WO2006126482A1

WO2006126482A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2006126482A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/310140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yae Ashida; Yoshiko Kojima; Yukiko Hirota
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-05-26
Filing date: 2006-05-22
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Also published as: EP1887298A1; EP1887298B1; EP1887298A4

Abstract

A refrigerator has a body having compartments partitioned by heat insulation walls, a storage chamber provided in one of the compartments, a light source provided in the storage chamber, and a control section capable of setting the temperature of the storage chamber to different temperature zones. The light source can emit colors different from each other. The control section selects, according to a set temperature zone of the storage chamber, light of one color out of the colors and causes the light source to emit the light. The refrigerator facilitates recognition of temperature conditions of each chamber and is therefore easy to use.

Description

Specification

Refrigerator

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, refrigerators that have evolved ergonomic viewpoints and ease of use that not only improve the preservation performance of foods, in order to meet the diverse needs of customers, have become widespread.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional refrigerator described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-186883. This refrigerator includes a main body 1 having a heat insulating structure. The main body 1 has an upper refrigerator compartment 2, a lower freezer compartment 3, a vegetable compartment 4 adjacent to the refrigerator compartment 2 between the refrigerator compartment 2 and the freezer compartment 3, and between the vegetable compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 3. The ice making room 5 and switching room 6 attached to the front, the rotary door 7 in the front of the refrigerator room 2, the vegetable room 4, the freezing room 3, the ice making room 5 and the switching room 6 are integrated with the storage container. It consists of a pull-out door 8 that is pulled out by

[0004] Due to this structure, the most frequently used refrigerator compartment 2 is at the height of the user's line of sight, making it easy to use. In addition, in the vegetable room 4, which is the next most frequently used, a woman with an average height can first remove the food in the vegetable room 4. Furthermore, a woman of average height can open and close the pull-out door 8 of the ice making room 5 and the switching room 6 first, so that ice and food can be taken out without squatting and the physical burden can be reduced.

[0005] With this conventional refrigerator, it is difficult to identify the food to be stored in each room, and it is difficult to check the temperature in the refrigerator. Especially in a switching room that can be switched from a refrigerated temperature to a freezing temperature and multiple temperature zones such as the intermediate temperature, it is difficult for the user to check the food to be stored and the temperature status.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a conventional refrigerator described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-13864.

This refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment 502 provided at the top of the refrigerator body, a switching chamber 506 provided below the refrigerator compartment 502, and an ice making room 505 provided parallel to the switching chamber 506 under the refrigerator compartment 502 of the main body. And a switching room 506 and an ice making room 507 arranged in parallel, and a vegetable room 5 provided between the switching room 506 and the ice making room 507 and the freezing room 503 provided at the lower part of the main body. With 04.

[0007] With this structure, the most frequently used refrigerator compartment 502 is at the height of the user's line of sight and is easy to use. In addition, for the vegetable room 504, which is the next most frequently used, a woman with an average height can first take out food in the vegetable room 504. Furthermore, a woman of average height can open and close the pull-out door 508 of the ice making room 505 and the switching room 506 first, and the force can also take out ice and food without any difficulty, reducing the physical burden. Thus, this refrigerator is easy to use by determining the layout of each storage room based on the frequency of use.

[0008] In this conventional refrigerator, it is difficult to determine the temperature setting of each storage room and the food to be stored. Particularly in a storage room having a plurality of compartments each having a different temperature zone, it is difficult to distinguish between the temperature setting status of each compartment and the food to be stored.

Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The refrigerator includes a main body having a plurality of compartments separated by a heat insulating wall, a storage room provided in one of the plurality of compartments, a light source provided in the storage room, and a temperature of the storage room. And a controller that can be set to multiple temperature zones. The light source can emit a plurality of different colors. The control unit causes the light source to select and emit light of one color from a plurality of colors according to the temperature range set in the storage room.

[0010] This refrigerator can easily recognize the temperature state in each room and is easy to use.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light source of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the light source of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a refrigerator in an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional refrigerator.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a conventional refrigerator.

Explanation of symbols

[0012] 1, 201 body

2, 202, 302 Refrigerated room

3 Freezer room

4 Vegetable room

6, 206, 306 Switching room (storage room)

12, 212 Machine room

13, 313 light source (first light source)

13A, 313A light source

501, 601 body

502 Cold room

512 machine room

513 Light source

518 Insulation

519 Light source (first light source)

535 Storage case (Storage room)

699 Light source (second light source)

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] (Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1001 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The refrigerator 1001 includes a main body 1. The main body 1 includes an inner box 22 formed by vacuum-forming a strong resin such as ABS resin, an outer box 23 made of a metal material such as a pre-coated steel plate, and an inner box 22 and an outer box 23. A heat insulating wall 24 is formed by injecting foam insulation into the space. For example, rigid urethane foam, phenol foam, or styrene foam is used as the foam insulation. Departure Use of hyde-mouthed carbon-based cyclopentane as the foam material is much more effective in preventing global warming.

[0014] In the space between the inner box 22 and the outer box 23 before foaming the foam heat insulating body, a vacuum heat insulating material 25 is adhered and adhered to the outer box side with an adhesive member such as hot melt. The vacuum heat insulating material 25 has a thin planar shape so as to be disposed within the thickness of the main body 1. Further, the adhesive member is applied to the entire surface of the vacuum heat insulating material 25 so that air is not mixed. The vacuum insulation 25 is integrally foamed with the foam insulation 24 to form the main body 1 and has a thermal insulation performance 5 to 20 times that of the foam insulation 24. To improve.

[0015] The main body 1 is divided into a plurality of heat insulating compartments, and storage compartments are respectively provided in these compartments. A revolving door is provided in the upper compartment, and a drawer-type door is provided in the lower compartment. Specifically, the main body 1 is divided into a refrigeration room 2, a switching room 6, an ice making room 5, a vegetable room 4, and a freezing room 3 in order of the upper force. The switching chamber 6 and the ice making chamber 5 are provided side by side and have a drawer shape. Vegetable room 4 and freezer room 3 have the shape of a drawer. Each heat insulation section is provided with a heat insulation door through a gasket 31. From the top, the revolving door 7 in the refrigerator compartment 2, the drawer door 8 in the switching room 6, the drawer door 9 in the ice making room 5, and the drawer door in the vegetable compartment 4 10. There is a drawer door 11 for the freezer 3!

[0016] A door pocket 34 is provided as a storage space in the refrigerating compartment rotary door 7, and a plurality of storage shelves 8 are provided in the cabinet. A storage case 35 is provided at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 2.

[0017] Refrigeration room 2 is a force that is normally set at 1 to 5 ° C with the temperature at which it does not freeze for refrigerated storage as the lower limit. There are also cases where it is possible. There are also cases where the temperature is set slightly higher, for example, around 10 ° C for the preservation of wine and root vegetables.

[0018] The storage case 35 is set at a relatively low temperature, for example, -3 to 1 ° C, in order to improve the freshness of meat fish, processed meat fish foods, dairy products and the like. The vegetable room 4 is often set to 2 ° C to 7 ° C, which is the same or slightly higher temperature than the refrigerator room 2. The lower the temperature, the longer the freshness of the leaf vegetables can be maintained.

[0019] The temperature of the switching chamber 6 can be changed according to the user's setting. Refrigerator, vegetable room temperature range can be set to a predetermined temperature. By operating the operation panel 14 on the refrigerating room rotary door 7, the temperature in the switching chamber 6 is adjusted, and the temperature in the switching chamber 6 is detected by the detector 17. Ice making room 5 is an independent ice storage room. The refrigerator 1001 is equipped with an automatic ice making device to automatically make ice and store it in the ice making chamber 5. The ice making chamber 5 is set to a freezing temperature zone in order to store ice, but since it is intended to preserve ice, it can be set at a relatively high freezing temperature than the freezing temperature zone.

[0020] The freezer compartment 3 is usually set at a temperature of -22 to -18 ° C for freezing storage. For example, it should be set at a low temperature of 30 or 25 ° C to improve the freezing storage condition. There is also.

[0021] The main body 1 is provided with a machine room 12 in which a lower back surface portion is recessed. A machine room 36 is provided on the upper back surface of the machine room 12.

