U.S. patent application number 10/128412 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-13 for fridge-freezer.
This patent application is currently assigned to MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Kato, Mutsumi, Misumi, Naho, Ohya, Keiji, Sakamoto, Katsumasa, Yoshida, Junji.
Application Number | 20030046947 10/128412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19058373 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030046947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohya, Keiji ; et
al. |
March 13, 2003 |
Fridge-freezer
Abstract
A fridge-freezer equipped with a deodorizing unit which has a
filter including photocatalyst and a light emitting unit including
an LED as a light source mounted on a substrate. The fridge-freezer
is designed to solve problems posed by conventional
fridge-freezers. One of the problems is that in the case of using a
glass-tube type lamp such as a black light or a cold cathode tube
as the light source, the light source becomes large in size which
requires a large space for installation. This does not allow the
deodorizing unit to be installed in the compartments in the
refrigerator. Another problem is that the deodorizing unit was not
designed to be safe for food in case that part of the deodorizing
unit is damaged to give harmful damage to food.
Inventors: |
Ohya, Keiji; (Tokyo, JP)
; Kato, Mutsumi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Sakamoto,
Katsumasa; (Tokyo, JP) ; Yoshida, Junji;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Misumi, Naho; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON SPIVAK MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT PC
FOURTH FLOOR
1755 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
2-3, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo
JP
100-8310
|
Family ID: |
19058373 |
Appl. No.: |
10/128412 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/264 ;
62/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2317/0415 20130101;
A61L 9/205 20130101; A61L 9/16 20130101; F25D 27/00 20130101; F25D
17/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/264 ;
62/78 |
International
Class: |
F24F 003/16; F25D
023/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 26, 2001 |
JP |
2001-225371 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fridge-freezer comprising a deodorizing unit; wherein the
deodorizing unit includes, a filter having a photocatalyst, and a
light emitting unit for emitting ultraviolet rays.
2. The fridge-freezer of claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit
has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for emitting the ultraviolet
rays.
3. The fridge-freezer of claim 1, wherein the filter further
includes an absorption material.
4. The fridge-freezer of claim 1, wherein the deodorizing unit has
a solid structure with a fixed distance kept between the filter and
the light emitting unit.
5. The fridge-freezer of claim 1, further comprising a damper unit;
wherein the deodorizing unit and the damper unit have a solid
structure.
6. The fridge-freezer of claim 1, wherein the deodorizing unit
includes a transparent case which covers the light emitting unit
and transmits the ultraviolet rays.
7. The fridge-freezer of claim 6, wherein the transparent case is
drip-proof.
8. The fridge-freezer of claim 6, wherein the transparent case has
a lens in part.
9. The fridge-freezer of claim 2, wherein the light emitting unit
includes a reflecting material which is placed around the LED.
10. The fridge-freezer of claim 1, comprising a plurality of
flow-rate regulators for regulating a flow rate of air in a cool
air duct in order to control temperatures; wherein a plurality of
deodorizing units corresponding to the plurality of flow-rate
regulators is placed in the cool air ducts.
11. The fridge-freezer of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
flow-rate regulators are damper units.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a fridge-freezer, and more
particularly to a fridge-freezer equipped with a deodorizing unit
for deodorizing the inside of the fridge-freezer.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a fridge-freezer disclosed
in Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-249460, for example,
illustrating a relevant part only. FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a
photocatalyst means. FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the ice-maker
of the fridge-freezer. With referring to the figures, a reference
numeral 1 denotes the body of the fridge-freezer. A reference
numeral 2 denotes a box-type ice-maker provided in the body. In an
upper part of the ice-maker 2, an ice-making unit 3 for making ice
is provided. In a lower part of the ice-maker 2, an ice keeping
unit 4 for keeping ice made by the ice making unit 3 is provided.
In the ice-making unit 3, an ice tray 5 is placed with hollows in a
given shape for holding water. In the ice keeping unit 4, an ice
box 6 is placed with an open top so as to catch ice cubes made by
the ice tray 5. Then, a photocatalyst means 7 is provided above the
ice tray 5.
[0005] The photocatalyst means 7 is obtained by coating a
photocatalyst 7b such as titanium (Tio.sub.2) transparently or
translucently on the surface of a light-irradiating tube 7a by
means of such as a sol-gel process or a fine-grain suspension as
shown in FIG. 29. As an irradiation light, ultraviolet rays are
considered effective. Therefore, it is desirable to use a black
light for the photo-irradiating tube 7a of the photocatalyst means
7.
