JP7441817B2 - Refrigerator and ultraviolet irradiation device - Google Patents

Refrigerator and ultraviolet irradiation device Download PDF

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JP7441817B2
JP7441817B2 JP2021186207A JP2021186207A JP7441817B2 JP 7441817 B2 JP7441817 B2 JP 7441817B2 JP 2021186207 A JP2021186207 A JP 2021186207A JP 2021186207 A JP2021186207 A JP 2021186207A JP 7441817 B2 JP7441817 B2 JP 7441817B2
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irradiation device
container
ultraviolet irradiation
ice
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宏格 笹木
具典 内山
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Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
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  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
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Description

本発明の実施形態は冷蔵庫及び紫外線照射装置に関する。 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

従来から、紫外線には除菌作用があることが知られている。このことを利用した冷蔵庫として、冷却器の除霜により生じる除霜水に紫外線を照射して除菌し、除菌後の水をミストにして野菜室内に放出する冷蔵庫が知られている（例えば特許文献１参照）。 It has long been known that ultraviolet light has a sterilizing effect. As a refrigerator that takes advantage of this, there is a refrigerator that sterilizes the defrosted water generated by defrosting the cooler by irradiating it with ultraviolet rays, and then releases the sterilized water into a mist into the vegetable compartment (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

また、紫外線は次亜塩素酸や次亜塩素酸イオン等の遊離塩素を分解することも知られている（例えば特許文献２参照）。 It is also known that ultraviolet rays decompose free chlorine such as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

特開２０１２－２４１９２１号公報JP2012-241921A 特開平４－３６３１９０号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-363190

ところで、紫外線を当てたいものが紫外線照射装置から離れた位置にある場合等は、紫外線を当てたいものに紫外線を十分に当てられないおそれがあった。 However, if the object to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays is located far from the ultraviolet irradiation device, there is a possibility that the object to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays cannot be sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

そこで本発明は、紫外線を当てたいものに紫外線が当たりやすくなるような冷蔵庫を提供することを課題とする。 Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator that allows ultraviolet rays to more easily hit objects that need to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

実施形態の冷蔵庫は、貯蔵室と、前記貯蔵室内の一画に仕切られた収納室と、前記収納室内へ紫外線を照射する紫外線照射装置とを備え、上へ開口した収納容器が前記収納室内に設けられ、前記収納容器より後方に前記紫外線照射装置が設けられ、前記収納容器を構成する壁の一部に、他より高さの低い部分である低部が存在し、前記紫外線照射装置の紫外線を前記低部の上側から前記収納容器内へ照射し、紫外線が透過しやすい壁と透過しにくい壁とを庫内に有し、前記収納容器は紫外線が透過しにくい壁からなり、前記貯蔵室内に前記収納容器とは別の容器が前記収納容器よりも下に設けられ、前記収納容器が前記別の容器より前記紫外線照射装置の近くに設けられ、前記紫外線照射装置から前記別の容器内の方向に照射された紫外線が前記収納容器に遮られることを特徴とする。実施形態の冷凍サイクル装置は、圧縮機と、前記圧縮機の吐出側に接続された第１逆止弁と、前記第１逆止弁の下流側に接続された凝縮器と、前記凝縮器の下流側に接続された切替弁と、前記切替弁の下流側に接続された減圧装置と、前記減圧装置の下流側と前記圧縮機の吸い込み側とに接続された蒸発器とを備え、前記切替弁が、前記圧縮機と前記第１逆止弁との間に分岐配管で接続され、前記圧縮機の稼働中は前記凝縮器から前記減圧装置への流路を開き、前記圧縮機の停止中は前記分岐配管から前記減圧装置への流路を開く。 The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a storage chamber, a storage chamber partitioned into one section of the storage chamber, and an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light into the storage chamber, and a storage container opened upward is provided in the storage chamber. and the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided behind the storage container, and a part of the wall forming the storage container has a low portion that is lower in height than the other portion, and the ultraviolet rays of the ultraviolet irradiation device are provided. is irradiated into the storage container from the upper side of the low part, and the storage container has a wall through which ultraviolet rays easily pass and a wall through which ultraviolet rays do not easily pass through. A container different from the storage container is provided below the storage container , the storage container is provided closer to the ultraviolet irradiation device than the other container, and the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided with a container other than the storage container. It is characterized in that the ultraviolet rays irradiated in the direction are blocked by the storage container. The refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment includes a compressor, a first check valve connected to the discharge side of the compressor, a condenser connected to the downstream side of the first check valve, and a condenser connected to the discharge side of the condenser. A switching valve connected to the downstream side, a pressure reducing device connected to the downstream side of the switching valve, and an evaporator connected to the downstream side of the pressure reducing device and the suction side of the compressor, A valve is connected by a branch pipe between the compressor and the first check valve, and opens a flow path from the condenser to the pressure reducing device when the compressor is in operation, and opens a flow path from the condenser to the pressure reducing device when the compressor is stopped. opens a flow path from the branch pipe to the pressure reducing device.

実施形態の冷蔵庫１０の断面図。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment. 実施形態の冷蔵庫１０の野菜室３１付近の部分断面図。A partial sectional view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment 31 of the refrigerator 10 according to the embodiment. 紫外線照射装置６０の断面図。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet irradiation device 60. 実施形態の冷蔵庫１０のブロック図。FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment. 自動製氷制御のフローチャート。Flowchart of automatic ice making control. チルド室２３内に紫外線照射装置６０が設けられた冷蔵庫１０の野菜室３１付近の部分断面図。FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment 31 of the refrigerator 10 in which an ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is provided in the chilled compartment 23. 収納室３４内に紫外線照射装置６０と霧化装置８０とが設けられた冷蔵庫１０の野菜室３１付近の部分断面図。FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment 31 of the refrigerator 10 in which an ultraviolet irradiation device 60 and an atomization device 80 are provided in the storage compartment 34. 変更例の紫外線照射装置１６０の断面図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of an ultraviolet irradiation device 160.

本実施形態について図面に基づき説明する。 This embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

本実施形態に係る冷蔵庫１０は、図１に示すように、冷蔵庫１０の外郭を形成する外箱と内側に貯蔵空間を形成する内箱とが組み合わさった冷蔵庫本体１２を備える。外箱と内箱との間には発泡断熱材等が充填されている。内箱の内側の貯蔵空間は、上側の冷蔵空間２０と下側の冷凍空間４０とに区画されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 10 according to the present embodiment includes a refrigerator main body 12 in which an outer box forming the outer shell of the refrigerator 10 and an inner box forming a storage space inside are combined. A foam insulation material or the like is filled between the outer box and the inner box. The storage space inside the inner box is divided into an upper refrigerated space 20 and a lower frozen space 40.

冷蔵空間２０は、冷蔵温度（例えば、２～３℃）に冷却される空間である。冷蔵空間２０の内部は、貯蔵室としての上側の冷蔵室２１と、同じく貯蔵室としての下側の野菜室３１とに区画されている。 The refrigerated space 20 is a space that is cooled to a refrigerated temperature (for example, 2 to 3° C.). The inside of the refrigerated space 20 is divided into an upper refrigerated compartment 21 serving as a storage room, and a lower vegetable compartment 31 also serving as a storage compartment.

