JP2014173744A

JP2014173744A - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: JP2014173744A
Application number: JP2013043681A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Akiyoshi Fukumoto; 明美福本
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2013-03-06
Filing date: 2013-03-06
Publication date: 2014-09-22

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator that can effectively remove fine particles from the refrigerator because fine particle removal means is operated depending on the frequency of use of the refrigerator.SOLUTION: The refrigerator comprises: storage chambers such as a refrigerating chamber 2, a freezing chamber 3, and a vegetable chamber 4; illuminance detection means; door opening/closing count means; fine particle removal means 12, and control means 14. Fine particles can be effectively removed from the refrigerator because fine particle removal means 12 is operated when doors are closed during a period of time during which users do not use the refrigerator.

Description

本発明は、庫内を衛生的に保ち食品鮮度を長期間保持する冷蔵庫に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a refrigerator that keeps the interior hygienic and maintains food freshness for a long period of time.

従来、この種の装置には、冷蔵庫の扉が開いたことを検出した時にマイナスイオン発生器をオンする制御を行い、雑菌が外気と共に入り込みやすい期間だけマイナスイオン発生器を作動させて雑菌を死滅させることで電気代を抑え、またマイナスイオン発生器の実質寿命を延ばす冷蔵庫がある（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 Conventionally, this type of device is controlled to turn on the negative ion generator when it is detected that the refrigerator door is opened, and the negative ion generator is operated only during a period when it is easy for bacteria to enter with the outside air. There is a refrigerator that suppresses electricity bills and extends the actual life of the negative ion generator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

また、光検知手段を庫外に配設し、庫外の明るさが所定照度以下であると検知した時のみオゾン発生器によりオゾン化された冷却空気を庫内ファンにより冷蔵室内で循環させ、有効内容を確保しつつ脱臭、殺菌を行い、開扉時のオゾン臭の庫外への漏れを最小限に抑える冷蔵庫がある（例えば、特許文献２参照）。 In addition, the light detection means is arranged outside the warehouse, and only when it is detected that the brightness outside the warehouse is below a predetermined illuminance, the cooling air ozonized by the ozone generator is circulated in the refrigerator compartment by the internal fan, There is a refrigerator that performs deodorization and sterilization while ensuring effective contents, and minimizes leakage of ozone odor to the outside when the door is opened (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

特開２００４−３３３１０１号公報JP 2004-333101 A 特開昭６３−２６７８７４号公報JP-A 63-267874

しかしながら、前記特許文献１の構成は、冷蔵室と、マイナスイオン発生器と、冷蔵室扉、冷蔵室扉スイッチ、制御装置を備え、扉スイッチの入力から扉が開状態になったことを検知するとマイナスイオン発生器を一定時間（例えば、１０分間）オンさせる。一方、扉スイッチの入力から扉が閉状態になったことを検知すると閉状態の時間を計測し、閉状態が所定時間以上になるとマイナスイオン発生器を１０分間作動させ続ける。扉が開いたときにマイナスイオン発生器を作動させることで外気と共に庫内に侵入する雑菌、カビ等を除去し、扉が閉まってから一定時間マイナスイオン発生器を作動させるので、雑菌、カビ等が庫内に残っていてもマイナスイオンにより除去でき、かつ連続運転に比べ電気代を抑え、マイナスイオン発生器の実質寿命を延ばすものである。しかし、扉が開いたときにマイナスイオン発生器を作動させたとしても外気に含まれる雑菌やカビを除去することは困難であり、また扉が閉まってから所定時間（例えば、１０分間）作動させたとしても、庫内の雑菌やカビを除去するには作動時間が短すぎるという課題がある。また、冷蔵庫の特性に即してタイマー時間の長短変更が可能との記載があるが、使用者が冷蔵庫の特性を把握し、その特性に即したタイマー時間を推定することは困難である。 However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerating room, a negative ion generator, a refrigerating room door, a refrigerating room door switch, and a control device, and detects that the door is opened from the input of the door switch. The negative ion generator is turned on for a certain time (for example, 10 minutes). On the other hand, when it is detected from the input of the door switch that the door is in the closed state, the time of the closed state is measured, and when the closed state becomes a predetermined time or longer, the negative ion generator is continuously operated for 10 minutes. By operating the negative ion generator when the door is opened, it removes germs and molds that enter the cabinet together with the outside air, and operates the negative ion generator for a certain period of time after the door is closed. Can be removed by negative ions even if they remain in the cabinet, and the electricity cost is reduced compared to continuous operation, thus extending the actual life of the negative ion generator. However, even if the negative ion generator is operated when the door is opened, it is difficult to remove germs and mold contained in the outside air, and it is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) after the door is closed. Even so, there is a problem that the operation time is too short to remove germs and mold in the cabinet. Although there is a description that the timer time can be changed according to the characteristics of the refrigerator, it is difficult for the user to grasp the characteristics of the refrigerator and to estimate the timer time according to the characteristics.