The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 16 disposed in the machine room 12, a condenser, a capillary as a decompressor, and an evaporator 20, which are connected in a ring shape. The evaporator 20 is subjected to forced convection heat exchange with a cooling fan 21. The condenser may be forced air-cooled using a fan! /, And it may be naturally air-cooled by being attached to the inside of the outer box 23 so as to transfer heat. The condenser may be combined with a pipe that is disposed in a partition between the heat insulating doors to prevent water droplets.

[0023] A flow controller such as an electric three-way valve may be used to switch a plurality of capillaries depending on a section or a temperature setting. Further, the refrigerant gas may be stopped while the compressor 16 is stopped.

[0024] The control unit 37 for operating the refrigeration cycle is disposed in the machine room 36 so as to be sealed with a removable cover. The machine room 12 is also substantially sealed with a removable back cover 15.

[0025] Further, the evaporator 20, which is a component device of the refrigeration cycle, is provided together with the cooling fan 21 on the back surface of the vegetable compartment 4 positioned in the middle stage. As a result, the freezer room is the lowest storage room

The inner volume and depth of 3 can be maximized.

[0026] If the arrangement of the middle vegetable room 4 and the lowermost freezer room 3 is reversed, the content volume and depth of the vegetable room 4 can be maximized.

[0027] A light source 13 is provided on the top surface of the switching chamber 6 so that the interior of the switching chamber 6 is illuminated when it is lit. The user pulls out the pull-out door 8 when the food door is opened or closed. When opened, the light emitted from the light source 13 leaks out of the room, so that the user can recognize the light and the color of the light. In the first embodiment, the light source 13 includes a plurality of light emitting sources 13A, and each of the light emitting sources 13A emits light of a different color tone. The light source 13A is turned on and off by the control unit 37.

[0028] The operation of the refrigerator 1001 will be described.

[0029] First, the operation of the refrigeration cycle will be described. According to the set temperature, the refrigeration cycle is activated by the signal from the control unit 37 and the cooling operation is performed. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the operation of the compressor 16 dissipates heat in the condenser to be condensed and liquefied, and is depressurized by the cylinder to become a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant and reaches the evaporator 20.

[0030] The refrigerant in the evaporator 20 undergoes heat exchange with the air in the warehouse sent by the cooling fan 21 to evaporate. Each room is cooled by distributing low-temperature cold air with a damper. When a plurality of evaporators or decompressors are used, the refrigerant is supplied to the necessary evaporator 20 by the flow path controller. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 20 is sucked into the compressor 16. In this way, the refrigeration cycle cools the interior by repeating the cycle operation.

[0031] The temperature of the switching chamber 6 can be switched in several steps from the freezing temperature zone to the refrigeration temperature according to the purpose and preference of the user. In Embodiment 1, the temperature compartment of the switching chamber 6 can be switched to a refrigeration temperature of 3 ° C, a freezing temperature of 18 ° C, a partial temperature of 3 ° C, which is an intermediate temperature, and a chilled temperature of 0 ° C. . At the same time as the user switches the temperature from the operation panel 14, light of a color tone set in advance for each temperature is emitted from the light source 13A from the light source 13.

[0032] A light emitting diode (LED) element is used as the light source 13A, and LED elements for irradiating light in the wavelength regions of red, green, and blue are installed on the same substrate, and their lighting is controlled by controlling them 7 It is possible to switch colors up to colors.

[0033] The color setting of the light source 13 at each temperature is not particularly specified.

In the first embodiment, the color is set to green which gives a mild impression at a relatively high refrigeration temperature, and is set to blue which gives a cold and chilled impression at a relatively low freezing temperature. . Also, the color is in the middle temperature range between them, and the partial temperature that mainly stores fresh food such as meat and fish will feel an intermediate impression if it feels clean. Purple, and white at chilled temperatures suitable for storage of dairy products and processed foods.

[0034] Due to the change in the color tone of the light accompanying the change in the temperature setting set in this way, the user can visually recognize the temperature setting and the temperature change in the switching chamber 6, and the user can recognize from the color tone. A storage object can be easily associated. Therefore, the refrigerator 1001 can prompt the storage of food suitable for the set temperature when storing the food in the switching chamber 6, and can prevent the user from being confused.

[0035] According to the image of the color tone, if the user feels clean inside the switching chamber 6, the user can be effectively cooled! Satisfaction can be increased.

[0036] The wavelength of light from the light source 13 is not particularly limited, but when the light includes ultraviolet light, the microorganisms are suspended in the storage chamber or adhered to the wall surface or food surface. It can act on other genes and inactivate the growth function of microorganisms. As a result, the inside of the storage room can be kept hygienic, and the discoloration and rot odor caused by microorganisms in the food and the occurrence of netting on the surface of the food can be delayed. Thus, in the refrigerator 1001, the food storage performance can be improved and the food can be stored hygienically by the light source 13 including ultraviolet light.

[0037] Furthermore, some mushrooms and fish contain many vitamin D precursors. When the precursor is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the molecule is excited and converted to vitamin D. Therefore, the refrigerator 1001 can store food while increasing the vitamin D content of the specific food in the storage chamber by the light source 13 that emits ultraviolet light.

[0038] Further, the light source 13A is not particularly specified even if it is misaligned among miniature bulbs, light emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, and ultraviolet lamps. In particular, light-emitting diodes are superior in terms of running cost and durability with little heat generation by themselves, and are highly versatile.

[0039] Further, the plurality of light emission sources 13A in the same storage chamber may be concentrated in one place, or the light emission sources 13A may be installed in different places in the same storage chamber.

[0040] In the refrigerator 1001 of the first embodiment, the light source 13 can irradiate light with a color tone different from normal when the temperature rises due to the opening of the door of the switching chamber 6. That is, the control unit 3 7 indicates that the light source 13 is irradiated with light of one of a plurality of colors until the door is opened and has a predetermined time, and when the door is opened and the force exceeds the predetermined time, light of a color different from that color is emitted. Irradiate. If the door opens for a long time and the temperature in the storage chamber rises, it will easily affect the food in the storage chamber. In particular, in a storage room set at a negative temperature, moisture in the frozen food vaporizes due to a rise in temperature due to the door being opened for a long time, and the vaporized water is cooled again by closing the door, and frost is formed around the food. May occur. In that case, the quality of the food is reduced in terms of appearance, flavor and texture. Cases where the door is opened for a long time include when food is brought in and out, or when it is forgotten to close, especially when it is forgotten to close. In addition to the function to notify the door opening by conventional sound, the means of visually appealing by the light source 13 makes it possible to recognize the temperature rise in the cabinet due to forgetting to close the door.

[0041] The detector 17 detects the temperature in the storage room, and when the temperature rises, the control unit 37 switches the color tone emitted from the light source 13 to a specific color tone, and allows the user to recognize the long-term opening of the door. . As a result, the quality of stored items such as food or ice in the storage room can be protected, and it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption that is necessary to recover the temperature after the door is opened for a long time. The amount can be reduced.

[0042] Although the color of the light source 13 that allows the user to recognize the temperature rise in the storage room is not specified, the red color system gives attention, warning, and a dangerous impression in terms of color engineering. Because it is a color that is easily recognized by the eyes of many users, red is the preferred color.

[0043] When the color of the light source 13 is yellow, yellow is a conspicuous color and is easily recognized by the user. In addition, since yellow can be recognized as the same color for both healthy and color-blind people, it is possible to provide a refrigerator 1001 that can be used in the same way and that is easy to use.

Such a light source 13 is controlled by the control unit 37 based on the reaction of the detector 17. A temperature sensor is used for the detector 17, the sensor detects a predetermined temperature, and the control unit 37 switches the color of light from the light source 13. The detector 17 may be a door switch that detects the opening and closing of the door. In that case, the opening of the door may be detected and the color may be switched after a predetermined time. [0045] In the refrigerator 1001 of the first embodiment, the switching chamber 6 is located below the refrigerator compartment 2 and above the vegetable compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 3. With this layout, a woman of average height can open and close the door of the switching room 6 without bending down, and food can be put in and out of the room without bending down, making the refrigerator 1001 easy to use. it can. In addition, the door of the frequently used vegetable compartment 4 can be opened and closed by women of average height without bowing, and heavy vegetables can be taken in and out without squatting. In addition, the refrigerator 1001 can reduce the physical burden on the user by adopting such a layout that can be used in an easy posture.

