JP2013015268A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator capable of improving usability by exhibiting a deodorizing capacity for a long period of time with a low cost structure.SOLUTION: In a refrigeration compartment 2 of the refrigerator, a deodorizing unit 20 is provided which has: an air passage 30 (passage) to make an air inlet 30a for sucking air in the refrigeration compartment 2 for storing storage materials in the refrigeration compartment 2 (storage compartment) communicate with an air outlet 30c for sending air into the refrigeration compartment 2; a blower 40 arranged in the air passage 30; an ion generator 50 for generating ion and ozone by electrical discharge and for discharging the ion and ozone into the air passage 30; and an ozone catalyst 70 for decomposing the ozone generated by the ion generator 50. The refrigerator is provided with a deodorization mode for deodorizing the air in the refrigeration compartment 2 using the ozone generated by the ion generator 50, and a clean mode for decomposing an odor component adsorbed on an ozone catalyst 70 using one or both of the ion and ozone generated by an ion generator 50, while decreasing the number of revolutions of the blower 40 more than that in the deodorization mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator that deodorizes a storage chamber.

  A conventional refrigerator is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This refrigerator includes a deodorizing unit including a blower, an ion generator, and an ozone catalyst in a refrigerator compartment. The deodorizing unit has a passage that communicates a suction port that sucks air in the refrigeration room and a blowout port that sends out air into the refrigeration room. A blower, an ion generator, and an ozone catalyst are arranged in the passage. The blower generates an air current in the passage. The ion generator generates ions and ozone by discharge and discharges them into the passage. The ozone catalyst adsorbs and decomposes ozone in the air.

  During the deodorizing operation, the blower is driven and air in the refrigerator compartment is taken into the deodorizing unit from the suction port. And the odor component in air is decomposed | disassembled by the ion and ozone which were generated with the ion generator. Ozone contained in the air is decomposed by the ozone catalyst. The air which has passed through the ozone catalyst and decomposed ozone is sent out from the outlet into the refrigerator compartment. Thereby, deodorization in a refrigerator compartment is performed.

JP 2007-170784 A (7th page, 8th page, FIG. 2, FIG. 5)

  According to the refrigerator of Patent Document 1, some of the odor components in the air taken into the deodorizing unit during the deodorizing operation are adsorbed to the ozone catalyst before being decomposed by ions or ozone. This adsorption also deodorizes the air in the refrigerator compartment. However, when the deodorizing operation is repeated, the odor component accumulates in the ozone catalyst and eventually becomes saturated. For this reason, adsorption | suction of the odor component by an ozone catalyst is inhibited. In addition, the ozone catalyst saturated with odor components becomes a source of odor. Therefore, there has been a problem that the deodorizing effect is lowered.

  Here, the deodorizing effect can be improved by replacing the ozone catalyst in which the odor component is accumulated and saturated with a new one. However, replacing the ozone catalyst causes an increase in cost. Also, the replacement takes time and the usability is reduced.

  An object of this invention is to provide the refrigerator which can demonstrate the deodorizing effect for a long term with a cheap structure, and can improve usability.

  In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerator according to the present invention is disposed in the passage, and a passage that communicates a suction port that sucks air in a storage chamber for storing stored items and a blowout port that sends out air into the storage chamber. A deodorizing unit having an air blower, an ion generator that generates ions and ozone by discharge, and discharges them into the passage; and an ozone catalyst that decomposes ozone generated by the ion generator; The deodorization mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber by ozone generated by the ion generator, and the ion generated by the ion generator and / or ozone by lowering the rotational speed of the blower than the deodorization mode A clean mode for decomposing odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst is provided.

  According to this configuration, the air in the storage chamber is taken into the deodorizing unit from the suction port by the blower in the deodorizing mode. Ions and ozone are generated by the ion generator and released into the passage. Odor components contained in the air taken into the deodorizing unit are decomposed by ozone. The air in which the odor component is decomposed contains harmful ozone, and the ozone is decomposed through the ozone catalyst. And the air by which ozone was decomposed | disassembled is sent out from a deodorizing unit through a blower outlet. Thereby, deodorization in a storage chamber is performed.

  In the clean mode, the air in the storage chamber is taken into the deodorizing unit from the suction port by the blower. At this time, the blower is driven at a lower rotational speed than in the deodorizing mode, and the wind speed is reduced. One or both of ions and ozone generated by the ion generator are included in the air taken into the deodorizing unit. Since the wind speed is lower than in the deodorization mode, one or both of ions and ozone in the deodorization unit are less likely to flow out of the deodorization unit. Thereby, the density | concentration of one and both of the ion in a deodorizing unit and ozone becomes higher than the time of a deodorizing mode. Also, one or both of ions and ozone can sufficiently and reliably come into contact with the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst. Thereby, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst is decomposed.

  In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, it is more preferable that the discharge amount of the ion generator in the clean mode is larger than the discharge amount of the ion generator in the deodorization mode. According to this configuration, the concentration of one or both of ions and ozone in the deodorizing unit in the clean mode is further higher than in the deodorizing mode. The discharge amount of the ion generator can be varied depending on the number of discharges and the applied voltage.

  Moreover, it is preferable that this invention performs the said clean mode immediately before the defrost operation which defrosts the cooler which produces | generates cold air in the refrigerator of the said structure. According to this configuration, cold air is generated by the cooler. A defrosting operation is performed at a predetermined cycle, and frost attached to the cooler is removed. The clean mode is performed immediately before the defrosting operation, and the odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst are decomposed.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, preferably, the refrigerator includes a temperature sensor that detects a temperature in the storage chamber, and the clean mode is performed when the temperature in the storage chamber exceeds a predetermined start temperature.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, the deodorization mode is preferably performed after the clean mode.