[0006] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 30, a light-reflecting
material 8 such as mirror or metal may be fitted on the inner
surfaces of the ice-making unit 3. The light-reflecting material 8
may also be obtained through a metal plating process. With the
light-reflecting material 8 being provided, reflected light of
light emitted by the photocatalyst means 7 is concentrated by the
photocatalyst means 7. As a result, an irradiation amount of the
photocatalyst is increased, and therefore a decomposition reaction
may be facilitated further.
[0007] FIG. 31 shows a part of an embodiment disclosed in
Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei9-61042, for example. The
figure shows the configuration of a glass-tube heater for
defrosting. A reference numeral 28 denotes a glass-tube, a
reference numeral 29 denotes a heater wire, and a reference numeral
30 denotes a deodorization coating material. This heater is
installed in a lower part of a cooling unit, as shown in the
figure, for the purpose of defrosting the cooling unit.
[0008] According to the conventional fridge-freezer, in the case of
using a glass-tube lamp such as a black light or a cold cathode,
for example, as the light source as mentioned above, the light
source becomes bigger. However, an allotted space for installing
the deodorizing unit is limited. As a result, the deodorizing means
is not allowed to be installed in other compartments in the
refrigerator than the ice-maker. This has posed a problem.
[0009] Further, the light source is formed by a glass tube.
Therefore, the light source should be treated with meticulous care
so as not to break it, and designed to be away from any stress to
be exerted on the glass tube after installation. Especially with a
fluorescent light being used as the light source, because a
fluorescent light uses mercury inside, it is not desirable to use a
fluorescent light near food in the refrigerator assuming that the
fluorescent light is damaged. This has posed a problem.
[0010] Furthermore, many refrigerators use AC100V as an input
voltage. Hence, there is a fear of causing a critical problem if
such as a fault occurred in a refrigerator using an alternate
refrigerant such as HC.
[0011] Still further, in the case that a deodorizing substance is
coated on the glass-tube heater for defrosting, the heater due to
its heating function is not allowed to be installed in an air
duct.
[0012] Still more, if the deodorizing means is installed above the
ice tray like the conventional example, there is a possibility of
making ice including broken pieces of glass in case of the
glass-tube lamp being damaged. This has posed a problem of having
hazardous effects on the human body.
[0013] In addition to that, in the case of the deodorizing means
obtained by coating a photocatalyst on a material forming the walls
of the ice making unit, for example, the coating requires extra
labor and extra time such as drying time for the process. This has
posed a problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The embodiments of the present invention are designed for
solving the problems mentioned above. It is an object of one
embodiment of the present invention to minimize the weight and size
of a deodorizing means using a photocatalyst. In addition to that,
it is another object of one embodiment of the present invention to
eliminate any impropriety of a deodorizing means placed near food
in a refrigerator. Furthermore, it is another object of one
embodiment of the present invention to provide a material such as a
photocatalyst at a low cost.
[0015] These and other objects of the embodiments of the present
invention are accomplished by the present invention as hereinafter
described in further detail.
[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a
fridge-freezer may include a deodorizing unit. The deodorizing unit
may include a filter having a photocatalyst, and a light emitting
unit for emitting ultraviolet rays.
[0017] The light emitting unit may have an LED (Light Emitting
Diode) for emitting the ultraviolet rays.
[0018] The filter may include an absorption material.
[0019] The deodorizing unit may have a solid structure with a fixed
distance kept between the filter and the light emitting unit.
[0020] The fridge-freezer may include a damper unit. The
deodorizing unit and the damper unit may have a solid
structure.
[0021] The deodorizing unit may include a transparent case which
covers the light emitting unit and transmits the ultraviolet
rays.
