US20060042300A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents
Refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060042300A1 US20060042300A1 US11/196,472 US19647205A US2006042300A1 US 20060042300 A1 US20060042300 A1 US 20060042300A1 US 19647205 A US19647205 A US 19647205A US 2006042300 A1 US2006042300 A1 US 2006042300A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vegetables
- light
- stored
- leds
- refrigerator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/04—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling
-
- 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
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
-
- 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
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
- F25D25/024—Slidable shelves
- F25D25/025—Drawers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator, which includes a separate vegetable storage chamber for storing vegetables.
- the storage chambers are divided by an intermediate wall, and are respectively opened and closed by doors.
- An evaporator for generating cold air and a fan for blowing the generated cold air to the inside of the corresponding one of the storage chambers are installed in each of the storage chambers.
- the storage chambers are independently cooled by the action of the corresponding evaporators and fans. This method is referred as an independent cooling method.
- the freezing chamber serves to store frozen foods, and has a temperature of approximately ⁇ 18° C.
- the refrigerating chamber serves to store foods, which do not require freezing, at a normal temperature of more than 0° C., particularly, at a temperature of approximately 3° C.
- the vegetables When vegetables are stored at a comparatively low temperature, the vegetables can maintain freshness for a long time compared to vegetables stored at the normal temperature. Although the storage at the low temperature allows vegetables to maintain freshness for a long time, many nutrients of the vegetables, which were stored at the low temperature, are destroyed, and a time for maintaining the freshness of the vegetables is comparatively short.
- a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber for maintaining freshness of vegetables for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation of the vegetables.
- a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables, light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that the vegetables photosynthesize, and a control unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- the light emitted from the LEDs is green light, and the green light includes a wavelength of approximately 480 ⁇ 660 nm.
- the light emitted from the LEDs is red light, and the red light includes a wavelength of approximately 720 nm.
- the light emitted from the LEDs includes different colors according to the types of the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
- the control unit controls the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light having a wavelength, a light intensity, and an irradiation time, corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- the refrigerator further includes a moisture supply device to supply moisture to the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
- the refrigerator further includes a light-setting unit to receive data regarding the kinds of the stored vegetables from a user.
- the LEDs are arranged on internal surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber, to emit light.
- the vegetable storage chamber is divided into at least two spaces, and lights at different wavelengths are emitted onto the divided spaces.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables, a plurality of different single-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stacked and stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that all the stored vegetables photosynthesize, a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables from a user, and a control unit to receive the data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables through the light-setting unit and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- Each of the LEDs is selected from a group consisting of a green-colored LED for irradiating green light and a red-colored LED for irradiating red light, the green light includes a wavelength of approximately 480 ⁇ 660 nm, and the red light includes a wavelength of approximately 720 nm.
- control unit selectively controls at least one type of the LEDs, intensities of lights emitted from the LEDs, and irradiation times of the LEDs, according to the types of the stored vegetables.
- the refrigerator further includes a moisture supply device to supply moisture to the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
- the LEDs are arranged on at least parts of circumferential surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber.
- the vegetable storage chamber is divided into at least two spaces, and the single-colored LEDs for irradiating different lights are respectively installed in the divided spaces.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables under a condition that the vegetables are stacked, a plurality of green-colored and red-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that nutrients are properly formed in, all the stored vegetables, a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables from a user, and a control unit to receive the data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables through the light-setting unit and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light at wavelengths, corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- LEDs green-colored and red-colored light emitting diodes
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling the refrigerator of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 5A to 5 C are graphs illustrating variations of moisture contained in vegetables, obtained by a vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 6A to 6 C are graphs illustrating variations of crude protein contained in vegetables, obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 7A to 7 C are graphs illustrating variations of crude fiber contained in vegetables, obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 8A to 8 C are graphs illustrating variations of vitamin C contained in vegetables, obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a refrigerating chamber evaporator 106 a refrigerating chamber fan motor 106 a , a refrigerating chamber fan 106 b , and a defrosting heater 104 a are installed in a refrigerating chamber 110 .
- a freezing chamber evaporator 108 , a freezing chamber fan motor 108 a , a freezing chamber fan 108 b , and a defrosting heater 104 b are installed in a freezing chamber 120 .
- the defrosting heaters 104 a and 104 b serve to respectively defrost the surfaces of the refrigerating and freezing chamber evaporators 106 and 108 .
- Cold air generated from the refrigerating chamber evaporator 106 is blown to an inside of the refrigerating chamber 110 by the refrigerating chamber fan 106 b .
