is closed and the counted time by the timer is reset.
  • the given time is a time required for all the air of the cooling device chamber containing the cooling device 13 passing through the deodorizing device 22 . The given time may be around several seconds to several minutes. If the volume of air around the cooling device 13 is 0.05 cubic meters, for example, the operating time of the inside fan 14 may be some 30 seconds.
  • S 61 when the deodorizing damper 15 D is closed, then in S 62 the deodorizing operation for the refrigerator room 7 is terminated.
  • the by-pass channel 21 accommodating the deodorizing device 22 is structured so that the short cycle occurs thereby returning refrigerated air which is blown off by the inside fan 14 to the cooling device chamber accommodating the cooling device 13 through the by-pass channel 21 .
  • This allows the cooling device chamber where offensive smells given off from the respective compartments of the refrigerator easily accumulate to stagnate, to be deodorized in an efficient manner.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the opening of the opening adjustable damper is adjusted so that the flow rate of refrigerated air passing through the by-pass channel and the flow rate of refrigerated air passing through the draft air duct containing the opening adjustable damper become equal.
  • the deodorizing operation is tried to be performed as much as possible even while the compressor 11 is operating (in a refrigerating operation for the compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 , the convertible compartment 8 , the vegetable compartment 9 and the freezer 10 ).
  • This allows offensive smells given off from such as food stored in the respective compartments to be deodorized while a refrigerating operation is being carried out.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for supplying refrigerated air to the respective compartments are provided with the opening adjusting function.
  • the flow rate of air passing through the deodorizing device 22 and the flow rate or air passing through the air ducts for supplying refrigerated air to the respective compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 are allowed to become equal.
  • a refrigerator which allows the time, which is required for all the air in the compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 passing the deodorizing device 22 , to be shortened while refrigerating the respective compartments, may be provided.
  • the deodorizing operation may be achieved in a shorter period than that of the refrigerator discussed in the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of air ducts illustrating a schematic structure of the air ducts of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a partial front view illustrating a main part of the air ducts of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • elements which are the same as or equivalent to those discussed in the first embodiment through the third embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals or signs, and will not be discussed here.
  • reference numeral 7 represents the refrigerator room
  • reference numeral 10 represents the freezer
  • a reference sign 13 A denotes a cooling device for refrigerating
  • a reference sign 13 B denotes a cooling device for freezing
  • a reference sign 14 A denotes an inside fan for refrigerating
  • a reference sign 14 B denotes an inside fan for freezing.
  • the damper 15 C for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the freezer provided in air duct 20 A for the freezer
  • the damper 15 B for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the convertible compartment provided in the air duct 25 for the convertible compartment
  • the damper 15 E for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the ice-maker provided in the air duct 26 for the ice-maker, and so on.
  • a by-pass channel 21 A for refrigerating in which a deodorizing device 22 A for refrigerating temperatures and a deodorizing damper 15 DA for refrigerating temperatures are installed.
  • a by-pass channel 21 B for freezing in which a deodorizing device 22 B for freezing temperatures and a deodorizing damper 15 DB for freezing temperatures are installed.
  • reference numeral 7 represents the refrigerator room
  • reference numeral 9 represents the vegetable compartment
  • reference numeral 8 represents the convertible compartment
  • reference numeral 10 represents the freezer.
  • the temperature of the convertible compartment may be switched in a wide range of temperatures from higher temperatures for storing such as vegetables to lower temperatures suitable for storing such as frozen food.
  • the cooling device 13 A for refrigerating is placed in the back part of the vegetable compartment 9 behind a heat insulating divider, where the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating and the by-pass channel 21 A for refrigerating are provided.
  • the cooling device 13 B for freezing is placed in the back part of the convertible compartment 8 behind a heat insulating divider, where the inside fan 14 B for freezing and the by-pass channel 21 A for freezing are provided.
  • the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air (such as the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room, the damper 15 C for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the freezer, the damper 15 B for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the convertible compartment, and the damper 15 E for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the ice-maker) are provided, respectively.
  • the opening of each of the respective dampers is adjusted individually.
  • the air ducts for refrigeration on the refrigerating side and the freezing side are separated from each other.