  Moreover, it is preferable that this invention performs the said clean mode immediately after completion | finish of the said deodorizing mode in the refrigerator of the said structure.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, it is preferable to provide a sterilization mode in which the storage chamber is sterilized by ions generated by the ion generator.

  According to the present invention, the deodorization mode in which the air in the storage chamber is deodorized by ozone generated by the ion generator, and the ion generated by the ion generator and / or ozone by lowering the rotation speed of the blower than the deodorization mode. And a clean mode for decomposing odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst. Thereby, the deodorizing effect can be exhibited for a long time with an inexpensive configuration, and the usability is improved.

Side surface sectional drawing which shows the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The top view which shows the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention Side surface sectional drawing which shows the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The top view which shows the inside of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The perspective view which shows the damper of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention Side surface sectional drawing which shows the state at the time of the deodorizing mode of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the clean mode of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the deodorizing mode of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a plurality of storage compartments partitioned by a heat insulating box 10 filled with a foamed resin 10a. A refrigerator compartment 2 that is opened and closed by a door 2a is arranged at the top of the heat insulation box 10. An ice making chamber 3 is disposed below the refrigerator compartment 2, and a freezing chamber 5 communicating with the ice making chamber 3 is disposed below the ice making chamber 3.

  A cool air passage 11 is provided behind the freezer compartment 5, and a cooler 14 and a freezer compartment blower 15 are disposed in the cool air passage 11. The cool air passage 11 is provided with a cool air discharge port (not shown) and a return port (not shown) for returning the cool air to the cooler 14.

  A cold air passage 12 communicating with the cold air passage 11 is provided behind the refrigerator compartment 2 via a cold compartment damper (not shown). On both sides of the cold air passage 12, a cold air discharge port (not shown) is opened, and a communication passage (not shown) for returning the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 to the upstream side of the cooler 14 is provided. On the back side in the refrigerator compartment 2, a temperature adjustment section (not shown) is provided for performing a temperature adjustment operation of the refrigerator compartment 2 by the user. When the user operates the temperature control unit, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 2 is increased or decreased, and the set temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 is varied.

  A circulation duct 13 is disposed on the back side of the cold air passage 12. The circulation duct 13 opens on both side surfaces an inflow port (not shown) through which air in the refrigerator compartment 2 flows. A deodorizing unit 20 for deodorizing the inside of the refrigerating chamber 2 is arranged at the rear of the top surface of the refrigerating chamber 2, and the upper surface of the circulation duct 13 is opened and connected to the deodorizing unit 20.

  A temperature sensor 27 is provided on the back side of the refrigerator compartment 2. The temperature sensor 27 detects the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2, and outputs a detection signal to the control part 80 mentioned later. The arrangement of the temperature sensor 27 is not particularly limited. However, when the temperature sensor 27 is provided on the back side of the refrigerator compartment 2, the stored item can be prevented from colliding with the temperature sensor 27 when the stored item is taken in and out.

  2 and 3 show a top view and a side sectional view of the deodorizing unit 20. The deodorizing unit 20 includes a housing 21 of a resin molded product that houses each component and forms an air passage 30 therein. The casing 21 is composed of a main body portion 21a having an upper surface opened and an upper surface cover 21b covering a part of the upper surface of the main body portion 21a. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the top cover 21b is removed.

  2 to 4, an airflow inlet 30 a is opened on the lower surface of the rear end of the housing 21. The suction port 30a is connected to the circulation duct 13 (see FIG. 1). And the air which distribute | circulates the circulation duct 13 flows in in the deodorizing unit 20 via the suction inlet 30a. A first air outlet 30b is opened at the upper front of the housing 21, and a second air outlet 30c is opened at the lower front.

  The air passage 30 includes first and second branch passages 35 and 36 that branch through a damper 60 described later. The inlet 30a and the first outlet 30b communicate with each other through the first branch passage 35. Further, the suction port 30a and the second air outlet 30c communicate with each other through the second branch passage 36. The air flowing through the air passage 30 is sent out from one of the first air outlet 30b and the second air outlet 30c.

  At the upper end of the main body portion 21a of the housing 21, a support portion 22 extending to both sides is formed. The support portion 22 is provided with a screw insertion hole 22a. The first air outlet 30b is provided with a protrusion 23 that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the air passage 30. The protrusion 23 is provided with a screw insertion hole 23a.

  A sponge-like cushioning material 25 extending in the front-rear direction is attached to both support portions 22. Screws (not shown) inserted through the insertion holes 22a and 23a are screwed into the ceiling surface 2b (see FIG. 1) of the refrigerator compartment 2, and the deodorizing unit 20 is attached to the ceiling surface 2b with the buffer material 25 interposed therebetween. Thereby, a part of the upper wall of the air passage 30 is formed by the ceiling surface 2 b of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  Since the opened first blower outlet 30b is screwed through the projecting portion 23, the first blower outlet 30b is not expanded vertically even when a test finger is pushed in from the first blower outlet 30b. Thereby, a test finger does not reach the ion generator 50 to which a high voltage described later is applied. Therefore, the safety standard based on the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (Japan) can be satisfied.

  A blower 40 is disposed at the rear of the air passage 30. The blower 40 is composed of a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan, and has an intake port 40a on the lower surface of the housing and an exhaust port 40b on the front surface. Since the centrifugal fan exhausts in the circumferential tangential direction, the exhaust port 40b is provided to be biased to one side in the left-right direction.

  The air passage 30 is provided with an inflow portion 31 having a predetermined height (for example, 10 mm) below the blower 40. Air flows into the air passage 30 from the suction port 30 a by driving the blower 40. Then, the airflow is guided to the blower 40 through the inflow portion 31.