また、前記特許文献２の構成は、冷蔵室と、冷蔵室へ通じる通風路と、通風路に支持枠で内箱に固定して配設された平板状のオゾン発生器と、光検知手段と、タイマーを備え、光検知手段が庫外の明るさが所定照度以下であると検知すると夜間あるいは外出時と判断し、閉扉状態が続く夜間のみオゾン発生器を所定時間間欠運転させることで、庫内の有効内容積を減ずることなく、脱臭、殺菌ができるものである。しかし照度を用いる判断方法では、室内が暗かったり、悪天候の際には照度が所定値に未達となり、昼間でも夜間であると判断を誤る問題がある。 In addition, the configuration of Patent Document 2 includes a refrigerating room, a ventilation path leading to the refrigerating room, a flat ozone generator disposed in the ventilation path fixed to the inner box with a support frame, and a light detection means. , A timer is provided, and when the light detection means detects that the brightness outside the storage is below a predetermined illuminance, it is determined at night or when going out, and the ozone generator is operated intermittently for a predetermined time only during the night when the door is closed. It can be deodorized and sterilized without reducing the effective internal volume. However, in the determination method using illuminance, there is a problem that the illuminance does not reach a predetermined value when the room is dark or bad weather, and it is erroneously determined that it is nighttime even in the daytime.

本発明は、前記従来の課題を解決するもので、冷蔵庫を使用していない時間帯に閉扉状態で微細粒子除去手段を動作させることにより、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去できる冷蔵庫を提供することを目的とする。 This invention solves the said conventional subject, and provides the refrigerator which can remove the fine particle in a refrigerator efficiently by operating a fine particle removal means in a closed state in the time slot | zone when the refrigerator is not used. For the purpose.

前記従来の課題を解決するために、本発明の冷蔵庫は、冷凍室および冷蔵室を備えた冷蔵庫において、前記冷凍室および前記冷蔵室中の微細粒子を除去するための微細粒子除去手段と、前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を制御する制御手段を備え、前記制御手段は使用者が前記冷蔵庫を所定時間使用していないと判断した場合は前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動するものである。 In order to solve the conventional problem, the refrigerator of the present invention is a refrigerator including a freezing room and a refrigeration room, and a fine particle removing unit for removing fine particles in the freezing room and the refrigeration room, Control means for controlling the operation of the fine particle removing means is provided, and the control means drives the fine particle removing means when it is determined that the user has not used the refrigerator for a predetermined time.

これによって、微細粒子除去手段の駆動中に冷蔵室の開閉動作が行われないので、外気の混入がなく、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができる。 As a result, since the open / close operation of the refrigerator compartment is not performed while the fine particle removing means is being driven, the fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently removed without the entry of outside air.

本発明の冷蔵庫は、冷蔵庫を使用していない時間帯に閉扉状態で微細粒子除去手段を動作させることにより、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができるので、冷蔵庫内を常に清潔に保つことができる。 Since the refrigerator of the present invention can efficiently remove the fine particles in the refrigerator by operating the fine particle removing means in a closed state during the time when the refrigerator is not used, the refrigerator is always kept clean. be able to.

本発明の第１の実施の形態における冷蔵庫の外観図External view of the refrigerator in the first embodiment of the present invention 図１の冷蔵庫の断面図Sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 図１の冷蔵庫の主要部品のブロック図Block diagram of the main components of the refrigerator in FIG. 図１の冷蔵庫の動作概要を示す図The figure which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the refrigerator of FIG. 図１の冷蔵庫の制御フローチャートControl flow chart of the refrigerator of FIG. 本発明の第２の実施の形態における冷蔵庫の動作概要を示す図The figure which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the refrigerator in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

第１の発明は、冷凍室および冷蔵室を備えた冷蔵庫において、前記冷凍室および前記冷蔵室中の微細粒子を除去するための微細粒子除去手段と、前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を制御する制御手段を備え、前記制御手段は使用者が前記冷蔵庫を所定時間使用していないと判断した場合は前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動することにより、微細粒子除去手段の駆動中に冷蔵室の開閉動作が行われないので、外気の混入がなく、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができる。 1st invention WHEREIN: In the refrigerator provided with the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment, the fine particle removal means for removing the fine particles in the said freezer compartment and the said refrigerator compartment, and control which controls operation | movement of the said fine particle removal means The control means drives the fine particle removal means when the user judges that the refrigerator has not been used for a predetermined time, so that the open / close operation of the refrigerator compartment can be performed while the fine particle removal means is being driven. Since it is not performed, there is no mixing of outside air, and fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently removed.

第２の発明は、第１の発明において、前記冷蔵庫の周囲の照度を検知する照度検知手段と、前記冷蔵庫の扉部の開閉回数を計数する扉開閉計数手段とを備え、前記制御手段は前記照度検知手段と前記扉開閉計数手段の検知信号に基づいて前記冷蔵庫の使用状態を推定し、前記制御手段は使用者が前記冷蔵庫を所定時間使用していないと判断した場合は前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動することにより、微細粒子除去手段の駆動中に冷蔵室の開閉動作が行われないので、外気の混入がなく、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができる。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator and the door opening / closing counting means for counting the number of times the door portion of the refrigerator is opened and closed, the control means includes the The use state of the refrigerator is estimated based on the detection signals of the illuminance detection means and the door opening / closing counting means, and the control means determines that the fine particle removal means when the control unit determines that the user has not used the refrigerator for a predetermined time. Since the open / close operation of the refrigerator compartment is not performed during the driving of the fine particle removing means, there is no mixing of outside air, and the fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently removed.