冷蔵室２１内の上部には複数の載置棚２２が設けられている。冷蔵室２１内の下部の右側の場所には、チルド室２３が設けられている。チルド室２３内は、冷蔵室２１内の中でも特に低温に保持される場所で、肉や魚等が収納される場所である。チルド室２３内にはチルド容器２４が引き出し自在に収納されている。図２に示すように、冷蔵室２１内の下部の左側の場所（チルド室２３の左側の場所）には、製氷用水を貯水する貯水タンク２５が設けられている。冷蔵室２１の開口部は、その片側の上下に設けられたヒンジにより回動自在に設けられた冷蔵室扉２６により閉塞されている。 A plurality of storage shelves 22 are provided in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment 21 . A chilled compartment 23 is provided at the lower right side of the refrigerator compartment 21 . The inside of the chilled room 23 is a place kept at a particularly low temperature within the refrigerator room 21, and is a place where meat, fish, etc. are stored. A chilled container 24 is housed in the chilled chamber 23 so as to be freely drawn out. As shown in FIG. 2, a water storage tank 25 for storing ice-making water is provided at the lower left side of the refrigerator compartment 21 (the left side of the chilled compartment 23). The opening of the refrigerating compartment 21 is closed by a refrigerating compartment door 26 that is rotatably provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment with hinges provided at the top and bottom.

貯水タンク２５には給水ポンプ７６（図４参照）が設けられている。貯水タンク２５内の製氷用水は、この給水ポンプ７６によって、貯水タンク２５の後方へ伸びる吐出管２７へ吐出される。吐出管２７を通過した製氷用水は、貯水タンク２５の後方に配置されている水受ケース２８に入り、水受ケース２８から、下方の野菜室３１に向かって伸びる給水管２９へ送られる。 The water storage tank 25 is provided with a water supply pump 76 (see FIG. 4). The ice-making water in the water storage tank 25 is discharged by the water supply pump 76 to the discharge pipe 27 extending toward the rear of the water storage tank 25 . The ice-making water that has passed through the discharge pipe 27 enters a water receiving case 28 located behind the water storage tank 25, and is sent from the water receiving case 28 to a water supply pipe 29 extending toward the vegetable compartment 31 below.

野菜室３１の開口部は引き出し式扉３２により閉塞されている。引き出し式扉３２の裏側には野菜容器３３が保持されている。この野菜容器３３は、引き出し式扉３２と一体となって引き出されるように構成されている。野菜室３１の引き出し式扉３２の開閉状態は、扉センサ７３（図４参照）で検出可能であることが望ましい。 The opening of the vegetable compartment 31 is closed by a pull-out door 32. A vegetable container 33 is held on the back side of the pull-out door 32. This vegetable container 33 is configured to be pulled out integrally with the pull-out door 32. It is desirable that the open/closed state of the pull-out door 32 of the vegetable compartment 31 can be detected by a door sensor 73 (see FIG. 4).

野菜室３１内の野菜容器３３の上方には収納室３４が設けられている。収納室３４は、野菜室３１の上壁に固定されたホルダ３５と、ホルダ３５の前方開口部から出し入れ可能な収納容器３６とを備える。収納容器３６は引き出し式のものであり、その前面が収納室３４の前扉を兼ねている。図示されているように、収納室３４内の収納容器３６より後方に後述する紫外線照射装置６０が配置される場合は、例えば収納容器３６の後壁の高さが低く形成されることにより、紫外線照射装置６０から照射される紫外線が収納容器３６内に届くようになっていることが望ましい。収納室３４は、減酸素装置が接続され内部の酸素濃度が低減可能な減酸素室であっても良い。 A storage chamber 34 is provided above the vegetable container 33 in the vegetable compartment 31. The storage chamber 34 includes a holder 35 fixed to the upper wall of the vegetable compartment 31 and a storage container 36 that can be taken in and out from the front opening of the holder 35. The storage container 36 is of a pull-out type, and its front side also serves as the front door of the storage chamber 34. As shown in the figure, when an ultraviolet irradiation device 60 (described later) is arranged behind the storage container 36 in the storage chamber 34, the height of the rear wall of the storage container 36 is formed low, so that the ultraviolet irradiation It is desirable that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the irradiation device 60 reach the inside of the storage container 36. The storage chamber 34 may be an oxygen reduction chamber to which an oxygen reduction device is connected to which the oxygen concentration inside can be reduced.

収納室３４や収納容器３６は、内部で紫外線が発生した場合にこれが外部に漏れないように遮蔽できるものであることが望ましい。例えば、収納室３４や収納容器３６は、紫外線が透過しない材料でできていることが望ましい。また、その材料は、紫外線が当たることにより劣化しないものであることが望ましい。そのような材料として例えば金属が挙げられる。 It is desirable that the storage chamber 34 and the storage container 36 can be shielded to prevent ultraviolet rays from leaking outside when ultraviolet rays are generated inside. For example, it is desirable that the storage chamber 34 and the storage container 36 be made of a material that does not transmit ultraviolet rays. Further, it is desirable that the material does not deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Examples of such materials include metals.

冷凍空間４０は、冷凍温度（例えば、－１８℃以下）に冷却される空間である。冷凍空間４０内の上部には、製氷装置５０を備える製氷室４１と小型冷凍室とが、前方から見て左右に並ぶように併設されている。冷凍空間４０内の下部には冷凍室４２が設けられている。冷凍室４２の開口部は引き出し式扉４３により閉塞されている。引き出し式扉４３の裏側には収納容器４４が保持されている。この収納容器４４は、引き出し式扉４３と一体となって引き出されるように構成されている。収納容器４４の上方にさらに別の収納容器が設けられていても良い。 The frozen space 40 is a space that is cooled to a freezing temperature (for example, −18° C. or lower). In the upper part of the freezing space 40, an ice-making chamber 41 including an ice-making device 50 and a small-sized freezing chamber are arranged side by side when viewed from the front. A freezing chamber 42 is provided in the lower part of the freezing space 40 . The opening of the freezer compartment 42 is closed by a pull-out door 43. A storage container 44 is held on the back side of the pull-out door 43. This storage container 44 is configured to be pulled out integrally with the pull-out door 43. Another storage container may be provided above the storage container 44.

製氷装置５０は、製氷室４１の上壁に固定された駆動装置５１と、駆動装置５１により反転する製氷皿５２と、駆動装置５１から斜め下方に向けて設けられた貯氷量検知レバー５３とを備える。製氷皿５２には温度センサ５６（図４参照）が設けられている。製氷皿５２の上方では、野菜室３１から伸びてきて製氷室４１の上壁を貫通している給水管５４が開口している。また製氷皿５２の下方には貯氷容器５５が配置されている。製氷用水は、給水管５４を通って製氷皿５２に供給され、製氷皿５２で氷になる。氷が完成すると製氷皿５２が反転し、氷は貯氷容器５５内に落ちる。これが繰り返されて氷が貯氷容器５５内に貯められていく。 The ice making device 50 includes a drive device 51 fixed to the upper wall of the ice making chamber 41, an ice tray 52 that is reversed by the drive device 51, and an ice storage amount detection lever 53 provided diagonally downward from the drive device 51. Be prepared. The ice tray 52 is provided with a temperature sensor 56 (see FIG. 4). Above the ice tray 52, a water supply pipe 54 extending from the vegetable compartment 31 and penetrating the upper wall of the ice compartment 41 is open. Further, an ice storage container 55 is arranged below the ice tray 52. Ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making tray 52 through the water supply pipe 54, and becomes ice in the ice-making tray 52. When the ice is completed, the ice tray 52 is turned over and the ice falls into the ice storage container 55. This process is repeated and ice is stored in the ice storage container 55.

製氷室４１の前方開口部は引き出し式扉５７により閉塞されている。貯氷容器５５は、引き出し式扉５７と一体となって引き出されるように構成されている。 The front opening of the ice making compartment 41 is closed by a pull-out door 57. The ice storage container 55 is configured to be pulled out integrally with a pull-out door 57.