[0022] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a refrigerator
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the refrigerator according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filter according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a simplified explanatory drawing of the filter of
FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 5(a) is a detailed drawing of the filter illustrating
the components thereof according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 5(b) is a detailed drawing of the filter illustrating
the sintered grains thereof according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a light emitting unit of the
refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a relative light distribution characteristic
drawing illustrating a light emission characteristic of an LED
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a measuring unit for
measuring the relative light distribution characteristic of the LED
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a drawing of an electric circuit of the substrate
of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for controlling the refrigerator
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a front view of a deodorizing unit of a
refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a side view of the deodorizing unit of the
refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a front view of a modified example of the
deodorizing unit of the refrigerator according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a side view of the modified example of the
deodorizing unit of the refrigerator according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a front view of a modified example including a
number of filters of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a side view of the modified example including a
number of filters of the deodorizing unit of the refrigerator
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a front view of a deodorizing unit of a
refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a side view of the deodorizing unit of the
refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a damper unit of the
deodorizing unit of the refrigerator according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the refrigerator illustrating
the deodorizing unit which is installed in a cool air duct
according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drop-proof substrate unit
of a deodorizing unit according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a front view of the deodorizing unit according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 23 is a side view of the deodorizing unit according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 24 is a front view of a modified example of the
deodorizing unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 25 is a front view of a deodorizing unit according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 26 is a front view of a deodorizing unit according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 27 is a schematic drawing of air ducts in which
deodorizing units are provided in a refrigerator according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
a conventional invention illustrating a relevant part of the
refrigerator;
[0053] FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a glass-tube heater for
deodorization illustrating a photocatalyst of the refrigerator
according to the conventional invention;
[0054] FIG. 30 is a front view of the refrigerator according to the
conventional invention illustrating a relevant part of the
refrigerator; and
[0055] FIG. 31 is a front view of a glass-tube heater for
deodorization illustrating a relevant part of a refrigerator
according to a second conventional art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals indicate like elements through out the several views.
[0057] Embodiment 1.
[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional
view of the refrigerator illustrating cool airflow. FIG. 3 is a
perspective view of a filter according to the first embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 4 is a simplified explanatory diagram
of a filter surface of the filter of FIG. 3. FIG. 5(a) is a
detailed drawing of absorption components on the filter surface of
FIG. 4. FIG. 5(b) is a detailed drawing of sintered grains on the
filter surface of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a light
emitting unit on which light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred
to as LEDs) are mounted.
[0059] With reference to the figures, a reference numeral 1 denotes
a body of the refrigerator which is separated into such
compartments as a refrigerator room 9, a convertible room 10, an
ice-maker 2, a vegetable room 11 and a freezer compartment 12. A
reference numeral 13 denotes a cool air duct formed inside the body
1 of the refrigerator. The cool air duct 13 communicates with the
refrigerator room 9, the convertible room 10, the ice-maker 2, the
vegetable room 11 and the freezer compartment 12. The cool air duct
13 includes a cooling chamber 16 in which a cooling unit 14 is
installed in a lower part and a fan 15 is installed in an upper
part. A reference numeral 17 denotes a filter which is installed in
a part of the cool air duct. The filter 17 is formed with wavy
inner padding 17a and flat liners 17b being woven together in
lamination layers as shown in FIG. 4. The inner padding 17a may be
formed, as one example shown in FIG. 5(a), with a fibrous pulp
material 17h being impregnated with an absorption material 17f,
which is composed of zeolite 17c, manganese oxide 17d and copper
oxide 17e, and a photocatalyst 7a such as a titanium oxide 17g
which is activated by ultraviolet rays. As another example shown in
FIG. 5(b), the inner padding 17a may be formed with sintered grains
of the absorption material 17f, which is composed of Zeolite 17c,
manganese oxide 17d and copper oxide 17e, and the photocatalyst 7a
such as the titanium oxide 17g which is activated by ultraviolet
rays. The inner padding 17a thus includes the mixture of the
absorption material 18, which is composed of zeolite 17c, manganese
oxide 17d and copper oxide 17e, and the photocatalyst 7a such as
the titanium oxide 17g which is activated by ultraviolet rays for
the purpose of making use of an absorption property of odor
elements such as methyl-mercaptan and tri-methyl-amine which are
given off from food stored in the refrigerator. The inner padding
17a may be obtained by varying the proportion and composition of
the absorption material 17f and the photocatalyst 17a.
[0060] Still alternatively, the filter 17 may be further mixed with
a silver component which has an antibacterial action, or the filter
17 may be provided with a blow hole whose size may be designed for
allowing ethylene to be removed. The size and surface area of the
filter 17 may be selected adaptively depending on the condition of
a user environment. A reference numeral 19 denotes a light emitting
unit including a substrate, which is installed above the filter 17
placed in the part of the cool air duct. The light emitting unit 19
is provided with lead wires 19a for connection, which are fixed on
one end of the substrate. The light emitting unit 19 is provided
also with two or more chipped LEDs 19b for emitting ultraviolet
rays and a chipped Zener diode 19c for preventing static
electricity mounted on the surface of the substrate. Alternatively,
the same effect may be obtained by the light emitting unit 19 based
on a discrete mounting in which holes are made through the
substrate, the lead wires are inserted through the holes and then
mounted on the substrate by soldering.
