JP3754601B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator that obtains strong deodorization operation by a deodorization device and at the same time does not require any special handling in disposal. SOLUTION: A space discharge mechanism 73, a photocatalyst module 74, and an ozone decomposition catalyst 75 are arranged in a blowing path 71 of a deodorization device 11 that is arranged in the cold air passage of this refrigerator, the photocatalyst module 74 is allowed to perform a photocatalyst action by ultraviolet rays being generated by the high-voltage discharge of the space discharge mechanism 73, and a foul constituent and a harmful constituent contained in cold air in the refrigerator are oxidized and decomposed by an ozone decomposition action by ozone being generated by the high-voltage discharge and the ozone decomposition catalyst 75.

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a refrigeration system in which a deodorizing device for deodorizing the inside of a warehouse is arranged in a cold air circulation path In the warehouse Related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to deodorize the refrigerator, a platinum catalyst is disposed in the vicinity of the defrosting heater to adsorb the odorous substance contained in the air in the cabinet, and the odorous substance is thermally decomposed by heating the heater during defrosting. I was going by. However, in order to remove the annoying odor in the refrigerator and sufficiently prevent the odor from being transferred to other foods, there is a demand for a more effective deodorizing effect.
[0003]
Further, some recent refrigerators improve the food freshness maintaining effect by setting the humidity in the refrigerator compartment higher by using a dedicated cooler for each of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. Thus, when the humidity in the refrigerator compartment becomes high, it becomes easier to feel the odor, and various germs in the refrigerator compartment become easier to propagate.
[0004]
Under such circumstances, a deodorizing apparatus using the oxidizing power of ozone has been introduced into the refrigerator as a more powerful deodorizing method. However, the odor component could not be completely decomposed even with the oxidizing power of ozone, and an intermediate product was sometimes generated.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Furthermore, for example, there is a method of oxidatively decomposing odor components using photocatalysis by irradiating a photocatalytic material such as titanium oxide with ultraviolet rays. According to this method, an oxidizing power stronger than that of ozone can be obtained, but a fluorescent tube lamp is required to irradiate ultraviolet rays. Since fluorescent tube lamps contain mercury, it is necessary to take care not to increase the environmental load during disposal. Therefore, handling at the time of disposal becomes a problem.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to obtain a strong deodorizing action by a deodorizing apparatus and to be refrigerated without special handling at the time of disposal. Storehouse It is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The refrigerator according to claim 1 is configured by arranging a deodorizing device for deodorizing the inside of the refrigerator in the cold air circulation path.
The deodorizing device is It has a plurality of wire-like discharge electrodes arranged so as to cross the air flow direction and a counter electrode having a flat outer shape, and is directly performed between these two electrodes. Discharge means for generating ozone and ultraviolet rays by high voltage discharge; Disposed between the two electrodes, And a photocatalyst module that decomposes odorous components and harmful substances contained in the air by photocatalytic action. Be .
[0008]
If comprised in this way, if cold air circulates in a store | warehouse | chamber, in the discharge means of the deodorizing apparatus arrange | positioned in the circulation path | route, an ultraviolet-ray will be generate | occur | produced by high voltage discharge. In the photocatalyst module, the photocatalytic reaction can be caused by receiving the ultraviolet rays, so that the odor component contained in the circulating cold air is oxidatively decomposed and removed. That is, since ultraviolet rays can be generated without using a fluorescent tube lamp, it is not necessary to consider special handling at the time of disposal.
[0009]
Moreover, since ozone is simultaneously generated by high voltage discharge, the odor component is oxidized and decomposed by the action of the oxidizing power of the ozone. In addition, the generated ozone is diffused into the cabinet by circulating cold air to form an ozone atmosphere, so that an antibacterial action can be achieved on the food in the warehouse, and the freshness of the food is also effective.
[0010]
And The ozone decomposition means for decomposing ozone generated in the discharge means is disposed at least downstream of the discharge means and the photocatalyst module. Rub For example, the ozone generated by the high voltage discharge is decomposed by the ozone decomposing means, so that it is possible to prevent the user from feeling an ozone odor when the concentration of ozone in the warehouse is excessively increased and the door is opened. Moreover, since active oxygen is more easily generated when ozone is decomposed, a stronger oxidizing power is obtained and the deodorization efficiency is further improved.