- Cold air generated from the freezing chamber evaporator 108 is blown to an inside of the freezing chamber 120 by the freezing chamber fan 108 b .
- Expansion devices (not shown) for decompressing and expanding refrigerant are respectively installed at inlets of the refrigerating and freezing chamber evaporators 106 and 108 , and a condenser (not shown) is installed at an outlet of a compressor 102 .
- a vegetable storage chamber 124 is installed at a lower part of the refrigerating chamber 110 , and a plurality of light sources 128 are installed on each of surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber 124 .
- Light emitting diodes LEDs are used as the light sources 128 so as to adjust the frequency and the quantity of emitted light.
- moisture is not supplied from an outside to an inside of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerating chamber, i.e., a vegetable chamber of the refrigerating chamber.
- a vegetable chamber of the refrigerating chamber In order to photosynthesize to produce nutrients and thus to grow, vegetables use moisture contained therein. Accordingly, as time goes by, moisture contained in the vegetables decreases. In this case, when photosynthesis conditions similar to those, which grow vegetables on soil outside the refrigerator, are provided in the refrigerator, these conditions dry vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber, thereby deteriorating the freshness of the vegetables.
- Colors of absorbed light at wavelengths for causing the photosynthesis of green vegetables are usually blue and red, and small amounts of remaining wavelengths shorter than blue and red wavelengths are also absorbed by the green vegetables. Accordingly, in order to grow green vegetables on the bare ground, blue and red wavelength bands are mainly used. However, when blue and red wavelength bands are used in a closed environment in which vegetables are stacked and stored, such as the storage chamber of the refrigerator, only leaves of the outermost vegetable out of the stacked and stored vegetables vigorously photosynthesize and the internal vegetables cannot photosynthesize. Accordingly, light sources for irradiating light, which is transmitted and reflected by the stacked vegetables, and produce a proper quantity of nutrients for maintaining the freshness of the vegetables, are required. Green light is proper to satisfy the above requirements. In the same manner, yellow light is transmitted and reflected by yellow vegetables, such as carrots.
- the light sources 128 emit one of green or red light onto the vegetable storage chamber 124 , or emit green light onto one portion of the vegetable storage chamber 124 and red light onto the other portion of the vegetable storage chamber 124 according to types of the stored vegetables (i.e., green or red vegetables).
- the light sources 128 are controlled such that the light sources 128 emit light at a wavelength of 480 ⁇ 660 nm, the light sources 128 generate green light, and when the light sources 128 are controlled such that the light sources 128 emit light at a wavelength of approximately 720 nm, the light sources 128 generate red light.
- the light emitted from the light sources 128 causes vegetables 126 , stored in the vegetable storage chamber 124 , to perform chemical reaction (for example, photosynthesis).
- the vegetables 126 which are stored in the vegetable storage chamber 124 , obtain nutrients by means of the chemical reaction induced by the light emitted from the light sources 128 , thus being capable of being maintained in a fresh state for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation.
- the green light emitted from the light sources 128 reaches the vegetables 126 , which are located inside, as well as the vegetables 126 , which are located at the outer surface, and induces photosynthesis of the vegetables 126 . That is, the green light allows all the vegetables 126 , stored in the vegetable storage chamber 124 , to perform the chemical reaction (photosynthesis).
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling the refrigerator of FIG. 1 .
- a light-setting unit 204 a freezing chamber temperature-sensing unit 206 , and a refrigerating chamber temperature-sensing unit 208 are connected to an input port of a control unit 202 .
- the light-setting unit 204 allows a user to input data corresponding to types of the vegetables 126 stored in the vegetable storage chamber 124 , thereby causing the user to set characteristics (wavelength, light intensity, and irradiation time) of light emitted from the light sources 128 correspondingly to the types of the vegetables 126 based on the data.
- the freezing chamber temperature-sensing unit 206 and the refrigerating chamber temperature-sensing unit 208 respectively sense temperatures in the freezing chamber 120 and the refrigerating chamber 110 , and then supply the sensed temperatures to the control unit 202 .
- a compressor-driving unit 212 , a freezing chamber fan-driving unit 214 , a refrigerating chamber fan-driving unit 216 , a light source-driving unit 218 , and a display unit 220 are connected to an output port of the control unit 202 .
- the compressor-driving unit 212 , the freezing chamber fan-driving unit 214 , the refrigerating chamber fan-driving unit 216 , and the light source-driving unit 218 respectively drive the compressor 102 , the freezing chamber fan motor 108 a , the refrigerating chamber fan motor 106 a , and the light sources 128 .