野菜室３１内の収納室３４内の後方の場所には、紫外線照射装置６０が配置されている。紫外線照射装置６０は、図３に示すように、液溜め容器６１と、液溜め容器６１内に設けられた１つの紫外線ランプ６２とを備える。 An ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is arranged at the rear of the storage chamber 34 in the vegetable compartment 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 includes a liquid reservoir 61 and one ultraviolet lamp 62 provided within the liquid reservoir 61.

液溜め容器６１は内部に製氷用水が溜まる容器である。液溜め容器６１は、紫外線が透過する材料でできている。また、その材料は、紫外線が透過することにより劣化しないものであることが望ましい。そのような望ましい材料として、例えば、石英ガラスやフッ素樹脂が挙げられる。液溜め容器６１の上部には給水口６３と空気孔６４とが開口している。また液溜め容器６１の底部には排水口６５が開口している。排水口６５の下端部には給水弁６６が設けられている。冷蔵室２１から伸びてきた給水管２９は、収納室３４の上壁を貫通し、収納室３４内にある紫外線照射装置６０の給水口６３に接続されている。また、製氷室４１へ通じる給水管５４は、収納室３４の下壁を貫通しており、収納室３４内にある紫外線照射装置６０の給水弁６６に接続されている。このようにして、給水管２９、５４と、紫外線照射装置６０の液溜め容器６１と、前記の貯水タンク２５の後方の吐出管２７と水受ケース２８とで、貯水タンク２５から製氷装置５０までの給水経路を形成している。空気孔６４は、液溜め容器６１内の製氷用水の量の変化に応じて、空気が出入りする孔である。 The liquid storage container 61 is a container in which ice-making water is stored. The liquid reservoir 61 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays. Further, it is desirable that the material is not deteriorated by the transmission of ultraviolet rays. Examples of such desirable materials include quartz glass and fluororesin. A water supply port 63 and an air hole 64 are opened in the upper part of the liquid storage container 61. Further, a drain port 65 is opened at the bottom of the liquid reservoir 61. A water supply valve 66 is provided at the lower end of the drain port 65. A water supply pipe 29 extending from the refrigerator compartment 21 passes through the upper wall of the storage chamber 34 and is connected to a water supply port 63 of an ultraviolet irradiation device 60 located inside the storage chamber 34 . Further, a water supply pipe 54 leading to the ice making chamber 41 passes through the lower wall of the storage chamber 34 and is connected to a water supply valve 66 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 located inside the storage chamber 34 . In this way, the water supply pipes 29 and 54, the liquid storage container 61 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60, the discharge pipe 27 at the rear of the water storage tank 25, and the water receiving case 28 connect the water storage tank 25 to the ice making device 50. It forms the water supply route for the area. The air hole 64 is a hole through which air enters and exits in response to changes in the amount of ice-making water in the liquid storage container 61.

紫外線ランプ６２は、電源に接続されたスイッチ６７（図４参照）により点灯や消灯がなされるものである。紫外線ランプ６２が配置される場所は限定されないが、本実施形態の場合は、平面視で液溜め容器６１の中心に当たる場所に設けられている。また、本実施形態では、排水口６５は平面視で液溜め容器６１の中心に当たる場所に設けられている。そのため紫外線ランプ６２は排水口６５の上方に位置している。紫外線ランプ６２は保護管６８に覆われている。保護管６８は上記と同様の紫外線が透過する材料でできている。 The ultraviolet lamp 62 is turned on and off by a switch 67 (see FIG. 4) connected to a power source. Although the location where the ultraviolet lamp 62 is placed is not limited, in the case of this embodiment, it is provided at a location that corresponds to the center of the liquid reservoir 61 when viewed from above. Further, in this embodiment, the drain port 65 is provided at a location corresponding to the center of the liquid reservoir 61 in plan view. Therefore, the ultraviolet lamp 62 is located above the drain port 65. The ultraviolet lamp 62 is covered by a protection tube 68. The protection tube 68 is made of the same ultraviolet-transmissive material as described above.

このような紫外線照射装置６０において、給水弁６６が閉鎖されていると、給水管２９から流れてきた製氷用水が給水口６３を通過して液溜め容器６１内に溜まる。液溜め容器６１内に一定量の製氷用水が溜まった状態で紫外線ランプ６２が点灯すると、液溜め容器６１内の製氷用水に紫外線が照射される。すると製氷用水に含まれる次亜塩素酸や次亜塩素酸イオン等の遊離塩素が分解される。液溜め容器６１が紫外線が透過する材料でできているため、紫外線は紫外線照射装置６０の周囲の場所にも照射される。その後紫外線ランプ６２が消灯し、さらに給水弁６６が解放されると、遊離塩素が分解された製氷用水が排水口６５から排出される。 In such an ultraviolet irradiation device 60, when the water supply valve 66 is closed, ice-making water flowing from the water supply pipe 29 passes through the water supply port 63 and accumulates in the liquid storage container 61. When the ultraviolet lamp 62 is turned on with a certain amount of ice-making water stored in the liquid reservoir 61, the ice-making water in the liquid reservoir 61 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As a result, free chlorine such as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions contained in the ice-making water is decomposed. Since the liquid reservoir 61 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays are also irradiated to the area around the ultraviolet irradiation device 60. Thereafter, when the ultraviolet lamp 62 is turned off and the water supply valve 66 is opened, ice-making water in which free chlorine has been decomposed is discharged from the drain port 65.

図４のブロック図に示すように、冷蔵庫１０は、貯蔵室内の温度を保つために冷蔵用冷却器７１や冷凍用冷却器７２等を制御する制御部７０を備える。制御部７０は、紫外線ランプ６２のスイッチ６７、液溜め容器６１の給水弁６６、貯水タンク２５に設けられた給水ポンプ７６、野菜室３１の扉センサ７３、製氷装置５０の駆動装置５１、製氷装置５０の貯氷量検知レバー５３、製氷皿５２の温度を測定する温度センサ５６、等にも接続されている。 As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, the refrigerator 10 includes a control unit 70 that controls a refrigeration cooler 71, a freezing cooler 72, etc. to maintain the temperature inside the storage room. The control unit 70 includes a switch 67 for the ultraviolet lamp 62, a water supply valve 66 for the liquid storage container 61, a water supply pump 76 provided in the water storage tank 25, a door sensor 73 for the vegetable compartment 31, a drive device 51 for the ice making device 50, and an ice making device. It is also connected to an ice storage amount detection lever 53 of 50, a temperature sensor 56 that measures the temperature of the ice tray 52, and the like.

制御部７０は図５のフローチャートの制御を行う。なお、このフローチャートは制御の一例であり、制御部７０はこのフローチャートと異なる制御を行っても良い。 The control unit 70 performs the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. Note that this flowchart is an example of control, and the control unit 70 may perform control different from this flowchart.

制御部７０は、製氷開始条件が満たされると、自動製氷制御を開始する（Ｓ１）。製氷開始条件は限定されない。例えば、前回の製氷皿５２への給水時から一定時間が経過した時等に、制御部７０は製氷開始条件が満たされたと判断する。なお自動製氷制御の開始時点で、既に、紫外線照射装置６０の液溜め容器６１に紫外線照射された製氷用水が溜まっているものとする。 The control unit 70 starts automatic ice making control when ice making start conditions are satisfied (S1). The conditions for starting ice making are not limited. For example, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous water supply to the ice tray 52, the control unit 70 determines that the ice making start condition is satisfied. It is assumed that ice-making water irradiated with ultraviolet rays is already stored in the liquid storage container 61 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 at the time of starting the automatic ice-making control.

制御部７０は、自動製氷制御を開始すると、貯氷量検知レバー５３からの信号に基づき、貯氷容器５５内が満杯か否かを確認する（Ｓ２）。制御部７０は、貯氷容器５５内が満杯であると判断した場合は（Ｓ２のＹｅｓ）、製氷することなく自動製氷制御を終了する
（Ｓ８）。 When the control unit 70 starts automatic ice making control, it checks whether the ice storage container 55 is full based on the signal from the ice storage amount detection lever 53 (S2). If the control unit 70 determines that the ice storage container 55 is full (Yes in S2), it ends the automatic ice making control without making ice (S8).