[0011]
More , Place the ozonolysis means in the cold air inlet of the heat exchanger The That is, when ozone generated in the deodorizing apparatus is circulated in the cabinet, if it is circulated through the cooler part as it is, there is a risk of adversely affecting the cooler itself or piping. Therefore, by disposing the ozone decomposition means at the cold air inlet of the heat exchanger, ozone can be decomposed before the circulating cold air is taken into the heat exchanger, and the internal components can be adversely affected. It is surely prevented.
[0016]
Claim 2 As described in the above, it is preferable to provide a control means for controlling the discharge means of the deodorizing device to perform discharge in conjunction with the cold air circulation in the warehouse. That is, if cold air circulation is performed, cold air containing odors flows through the inside of the deodorization device and deodorization is performed, so that deodorization can be performed efficiently.
[0021]
Claim Item 3 As described above, it is preferable to provide a control means for controlling the discharge by the discharge means when the door is opened. If comprised in this way, when a user opens a door, it can be prevented from performing high voltage discharge.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 2 which shows the vertical side view of the refrigerator, the refrigerator body 1 has a rectangular box shape with an open front, and an inner box 3 is disposed in the outer box 2. It is formed on the basis of filling a heat insulating material 4 such as urethane foam. A horizontal synthetic resin partition plate (refrigeration chamber bottom plate) 5 is fixed to the inner surface of the inner box 3. The partition plate 5 forms a refrigerator compartment (storage compartment) 6 in the upper part of the refrigerator body 1, and an R door 7 is rotatably attached to the front end of the refrigerator compartment 6.
[0027]
A plurality of protrusions (not shown) are formed on the upper surface of the partition plate 5, and a chilled case 8 is mounted on the plurality of protrusions. The chilled case 8 has a container shape with an open upper surface and a front surface, and a cold air passage 9 is formed between the lower surface of the chilled case 8 and the upper surface of the partition plate 5. Reference numeral 10 denotes a lid that opens and closes the front surface of the chilled case 8.
[0028]
A support plate 100 is fixed below the partition plate 5 at a predetermined interval. The front end side of the partition plate 5 is open, and cool air is guided from the refrigerator compartment 6 side to the cool air passage (circulation path) 101 formed between the partition plate 5 and the support plate 100. A deodorizing device 11 is disposed in the cold air passage 101. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of this portion. In addition, the detailed structure of the deodorizing apparatus 11 is mentioned later.
[0029]
The rear end side of the support plate 100 opens to the vegetable compartment 13 so that the circulating cold air introduced into the cold air passage 101 from the refrigerator compartment 6 side reaches the vegetable compartment 13 after passing through the deodorizing device 11. It has become.
[0030]
A heat insulating partition plate 12 is fixed in the inner box 3 below the partition plate 5. The heat insulating partition plate 12 is made of foamed polystyrene housed in a synthetic resin case, and a vegetable compartment (storage chamber) 13 is formed between the heat insulating partition plate 12 and the partition plate 5. The vegetable compartment 13 communicates with the refrigerator compartment 6 through the deodorizing device 11 disposed in the cold air passage 101 (functions as a part of the refrigerator compartment 6). The door 14 is mounted so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.
[0031]
A lower case 15 is accommodated in the vegetable compartment 13. The lower case 15 has a container shape with an upper surface opened, and an upper case 16 is mounted on the lower case 15. The upper case 16 closes a portion of the upper surface of the lower case 15 excluding the front end portion, and has a container shape with an open upper surface. A lid 17 is attached to the upper surface of the upper case 16 so that it can be opened and closed.
[0032]
A freezer compartment 19 is formed below the heat insulating partition plate 12. The freezer compartment 19 is thermally isolated from the upper vegetable compartment 13 and the refrigerator compartment 6, and an upper door 20 and a lower door 21 are slidably attached to the front end of the freezer compartment 19 in the front-rear direction. In the freezer compartment 19, freezing cases 22 and 23 are stored in two upper and lower stages.
[0033]
A machine room 24 is formed at the lower end of the refrigerator body 1, and a compressor 25 for a refrigeration cycle is disposed in the machine room 24. The compressor 25 is of a reciprocating type using a compressor motor 26 as a drive source. The compressor motor 26 is electrically connected to a control device (control means, voltage changing means) 28 via a drive circuit 27 as shown in FIG. Connected. The control device 28 is configured mainly with a microcomputer, and is disposed in the refrigerator main body 1.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge port of the compressor 25 is connected to the input port of the flow path valve 30 via the condenser 29 of the refrigeration cycle. The flow path valve 30 is configured to selectively open an RF output port and an F output port based on forward and reverse rotation of a valve motor 31 (see FIG. 4). The valve motor 31 is connected via a drive circuit 27. Are electrically connected to the control device 28.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5, the RF output port of the flow path valve 30 is connected to the inlet of the R evaporator 33 via the RF capillary tube 32, and the F evaporator 34 is connected to the outlet of the R evaporator (heat exchanger) 33. The entrance is connected. The outlet of the F evaporator 34 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 25, and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 25 is supplied to both the R evaporator 33 and the F evaporator 34 when the RF output port is opened.