- the light source-driving unit 218 drives the light sources 128 so that the light sources 128 emit light having characteristics (frequency, brightness, and irradiation time) corresponding to values set by the user through the light-setting unit 204 .
- the display unit 220 displays operating states of the refrigerator, and various predetermined values and temperatures according to the data corresponding to types of the vegetables 126 stored in the vegetable storage chamber 126 , and particularly displays the characteristics (frequency, brightness, and irradiation time) of the light emitted from the light sources 128 according to the values set by the user through the light-setting unit 204 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 .
- the light sources 128 are electrically connected with the control unit 202 through the light source-driving unit 218 , and receive control signals and power from the control unit 202 .
- a plurality of the light sources 128 are installed on each of the surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber 124 so that a large quantity of light can be emitted onto all surfaces of the vegetables 126 stored in the vegetable storage chamber 124 .
- the light sources 128 may be installed on one side surface of the vegetable storage chamber 124 according to characteristics of the light sources 128 .
- Guides 302 are installed on both side surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber 124 so that the vegetable storage chamber 124 slides forwards and backwards in the refrigerator.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 .
- a partition 450 to divide the internal space of a vegetable storage chamber 424 into at least two spaces is installed in the vegetable storage chamber 424 .
- Different colored vegetables for example, green vegetables, such as lettuce, and red vegetables, such as carrots
- wavelengths (or frequencies) of light emitted from the light sources 428 are controlled so that green light is emitted onto the space storing the green vegetables and red light is emitted onto the space storing the red vegetables).
- different colored lights are emitted onto the spaces according to the colors of the vegetables stored in the spaces, thereby maintaining the freshness of the vegetables for a long time and minimizing the nutrient degradation of the vegetables even when different colored vegetables are stored in the spaces.
- FIGS. 5A to 8 C are graphs illustrating results of a vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The above test was performed under the conditions below. TABLE 1 Test materials Division Storage method Lettuce Stored in transparent plastic bag Cucumber Stored without packing Flammulina velutipes Stored in transparent plastic bag
- FIGS. 5A to 8 C are graphs illustrating variations of moisture contained in vegetables ( FIGS. 5A to 5 C), variations of crude protein contained in vegetables ( FIGS. 6A to 6 C), variations of crude fiber contained in vegetables ( FIGS. 7A to 7 C), and variations of vitamin C contained in vegetables ( FIGS. 8A to 8 C), obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
- the test conditions are as described in the above Tables.
- lettuce with reference to FIGS. 5A, 6A , 7 A, and 8 A
- cucumber with reference to FIGS. 5B, 6B , 7 B, and 8 B
- Flammulina velutipes with reference to FIGS. 5C, 6C , 7 C, and 8 C
- the above vegetables had different values according to kinds of the vegetables, when green light was emitted onto the vegetables so that the vegetables perform chemical reaction (photosynthesis), mean values of major components of the vegetables, such as moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, and vitamin C, were still high even after the test. Accordingly, it is known that vegetables maintain their freshness for a long time and nutrient degradation of the vegetables is minimized when the vegetables are stored in the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator of the present invention.
- the present invention provides a refrigerator, which comprises a vegetable storage chamber for maintaining freshness of vegetables stored therein for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation of the vegetables. Particularly, in a state in which a large quantity of vegetables are stacked and stored in the vegetable storage chamber, sufficient light reaches the vegetables located at inner and lower parts of the vegetable storage chamber, thereby facilitating photosynthesis of the vegetables.
Abstract
A refrigerator having a vegetable storage chamber for maintaining freshness of vegetables stored therein for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation of the vegetables. When a large quantity of vegetables are stacked and stored in the vegetable storage chamber, sufficient light reaches the vegetables located at inner and lower parts of the vegetable storage chamber, thereby facilitating photosynthesis of the vegetables. The refrigerator includes the vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables, light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that the vegetables photosynthesize, and a control unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Applications No. 2004-67629, filed Aug. 26, 2004 and No. 2005-42063, filed May 19, 2005, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator, which includes a separate vegetable storage chamber for storing vegetables.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In a conventional refrigerator having at least two storage chambers, the storage chambers are divided by an intermediate wall, and are respectively opened and closed by doors. An evaporator for generating cold air and a fan for blowing the generated cold air to the inside of the corresponding one of the storage chambers are installed in each of the storage chambers. The storage chambers are independently cooled by the action of the corresponding evaporators and fans. This method is referred as an independent cooling method.