[0046] In the first embodiment, with regard to the shape of the door of each storage room, in consideration of ease of use, the refrigerating room uses a revolving door and the other storage room uses a drawer door, but these are not particularly limited. Absent.

[0047] In the switching room 6 of the refrigerator 1001 of the first embodiment, the user is reminded of the food to be stored at the set temperature by the color tone of the light emitted from the light source 13, and also recognizes the set temperature. By prompting, an easy-to-use refrigerator 1001 can be provided.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the case where the color tone emitted from the light source 13 is changed according to the temperature in the switching chamber 6 and the case where the color tone is changed according to the setting of the temperature zone have been described. The temperature in the switching chamber 6 that changes just by setting the temperature zone is detected by a detector 17 such as a temperature sensor, and the control unit 37 emits light of a specific color tone to the light source 13 based on the detected temperature. You may let them.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the light source 13 is provided in the switching chamber 6 having a temperature zone switching function. However, the light source 13 is not limited to this. For example, the light source 13 is provided in the freezer compartment 3 or the vegetable compartment 4. It may be provided to emit light of a specific color tone corresponding to the temperature adjustment range. This makes it possible for the user to feel the adjusted temperature, and to support good usage such as preventing overcooling and raising awareness of energy conservation.

[0050] Further, the light source 13 may not necessarily irradiate light of a plurality of colors, but may irradiate only light of a specific color associated with the image of the temperature in the storage room or the image of the food to be stored. Furthermore, a light source 13 for irradiating one predetermined color of light may be provided for each storage room at different temperatures. In this case, the light source 13 can irradiate light of a plurality of different colors, You may irradiate only the light of the predetermined color selected corresponding to the temperature zone setting of each store room.

[0051] (Embodiment 2)

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 2001 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The light source 213 is installed in the switching room 206. A machine room 212 that houses main components of the refrigeration cycle such as the compressor 216 and the condenser is installed above the refrigeration room 202 and on the back side by the main body 201.

Conventionally, the machine room is located on the back surface of the freezing room 203 that is the lowermost part of the main body 201, and thus the volume of the freezing room 203 has been reduced. However, the machine room 212 can be used as a storage room because the machine room 212 can be used as a storage room by arranging the machine room 212 on the back of the uppermost part of the refrigerator room 202 that has not been used effectively in the conventional refrigerator. The volume of the freezer compartment 203 can be increased without increasing the external dimensions.

[0053] Conventionally, in order to compensate for the shortage of the capacity of the freezing chamber 203 at the bottom of the main body 201, the switching chamber 206 has been frequently used with the temperature set to the freezing temperature. The increased capacity can encourage the use of the switching room 206 for purposes other than refrigeration, allowing the user to store food at a wider temperature range. As a result, it is possible to promote multipurpose use according to the situation, which is a merit of the switching room 206, and to effectively use the function of notifying the user of temperature switching by the color of light of the light source 213.

[Embodiment 3]

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 3001 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the refrigerator 3001, a light source 313 is provided on the top surface in the switching chamber 306, and an operation panel 314 is provided on the inner wall 302 A of the refrigerator compartment 302.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light source 313 installed in the switching chamber 306. The light source 313 is a light emitting diode (LED) 326 that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength peak of 387 nm, an LED 327 that emits blue light having a wavelength peak of 468 nm, a substrate 328 equipped with LED 326, 327 and a control unit 328A, and LED 326 327 and a substrate 328 covering the substrate 328. The light source 313 is installed on the top surface of the switching chamber 306 in front of the central force of the switching chamber 306 or the central portion. The LEDs 326 and 327 emit light downward. Cushion 330 provided between Kanokichi 329 and switching chamber 306, and catches 331 A, 331 provided around cover 329 B prevents water droplets from entering.

[0056] In the refrigerator 3001, the control unit 328A is used only when the switching chamber 306 is set to a cold temperature range of 0 ° C to 7 ° C, an ice temperature, a partial temperature range or the like on the operation panel 314. LEDs 326 and 327 are lit, and LEDs 326 and 327 are not lit in the higher temperature range.

[0057] 0 ° C to 7 ° C chilled, ice, and partial temperature zones are usually short-lived, such as dairy products, meat, and fish. It is intended to be stored in a frozen state. These temperature zones allow the storage of stored items for longer periods than refrigerated storage and make it easier to cook stored items than frozen storage. For example, stored items stored in these temperature zones can be easily cut with a knife. However, foods appear to be frozen in these temperature ranges, but the actual freezing rate is much lower than that of freezing, and in the interior, the enzyme reaction, lipid oxidation reaction, and microbial growth proceed. The quality is gradually decreasing. Therefore, fresh foods stored at these temperature zones should be used up in about one to two weeks. However, because the food appears to be frozen, the user may think that the food will last as long as frozen, and as a result, the food may decay due to being left for too long.

[0058] To prevent this, in the refrigerator 3001 of the third embodiment, the control unit 328A does not turn on the light source 313 when the temperature of the switching chamber 306 is set to the freezing temperature zone, and the chilled ice The light source 313 is turned on only when the temperature is set to a temperature range higher than the freezing temperature range such as a warm partial temperature. When the light source 313 is irradiating light in the switching chamber 306, the user can recognize that the temperature is set to a low temperature for short-term preservation of fresh foods. That is, the user can visually recognize the freezing temperature and the low temperature temperature by the presence or absence of light irradiation. Since it is possible to prevent food from being left for a long time when the low temperature zone where the light source 313 is lit is set, waste of food materials can be prevented, and the refrigerator 3001 can be easily used.

The light source 313 includes an LED 326 that irradiates ultraviolet light and an LED 327 that irradiates blue light, and the switching chamber 306 irradiates blue light with a slight purple intensity. This light gives the user the impression that the switch room 306 is a clean storage room suitable for the preservation of meat and fish. Receive.

[0060] The ultraviolet rays irradiated by the LED 326 act on the microorganism genes floating in the switching chamber 306 or adhering to the wall surface or food, and inactivate the proliferation function of the microorganisms. This makes it possible to keep the inside of the storage room hygienic and to delay the occurrence of discoloration, rot odor and stickiness of the food surface caused by microorganisms. By providing the light source 313 containing ultraviolet light in this way, sanitary preservation with improved food preservation can be performed.

[0061] Although it is generally feared that long-term irradiation of foods with ultraviolet rays promotes lipid oxidization of foods and degrades the quality, during the short-term storage of meat and fish for about 1 to 2 weeks. There is no particular problem if it is irradiated. In addition, since the light source 313 is an LED, the amount of light emitted is weak compared to other lamps, so the effect on lipid acid is reduced. In addition, since LED generates little heat by itself, its adverse effect on cooling efficiency is extremely high compared to other lamps.

[0062] In addition, since the light source 313 is installed on the near side of the switching chamber 306 approximately half the central force or depth, the visible light emitted from the light source 313 reaches the near side and switches immediately. Since the amount of light leaking when the drawer door 308 of the chamber 306 is opened increases, the light visibility of the user can be improved.

[0063] In the third embodiment, in order to diffuse the light in the switching chamber 306, the light source 313 is installed by placing the light irradiation portion downward in the substantially central portion of the top surface of the switching chamber. The light reaches the entire bottom of the room!

[0064] Further, in order to spread the light to every corner of the switching chamber 6, a part of the cover 329 is subjected to a satin finish having a polarization function or the like to facilitate the diffusion of the light. Furthermore, it is possible to disperse light to a portion where the light is difficult to reach by attaching a polarizing plate or the like with a processing having a polarizing effect and further making a part of the cover 329 transparent.

[0065] Further, since the cover 329 has a convex portion 329C protruding beyond the top surface 306A of the switching chamber, the light in the storage can be diffused in the horizontal direction in the storage, It becomes easier to reach the light.

[0066] In this way, by diffusing the light into the chamber, the user can more easily recognize the light, and when the state where the interior is illuminated by the blue light is visually recognized, of The visual effect can give the user an impression that the switching room 206 is a clean room suitable for storing meat, fish, etc., and can improve the quality of the refrigerator.