  • the by-pass channels for deodorization having the deodorizing devices installed therein are also provided respectively on the independent refrigerating and freezing sides. This allows the deodorizing operations to be performed independently. On the refrigerating side, specifically, temperatures are higher and therefore odors are liable to occur. For that reason, the number of deodorizing operations may be increased on the refrigerating side only. Alternatively, the period of a deodorizing operation may be prolonged. Even in those cases, it is designed not to increase the temperatures of respective compartments in the freezing side, so that an efficient deodorization is obtained. Hence, a highly reliable refrigerator which is free from insufficient refrigeration may be obtained.
  • FIG. 15 is a control flow chart illustrating a flow of controlling the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • a reference sign S 90 denotes a step for selecting a compartment to be deodorized, and with this particular example, a refrigerator room selecting step for deodorization in which the refrigerator room 7 is selected to be deodorized.
  • a reference sign S 91 denotes a deodorizing operation switch-on step in which the deodorizing operation switch is turned on for a compartment (refrigerator room 7 ) selected in S 90 .
  • a reference sign S 92 denotes a defrosting judgement step in which it is judged whether a defrosting operation is being carried out in the respective compartments on the refrigerating side or not.
  • a reference sign S 111 denotes a deodorizing operation denying step in which a deodorizing operation is denied if it is judged in S 92 that a defrosting operation is being carried out.
  • a reference sign S 93 denotes a deodorizing judgement step in which it is judged whether the refrigerating side is on the deodorizing operation mode or not if it is judged in S 92 that a defrosting operation is not being carried out.
  • a reference sign S 121 denotes a deodorizing operation continuing step in which a deodorizing operation is continued if it is judged in S 93 that the refrigerating side is on the deodorizing operation mode.
  • a reference sign S 94 denotes a deodorizing operation starting step for the refrigerator room in which a deodorizing operation is started for the refrigerator room if it is judged in S 93 that the refrigerating side is not on the deodorizing operation mode.
  • a reference sign S 95 denotes a timer starting step in which the timer is started for counting the operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating.
  • a reference sign S 96 denotes a damper opening step for the refrigerator room in which only the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room is opened with adjusting the opening thereof.
  • a reference sign S 97 denotes a deodorizing damper opening step for refrigerating in which the deodorizing damper 15 DA for refrigerating is opened.
  • a reference sign S 98 denotes a refrigerating inside fan stop judgement step in which it is judged whether the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating is stopped or not.
  • a reference sign S 99 denotes a refrigerating inside fan operation starting step in which the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating is started to operate if it is judged in S 98 that the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating is not operating.
  • a reference sign S 100 denotes a refrigerating inside fan operating time confirming step in which it is judged whether the time counted by the timer for measuring the operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating has reached the given time or not.
  • a reference sign S 101 denotes a deodorizing damper closing step in which the deodorizing damper 15 DA for refrigerating is closed.
  • a reference sign S 102 denotes a deodorizing operation terminating step for the refrigerator room.
  • the refrigerator room 7 is selected to be deodorized initially in S 90 , and then the deodorizing operation switch is turned on in S 91 .
  • the deodorizing operation switch may be provided on such as a liquid-crystal display panel which may be installed in the front part of the refrigerator, for example. Alternatively, the function of selecting a compartment to be deodorized may be provided on the display panel.
  • S 92 it is judged whether a defrosting operation is being carried out in the respective compartments on the refrigerating side or not. If it is judged that a defrosting operation is being carried out, then in S 111 , a deodorizing operation is denied to be performed, so that no deodorizing operation is carried out and the current operation is continued.
  • the opening of the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room may be obtained in advance by confirming the opening through such as experiments. For example, according to the refrigerator of this embodiment, this opening is some 45 degrees.
  • S 98 it is judged whether the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating is operating or not. Then, if the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating is not operating, then in S 99 the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating is started to operate. Then, in S 100 it is judged whether the operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating, which is counted by the timer built in such as a microcomputer provided in the control unit for controlling the operation of the refrigerator, has reached the given operating time or not.
  • this timer is provided for controlling the operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating. Specifically, the timer counts a period of operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating from a deodorizing operation started. The given time is a time required for all the air in the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 A passing through the deodorizing device 22 A. If the volume of air in the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 A is 0.3 cubic meters, for example, then some 1.5 minutes are sufficient for the operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating.