一方、制御部７０は、貯氷容器５５内が満杯でないと判断した場合は（Ｓ２のＮｏ）、温度センサ５６で、製氷皿５２の温度が所定温度以下か否かを確認する（Ｓ３）。製氷皿５２の温度が所定温度以下の場合は（Ｓ３のＹｅｓ）、制御部７０は、前回製氷皿５２へ給水された製氷用水が完全に氷になっていると判断し、製氷装置５０の駆動装置５１を駆動させて製氷皿５２を反転させる離氷操作を行う（Ｓ４）。離氷操作により、既に製氷皿５２で完成していた氷が貯氷容器５５内へ落下する。なお、製氷皿５２の温度が所定温度より高い場合は（Ｓ３のＮｏ）、制御部７０は、製氷皿５２の温度が所定温度以下になるまで離氷操作を実施しない。 On the other hand, if the control unit 70 determines that the ice storage container 55 is not full (No in S2), the control unit 70 uses the temperature sensor 56 to check whether the temperature of the ice tray 52 is below a predetermined temperature (S3). If the temperature of the ice making tray 52 is below the predetermined temperature (Yes in S3), the control unit 70 determines that the ice making water previously supplied to the ice making tray 52 has completely turned into ice, and drives the ice making device 50. An ice removal operation is performed by driving the device 51 to invert the ice tray 52 (S4). By the ice removal operation, the ice that has already been formed in the ice tray 52 falls into the ice storage container 55. Note that if the temperature of the ice tray 52 is higher than the predetermined temperature (No in S3), the control unit 70 does not perform the ice removal operation until the temperature of the ice tray 52 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.

次に、制御部７０は、給水弁６６を制御して、離氷操作で空になった製氷皿５２への給水を行う（Ｓ５）。具体的には、制御部７０は、液溜め容器６１の給水弁６６を解放し、液溜め容器６１内の製氷用水を排出する。このとき排出される製氷用水は既に紫外線が照射されたものである。排出された製氷用水は給水管５４を通って製氷皿５２へ給水される。制御部７０は、製氷皿５２への給水が終わると、給水弁６６を閉鎖する。 Next, the control unit 70 controls the water supply valve 66 to supply water to the ice tray 52 that has become empty due to the ice removal operation (S5). Specifically, the control unit 70 releases the water supply valve 66 of the liquid reservoir 61 and discharges the ice-making water in the liquid reservoir 61. The ice-making water discharged at this time has already been irradiated with ultraviolet light. The discharged ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making tray 52 through the water supply pipe 54. The control unit 70 closes the water supply valve 66 when the water supply to the ice tray 52 is finished.

続いて、制御部７０は、紫外線照射装置６０への給水を行う（Ｓ６）。具体的には、制御部７０は、貯水タンク２５に設けられた給水ポンプ７６を駆動させて、貯水タンク２５内の製氷用水を吐出管２７へ吐出させる。製氷用水は、吐出管２７、水受ケース２８、給水管２９を通過して、紫外線照射装置６０の液溜め容器６１内に流入する。製氷用水は、閉鎖されている給水弁６６で堰き止められて、液溜め容器６１内に溜まっていく。 Subsequently, the control unit 70 supplies water to the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 (S6). Specifically, the control unit 70 drives the water supply pump 76 provided in the water storage tank 25 to discharge the ice-making water in the water storage tank 25 to the discharge pipe 27 . The ice-making water passes through the discharge pipe 27, the water receiving case 28, and the water supply pipe 29, and flows into the liquid reservoir 61 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60. The ice-making water is dammed up by the closed water supply valve 66 and accumulates in the liquid storage container 61.

制御部７０は、液溜め容器６１内に予め定められた一定量の製氷用水が溜まると、液溜め容器６１内の製氷用水への紫外線照射を行う（Ｓ７）。具体的には、制御部７０は、スイッチ６７をＯＮにして紫外線ランプ６２を点灯し、紫外線を照射する。制御部７０は、例えば、予め定められた一定時間（例えば３０～６０分）紫外線を照射した後、スイッチ６７をＯＦＦにして紫外線ランプ６２を消灯し、紫外線の照射を終了する。 When a predetermined amount of ice-making water is accumulated in the liquid reservoir 61, the control unit 70 irradiates the ice-making water in the liquid reservoir 61 with ultraviolet rays (S7). Specifically, the control unit 70 turns on the switch 67 to turn on the ultraviolet lamp 62 and irradiate ultraviolet rays. For example, after irradiating the ultraviolet rays for a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 to 60 minutes), the control unit 70 turns off the switch 67 to turn off the ultraviolet lamp 62 and ends the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

ここで、紫外線ランプ６２の点灯中に、野菜室３１の引き出し式扉３２が開いたことを扉センサ７３が検知した場合は、制御部７０は紫外線ランプ６２を消灯し紫外線の照射を中断することが望ましい。紫外線の照射を中断した場合は、野菜室３１の引き出し式扉３２が閉じたことを扉センサ７３が検知した後、制御部７０が紫外線ランプ６２を点灯し紫外線の照射を再開することが望ましい。また、紫外線の照射を開始する前に野菜室３１の引き出し式扉３２が開いたことを扉センサ７３が検知した場合は、引き出し式扉３２が閉じたことを扉センサ７３が検知するまで、紫外線の照射を開始しないことが望ましい。 Here, if the door sensor 73 detects that the pull-out door 32 of the vegetable compartment 31 is opened while the ultraviolet lamp 62 is on, the control unit 70 turns off the ultraviolet lamp 62 and interrupts the ultraviolet irradiation. is desirable. When the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is interrupted, it is preferable that the control unit 70 turns on the ultraviolet lamp 62 and resumes irradiation of ultraviolet rays after the door sensor 73 detects that the pull-out door 32 of the vegetable compartment 31 is closed. Furthermore, if the door sensor 73 detects that the pull-out door 32 of the vegetable compartment 31 has opened before starting irradiation with ultraviolet rays, the It is desirable not to start irradiation.

紫外線照射装置６０での紫外線の照射の終了後、制御部７０は、制御をフローチャートのＳ２に戻し、貯氷容器５５内が満杯になる（Ｓ２のＹｅｓ）まで上記の制御を繰り返す。制御部７０は、貯氷容器５５内が満杯になったら（Ｓ２のＹｅｓ）、自動製氷制御を終了する（Ｓ８）。 After the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 finishes irradiating the ultraviolet rays, the control unit 70 returns the control to S2 of the flowchart and repeats the above control until the ice storage container 55 is full (Yes in S2). When the ice storage container 55 becomes full (Yes in S2), the control unit 70 ends the automatic ice making control (S8).

本実施形態の効果について説明する。 The effects of this embodiment will be explained.

上記実施形態では、貯水タンク２５から製氷装置５０への給水経路において製氷用水に紫外線が照射されて製氷用水に含まれる遊離塩素が分解されるので、製氷用水は製氷皿５２に給水されるまでにカルキ臭が抑えられたものとなっている。そのため製氷装置５０でカルキ臭が抑えられた氷が製氷される。 In the embodiment described above, the ice-making water is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the water supply route from the water storage tank 25 to the ice-making device 50 to decompose free chlorine contained in the ice-making water, so that the ice-making water is not supplied to the ice-making tray 52 until the ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making tray 52. The chlorine odor is suppressed. Therefore, the ice making device 50 makes ice with suppressed limescale odor.