第３の発明は、第２の発明において、前記制御手段は、前記照度検知手段の検知信号が所定値よりも大きい場合は、使用者の前記冷蔵庫の使用頻度が高いと推定して前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を停止し、前記照度検知手段の検知信号が所定値よりも小さい場合は、使用者の前記冷蔵庫の使用頻度が低いと推定して前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動することにより、冷蔵庫の扉の開閉回数が少ない時間帯に微細粒子除去手段を駆動させるので、外気の混入が少なく、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができる。 According to a third invention, in the second invention, the control means estimates that the frequency of use of the refrigerator by the user is high when the detection signal of the illuminance detection means is greater than a predetermined value. When the operation of the removing means is stopped and the detection signal of the illuminance detecting means is smaller than a predetermined value, the frequency of use of the refrigerator is estimated to be low by the user and the fine particle removing means is driven to Since the fine particle removing means is driven in a time zone in which the number of times of opening and closing the door is small, there is little mixing of outside air, and the fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently removed.

第４の発明は、第２の発明において、前記制御手段は、前記照度検知手段の検知信号が所定値よりも小さい場合において、前記扉開閉計数手段の検知信号が所定値よりも大きい場合は、使用者が前記冷蔵庫を使用していると推定して前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を停
止し、前記扉開閉計数手段の検知信号が所定値よりも小さい場合は、使用者が前記冷蔵庫を使用していないと推定して前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動することにより、冷蔵庫を使用していない時間帯に閉扉状態で微細粒子除去手段を動作させるので、外気の混入がなく、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができる。 In a fourth aspect based on the second aspect, when the detection signal of the door opening / closing counting means is greater than a predetermined value when the detection signal of the illuminance detection means is smaller than a predetermined value, the control means When it is estimated that the user is using the refrigerator, the operation of the fine particle removing means is stopped, and when the detection signal of the door opening / closing counting means is smaller than a predetermined value, the user uses the refrigerator. By driving the fine particle removing means on the assumption that the refrigerator is not in use, the fine particle removing means is operated in a closed state during a time period when the refrigerator is not used. Particles can be removed.

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、この実施の形態によって本発明が限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

（実施の形態１）
図１は本発明の第１の実施の形態における冷蔵庫の外観図、図２は図１の冷蔵庫の概略構成を示すものであり、図３は図１の冷蔵庫の主要部品のブロック図、図４は図１の冷蔵庫の動作概要を示す図、図５は図１の冷蔵庫の制御フローチャートを示す図である。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an external view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the refrigerator of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of main components of the refrigerator of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation outline of the refrigerator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control flowchart of the refrigerator of FIG.

図１〜３において、冷蔵庫１には、冷蔵室２、冷凍室３、野菜室４、温度切換室５、製氷室６などの貯蔵室が配設され、それぞれ冷蔵室扉２ａ、冷凍室扉３ａ、野菜室扉４ａを有している。冷蔵室２、冷凍室３、野菜室４は、冷蔵庫１の適所に設けられた圧縮機、蒸発器、凝縮器が順次接続される冷凍サイクルおよび冷気循環用ファンモータ（それぞれ図示していない）によって、冷却されるようになっている。 1-3, the refrigerator 1 is provided with storage rooms such as a refrigerating room 2, a freezing room 3, a vegetable room 4, a temperature switching room 5, an ice making room 6 and the like, and the refrigerating room door 2a and the freezing room door 3a, respectively. And has a vegetable compartment door 4a. The refrigerator compartment 2, the freezer compartment 3, and the vegetable compartment 4 are provided by a refrigerating cycle and a cold air circulation fan motor (not shown), which are sequentially connected to a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser provided at appropriate positions of the refrigerator 1. It is supposed to be cooled.

冷蔵室扉２ａには、表示部７、操作部８が配設される。使用者は、操作部８から各室の温度切換え、運転モード、制御モードなどを設定できる。操作部８内部には冷蔵庫１周囲の照度を検知するための照度検知手段９と、冷蔵室扉２ａの開閉回数を計測する扉開閉計数手段１０と、運転モードや制御モードの状態を報知する報知手段１１が配設される。照度検知手段９は、フォトダイオードやフォトトランジスタをベース素子とした光センサなどから成り、扉開閉計数手段１０は、ドアセンサ、カウンタ、記憶手段（それぞれ図示していない）等から構成される。報知手段１１には、ＬＥＤ照明などが採用される。 A display unit 7 and an operation unit 8 are disposed in the refrigerator compartment door 2a. The user can set the temperature switching of each room, the operation mode, the control mode, and the like from the operation unit 8. An illuminance detection means 9 for detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator 1, a door opening / closing counting means 10 for measuring the number of times the refrigerator compartment door 2 a is opened and closed, and a notification for informing the state of the operation mode and the control mode. Means 11 are provided. The illuminance detection means 9 includes an optical sensor using a photodiode or a phototransistor as a base element, and the door open / close counting means 10 includes a door sensor, a counter, a storage means (not shown), and the like. For the notification means 11, LED illumination or the like is employed.

微細粒子除去手段１２は、冷蔵室２（あるいは冷凍室３付近）内の通風経路１３中に配設され、冷蔵庫１内を循環する冷気が通過する際に冷気中の微細粒子を除去する。微細粒子除去手段１２は、例えば光源（紫外線ＬＥＤ、可視光ＬＥＤなど）、マイナスイオン発生器、光源と触媒を組み合わせたデバイスや、通電フィルタ、電磁波利用デバイスなどを採用することができる。本実施の形態において、微細粒子は細菌・真菌・ウィルスなどの微生物、塵埃、臭気成分等を含んだ物質の総称とする。 The fine particle removing means 12 is disposed in the ventilation path 13 in the refrigerator compartment 2 (or in the vicinity of the freezer compartment 3), and removes fine particles in the cold air when the cold air circulating in the refrigerator 1 passes through. As the fine particle removing means 12, for example, a light source (ultraviolet LED, visible light LED, etc.), a negative ion generator, a device combining a light source and a catalyst, an energizing filter, an electromagnetic wave utilizing device, or the like can be adopted. In the present embodiment, fine particles are a general term for substances containing microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, dust, and odor components.

制御手段１４は、操作部８、照度検知手段９、扉開閉計数手段１０の信号の受信と、報知手段１１、微細粒子除去手段１２および冷凍サイクル、冷気循環用ファンモータの動作を制御する。 The control means 14 receives signals from the operation unit 8, the illuminance detection means 9, and the door opening / closing counting means 10, and controls the operation of the notification means 11, the fine particle removal means 12, the refrigeration cycle, and the cold air circulation fan motor.

上記構成からなる冷蔵庫について、以下その動作、作用を説明する。 About the refrigerator which consists of the said structure, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

使用者は操作部８より各室の温度を設定し、表示部７に表示あるいは報知手段１１によって報知される運転モードや制御モード（例えば、省エネモードなど）を確認後、食品を保存する。操作部８に内蔵された照度検知手段９は、冷蔵庫１周囲の照度を検知すると制御手段１４に検知信号を送信する。本実施の形態では、照度検知手段９は使用者や家具などの影で照度検知に誤認が生じることを防ぐために操作部８上方に配置した。 The user sets the temperature of each room from the operation unit 8 and stores the food after confirming the operation mode and control mode (for example, energy saving mode) displayed on the display unit 7 or notified by the notification unit 11. The illuminance detection means 9 incorporated in the operation unit 8 transmits a detection signal to the control means 14 when detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator 1. In the present embodiment, the illuminance detection means 9 is disposed above the operation unit 8 in order to prevent false detection in the illuminance detection due to the shadow of a user or furniture.

使用者が冷蔵室扉２ａ、冷凍室扉３ａ、野菜室扉４ａを開閉すると、ドアスイッチは各室の扉の開閉を検知し、カウンタが各室の扉の開閉回数を計数する。扉開閉計数手段１０は、各室の扉の開閉回数信号を制御手段１４に送信する。 When the user opens and closes the refrigerator compartment door 2a, the freezer compartment door 3a, and the vegetable compartment door 4a, the door switch detects the opening and closing of the door of each chamber, and the counter counts the number of times the door of each chamber is opened and closed. The door open / close counting means 10 transmits the door open / close count signal of each room to the control means 14.

微細粒子除去手段１２は、冷蔵庫１内の空気に含まれる微細粒子を除去し清潔な状態に保つことにより、食品の保存期間を延ばすものである。微細粒子除去手段１２の主な除去方法の一例としては、細菌、真菌、ウィルスは紫外線ＬＥＤ、可視光ＬＥＤと光触媒の併用、パルス殺菌による除去方法、塵埃は通電フィルタを代表とする電荷を利用した除去方法、臭気成分は可視光ＬＥＤと光触媒の併用による分解脱臭方法などが想定できる。なお、エアフィルタ（ＨＥＰＡフィルタなど）は通電を利用しない徐塵方法であるため、本実施の形態では使用していない。 The fine particle removing means 12 extends the storage period of food by removing fine particles contained in the air in the refrigerator 1 and keeping it clean. As an example of the main removal method of the fine particle removing means 12, bacteria, fungi, and virus use ultraviolet LED, a combination of visible light LED and photocatalyst, removal method by pulse sterilization, and dust uses electric charge represented by a current filter. As the removal method and odor component, a decomposition deodorization method using a visible light LED and a photocatalyst in combination can be assumed. Note that an air filter (such as a HEPA filter) is a slow dust method that does not use energization, and thus is not used in this embodiment.

報知手段１１は、微細粒子除去手段１２が運転状態のときにＬＥＤ照明が点灯し、運転中であることを使用者に明示し認識させる。報知手段１１で運転状態を明示することにより、微細粒子除去手段１２の運転中は使用者が冷蔵庫１の各室の扉の開閉回数を抑える効果が期待できるため、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができる。 The informing means 11 turns on the LED illumination when the fine particle removing means 12 is in an operating state, and clearly indicates to the user that it is in operation. By clearly indicating the operation state with the notification means 11, the user can expect the effect of suppressing the number of times of opening and closing the door of each room of the refrigerator 1 during the operation of the fine particle removal means 12, so that the fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently collected. Can be removed.

微細粒子除去手段１２は、筒状の外郭１２ａに収納された状態で通風経路１３内に配設される。冷蔵庫１の空気は通風経路１３を経由し、筒状の外郭１２ａ内部を通過する際に微細粒子除去手段１２により微細粒子を除去され、清浄空気として吹出され冷蔵庫１内を循環する。 The fine particle removing means 12 is disposed in the ventilation path 13 in a state of being accommodated in a cylindrical outer shell 12a. When the air in the refrigerator 1 passes through the ventilation path 13 and passes through the inside of the cylindrical outer shell 12a, the fine particles are removed by the fine particle removing means 12, blown out as clean air, and circulates in the refrigerator 1.

微細粒子除去手段１２に紫外線ＬＥＤや、可視光ＬＥＤと光触媒を組み合わせた手段を利用する場合は、通風経路１３の風速は微細粒子の除去性能に対する重要因子となる。例えば、風速が大きい場合は微細粒子が微細粒子除去手段１２と接触する時間が短くなるため、除去性能が低くなる可能性がある。この場合の対応策としては、冷蔵庫１内の空気を通風経路１３に通過させる回数を増やすことなどが考えられる。一方、風速が小さい場合は通風経路１３を通過する１回当たりの空気の量が少ないため、冷蔵庫１容積相当の空気を通風経路１３に通過させるためには、風速が大きい場合よりも微細粒子除去手段１２の駆動時間を長くする必要がある。 When using a UV LED or a means combining a visible LED and a photocatalyst as the fine particle removing means 12, the wind speed of the ventilation path 13 becomes an important factor for the removal performance of the fine particles. For example, when the wind speed is high, the time during which the fine particles come into contact with the fine particle removing means 12 is shortened, so that the removal performance may be lowered. As a countermeasure in this case, it is conceivable to increase the number of times the air in the refrigerator 1 is passed through the ventilation path 13. On the other hand, when the wind speed is low, the amount of air per time passing through the ventilation path 13 is small. Therefore, in order to allow air equivalent to 1 volume of the refrigerator to pass through the ventilation path 13, fine particle removal is performed compared to when the wind speed is high. It is necessary to lengthen the drive time of the means 12.

冷蔵庫１と同体積の空気が通風経路１３を通過するための所要時間は、通風経路１３の断面積と風速との相関で求められる。冷蔵庫１を頻繁に使用する条件下では、微細粒子除去手段１２を駆動して冷蔵室２、冷凍室３、野菜室４の微細粒子を除去しても、冷蔵室扉２ａ、冷凍室扉３ａ、野菜室扉４ａを開けることで微細粒子を含んだ外気が冷蔵庫１内に流入するため、微細粒子の除去効果は結果的に低くなる。これらの現象を鑑み、冷蔵庫１の使用がない、つまり扉開閉が少なく外気が流入しない時間帯に微細粒子除去手段１２を駆動させて冷蔵庫１内の微細粒子の除去効果を高めるものである。 The time required for the air having the same volume as that of the refrigerator 1 to pass through the ventilation path 13 is obtained by the correlation between the cross-sectional area of the ventilation path 13 and the wind speed. Under conditions where the refrigerator 1 is frequently used, even if the fine particle removing means 12 is driven to remove fine particles in the refrigerator compartment 2, the freezer compartment 3, and the vegetable compartment 4, the refrigerator compartment door 2a, the freezer compartment door 3a, Since the outside air containing fine particles flows into the refrigerator 1 by opening the vegetable compartment door 4a, the effect of removing the fine particles is reduced as a result. In view of these phenomena, the effect of removing fine particles in the refrigerator 1 is enhanced by driving the fine particle removing means 12 in a time zone in which the refrigerator 1 is not used, that is, the door is not opened and closed and outside air does not flow.

ここで、図４を用いて冷蔵庫の各手段の動作概要を説明する。まず、照度検知手段９の動作について説明する。夜間（目安時刻：２０時〜６時）は照度が小さい（例えば、０〜５ｌｘ）ため照度検知手段９は反応しない。朝、周囲が明るくなり照度が大きくなると、照度検知手段９は照度が所定値α（例えば、３０ｌｘ）に達したことを検知する（目安時刻：６時〜８時３０分）。時間が経過し、さらに明るくなると照度は所定値α以上の数値（例えば、３０〜８００ｌｘ）を検知する（目安時刻：８時３０分〜１６時）。日が傾くに従い照度検知手段９の検知する照度も低下する（目安時刻：１６時〜２０時）。 Here, the operation | movement outline | summary of each means of a refrigerator is demonstrated using FIG. First, the operation of the illuminance detection means 9 will be described. At night (standard time: 20:00 to 6:00), the illuminance detection means 9 does not react because the illuminance is small (for example, 0 to 5 lx). In the morning, when the surroundings become brighter and the illuminance increases, the illuminance detection means 9 detects that the illuminance has reached a predetermined value α (for example, 30 lx) (reference time: 6:00 to 8:30). As time elapses and the brightness further increases, the illuminance detects a numerical value (for example, 30 to 800 lx) equal to or greater than a predetermined value α (reference time: 8:30 to 16:00). As the sun goes down, the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means 9 also decreases (reference time: 16:00 to 20:00).