  • Such a speedy deodorization may be achieved because all the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the compartments are closed except the damper 15 A for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for the refrigerator room. In other words, it is designed that only a minimum required capacity or space is deodorized. For that reason, a speedy deodorization may be achieved for the refrigerator room.
  • the operation returns to S 99 to continue the counting of the operating time. If it is judged in S 100 that the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating has already operated for the given time, then in S 101 the deodorizing damper 15 DA is closed and the counted time by the timer is reset.
  • the given time is a time required for all the air of the cooling device chamber containing the cooling device 13 A for refrigerating passing through the deodorizing device 22 A. The given time may be around several seconds to several minutes.
  • the operating time of the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating may be some 30 seconds.
  • the deodorizing damper 15 DA for refrigerating is closed, then in S 102 the deodorizing operation for the refrigerator room 7 is terminated.
  • the by-pass channel 21 A accommodating the deodorizing device 22 is structured so that the short cycle occurs thereby returning refrigerated air which is blown off by the inside fan 14 A for refrigerating to the cooling device chamber accommodating the cooling device 13 A for refrigerating through the by-pass channel 21 A.
  • This allows the cooling device 13 A for refrigerating where offensive smells given off from the respective compartments of the refrigerator easily accumulate to stagnate, to be deodorized in an efficient manner.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the deodorizing operation is tried to be performed as much as possible even while the compressor 11 is operating (in a refrigerating operation for the compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 , and the vegetable compartment 9 ).
  • This allows offensive smells given off from such as food stored in the respective compartments to be deodorized.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the dampers for regulating the flow rate of refrigerated air for supplying refrigerated air to the respective compartments are provided with the opening adjusting function.
  • the flow rate of air passing through the deodorizing device 22 A for refrigerating and the flow rate or air passing through the air ducts for supplying refrigerated air to the respective compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 are allowed to become equal.
  • a refrigerator which allows the time required for all the air in the compartments such as the refrigerator room 7 and around the cooling device 13 A for refrigerating passing the deodorizing device 22 A for refrigerating to be shortened while refrigerating the respective compartments, may be provided.
  • the by-pass channel 21 A, 21 B accommodating the deodorizing device 22 A, 22 B is structured so that the short cycle occurs thereby returning refrigerated air which is blown off by the inside fan 14 A, 14 B to the cooling device chamber accommodating the cooling device 13 A, 13 B through the by-pass channel 21 A, 21 B.
  • This allows the cooling device chamber where offensive smells given off from the respective compartments of the refrigerator easily accumulate to stagnate, to be deodorized in an efficient manner.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the refrigerator is provided with the compartments arranged at the front part of the body of the refrigerator for storing such as food, the two cooling devices installed respectively in the two different cooling device chambers which are arranged at the back part of the body of the refrigerator for producing refrigerated air in different temperature ranges for refrigerating the inside of the respective compartments, and two independent draft air ducts for blowing off the refrigerated air in different temperature ranges produced by the two cooling devices into the respective compartments corresponding to the different temperature ranges.
  • the refrigerator is provided with the deodorizing device, which is composed of the deodorizing filter for absorbing odor elements and the refreshing unit for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filter so as to prolong the life of the deodorizing filter, in each of the two independent draft air ducts.
  • the deodorizing device which is composed of the deodorizing filter for absorbing odor elements and the refreshing unit for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filter so as to prolong the life of the deodorizing filter, in each of the two independent draft air ducts.
  • the deodorizing device which is composed of the deodorizing filter for absorbing odor elements and the refreshing unit for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filter so as to prolong the life of the deodorizing filter, in each of the two independent draft air ducts.
  • the two independent draft air ducts may be provided, respectively, with by-pass channels, and each of the by-pass channels is provided with a deodorizing device.
  • the by-pass channels are separated from each other, and therefore they do not affect the fan performance such as the size or length of the draft air duct of the other.
  • the by-pass channel is allowed to be designed with less restriction. Hence, a low-cost refrigerator may be obtained.