また、上記実施形態では、紫外線ランプ６２を収納する液溜め容器６１の内部から外部
へ、紫外線が透過できるため、紫外線照射装置６０の周囲の収納物や空気に紫外線が照射される。そのため、紫外線照射装置６０の周囲の収納物や空気を除菌することができる。また、紫外線照射装置６０の周囲に野菜が収納されている場合、その野菜に紫外線が照射される。すると野菜の表皮に活性酸素が発生する。この活性酸素を抑制するために、野菜は、抗酸化物質であるビタミン類を作り出す。そのため野菜は栄養素が増加したものになる。このように、紫外線が製氷用水に照射されると同時に収納物や空気にも照射されるため、製氷用水に含まれる遊離塩素の分解だけでなく、収納物や空気の除菌や、収納物（特に野菜）の栄養素増加の効果も得られる。また、１つの紫外線ランプ６２で製氷用水と周囲の収納物や空気とに同時に紫外線を照射できるため、製氷用水に紫外線を照射する紫外線ランプと、収納物や空気に紫外線を照射する別の紫外線ランプとの２つの紫外線ランプを設ける必要が無い。そのため、本実施形態の冷蔵庫１０では、製氷用水に含まれる遊離塩素の分解及び空気の除菌等と、低コスト化及び省スペース化が、両立されている。 また、紫外線照射装置６０が設けられた野菜室３１の引き出し式扉３２の開閉が扉センサ７３で検出可能であり、引き出し式扉３２が開いたことを扉センサ７３が検知した場合に紫外線の照射が中断される場合、利用者に紫外線が照射されることを防ぐことができる。 Further, in the embodiment described above, since ultraviolet rays can pass from the inside of the liquid reservoir 61 housing the ultraviolet lamp 62 to the outside, the stored objects and the air around the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the stored items and the air around the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 can be sterilized. Further, when vegetables are stored around the ultraviolet irradiation device 60, the vegetables are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Then, active oxygen is generated in the epidermis of the vegetable. To suppress this active oxygen, vegetables produce vitamins that are antioxidants. As a result, vegetables are enriched with nutrients. In this way, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the ice-making water and the stored items and the air at the same time, so it not only decomposes the free chlorine contained in the ice-making water, but also sterilizes the stored items and the air. It also has the effect of increasing nutrients, especially vegetables. In addition, one UV lamp 62 can simultaneously irradiate the ice-making water and surrounding stored items and air with UV rays, so one UV lamp irradiates the ice-making water with UV rays, and another UV lamp irradiates the stored items and air with UV rays. There is no need to provide two ultraviolet lamps. Therefore, the refrigerator 10 of this embodiment achieves both decomposition of free chlorine contained in ice-making water, sterilization of the air, etc., as well as cost reduction and space saving. Further, the opening and closing of the pull-out door 32 of the vegetable compartment 31 in which the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is installed can be detected by a door sensor 73, and when the door sensor 73 detects that the pull-out door 32 is opened, ultraviolet rays are irradiated. If this is interrupted, users can be prevented from being exposed to ultraviolet rays.

また、上記実施形態のように、紫外線照射装置６０が野菜室３１内の収納室３４内に設けられている場合、特に除菌したい物を選んで収納室３４に入れることができる。さらに、収納室３４が紫外線を遮蔽するものである場合、紫外線を当てたくない物を収納室３４外に収納してこれに紫外線が当たらないようにすることができる。また、収納室３４が金属でできている場合、収納室３４内で発生した紫外線が金属製の収納室３４の壁で反射するため、収納室３４内の収納物に様々な方向から多くの紫外線が当たることになり、除菌効果が高まる。 Further, as in the above embodiment, when the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is provided in the storage chamber 34 in the vegetable compartment 31, it is possible to select items that are particularly desired to be sterilized and place them in the storage chamber 34. Furthermore, if the storage chamber 34 is one that blocks ultraviolet rays, items that are not desired to be exposed to ultraviolet rays can be stored outside the storage chamber 34 to prevent them from being exposed to ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, when the storage chamber 34 is made of metal, the ultraviolet rays generated within the storage chamber 34 are reflected by the walls of the metal storage chamber 34, so that the stored items in the storage chamber 34 are exposed to many ultraviolet rays from various directions. This will increase the sterilization effect.

本実施形態の変更例について説明する。 A modification example of this embodiment will be described.

上記の実施形態では紫外線照射装置６０は野菜室３１内の収納室３４内に配置されたが、紫外線照射装置６０が配置される場所はここに限定されない。 In the above embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is placed in the storage compartment 34 in the vegetable compartment 31, but the location where the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is placed is not limited thereto.

例えば、図６に示すように、紫外線照射装置６０はチルド室２３内に配置されていても良い。紫外線照射装置６０の液溜め容器６１が紫外線が透過する材料でできていれば、紫外線ランプ６２からの紫外線が、液溜め容器６１を透過してチルド室２３内に照射され、チルド室２３内に収納された肉や魚等を除菌する。この場合において、チルド室２３は、紫外線が透過しない材料でできていても良い。また、その材料は、紫外線が当たることにより劣化しないものであることが望ましい。そのような材料として例えば金属が挙げられる。 For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 may be placed inside the chilled chamber 23. If the liquid reservoir 61 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet lamp 62 will pass through the liquid reservoir 61 and be irradiated into the chilled chamber 23. Sterilize stored meat, fish, etc. In this case, the chilled chamber 23 may be made of a material that does not transmit ultraviolet rays. Further, it is desirable that the material does not deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Examples of such materials include metals.

なお、紫外線照射装置６０が配置される場所がいずれの貯蔵室内であっても、その貯蔵室内にさらに収納室が設けられ、その収納室内に紫外線照射装置６０が設けられていることが望ましい。ここで収納室とは貯蔵室内の仕切られた一画のことである。収納室は、収納物を出し入れするために開閉させるものであることが望ましい。ただし完全に密閉可能なものでなくても良い。上記のチルド室２３も収納室の１つである。収納室は、紫外線照射装置６０から照射された紫外線が収納室外に漏れないように、紫外線を遮蔽するものであることが望ましい。 Note that no matter which storage room the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is placed in, it is desirable that a storage chamber is further provided within the storage chamber, and that the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is provided within the storage chamber. The storage room here refers to a partitioned area within the storage room. It is desirable that the storage chamber can be opened and closed to take out and take out stored items. However, it does not have to be completely airtight. The chilled chamber 23 mentioned above is also one of the storage chambers. It is desirable that the storage chamber shield ultraviolet rays so that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 do not leak outside the storage chamber.

また、紫外線照射装置６０が配置される場所がいずれの貯蔵室内であっても、上記実施形態のように、その貯蔵室の扉の開放を検知する扉センサが設けられ、扉センサが扉の開放を検知すると紫外線ランプ６２が消灯するように制御されることが望ましい。 Furthermore, no matter which storage room the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is placed in, as in the above embodiment, a door sensor is provided to detect the opening of the door of the storage room, and the door sensor detects the opening of the door. It is desirable that the ultraviolet lamp 62 be controlled to turn off when detected.

また、紫外線照射装置６０が野菜室３１内の収納室３４内に設けられている場合におい
て、紫外線が紫外線照射装置６０の液溜め容器６１外へ透過できる場合は、図７に示すように、収納室３４内に向かって霧状の水滴（ミスト）を供給する霧化装置８０が収納室３４内に設けられていても良い。 Further, in the case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is provided in the storage chamber 34 in the vegetable compartment 31, if the ultraviolet rays can pass through to the outside of the liquid storage container 61 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60, as shown in FIG. An atomizing device 80 that supplies atomized water droplets (mist) toward the interior of the chamber 34 may be provided within the storage chamber 34 .