  A throttle portion 32 is provided in the air passage 30 on the downstream side of the blower 40. The restricting portion 32 has an inclined surface 32a that is inclined to face the exhaust port 40b of the blower 40, and the flow path of the air passage 30 is restricted in the vertical direction. The throttle part 32 can increase the wind speed of the airflow.

  The casing 21 is provided with a concave portion 26 having an upper surface opened and accommodating the ion generator 50 in front of the inclined surface 32a. Since the inner surface of the main body 21a of the housing 21 is formed by pulling the mold upward, the recess 26 has a rear wall 26a that is substantially orthogonal to the inclined surface 32a and a substantially vertical front wall 26b. Yes.

  In the ion generator 50, a positive ion generator 51 and a negative ion generator 52 are arranged side by side on the ion generation surface 50a. The positive ion generator 51 and the negative ion generator 52 have electrodes (not shown) that generate ions when a high voltage is applied.

The electrodes of the ion generator 50 are discharged by applying a voltage having an AC waveform or impulse waveform. A positive voltage is applied to the electrode of the positive ion generator 51. As a result, ions generated by ionization combine with moisture in the air, and positively-charged cluster ions mainly composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m are emitted from the ion generation surface 50a. A negative voltage is applied to the electrode of the negative ion generator 52. Thereby, ions generated by ionization are combined with moisture in the air, and negatively-charged cluster ions mainly composed of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n are emitted from the ion generation surface 50a. Here, m and n are arbitrary natural numbers.

H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n agglomerate on the surface of airborne bacteria, adhering bacteria and odor components on the wall of the storage room or the refrigerator compartment 2 and surround these. Then, as shown in the formulas (1) to (3), the active species [.OH] (hydroxyl radical) or H ₂ O ₂ (hydrogen peroxide) is caused by collision such as floating bacteria, adhering bacteria and odor components. They agglomerate on the surface and destroy them. Here, m ′ and n ′ are arbitrary natural numbers. Accordingly, by sending an air stream containing positive ions and negative ions to the refrigerator compartment 2, sterilization and odor removal in the refrigerator compartment 2 can be performed.

_{^{H + (H 2 O) m}} + O 2 - (H 2 O) n → · OH + 1 / 2O 2 + (m + n) H 2 O ··· (1)
_{^{H + (H 2 O) m}} + H + (H 2 O) m '+ O 2 - (H 2 O) n + O 2 - (H 2 O) n'
→ 2 · OH + O ₂ + (m + m ′ + n + n ′) H ₂ O (2)
_{^{H + (H 2 O) m}} + H + (H 2 O) m '+ O 2 - (H 2 O) n + O 2 - (H 2 O) n'
→ H ₂ O ₂ + O ₂ + (m + m ′ + n + n ′) H ₂ O (3)

  Further, when the applied voltage of the ion generator 50 is increased, ozone is generated in addition to ions. Thereby, odor components such as hydrogen sulfide and methylamine contained in the air taken into the deodorizing unit 20 can be decomposed by ozone. Therefore, stronger deodorization than deodorization by ions can be performed. At this time, in order to prevent ozone from leaking into the refrigerator compartment 2, ozone in the air is adsorbed and decomposed by an ozone catalyst 70 described later. Thereby, the ozone density | concentration in the refrigerator compartment 2 can be reduced to 0.01 ppm or less lower than 0.1 ppm which is an allowable density | concentration of Japan Industrial Hygiene Association. At this time, when the rotation speed of the blower 40 is controlled by the control unit 80 described later to set the wind speed to 1.0 m / sec, leakage of ozone is prevented while sending ions and [.OH] into the refrigerator compartment 2. be able to.

  Further, odor components (hydrogen sulfide, mercaptan, etc.) adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 are decomposed by ozone. The odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 is also decomposed by [.OH] generated from ions.

  The ion generator 50 is installed on the bottom surface of the recess 26 and the rear wall 26a, protrudes downward from the upper surface cover 21b, and a rib 21c having an L-shaped lower surface abuts on the ion generation surface 50a. Thereby, the ion generator 50 is pinched | interposed and fixed between the recessed part 26 and the rib 21c. The rib 21c is disposed between the positive ion generator 51 and the negative ion generator 52.

  In addition, the ion generation surface 50 a is arranged along the inclined surface 32 a of the throttle unit 32, and forms a wall surface of the throttle unit 32. Thereby, the ion generating surface 50a opposes the exhaust port 40b of the blower 40. For this reason, the air which flowed out from the exhaust port 40b contacts the inclined surface 32a and the ion generating surface 50a which oppose, and distribute | circulates along the inclined surface 32a and the ion generating surface 50a.

  Therefore, the ions generated on the ion generation surface 50a can be sufficiently included in the airflow flowing through the throttle portion 32. Moreover, since the wind speed of the airflow is increased by the throttle portion 32, ions generated on the ion generation surface 50a can be sequentially sent out to reduce annihilation due to ion collision. At this time, since the centrifugal fan has a small decrease in the air volume with respect to the increase in pressure loss, even if the inclined surface 32a and the ion generation surface 50a face the exhaust port 40b, it is possible to send air with a desired air volume.

  Since the concave portion 26 is provided in front of the inclined surface 32 a, the ion generation surface 50 a is disposed at the front portion of the throttle portion 32. The front portion of the throttle portion 32 has a narrower flow path width in the vertical direction than the rear portion due to the inclined surface 32a. Since the ion generator 50 is disposed in the portion of the throttle portion 32 where the flow path width in the vertical direction is small, the amount of protrusion downward of the recess 26 can be reduced. Therefore, the deodorizing unit 20 can be reduced in size by reducing the height of the deodorizing unit 20.