  • the refrigerator may be provided with three or more of the deodorizing devices and by-pass channels. In that case, a separate deodorization control may be achieved for each compartment, and thus there is no fear of transferring temperature such as a temperature rise to other compartments. Hence, a delicate deodorization and a stable refrigeration may be achieved for each compartment.
  • the refrigerator of the present invention is designed to be provided with the deodorizing operation switch for starting/terminating a deodorizing operation.
  • a use-friendly convenient refrigerator which allows the user to control a deodorizing operation as he/she desires, may be provided.
  • the refrigerator is further provided with the selection switch for selecting a compartment to be deodorized, which allows the user to select a compartment for deodorization as he/she desires.
  • a user-friendly convenient refrigerator which allows the user to specify a compartment to be deodorized, may be provided.
  • the deodorizing operation switch and the selection switch which are to be provided.
  • the deodorizing operation switch and the selection switch may be applied to the refrigerators discussed in the first embodiment to the third embodiment as well.
  • a user-friendly convenient refrigerator in which a deodorizing operation is allowed to be performed as the user desires, may be provided.
  • the user is allowed to select a compartment to be deodorized as he/she desires.
  • a user-friendly convenient refrigerator in which the user is allowed to specify a compartment to be deodorized, may be provided
  • the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including the plurality of compartments, which is provided in the front part of the body of the refrigerator, for storing such as food; the cooling device, which is installed in the cooling device chamber provided in the back part of the body of the refrigerator, for producing refrigerated air for refrigerating the plurality of compartments; the inside fan, which is installed in the cooling device chamber, for blowing off the refrigerated air produced by the cooling device to the plurality of compartments; the draft air duct, which is a passage of air flow of refrigerated air to be blown off forcibly by the inside fan to the plurality of compartments; the damper, which is installed in the draft air duct, opening/closing so as to allow/prevent the supply of the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments; the by-pass channel, which is provided in the draft air duct between the damper and the cooling device and used for returning the refrigerated air produced by the cooling device to the cooling device; and the de
  • the damper is closed so that the refrigerated air inside the draft air duct between the damper and the cooling device is blown off forcibly to the by-pass channel.
  • all the refrigerated air in the enclosed space by the dampers including the cooling device chamber is to pass forcibly through the deodorizing device by means of the inside fan.
  • a deodorizing effect may be achieved in a short time.
  • an odorless refrigerator in which an offensive smell will not be supplied to the respective compartments even if the dampers are opened.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized that the deodorizing device includes the deodorizing filter for absorbing odor elements, and the refreshing unit for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filter so as to prolong the life of the deodorizing filter.
  • the filter life may be prolonged, which can save a lot of trouble over changing filters.
  • an odorless and low-cost refrigerator may be provided.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized that the deodorizing filter includes titanium oxide which is a photocatalyst, and the refreshing unit includes light emitting diode which emits ultraviolet rays.
  • the deodorizing filter includes titanium oxide which is a photocatalyst
  • the refreshing unit includes light emitting diode which emits ultraviolet rays.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized that air resistance in the by-pass channel having the deodorizing device inside is higher than air resistance in the draft air duct for supplying the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments so that the refrigerated air is not easily supplied to the by-pass channel in the case of opening the damper for allowing the supply of the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments.
  • the deodorizing device causes no air resistance in the air ducts while a refrigerating operation is being carried but.
  • a refrigerator having a deodorizing effect without causing insufficiency in refrigeration may be obtained.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including the deodorizing damper, which is installed in the by-pass channel, for regulating a flow rate of the refrigerated air, so that the refrigerated air is not supplied to the by-pass channel while a refrigerating operation is being carried out.
  • the deodorizing damper which means that the air resistance is not required to be high in the by-pass channel.
  • the decolorizing device and the by-pass channel are allowed to be simplified and designed with less restriction. Hence, a highly-reliable refrigerator may be obtained at a low cost.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized that the by-pass channel is installed independently of the draft air duct.
  • the by-pass channel is allowed to be provided independently.
  • the by-pass channel does not influence on the fan performance of the draft air ducts such as the size and length of a draft air duct.