- In a conventional refrigerator having a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber, the freezing chamber serves to store frozen foods, and has a temperature of approximately −18° C. On the other hand, the refrigerating chamber serves to store foods, which do not require freezing, at a normal temperature of more than 0° C., particularly, at a temperature of approximately 3° C.
- When vegetables are stored at a comparatively low temperature, the vegetables can maintain freshness for a long time compared to vegetables stored at the normal temperature. Although the storage at the low temperature allows vegetables to maintain freshness for a long time, many nutrients of the vegetables, which were stored at the low temperature, are destroyed, and a time for maintaining the freshness of the vegetables is comparatively short.
- Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber for maintaining freshness of vegetables for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation of the vegetables.
- Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
- These and/or others aspects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables, light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that the vegetables photosynthesize, and a control unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- In an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitted from the LEDs is green light, and the green light includes a wavelength of approximately 480˜660 nm.
- Further, the light emitted from the LEDs is red light, and the red light includes a wavelength of approximately 720 nm.
- The light emitted from the LEDs includes different colors according to the types of the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
- The control unit controls the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light having a wavelength, a light intensity, and an irradiation time, corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- The refrigerator further includes a moisture supply device to supply moisture to the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
- The refrigerator further includes a light-setting unit to receive data regarding the kinds of the stored vegetables from a user.
- The LEDs are arranged on internal surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber, to emit light.
- Further, the vegetable storage chamber is divided into at least two spaces, and lights at different wavelengths are emitted onto the divided spaces.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables, a plurality of different single-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stacked and stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that all the stored vegetables photosynthesize, a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables from a user, and a control unit to receive the data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables through the light-setting unit and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- Each of the LEDs is selected from a group consisting of a green-colored LED for irradiating green light and a red-colored LED for irradiating red light, the green light includes a wavelength of approximately 480˜660 nm, and the red light includes a wavelength of approximately 720 nm.
- Further, the control unit selectively controls at least one type of the LEDs, intensities of lights emitted from the LEDs, and irradiation times of the LEDs, according to the types of the stored vegetables.
- The refrigerator further includes a moisture supply device to supply moisture to the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
- The LEDs are arranged on at least parts of circumferential surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber.
- Further, the vegetable storage chamber is divided into at least two spaces, and the single-colored LEDs for irradiating different lights are respectively installed in the divided spaces.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables under a condition that the vegetables are stacked, a plurality of green-colored and red-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that nutrients are properly formed in, all the stored vegetables, a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables from a user, and a control unit to receive the data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables through the light-setting unit and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light at wavelengths, corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
- These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 5A to 5C are graphs illustrating variations of moisture contained in vegetables, obtained by a vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 6A to 6C are graphs illustrating variations of crude protein contained in vegetables, obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 7A to 7C are graphs illustrating variations of crude fiber contained in vegetables, obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 8A to 8C are graphs illustrating variations of vitamin C contained in vegetables, obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
- Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1 , a refrigerating chamber evaporator 106, a refrigeratingchamber fan motor 106 a, a refrigeratingchamber fan 106 b, and adefrosting heater 104 a are installed in a refrigeratingchamber 110. Afreezing chamber evaporator 108, a freezingchamber fan motor 108 a, afreezing chamber fan 108 b, and a defrostingheater 104 b are installed in afreezing chamber 120. Thedefrosting heaters chamber evaporators 106 and 108. - Cold air generated from the refrigerating chamber evaporator 106 is blown to an inside of the refrigerating
chamber 110 by the refrigeratingchamber fan 106 b. Cold air generated from thefreezing chamber evaporator 108 is blown to an inside of thefreezing chamber 120 by thefreezing chamber fan 108 b. Expansion devices (not shown) for decompressing and expanding refrigerant are respectively installed at inlets of the refrigerating and freezingchamber evaporators 106 and 108, and a condenser (not shown) is installed at an outlet of acompressor 102. - A
vegetable storage chamber 124 is installed at a lower part of the refrigeratingchamber 110, and a plurality oflight sources 128 are installed on each of surfaces of thevegetable storage chamber 124. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as thelight sources 128 so as to adjust the frequency and the quantity of emitted light. - Generally, moisture is not supplied from an outside to an inside of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerating chamber, i.e., a vegetable chamber of the refrigerating chamber. In order to photosynthesize to produce nutrients and thus to grow, vegetables use moisture contained therein. Accordingly, as time goes by, moisture contained in the vegetables decreases. In this case, when photosynthesis conditions similar to those, which grow vegetables on soil outside the refrigerator, are provided in the refrigerator, these conditions dry vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber, thereby deteriorating the freshness of the vegetables.