[0036]
The inlet of the F capillary tube 35 is connected to the F output port of the flow path valve 30. The outlet of the F capillary tube 35 is connected between the outlet of the R evaporator 33 and the inlet of the F evaporator 34, and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 25 is supplied only to the F evaporator 34 when the F output port is opened. .
[0037]
Referring to FIG. 2 again, an R cold air generation chamber 36 is formed at the rear of the vegetable compartment 13, and the R evaporator 33 is housed in the R cold air generation chamber 36. The R cold air generation chamber 36 has a cylindrical cold air discharge port 37 and a cold air suction port 38, and the cold air discharge port 37 is inserted into the upper case 16.
[0038]
A substantially L-shaped duct cover 39 is fixed in the refrigerator compartment 6. The duct cover 39 is made of synthetic resin. The duct cover 39 has a plurality of cold air discharge holes 40 that open into the refrigerator compartment 6. This duct cover 39 forms an L-shaped passage-shaped cold air duct 41 in cooperation with the rear plate of the inner box 3, and the upper end portion of the cold air duct 41 opens into the refrigerating chamber 6. The lower end portion communicates with the R cold air generation chamber 36.
[0039]
An R fan motor 42 is accommodated in the R cool air generation chamber 36, and the R fan motor 42 is electrically connected to the control device 28 via the drive circuit 27. An R fan (blower fan) 43 is connected to the rotation shaft of the R fan motor 42, and cold air circulates through the following path when the R fan 43 rotates. Reference numeral 44 denotes an R fan device including an R fan motor 42 and an R fan 43. The R fan device 44 constitutes an R cooling device 45 together with the R evaporator 33.
[0040]
<Cooling path of cold air in the refrigerator compartment 6 and the vegetable compartment 13>
A part of the air is discharged from the R cold air generation chamber 36 into the upper case 16 through the cold air discharge port 37 and discharged to the front of the upper case 16 through the cold air outlet hole 46 formed in the front end portion of the lid 17. Then, it flows downward along the front surface of the lower case 15, flows backward along the lower surface of the lower case 15, and returns to the R cold air generation chamber 36 through the cold air inlet 38. At this time, the R evaporator 33 cools the air based on cooling the air and cools the vegetable compartment 13.
[0041]
The remainder of the air is discharged from the R cold air generation chamber 36 into the refrigerator compartment 6 through the plurality of cold air discharge holes 40 and the upper end portion of the cold air duct 41 and flows into the cold air passage 9 below the chilled case 8. Then, it flows into the vegetable compartment 13 through the deodorizing device 11 and the cold air passage 101, and flows to the front of the upper case 16 through the cold air outlet hole 46. Thereafter, the air flows downward along the front surface of the lower case 15, flows backward along the lower surface of the lower case 15, and returns to the R cold air generation chamber 36 through the cold air inlet 38. At this time, the R evaporator 33 cools the air based on cooling the air, and cools the inside of the refrigerator compartment 6 and the vegetable compartment 13. That is, the deodorizing device 11 is arranged on the return path side of the circulating cold air.
[0042]
An F cold air generation chamber 47 is formed at the rear of the freezer compartment 19, and a cold air discharge port 48 and a cold air suction port 49 are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the F cold air generation chamber 47. An F evaporator 34 and an F fan motor 50 are housed in the F cool air generation chamber 47, and the F fan motor 50 is electrically connected to the control device 28 via the drive circuit 27.
[0043]
An F fan 51 is connected to a rotation shaft of the F fan motor 50, and cold air circulates through the following path when the F fan 51 rotates. Reference numeral 52 denotes an F fan device including the F fan motor 50 and the F fan 51. The F fan device 52 constitutes an F cooling device 53 together with the F evaporator 34.