  • the by-pass channel is allowed to be designed with less restriction. Hence a low-cost refrigerator may be obtained.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including the plurality of draft air ducts for supplying the refrigerated air to the plurality of compartments; and the opening adjustable damper, which is installed in at least one of the plurality of draft air ducts, for regulating the flow rate of the refrigerated air. Then, the opening of the opening adjustable damper is adjusted so that the flow rate of refrigerated air passing through the by-pass channel and the flow rate of refrigerated air passing through the draft air duct having the opening adjustable damper inside become the same. As a result, offensive smells given off from such as food stored in the respective compartments are allowed to be deodorized while a refrigerating operation is being carried out.
  • an odorless refrigerator with an image of cleanliness may be provided.
  • the time required for all the air in the compartments such as the refrigerator room and around the cooling device for refrigerating passing the deodorizing device for refrigerating is allowed to be shortened.
  • the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized that a refrigerating operation is not started while a defrosting operation is being carried out. Then, a deodorizing operation is started before starting the refrigerating operation by supplying the refrigerated air to the by-pass channel in either case of in a defrost operation and after a defrosting operation.
  • a deodorizing operation is started before starting the refrigerating operation by supplying the refrigerated air to the by-pass channel in either case of in a defrost operation and after a defrosting operation.
  • a deodorizing operation is performed after the termination of a defrosting operation, and therefore there is no fear of an offensive smell given off as a result of a temperature rise in the cooling device chamber just after terminating a defrosting operation flowing into the respective compartments of the refrigerator. Hence, an odorless refrigerator may be obtained.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including the deodorizing operation switch for starting/terminating a deodorizing operation.
  • the deodorizing operation switch for starting/terminating a deodorizing operation.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including the selection switch for selecting one of the plurality of compartments to be deodorized.
  • the selection switch for selecting one of the plurality of compartments to be deodorized.
  • the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including the plurality of compartments which is provided in the front part of the body of the refrigerator, for storing such as food; the two cooling devices, which are installed in the back part of the body of the refrigerator, for producing refrigerated air in different temperatures so as to refrigerate the plurality of compartments; the two separate draft air ducts corresponding to the two cooling devices for blowing off the refrigerated air in different temperature ranges produced by the two cooling devices independently to different compartments with different temperatures of the plurality of compartments; and the deodorizing device.
  • the deodorizing device includes, the deodorizing filters, which are provided in the two separate draft air ducts, for absorbing odor elements, and the refreshing units for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filters so as to prolong the lives of the deodorizing filters.
  • the deodorizing filters which are provided in the two separate draft air ducts, for absorbing odor elements
  • the refreshing units for decomposing the odor elements absorbed by the deodorizing filters so as to prolong the lives of the deodorizing filters.
  • a delicate temperature control may be achieved for the compartments in different temperatures.
  • the refrigeration and deodorization may be controlled individually for the respective compartments in different temperatures.
  • the refrigerator according to a next embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including the by-pass channels provided, respectively, in the two individual draft air ducts; and the deodorizing devices installed, respectively, in the by-pass channels.
  • the by-pass channels are independent of each other, and therefore they do not affect the fan performance such as the size or length of the draft air duct of the other. For that reason, the by-pass channel is allowed to be designed with less restriction. Hence, a low-cost refrigerator may be obtained.