- Colors of absorbed light at wavelengths for causing the photosynthesis of green vegetables are usually blue and red, and small amounts of remaining wavelengths shorter than blue and red wavelengths are also absorbed by the green vegetables. Accordingly, in order to grow green vegetables on the bare ground, blue and red wavelength bands are mainly used. However, when blue and red wavelength bands are used in a closed environment in which vegetables are stacked and stored, such as the storage chamber of the refrigerator, only leaves of the outermost vegetable out of the stacked and stored vegetables vigorously photosynthesize and the internal vegetables cannot photosynthesize. Accordingly, light sources for irradiating light, which is transmitted and reflected by the stacked vegetables, and produce a proper quantity of nutrients for maintaining the freshness of the vegetables, are required. Green light is proper to satisfy the above requirements. In the same manner, yellow light is transmitted and reflected by yellow vegetables, such as carrots.
- In the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the
light sources 128 emit one of green or red light onto thevegetable storage chamber 124, or emit green light onto one portion of thevegetable storage chamber 124 and red light onto the other portion of thevegetable storage chamber 124 according to types of the stored vegetables (i.e., green or red vegetables). When thelight sources 128 are controlled such that thelight sources 128 emit light at a wavelength of 480˜660 nm, thelight sources 128 generate green light, and when thelight sources 128 are controlled such that thelight sources 128 emit light at a wavelength of approximately 720 nm, thelight sources 128 generate red light. - The light emitted from the
light sources 128 causesvegetables 126, stored in thevegetable storage chamber 124, to perform chemical reaction (for example, photosynthesis). In the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, thevegetables 126, which are stored in thevegetable storage chamber 124, obtain nutrients by means of the chemical reaction induced by the light emitted from thelight sources 128, thus being capable of being maintained in a fresh state for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation. - When a large quantity of green light at a wavelength of 480˜660 nm is transmitted or reflected by the
green vegetables 126, a part of the green light is absorbed by thegreen vegetables 126. Accordingly, although a large quantity of thevegetables 126 are stacked in thevegetable storage chamber 124, the green light emitted from thelight sources 128 reaches thevegetables 126, which are located inside, as well as thevegetables 126, which are located at the outer surface, and induces photosynthesis of thevegetables 126. That is, the green light allows all thevegetables 126, stored in thevegetable storage chamber 124, to perform the chemical reaction (photosynthesis). - In order to induce photosynthesis of the
vegetables 126 stored in thevegetable storage chamber 124, light and moisture are required. Since other moisture except for moisture contained in thevegetables 126 is not supplemented, cold air containing moisture, which is generated by defrosting the surface of the refrigerating chamber evaporator 106, may be supplied to thevegetable storage chamber 124 through amoisture supply pipe 150 by driving the refrigeratingchamber fan 106 b, or necessary moisture may be supplied from a separate moisture supply unit to thevegetable storage chamber 124. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 2 , a light-settingunit 204, a freezing chamber temperature-sensing unit 206, and a refrigerating chamber temperature-sensing unit 208 are connected to an input port of acontrol unit 202. The light-settingunit 204 allows a user to input data corresponding to types of thevegetables 126 stored in thevegetable storage chamber 124, thereby causing the user to set characteristics (wavelength, light intensity, and irradiation time) of light emitted from thelight sources 128 correspondingly to the types of thevegetables 126 based on the data. The freezing chamber temperature-sensing unit 206 and the refrigerating chamber temperature-sensing unit 208 respectively sense temperatures in the freezingchamber 120 and the refrigeratingchamber 110, and then supply the sensed temperatures to thecontrol unit 202. - A compressor-driving
unit 212, a freezing chamber fan-drivingunit 214, a refrigerating chamber fan-drivingunit 216, a light source-drivingunit 218, and adisplay unit 220 are connected to an output port of thecontrol unit 202. The compressor-drivingunit 212, the freezing chamber fan-drivingunit 214, the refrigerating chamber fan-drivingunit 216, and the light source-drivingunit 218 respectively drive thecompressor 102, the freezingchamber fan motor 108 a, the refrigeratingchamber fan motor 106 a, and thelight sources 128. The light source-drivingunit 218 drives thelight sources 128 so that thelight sources 128 emit light having characteristics (frequency, brightness, and irradiation time) corresponding to values set by the user through the light-settingunit 204. Thedisplay unit 220 displays operating states of the refrigerator, and various predetermined values and temperatures according to the data corresponding to types of thevegetables 126 stored in thevegetable storage chamber 126, and particularly displays the characteristics (frequency, brightness, and irradiation time) of the light emitted from thelight sources 128 according to the values set by the user through the light-settingunit 204. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 . Although not shown in the drawings, thelight sources 128 are electrically connected with thecontrol unit 202 through the light source-drivingunit 218, and receive control signals and power from thecontrol unit 202. As shown inFIG. 3 , a plurality of thelight sources 128 are installed on each of the surfaces of thevegetable storage chamber 124 so that a large quantity of light can be emitted onto all surfaces of thevegetables 126 stored in thevegetable storage chamber 124. However, thelight sources 128 may be installed on one side surface of thevegetable storage chamber 124 according to characteristics of thelight sources 128.Guides 302 are installed on both side surfaces of thevegetable storage chamber 124 so that thevegetable storage chamber 124 slides forwards and backwards in the refrigerator. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 4 , apartition 450 to divide the internal space of avegetable storage chamber 424 into at least two spaces is installed in thevegetable storage chamber 424. Different colored vegetables (for example, green vegetables, such as lettuce, and red vegetables, such as carrots) are respectively stored in the two spaces, and wavelengths (or frequencies) of light emitted from thelight sources 428 are controlled so that green light is emitted onto the space storing the green vegetables and red light is emitted onto the space storing the red vegetables). As described above, different colored lights are emitted onto the spaces according to the colors of the vegetables stored in the spaces, thereby maintaining the freshness of the vegetables for a long time and minimizing the nutrient degradation of the vegetables even when different colored vegetables are stored in the spaces. -
FIGS. 5A to 8C are graphs illustrating results of a vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The above test was performed under the conditions below.TABLE 1 Test materials Division Storage method Lettuce Stored in transparent plastic bag Cucumber Stored without packing Flammulina velutipes Stored in transparent plastic bag -
TABLE 2 Test conditions Division Conditions Light source Green Light intensity 500 lux, 1,100 lux, 1,700 lux, 0 lux (dark) Test temperature 4° C. (±1° C.) Test humidity 60% (±5%) Test period Three weeks (sampling weekly) -
TABLE 3 Division of light intensities Condition Division I II III IV Light source Green Dark Light intensity 500 lux 1,100 lux 1,700 lux 0 lux -
FIGS. 5A to 8C are graphs illustrating variations of moisture contained in vegetables (FIGS. 5A to 5C), variations of crude protein contained in vegetables (FIGS. 6A to 6C), variations of crude fiber contained in vegetables (FIGS. 7A to 7C), and variations of vitamin C contained in vegetables (FIGS. 8A to 8C), obtained by the vegetable storage test using the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The test conditions are as described in the above Tables. - For example, as shown in
FIGS. 5A to 8C, lettuce (with reference toFIGS. 5A, 6A , 7A, and 8A), cucumber (with reference toFIGS. 5B, 6B , 7B, and 8B), and Flammulina velutipes (with reference toFIGS. 5C, 6C , 7C, and 8C) were stored in thevegetable storage chamber 214 in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, and their changed states were observed. Although the above vegetables had different values according to kinds of the vegetables, when green light was emitted onto the vegetables so that the vegetables perform chemical reaction (photosynthesis), mean values of major components of the vegetables, such as moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, and vitamin C, were still high even after the test. Accordingly, it is known that vegetables maintain their freshness for a long time and nutrient degradation of the vegetables is minimized when the vegetables are stored in the vegetable storage chamber of the refrigerator of the present invention. - As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a refrigerator, which comprises a vegetable storage chamber for maintaining freshness of vegetables stored therein for a long time and minimizing nutrient degradation of the vegetables. Particularly, in a state in which a large quantity of vegetables are stacked and stored in the vegetable storage chamber, sufficient light reaches the vegetables located at inner and lower parts of the vegetable storage chamber, thereby facilitating photosynthesis of the vegetables.
- Although a few embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
Claims (17)
1. A refrigerator comprising:
a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables;
light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that the vegetables photosynthesize; and
a control unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
2. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein:
the light emitted from the LEDs is green light; and
the green light has a wavelength of approximately 480˜660 nm.
3. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein:
the light emitted from the LEDs is red light; and
the red light has a wavelength of approximately 720 nm.
4. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the light emitted from the LEDs comprises different colors according to the types of the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
5. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the LEDs so that the LEDs emit light having a wavelength, a light intensity, and an irradiation time corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables.
6. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a moisture supply device to supply moisture to the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
7. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables from a user.
8. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the LEDs are arranged on internal surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber to emit light.
9. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the vegetable storage chamber is divided into at least two spaces, and lights at different wavelengths are respectively emitted onto the divided spaces.
10. A refrigerator comprising:
a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables;
a plurality of different single-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stacked and stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that all the stored vegetables photosynthesize;
a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables from a user; and
a control unit to receive the data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables through the light-setting unit and controlling the LEDs so that the LEDs emit lights, having characteristics corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
11. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 10 , wherein:
each of the LEDs is selected from a group consisting of a green-colored LED for irradiating green light and a red-colored LED for irradiating red light;
the green light has a wavelength of approximately 480˜660 nm; and
the red light has a wavelength of approximately 720 nm.
12. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 10 , wherein the control unit selectively controls at least one type of the LEDs, intensities of lights emitted from the LEDs, and irradiation times of the LEDs, according to the types of the stored vegetables.
13. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 10 , further comprising a moisture supply device to supply moisture to the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber.
14. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 10 , wherein the LEDs are arranged on at least parts of circumferential surfaces of the vegetable storage chamber.
15. The refrigerator as set forth in claim 10 , wherein the vegetable storage chamber is divided into at least two spaces, and the single-colored LEDs for irradiating different lights are respectively installed in the divided spaces.
16. A refrigerator comprising:
a vegetable storage chamber to store vegetables under a condition that the vegetables are stacked;
a plurality of green-colored and red-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) to irradiate light onto the vegetables stored in the vegetable storage chamber so that nutrients are properly formed in all the stored vegetables;
a light-setting unit to receive data corresponding to types of the stored vegetables from a user; and
a control unit to receive the data corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables through the light-setting unit and to control the LEDs so that the LEDs emit lights at wavelengths, corresponding to the types of the stored vegetables, onto the vegetables.
17. A refrigerator comprising:
a food chamber to store food therein;
light sources to irradiate light onto the food stored in the food chamber; and
a control unit to receive data corresponding to the types of food stored, and to control the light sources to emit light having characteristics corresponding to the types of food stored, onto the food.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR2004-67629 | 2004-08-26 | ||
KR20040067629 | 2004-08-26 | ||
KR2005-42063 | 2005-05-19 | ||
KR1020050042063A KR20060048024A (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2005-05-19 | Refrigerator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060042300A1 true US20060042300A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
Family
ID=35463743
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/196,472 Abandoned US20060042300A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2005-08-04 | Refrigerator |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060042300A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1630500A2 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070271946A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator shelf capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables |
US20070271945A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator having a vegetable box |
US20080006049A1 (en) * | 2006-07-03 | 2008-01-10 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables and control method therefor |
US20080307818A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2008-12-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US8979297B2 (en) * | 2011-08-03 | 2015-03-17 | Larson Statham | Insulated container with built-in illumination |
EP2910881A1 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2015-08-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Lighting units for refrigerator drawers and baskets |
US20150247634A1 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2015-09-03 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance with indirect cooling-chamber illumination |
US20170055538A1 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2017-03-02 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Method of preserving freshness of harvested crops, freshness preservation device, repository, and display device |
JP2017146020A (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2017-08-24 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
JP2017150812A (en) * | 2017-05-11 | 2017-08-31 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
US10852055B2 (en) | 2015-04-21 | 2020-12-01 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Home appliance device |
US11399551B2 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2022-08-02 | U Technology Corporation | Method for storing harvested photosynthetic active horticultural produce |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202006013708U1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2006-11-09 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Cooling appliance such as an ice or cold water dispenser having a dispensing niche illuminated by a light emitting diode |
DE202007007064U1 (en) * | 2007-02-14 | 2008-06-19 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Fridge and / or freezer |
ATE544996T1 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2012-02-15 | Arcelik As | COOLER |
CN102113543B (en) * | 2010-04-07 | 2013-05-08 | 陈愈 | Optical signal technology physical method for preserving vegetables and fruits and optical signal generating device |