[0044]
<About the circulation path of the cold air in the freezer compartment 19>
Air is discharged from the F cold air generation chamber 47 into the freezer chamber 19 through the cold air discharge port 48 and returned to the F cold air generation chamber 47 through the cold air suction port 49. At this time, the F evaporator 34 cools the air. Ruko And the inside of the freezer compartment 19 is cooled.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 4, an R temperature sensor 54 and an F temperature sensor 55 are disposed in the refrigerator compartment 6 and the freezer compartment 19. The R temperature sensor 54 and the F temperature sensor 55 are composed of a thermistor that outputs a temperature signal Vr having a voltage level corresponding to the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 6 and a temperature signal Vf having a voltage level corresponding to the temperature in the freezer compartment 19. Yes, and electrically connected to the control device 28.
[0046]
The control device 28 is electrically connected to an R-evaporation temperature sensor 56 and an F-evaporation temperature sensor 57. The R evaporator temperature sensor 56 and the F evaporator temperature sensor 57 are composed of a thermistor attached to the R evaporator 33 and the F evaporator 34 via a fixture (not shown), and correspond to the surface temperature of the R evaporator 33. A voltage level temperature signal Vfe corresponding to the voltage level temperature signal Vre and the surface temperature of the F evaporator 34 is output.
[0047]
The R door switch 102 and the V door switch 103 are switches for detecting the opening / closing of the R door 7 and the V door 14, respectively, and the opening / closing detection signals are also output to the control device 28.
[0048]
An operation control program is recorded in the internal ROM of the control device 28, and the control device 28 is based on the temperature signal Vfe from the R temperature sensor 54 to the temperature signal Vfe from the F-evaporation temperature sensor 57, and the comp motor 26 and the valve motor 31. The R fan motor 42 and the F fan motor 50 are driven and controlled to perform a cooling operation. Further, the control device 28 drives and controls the high voltage application unit (voltage changing means) 70 so as to apply a pulsed high voltage of about −several kV to the electrode of the deodorizing device 11.
[0049]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing a configuration of a main part of the deodorizing apparatus 11. A prefilter 72, a space discharge mechanism (discharge means) 73, a photocatalyst module 74, and an ozone decomposition catalyst (ozone decomposition means) 75 are arranged inside the rectangular cylindrical air passage 71. Then, by rotating the R fan 43 in the R cool air generation chamber 36, the cool air in the cabinet flows in from the inlet 71a on the left end side in FIG. After the deodorizing action is performed, the deodorized cold air flows out to the cold air passage 101 from the outlet 71b on the right end side in FIG.
[0050]
The pre-filter 72 is disposed on the most upstream side in the ventilation path 71 and filters dust contained in the cold air.
The space discharge mechanism 73 disposed in the subsequent stage of the prefilter 72 includes a plurality of discharge electrodes 76 formed in a wire shape with tungsten or the like, and two counter electrodes (electrodes) 77 formed in a flat plate shape. It consists of The plurality of discharge electrodes 76 are arranged in parallel to each other in one row in the vertical direction in FIG. 1 so as to cross the flow direction of the cold air. The two counter electrodes 77 are arranged so as to sandwich the discharge electrodes 76 from the front and rear in the cold air flow direction. Further, the counter electrode 77 is provided with a slit 77a for circulating cool air. Then, a negative high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 76 and the counter electrode 77 to perform discharge, thereby generating ultraviolet rays (wavelength of 380 nm or less) and ozone.
[0051]
A photocatalytic module 74 is disposed between the discharge electrode 76 and the counter electrode 77. The photocatalyst module 74 is fixed to the substrate surface by applying a photocatalyst material such as titanium oxide to the surface of a substrate made of porous ceramic (for example, alumina, silica, etc.) and drying or sintering the photocatalyst material. It is structured as a thing.
[0052]
And the space discharge mechanism 73 is comprised with the photocatalyst module 74 so that attachment or detachment is possible in the arrow direction in FIG. That is, although not specifically illustrated, a door that can be opened and closed corresponding to a portion where the space discharge mechanism 73 is located is attached to the tube wall of the air passage 71, and the air passage is opened by opening the door. The space discharge mechanism 73 and the photocatalyst module 74 disposed inside 71 can be taken out in the direction of the arrow.
[0053]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the control device 28 determines that the cooling operation is to be performed based on the temperature setting information regarding the refrigerator compartment 6 or the temperature information of the R temperature sensor 54, the control device 28 opens the RF output port of the flow path valve 30 and opens the R While supplying the refrigerant | coolant discharged from the compressor 25 to the evaporator 33, the R fan apparatus 45 is driven and cold air is circulated in the refrigerator compartment 6 and the vegetable compartment 13. FIG. Then, the control device 28 starts the operation of the deodorizing device 11. Then, high voltage discharge is performed between the discharge electrode 76 and the counter electrode 77, and ultraviolet rays and ozone are generated.