図７の霧化装置８０は、貯水される霧化用貯水タンク８１の底部に超音波振動子８２が設けられたものである。図示しない発振回路が超音波振動子８２に例えば２０～１００ｋＨｚの周波数の電圧を印加すると、超音波振動子８２が超音波振動する。すると霧化用貯水タンク８１内の水中を超音波が伝播して行き、霧化用貯水タンク８１内の水面で水が霧化し、粒径が小さい（例えば数μｍ～数十μｍの）ミストが発生する。こうして発生したミストが霧化用貯水タンク８１の開口部から放出される。ミストの放出先は、紫外線照射装置６０の液溜め容器６１の外部であって、液溜め容器６１外へ透過した紫外線が直接当たる場所である。そして放出されたミストに紫外線照射装置６０からの紫外線が照射されてオゾン含有ミストが生成される。オゾンは強い酸化力を有するため、オゾン含有ミストが収納室３４内を循環することにより、収納室３４内が除菌される。オゾン含有ミストは紫外線照射装置６０からの紫外線が直接当たらない場所にも循環するため、このような場所も除菌される。 The atomization device 80 shown in FIG. 7 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 82 provided at the bottom of an atomization water storage tank 81 in which water is stored. When an oscillation circuit (not shown) applies a voltage at a frequency of, for example, 20 to 100 kHz to the ultrasonic vibrator 82, the ultrasonic vibrator 82 vibrates ultrasonically. Then, the ultrasonic waves propagate through the water in the atomization water storage tank 81, the water is atomized on the water surface in the atomization water storage tank 81, and a mist with a small particle size (for example, several μm to several tens of μm) is formed. Occur. The mist thus generated is released from the opening of the atomization water storage tank 81. The destination of the mist is the outside of the liquid storage container 61 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60, and is a place where the ultraviolet rays transmitted outside the liquid storage container 61 are directly hit. The emitted mist is then irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 to generate ozone-containing mist. Since ozone has strong oxidizing power, the inside of the storage chamber 34 is sterilized by circulating the ozone-containing mist within the storage chamber 34. Since the ozone-containing mist circulates even in areas that are not directly exposed to the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device 60, such areas are also sterilized.

なお霧化装置の構造は上記のものに限定されない。例えば、霧化装置は、多数の微細な孔が形成された振動板と、振動板を超音波振動させる超音波振動子と、振動板に給水する給水装置とを備えるものであっても良い。この場合、振動板が超音波振動子により振動させられると、振動板の孔の中に到達していた水が圧力を受けて粒径が小さい（例えば数μｍ～数十μｍの）ミストとなり、放出される。 Note that the structure of the atomization device is not limited to that described above. For example, the atomization device may include a diaphragm in which a large number of fine holes are formed, an ultrasonic vibrator that causes the diaphragm to vibrate ultrasonically, and a water supply device that supplies water to the diaphragm. In this case, when the diaphragm is vibrated by an ultrasonic vibrator, the water that has reached the pores of the diaphragm is under pressure and becomes a mist with small particle sizes (for example, several μm to several tens of μm). released.

これらの超音波霧化方式の霧化装置の代わりに静電霧化装置が用いられても良い。静電霧化装置は、水が供給された電極を負極として高電圧を印加することにより、負極の水をレイリー***させて、ミストを発生させる装置である。静電霧化装置により発生させられるミストは、粒径がより小さい（例えば数ｎｍ～数十ｎｍの）ものである。 An electrostatic atomizer may be used instead of these ultrasonic atomizers. An electrostatic atomizer is a device that uses an electrode supplied with water as a negative electrode and applies a high voltage to cause Rayleigh splitting of water at the negative electrode to generate mist. The mist generated by the electrostatic atomizer has a smaller particle size (for example, several nanometers to several tens of nanometers).

収納室３４内に霧化装置８０が設けられる場合は、収納室３４内にさらにミスト循環ファン８５が設けられていても良い。ミスト循環ファン８５が回転することにより、前記のオゾン含有ミストの循環が良くなり、除菌効果が高まる。ミスト循環ファン８５が収納室３４の側壁に設けられ、収納室３４内で発生したオゾン含有ミストが収納室３４外へ循環するように構成されていても良い。 When the atomization device 80 is provided in the storage chamber 34, a mist circulation fan 85 may be further provided in the storage chamber 34. The rotation of the mist circulation fan 85 improves the circulation of the ozone-containing mist and enhances the sterilization effect. A mist circulation fan 85 may be provided on the side wall of the storage chamber 34 so that the ozone-containing mist generated within the storage chamber 34 is circulated to the outside of the storage chamber 34.

なお、霧化装置８０が配置される場所は、紫外線照射装置６０からの紫外線が照射される場所にミストを供給可能な場所であれば、どこでも良い。例えば、紫外線照射装置６０が野菜室３１内の収納室３４内に設けられている場合に、霧化装置８０が、収納室３４外に設けられて、収納室３４内にミストを供給しても良い。また、上記変更例のように紫外線照射装置６０がチルド室２３内に配置される場合は、霧化装置８０もチルド室２３内に配置されることが望ましい。しかし、霧化装置８０がチルド室２３外に配置され、その霧化装置８０がチルド室２３内の紫外線照射装置６０の周囲に向かってミストを供給しても良い。 Note that the atomizing device 80 may be placed anywhere as long as it can supply mist to a location that is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device 60. For example, when the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is provided in the storage chamber 34 in the vegetable compartment 31, the atomization device 80 may be provided outside the storage chamber 34 and supply mist into the storage chamber 34. good. Further, when the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is arranged in the chilled chamber 23 as in the above modification, it is desirable that the atomization device 80 is also arranged in the chilled chamber 23. However, the atomizing device 80 may be arranged outside the chilled chamber 23 and the atomizing device 80 may supply mist toward the periphery of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 inside the chilled chamber 23.

また、ミスト循環ファン８５は、それが無い場合と比較して、オゾン含有ミストの循環の速さが早くなったり、オゾン含有ミストの循環の方向が変化したりするような場所に設けられていれば良い。 In addition, the mist circulation fan 85 must be installed in a location where the speed of circulation of the ozone-containing mist becomes faster or the direction of the circulation of the ozone-containing mist changes compared to the case without the mist circulation fan 85. Good.

また、紫外線照射装置の構造は、上記実施形態の紫外線照射装置６０の構造と同じでなくても良い。 Further, the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device does not have to be the same as the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 of the above embodiment.

上記実施形態とは別の構造の紫外線照射装置１６０を図８に示す。紫外線照射装置１６０は、液溜め容器１６１と、液溜め容器１６１内に配置された保護管１６８と、保護管１６８の内側に収納された１つの紫外線ランプ１６２とを備える。 FIG. 8 shows an ultraviolet irradiation device 160 having a structure different from that of the above embodiment. The ultraviolet irradiation device 160 includes a liquid reservoir 161, a protection tube 168 disposed within the liquid accumulation container 161, and one ultraviolet lamp 162 housed inside the protection tube 168.