次に、扉開閉計数手段１０の動作について説明する。夜間は使用者が就寝中のため冷蔵庫の扉開閉は行われない。朝、昼、夕の時間帯は、使用者が冷蔵庫を頻繁に使用するため扉開閉計数手段１０の検知する扉の開閉数が所定値βへ達する。扉開閉計数手段１０は、所定時間（例えば、５分間）に冷蔵室扉２ａ、冷凍室扉３ａ、野菜室扉４ａが開閉された累積回数を計数する。このとき、所定値β（例えば、１０回）以上であれば冷蔵庫１を頻繁に使用していると推測し、所定値β未満であれば冷蔵庫１は使用されていないと推測する。 Next, the operation of the door opening / closing counting means 10 will be described. Because the user is sleeping at night, the refrigerator door is not opened or closed. In the morning, noon, and evening time zones, the number of door opening / closing detected by the door opening / closing counting means 10 reaches a predetermined value β because the user frequently uses the refrigerator. The door opening / closing counting means 10 counts the cumulative number of times that the refrigerator compartment door 2a, the freezer compartment door 3a, and the vegetable compartment door 4a are opened and closed during a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). At this time, if it is more than a predetermined value β (for example, 10 times), it is estimated that the refrigerator 1 is frequently used, and if it is less than the predetermined value β, it is estimated that the refrigerator 1 is not used.

次に、前述の照度検知手段９と扉開閉計数手段１０の検知信号に基づいて、制御手段１４が微細粒子除去手段１２の動作を制御する方法を図５を用いて説明する。 Next, a method in which the control unit 14 controls the operation of the fine particle removing unit 12 based on the detection signals of the illuminance detection unit 9 and the door opening / closing counting unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

なお、微細粒子除去手段１２の動作について図４に図示している。 The operation of the fine particle removing means 12 is shown in FIG.

使用者は冷蔵庫扉２ａを開き食品を冷蔵室２に投入し、冷蔵室扉２ａを閉め保存する（Ｓ１０１）。制御手段１４は微細粒子除去手段１２の駆動開始の有無を判断するため（Ｓ１０２）、操作部８に配設された照度検知手段９で冷蔵庫１の周囲の照度を測定し所定値αと比較する（Ｓ１０３）。照度が所定値α以上の場合は、朝〜昼間あるいは照明が点灯した夜間で、必然的に冷蔵庫１の使用頻度も多く冷蔵室扉２ａ、冷凍室扉３ａ、野菜室扉４ａの開扉回数も多いと判断し、微細粒子除去手段１２の動作を停止するステップＳ１０４に進む。ステップＳ１０４を実行した後、ステップＳ１０５に進み、時間経過をカウントして所定時間が経過すると、再び微細粒子除去手段１２の駆動判断（Ｓ１０２）に戻る。 The user opens the refrigerator door 2a, puts food into the refrigerator compartment 2, and closes and stores the refrigerator compartment door 2a (S101). In order to determine whether or not the fine particle removing unit 12 has started driving (S102), the control unit 14 measures the illuminance around the refrigerator 1 with the illuminance detection unit 9 disposed in the operation unit 8 and compares it with a predetermined value α. (S103). When the illuminance is greater than or equal to the predetermined value α, the refrigerator 1 is inevitably used frequently from morning to daytime or at night when the lighting is lit, and the number of times the refrigerator compartment door 2a, freezer compartment door 3a, and vegetable compartment door 4a are opened. It judges that there are many and advances to step S104 which stops operation | movement of the fine particle removal means 12. FIG. After executing step S104, the process proceeds to step S105. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the passage of time, the process returns to the drive determination (S102) of the fine particle removing means 12 again.

ステップＳ１０３において照度が所定値α未満の場合は、照明の消灯した夜間であると判断し、制御手段１４は次のステップへ移行する。ステップＳ１０３において照度が所定値α未満で、ステップＳ１０６において扉開閉計数手段１０の扉開閉回数信号が所定値β以上であると演算した場合は、照度が所定値α未満の夜間においても使用者が冷蔵庫１を頻繁に使用している（使用頻度が高い）と判断し、微細粒子除去手段１２の動作を停止する（Ｓ１０４）。一方、ステップＳ１０３において照度が所定値α未満で、ステップＳ１０６において扉開閉計数手段１０の扉開閉回数信号が所定値β未満と演算した場合は、使用者は冷蔵庫１を使用していないと判断し、ステップＳ１０７に進む。制御手段１４は、ステップＳ１０７において扉開閉計数手段１０のドアセンサ等により扉開閉の信号を受信してから所定時間（図４のＴ１）経過後に、微細粒子除去手段１２を駆動する。微細粒子除去手段１２を駆動後、ステップＳ１０８に進み所定時間が経過すると、再び微細粒子除去手段１２の駆動判断（Ｓ１０２）に戻る。以降は、前述のステップＳ１０２〜ステップＳ１０８の各ステップを繰り返す。 When the illuminance is less than the predetermined value α in step S103, it is determined that the night is when the illumination is turned off, and the control unit 14 proceeds to the next step. If it is calculated in step S103 that the illuminance is less than the predetermined value α and the door opening / closing count signal of the door opening / closing counting means 10 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value β in step S106, the user It is determined that the refrigerator 1 is frequently used (the frequency of use is high), and the operation of the fine particle removing unit 12 is stopped (S104). On the other hand, if the illuminance is less than the predetermined value α in step S103 and the door opening / closing count signal of the door opening / closing counting means 10 is calculated to be less than the predetermined value β in step S106, it is determined that the user is not using the refrigerator 1. The process proceeds to step S107. The control means 14 drives the fine particle removal means 12 after a predetermined time (T1 in FIG. 4) has elapsed since the door opening / closing signal was received by the door sensor of the door opening / closing counting means 10 in step S107. After the fine particle removing unit 12 is driven, the process proceeds to step S108, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to the drive determination of the fine particle removing unit 12 (S102). Thereafter, the above steps S102 to S108 are repeated.