[0054]
At this time, the cool air inside the cabinet containing the odor component is inflowed by the rotation of the R fan 43. 7 Inflow from 1a side, pre-filter 7 2, and then reaches the space discharge mechanism 73 through the slit 77 a of the counter electrode 77. In the space discharge mechanism 73, the photocatalyst module 74 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays generated by high-voltage discharge, and titanium oxide receives the light energy of the ultraviolet rays and is activated to form a photocatalytic action, which is contained in the circulating cold air. Oxidative decomposition of odorous components such as ammonia.
[0055]
Further, the circulating cold air is mixed with ozone generated by high voltage discharge when passing through the space discharge mechanism 73 and reaches the ozone decomposition catalyst 75 in the subsequent stage. In the ozone decomposition catalyst 75, when the ozone mixed with the odor component in the cold air is decomposed, active oxygen is generated, and the odor component and the like are oxidatively decomposed by the oxidizing power of the active oxygen. The cold air deodorized as described above flows out into the cabinet through the outlet 71b of the blower passage 71.
[0056]
Here, FIG. 6 shows an example of a result of an experiment conducted by the inventors of the present invention. When ammonia in the refrigerator was decomposed and removed using various types of deodorizing apparatuses, the ammonia remaining rate (%) in the refrigerator over time was measured. What is plotted with the symbol “Δ” is a case of a conventional deodorizing apparatus configured using a thermal decomposition type catalyst, and what is plotted with the symbols “◇” and “◯” is the deodorizing apparatus 11 of this embodiment. In each case, the space discharge mechanism 7 This corresponds to the case where the discharge is performed in 3 (ON) and the case where the discharge is not performed (OFF).
[0057]
As is apparent from FIG. 6, the deodorizing apparatus 11 of this embodiment is a space discharge mechanism. 7 Even when 3 is OFF, the residual rate of ammonia is greatly reduced as compared with the conventional deodorizing device. 7 When 3 is turned on, even better characteristics are shown.
[0058]
As described above, according to this embodiment, it is arranged in the cold air passage 101 of the refrigerator. Prolapse The space discharge mechanism 73, the photocatalyst module 74, and the ozone decomposition catalyst 75 are disposed in the air flow path 71 of the odor device 11, and the photocatalyst action is performed on the photocatalyst module 74 by the ultraviolet rays generated by the high voltage discharge of the space discharge mechanism 73. In addition, the odorous components and harmful components contained in the cool air in the cabinet are oxidatively decomposed by the ozone decomposition action of the ozone generated by the high voltage discharge and the ozone decomposition catalyst 75.
[0059]
That is, since ozone and ultraviolet rays generated by high-voltage discharge can be used to decompose and remove odor components and the like, there is no need to replace an adsorbent for deodorization or replenish chemical components. Further, by combining the photocatalytic action and the ozonolysis action, it is possible to decompose odor components over a wider range. Since ultraviolet rays can be generated without using a fluorescent tube lamp, there is no need to consider special handling at the time of disposal.
[0060]
Moreover, by decomposing ozone by the ozone decomposition catalyst 75, the ozone concentration in the atmosphere in the refrigerator compartment 6 or the vegetable compartment 13 increases excessively, and the ozone odor is generated when the user opens the R door 7 or the V door 14. (For example, when the concentration is 0.02 to 0.03 ppm), or corrosion of each member in the storage can be prevented.
[0061]
In addition, since the space discharge mechanism 73 is configured to be detachable with respect to the air blowing path 71, the space discharge mechanism 73 is taken out from the deodorizing apparatus main body when contaminants adhere to the discharge electrode 76, the counter electrode 77, or the photocatalyst module 74. Thus, contaminants adhering to these can be removed, for example, by washing with water.
[0062]
Furthermore, since the space discharge mechanism 73 is composed of the wire-like discharge electrode 76 and the outer plate-shaped counter electrode 77, a larger amount of deodorizing treatment space can be taken compared to the creeping discharge method in which discharge is performed through an insulator. it can. And since the negative high voltage was applied between the electrodes 76 and 77, the generation amount of ozone can be increased more and deodorizing efficiency improves.