液溜め容器１６１は内部に製氷用水が溜まる容器である。液溜め容器１６１の上部には給水口１６３が、底部には排水口１６５が開口している。排水口１６５の下端部には給水弁１６６が設けられている。上記実施形態の液溜め容器６１と同様に、冷蔵室２１から伸びてきた給水管２９が給水口１６３に接続され、製氷室４１へ通じる給水管５４が給水弁１６６に接続されている。そのため製氷用水は液溜め容器１６１内を流れることができる。また給水弁１６６が閉じた状態では、製氷用水は液溜め容器１６１内に溜まる。液溜め容器１６１の上部には、液溜め容器１６１内の製氷用水の量の変化に応じて空気が出入りする空気孔が設けられていても良い。また液溜め容器１６１は紫外線が透過する材料でできていても良い。 The liquid storage container 161 is a container in which ice-making water is stored. A water supply port 163 is opened at the top of the liquid storage container 161, and a drain port 165 is opened at the bottom. A water supply valve 166 is provided at the lower end of the drain port 165. Similar to the liquid storage container 61 of the embodiment described above, a water supply pipe 29 extending from the refrigerator compartment 21 is connected to a water supply port 163, and a water supply pipe 54 leading to the ice making compartment 41 is connected to a water supply valve 166. Therefore, ice-making water can flow within the liquid reservoir 161. Furthermore, when the water supply valve 166 is closed, ice-making water accumulates in the liquid storage container 161. An air hole may be provided in the upper part of the liquid reservoir 161 through which air enters and exits according to changes in the amount of ice-making water in the liquid reservoir 161. Further, the liquid reservoir 161 may be made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays.

保護管１６８内には採取された冷蔵庫内の冷気が流れる。そのための構造は次の通りである。 The collected cold air inside the refrigerator flows into the protection tube 168. The structure for this is as follows.

液溜め容器１６１の上部には、給水口１６３とは別の孔が形成されており、その孔をキャップ１９０が塞いでいる。キャップ１９０の下部には保護管１６８が固定されている。保護管１６８は、上方に開口部を有するものであり、その開口部がキャップ１９０で閉塞されるようにしてキャップ１９０に固定されている。またキャップ１９０の中心には孔が形成されており、その孔から保護管１６８の内部に向かって１つの紫外線ランプ１６２が挿入されている。従って、紫外線ランプ１６２は、保護管１６８に覆われた状態で液溜め容器１６１内に配置されている。保護管１６８は、液溜め容器１６１内において保護管１６８の内側と外側とを遮断しており、液溜め容器１６１内の製氷用水が保護管１６８内へ侵入することを防いでいる。ここで、保護管１６８の内面と紫外線ランプ１６２との間には、間隔が空いている。また、保護管６８は、紫外線が透過し、また好ましくは紫外線が透過することにより劣化しない材料、例えば石英ガラスやフッ素樹脂でできている。 A hole separate from the water supply port 163 is formed in the upper part of the liquid reservoir 161, and a cap 190 closes the hole. A protection tube 168 is fixed to the lower part of the cap 190. The protection tube 168 has an opening at the top and is fixed to the cap 190 so that the opening is closed by the cap 190. A hole is formed in the center of the cap 190, and one ultraviolet lamp 162 is inserted through the hole toward the inside of the protection tube 168. Therefore, the ultraviolet lamp 162 is placed within the liquid reservoir 161 while being covered by the protective tube 168 . The protective tube 168 isolates the inside and outside of the protective tube 168 within the liquid reservoir 161 and prevents the ice-making water in the liquid reservoir 161 from entering the protective tube 168. Here, there is a gap between the inner surface of the protection tube 168 and the ultraviolet lamp 162. Further, the protection tube 68 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays and is preferably made of a material that does not deteriorate due to the passage of ultraviolet rays, such as quartz glass or fluororesin.

キャップ１９０には、さらに、吸気通路１９１と排気通路１９２とが設けられている。吸気通路１９１と排気通路１９２とは、それぞれ、液溜め容器１６１外から液溜め容器１６１内の保護管１６８内へと通じている。吸気通路１９１には管状の冷気供給管１９３の一方の端部が接続されている。冷気供給管１９３の他方の端部は、冷蔵庫内の適当な箇所に配置されている。排気通路１９２には管状の冷気排出管１９４の一方の端部が接続されている。冷気排出管１９４の他方の端部には、空気ポンプ１９５が接続されている。 The cap 190 is further provided with an intake passage 191 and an exhaust passage 192. The intake passage 191 and the exhaust passage 192 each communicate from outside the liquid reservoir 161 into the protection tube 168 inside the liquid reservoir 161. One end of a tubular cold air supply pipe 193 is connected to the intake passage 191 . The other end of the cold air supply pipe 193 is placed at a suitable location within the refrigerator. One end of a tubular cold air exhaust pipe 194 is connected to the exhaust passage 192 . An air pump 195 is connected to the other end of the cold air exhaust pipe 194.

制御部７０が空気ポンプ１９５を稼働させると、冷蔵庫内の冷気が冷気供給管１９３の端部から吸引され、吸気通路１９１を通過して液溜め容器１６１内の保護管１６８内に入る。保護管１６８内に入った冷気は、紫外線ランプ１６２の周囲を廻りながら保護管１６８内を流れる。冷気の保護管１６８内での流れる方向は、例えば図８に矢印で示されている方向である。その後冷気は、排気通路１９２を通過し、冷気排出管１９４を通り、空気ポンプ１９５から冷蔵庫内に排出される。このようにして、液溜め容器１６１内の除霜用水と紫外線ランプ１６２との間を、冷気が流れる。 When the control unit 70 operates the air pump 195, the cold air in the refrigerator is sucked from the end of the cold air supply pipe 193, passes through the intake passage 191, and enters the protection pipe 168 in the liquid storage container 161. The cold air that has entered the protection tube 168 flows through the protection tube 168 while going around the ultraviolet lamp 162 . The direction in which the cold air flows within the protection tube 168 is, for example, the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. The cold air then passes through the exhaust passage 192, passes through the cold air exhaust pipe 194, and is discharged from the air pump 195 into the refrigerator. In this way, cold air flows between the defrosting water in the liquid reservoir 161 and the ultraviolet lamp 162.

以上の構造の紫外線照射装置１６０において、制御部７０は、製氷用水を液溜め容器１６１に溜めたり液溜め容器１６１から排出したりする。さらに保護管１６８内に冷気を流す。制御部７０が保護管１６８内に冷気を流すのは、例えば液溜め容器１６１に一定量の製氷用水が溜まっているときだけであっても良い。このように、冷気が液溜め容器１６１内の保護管１６８の内側を流れ、製氷用水が液溜め容器１６１内の保護管１６８の外側に溜められている状態で、制御部７０は紫外線ランプ１６２を点灯させる。すると、保護管
１６８内の冷気と保護管１６８外の製氷用水との両方に同時に紫外線が照射される。そのため、製氷用水に含まれる遊離塩素の分解と冷蔵庫内を循環する冷気の除菌とを同時に行うことができる。また、紫外線ランプ１６２が保護管１６８の内側に保護されているため、紫外線ランプ１６２が水と接触して故障したり劣化したりすることを防ぐことができる。また、紫外線ランプ１６２と保護管１６８との間の空間を冷気の除菌場所として有効に活用できる。 In the ultraviolet irradiation device 160 having the above structure, the control unit 70 stores ice-making water in the liquid reservoir 161 and discharges it from the liquid reservoir 161 . Furthermore, cold air is allowed to flow into the protection tube 168. The control unit 70 may flow cold air into the protection tube 168 only when, for example, a certain amount of ice-making water is stored in the liquid storage container 161. In this manner, with the cold air flowing inside the protection tube 168 in the liquid storage container 161 and the ice-making water being stored outside the protection tube 168 in the liquid storage container 161, the control unit 70 turns on the ultraviolet lamp 162. Turn it on. Then, both the cold air inside the protection tube 168 and the ice-making water outside the protection tube 168 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously decompose free chlorine contained in the ice-making water and sterilize the cold air circulating inside the refrigerator. Furthermore, since the ultraviolet lamp 162 is protected inside the protection tube 168, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet lamp 162 from coming into contact with water and causing breakdown or deterioration. Further, the space between the ultraviolet lamp 162 and the protection tube 168 can be effectively used as a cold air sterilization area.