[0067] Further, the convex portion 329C has a flat surface portion 329A and an inclined portion 329B provided on the outer peripheral portion of the flat surface portion 329A. The flat surface portion 329A is provided in a portion located directly below the LEDs 326 and 327. The portion located immediately below the light source 313 is also irradiated with light by the flat portion 329A, and light is irradiated from the inclined portion 329B in the lateral direction from the light source. By providing a polarization function to a part of the flat portion 329A and using a transparent cover with high translucency for the inclined portion 329B, light can be diffused in the horizontal direction in the cabinet.

[0068] Of the processing methods that provide the polarization function, this satin force can make the inside of the cover visible, and hide the control unit and the wiring attached thereto, as compared with the transparent cover 329. . In addition to improving the diffusivity due to the polarization effect, the quality of the light source 313 can be improved by applying a satin force to a place where the user's line of sight is easily accessible. It also has a positive effect.

[0069] The material used for the cover 329 of the light source 313 is not particularly specified, but a resin material having high light transmittance and high durability against ultraviolet rays is preferable. Furthermore, by providing the position where the polarization function is applied, such as with satin finish, where the internal substrate 328 is not directly visible to the user, the light source 313 looks better and the quality of the switching room 306 with the light source 313 is improved. improves.

[0070] By installing the light source 313 on the top surface 306A of the switching chamber 306, the antifouling property is improved and the user cannot directly view the light source 313.

[Embodiment 4]

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 5001 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The main body 501 includes an outer box 523, an inner box 522 provided inside the outer box 523, and a heat insulating wall 524. The inner box 522 is formed by vacuum molding a resin body such as ABS. The outer box 523 is made of a metal material such as a pre-coated steel plate. The heat insulating wall 524 is formed by injecting a foam heat insulating material into the space between the outer box 523 and the inner box 522. For example, rigid urethane foam, phenol foam or styrene foam is used as the foam insulation. Hyde mouth carbon as foam material The use of cyclopentane is better from the viewpoint of preventing global warming.

[0072] Further, a vacuum heat insulating material 525 is adhered and stuck to the outer box side using an adhesive member such as hot melt in the space between the inner box 522 and the outer box 523 before foaming the foam heat insulating material. RU The vacuum heat insulating material 525 has a thin planar shape so as to be disposed within the thickness of the main body 501. Further, the adhesive member is applied to the entire surface of the vacuum heat insulating material 525 so that air does not enter the bonded portion. The vacuum insulation 525 is foamed integrally with the foam insulation 524 to form the main body 501 and has a heat insulation performance 5 to 20 times that of the foam insulation 524, and the insulation performance of the insulation wall 524 is improved. Improve.

[0073] The main body 501 is divided into a plurality of heat insulating compartments, and storage compartments are provided in these compartments. A revolving door is provided in the upper compartment, and a drawer-type door is provided in the lower compartment. The switching chamber 506 and the ice making chamber 505 are provided side by side and have a drawer shape. Each heat insulation section is provided with a heat insulation door through a gasket 532. The main body 1 includes a revolving door 507 of the refrigerator compartment 502, a drawer door 508 of the switching room 506, a drawer door 509 of the ice making room 505, a drawer door 510 of the vegetable compartment 504, and a drawer door 511 of the freezer compartment 503. Is provided.

[0074] The revolving door 507 is provided with a door pocket 534 as a storage space, the refrigerator compartment 502 is provided with a plurality of storage shelves 588A to 588C, and the bottom storage shelf 588C is covered with a resin cover. A compartmented storage case 535 is provided.

The refrigerator compartment 502 is provided with a light source 519, and the storage case 535 is provided with a light source 513.

[0076] The temperature of the refrigerator compartment 502 is normally set to 1 to 5 ° C, with the lower limit being the temperature that does not freeze for refrigerated storage, but the user can freely switch the temperature setting as described above depending on the contents. May be possible. In addition, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 502 may be set slightly higher, for example, around 10 ° C for the purpose of keeping wine, root vegetables, and the like.

[0077] Further, the temperature of the storage case 535 in the refrigerator compartment 502 can be switched to a relatively low temperature in order to improve the freshness of meat fish, processed meat fish foods, dairy products, etc. Set at 7-10 ° C. The vegetable room 504 is often set to 2 ° C to 7 ° C, which is equivalent to or slightly higher than the refrigerator room 502. The lower the temperature, the longer the freshness of the leaf vegetables. It is possible to maintain the period.

The temperature of the switching chamber 506 can be changed by the user, and can be set to a predetermined temperature from the temperature zone of the freezer compartment 503 to the temperature zone of the refrigerator compartment 502 or the vegetable compartment 504. The ice making room 505 is an independent ice storage room, and is equipped with an automatic ice making device to automatically produce and store ice. The temperature of the ice making chamber 505 can be set to a relatively higher temperature than the freezing temperature zone because the purpose of preserving the strong ice that is in the freezing temperature zone for storing ice.

[0079] The temperature of the freezer 503 is normally set at -22 to -18 ° C for freezing storage, but to improve the freezing storage condition, for example, a low temperature of -30 ° C or -25 ° C. It can also be set with.

[0080] Note that an operation panel 514 is provided on the inner wall of the refrigerating room 502, and by operating this, the temperature setting in each storage room or compartment can be changed.

The main body 501 has a machine room 512 located in the rear part of the freezer room 503. A machine room 536 is provided on the back wall above the machine room 512.

[0082] The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 516 disposed in a machine room 512, a condenser, a cavity as a decompressor, and an evaporator 520, which are connected in a ring shape. Evaporator 520 is a cooling fan

Forced convection heat exchange at 521 The condenser may be forced-air cooled using a fan! /, And may be affixed to transfer heat to the inside of the outer box 523. In addition, the condenser may be combined with a pipe that is installed in the partition between the insulated doors to prevent water droplets.

[0083] Further, the refrigerator 5001 may include a flow controller such as an electric three-way valve! /, The flow controller switches between a plurality of evaporators and a plurality of capillaries according to the section and temperature setting, and the compressor 51

Stop refrigerant gas while 6 is stopped.

[0084] Control unit 537 for operating the refrigeration cycle is hermetically arranged in machine room 536 with a removable cover. The machine room 512 is substantially sealed with a removable back cover 515.

[0085] In addition, the evaporator 520, which is a component device of the refrigeration cycle, is provided on the back side of the vegetable compartment 504 located in the middle stage together with the cooling fan 521. This makes it possible to maximize the internal volume and depth of the freezer compartment 503, which is the lowest storage room.

[0086] When the vegetable compartment 504 and the freezer compartment 503 are switched to the opposite positions, the inner volume and depth of the vegetable compartment 504 are reversed. It is possible to maximize the travel.

[0087] A light source 519 is provided in the back of the refrigerator compartment 502, and a light source 513 is provided on the top surface of the storage case 535. Light sources 519 and 513 illuminate the entire refrigerator compartment 502 and the interior of the storage case 535, respectively. When the revolving door 507 of the refrigerator compartment 502 is opened, the user can recognize the light emitted from the light sources 519 and 513. Further, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 502 is constant, and the color tone of the light from the light source 519 is not particularly changed. The storage case 535 can be temperature switched. The light source 513 includes a plurality of light emission sources 513A, which emit light having different colors. The light source 513A is turned on and off through the control unit 537.

[0088] The operation of the refrigerator 5001 will be described.

First, the operation of the refrigeration cycle will be described. According to the set temperature, the refrigeration cycle is operated by a signal of 537 power, and the cooling operation is performed. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 516 radiates and liquefies in the condenser, and is decompressed by the capillaries to become a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant and reaches the evaporator 520.

[0090] By the operation of the cooling fan 521, the refrigerant in the evaporator 520 is evaporated and evaporated by heat exchange with the air in the warehouse. Each room is cooled by distributing low-temperature cold air with a damper or the like. When a plurality of evaporators or decompressors are used, the refrigerant is supplied to the required evaporator 520 by the flow path controller. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 520 is sucked into the compressor 516. In this way, the inside of the cabinet is cooled by repeating the cycle operation.

[0091] The temperature of the storage case 535 in the refrigerator compartment 502 can be switched in several stages according to the purpose and preference of the user. In Embodiment 4, the temperature of the storage case 535 can be switched to a refrigeration temperature of about 5 to 0 ° C., or a chilled or partial temperature of about 0 ° C. to about 17 ° C. When the user performs temperature switching from the operation panel 514, the control unit 537 causes the light source 513 to emit light of a preset color tone at each temperature.

In this embodiment, a fluorescent lamp is used as the light source 519 and the inside of the refrigerator compartment 502 is always illuminated in white, but the type and color tone of the light source are not particularly specified. The light source 513 is a light emitting diode (LED). The light source 513 has, for example, a substrate on which an LED that irradiates light in each wavelength region of red, green, and blue is mounted. Control part 537 By controlling the lighting of these LEDs, it is possible to switch colors up to seven colors. Switching between other single colors or only two colors is possible according to the number of temperature zones, and is not particularly specified.

[0093] Further, although the color of the light source 513 set for each temperature is not particularly specified, for example, in this embodiment, the storage temperature is white, which is the same color as the light source 519, and is relatively At low temperatures, the partial temperature that mainly stores fresh foods such as meat and fish is chilled and purple is used to give a clean impression, and the chilled temperature suitable for storage of dairy products and processed foods gives an intermediate impression. Use yellow-green.

[0094] When the temperature of the storage case 535 is the same as that in the refrigerator compartment 502, the light source 513 may be turned off, thereby reducing material and running costs.

[0095] As described above, the change in the color tone of the light source accompanying the change in the set temperature allows the user to visually recognize the setting or change in the temperature inside the storage case 535, and the color tone. Power can easily be associated with preserved items. Further, when the temperature of the storage case 535 is set to a temperature range different from that in the refrigerator compartment 502, the light source 513 emits light having a color tone different from that of the light source 519. Therefore, the light source 513 can make the user instantly recognize that the temperature status of each section in the same storage room is different. Therefore, storage of food suitable for the set temperature of each section can be promoted, and the refrigerator 5001 is very easy for the user to use.

[0096] Further, depending on the color tone of the light from the light source, it is possible to feel a favorable impression that the user is effectively cooled if the user cleans the inside of the storage case 535. Satisfaction can be increased.

[0097] The wavelength of light is not particularly limited, but when the light source irradiates light containing ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light floats in the compartment or adheres to the wall surface or food surface. It can act on other genes and inactivate the growth function of microorganisms. As a result, the hygiene inside the compartment can be maintained, and the discoloration and decay odor caused by the microorganisms of the food and the occurrence of netting on the food surface can be delayed. By providing a light source containing ultraviolet light in this way, food can be stored hygienically with improved storage performance.

[0098] Furthermore, some mushrooms and fish contain a large amount of vitamin D precursors. Precursor When the material is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the precursor molecules are excited and converted to vitamin D. Therefore, by providing the light source 513 including ultraviolet light in the storage room, it can be preserved while increasing the vitamin D content of the specific food in the storage room.

[0099] The light source 513 emits light with a wavelength of around 650 nm, which is red light, together with ultraviolet rays. It is possible to promote the production of anthocyanins. Since anthocyanins are abundant in fruits and vegetables, the temperature in storage room 535 is suitable for preserving vegetables. Anthocyanin is a kind of polyphenol, and in addition to its beneficial effects on the eyes, it has been proven to have anti-aging effects such as anti-aging and arteriosclerosis-suppressing effects. It is a substance.

[0100] The light source may be any light source consisting of a miniature bulb, an LED, a fluorescent lamp, or an ultraviolet lamp, not particularly specified. In particular, LEDs are superior to conventional fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps in terms of running cost and durability that generate little heat by themselves, and are highly versatile.

[0101] Such a light source is not particularly specified as long as it can sense light when the user opens the door, and may be set at any location in each section. It is also possible to install a cover made of glass or other material on the light source to protect the substrate from moisture, diffuse light, or enhance light.

[0102] Furthermore, the plurality of light emission sources 513A may be set in one place in the same section, or the plurality of light emission sources 513A may be installed in different places in the same section.

Note that the control unit 537 may turn on the light source 513 only when the light source 513 is opened without turning on the rotary door 507. In this case, the detector 517 detects opening / closing of the door 507, and the control unit 537 controls the turning on / off of the light source 513. This makes it possible to reduce lipid oxidation due to light irradiation of food without impairing the visual effect of the temperature range by light, and to suppress an increase in power consumption.

In the present embodiment, the temperature of the storage case 535 can be switched to a plurality of temperature zones in the refrigerator compartment 502. Even if the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 502 itself can be changed. Good. In that case, the color tone of the light emitted from the light source 519 can be changed according to the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 502.

[0105] The bottom storage shelf 588C is the top surface of the storage case 535. By using this as a light shielding material, the shelf 588C can suppress scattering of light in each compartment to the outside. it can. Therefore, the amount of light irradiation in the compartment increases, and the user can recognize the color of the light in each compartment. Examples of the light shielding material include opaque resin, colored resin, and metals, but are not particularly specified. Note that when a material such as a metal that has a large light reflection effect is used, the amount of light irradiation in the storage case 535 can be further increased, and light can be emitted throughout the storage case 535. It becomes possible to diffuse.

In refrigerator 5001, switching chamber 506 is located below refrigerator compartment 502 and above vegetable compartment 504 and freezer compartment 503. With such a layout, a woman of average height can open and close the door 508 of the switching room 506 without bending down, where food can be taken in and out without bending down, and the refrigerator 5001 is easy to use. In addition, since the average height woman can open and close the door 510 of the vegetable room 504, which is frequently used, without bowing down, and heavy vegetables can be put in and out without squatting down, the refrigerator 5001 is easy to use. In addition, the refrigerator 5001 can reduce the physical burden on the user by adopting a layout that can be used in such an easy posture.

[0107] In the refrigerator 5001 according to the present embodiment, in consideration of ease of use, the door 507 of the refrigerator compartment 502 is a rotary type, and the doors of other storage rooms are a pull-out type. These are particularly limited. It is not a thing.

In the refrigerator compartment 502 of the refrigerator 5001 of the present embodiment, a light source 513 is also provided in a storage case 535 having a temperature that can be varied in a plurality of temperature zones in addition to the light source 519. From the difference in color tone of the light emitted from the light sources 519 and 513, it is possible to make the user instantly recognize whether the temperature zone of each section is the same or different. In addition, the refrigerator 5001 can make the user recognize the set temperature according to the color tone of the irradiated light, and can remind the user of the food to be stored at the set temperature, thus providing an easy-to-use refrigerator 5001. be able to. In the present embodiment, control unit 537 changes the color tone of light emitted from light source 513 in accordance with the set temperature of storage case 535. In this way, the color tone of light is determined in advance at the set temperature. The refrigerator 5001 may include a temperature detector 535A such as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the storage case 535. The control unit 537 may cause the light source 513 to emit light having a color tone corresponding to the detected actual temperature.

[0110] Further, in the present embodiment, a light source is provided in another storage room such as the freezer room 503 or the vegetable room 504, for example, in the storage case 535 having a function of switching the temperature zone, and corresponds to the temperature adjustment range. The light of a specific color may be emitted. This makes it possible for the user to feel the temperature control, and to support the use and skill of the person, such as preventing overcooling and raising awareness of energy conservation.

[0111] Furthermore, the light source 513 does not necessarily have a plurality of color tones, but only emits light of a specific color to be associated with, for example, a cooling image in the storage room 535 or an image of stored food. It may be possible. In addition, a light source may be provided for each storage room in different temperature zones.

[0112] Further, from the viewpoint of economic efficiency of standardization and common use, the light source 513 can emit light of a plurality of different colors, and among these colors, the characteristics selected according to the temperature zone setting of each storage room It is also possible to use a fixed color tone in advance.

[0113] (Embodiment 5)

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 6001 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same parts as those in the refrigerator 5001 shown in FIG.