[0061] It is to be noted that the same effect may be obtained with
at least a single LED mounted on the body of the light emitting
unit.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a relative light distribution
characteristic illustrating a light emission characteristic of the
LED. The figure shows relative intensity for relative light
distribution in an irradiation range in X and Y directions. The
relative intensity may be obtained when the central light intensity
is 100. In FIG. 7, the solid line indicates the light distributions
in the X direction and the broken line indicates the light
distributions in the Y direction.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a light measuring unit for
measuring the relative light distribution characteristic of the
LED. A reference numeral 20 denotes a measuring base on which the
LED 19b is mounted.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows an electric circuit diagram of the light
emitting unit. The electric circuit has two LEDs 19b being
connected in series and the Zener diode 19c for preventing static
electricity being connected in parallel to the LEDs 19b. The LEDs
19b emit light when DC5V-DC12V is applied and an electric current
of about 10 mA-20 mA is supplied at the both ends of the lead wires
19a. This LED 19b acts with such weak power as DC5V to DC12V and
generates ultraviolet rays with a wave length of about 380 nm. With
such a small value of about 10 mA-20 mA, the light emitting unit
will be safe even if a number of LEDs 19b is required to be mounted
thereon depending on the intensity of light and the irradiation
range needed.
[0065] It is to be noted that the LEDs are connected in series in
this example, but the same effect may alternatively be obtained if
the LEDs is connected in parallel to each other.
[0066] The thus formed filter 17 may be placed at a location where
the filter is exposed to air within the refrigerator, for example,
in the part of the air duct within the refrigerator as shown in
FIG. 2. This allows the filter 17 to absorb odor elements, thereby
removing odors from cool air in the refrigerator. Furthermore, the
LED 19b may be placed at a location near the filter 17 where light
may be irradiated. As a result, the titanium oxide included in the
filter 17 is divided into electrons (-) and electron holes (+) by
means of ultraviolet rays, thereby producing a radical. The radical
has an oxidation decomposition effect on floating odor elements and
a deoxidization reaction to decompose odor elements absorbed by the
filter 17. Therefore, the life of the filter 17 may be
prolonged.
[0067] It is to be noted that although power may be supplied
continuously to the LED 19b, an intermittent supply of power by
such as synchronizing with the fan motor 15a may also be effective.
In this case, a required life for the LED 19b may be shortened and
the unit price of the LED 19b may be lowered. Still alternatively,
a deodorizing switch operable by the user may be provided in the
refrigerator. This allows power to be supplied arbitrarily to the
LED.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a simplified control flow chart. In a step 101,
it is judged whether a switch SW is turned on or not by the user
while the refrigerator is working. In a step 102, it is judged
whether the fan motor is under conditions for driving or not.
Therefore, in this case, power is supplied to the LED only when the
switch is turned on and also the fan motor is under conditions for
driving.
[0069] Embodiment 2.
[0070] FIG. 11 is a front view of a deodorizing unit of a
refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 12 is a side view of the deodorizing unit of the
refrigerator according to the second embodiment. With referring to
the figures, a reference numeral 21 denotes a deodorizing unit
including a pair of angular top frames 21a. In a lower part of the
frames, the filter 17 is fitted and in an upper part thereof, the
light emitting unit 19 is fitted with the both ends being fixed so
that the LEDs 19b face the surface of the filter 17.
[0071] Thus, by compactly forming the light emitting unit 19 by
using the LEDs 19b, the light emitting unit 19 is allowed to be
installed more flexibly in the air duct in the refrigerator. The
filter 17 and the LEDs 19b of the light emitting unit 19 are
allowed to keep a fixed distance therebetween, so that a stable
precision may be achieved. Furthermore, a material handling
performance may be improved. The product is removable on a unit
basis for decomposition thereby effectively recyclable.
[0072] It is to be noted that the shape of the deodorizing unit 21
is not fixed. FIG. 11 shows an example of the deodorizing unit 21
having an angular top for the purpose of reducing air resistance in
the air duct. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the
deodorizing unit 21 may be changed to have a slope on one side
depending up the use.
[0073] Still alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the
LEDs 19b may be mounted on the both sides of the substrate of the
light emitting unit 19 and the filters 17 may be fitted below as
well as above the light emitting unit 19. Thus, two filters are
allowed to be refreshed by means of the single substrate.
Furthermore, the filter may alternatively be placed at the center
and the LED substrate may be provided on each side of the filter.