以上の実施形態は例示であり、発明の範囲はこれに限定されない。以上の実施形態は、その他の様々な形態で実施されることが可能であり、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、種々の省略、置換、変更を行うことができる。以上の実施形態やその変形は、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明とその均等の範囲に含まれるものである。 The above embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto. The embodiments described above can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

１０…冷蔵庫、１２…冷蔵庫本体、２０…冷蔵空間、２１…冷蔵室、２２…載置棚、２３…チルド室、２４…チルド容器、２５…貯水タンク、２６…冷蔵室扉、２７…吐出管、２８…水受ケース、２９…給水管、３１…野菜室、３２…引き出し式扉、３３…野菜容器、３４…収納室、３５…ホルダ、３６…収納容器、４０…冷凍空間、４１…製氷室、４２…冷凍室、４３…引き出し式扉、４４…収納容器、５０…製氷装置、５１…駆動装置、５２…製氷皿、５３…貯氷量検知レバー、５４…給水管、５５…貯氷容器、５６…温度センサ、５７…引き出し式扉、６０…紫外線照射装置、６１…液溜め容器、６２…紫外線ランプ、６３…給水口、６４…空気孔、６５…排水口、６６…給水弁、６７…スイッチ、６８…保護管、７０…制御部、７１…冷蔵用冷却器、７２…冷凍用冷却器、７３…扉センサ、７６…給水ポンプ、８０…霧化装置、８１…霧化用貯水タンク、８２…超音波振動子、８５…ミスト循環ファン、１６０…紫外線照射装置、１６１…液溜め容器、１６２…紫外線ランプ、１６３…給水口、１６５…排水口、１６６…給水弁、１６８…保護管、１９０…キャップ、１９１…吸気通路、１９２…排気通路、１９３…冷気供給管、１９４…冷気排出管、１９５…空気ポンプ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Refrigerator, 12... Refrigerator body, 20... Refrigerated space, 21... Refrigerated room, 22... Placement shelf, 23... Chilled room, 24... Chilled container, 25... Water storage tank, 26... Cold storage room door, 27... Discharge pipe , 28...Water receiver case, 29...Water supply pipe, 31...Vegetable compartment, 32...Pull-out door, 33...Vegetable container, 34...Storage room, 35...Holder, 36...Storage container, 40...Freezing space, 41...Ice making chamber, 42...freezer room, 43...pull-out door, 44...storage container, 50...ice making device, 51...drive device, 52...ice making tray, 53...ice storage amount detection lever, 54...water supply pipe, 55...ice storage container, 56... Temperature sensor, 57... Pull-out door, 60... Ultraviolet irradiation device, 61... Liquid reservoir, 62... Ultraviolet lamp, 63... Water supply port, 64... Air hole, 65... Drain port, 66... Water supply valve, 67... Switch, 68...Protection tube, 70...Control unit, 71...Refrigerating cooler, 72...Freezing cooler, 73... Door sensor, 76... Water supply pump, 80... Atomizing device, 81... Water storage tank for atomizing, 82... Ultrasonic vibrator, 85... Mist circulation fan, 160... Ultraviolet irradiation device, 161... Liquid reservoir, 162... Ultraviolet lamp, 163... Water supply port, 165... Drain port, 166... Water supply valve, 168... Protection tube, 190...Cap, 191...Intake passage, 192...Exhaust passage, 193...Cold air supply pipe, 194...Cold air discharge pipe, 195...Air pump

Claims (11)

貯蔵室と、前記貯蔵室内の一画に仕切られた収納室と、前記収納室内へ紫外線を照射する紫外線照射装置とを備え、
上へ開口した収納容器が前記収納室内に設けられ、前記収納容器より後方に前記紫外線照射装置が設けられ、
前記収納容器を構成する壁の一部に、他より高さの低い部分である低部が存在し、
前記紫外線照射装置の紫外線を前記低部の上側から前記収納容器内へ照射し、
紫外線が透過しやすい壁と透過しにくい壁とを庫内に有し、前記収納容器は紫外線が透過しにくい壁からなり、
前記貯蔵室内に前記収納容器とは別の容器が前記収納容器よりも下に設けられ、前記収納容器が前記別の容器より前記紫外線照射装置の近くに設けられ、前記紫外線照射装置から前記別の容器内の方向に照射された紫外線が前記収納容器に遮られる、冷蔵庫。 comprising a storage room, a storage room partitioned into one section of the storage room, and an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light into the storage room,
A storage container that opens upward is provided in the storage chamber, and the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided behind the storage container,
A part of the wall constituting the storage container has a low part that is lower in height than the other part,
irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device into the storage container from above the lower part;
The storage container has a wall through which ultraviolet rays easily pass and a wall through which ultraviolet rays do not easily pass through, and the storage container includes a wall through which ultraviolet rays do not easily pass through,
A container other than the storage container is provided in the storage chamber below the storage container , the storage container is provided closer to the ultraviolet irradiation device than the other container, and the storage container is provided closer to the ultraviolet irradiation device than the other container, and A refrigerator in which ultraviolet rays irradiated in a direction inside the container are blocked by the storage container. 前記貯蔵室内において前記収納室は紫外線が透過しにくい壁により仕切られた、請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the storage chamber is partitioned by a wall through which ultraviolet rays do not easily pass through. 前記収納室の壁に金属が使用された、請求項１又は２に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein metal is used for the wall of the storage chamber. 前記収納室内において、紫外線を反射する位置に金属製の材料が用いられた、請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a metal material is used at a position in the storage chamber that reflects ultraviolet rays. 霧状の水滴を供給する霧化装置が設けられ、前記収納室内の紫外線が照射される場所に前記霧状の水滴が供給される、請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an atomizing device that supplies atomized water droplets, and the atomized water droplets are supplied to a location within the storage chamber that is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. 水を貯水する貯水部が設けられ、前記貯水部より下に前記紫外線照射装置が設けられた、請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a water storage section for storing water, and the ultraviolet irradiation device provided below the water storage section. 前記貯蔵室より上に冷蔵温度に維持される冷蔵室が設けられ、前記貯蔵室より下に冷凍温度に維持される冷凍室が設けられ、前記紫外線照射装置が設けられる前記貯蔵室が冷蔵温度に維持される貯蔵室である、請求項１～６のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。 A refrigerator compartment maintained at a refrigeration temperature is provided above the storage compartment, a freezing compartment maintained at a freezing temperature is provided below the storage compartment, and the storage compartment provided with the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided at a refrigeration temperature. Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is a maintained storage compartment. 前記貯蔵室は、冷蔵庫本体の前方開口部に設けられた引き出し式扉によって開閉され、
前記紫外線照射装置は、前記冷蔵庫本体側に設けられた、請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。 The storage compartment is opened and closed by a pull-out door provided at the front opening of the refrigerator main body,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided on the refrigerator main body side. 前記紫外線照射装置の一部は、前記引き出し式扉が閉じた状態において、前記引き出し式扉とともに引き出される前記別の容器の後壁より前に位置する、請求項８に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein a part of the ultraviolet irradiation device is located in front of a rear wall of the other container that is pulled out together with the pull-out door when the pull-out door is closed. 前記貯蔵室に送る冷気を発生させる冷却器が設けられ、前記紫外線照射装置の少なくとも一部が前記冷却器と同じ高さに設けられた、請求項１～９のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a cooler that generates cold air to be sent to the storage compartment, and at least a part of the ultraviolet irradiation device being provided at the same height as the cooler. . 冷蔵温度に維持される冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室内の下部に設けられた引き出し容器とを備え、
前記紫外線照射装置は、前記引き出し容器の後壁よりも前に設けられた、請求項１～１０のいずれか１項に記載の冷蔵庫。
 comprising a refrigerating chamber maintained at a refrigerating temperature and a drawer container provided at a lower part of the refrigerating chamber,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided in front of a rear wall of the drawer container.
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