[0114] Thermal insulation 518 provided at the boundary between the storage case 535 and the refrigerator compartment 502 is a force consisting of one of a foamed urethane panel, a foamed polystyrene panel or glass fiber laminate, silica gel, and a vacuum insulation panel. Not what you want. Insulation 518 enhances the thermal insulation of storage case 535, so the temperature switching range is a relatively low freezing temperature zone-from 18 ° C to a relatively high temperature around 40-60 ° C, which is higher than that temperature. Even when spread, heat transfer between compartments can be kept small. As a result, the temperature range that can be used for the user is greatly expanded, and the refrigerator 6001 can be used easily. Storage case inside 535 By reducing temperature fluctuations, it is possible to reduce frost formation on foods, especially below freezing point, so that the quality of food can be maintained. In addition, by reducing heat transfer between the compartments with the heat insulating material 518, wasteful energy transfer can be reduced, and an increase in energy consumption of the refrigerator 6001 can be suppressed.

[0115] In the case where the heat insulating material 518 also has a light shielding material force, the heat insulating material 518 can suppress scattering of light in each compartment to the outside. As a result, the amount of light irradiation in the compartment increases, and the user can recognize the color of light in each compartment.

In the refrigerator compartment 502 of the refrigerator 6001 of this embodiment, a light source 513 is also provided in a storage case 535 having a temperature that can be varied in a plurality of temperature zones in addition to the light source 519. From the difference in color tone of the light emitted from the light sources 519 and 513, it is possible to make the user instantly recognize whether the temperature zone of each section is the same or different. In addition, the refrigerator 6001 allows the user to recognize the set temperature according to the color tone of the irradiated light, and can remind the user of the food to be stored under the set temperature, thus providing an easy-to-use refrigerator 6001. be able to.

[0117] (Embodiment 6)

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 7001 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same parts as those in the refrigerator 5001 shown in FIG.

[0118] Machine room 512 houses the main components of the refrigeration cycle, such as compressor 516 and condenser

. The machine room 512 is installed in the rear part of the top surface of the refrigerator room 502.

[0119] When the machine room is located at the back of the freezer compartment 503, which is the lowest part of the main body 501, the volume of the freezer compartment 503 is reduced. Furthermore, in this structure, the uppermost part of the refrigerator compartment 502 cannot be reached unless the woman of average height stretches back, making the refrigerator extremely useful. The innermost part of the refrigerator compartment 502 is difficult to use effectively.

[0120] By disposing the machine room 512 behind the uppermost part of the main body 501, that is, behind the uppermost stage of the refrigerator compartment 502, the effective internal volume of the freezing room 503 can be increased without increasing the outer dimensions of the main body 501. Can be bigger.

[0121] In the refrigerator compartment 502 of the refrigerator 7001 of this embodiment, a plurality of temperatures are added in addition to the light source 519. A light source 513 is also provided in the storage case 535 having a temperature that can be varied in the time zone. From the difference in color tone of the light emitted from the light sources 519 and 513, it is possible to make the user instantly recognize whether the temperature zone of each section is the same or different. In addition, the refrigerator 7001 allows the user to recognize the set temperature according to the color tone of the irradiated light, and can remind the user of the food to be stored at the set temperature, thus providing an easy-to-use refrigerator 7001. be able to.

[Embodiment 7]

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 8001 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in the refrigerator 5001 shown in FIG.

[0123] At the boundary between the storage case 535 and the refrigerator compartment 502, a heat insulating material 518 is installed as a light shielding member! A machine room 512 that houses main components of the refrigeration cycle such as the compressor 516 and the condenser is installed at the rear of the top surface of the main body 501.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of light source 513 in the present embodiment. The light source 513 is a light-emitting diode (LED) 526 that emits ultraviolet light with a wavelength peak of 38 7 nm, an LED 527 that emits blue light with a wavelength peak of 468 nm, a substrate 528 on which the LEDs 526 and 527 are mounted, and a force bar that covers the substrate 528 The user cannot directly view the light source 513. The light source 513 is arranged so that the top surface force of the storage case 535 and the LEDs 526 and 527 illuminate the bottom surface, and fixed and installed downward with screws or the like. A cushion 530 between the cover 529 and the storage case 535 and a nail 531 provided around the cover 529 prevent water droplets from entering the light source 513.

[0125] Thermal insulation 518 enhances the thermal insulation performance of storage case 535. The heat transfer between compartments can be kept small even when the temperature of the storage case 535 is expanded to a relatively high temperature of about 40-60 ° C, even at 18 ° C, which is a relatively low temperature freezing temperature zone. As a result, the temperature range of the storage case 535 is expanded and the refrigerator 8001 can be used easily. Furthermore, the heat insulating material 518 reduces the temperature fluctuation inside the storage case 535, and the ability to reduce frost formation on the food particularly below freezing also has the effect of maintaining the quality of the food. In addition, reducing heat transfer between compartments with insulation 518 reduces wasteful energy transfer, and consumption of refrigerator 8001 An increase in the amount of energy can be suppressed.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the control unit 537 lights the LEDs 526 and 527 only when the storage case 535 is set to 0 ° C to 5 ° C chilled, ice temperature, or partial temperature range on the operation panel 514. Do not light in other temperature zones.

[0127] By having the light source 513 power SLEDs 526 and 527, the inside of the storage case 535 is irradiated with blue light with a slight purple color, and this color is clearly different from the light source 519. Therefore, the user can recognize at a glance that the temperature range of the storage case 535 is different from the temperature of the other part of the refrigerator compartment 502. This color also gives the user the impression that it is a clean storage room suitable for the preservation of meat and fish.

[0128] 0 ° C to 7 ° C chilled, ice, and partial temperature zones are usually short-lived, such as dairy products, meat, and fish. It is intended to be stored in a frozen state. These temperature zones allow the storage of stored items for longer periods than refrigerated storage and make it easier to cook stored items than frozen storage. For example, stored items stored in these temperature zones can be easily cut with a knife. However, foods appear to be frozen in these temperature ranges, but the actual freezing rate is much lower than that of freezing, and in the interior, the enzyme reaction, lipid oxidation reaction, and microbial growth proceed. The quality is gradually decreasing. Therefore, fresh foods stored at these temperature zones should be used up in about one to two weeks. However, because the food appears to be frozen, the user may think that the food will last as long as frozen, and as a result, the food may decay due to being left for too long.

[0129] In order to prevent this, in the refrigerator 8001 of the seventh embodiment, when the temperature of the storage case 535 is set to the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 537 does not light the light source 513, and Light source 513 is turned on only when it is set to a temperature range higher than the freezing temperature range such as ice temperature and partial temperature. When the light source 513 is irradiating light in the storage room 537, the user can recognize that the temperature is set to a low temperature for short-term preservation of fresh foods. That is, the user can visually recognize the freezing temperature and the low temperature temperature by the presence or absence of light irradiation. Since it is possible to prevent food from being left for a long time when setting a low temperature zone where the light source 513 is lit, it is possible to prevent waste of food materials and make the refrigerator 8001 easy to use. Can do.

[0130] The ultraviolet rays irradiated by the LED 526 act on the microorganism genes floating in the storage chamber 535 or attached to the wall surface or food to inactivate the growth function of the microorganisms. This makes it possible to keep the inside of the storage room hygienic and to delay the occurrence of discoloration, rot odor and stickiness of the food surface caused by microorganisms. By providing the light source 513 containing ultraviolet light in this way, hygienic preservation with improved food preservation can be performed.

[0131] In general, it is feared that long-term irradiation of foods with ultraviolet rays promotes lipid oxidization of foods and degrades the quality, but during short-term storage of meat and fish for about 1 to 2 weeks. There is no particular problem if it is irradiated. In addition, since the light source 513 is an LED, the amount of light emitted is weak compared to other lamps, so the effect on lipid acid is reduced. In addition, since LED generates little heat by itself, its adverse effect on cooling efficiency is extremely high compared to other lamps.

[0132] When the light source 513 is controlled to be turned on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 507, the control unit 537 turns off the LED 526 that emits ultraviolet light from the light source 513 when the door 507 is opened. If the light source 513 is installed at a position where the user is not seen, for example, the light source 513 may continue to be lit when the drawer door is opened or closed. In particular, since light including the ultraviolet region is invisible to the user, the control unit 537 turns off the LED 526 when the door is opened, and keeps the LED 527 that emits safe visible light. When the door is closed, the control unit 537 turns off the LED 527 and turns on only the LED 526. As a result, the user can recognize the visible light when the door is opened, so that the temperature range of the storage room can be identified at a glance. When the door is closed, irradiating the LED526 with ultraviolet light provides an antibacterial effect and reduces power consumption. Therefore, the refrigerator 8001 has high storage performance for stored items such as foods that are easy for the user to use.