[0063]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the control device 28 synchronizes the voltage application to the space discharge mechanism 73 with the operation of the R fan 43, and the voltage applied to the space discharge mechanism 73 depends on the amount of air blown by the R fan 43. To change. Therefore, the deodorization can be efficiently performed by operating the deodorizing device 11 in conjunction with the case where the cool air in the cabinet flows in the air passage 71. And the fall of the deodorizing efficiency accompanying the fall of a flow volume can be compensated by raising an applied voltage with the rotation speed of R fan 43 being low and the flow volume of cold air decreasing.
[0064]
Further, since the photocatalyst module 74 is disposed between the electrodes 76 and 77 of the space discharge mechanism 73, the omnidirectional ultraviolet light generated in the space discharge mechanism 73 can be efficiently irradiated to the photocatalyst module 74. The photocatalytic reaction can be further enhanced. And since the photocatalyst module 74 is arrange | positioned in both the upstream and downstream of the space discharge mechanism 73 in the ventilation path 71, the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet-ray generated in the space discharge mechanism 73 can be improved further.
[0065]
In addition, since the photocatalyst module 74 is configured by fixing titanium oxide on the surface of a porous ceramic substrate, even if the photocatalyst module 74 is disposed in the air passage 71, the flow of cold air is prevented as much as possible. There is no. In addition, since the area for fixing titanium oxide to the substrate can be increased, the photocatalytic reaction can be performed with high efficiency even when the amount of titanium oxide, which is an expensive material, is reduced as much as possible, and decomposition of harmful substances is achieved. Removal can be performed efficiently.
[0066]
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Only different parts will be described below. FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. In the second embodiment, the deodorizing apparatus 11 replaces the cold air passage 101 of the first embodiment so that the inlet 71a is on the R fan 43 side above the R fan 43 inside the R cold air generation chamber 36. Are arranged. An ozone decomposition catalyst 78 is disposed in the cold air suction port 38 of the R cold air generation chamber 36. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0067]
According to the second embodiment thus configured, the ozone decomposition catalyst 7 8 Thus, by decomposing ozone also in the cold air inlet 38, it is possible to reliably prevent the R evaporator 33 and other pipes disposed in the R cold air generating chamber 36 from being corroded by the oxidizing power of ozone. In this case, in order to prevent corrosion, the ozone concentration may be 0.05 ppm or less.
[0068]
8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the deodorizing device 11 </ b> A is configured independently of the refrigerator main body 1 and is detachable from the main body 1. And as shown in FIG. 8, 11 A of deodorizing apparatuses are arrange | positioned in the cool air path 79 formed between the lower case 15 and the heat insulation partition plate 12 in the vegetable compartment 13, and the outflow port of 11 A of deodorizing apparatuses 71 b communicates with the cold air inlet 38 of the R cold air generating chamber 36.
[0069]
Further, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the attachment / detachment state of the deodorizing apparatus 11A with the lower case 15 removed. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, a power plug 80 for supplying AC 100V extends from the rear end side of the right side of the deodorizing apparatus 11A, and as shown in FIG. When attaching the device 11A, a socket provided on the side of the cold air inlet 38 with the power plug 80 9 1 to be electrically connected.
[0070]
According to the third embodiment configured as described above, the deodorizing device 11A is configured to be detachable from the refrigerator main body 1, so that the discharge electrode 76, the counter electrode 77, or the photocatalyst is the same as in the first embodiment. When the contaminants adhere to the module 74, the space discharge mechanism 73 can be taken out from the deodorizing apparatus main body, and the contaminants attached to these can be removed by washing with water, for example. And since it has a relatively large volume and contains a lot of odorous substances in the interior atmosphere, such as commercial and in-vehicle refrigerators, it is suitable when frequent maintenance is required.
[0071]
10 and 11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described below. In the deodorizing apparatus 11B of the fourth embodiment, a space discharge mechanism (discharge means) 81 is arranged instead of the space discharge mechanism 73. A plurality of (the number of discharge electrodes 76 +1) counter electrodes (electrodes) 82 constituting the space discharge mechanism 81 are formed in a strip shape. In the same arrangement as the discharge electrodes 76, the discharge electrodes 76 are alternately arranged and It arrange | positions so that a plane may become parallel with respect to the distribution direction of cold air. The photocatalyst module 74 is arranged on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the space discharge mechanism 81.
[0072]
Further, the space discharge mechanism 81 is configured to be detachable from the air blowing path 71 in the same manner as the space discharge mechanism 73 of the first embodiment, and is a photocatalyst module arranged independently of the space discharge mechanism 73. Similarly, 74 is detachable.