  A V-shaped gap 54 is formed between the substantially vertical front wall 26 b of the recess 26 and the front surface of the ion generator 50. The upper part of the gap 54 is covered with a flexible shielding member 55 such as sponge-like resin. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the vortex by the clearance gap 54 can be prevented and the airflow which passed on the ion generating surface 50a can be guide | induced smoothly ahead.

  In front of the recessed portion 26, left and right restricting portions 33 that project both side walls of the air passage 30 toward each other and restrict the flow path in the left and right directions are provided. The air flow including the positive ions generated in the positive ion generation unit 51 and the air flow including the negative ions generated in the negative ion generation unit 52 are mixed close to each other by the left and right restricting unit 33. Thereby, the airflow which mixed the positive ion and the negative ion can be sent out. At this time, the ribs 21 c that block between the positive ion generating part 51 and the negative ion generating part 52 are arranged behind the left and right restricting part 33. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions can be sufficiently mixed.

  A damper chamber 34 in which a damper 60 is disposed is provided in front of the left and right throttle portions 33 in the air passage 30. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the damper 60. The damper 60 includes a thin plate-like support plate 61 and packings 62 and 63 (see FIG. 3 for 63) attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate 61, respectively. The packings 62 and 63 are made of an elastic body such as silicon rubber.

  Since the support plate 61 is made of a resin molded product and is formed in a thin plate shape, space can be saved. On the upper surface of the support plate 61, an inclined portion 61b is provided so that the front portion is inclined upward. The packing 62 is formed in an annular shape and is disposed around the inclined portion 61b.

  A shaft portion 61 a extending in the left-right direction is formed at one end of the support plate 61. The shaft portion 61 a is fitted in a fitting hole (not shown) provided in the side wall of the damper chamber 34 and pivotally supports the damper 60. A stepping motor (not shown) disposed between the side wall of the casing 21 and the side wall of the damper chamber 34 is connected to the shaft portion 61a. The damper 60 is rotated by driving the stepping motor.

  The air passage 30 branches from the damper chamber 34 into a first branch passage 35 and a second branch passage 36. The flow path of the air passage 30 is switched alternatively to the first branch passage 35 and the second branch passage 36 by the damper 60. As will be described in detail later, the airflow flowing through the first branch passage 35 includes ions that are sent to the refrigerator compartment 2. On the other hand, the air flowing through the second branch passage 36 contains ozone adsorbed by the ozone catalyst 70.

  For this reason, the first branch passage 35 is arranged in a substantially straight line with respect to the rear portion of the air passage 30. Thereby, the pressure loss of the airflow passing through the first branch passage 35 can be reduced and ions can be sent to the refrigerator compartment 2. The second branch passage 36 is formed to extend downward from the damper chamber 34, bend and extend forward. Thereby, a turbulent flow can be generated in the airflow passing through the second branch passage 36. Therefore, ozone can be sufficiently brought into contact with air.

  A connection port 35 a facing the damper chamber 34 is provided on the inclined surface at the upstream end of the first branch passage 35. A connection port 36 a facing the damper chamber 34 is provided on the horizontal plane at the upstream end of the second branch passage 36. As shown in FIG. 3, when the packing 63 of the damper 60 is in close contact with the periphery of the connection port 36a, the first branch passage 35 is opened and the second branch passage 36 is closed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the packing 62 of the damper 60 is in close contact with the peripheral edge of the connection port 35a, the second branch passage 36 is opened and the first branch passage 35 is closed.

  In order to seal the connection ports 35a and 36a, the peripheral edges of the packings 62 and 63 are arranged outside the peripheral edges of the connection ports 35a and 36a. Further, since the shaft portion 61a of the damper 60 is driven by being connected to a stepping motor, it is necessary to ensure strength. For this reason, the shaft portion 61a is formed to have a diameter larger than the thickness of the portion of the support plate 61 where the packings 62 and 63 are attached. Accordingly, the shaft portion 61a is provided on the outer side of the peripheral edges of the packings 62 and 63, and is disposed in front of the front ends of the connection ports 35a and 36a.

  Since the shaft portion 61a is disposed in front of the front end of the connection port 35a, a gap 64 is formed between the upper surface of the packing 62 and the front end of the connection port 35a when the connection port 35a is opened. Since the inclined portion 61b is provided on the upper surface of the support plate 61, the airflow can be guided to the first branch passage 35 along the inclined portion 61b and the inflow of the airflow into the gap 64 can be prevented. Therefore, the pressure loss can be further reduced and the air flow can be smoothly circulated through the first branch passage 35.

  The distance between the opposing side walls 35b of the first branch passage 35 increases as it goes forward. Thereby, the airflow which distribute | circulates the 1st branch channel | path 35 spreads in the left-right direction, and is sent to the refrigerator compartment 2 from the 1st blower outlet 30b. Therefore, ions can be diffused over a wide range of the refrigerator compartment 2.

  At this time, the planar shape of the protrusion 23 provided in the first outlet 30b is formed in a triangle with the apex arranged rearward. The side surface 23b of the protrusion 23 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, and the airflow can be smoothly spread to the left and right by the guide of the side surface 23b. Thereby, the guide part which guides an airflow is comprised by the protrusion part 23 provided in order to fix the deodorizing unit 20, and a number of parts can be reduced.

  In addition, the protrusion part 23 is distribute | arranged to the center vicinity of the left-right direction of the eccentric exhaust port 40b of the air blower 40 which consists of a centrifugal fan. Thereby, the airflow which distribute | circulates the air path 30 can be reliably guided to right and left. The side surface 23b of the protrusion 23 may be formed by a curved surface inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

  The ozone catalyst 70 disposed in the second branch passage 36 is formed in a corrugated honeycomb shape mainly composed of manganese dioxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon oxide. Thereby, ozone contained in the air passing through the ozone catalyst 70 is adsorbed and decomposed. The ozone catalyst 70 adsorbs the odor component and removes the odor component from the air.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 80 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the drive of the blower 40 and the ion generator 50 based on the input from the detection signal of the temperature sensor 27. The control unit 80 is provided with a storage unit 81 and a time measuring unit 82. The memory | storage part 81 memorize | stores the drive time which the ion generator 50 and the air blower 40 were set, the starting temperature Ts mentioned later, 1st, 2nd predetermined temperature T1, T2. Further, the timer 82 measures the drive time of the ion generator 50 and the blower 40.