[0133] The installation location of the light source 513 in the storage case 535 is not particularly limited, but when the user opens the revolving door 507 of the refrigerator compartment, the light source 513 is not directly visible to the user. It is preferable to install 513. It is desirable to place the light source 513 where it cannot be seen directly when the revolving door 507 is opened while a woman of average height in a country stands upright. When used in other countries, the light source of 513 is adjusted to the average height of women in that country. It is desirable to set the installation position.

[0134] Further, the cover 529 of the light source 513 can prevent the light of LED power from being directly seen by the user. In this case, the material to be used for the cover 529 is not particularly specified, but an internal substrate 5 28 is used if a resin material with a high light transmission property is preferred and a satin force is applied. It is not seen by the person.

In the refrigerator compartment 502 of the refrigerator 8001 of this embodiment, a light source 513 is also provided in a storage case 535 having a temperature that can be varied in a plurality of temperature zones in addition to the light source 519. From the difference in color tone of the light emitted from the light sources 519 and 513, it is possible to make the user instantly recognize whether the temperature zone of each section is the same or different. In addition, the refrigerator 8001 allows the user to recognize the set temperature depending on the color tone of the irradiated light, and can remind the user of food to be stored at the set temperature. In particular, the control unit 537 lights the light source 513 only when the temperature of the storage case 535 is set to a chilled, frozen, or partial temperature that is an intermediate temperature between refrigeration and freezing to store food in a microfrozen state. Recognizing that the temperature is set, the refrigerator 8001 can be provided for easy use.

[0136] Note that in the case where the heat insulating material 518 and the storage shelf 588C also have a light shielding material force, scattering of light in the storage case 535 to the outside can be suppressed. This increases the amount of light in the storage case 535, allowing the user to recognize the color of the light in each section and strengthening the action of the light from the light source 513 on the food. Is possible.

[Embodiment 8]

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of refrigerator 9001 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the refrigerator 9001, the main body 601 includes a heat insulating box 602 and doors 609, 610, 628, 630, 632, 634, and is divided into an upper section 604 and a lower section 605 by a partition wall 603.

[0138] The lower compartment 605 located below the compartment wall 603 is divided into storage compartments with four pull-out doors 628, 630, 63 2, and 634. Above the ice making compartment 628 and vegetable compartment 6 There are two freezer compartments 630 and 634 which are provided with 32 forces and are adjacent to each other below.

[0139] The upper section 604 is partitioned into a left area 607 and a right area 608 by a partition wall 606. The front opening of the left region 607 is opened and closed by a pull-out door 609, and the front opening of the right region 608 is opened and closed by a hinged door 610. [0140] The width of the pull-out door 609 is smaller than the width of the hinged door 610. Therefore, the inner volume of the left region 607 is smaller than the inner volume of the right region 608. In addition, the hinge part 611 of the hinge opening / closing type door 610 is provided on the side opposite to the side adjacent to the drawer type door 609. In other words, the pull-out door 609 is juxtaposed on the opposite side of the hinge of the hinged door 610.

[0141] At the rear of the part where the drawer type door 609 and the hinged open / close type door 610 are combined, a space 612 having a predetermined opening distance is provided in the front opening force of the heat insulating box body 602, and cold air circulates in the space 612. To do. A partition wall 606 is provided behind the space 612 toward the back of the upper section 604. That is, in the upper section 604, the left region 607 and the right region 608 communicate with each other in the space 612 in front of the partition wall 606. In the upper section 604, the left region 607 and the right region 608 are both refrigeration rooms set to temperatures in the refrigeration temperature zone.

[0142] A plurality of storage shelves 613 are provided in the left region 607 that is opened and closed by the pull-out door 609, and can be pulled out integrally with the pull-out door 609.

[0143] A plurality of shelves 614 on which stored items are placed are provided in the right side region 608 that is opened and closed by the pull-out door 609 and the hinged door 610. One side end of the shelf 614 is supported and fixed to a shelf holder provided in the inner box 615 of the heat insulating box 602. The other side end of the shelf 614 is supported and fixed to a shelf holder provided on the side wall surface of the partition wall 606.

[0144] The storage case 535 can be switched to a chilled 'chilled' ice temperature 'partial temperature of about 5 ° C to 15 ° C, and can store fresh food such as meat and fish. A rail mechanism that allows the storage case 535 to slide back and forth is provided on the side walls of the inner box 615 and the partition wall 606.

[0145] The front end face of the plurality of shelves 614, the front end face of the storage case 535, and the front end face of the partition wall 606 are arranged to be substantially flush with each other. That is, the space 612 provided from the front opening of the heat insulating box 602 to the front end surface of the partition wall 606 is substantially the depth of the front end surface of the shelf 614 from the doors 609 and 610 and the storage case 535. A space to the front end surface is provided.

[0146] The left area 607 can store a bottle, and the right area 608 is used as a refrigerator compartment. In the left area 607, a pull-out door 609 is provided. A plurality of door shelves are provided in a space 612 that is opened and closed by a hinged door 610 provided in the right region 608. These door shelves are supported and fixed to a shelf holder on the back of the hinged door 610 and integrated with the door 610. Open and close. By using the left area 607 and the right area 608 separately, the user can manage beverages, seasonings, other small items, eggs and other stored items in an easy-to-use manner.

The depth of the space 612 is set to be relatively large so as to include the depth of the door 610. As a result, the depth of the plurality of shelves 614 is shortened by the thickness of the door 610, and the partition wall 606 having a front end surface that is flush with the front end surface of the shelf 614 is positioned further rearward. As a result, the depth of the space 612 is increased, and the space 612 can make the user feel the upper section 604 wide. The front end face of the shelf 614 and the front end face of the partition wall 606 are almost aligned, so that the user can use the room more spaciously and easily.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of storage case 535 in the present embodiment. A shelf 614 is provided on the top surface of the storage case 535, and a light source 513 is provided on the top of the back surface 535B of the storage case 535. The light source 513 is installed so as to illuminate the inside of the storage case 535 with a slight downward direction perpendicular to the rear surface 535B.

[0149] A light source 699 for illuminating the entire area is also installed in the right area 608 of the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature of storage case 535 is set to an intermediate temperature between refrigeration and freezing, such as a chilled 'ice temperature' partial of 0 ° C to 7 ° C, light source 513 lights a light of a different color from the above light source. . When the temperature of the storage case 535 is set to the refrigeration temperature range, the light source 513 is turned off or light of the same color as the light source 699 is turned on.

In this way, the light sources 513 of different colors are provided in the storage case 535 that can be changed to a plurality of temperature zones in addition to the light source 699. From the difference in color tone from the light emitted from the light source 699, the user can instantly recognize whether the temperature zones of the two compartments of the refrigerator compartment 502 are the same or different. Sarakoko, light source 513 is turned on only when the chilled 'ice temperature' partial setting is set, which is the intermediate temperature between refrigeration and freezing. This makes the room noticeable and easy to see, and helps prevent forgetting to use it, especially when fresh food with a short shelf life is added. In addition, when the light source 513 is lit, the user can recognize that the temperature setting is to store food in a microfrozen state, and recall the objects to be stored and their quality retention period. A refrigerator can be provided.

[0151] In addition, the installation of two different light sources 699 and 513 in the right area 608 gives the user a brighter feeling in the storage room and the impression that the refrigerator 9001 is spacious and easy to use. It can be done.

[0152] Also, no light source is installed in the left region 607 for storing bottles of alcoholic beverages and seasonings. Many foods such as alcoholic beverages and seasonings that are often stored for a relatively long period of time have a large amount of light transmission. is there. For such foods stored for a long period of time, light-shielding storage is preferred, and therefore the left side region 607 that is not irradiated with light is formed in a shape suitable for storing bottles. By separating the left side area 607 that does not irradiate light and the right side area 608 that irradiates light, the convenience of the refrigerator 9001 can be improved and the quality of food stored for a long time can be protected. .