As a result, the filter 17 is allowed to have the irradiation of
ultraviolet rays equally on the both sides. This has an effect of
enhancing a refreshing efficiency for the filter 17.
[0074] Embodiment 3.
[0075] FIG. 17 is a front view of a deodorizing unit of a
refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 18 is a side view of the deodorizing unit of the
refrigerator according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a
perspective view of a damper unit. FIG. 20 is a sectional view of
the refrigerator in which the deodorizing unit is installed in the
cool air duct. With referring to the figures, reference numeral 21
represents the body of a deodorizing unit which is installed in the
cool air duct 13 of the refrigerator 1 with a cool air channel 21b
being opened. The deodorizing unit 21 is provided with a pair of
adjustment catches 21c for fixing the filter 17 so as to clog the
cool air channel 21b in an upper part on the both sides of the
body. On an end panel of the body, the deodorizing unit 21 is
provided with a wall 21d which is in contact with the whole surface
of the end panel and extends upwards. A reference numeral 22
denotes a transparent case which is placed in an upper part of the
wall and contains the light emitting unit 19 including the LEDs
19b. The transparent case 22 is fitted so that the LEDs 19b of the
light emitting unit 19 face downwards. A reference numeral 23
denotes a damper unit which is normally installed in the cool air
duct 13 in the refrigerator 1. The damper unit 23 is composed of a
driving part 23a including a built-in motor, a frame part 23c which
is provided horizontally next to the driving part 23a with an
opening 23b, and a baffle part 23d for opening/closing the opening.
The thus composed damper unit 23 is mounted on the bottom surface
of the body of the deodorizing unit 21 so as to clog the opening
23b of the body. A reference numeral 23e denotes a spring which is
used for keeping the baffle part 23d to be in a closed state.
[0076] It is to be noted that this damper unit is installed in the
air duct 13 as illustrated in FIG. 12 if used for controlling the
temperature of the refrigerator room. In this case, the damper unit
opens/closes the baffle to control the flow rate of cool air so as
to keep a constant temperature in the refrigerator room.
[0077] Embodiment 4.
[0078] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drip-proof substrate unit
of a deodorizing unit of a refrigerator according to a fourth
embodiment. FIG. 22 is a front view of the deodorizing unit which
the drip-proof substrate unit is mounted on. FIG. 23 is a side view
of the deodorizing unit which the substrate unit is mounted on.
With referring to the figures, reference 19 represents the light
emitting unit, reference 19a represents the lead wires, reference
numeral 19b represents LEDs, and reference numeral 19c represents
the Zener diode for preventing static electricity. A reference
numeral 24 denotes a drip-proof substrate case which is composed of
an acrylic material or a glass material containing the built-in
light emitting unit 19. An opening of the case is sealed and
clogged by a seal section 25 with the light emitting unit 19 being
built inside the drip-proof substrate case.
[0079] The thus formed drip-proof substrate unit allows no dew to
be formed on the LED substrate assembly if located at a low
temperature, even when warm air flows in through the refrigerator
as a result of opening a door of the refrigerator for a long time,
for example. Therefore, such as a rust relating disconnection in
the lead wires or corrosion in soldered parts may be prevented. It
is to be noted that the drip-proof case 24 is made of a material
transmitting ultraviolet rays such as acrylic or glass.
Alternatively, the case may be vacuumed inside also to prevent dew
forming inside the case.
[0080] Further alternatively, as shown in FIG. 24, the filter 17 is
fitted in a lower part of a pair of frames 21a. Above the filter
17, the drip-proof case is fixed on the both sides with the side of
the lead wires 19a being slanted downwards so that the LEDs 19b of
the light emitting unit 19 face the surface of the filter 17. Thus,
by placing the drip-proof case in a slanted manner, in case of a
drip of water 26 entering the case, the water will be kept on one
side as illustrated in the figure, so that the substrate is allowed
to be less possible to be watered.
[0081] Embodiment 5.
[0082] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the drip-proof substrate
unit 24 of the fourth embodiment with an additional lens section 27
for concentrating ultraviolet rays. The thus formed drip-proof
substrate unit may achieve an effective irradiation of ultraviolet
rays to the filter. It is to be noted that light concentration may
be adjusted depending on the size of the filter.
[0083] Embodiment 6.