  In the refrigerator 1 having the above configuration, the cold air generated by the cooler 14 is circulated through the cold air passage 11 by driving the freezer compartment blower 15 and is sent to the ice making chamber 3 and the freezer compartment 5. The cold air flows through the ice making chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 5 and returns to the cooler 14 through the return port. As a result, the ice making chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 5 are cooled, and the stored items and ice are stored frozen. The cooler 14 is frosted because it is cooled by driving a compressor (not shown). For this reason, the defrosting operation is performed at a predetermined cycle.

  A part of the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 11 is led to the cold air passage 12 by the opening of the cold room damper (not shown) and sent to the cold room 2. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 2 is cooled and the stored item is stored in a refrigerator. Further, the amount of cold air flowing into the refrigerator compartment 2 is adjusted by opening / closing the refrigerator compartment damper and on / off control of the compressor. Thereby, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 is maintained at about 1 degreeC-5 degreeC, for example. The cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 2 returns to the cooler 14 via a communication path (not shown).

  As the operation mode of the deodorization unit 20, a sterilization mode, a deodorization mode, and a clean mode are provided. The sterilization mode, the deodorization mode, and the clean mode are each switched by the user's selection. Further, as will be described later, the clean mode and the deodorization mode can be set to automatically start at a predetermined time. In the sterilization mode, sterilization and deodorization by ions generated from the ion generator 50 are performed. In the deodorization mode, the discharge amount of the ion generator 50 is increased as compared with the sterilization mode, and deodorization by ozone generated from the ion generator 50 is performed. In the clean mode, the rotational speed of the blower 40 is decreased as compared with the deodorization mode, and the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 is decomposed by one or both of ions and ozone generated by the ion generator 50.

  In the sterilization mode, the blower 40 and the ion generator 50 are driven. Further, the rotational speed of the blower 40 is controlled so that the wind speed is, for example, 1.0 m / sec. In addition, the second branch passage 36 is closed by the damper 60 and the first branch passage 35 is opened. The air in the refrigerator compartment 2 flows through the circulation duct 13 and flows into the air passage 30 of the deodorizing unit 20.

  The air flowing through the air passage 30 includes ions generated by the ion generator 50, and is sent from the first outlet 30b through the first branch passage 35 as shown by an arrow B1 (see FIG. 3). Thereby, cold air in the refrigerator compartment 2 circulates, and sterilization and deodorization in the refrigerator compartment 2 are performed by hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide generated from ions.

  When the door 2a of the refrigerator compartment 2 is opened by the user, high temperature outside air flows into the refrigerator compartment 2, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 rises. Further, when food or the like having a temperature outside the refrigerator 1 is stored in the refrigerator compartment 2, a heat load enters and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 rises. Moreover, immediately after completion | finish of a defrost operation, high temperature air flows in into the refrigerator compartment 2 via the cold passage 11 and the cold passage 12, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 rises.

  When the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 rises to some extent, the odor components adhering to the stored items such as food diffuse into the air. Moreover, the odor component adhering to the components in the refrigerator 1 (such as a polystyrene foam heat insulating material, a sealer, and a resin molded product) diffuses into the air. For this reason, an unpleasant feeling is given to a user.

  When the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 is higher than 5 ° C., the odor components adhering to stored items such as foods and internal parts are more diffused in the air. Thereby, a user feels uncomfortable. On the other hand, although the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 is about 1 degreeC-5 degreeC, when the door 2a is opened and food is stored as mentioned above, or at the end of the defrosting operation, the temperature becomes higher. When the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 is 5 ° C. or less, the odor component is hardly diffused in the air, so even if the deodorizing mode is stopped, the user is hardly discomforted. For this reason, it is possible to stop the deodorization mode, reduce power consumption, and save energy. On the other hand, when the temperature exceeds 5 ° C., odorous components adhering to stored items such as foods and internal parts diffuse more in the air, so that the deodorization mode can be performed for deodorization. Therefore, deodorization efficiency can be improved. As described above, the start temperature Ts of the deodorization mode described later can be set to 5 ° C., for example.

  Moreover, since the odor component adsorbed to the ozone catalyst 70 diffuses more in the air when the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 exceeds 5 ° C., the clean room can be decomposed before diffusion. Therefore, deodorization efficiency can be improved. From the above, the start temperature of the clean mode, which will be described later, can also be set to be the same as the start temperature Ts of the deodorization mode, for example, 5 ° C.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deodorizing unit 20 of the refrigerator 1. In step # 11, it is determined whether or not the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 is higher than a predetermined start temperature Ts (for example, 5 ° C.). When the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 is not higher than the start temperature Ts, the clean mode and the deodorization mode are not performed. When the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 becomes higher than the start temperature Ts, the process proceeds to step # 12 and the clean mode (see FIG. 9) is performed. When the clean mode ends, the process proceeds to step # 13 and the deodorization mode (see FIG. 10) is performed. When the deodorizing mode ends, the process returns to step # 11, and steps # 11, # 12, and # 13 are repeatedly performed. The details of the clean mode and the deodorization mode will be described later.