[0153] Thus, in refrigerator 9001 according to the present embodiment, left side area 607 and right side area 608 are formed by dividing the front opening of the refrigerator compartment located at the top of the plurality of storage rooms into left and right sides. To do. A hinged door 610 larger than the door 609 is provided on the opposite side to the bow I door 609, which is two doors that open and close each area. Front door of hinged door 610 What is in front of the projection area Right side area 608, which is the area in the projection plane, storage case 535 that can be changed to multiple temperature zones in addition to light source 699 Is irradiated.

[0154] Thus, the right area 608, which is the area in the projection plane from the front of the hinged door 610, has a large storage capacity in the refrigerator storage room. By illuminating the storage space of the shelf 614 and the storage space of the storage case 535 with different colors, the user can easily use and separate large storage compartments. As a result, it is possible to prevent confusion when storing the user's food and to store it in the correct compartment, so that it is easy to use and maintains good storage quality.

[0155] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the left-side area 607, which is a narrow section, is provided with a pull-out door 609, so that the user can generally pull out the refrigerator compartment located at the uppermost stage. The storage space can be used separately from the storage space corresponding to the revolving door. Furthermore, by illuminating the storage space of the shelf 614 and the storage space of the storage case 535, which are a plurality of compartments with different temperature zones, provided in a large storage compartment corresponding to the rotary door, with different colors of light. The user can easily use a large storage compartment. As a result, the user's It prevents confusion when storing food and can be stored in the correct compartment, so it is easy to use and maintains good storage quality.

Note that the lowermost shelf 614A of the plurality of shelves 614 in the right region 608 constitutes the top surface of the storage case 535. When the shelf 614A is made of a light shielding material, these can suppress scattering of light emitted from the light source 513 in the storage case 535 to the outside. As a result, the amount of light irradiation in the storage case 535 increases, and the user can recognize the color of light in each section more clearly than before.

[0157] In addition, in the case where a heat insulating material is provided on the top surface of the storage case 535, when the temperature in the storage case 535 is set to a temperature other than the refrigeration temperature, in order to prevent heat transfer to another room, Temperature fluctuation can be suppressed and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0158] In addition, when a material such as metals has a large light reflection effect as a light blocking material! /, And the material is used, the amount of light irradiation in the storage case 535 is further increased, and the storage case 535 It becomes possible to diffuse light throughout the inside.

[0159] Therefore, by covering at least the storage case 535 side of the heat insulating material 518 with a light-reflective material, scattering of light to the outside is suppressed by the light blocking effect, and light in the storage case 535 is transmitted. Irradiation amount can be increased. Furthermore, heat transfer prevents heat from moving to other rooms due to the effect of heat insulating material, so that temperature fluctuations can be suppressed and energy consumption can be reduced.In addition, light can be reflected inside the storage case by the light reflection effect. . Therefore, the amount of light irradiation in the storage case 535 is increased, and light can be diffused everywhere, and a synergistic effect of the light blocking effect, the heat insulating effect, and the light reflecting effect can be obtained. .

[0160] In addition, since the light source 513 is installed on the uppermost part of the back surface 535B of the storage case 535 so as to face slightly downward with respect to the back surface 535B, the light can illuminate the entire storage case 535. The user can easily recognize the light. In addition, since the distance from the control unit provided on the back surface of the main body 601 is also close, processing such as wiring is performed quickly and efficiently.

[0161] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the first to eighth embodiments.

Industrial applicability

[0162] The refrigerator according to the present invention can easily recognize the temperature condition in each room and is easy to use. It can be applied not only to devices for keeping warm.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A main body having a heat insulating wall and having a plurality of compartments separated by the heat insulating wall;

A storage room provided in one of the plurality of compartments;

A first light source provided in the storage room that can irradiate a plurality of different colors, and a temperature of the storage room can be set in a plurality of temperature zones, and the first light source according to the set temperature zone A control unit that causes a light source to select and emit light of one color from the plurality of colors.

[2] The plurality of colors of the light emitted from the first light source correspond to the plurality of temperature zones, respectively.

The control unit sets the temperature of the storage chamber to one of the plurality of temperature zones and causes the first light source to emit light of a color corresponding to the set temperature zone.

The refrigerator according to claim 1.

[3] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first light source has a plurality of light-emitting sources.

[4] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emission sources respectively irradiate light of the plurality of colors.

[5] a door capable of opening and closing the storage room;

A detector for detecting opening and closing of the door;

Further comprising

The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the first light source to irradiate the light when the detector detects that the door is opened !.

[6] The control unit causes the first light source to emit light of one of the plurality of colors until a predetermined time after the door is opened, and the predetermined time after the door is opened. 6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the first light source is irradiated with light of a color different from the one of the plurality of colors when the temperature exceeds.

[7]

A refrigeration room located above the storage room;

A vegetable room located below the storage room;

A freezing room located below the storage room; The refrigerator according to claim 1, comprising:

[8] A refrigeration cycle for cooling the storage chamber;

A compressor constituting the refrigeration cycle;

A machine room that houses the compressor and is provided at the top of the main body;

The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising:

[9] The control unit can selectively set the temperature of the storage room to a first temperature zone and a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone,

The control unit causes the first light source to emit light when the temperature of the storage chamber is set to the second temperature zone, and sets the temperature of the storage chamber to the first temperature zone. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is not irradiated with light.

[10] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the heat insulating wall is made of a light-shielding high-temperature material.

[11] The uppermost section among the plurality of sections has a front opening,

A first door that opens and closes the front opening;

A second door that opens and closes the front opening together with the first door, and is larger than the first door;

The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising:

[12] The first door is a pull-out type,

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the second door is a rotary door.

[13] The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a partition wall that is located behind a boundary between the first door and the second door and that divides the partition located at the uppermost stage into a plurality of regions. The refrigerator described.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a second light source capable of irradiating light of a color different from the light from the first light source to the other one of the plurality of compartments.

[15] A main body having a heat insulating wall and having a plurality of compartments separated by the heat insulating wall;

A storage room provided in one of the plurality of compartments;

A detector for detecting the temperature of the storage room;

A first light source provided in the storage room that can irradiate a plurality of different colors; and the temperature of the storage room can be set to a plurality of temperature zones, and the temperature is set according to the detected temperature. A control unit that causes a first light source to select and emit light of one color from the plurality of colors.

[16] When the detected temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit causes the first light source to emit light of one color among the plurality of colors, and the detected temperature is 16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, the first light source is irradiated with light of a color different from the one of the plurality of colors.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the first light source has a plurality of light emission sources.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of light emitting sources respectively emit the plurality of colors of light.

[19] It further comprises a door capable of opening and closing the storage room,

The detector detects the opening and closing of the door;

16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the control unit causes the first light source to emit the light of the selected color when the detector detects that the door is opened !.

[20] The control unit causes the first light source to emit light of one of the plurality of colors until a predetermined time after the door is opened, and the predetermined time after the door is opened. 20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the first light source is irradiated with light of a color different from the one of the plurality of colors when the temperature exceeds.

[21]

A refrigeration room located above the storage room;

A vegetable room located below the storage room;

A freezing room located below the storage room;

The refrigerator according to claim 15, comprising:

[22] a refrigeration cycle for cooling the storage chamber;

A compressor constituting the refrigeration cycle;

The refrigerator according to claim 15, further comprising:

[23] The control unit can selectively set the temperature of the storage room in a first temperature zone and a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, The control unit causes the first light source to emit light when the temperature of the storage chamber is set to the second temperature zone, and sets the temperature of the storage chamber to the first temperature zone. 16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the first light source is not irradiated with light.

24. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein at least a part of the heat insulating wall is made of a material having a high light shielding property.

[25] The uppermost section among the plurality of sections has a front opening,

A first door that opens and closes the front opening;

The refrigerator according to claim 15, further comprising:

[26] The first door is a pull-out type,

26. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein the second door is a rotary door.

[27] The apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising a partition wall that is located behind a boundary between the first door and the second door and divides the partition located at the uppermost stage into a plurality of regions. The refrigerator described.

[28] The refrigerator according to claim 15, further comprising a second light source capable of irradiating light of a color different from that of the light from the first light source onto the other one of the plurality of compartments.