以上のように、本実施の形態の冷蔵庫は使用していない時間帯に閉扉状態で微細粒子除去手段を動作させることにより、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができるので、常に清潔な冷蔵庫を提供することができる。 As described above, the fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently removed by operating the fine particle removing means in a closed state during the time period when the refrigerator is not in use, so that the refrigerator is always clean. A refrigerator can be provided.

（実施の形態２）
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について図６を用いて説明する。図６は、本発明の第２の実施の形態における冷蔵庫の動作概要を示す図である。なお、実施の形態１と同一または相当構成の部分に関しては同一符号を付け説明は省略する。 (Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of operation of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected regarding the part of the same structure as Embodiment 1, or an equivalent structure, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

朝の時間帯における、照度が所定値αおよび所定値α以上の際の扉開閉計数手段１０と微細粒子除去手段１２の動作について説明する。照度が所定値α（例えば、３０ｌｘ）を示す早朝の間は、照度が所定値α以上ではないので制御手段１４は冷蔵庫１が使用されていない時間帯として微細粒子除去手段１２の駆動を継続する。その後、通常は照度が所定値α以上に到達すると制御手段１４は微細粒子除去手段１２の動作を停止する。一方、使用者が早朝から活動する場合では、照度が所定値αあるいは所定値α未満の時間帯でも冷蔵庫１の扉を開閉することがある。このとき、照度が所定値αの場合でも扉開閉計数手段１０の扉開閉回数信号が所定値βに到達すると、制御手段１４は冷蔵庫１を頻繁に使用していると推測し、所定時間（図６のＴ２）経過後に微細粒子除去手段１２を停止する。その後は本発明の第１の実施の形態と同様の動作を行うものとする。 The operation of the door opening / closing counting means 10 and the fine particle removing means 12 when the illuminance is higher than the predetermined value α and the predetermined value α in the morning time zone will be described. During the early morning when the illuminance shows a predetermined value α (for example, 30 lx), since the illuminance is not equal to or higher than the predetermined value α, the control unit 14 continues to drive the fine particle removing unit 12 during a period when the refrigerator 1 is not used. . Thereafter, when the illuminance normally reaches a predetermined value α or more, the control unit 14 stops the operation of the fine particle removing unit 12. On the other hand, when the user is active from early morning, the door of the refrigerator 1 may be opened and closed even when the illuminance is the predetermined value α or less than the predetermined value α. At this time, even when the illuminance is the predetermined value α, when the door open / close count signal of the door open / close counting means 10 reaches the predetermined value β, the control means 14 estimates that the refrigerator 1 is frequently used and the predetermined time (FIG. 6, after T2), the fine particle removing means 12 is stopped. Thereafter, the same operation as that of the first embodiment of the present invention is performed.

第２の実施の形態の付帯動作として、操作部８に赤外線センサー等から構成された人感センサー（図示していない）を搭載した場合、使用者が冷蔵庫１の付近にいたり、冷蔵庫１の前を通過すると人感センサーは冷蔵庫１付近に使用者が居ると検知する。人感センサーの検知信号により、制御手段１４は使用者が冷蔵庫１付近にいる、つまり冷蔵庫１が頻繁に使用されていると推測し微細粒子除去手段１２を停止させる。一方、人感センサーが使用者を検知しない場合は、制御手段１４は使用者が冷蔵庫１付近にいない、つまり冷蔵庫１は使用していないと推測し微細粒子除去手段１２の動作を開始する制御を行なうことも可能である。 As an incidental operation of the second embodiment, when a human sensor (not shown) composed of an infrared sensor or the like is mounted on the operation unit 8, the user is in the vicinity of the refrigerator 1 or in front of the refrigerator 1. When passing, the human sensor detects that there is a user near the refrigerator 1. Based on the detection signal of the human sensor, the control means 14 estimates that the user is in the vicinity of the refrigerator 1, that is, the refrigerator 1 is frequently used, and stops the fine particle removing means 12. On the other hand, when the human sensor does not detect the user, the control unit 14 performs control to start the operation of the fine particle removing unit 12 assuming that the user is not in the vicinity of the refrigerator 1, that is, the refrigerator 1 is not used. It is also possible to do this.