  Thereby, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can be decomposed before being diffused in the air. Therefore, deodorization efficiency can be improved. Further, the clean mode is executed before the deodorization mode is executed. As a result, the deodorization mode is performed in a state where almost no odor component is adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70. Therefore, the deodorizing effect can be improved. Further, since the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 is decomposed in the clean mode, it is not necessary to replace the ozone catalyst 70 every time the odor component is accumulated. Therefore, the cost is not increased and the time for replacement can be saved to improve usability.

  In step # 12, the clean mode may be executed immediately after the end of the deodorizing mode without performing the clean mode. Thereby, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 is decomposed every time the deodorization mode ends. Therefore, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can be quickly removed before the ozone catalyst 70 is saturated with the odor component. Further, in addition to the clean mode in step # 12, the clean mode may be further executed immediately after the end of the deodorizing mode.

  Further, the clean mode may be performed immediately before the defrosting operation, and the deodorization mode may be performed after the defrosting operation. The defrosting operation is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 24 hours), and for example, it is determined whether or not the defrosting operation start timing has been reached based on the detection of the timing unit 82. When it is determined that the start time has been reached, the defrosting operation is performed for a predetermined time. At this time, it is determined whether or not it has arrived immediately before the defrosting operation (for example, one hour before the defrosting operation) by the detection of the time measuring unit 82. If it is determined that it has arrived immediately before the defrosting operation, the clean mode is performed for 1 hour until the defrosting operation is started. Since the clean mode time in this case varies depending on the defrosting operation conditions, it is desirable to obtain in advance through experiments or the like.

  Thereby, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can be decomposed before being diffused in the air. Therefore, deodorization efficiency can be improved. Further, when the deodorization mode is performed after the defrosting operation, the ozone catalyst 70 hardly absorbs odor components. Therefore, the deodorizing effect is further improved.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the clean mode operation of the deodorizing unit 20. In step # 21, the blower 40 is driven. At this time, the rotational speed of the blower 40 is controlled by the control unit 80 so that the wind speed is, for example, 0.5 m / sec. Thereby, a wind speed falls rather than the deodorizing mode explained in full detail later. For this reason, ions and ozone in the deodorizing unit 20 are unlikely to flow out of the deodorizing unit 20. Therefore, the concentration of ions and ozone in the deodorizing unit is higher than that in the deodorizing mode.

  In step # 22, the ion generator 50 is driven. At this time, the number of discharges of the ion generator 50 is set to 1000 times / second, for example, so that the discharge amount is larger than that in the deodorization mode. Thereby, the density | concentration of the ion in the deodorizing unit 20 and ozone becomes still higher than at the time of deodorizing mode.

  At this time, the first branch passage 35 is closed by the damper 60 and the second branch passage 36 is opened. The air in the refrigerator compartment 2 flows through the circulation duct 13 and flows into the air passage 30 of the deodorizing unit 20. The air flowing through the air passage 30 includes ions and ozone generated by the ion generator 50. Thereby, the concentration of ions and ozone generated by the ion generator 50 can be increased in the vicinity of the ozone catalyst 70.

Odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 are decomposed by [.OH], H ₂ O ₂ and ozone generated from ions. Air containing ozone flows through the second branch passage 36 as indicated by arrows B2 and B3 (see FIG. 6), and ozone is adsorbed and decomposed by the ozone catalyst 70. At this time, since the wind speed is lower than in the deodorization mode, ozone is reliably adsorbed to the ozone catalyst 70 and decomposed. And the air from which ozone was removed is sent out from the 2nd blower outlet 30c. Thereby, the ozone density | concentration in the refrigerator compartment 2 can be reduced to 0.01 ppm or less lower than 0.1 ppm which is an allowable density | concentration of Japan Industrial Hygiene Association. Further, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can be decomposed by oxygen generated by the decomposition of ozone.

  In step # 23, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the driving of the ion generator 50 is started. At this time, the predetermined time is set to a time during which the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 is reliably decomposed. Since the predetermined time varies depending on the kind of stored item and the temperature condition, it is desirable to obtain it in advance by experiments or the like.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 24. When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the blower 40 and the ion generator 50 are continuously driven.

  In step # 24, the driving of the ion generator 50 is stopped. Thereafter, in step # 25, the blower 40 is stopped and the process returns to step # 12 in the flowchart of FIG. Since the blower 40 is stopped after the driving of the ion generator 50 is stopped, the odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can be decomposed without wasting the generated ions and ozone. The driving of the ion generator 50 may be stopped after the blower 40 is stopped.

  In steps # 24 and # 25, the deodorization mode may be continuously performed while driving is continued without stopping the driving of the ion generator 50 and the blower 40. Thereby, it can transfer to deodorizing mode rapidly. Moreover, since the frequency | count of repeating the drive and stop of the air blower 40 and the ion generator 50 can be reduced, the burden concerning the air blower 40 and the ion generator 50 can be reduced. Therefore, the lifetime of the blower 40 and the ion generator 50 can be extended.

When the clean mode ends, the mode continues to the deodorization mode (see FIG. 8). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deodorizing mode of the deodorizing unit 20. In step # 31, the blower 40 is driven. At this time, the rotational speed of the blower 40 is controlled by the control unit 80 so that the wind speed is, for example, 1.0 m / sec. In step # 32, the ion generator 50 is driven. At this time, the number of discharges of the ion generator 50 is set to 480 times / second, for example, to be smaller than that in the clean mode. Due to the number of discharges, more ions and ozone are generated than in the sterilization mode.

  The damper 60 closes the first branch passage 35 and opens the second branch passage 36. The air in the refrigerator compartment 2 flows through the circulation duct 13 and flows into the air passage 30 of the deodorizing unit 20. The air flowing through the air passage 30 includes ozone generated by the ion generator 50. Thereby, the ozone generated by the ion generator 50 can be brought into rapid contact with the air in the refrigerator compartment 2.