[0073]
The operation relating to the deodorization of the fourth embodiment configured as described above is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but is arranged so that the plane of the counter electrode 82 is parallel to the flow direction of the cold air. Therefore, it has a structure that does not hinder the flow of cold air in the blower passage 71 as much as possible.
[0074]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing only the space discharge mechanism 81 and the subsequent photocatalyst module 74 portion. In the fourth embodiment, when the photocatalyst module 74 is attached to and detached from the blower path 71, the surface (A surface) on which the photocatalyst module 74 faces the space discharge mechanism 81 side and the B surface that hits the back side can be interchanged. ing.
[0075]
That is, on the A surface facing the space discharge mechanism 81, the photocatalytic reaction is active, so that contaminants are likely to adhere. Therefore, if the A surface and the B surface are replaced before removing the photocatalyst module 74 and performing cleaning or the like at a stage where the adherence of contaminants has progressed to some extent, temporarily use the B surface to which the contaminants hardly adhere. The photocatalytic reaction can be progressed well.
[0076]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the photocatalyst module 74 can be mounted on the deodorizing apparatus 11B main body by switching the A surface facing the space discharge mechanism 81 and the B surface located on the opposite side. Since it comprised, even if adhesion of a contaminant progresses to some extent and photocatalytic reaction falls, if A surface and B surface are replaced, photocatalytic reaction can be activated provisionally. Therefore, the photocatalyst module 74 can be utilized more effectively.
[0077]
FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described below. The deodorizing apparatus 11C of the fifth embodiment is configured by incorporating a blower fan 83 in the main body of the deodorizing apparatus 11C. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0078]
According to the fifth embodiment configured in this manner, the fan 83 of the deodorizing device 11C can be operated independently of the R fan 43 of the refrigerator body 1. Therefore, for example, even when the R fan 43 is stopped during the energy saving operation or the defrosting operation of the refrigerator, the deodorizing device 11C can perform the deodorizing operation by operating the fan 83 of the deodorizing device 11C. . In addition, it can also be applied to a direct cooling refrigerator that does not circulate cold air.
[0079]
FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the first or fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Only different parts will be described below. The deodorizing device 84 of the sixth embodiment is configured to be battery-driven, and can operate completely independently from the refrigerator main body 1.
[0080]
That is, as shown in FIG. 13, a machine room 86 is formed on the lower side of the air passage 85, and in the machine room 86, a high voltage application unit 87 including a step-up transformer 87a, a battery 88, and air Motor (DC motor) for driving the fan 83 for rotation 89 Is built-in. In addition, the outflow port 85b of the ventilation path 85 is formed so that it may face the upper direction in FIG. 13, and the ventilation path 85 is substantially L-shaped.
[0081]
The high-voltage applying unit 87 once converts the DC power supplied from the battery 88 into AC by an AC converter (not shown), boosts the voltage by the boost transformer 87a, and performs DC conversion (not shown) arranged on the secondary side of the boost transformer 87a. This is converted again into direct current by the unit, and finally a negative pulsed high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 76 and the counter electrode 77 as in the first embodiment.
[0082]
According to the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the deodorizing device 84 can be operated by the battery 88 by using the step-up transformer 87a and is completely independent from the refrigerator. Location, for example, food with a relatively strong odor Save The deodorizing action can be efficiently performed by arranging in the vicinity of the warehouse. Moreover, even if the refrigerator does not have a deodorizing function, the deodorizing action can be performed by disposing the deodorizing device 84 therein.
[0083]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and the following modifications or expansions are possible.
Also in the first embodiment, it is possible to use the photocatalyst module 74 with the A surface and the B surface interchanged as in the fourth embodiment.
The photocatalyst module 74 may be disposed only on either the upstream side or the downstream side of the space discharge mechanisms 73 and 81.
The polarity of the voltage applied to the discharge electrode 76 may be positive. Further, the applied voltage is not limited to a pulse voltage, but may be a steady AC voltage, DC voltage, or the like.
Furthermore, the applied voltage may be set constant regardless of the air volume of the air flow path 71.
Further, the control device 28 may stop the operation of the deodorizing device 11 when the R door 7 or the V door 14 is opened. If comprised in this way, when a user opens the door 7 or 14 and tries to take out the foodstuff etc. in a store | warehouse | chamber, high voltage discharge can be stopped.
versus The pole 77 may be formed in a mesh shape.