[0084] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the substrate of a
deodorizing unit according to a sixth embodiment. With referring to
the figure, reference 19 represents the light emitting unit
composed of a substrate, reference 19a represents the lead wires,
reference numeral 19b represents LEDs, and reference numeral 19c
represents the Zener diode for preventing static electricity. A
reference numeral 28 denotes second reflection materials such as
stainless steel. The second reflection materials 28 have circular
openings 28a at the center. From the edges of the openings,
slanting conic surfaces 28b are formed so as to have reflecting
surfaces.
[0085] The deodorizing unit thus formed concentrates ultraviolet
rays which are emitted by the LEDs 19b of the light emitting unit
19 and then reflected by the second reflection materials 28. As a
result, an efficient irradiation of ultraviolet rays may be
achieved to the filter. It is to be noted also in this case that
light concentration may be adjusted depending on the size of the
filter.
[0086] Embodiment 7.
[0087] FIG. 27 is a schematic drawing of air ducts in which
deodorizing units are provided in a refrigerator according to a
seventh embodiment. With referring to the figure, reference numeral
15 represents the fan, a reference sign 13a denotes a first air
duct, a reference sign 13b denotes a second air duct, a reference
sign 13c denotes a third air duct, a reference sign 13d denotes a
fourth air duct and reference 23 represents the damper units. The
air ducts 13a-13d guide cool air to compartments at different
temperatures, respectively, in the refrigerator. The first air duct
13a is provided with the deodorizing unit 21 and leads to a first
compartment (e.g., the refrigerator room). The second air duct 13b
is provided with the deodorizing unit 21 and leads to a second
compartment (e.g., the ice-maker). The third air duct 13c is
provided with the deodorizing unit 21 and leads to a third
compartment (e.g., the convertible room). The fourth air duct is
provided with the deodorizing unit 21 and leads to a fourth
compartment (e.g., the freezer compartment).
[0088] By installing the deodorizing units 21 equipped with the
damper units 23 at the places of the first air duct 13a, the second
air duct 13b, the third air duct 13c and the fourth air duct 13d,
respectively, cool air flowing into the respective compartments may
be deodorized. It is to be noted that the number of the air ducts
may correspond to the number of compartments in the refrigerator.
Hence, deodorized cool air may be supplied sufficiently to a
compartment which requires deodorization.
[0089] The effects of the embodiments of the present invention may
be summarized as follows.
[0090] The fridge-freezer according to one embodiment of the
present invention is provided with the deodorizing unit including
the filter, which has a photocatalyst or a mixture of a
photocatalyst and an absorption material, and the light emitting
unit which has the LED for emitting ultraviolet rays. As a result,
light maybe emitted by using a low electric current. As an effect,
odors given off from food and others may be removed efficiently so
that the users are allowed to have a pleasant and comfortable use
of the refrigerator.
[0091] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the deodorizing unit
including the filter and the light emitting unit which are solidly
formed with a fixed distance being kept therebetween. As a result,
a material handling performance of the fridge-freezer is improved.
As an effect, the fridge-freezer is efficiently removable for
decomposition thereby highly recyclable.
[0092] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the deodorizing unit and
the damper unit which are solidly formed. As an effect, the number
of parts required for the refrigerator may be reduced.
[0093] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the light emitting unit
which is covered with the transparent case which transmits
ultraviolet rays. As a result, even if glass is used as a material
for the drip-proof structured case, the case does not easily
receive such stress as to damage the case in material handling
because the light emitting part is small. As an effect, an external
stress is not easily exerted on the glass case if the case is
placed in the air duct.
[0094] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the transparent case
which has the drip-proof structure. As a result, even if glass is
used as a material for the drip-proof structured case, the case
does not easily receive such stress as to damage the case in
material handling because the light emitting part is small. As an
effect, an external stress is not easily exerted on the glass case
if the case is placed in the air duct. In addition to that, the
case may protect the inside from dew forming or being watered
without affecting the performance.
[0095] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the transparent case that
is formed by the material which may transmit ultraviolet rays and
the lens section. As an effect, ultraviolet rays may be
concentrated efficiently and irradiation efficiency to the filter
may be enhanced.
[0096] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the light emitting unit
which has the reflection materials surrounding the LED. As an
effect, ultraviolet rays may be concentrated efficiently and
irradiation efficiency to the filter may be enhanced.
[0097] Furthermore, the fridge-freezer according to one embodiment
of the present invention is provided with the light emitting unit
being installed in the cool air duct through which cool air is
guided to two or more compartments in different temperatures and
which has one or more flow rate controllers being installed
therein. This may facilitate the deodorization, as an effect, of
the individual compartments in different temperatures.
[0098] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
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