US10/103,963 2001-07-31 2002-03-25 Refrigerator Abandoned US20030024254A1 (en)

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US20080156030A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen
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US20080156007A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Distributed refrigeration system for modular kitchens
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US20090113923A1 (en) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-07 Song Gye Young Refrigerator and control method for the same
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CN103322764A (zh) * 2009-08-04 2013-09-25 三菱电机株式会社 冰箱
US20140083129A1 (en) * 2012-04-04 2014-03-27 Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation Refrigerator having temperature changing room
US8685327B2 (en) * 2008-05-05 2014-04-01 Jamie Zimmerman Apparatus for removing scent from clothing
US20150033773A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2015-02-05 Haier Group Corporation Refrigerator and operating method thereof
US20150064069A1 (en) * 2013-09-05 2015-03-05 Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd. Air purifier using ultraviolet rays
US20160153693A1 (en) * 2013-09-24 2016-06-02 Haier Asia International Co. , Ltd. Shielding device and refrigerator comprising same
US20180017312A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2018-01-18 Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co., Ltd. Refrigerator
US20180031300A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2018-02-01 Qingdao Haier Special Refrigerator Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and control method thereof
US10022670B2 (en) * 2014-12-23 2018-07-17 Dr. Schneider Automotive Polska Spólka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzi-Alnościa Vehicle air supply system
US20180320955A1 (en) * 2015-11-02 2018-11-08 Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh Refrigeration Appliance Having A Divided Storage Space
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US7051539B2 (en) * 2002-12-30 2006-05-30 Whirlpool Corporation Convertible refrigerator-freezer
US20040144128A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2004-07-29 Junge Brent A. Convertible refrigerator-freezer
US20100313596A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2010-12-16 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Cooling warehouse and air refrigerant type cooling system
US9016083B2 (en) 2004-11-29 2015-04-28 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Air refrigerant type freezing and heating apparatus
US20110005252A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2011-01-13 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Air refrigerant type freezing and heating apparatus
US8336321B2 (en) 2006-12-28 2012-12-25 Whirlpool Corporation Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen
US20080156007A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Distributed refrigeration system for modular kitchens
US20080156030A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen
US20080156009A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Variable capacity modular refrigeration system for kitchens
US20090090734A1 (en) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-09 Fawn Engineering Corp. Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
US8151598B2 (en) * 2007-10-09 2012-04-10 Fawn Engineering Corporation Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
US8505318B2 (en) 2007-10-09 2013-08-13 Fawn Engineering Corporation Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
US9373210B2 (en) 2007-10-09 2016-06-21 Fawn Engineering Corporation Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
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US20090113923A1 (en) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-07 Song Gye Young Refrigerator and control method for the same
WO2009061068A2 (en) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and control method for the same
US8685327B2 (en) * 2008-05-05 2014-04-01 Jamie Zimmerman Apparatus for removing scent from clothing
CN103322764A (zh) * 2009-08-04 2013-09-25 三菱电机株式会社 冰箱
CN103322764B (zh) * 2009-08-04 2017-05-17 三菱电机株式会社 冰箱
EP2487438A3 (en) * 2011-02-11 2017-11-01 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator with sterilizer
US9702611B2 (en) * 2011-02-11 2017-07-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator with sterilizer
US20120204581A1 (en) * 2011-02-11 2012-08-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator with sterilizer
US20150033773A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2015-02-05 Haier Group Corporation Refrigerator and operating method thereof
US20140083129A1 (en) * 2012-04-04 2014-03-27 Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation Refrigerator having temperature changing room
US10039852B2 (en) * 2013-09-05 2018-08-07 Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd. Air purifier using ultraviolet rays
US20150064069A1 (en) * 2013-09-05 2015-03-05 Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd. Air purifier using ultraviolet rays
US20160153693A1 (en) * 2013-09-24 2016-06-02 Haier Asia International Co. , Ltd. Shielding device and refrigerator comprising same
US10228180B2 (en) * 2013-09-24 2019-03-12 Haier Asia International Co., Ltd. Shielding device and refrigerator comprising same
US10022670B2 (en) * 2014-12-23 2018-07-17 Dr. Schneider Automotive Polska Spólka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzi-Alnościa Vehicle air supply system
EP3037754B1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2021-05-26 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigerator
US10684058B2 (en) * 2015-08-26 2020-06-16 Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co., Ltd. Refrigerator
US20180017312A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2018-01-18 Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co., Ltd. Refrigerator
US20180031300A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2018-02-01 Qingdao Haier Special Refrigerator Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and control method thereof
US10684059B2 (en) * 2015-08-26 2020-06-16 Qingdao Haier Special Refrigerator Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and control method thereof
US10180248B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2019-01-15 ProPhotonix Limited LED lamp with sensing capabilities
US20180320955A1 (en) * 2015-11-02 2018-11-08 Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh Refrigeration Appliance Having A Divided Storage Space
US10948230B2 (en) * 2015-11-02 2021-03-16 Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh Refrigeration appliance having a divided storage space
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US10976094B2 (en) * 2017-12-13 2021-04-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator having a switchable chamber
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JP2003042646A (ja) 2003-02-13
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TW561237B (en) 2003-11-11
SG94871A1 (en) 2003-03-18
CN1400444A (zh) 2003-03-05

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