The applied voltage of the space discharge mechanism 73 may be changed not only according to the amount of blown air but also simply according to the strength setting of the deodorizing ability.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is as having demonstrated above, there exist the following effects.
According to the refrigerator according to claim 1, when the cold air circulates in the refrigerator, the discharge means of the deodorizing device disposed in the circulation path Between a plurality of wire-shaped discharge electrodes and a counter electrode having a flat outer shape UV light is generated by high-voltage discharge, so the photocatalyst module Between the two electrodes Upon receiving the ultraviolet light, it is activated to cause a photocatalytic reaction to act, and the odor component contained in the circulating cold air is oxidatively decomposed. That is, since ultraviolet rays can be generated without using a fluorescent tube lamp, it is not necessary to consider special handling at the time of disposal.
[0085]
In addition, since ozone is generated simultaneously by high voltage discharge, the odor component is oxidized and decomposed by the action of the oxidizing power of the ozone, so in addition to the decomposition action by the photocatalyst module, more kinds of odorous substances are decomposed and removed. can do. In addition, the ozone generated by diffusing the generated ozone into the chamber by circulating cold air can also have an antibacterial effect on the food in the warehouse, etc., so it also has an effect on maintaining the freshness of the food .
[0086]
And Since the ozone decomposition means for decomposing ozone generated in the discharge means is disposed at least downstream of the discharge means and the photocatalyst module, ozone generated by the high voltage discharge is decomposed, and the ozone concentration in the chamber is reduced. It is possible to prevent the user from feeling an ozone odor when the door is opened by excessively rising. Moreover, since active oxygen is more easily generated by decomposing ozone, a stronger oxidizing power is obtained, and the deodorization efficiency is further improved.
[0087]
More Since the ozone decomposing means is arranged in the cold air inlet of the heat exchanger, it can prevent the ozone from being decomposed before the circulating cold air is taken into the heat exchanger and adversely affecting the internal components. .
[0092]
Claim 2 According to the described refrigerator, since the control means causes the discharge means to perform discharge together with the cold air circulation in the warehouse, the deodorizing action can be efficiently performed.
[0096]
Claim Item 3 According to the described refrigerator, since the control means stops the discharge in the discharge means when the door is opened and closed, it is possible to prevent high voltage discharge when the user opens the door.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing a configuration of a main part of a deodorizing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[Figure 2] A vertical side view of a refrigerator
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a cold air passage portion of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration.
Fig. 5 Configuration diagram of refrigeration cycle
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of experimental results conducted by the inventors of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a vertical side surface of the R cold air generation chamber portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a third embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged view showing a vertical side surface of a vegetable room portion.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views showing the attachment / detachment state of the deodorizing apparatus with the lower case of the vegetable room removed, wherein FIG. 9A shows a state before the deodorizing apparatus is installed, and FIG. Figure
FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing only the space discharge mechanism and the photocatalyst module part.
FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11, 11A, 11B, 11C are deodorizing devices, 28 is a control device (control means, voltage changing means), 33 is an R evaporator (heat exchanger), 38 is a cold air inlet, 43 is an R fan, and 70 is a high voltage application Part (voltage changing means), 71 is a ventilation path, 73 is a space discharge mechanism (discharge means), 74 is a photocatalyst module, 75 is an ozone decomposition catalyst (ozone decomposition means), 76 is a discharge electrode, 77 is a counter electrode (electrode), 81 is a space discharge mechanism (discharge means), 83 is a fan, 84 is a deodorizing device, 85 is a blowing path, 86a is a step-up transformer, 88 is a battery, and 101 is a cold air path (circulation path).

Claims (3)

In the refrigerator configured by arranging a deodorizing device for deodorizing the inside of the refrigerator in the cold air circulation path,
The deodorizing device has a plurality of wire-like discharge electrodes arranged so as to cross the air flow direction, and a counter electrode having a flat outer shape, and by high-voltage discharge directly performed between these two electrodes . Discharging means for generating ozone and ultraviolet rays, and a photocatalyst module disposed between the two electrodes and decomposing odor components and harmful substances contained in the air by photocatalytic action ,
A refrigerator characterized in that an ozone decomposing means for decomposing ozone generated in the discharging means is disposed at least on the downstream side of the discharging means and the photocatalyst module and in the cold air inlet portion of the heat exchanger . 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the discharge means to discharge in conjunction with the cold air circulation in the refrigerator. Upon opening the door, the refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a control means for controlling to stop the discharge by the discharge means.

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