  If the driving of the ion generator 50 and the blower 40 is not stopped in steps # 24 and # 25 of the flowchart (see FIG. 9) showing the operation in the clean mode as described above, the wind speed is 1 for example in step # 31. The rotational speed of the blower 40 is increased so as to be 0.0 m / sec. In step # 32, the number of discharges of the ion generator 50 is decreased to 480 times / second, for example. At this time, it is preferable to increase the rotational speed of the blower 40 after decreasing the number of discharges of the ion generator 50, since ozone leakage into the refrigerator compartment 2 can be more reliably prevented.

Odor components contained in the air are decomposed by [.OH] and H ₂ O ₂ generated from ions and ozone. The air containing ozone flows through the second branch passage 36 as indicated by arrows B2 and B3 (see FIG. 6), and ozone is adsorbed and decomposed by the ozone catalyst 70. And the air from which ozone was removed is sent out from the 2nd blower outlet 30c. Thereby, the deodorizing in the refrigerator compartment 2 is performed and the deodorizing effect higher than a disinfection mode is acquired.

  In step # 33, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the driving of the ion generator 50 is started. At this time, the predetermined time is set to a time at which a sufficient deodorizing effect is obtained. Since the predetermined time varies depending on the kind of stored item and the temperature condition, it is desirable to obtain it in advance by experiments or the like. Alternatively, it may be possible to measure in advance the time required to return from a state of higher temperature than the start temperature Ts to a state of lower temperature than the start temperature Ts, and set the measurement time as a predetermined time.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 38. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 34. In step # 34, it is determined whether or not the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 has become higher than the first predetermined temperature T1. When the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 is not higher than the first predetermined temperature T1, the process returns to step # 33, and steps # 33 and # 34 are repeated.

  The temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 is the starting temperature, for example, when the door 2a of the refrigerator compartment 2 is opened for a long time or when a high-temperature stored item (for example, cooked food) is stored in the refrigerator compartment 2. It may be considerably higher than Ts (for example, 5 ° C.). In this case, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 is in an environment where odor components are more likely to diffuse into the air than in the vicinity of the start temperature Ts. That is, the smell is strong. Therefore, in order to enhance the deodorizing effect, the timing for stopping the driving of the ion generator 50 is set to be different from that in the vicinity of the start temperature Ts. Therefore, the first predetermined temperature T1 is set higher than the start temperature Ts, for example, 10 ° C.

  When the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 is higher than the first predetermined temperature T1 as determined in step # 34, the process proceeds to step # 35.

  When the first predetermined temperature T1 (for example, 10 ° C.) is exceeded, the movement of odor molecules becomes more active than when the temperature is 5 ° C. For this reason, odorous components are further diffused into the air from stored items such as foods and internal parts. Therefore, in step # 35, when the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 becomes higher than the first predetermined temperature T1, the discharge amount of the ion generator 50 is increased as compared with the case where the temperature is low. For example, the number of discharges of the ion generator 50 is set to 600 times / second. At this time, the first predetermined temperature T1 is a temperature at which the discharge amount generated by the ion generator 50 is switched (discharge amount switching temperature).

  Thereby, the discharge amount can be varied according to the degree of diffusion of the odor component into the air. As the amount of discharge increases, the amount of ions and the amount of ozone increase. Accordingly, the deodorization efficiency can be further improved. Note that the first predetermined temperature T1 and the discharge amount switching temperature may be set to different temperatures. In step # 35, the number of discharges is set to 600 times / second, which is smaller than that in the clean mode, but may be 1000 times / second, which is the same as in the clean mode.

  In step # 36, the rotational speed of the blower 40 is decreased. The rotation speed of the blower 40 is controlled by the control unit 80 so that the wind speed is, for example, 0.7 m / sec. Thereby, even if the discharge amount is increased, leakage of ozone into the refrigerator compartment 2 can be prevented. Moreover, the air in the refrigerator compartment 2 and ozone can be sufficiently brought into contact in the deodorizing unit 20. Therefore, the deodorization efficiency can be further improved. In step # 36, the wind speed is set to 0.7 m / second, which is larger than that in the clean mode, but it may be set to 0.5 m / second, which is the same as in the clean mode.

  In the above, an example of the number of discharges of the ion generating device 50 in step # 35 and the number of rotations of the blower 40 in step # 36 is given. An air flow containing ions and [. And the number of discharges and the number of rotations may be set so that ozone in the air can be adsorbed to the ozone catalyst 70.

  In step # 37, it waits until the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 becomes lower than 2nd predetermined temperature T2. The second predetermined temperature T2 is set lower than the first predetermined temperature T1 (for example, 10 ° C.), for example, 5 ° C. When the temperature is lower than 5 ° C., the amount of the odorous component diffused into the air is small, giving the user almost no discomfort and being within the temperature range of the refrigerator compartment 2. When the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 is equal to or higher than a second predetermined temperature T2 (for example, 5 ° C.), the driving of the ion generator 50 is continued. When the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 becomes lower than the second predetermined temperature T2, the process proceeds to step # 38. Note that the second predetermined temperature T2 may be the same as or different from the start temperature Ts.

  In step # 38, the driving of the ion generator 50 is stopped. Thereafter, in step # 39, the driving of the blower 40 is stopped, and the process returns to step # 13 in the flowchart of FIG. Since the blower 40 is stopped after the driving of the ion generator 50 is stopped, the generated ions and ozone can be brought into contact with the air in the refrigerator compartment 2 without waste. The driving of the ion generator 50 may be stopped after the driving of the blower 40 is stopped.

  Note that, after it is determined in step # 33 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it may be determined whether or not the temperature T in the refrigerator compartment 2 has become lower than the start temperature Ts. At this time, if the temperature is lower than the start temperature Ts, the process proceeds to step # 38. If the temperature is not lower than the start temperature Ts, the driving of the ion generator 50 may be continued. Thereby, deodorizing efficiency can be improved more.

  According to this embodiment, the deodorizing mode for deodorizing the air in the refrigerator compartment 2 (storage chamber) by ozone generated by the ion generating device 50, and the number of rotations of the blower 40 lower than the deodorizing mode, A clean mode for decomposing odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 by one or both of the generated ions and ozone is provided. Thereby, without replacing the ozone catalyst 70 frequently, the deodorizing effect can be exhibited for a long time with an inexpensive configuration, and the usability can be improved.

  Further, since the discharge amount of the ion generator 50 in the clean mode is larger than the discharge amount of the ion generator 50 in the deodorization mode, the concentration of ions and ozone in the deodorizing unit 20 is quicker than in the deodorization mode. Can be raised. Therefore, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can be decomposed more quickly, and the clean mode time can be shortened.

  When the clean mode is performed immediately before the defrosting operation for defrosting the cooler 14 that generates cool air, the odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 are decomposed before being diffused into the air. Therefore, the deodorizing effect is improved.

  In addition, since the temperature sensor 27 for detecting the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 is provided and the clean mode is performed when the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 2 exceeds the start temperature Ts, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 is in the air. Decomposed before spreading. Therefore, the deodorizing effect is improved.

  Further, since the deodorization mode is performed after the clean mode, the deodorization mode can be performed in a state where the odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 are removed. Thereby, the odor component which spread | diffused in the air in the refrigerator compartment 2 by temperature rise can be removed more rapidly and efficiently. Therefore, the deodorizing effect can be further improved.

  Further, when the clean mode is executed immediately after the end of the deodorization mode, the odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 before the ozone catalyst 70 becomes saturated with the odor component can be quickly and reliably removed.

  In the present embodiment, ozone is generated by the ion generator 50 in the clean mode. However, only ions may be generated by controlling the applied voltage of the ion generator 50. The odor component adsorbed on the ozone catalyst 70 can also be decomposed by [.OH] generated from ions.

  In the present embodiment, the number of discharges of the ion generator 50 in the clean mode is greater than that in the deodorization mode, but the number of discharges may be the same as in the deodorization mode. By making the wind speed in the clean mode smaller than the wind speed in the deodorization mode, ions and ozone are less likely to flow out of the deodorization unit 20. As a result, the concentration of ions and ozone in the deodorizing unit 20 can be increased.

  Although not shown, in this embodiment, the air in the vegetable compartment may be taken into the deodorizing unit 20 to deodorize the air in the vegetable compartment. The temperature of the vegetable room (about 5 ° C. to 8 ° C.) is higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2. Therefore, when only the air in the vegetable compartment is deodorized, it is preferable to set the start temperature Ts in the clean mode and the deodorization mode to be higher than that in the refrigerator compartment 2. As a result, the deodorization efficiency in the vegetable compartment can be improved, and power consumption can be suppressed to save energy.

  In the present embodiment, a corrugated honeycomb-shaped low temperature deodorization catalyst mainly composed of manganese dioxide, cupric oxide and zeolite may be disposed in the air passage 30. Thereby, odor components such as dimethyl disulfite, trimethylamine, and methyl mercaptan contained in the air passing through the low-temperature deodorization catalyst can be adsorbed. Therefore, the deodorizing effect can be improved by adsorbing odor components that cannot be decomposed by ozone.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for the refrigerator which deodorizes in a storage chamber.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigeration room 3 Ice making room 5 Freezing room 10 Heat insulation box 10a Foamed resin 11, 12 Cold air passage 13 Circulation duct 14 Cooler 15 Freezer room blower 20 Deodorizing unit 21 Case 21a Main body part 21b Upper surface cover 21c Rib 22 Support part 23 Protruding portion 25 Buffer material 26 Recessed portion 27 Temperature sensor 30 Air passage 30a Suction port 30b First air outlet 30c Second air outlet 31 Inlet portion 32 Restriction portion 32a Inclined surface 33 Left and right restrictor portion 34 Damper chamber 35 First branch passage 35a, 36a Communication port 36 Second branch passage 40 Blower 40a Intake port 40b Exhaust port 50 Ion generator 50a Ion generating surface 51 Positive ion generating unit 52 Negative ion generating unit 54 Gap 55 Shielding member 60 Damper 61 Support plate
61a Shaft part 61b Inclined part 62, 63 Packing 70 Ozone catalyst 80 Control part 81 Storage part 82 Timekeeping part

Claims (7)

A passage that connects a suction port for sucking air in a storage chamber for storing stored matter and a blowout port that is sent out into the storage chamber, a blower disposed in the passage, and the passage that generates ions and ozone by discharge. A deodorizing unit having an ion generator to be released into the ozone generator and an ozone catalyst for decomposing ozone generated by the ion generator;
By deodorizing mode for deodorizing the air in the storage chamber by ozone generated by the ion generator, and by one or both of ions and ozone generated by the ion generator by lowering the rotational speed of the blower than the deodorizing mode. A refrigerator provided with a clean mode for decomposing odor components adsorbed on the ozone catalyst.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a discharge amount of the ion generator in the clean mode is larger than a discharge amount of the ion generator in the deodorization mode.   The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clean mode is performed immediately before a defrosting operation for defrosting a cooler that generates cold air.   The temperature sensor which detects the temperature in the said storage chamber is provided, The said clean mode is performed when the temperature in the said storage chamber exceeds predetermined | prescribed start temperature, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Refrigerator.   The refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the deodorization mode is performed after the clean mode.   The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clean mode is executed immediately after the end of the deodorizing mode.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sterilization mode in which the inside of the storage chamber is sterilized by ions generated by the ion generator.

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