なお、操作部８に微細粒子除去手段１２の操作ボタンを配設し、操作ボタンを介して冷蔵庫の使用中でも使用者が所望する際に微細粒子除去手段１２を駆動させることも可能である。このとき、操作ボタン等の配設位置は操作部８に限定するものではない。 It is also possible to dispose an operation button of the fine particle removing means 12 in the operation unit 8 and drive the fine particle removing means 12 via the operation button when the user desires even during use of the refrigerator. At this time, the arrangement positions of the operation buttons and the like are not limited to the operation unit 8.

また、本実施の形態では報知手段１１はＬＥＤランプを使用し点灯することで使用者への報知を行ったが、報知方法は文字表示（液晶、透過光表示など）や音声などを用いても構わない。 In the present embodiment, the notification means 11 uses a LED lamp to turn on and notifies the user. However, the notification method may be performed using character display (liquid crystal display, transmitted light display, etc.) or voice. I do not care.

これらのように、本実施の形態において冷蔵庫を使用していない時間帯に閉扉状態で微細粒子除去手段を動作させることにより、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができるので、常に清潔な冷蔵庫を提供することができる。 As described above, the fine particles in the refrigerator can be efficiently removed by operating the fine particle removing means in the closed state during the time when the refrigerator is not used in the present embodiment. A refrigerator can be provided.

以上のように、本発明にかかる冷蔵庫は、冷蔵庫を使用していない時間帯に閉扉状態で微細粒子除去手段を動作させることにより、効率よく冷蔵庫内の微細粒子を除去することができるので、冷蔵庫を常に清潔に保つことが可能となり、各種保存庫の用途に適用できる。 As described above, the refrigerator according to the present invention can efficiently remove the fine particles in the refrigerator by operating the fine particle removing means in a closed state during the time period when the refrigerator is not used. Can be kept clean and can be used for various storage purposes.

１冷蔵庫
２冷蔵室
３冷凍室
４野菜室
８操作部
９照度検知手段
１０扉開閉計数手段
１２微細粒子除去手段
１４制御手段 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigerated room 3 Freezer room 4 Vegetable room 8 Operation part 9 Illuminance detection means 10 Door open / close counting means 12 Fine particle removal means 14 Control means

Claims

冷凍室および冷蔵室を備えた冷蔵庫において、前記冷凍室および前記冷蔵室中の微細粒子を除去するための微細粒子除去手段と、前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を制御する制御手段を備え、前記制御手段は使用者が前記冷蔵庫を所定時間使用していないと判断した場合は前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動する冷蔵庫。 In the refrigerator having a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, the refrigerator includes a fine particle removing means for removing fine particles in the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment, and a control means for controlling the operation of the fine particle removing means, the control The means is a refrigerator that drives the fine particle removing means when the user judges that the refrigerator has not been used for a predetermined time.

前記冷蔵庫の周囲の照度を検知する照度検知手段と、前記冷蔵庫の扉部の開閉回数を計数する扉開閉計数手段とを備え、前記制御手段は前記照度検知手段と前記扉開閉計数手段の検知信号に基づいて前記冷蔵庫の使用状態を推定し、前記制御手段は使用者が前記冷蔵庫を所定時間使用していないと判断した場合は前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動する請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。 Illuminance detecting means for detecting the illuminance around the refrigerator and door opening / closing counting means for counting the number of times the door of the refrigerator is opened and closed, and the control means is a detection signal of the illuminance detecting means and the door opening / closing counting means. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the usage state of the refrigerator is estimated based on the control, and the control unit drives the fine particle removing unit when the user determines that the refrigerator has not been used for a predetermined time.

前記制御手段は、前記照度検知手段の検知信号が所定値よりも大きい場合は、使用者の前記冷蔵庫の使用頻度が高いと推定して前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を停止し、前記照度検知手段の検知信号が所定値よりも小さい場合は、使用者の前記冷蔵庫の使用頻度が低いと推定して前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動することを特徴とした請求項２に記載の冷蔵庫。 When the detection signal of the illuminance detection means is greater than a predetermined value, the control means estimates that the user is frequently using the refrigerator and stops the operation of the fine particle removal means, and the illuminance detection means 3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein when the detection signal is smaller than a predetermined value, the fine particle removing unit is driven on the assumption that the frequency of use of the refrigerator by the user is low.

前記制御手段は、前記照度検知手段の検知信号が所定値よりも小さい場合において、前記扉開閉計数手段の検知信号が所定値よりも大きい場合は、使用者が前記冷蔵庫を使用していると推定して前記微細粒子除去手段の動作を停止し、前記扉開閉計数手段の検知信号が所定値よりも小さい場合は、使用者が前記冷蔵庫を使用していないと推定して前記微細粒子除去手段を駆動することを特徴とした請求項２に記載の冷蔵庫。 The control means presumes that the user is using the refrigerator when the detection signal of the illuminance detection means is smaller than a predetermined value and the detection signal of the door opening / closing counting means is larger than a predetermined value. Then, when the operation of the fine particle removing means is stopped and the detection signal of the door opening / closing counting means is smaller than a predetermined value, the fine particle removing means is estimated by assuming that the user is not using the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the refrigerator is driven.