DE102013213206A1 (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2015-01-08 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Domestic refrigerating appliance with a storage area formed in the interior and a moistening device |
JP6176308B2 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2017-08-09 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
EP3563103A4 (en) * | 2016-12-28 | 2020-09-02 | Tubitak | A vegetable box capable of preserving the products in a fresh state for an extended period of time by exchanging the air composition in the box |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5012609A (en) * | 1988-12-12 | 1991-05-07 | Automated Agriculture Associates, Inc. | Method and apparatus for irradiation of plants using optoelectronic devices |
US6554450B2 (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2003-04-29 | Wei Fang | Artificial lighting apparatus for young plants using light emitting diodes as light source |
US6725598B2 (en) * | 2001-07-05 | 2004-04-27 | Ccs Inc. | Plant cultivator and control system therefor |
US20070104841A1 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2007-05-10 | Min Deul R | Refrigerator and method for keeping food using the same |
-
2005
- 2005-08-03 EP EP05016893A patent/EP1630500A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-08-04 US US11/196,472 patent/US20060042300A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5012609A (en) * | 1988-12-12 | 1991-05-07 | Automated Agriculture Associates, Inc. | Method and apparatus for irradiation of plants using optoelectronic devices |
US6554450B2 (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2003-04-29 | Wei Fang | Artificial lighting apparatus for young plants using light emitting diodes as light source |
US6725598B2 (en) * | 2001-07-05 | 2004-04-27 | Ccs Inc. | Plant cultivator and control system therefor |
US20070104841A1 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2007-05-10 | Min Deul R | Refrigerator and method for keeping food using the same |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080307818A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2008-12-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US8813516B2 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2014-08-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator with visible light radiation |
US20070271946A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator shelf capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables |
US20070271945A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator having a vegetable box |
US20080006049A1 (en) * | 2006-07-03 | 2008-01-10 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables and control method therefor |
US7726147B2 (en) * | 2006-07-03 | 2010-06-01 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Refrigerator capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables and control method therefor |
US10001321B2 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2018-06-19 | James Larson Statham | Illuminated cooler with improved built-in illumination |
US8979297B2 (en) * | 2011-08-03 | 2015-03-17 | Larson Statham | Insulated container with built-in illumination |
US20150247634A1 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2015-09-03 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance with indirect cooling-chamber illumination |
US9671104B2 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2017-06-06 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Refrigeration appliance with indirect cooling-chamber illumination |
US9845986B2 (en) | 2014-02-24 | 2017-12-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Lighting units for refrigerator drawers and baskets |
EP2910881A1 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2015-08-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Lighting units for refrigerator drawers and baskets |
US10852055B2 (en) | 2015-04-21 | 2020-12-01 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Home appliance device |
US10098364B2 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2018-10-16 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Method of preserving freshness of harvested crops, freshness preservation device, repository, and display device |
US20170055538A1 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2017-03-02 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Method of preserving freshness of harvested crops, freshness preservation device, repository, and display device |
WO2017141552A1 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2017-08-24 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Refrigerator |
JP2017146020A (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2017-08-24 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
JP2017150812A (en) * | 2017-05-11 | 2017-08-31 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
US11399551B2 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2022-08-02 | U Technology Corporation | Method for storing harvested photosynthetic active horticultural produce |
US20220330562A1 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2022-10-20 | U Technology Corporation | Method for storing harvested photosynthetic active horticultural produce |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1630500A2 (en) | 2006-03-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060042300A1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US7866171B2 (en) | Food keeping refrigerator | |
KR20060048024A (en) | Refrigerator | |
JP4433958B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
US7726147B2 (en) | Refrigerator capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables and control method therefor | |
CN100587371C (en) | Kimchi refrigerator and control method of the same | |
KR101071032B1 (en) | Food keeping refrigerator | |
US20070271946A1 (en) | Refrigerator shelf capable of promoting photosynthesis of vegetables | |
JP2003161570A (en) | Direct cooling type refrigerator | |
CN100526772C (en) | Refrigerator | |
JP6706733B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
JP4501294B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
CN100541067C (en) | Food storage refrigerator and food storage method | |
EP3499157B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
JP6928504B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
JP4983900B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
JP2018013299A (en) | refrigerator | |
CN109477681B (en) | Refrigerator with a door | |
MXPA05008269A (en) | Refrigerator | |
JP6564996B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
KR20070044943A (en) | Refrigerator and method for keeping food using the same | |
KR100735694B1 (en) | Refrigerator and Method for the same | |
JP2005114186A (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR101118722B1 (en) | A structure of vegetable room for independent control of a temperature of vegetable room for refrigerators | |
KR100820833B1 (en) | Refrigerator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KIM, YOUNG RYOL;REEL/FRAME:016860/0891 Effective date: 20050719 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |