Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator capable of improving virus or bacteria inhibiting function is provided. The refrigerator of the embodiment has a cabinet, at least one container, and a light irradiation portion. The cabinet has a storage compartment capable of being used as a vegetable compartment. The at least one container is housed in the storage compartment. The light irradiation portion is disposed upward of an upper edge of at least a portion of an uppermost container among the at least one container, and irradiates light having an effect of inhibiting viruses or bacteria into the storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator with an ultraviolet light source in the chilled compartment has been proposed. Further improvements in the refrigerator's sterilization function are anticipated.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-112295 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can improve the function of inhibiting viruses or bacteria.

[0008] Methods used to solve problems

[0009] The refrigerator of the technical solution has a cabinet, at least one container, and a light irradiation unit. The cabinet has a storage compartment that can be used as a vegetable compartment. The at least one container is housed in the storage compartment. The light irradiation unit is positioned above at least a portion of the uppermost container among the at least one container, irradiating the storage compartment with light that has an inhibitory effect on viruses or bacteria.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, the virus or bacteria suppression function of the refrigerator can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along line F2-F2.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view along line F3-F3.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the refrigeration piping component according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the refrigerator surrounded by line F5.

[0017] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the refrigerator surrounded by line F6.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the center of ultraviolet radiation in the light irradiation section of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The plan view of the light illumination unit shown is taken from the direction of arrow F8.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the light irradiation unit of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light after it is limited according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the first modified example of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the second modification of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along line F19-F19.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator, a modified example of the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, structures having the same or similar functions will be given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these structures will sometimes be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined based on the direction from which the refrigerator is viewed from the front of the user. Furthermore, the side closer to the user standing at the front of the refrigerator when viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front," and the side farther away is defined as "rear." "Left-right direction of the refrigerator" has the same meaning as "width direction of the refrigerator." "Front-back direction of the refrigerator" has the same meaning as "depth direction of the refrigerator."

[0033] The term "sterilization" used in this instruction manual is a convenient term and is used broadly to refer to the inhibition of viruses or bacteria (e.g., reduction or inactivation of viral infectivity, inhibition of bacterial proliferation). That is, "sterilization" in this instruction manual is not limited to the removal (reduction) of bacteria, but also refers to the inhibition of bacterial growth and / or the inhibition of the spread of viruses and other pathogens. The term "inhibition of the spread of viruses and other pathogens" is not limited to inhibiting the spread of viruses within the refrigerator; it also includes situations where the infectivity of the virus is weakened and its spread outside the refrigerator is inhibited.

[0034] (First Embodiment)

[0035] [1. Overall Structure of the Refrigerator]

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 10 The refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment will be described. First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a front view of refrigerator 1. Refrigerator 1, for example, has a cabinet 10 and multiple doors 20.

[0038] The housing 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c and 10d, and a rear wall 10e (see reference). Figure 2 The upper wall 10a and lower wall 10b extend horizontally. The left and right side walls 10c and 10d rise upwards from the left and right ends of the lower wall 10b and connect to the left and right ends of the upper wall 10a. The left side wall 10c includes a left side wall portion S1 that protrudes into the vegetable compartment 11B and forms the left side surface of the vegetable compartment 11B (described later). The right side wall 10d includes a right side wall portion S2 that protrudes into the vegetable compartment 11B and forms the right side surface of the vegetable compartment 11B. The rear wall 10e rises upwards from the rear end of the lower wall 10b and connects to the rear end of the upper wall 10a. The housing 10 includes an inner box 10i forming the inner surface of the housing 10, an outer box 10j located outside the inner box 10i and forming the outer surface of the housing 10, and a foamed heat insulation member 10k (see reference) such as foamed polyurethane provided between the inner box 10i and the outer box 10j. Figure 2 It has heat insulation properties.

[0039] Inside the housing 10, there are multiple storage compartments 11. These compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, a small freezer compartment 11D, and a main freezer compartment 11E. The refrigerator compartment 11A is, for example, cooled to a refrigerator temperature range of approximately 2°C to 6°C. The micro-freezing compartment 11Aa is, for example, cooled to a micro-freezing temperature range of approximately -1°C to +1°C. The vegetable compartment 11B is, for example, cooled to a vegetable temperature range of approximately 3°C to 7°C. The ice-making compartment 11C, the small freezer compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E are, for example, cooled to a freezing temperature range of approximately -20°C to -18°C.

[0040] In this embodiment, a refrigerator compartment 11A is arranged at the top, a vegetable compartment 11B is arranged below the refrigerator compartment 11A, an ice-making compartment 11C and a small freezer compartment 11D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 11B, and a main freezer compartment 11E is arranged below the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. The cabinet 10 has an opening on the front surface of each storage compartment 11 for taking food out of and putting in food.

[0041] Vegetable compartment 11B is an example of a "storage compartment that can be used as a vegetable compartment," and is an example of "first storage compartment." In this specification, the term "storage compartment that can be used as a vegetable compartment" is not limited to storage compartment 11 specifically designed for vegetable compartments; it could also be a switching compartment whose temperature zone can be switched according to multiple uses (e.g., refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, or vegetable compartment), or storage compartment 11 that can at least switch to the temperature zone of a vegetable compartment. The term "vegetable compartment" refers to a storage compartment with a higher temperature zone than a refrigerator compartment.

[0042] The micro-freezing compartment 11Aa is located in a section at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 11A. The micro-freezing compartment 11Aa is an example of a "special storage compartment" and an example of a "second storage compartment." In this specification, a "special storage compartment" refers to a storage compartment with a temperature zone lower than the refrigerator compartment but higher than the freezer compartment. The term "special storage compartment" is not limited to the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa; it can also be a partial freezer compartment cooled to a partial freezing temperature zone (approximately -4°C to -2°C), etc. Therefore, the "micro-freezing compartment 11Aa" in the following description can also be referred to as a "special storage compartment" or a "partial freezer compartment."

[0043] The housing 10 has first and second partitions 15 and 16 (see reference). Figure 2The first and second partitions 15 and 16 are, for example, partition walls along a generally horizontal direction. The first partition 15 is located between the refrigerator compartment 11A and the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa and the vegetable compartment 11B, separating the refrigerator compartment 11A and the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa from the vegetable compartment 11B. For example, the first partition 15 is a non-insulated partition wall. The first partition 15 can be integrally provided with the cabinet body 10 or separately provided and installed inside the cabinet body 10. The first partition 15 has a vent to guide the cold air after passing through the refrigerator compartment 11A or the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa to the vegetable compartment 11B. On the other hand, the second partition 16 is located between the vegetable compartment 11B and the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D, separating the vegetable compartment 11B from the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D. The second partition 16 is integrally provided with the cabinet body 10, for example, and is insulated.

[0044] Multiple storage compartments 11 are closable via multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 11A, vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11B, ice maker door 20C that closes the opening of ice maker compartment 11C, small freezer door 20D that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer door 20E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 11E. The left and right refrigerator doors 20Aa and 20Ab, for example, constitute French doors (side-by-side doors). Vegetable compartment door 20B, ice maker door 20C, small freezer door 20D, and main freezer door 20E are pull-out doors that can be extended to the front of the refrigerator 1.

[0045] Here, the vegetable compartment door 20B will be described in detail. The vegetable compartment door 20B includes, for example, a door body 21 and a track component 22. The door body 21 is located outside the refrigerator body 10, extending from the front of the refrigerator 1 towards the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B. The door body 21 has a shape larger than the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B, allowing the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B to be opened and closed. At the upper end of the door body 21, there is a handle for the user to hold when the vegetable compartment door 20B is opened. The track component 22 is mounted on the inner surface (rear surface) of the door body 21 and extends rearward from the door body 21. The track component 22 is supported by track receiving portions provided on the left side wall S1 and the right side wall S2 of the refrigerator body 10. Thus, the vegetable compartment door 20B can slide relative to the refrigerator body 10 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 shown is a cross-sectional view along line F2-F2. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, multiple shelves 30, multiple containers 40, flow path forming components 50, a cooling unit 60, a light irradiation unit 70, and a control device 80. The multiple shelves 30 are arranged in the refrigerator compartment 11A.

[0047] The multiple containers 40 include first and second micro-freezing chamber containers 41 and 42 housed in micro-freezing chamber 11Aa, first and second vegetable chamber containers 43 and 44 housed in vegetable chamber 11B, ice-making chamber container (not shown) housed in ice-making chamber 11C, small freezer container 46 housed in small freezer chamber 11D, and first and second main freezer containers 47 and 48 housed in main freezer chamber 11E.

[0048] Here, the first and second micro-freezing chamber containers 41 and 42 will be described first. The first micro-freezing chamber container 41 is the lower container in the two-layer micro-freezing chamber containers 41 and 42. The second micro-freezing chamber container 42 is the upper container in the two-layer micro-freezing chamber containers 41 and 42. The second micro-freezing chamber container 42 is located above the first micro-freezing chamber container 41. The first and second micro-freezing chamber containers 41 and 42 can be pulled forward independently. Alternatively, only one micro-freezing chamber container may be disposed in the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa.

[0049] Next, the first and second vegetable compartment containers 43 and 44 will be described. The first vegetable compartment container 43 is the lower container in the two-layer vegetable compartment containers 43 and 44. The first vegetable compartment container 43 is supported by the vegetable compartment door 20B and can be pulled out towards the front of the refrigerator 1 integrally with the vegetable compartment door 20B. The front end 43a of the first vegetable compartment container 43 is located near the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B. Inside the first vegetable compartment container 43, a partition 43p is provided. Between the front end 42a of the first vegetable compartment container 43 and the partition 43p, a receiving area CR is formed that can hold a plastic bottle upright. The receiving area CR is a receiving area inside the first vegetable compartment container 43 adjacent to the front end 43a of the first vegetable compartment container 43. On the other hand, the rear end 43b of the first vegetable compartment container 43 is located near the rear wall 10e of the cabinet 10 when the first vegetable compartment container 43 is housed in the vegetable compartment 11B. Container 43 of the first vegetable compartment is an example of "the first container".

[0050] The second vegetable compartment container 44 is the upper container in the two-layer vegetable compartment containers 43 and 44. The second vegetable compartment container 44 is positioned above the first vegetable compartment container 43. The size of the second vegetable compartment container 44 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 is smaller than the size of the first vegetable compartment container 43 in the same direction. The front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44 is located directly above or behind the partition 43p of the first vegetable compartment container 43. That is, the front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44 is located further back than the front end 43a of the first vegetable compartment container 43. A handle H for the user's hand to hold when the second vegetable compartment container 44 is pulled forward is provided at the front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44. The rear end 44b of the second vegetable compartment container 44 is located further forward than the rear end 43b of the first vegetable compartment container 43. The second vegetable compartment container 44 is an example of a "second container".

[0051] In this embodiment, the second vegetable compartment container 44 is an example of "the uppermost container among at least one container housed in a storage room (vegetable compartment 11B)". However, the vegetable compartment container disposed in the vegetable compartment 11B may also be a single container. In this case, the single vegetable compartment container disposed in the vegetable compartment 11B is equivalent to an example of "the uppermost container among at least one container housed in a storage room (vegetable compartment 11B)".

[0052] The flow path forming component 50 includes a refrigeration pipe component 51 and a freezing pipe component 52. The refrigeration pipe component 51 is disposed inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall 10e. Near the rear wall 10e of the housing 10, the refrigeration pipe component 51 forms a pipe space D1 that serves as a passage for cold air (air). The term "pipe component" as used in this specification is not limited to a cylindrical component and can include components that define at least a portion of the cold air passage by cooperating with other components (e.g., the rear wall 10e of the housing 10). For example, the refrigeration pipe component 51 of this embodiment is mounted on the rear wall 10e of the housing 10 and forms a cover between itself and the rear wall 10e of the housing 10 to form the pipe space D1.

[0053] The refrigeration piping component 51 has cold air outlets 51a and 51b and cold air return outlets 51c and 51d. Cold air outlet 51a opens onto the refrigeration compartment 11A, supplying cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 62 (described later) to the refrigeration compartment 11AA. Cold air outlet 51b opens onto the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, supplying cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 62 (described later) to the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa. Cold air return outlet 51c opens onto the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, guiding cold air heated by passing through the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa toward the piping space D1. Cold air return outlet 51d opens onto the vegetable compartment 11B, guiding cold air heated by passing through the refrigeration compartment 11A or the vegetable compartment 11B, etc., toward the piping space D1. The refrigeration piping component 51 will be described in detail later.

[0054] A refrigeration piping component 52 is disposed within the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall 10e. Near the rear wall 10e of the housing 10, the refrigeration piping component 52 forms a piping space D2 serving as a passage for cold air (air). The refrigeration piping component 52 has a cold air outlet 52a and a cold air return outlet 52b. The cold air outlet 52a opens into the ice-making chamber 11C, the small freezer chamber 11D, or the main freezer chamber 11E, supplying cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 64 (described later) to the ice-making chamber 11C, the small freezer chamber 11D, or the main freezer chamber 11E. The cold air return outlet 52b opens at the lower part of the main freezer chamber 11E, guiding cold air, heated by passing through one or more of the ice-making chamber 11C, the small freezer chamber 11D, and the main freezer chamber 11E, into the piping space D2.

[0055] The cooling unit 60 includes, for example, a compressor 61, a refrigeration cooler 62, a refrigerator compartment fan 63, a freezer cooler 64, and a freezer compartment fan 65. The refrigeration cooler 62 and the refrigerator compartment fan 63 are disposed in the duct space D1. The refrigeration cooler 62 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 61 to cool the cold air flowing through the duct space D1. If the refrigerator compartment fan 63 is driven, the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 62 is supplied from the cold air outlets 51a and 51b to the refrigerator compartment 11A and the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa. A portion of the cold air after passing through the refrigerator compartment 11A or the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa flows into the vegetable compartment 11B. Furthermore, the cold air heated in one or more of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B returns to the duct space D1 from the cold air return outlets 51c and 51d.

[0056] A refrigeration cooler 64 and a freezer compartment fan 65 are arranged in the duct space D2. The refrigeration cooler 64 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 61 to cool the cold air flowing through the duct space D2. If the freezer compartment fan 65 is driven, the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 64 is supplied from the cold air outlet 52a to the freezer compartments (ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, main freezer compartment 11E), and the air heated in the freezer compartments returns to the duct space D2 from the cold air return outlet 52b.

[0057] The light irradiation unit 70 is disposed inside the housing 10. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 70 is positioned behind the vegetable compartment 11B to irradiate the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B with ultraviolet light. The light irradiation unit 70 will be described in detail later.

[0058] The control device 80 includes a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The control device 80 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 1. For example, the control device 80 controls the operation of the compressor 61, the refrigerator compartment fan 63, and the freezer compartment fan 65. Furthermore, the control device 80 controls the ultraviolet irradiation performed by the light irradiation unit 70. In this embodiment, the control device 80 controls the light irradiation unit 70 based on the detection result of the door opening / closing state of the vegetable compartment door 20B. For example, if the control device 80 detects that the vegetable compartment door 20B is open, it stops the ultraviolet irradiation performed by the light irradiation unit 70. On the other hand, if the control device 80 detects that the vegetable compartment door 20B is closed, it restarts the ultraviolet irradiation performed by the light irradiation unit 70.

[0059] [2. Detailed description of the surrounding structure of the vegetable storage room]

[0060] Next, the surrounding structure of the vegetable room 11B will be described in detail.

[0061] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 shown is a perspective cross-sectional view along line F3-F3. Additionally, in Figure 3 The illustrations of the refrigeration cooler 62 and the refrigerator compartment fan 63 are omitted.

[0062] [2.1 First Divider]

[0063] First, the first partition 15 will be described. As described above, the first partition 15 is provided between the refrigerator compartment 11A, the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B, separating the refrigerator compartment 11A, the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B. The first partition 15 is formed as a relatively thin plate. The first partition 15 forms the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 11A and the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, and forms the top of the vegetable compartment 11B. From the front side, the first partition 15 includes a first part 15a, a second part 15b, a third part 15c, a fourth part 15d, and a fifth part 15e. The first to fifth parts 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, and 15e are provided in a manner that covers the entire width of the vegetable compartment 11B in the width direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0064] Part 15a is located at the front of the first micro-freezing chamber container 41, forming part of the bottom wall of the cold storage chamber 11Aa. Part 15a is a wall portion that extends horizontally. Part 25b is adjacent to the rear end of Part 15a. Part 25b is located below the first micro-freezing chamber container 41, forming part of the bottom wall of the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa. Part 25b is an inclined wall that slopes relative to the horizontal direction. Part 25b slopes downwards as it moves rearwards from the rear end of Part 15a (i.e., slopes downwards).

[0065] Part 3 15c is adjacent to the rear end of Part 2 15b. Part 3 15c is located below the first micro-freezing chamber container 41, forming part of the bottom wall of the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa. Part 3 15c is a wall portion that extends horizontally from the rear end of Part 2 15b. That is, Part 3 15c is located at a lower height than Part 1 15a and Part 5 15d (described later). For example, Part 3 15c forms the lowermost part of the first partition 15.

[0066] Part 4 15d is adjacent to the rear end of Part 3 15c. Part 4 15d is located below the first micro-freezing chamber container 41 and forms part of the bottom wall of micro-freezing chamber 11Aa. Part 4 15d is an inclined portion relative to the horizontal direction. Part 4 15d is inclined in such a way that it is above as it moves rearward from the rear end of Part 3 15c (i.e., inclined rearward and upward).

[0067] The fifth portion 15e is adjacent to the rear end of the fourth portion 15d. The fifth portion 15e is located below the first micro-freezing chamber container 41 and forms part of the bottom wall of the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa. The fifth portion 15e is a wall portion that includes a portion extending horizontally from the rear end of the fourth portion 15d. The fifth portion 15e forms the rear end of the first partition 15. In this embodiment, the fifth portion 15e (i.e., the rear end of the first partition 15) is located in front of the rear end 44b of the second vegetable chamber container 44.

[0068] [2.2 Piping Components for Refrigeration]

[0069] Next, the refrigeration piping component 51 will be described.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a part of a refrigeration piping component 51 (hereinafter referred to as "piping component 51"). Figure 4 The portion of the pipe component 51 exposed in the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa and the vegetable chamber 11B is shown by pulling it out. The pipe component 51 has, for example, a first front wall portion 91, an extension portion 92, a second front wall portion 93, a left side wall portion 94, a right side wall portion 95, and a lower wall 96.

[0071] The first front wall portion 91 is a wall portion facing the front side of the refrigerator 1. The first front wall portion 91 is exposed in the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa, forming part of the rear wall portion of the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa (see reference). Figure 5 A plurality of cold air outlets 51b are provided on the first front wall portion 91. The cold air outlets 51b are, for example, positioned higher than the top of the second micro-freezing chamber container 42 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0072] The protrusion 92 extends forward from the lower end of the first front wall portion 91. The protrusion 92 is provided covering most of the full width of the pipe component 51 in the width direction of the refrigerator 1. The protrusion 92 is provided at a height position corresponding to the distance between the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa and the vegetable compartment 11B (see reference). Figure 5 In this embodiment, the protrusion 92 is connected to the fifth portion 15e of the first partition 15. Thus, the protrusion 92 and the first partition 15 cooperate to function as a partition wall separating the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa and the vegetable chamber 11B. In this embodiment, the fifth portion 15e of the first partition 15 is placed on the front end portion 92e of the protrusion 92 (see reference). Figure 5 Thus, the protrusion 92 supports the fifth part 15e of the first partition 15 from below.

[0073] In this embodiment, the protrusion 92 is inclined in such a way that its height decreases as it moves forward from the lower end of the first front wall portion 91 (i.e., it is inclined downwards). A plurality of cold air return ports 51c (return ports for cold air from the micro-freezing compartment 11Aa) are provided on the protrusion 92. The plurality of cold air return ports 51c are arranged in the width direction of the refrigerator 1. Each of the plurality of cold air return ports 51c is an elongated hole along the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. At the rear end of the first micro-freezing compartment container 41 located above the protrusion 92, a vent hole 41h is provided to allow cold air flowing through the interior of the first micro-freezing compartment container 41 to pass towards the cold air return ports 51c of the protrusion 92 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0074] The second front wall portion 93 is located below the protrusion 92. The second front wall portion 93 is a wall portion facing the front of the refrigerator 1, forming at least a portion of the front surface of the pipe component 51. The second front wall portion 93 is exposed in the vegetable compartment 11B, forming part of the rear wall portion of the vegetable compartment 11B (see reference). Figure 5 The second front wall portion 93 extends downward from the intermediate portion 92m of the protrusion 92 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. The intermediate portion 92m is the part of the protrusion 92 adjacent to the front end of the cold air return port 51c. The second front wall portion 93 is an example of a "front wall". The second front wall portion 93 will be described in detail later along with the description of the light irradiation unit 70.

[0075] The left side wall 94 extends rearward from the left ends of the first front wall 91 and the second front wall 93. Conversely, the right side wall 95 extends rearward from the right ends of the first front wall 91 and the second front wall 93. The left side wall 94 and the right side wall 95 block the left and right sides of the pipe space D1. The lower wall 96 extends rearward from the lower end of the second front wall 93. The lower wall 96 blocks the lower part of the pipe space D1. In this embodiment, a plurality of cold air return ports 51d (cold air return ports from the vegetable compartment 11B) are provided on the lower wall 96 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0076] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by line F5 in the refrigerator 1. The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow of air (cold air). An insulation component 55 is provided inside the duct component 51. The insulation component 55 is, for example, a foamed insulation material such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), which has high insulation properties. The insulation component 55 has better insulation per unit thickness than the duct component 51.

[0077] A heat insulation member 55 is disposed along the inner surface (rear surface) of the first front wall portion 91. The heat insulation member 55 is located within the pipe member 51 between the first front wall portion 91 and the pipe space D1, defining a portion of the front surface of the pipe space D1. In other words, the heat insulation member 55 is located between the first front wall portion 91 and the refrigeration cooler 62. The heat insulation member 55 extends along the front surface of the refrigeration cooler 62 to the underside of the first front wall portion 91.

[0078] In this embodiment, the heat insulation member 55 is located between the protrusion 92 and the refrigeration cooler 62, and at least a portion of the second front wall portion 93 is located between the refrigeration cooler 62 and the second front wall portion 93. The second front wall portion 93 is located away from the heat insulation member 55. Between the second front wall portion 93 and the heat insulation member 55, a cold air passage A1 is formed, through which air (cold air) flowing from the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa into the cold air return port 51c flows downward.

[0079] Air flowing into the interior of the duct component 51 from the cold air return port 51c passes through the cold air passage A1 between the second front wall portion 93 and the heat insulation component 55, and is guided to the space A2 (hereinafter referred to as "converging space A2" for convenience of explanation) located behind the vegetable compartment 11B and below the refrigeration cooler 62. The air flowing into the converging space A2 from the cold air return port 51c merges with the air flowing into the converging space A2 from the vegetable compartment 11B through the cold air return port 51d, and flows from the converging space A2 toward the refrigeration cooler 62.

[0080] [3. Light Illumination Unit]

[0081] [3.1 Structure of the Light Illumination Unit]

[0082] Next, the structure of the light irradiation unit 70 will be described in detail.

[0083] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by line F6 in the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 70 is disposed inside the pipe component 51 (e.g., a space surrounded from three directions by the second front wall portion 93, the left side wall portion 94, and the right side wall portion 95). That is, the light irradiation unit 70 is exposed inside the pipe component 51 in the cold air passage A1, and is exposed to the cold air (so-called return cold air) flowing from the cold air return port 51c through the confluence space A2 toward the refrigeration cooler 62. In other words, the cold air passage A1 is formed between the light irradiation unit 70 and the heat insulation component 55. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 70 has a light irradiation section 71, a housing 72, and a sealing component 73.

[0084] [3.1.1 Light irradiation part]

[0085] The light irradiation unit 71 includes a circuit board 101 and an ultraviolet LED 102. The circuit board 101 is arranged parallel to the inner surface (rear surface) of the second front wall portion 93. The circuit board 101 has a first surface 101a facing the second front wall portion 93 and a second surface 101b located on the opposite side of the first surface 101a. The ultraviolet LED 102 is mounted on the first surface 101a of the circuit board 101 and irradiates ultraviolet light towards the front of the refrigerator 1. The ultraviolet LED 102 is an example of an "ultraviolet light source". However, the ultraviolet light source is not limited to the ultraviolet LED 102, and may also be an ultraviolet lamp or the like.

[0086] Ultraviolet light is an example of "light that has the effect of inhibiting viruses or bacteria." In this specification, "ultraviolet light" refers to electromagnetic waves with a center wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm. That is, "ultraviolet light" can be electromagnetic waves with a center wavelength of UVA (wavelength 320nm to 400nm), UVB (wavelength 280nm to 320nm), or UVC (wavelength 100nm to 280nm). Furthermore, "ultraviolet light" only needs to have a center wavelength in the range of 100nm to 400nm; the wavelength of a portion of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 102 can also be 400nm or higher (i.e., it can also be a wavelength within the visible light range). The ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 102 may or may not include light visible to humans. Additionally, "light that has the effect of inhibiting viruses or bacteria" is not limited to ultraviolet light and can also be light of other wavelengths.

[0087] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet LED 102 irradiates electromagnetic waves with a center wavelength of UVA. Compared with electromagnetic waves of such wavelength, such as UVC, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of, for example, the plastic containers 43 and 44 of the first and second vegetable compartments while inhibiting viruses or bacteria.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, in the second front wall portion 93, a window (light transmission portion) 103 is provided on the portion facing the ultraviolet LED 102, allowing ultraviolet light to pass through. The window 103 is formed of a light-transmitting component such as acrylic resin or glass. The ultraviolet LED 102 irradiates the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B through the window 103. As a result, at least a portion of the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B is within the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the light irradiation portion 71.

[0089] In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is provided inside the vegetable compartment 11B, which is located further rearward than the second vegetable compartment container 44. The light irradiation unit 71 is positioned above at least a portion of the upper edge 44u of the second vegetable compartment container 44 (for example, the upper edge 44u of the rear end portion 44b of the second vegetable compartment container 44).

[0090] In detail, the second vegetable compartment container 44 is formed as a box shape with an open top. In addition to the aforementioned front end portion 44a and rear end portion 44b, the second vegetable compartment container 44 also has a left end portion and a right end portion. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is positioned above the upper edges 44u of all the ends of the second vegetable compartment container 44 (i.e., the upper edges 44u of the front end portion 44a, rear end portion 44b, left end portion, and right end portion, respectively). The phrase "the light irradiation unit is located above the upper edge of the container" in this specification means that the ultraviolet LED 102 included in the light irradiation unit 71 is located above the upper edge of the container; it may also include cases where a portion of the circuit board 101 included in the light irradiation unit 71 is located below the upper edge of the container.

[0091] In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is positioned rearward of the second vegetable compartment container 44 and irradiates ultraviolet light obliquely downward relative to the horizontal direction. For example, the light irradiation unit 71 irradiates ultraviolet light towards the interior of the second vegetable compartment container 44. As a result, at least a portion of the interior of the second vegetable compartment container 44 is within the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the light irradiation unit 71.

[0092] Figure 7 This diagram shows the irradiation center C of the ultraviolet light from the light irradiation unit 71. The light irradiation unit 71 irradiates ultraviolet light at a relatively small angle relative to the horizontal direction. For example, the light irradiation unit 71 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the irradiation center C of the ultraviolet light (i.e., the optical axis CA corresponding to the irradiation center) is oriented at an angle smaller than 45 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is inclined so that the irradiation center C of the ultraviolet light is oriented at a 25-degree angle relative to the horizontal direction. By tilting the light irradiation unit 71 in this way, ultraviolet light can be irradiated over a larger area within the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0093] In this embodiment, the irradiation center C of the ultraviolet light of the light irradiation unit 71 is set in the region FR in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, which is located in the second vegetable compartment container 44 and is housed in the vegetable compartment 11B, in a region forward of the center of the bottom surface of the second vegetable compartment container 44.

[0094] [3.1.2 boxes]

[0095] Back Figure 6The box 72 will now be described. The box 72 is formed as a rectangular, flat box with an open front. The light-irradiating part 71 is housed inside the box 72. The box 72 is mounted on the inner surface (rear surface) of the second front wall 93, with the sealing member 73 sandwiched between the box 72 and the second front wall 93. By mounting the box 72 on the inner surface of the second front wall 93, the area around the light-irradiating part 71 is sealed. This suppresses the flow of cold air around the light-irradiating part 71 and prevents condensation from occurring on the light-irradiating part 71. The box 72 is an example of a "cover".

[0096] In detail, the box 72 has a back wall portion 72a, a peripheral wall portion 72b, and a pressing portion 72c. The back wall portion 72a covers the light irradiation portion 71 from the side opposite to the second front wall portion 93. The peripheral wall portion 72b extends from the peripheral end of the back wall portion 72a toward the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93. The peripheral wall portion 72b is formed into a rectangular ring (cylindrical shape) that surrounds the light irradiation portion 71 vertically and horizontally. The peripheral wall portion 72b is mounted independently of the light irradiation portion 71 on the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93. This will be described later. The pressing portion 72c is provided on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 72b. The pressing portion 72c is in contact with the closing member 73 and pushes the closing member 73 toward the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93. The back wall portion 72a is an example of "part 1". The peripheral wall portion 72b is an example of "part 2". The pressing part 72c is an example of "part 3". However, the peripheral wall part 72b and the pressing part 72c can also be provided as a single unit.

[0097] Figure 8 Observe from the direction of arrow F8 Figure 6 The plan view of the light irradiation unit 70 shown.

[0098] The sealing member 73 is, for example, an elastic member such as a soft strap. The sealing member 73 is formed in a ring shape along the entire circumference of the peripheral wall portion 72b. By mounting the peripheral wall portion 72b of the box 72 onto the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93, the sealing member 73 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93 and the pushing portion 72c of the box 72, sealing the space between the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93 and the peripheral wall portion 72b of the box 72. This more reliably suppresses the flow of cold air to the vicinity of the light irradiation portion 71.

[0099] In this embodiment, the box 72 is a typical plastic component. The insulation per unit thickness of the box 72 is lower than that of the insulation component 55. The thickness of the back wall portion 72a and the peripheral wall portion 72b of the box 72 is thinner than that of the insulation component 55. However, the cold air flowing in the cold air passage A1 within the pipe component 51 is cold air that has been heated after flowing through the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa, and its temperature is higher than that of the cold air that has just been cooled by the refrigeration cooler 62. Therefore, condensation on the light irradiation portion 71 can be suppressed by the box 72 described above. Furthermore, if the box 72 is as described above, it can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, and the enlargement of the pipe component 51 can be prevented even if it is installed inside the pipe component 51.

[0100] [3.2 Configuration and Construction of the Illumination Unit]

[0101] Next, return to Figure 6 The configuration of the light irradiation unit 70 will be described below. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the light irradiation unit 70 (e.g., at least a portion of the housing 72) is positioned above the lowermost part of the first partition 15 (e.g., the third part 15c). Furthermore, at least a portion of the light irradiation unit 71 (e.g., at least a portion of the circuit board 110) is positioned above the lowermost part of the first partition 15 (e.g., the third part 15c). That is, the light irradiation unit 71 irradiates ultraviolet light obliquely downwards when at least a portion of the light irradiation unit 71 is positioned above the lowermost part of the first partition 15.

[0102] In other words, the light irradiation unit 70 of this embodiment utilizes the space of the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa to configure a part of the mounting structure for installing an ultraviolet LED 102 that irradiates ultraviolet light into the vegetable chamber 11B. Therefore, when the ultraviolet LED 102 that irradiates ultraviolet light into the vegetable chamber 11B is provided, it is possible to prevent the internal volume of the vegetable chamber 11B from decreasing.

[0103] In this embodiment, the rear end of the second micro-freezing chamber container 42 has an upwardly inclined portion 41i. The inclined portion 41i is inclined in such a way that it is positioned upward as the container moves backward (i.e., it is inclined upward in a rearward direction). At least a portion of the housing 72 of the light irradiation unit 70 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the inclined portion 41i of the rear end of the second micro-freezing chamber container 42 in the vertical direction. From this perspective, the light irradiation unit 70 of this embodiment also utilizes the space of the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa to configure a part of the mounting structure for mounting an ultraviolet LED 102 that irradiates ultraviolet light into the vegetable chamber 11B. As a result, when the ultraviolet LED 102 that irradiates ultraviolet light into the vegetable chamber 11B is provided, it is possible to prevent the internal volume of the vegetable chamber 11B from decreasing.

[0104] In this embodiment, the light irradiation section 71 is disposed inside the pipe component 51 at a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the cold air return port 51c in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the light irradiation section 71 overlaps with a plurality of cold air return ports 51c in the vertical direction.

[0105] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the pipe component 51 extends above the lowermost part of the first partition 15 (e.g., the third part 15c). Furthermore, at least a portion of the light irradiation part 71 is disposed inside the pipe component 51 above the lowermost part of the first partition 15, irradiating ultraviolet light obliquely downward relative to the horizontal direction.

[0106] [3.3 Installation Structure of the Light Illumination Unit]

[0107] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the light irradiation unit 70 disassembled. Here, the second front wall portion 93 of the pipe component 51 will be described in detail first. The second front wall portion 93 has a first portion 93a and a second portion 93b. The first portion 93a is connected to the intermediate portion 92m of the extension 92 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 and extends downward from the intermediate portion 92m of the extension 92. The first portion 93a is inclined relative to the vertical direction at the same inclination angle as the light irradiation unit 71 relative to the vertical direction. That is, the light irradiation unit 71 is inclined by setting the first portion 93a to be inclined relative to the vertical direction. The second portion 93b extends downward from the lower end of the first portion 93a. The second portion 93b is connected to the lower wall 96 of the pipe component 51.

[0108] In this embodiment, a first fixing part 93c and a second fixing part 93d are provided on the first portion 93a of the second front wall portion 93. The first fixing part 93c is, for example, a claw provided on the inner surface of the first portion 93a. The first fixing part 93c protrudes rearward in a horizontal direction from the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93. The circuit board 101 of the light irradiation part 71 is engaged with the first fixing part 93c and fixed to the second front wall portion 93. That is, the light irradiation part 71 is not fixed to the second front wall portion 93 via the housing 72, but is directly fixed to the second front wall portion 93.

[0109] The second fixing part 93d is, for example, an engaging hole provided on the first portion 93a of the second front wall portion 93. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 72b of the box 72 has a claw portion 72d that engages with the second fixing part 93d, which serves as the engaging hole. By engaging the claw portion 72d provided on the peripheral wall portion 72b with the first portion 93a of the second front wall portion 93, the box 72 is fixed to the second front wall portion 93. That is, the box 72 is not fixed to the second front wall portion 93 together with the light irradiation part 71, but directly. In other words, the light irradiation part 71 and the box 72 are not directly connected to each other, but are independently fixed to the second front wall portion 93.

[0110] [3.4 Shielding areas for ultraviolet radiation]

[0111] Next, return to Figure 6 The shielding part 111 for ultraviolet radiation is described. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is provided with a shielding part 111 that blocks a portion of the ultraviolet radiation range SR of the light irradiation part 71 inside the cabinet 10.

[0112] In detail, the ultraviolet LED 102 has an illumination range of approximately 180 degrees both vertically and horizontally as the ultraviolet radiation area. Therefore, the ultraviolet radiation emanating from the ultraviolet LED 102 into the vegetable compartment 11B via the window 103 covers a relatively large area. The shielding part 111 blocks a portion of the ultraviolet radiation emanating from the ultraviolet LED 102 into the vegetable compartment 11B, for example, to prevent the ultraviolet radiation from entering the user's eyes or for other purposes.

[0113] In this embodiment, the protrusion 92 of the pipe component 51 includes a front portion 92a located ahead of the intermediate portion 92m connected to the second front wall portion 93 and a rear portion 92b located behind the intermediate portion 92m. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a shielding portion 111 is formed by the front portion 92a of the protrusion 92 of the pipe component 51 and the third to fifth portions 15c, 15d, and 15e of the first partition portion 15, which shields at least a portion of the upper part of the ultraviolet irradiation range SR. In this specification, the term "upper part" refers to the irradiation range located above the virtual optical axis CA corresponding to the ultraviolet irradiation center C. Figure 6 As shown, the shielding part 111 limits the ultraviolet irradiation range SR to the ultraviolet irradiation range SR′ by shielding a portion of the upper part of the ultraviolet irradiation range SR. As a result, within the irradiation range SR′, the irradiation range (irradiation angle SRRa′) above the optical axis CA and the irradiation range (irradiation angle SRb′) below the optical axis CA are different.

[0114] In this embodiment, the shielding part 111 is provided at a position away from the second front wall part 93 (i.e., window part 103) of the pipe component 51. For example, the shielding part 111 is provided above the second vegetable compartment container 44.

[0115] In this embodiment, the lowermost part of the shielding portion 111 (for example, the third part 15c of the first partition portion 15) is located below a portion of the light irradiation unit 70 (for example, a portion of the housing 72). Furthermore, the lowermost part of the shielding portion 111 is located below a portion of the circuit board 101 of the light irradiation portion 71.

[0116] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view representing the defined irradiation range SR′ of ultraviolet radiation. Figure 10 This indicates the state where the vegetable compartment door 20B is pulled forward to its maximum extent. In this embodiment, the shielding part 111, when the vegetable compartment door 20B is pulled forward to its maximum extent relative to the vegetable compartment 11B, shields the upper portion of the ultraviolet radiation range SR, so that the upper end SRe′ of the ultraviolet radiation range SR′ of the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B is lower than the upper end 21e of the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B. Therefore, as long as the user does not look inward with their face lower than the upper end 21e of the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B, the possibility of ultraviolet rays directly entering the eyes is relatively small.

[0117] [4. Advantages]

[0118] In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is positioned above at least a portion of the uppermost container of the second vegetable compartment 44 housed within the vegetable compartment 11B, irradiating ultraviolet light into the vegetable compartment 11B. With this structure, ultraviolet light can be efficiently irradiated into the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B without being obstructed by more than one container housed within it. This enhances the function of suppressing viruses or bacteria.

[0119] Here, if the light irradiation unit 71 is mounted on the ceiling or rear wall of the vegetable compartment 11B, the difference in ultraviolet irradiance inside the container (e.g., the second vegetable compartment container 44) housed in the vegetable compartment 11B will be greater between the portion closer to the light irradiation unit 71 and the portion farther from the light irradiation unit 71. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is positioned further rearward than the second vegetable compartment container 44 and is inclined downward relative to the horizontal direction to irradiate ultraviolet light. With this structure, ultraviolet light can be irradiated over a wide area inside the container (e.g., the second vegetable compartment container 44) housed in the vegetable compartment 11B, and the difference in irradiance can be reduced.

[0120] In this embodiment, the light irradiation section 71 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the light irradiation center C is oriented at an angle less than 45 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. With this structure, ultraviolet light can be irradiated over a wider area inside the container (e.g., the second vegetable compartment container 44) housed in the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0121] In this embodiment, the irradiation center C of the ultraviolet light from the light irradiation unit 71 is positioned forward of the center of the bottom surface of the second vegetable compartment container 44 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, when the second vegetable compartment container 44 is housed in the vegetable compartment 11B. With this structure, food items or containers can be easily placed in the second vegetable compartment container 44 in an area forward of the center, allowing for more efficient irradiation of the contents with ultraviolet light.

[0122] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the light irradiation section 71 is positioned above the lowermost part of the first partition section 15. That is, at least a portion of the light irradiation section 71 for irradiating ultraviolet light into the vegetable compartment 11B is configured within the space of the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa (e.g., dead space). With this structure, the reduction in the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 11B caused by the provision of the light irradiation section 71 can be suppressed.

[0123] In this embodiment, the rear end of the first micro-freezing chamber container 41 has an upwardly inclined portion 41i. At least a portion of the housing 72 of the light irradiation unit 70 is disposed at a position overlapping the first micro-freezing chamber container 41 and the inclined portion 41i in the vertical direction. That is, at least a portion of the light irradiation unit 71 for irradiating ultraviolet light into the vegetable compartment 11B is disposed using the unused space created by the inclined portion 41i at the rear end of the micro-freezing chamber container 41. With this structure, the reduction in the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 11B caused by the provision of the light irradiation unit 71 can be suppressed.

[0124] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 has a shielding section 111 that blocks a portion of the ultraviolet radiation range SR of the light irradiation section 71 within the cabinet 10. With this structure, the possibility of ultraviolet radiation entering the user's eyes can be more reliably reduced. This provides the user with peace of mind.

[0125] In this embodiment, the shielding portion 111 shields at least a portion of the upper part of the ultraviolet radiation range SR. With this structure, it is possible to suppress the radiation of ultraviolet rays pointing directly upwards.

[0126] In this embodiment, with the vegetable compartment door 20B pulled out to its maximum extent relative to the vegetable compartment 11B, the shielding part 111 blocks at least a portion of the upper part of the ultraviolet radiation range SR, such that the upper end SRe′ of the ultraviolet radiation range SR′ of the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B is lower than the upper end 21e of the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B. With this structure, as long as the user does not look inwards with their face lower than the upper end 21e of the door body 21 of the vegetable compartment door 20B, the possibility of ultraviolet rays directly entering the eyes is reduced. This provides the user with greater peace of mind.

[0127] In this embodiment, the shielding part 111 is provided above the second vegetable compartment container 44. With this structure, the shielding part 111 is provided in the unused space above the second vegetable compartment container 44. This helps to suppress the reduction of the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0128] When a light irradiation unit 71 is installed to irradiate ultraviolet light into the vegetable compartment 11B, it is conceivable that the capacity of the first and second vegetable compartment containers 43 and 44, or the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 11B, would be reduced due to the structure of the light irradiation unit 71. However, in this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is provided inside the pipe member 51. With this structure, it is possible to install the light irradiation unit 71 to irradiate ultraviolet light into the vegetable compartment 11B while suppressing the reduction in the capacity of the first and second vegetable compartment containers 43 and 44, or the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0129] In this embodiment, the pipe component 51 is a pipe component that guides the cold air heated by the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa toward the refrigeration cooler 62. With this structure, a light irradiation section 71 for irradiating the vegetable compartment 11B with ultraviolet light can be provided using the pipe component that forms a return pipe for the cold air from the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa, which is another storage compartment. This helps to suppress the reduction of the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0130] In this embodiment, the pipe component 51 has a cold air return port 51c that opens into the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa. The light irradiation unit 71 is disposed inside the pipe component 51 at a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the cold air return port 51c in the vertical direction. Normally, no components are installed inside the pipe component 51 in the area overlapping with the cold air return port 51c. However, in this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 is provided to effectively utilize such an area. With this structure, the reduction in the internal volume of the vegetable chamber 11B can be further suppressed.

[0131] In this embodiment, a box 72 is provided that is installed on the inner surface of the pipe component 51 and covers the light irradiation section 71 inside the pipe component 51. With this structure, the cold air flowing in the pipe component 51 is less likely to flow around the light irradiation section 71, which is a heat-generating component, and condensation on the light irradiation section 71 can be suppressed.

[0132] In this embodiment, the pipe component 51 has a second front wall portion 93 forming at least a portion of the front surface of the pipe component 51 and having a window portion 103 for passing ultraviolet light, and a first fixing portion 93c provided on the second front wall portion 93 and fixing the light irradiation portion 71. The housing 72 has a back wall portion 72a covering the light irradiation portion 71 from the side opposite to the second front wall portion 93, and a peripheral wall portion 72b mounted independently of the light irradiation portion 71 on the second front wall portion 93. With this structure, the light irradiation portion 71 is not exposed to cold air and is kept in the housing 72 at a lower temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the light irradiation portion 71 is less likely to drop, and condensation on the light irradiation portion 71 can be further suppressed.

[0133] In this embodiment, a sealing member 73 is provided, which is sandwiched between the inner surface of the second front wall portion 93 and the box 72, sealing the space between them. With this structure, it is possible to more reliably suppress the inflow of cold air into the vicinity of the light irradiation portion 71. This further suppresses condensation in the light irradiation portion 71.

[0134] In this embodiment, a cold air passage A1, through which cold air heated by passing through the micro-freezing chamber 11Aa flows, is formed inside the pipe component 51 between the light irradiation section 71 and the refrigeration cooler 62. With this structure, since warmer cold air flows through the cold air passage A1, the cooler temperature of the refrigeration cooler 62 can be prevented from being conducted to the light irradiation section 71 through heat conduction. Therefore, condensation in the light irradiation section 71 can be further suppressed.

[0135] In this embodiment, a heat insulation member 55 is also provided between the light irradiation section 71 and the refrigeration cooler 62. A cold air passage A1 is formed between the light irradiation section 71 and the heat insulation member 55. With this structure, since cold air flows around the light irradiation section 71 (around the light irradiation unit 70), the temperature of the light irradiation section 71 is less likely to drop excessively. As a result, condensation in the light irradiation section 71 can be further suppressed.

[0136] Hereinafter, several variations of the first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the structures other than those described in the variations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0137] (First variation of the first embodiment)

[0138] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 1 showing a first modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, at least a portion of the shielding portion 111 is located below the ultraviolet LED 102 of the light-irradiating portion 71. In the first modification, a portion of the front portion 92a of the protrusion 92 of the pipe member 51 and a portion of the fourth portion 15d of the first partition portion 15 are located below the ultraviolet LED 102 of the light-irradiating portion 71.

[0139] With this structure, the irradiation range SR′ of ultraviolet light can be limited to a direction downwards from the horizontal direction. This reduces the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the outside of the vegetable compartment 11B. Furthermore, compared to the first embodiment, the likelihood of ultraviolet light directly entering the eyes is lower, as long as the user does not lower their face to look into the vegetable compartment 11B. This provides the user with greater peace of mind.

[0140] (Second variation of the first embodiment)

[0141] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 showing a second modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, a portion of the front portion 92a of the protrusion 92 of the pipe component 51 is located below the lowermost part of the first partition 15 (e.g., the third part 15c). For example, in this modification, the front portion 92a of the protrusion 92 of the pipe component 51 includes a wall portion 92w protruding downward from the front portion 92a. The wall portion 92w protrudes below the lowermost part of the first partition 15. In this modification, at least a portion of the protrusion 92 of the pipe component 51 (e.g., the lower end of the wall portion 92w) is located below the ultraviolet LED 102 of the light irradiation portion 71.

[0142] This structure allows the limited irradiation range SR′ of ultraviolet light to be confined to a more downward direction. This further reduces the likelihood of ultraviolet light directly entering the user's eyes.

[0143] (Third variation of the first embodiment)

[0144] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 1 showing a third modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the protrusion 92 of the pipe member 51 does not have a portion corresponding to the front portion 92a, but is instead formed by a portion corresponding to the rear portion 92b. In this modification, the fifth portion 15e of the first partition 15 extends into the pipe member 51 to the vicinity of the second front wall portion 93. In this modification, the first partition 15 forms the shielding portion 111. With this structure, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0145] (Fourth variation of the first embodiment)

[0146] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1, which is a fourth variation of the first embodiment. In this variation, the shielding part 111 has a reflective member 115 that reflects at least a portion of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light irradiation part 71 toward the interior of a container (e.g., the second vegetable compartment container 44) housed in the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0147] In detail, the reflective member 115 is, for example, installed on the lower surface of the front portion 92a of the protrusion 92 of the pipe member 51 (or the lower surface of the fourth portion 15d of the first partition 15). The reflective member 115 is formed of a material capable of reflecting at least a portion of ultraviolet light, such as a glass film or aluminum foil. In this embodiment, the reflective member 115 is arranged, for example, at an angle (i.e., tilted downwards as it moves forward), so that at least a portion of the ultraviolet light reaching the reflective member 115 from the light irradiation portion 71 is reflected toward the rear region (inner region) of the second vegetable compartment container 44.

[0148] With this structure, even the rear region (inner region) of the second vegetable compartment container 44, which is difficult to be exposed to ultraviolet light, can be irradiated with ultraviolet light. This further enhances the function of inhibiting viruses or bacteria.

[0149] (Second Implementation)

[0150] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it provides a light irradiation section 71 in the ceiling portion S3 of the vegetable compartment 11B instead of inside the pipe component 51, or in that it provides a light irradiation section 71 in the ceiling portion S3 of the vegetable compartment 11B in addition to inside the pipe component 51. However, the structure except for the following description is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0151] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment. The first partition 15 includes a canopy section S3 that forms the canopy of the vegetable compartment 11B. In this embodiment, the light irradiation section 71 has, for example, a plurality of light source modules 121, 122, and 123. The plurality of light source modules 121, 122, and 123 each include a circuit board 101 and an ultraviolet LED 102. The plurality of light source modules 121, 122, and 123 are provided in the canopy section S3. For example, the plurality of light source modules 121, 122, and 123 are arranged at different positions in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the plurality of light source modules 121, 122, and 123 are located above at least a portion of the upper edge 44u of the second vegetable compartment container 44.

[0152] In this embodiment, the light source module 121 is positioned forward of the front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44 housed in the vegetable compartment 11B. That is, the light source module 121 is positioned above the housing area CR of the first vegetable compartment container 43. The light source module 121 irradiates ultraviolet light towards the ceiling portion S3 and the housing area CR of the first vegetable compartment container 43. Thus, at least a portion of the housing area CR is within the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light. Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the handle H provided at the front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44 is within the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light from the light source module 121.

[0153] Light source module 122 is provided, for example, on the first portion 15a of the first partition 15. On the other hand, light source module 123 is provided, for example, on the fifth portion 15e of the first partition 15. In other words, light source modules 122 and 123 are located in the area away from the third portion 15c, which is the lowest part of the first partition 15, and the second and fourth portions 15b and 15d, which are inclined portions. Light source modules 122 and 123 irradiate ultraviolet light towards the interior of the canopy section S3 to the second vegetable compartment container 44.

[0154] This structure allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated into the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B. This, in turn, enhances the inhibitory function against viruses or bacteria.

[0155] Hereinafter, several variations of the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the structures other than those described in the variations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0156] (First variation of the second embodiment)

[0157] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1, showing a first modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, the light source modules 121 and 122 are respectively inclined rearward relative to the vertical direction (that is, inclined towards the inside of the vegetable compartment 11B, irradiating ultraviolet rays rearward relative to the vertical direction). With this structure, the ultraviolet rays from the light source modules 121 and 122 are less likely to reach the front (user side) of the refrigerator 1. As a result, the possibility of ultraviolet rays entering the user's eyes can be more reliably reduced, providing the user with peace of mind.

[0158] (Second variation of the second embodiment)

[0159] Figure 17This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1, showing a second modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, the light source modules 121 and 122 are respectively arranged tilted rearward relative to the vertical direction, similar to the first modification, and irradiate ultraviolet light towards the rearward direction relative to the vertical direction. In this modification, the light source module 123 is arranged tilted forward relative to the vertical direction and irradiates ultraviolet light towards the front relative to the vertical direction. With this structure, ultraviolet light can be irradiated more efficiently into the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0160] (Third Implementation)

[0161] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it provides a light irradiation section 71 on the left side wall S1 or right side wall S2 of the vegetable chamber 11B, instead of inside the pipe component 51, or in addition to being inside the pipe component 51, also on the left side wall S1 or right side wall S2 of the vegetable chamber 11B. However, the structure except for the following description is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0162] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 along line F19-F19. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 71 includes, for example, multiple light source modules 131, 132, and 133. Each of the multiple light source modules 131, 132, and 133 includes a circuit board 101 and an ultraviolet LED 102. The multiple light source modules 131, 132, and 133 are disposed on the left side wall S1 or the right side wall S2. For example, the light source modules 131, 132, and 133 are arranged at different positions in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the light source modules 131, 132, and 133 are located above at least a portion of the upper edge of the second vegetable compartment container 44.

[0163] In this embodiment, the light source module 131 is positioned forward of the front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44 housed in the vegetable compartment 11B. That is, the light source module 131 is positioned corresponding to the housing area CR of the first vegetable compartment container 43. The light source module 131 irradiates ultraviolet light towards the left wall portion S1 or the right wall portion S2 to the housing area CR of the first vegetable compartment container 43.

[0164] Light source module 132 is provided, for example, at a position corresponding to the first part 15a of the first partition 15. On the other hand, light source module 133 is provided, for example, at a position corresponding to the fifth part 15e of the first partition 15. In other words, the second and third light source modules 132 and 133 are provided at positions corresponding to regions different from the third part 15c, which is the lowest part of the first partition 15, and the second and fourth parts 15b and 15d, which are inclined parts. The second and third light source modules 132 and 133 irradiate ultraviolet light toward the interior of the second vegetable compartment container 44 from the left wall S1 or the right wall S.

[0165] This structure allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated into the interior of the vegetable compartment 11B. This, in turn, enhances the inhibitory function against viruses or bacteria.

[0166] (A variation of the third embodiment)

[0167] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 1, showing a variation of the third embodiment. Furthermore, the structure other than that described in this variation is the same as that of the third embodiment. In this variation, the light source modules 131 and 132 are respectively inclined rearward relative to the width direction of the refrigerator 1, irradiating ultraviolet light rearward relative to the width direction of the refrigerator 1. With this structure, the ultraviolet light from the light source modules 131 and 132 is less likely to irradiate the front side (user side) of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, the possibility of ultraviolet light entering the user's eyes can be more reliably reduced, providing the user with peace of mind.

[0168] Alternatively, the third light source module 133 of the third embodiment may also be similar to the light source module 123 of the second variation of the second embodiment, and be inclined forward relative to the width direction of the refrigerator 1 to irradiate ultraviolet rays in the direction of the width direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0169] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above, but the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. The above embodiment is an example where the "second storage compartment" is a micro-freezing compartment 11Aa. However, the "second storage compartment" is not limited to a "special storage compartment" and may also be a cold storage compartment 11A. In the above embodiment, the roof portion S3 of the vegetable compartment 11B is composed of a partition portion 15. However, the roof portion S3 of the vegetable compartment 11B may also be composed of a box body 10.

[0170] According to one technical solution, in the third embodiment, the light source modules 131, 132, and 133 provided on the left side wall S1 and the right side wall S2 are not limited to being positioned above the top of the container housed in the storage chamber; they can also be positioned below the top of the container housed in the storage chamber. For example, if the handle H at the front end 44a of the second vegetable compartment container 44 is a type of handle H where the user inserts their hand from below (a handle H with a recessed shape on the upper side), the light source module 131 can also be positioned below the handle H, irradiating ultraviolet light towards the interior of the handle H.

[0171] According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator has a light irradiation section disposed above at least a portion of the uppermost container housed in the storage compartment, which irradiates light into the storage compartment with an effect of inhibiting viruses or bacteria. With this structure, a refrigerator capable of enhancing the function of inhibiting viruses or bacteria can be provided.

[0172] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0173] Label Explanation

[0174] 1…Refrigerator; 10…Cabinet; 11Aa…Microfreezing compartment (Second storage compartment); 11B…Vegetable compartment (Storage compartment; First storage compartment); 20B…Vegetable compartment door; 21…Door body; 43…First vegetable compartment container (First container); 44…Second vegetable compartment container (Second container); 51…Pipe components; 70…Light irradiation unit; 71…Light irradiation part; 72…Box (cover); 111…Shielding part; H…Handle.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, have: The container has a storage room that can be used as a vegetable storage room; At least one container is housed in the aforementioned storage room; A cooler is used to cool the aforementioned storage compartment; The air duct allows air inside the aforementioned enclosure to flow back to the aforementioned cooler; A light irradiation unit is disposed above at least a portion of the uppermost container among the at least one of the containers, irradiating the storage chamber with light that has an inhibitory effect on viruses or bacteria; and A heat insulation component is disposed between the light irradiation unit and the cooler, inside the cooler housing space that is separated from the storage room and houses the cooler. The aforementioned cold air passage is a cold air passage located between the aforementioned storage chamber and the aforementioned cooler, comprising: a return port for allowing air from the aforementioned chamber to enter the aforementioned cold air passage; a first cold air passage for allowing cold air flowing into the aforementioned cold air passage from the aforementioned return port to pass between the aforementioned light irradiation unit and the aforementioned cooler; and a second cold air passage for guiding the cold air passing through the aforementioned first cold air passage toward the aforementioned cooler. The aforementioned light irradiation unit is disposed inside the first cold air passage in the wall separating the storage chamber from the first cold air passage; At least a portion of the aforementioned light irradiation unit is opposite the aforementioned return port; The aforementioned heat insulation component extends vertically at least above the aforementioned cooler and at a position that overlaps with the aforementioned cooler when viewed from the front-rear direction of the refrigerator. When viewed from the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, the aforementioned light irradiation unit, the aforementioned heat insulation component, and the aforementioned cooler overlap, and the aforementioned heat insulation component is disposed between the aforementioned cooler and the aforementioned first cold air passage.

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned light irradiation unit is positioned behind the uppermost container in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, irradiating the light obliquely downward relative to the horizontal direction.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned light irradiation unit is inclined relative to the aforementioned horizontal direction, so that the irradiation center of the light is oriented at an angle less than 45 degrees relative to the aforementioned horizontal direction.

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The irradiation center of the light generated by the light irradiation unit is located in the refrigerator in the front-rear direction, in the state where the uppermost container is housed in the storage chamber, and is further forward than the center of the bottom surface of the uppermost container.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned box has a first storage room serving as the aforementioned storage room, a second storage room located above the aforementioned first storage room, and a partition located between the aforementioned first storage room and the aforementioned second storage room; At least a portion of the aforementioned light irradiation unit is positioned above the lowermost part of the aforementioned partition.

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The light irradiation unit irradiates light obliquely downward relative to the horizontal direction when at least a portion of the light irradiation unit is arranged above the lowermost part of the partition.

7. The refrigerator as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, It also has: The container is housed in the aforementioned second storage room; and The box houses the aforementioned light irradiation unit; The rear end of the container housed in the second storage chamber has an upward-sloping portion. At least a portion of the aforementioned box is positioned to overlap with the aforementioned inclined portion in the vertical direction, and is positioned above the lowermost part of the aforementioned partition.

8. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned box or the partition provided inside the aforementioned box has the roof portion of the aforementioned storage compartment; The aforementioned light irradiation unit is located in the aforementioned ceiling section.

9. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned box has the side wall portion of the aforementioned storage compartment; The aforementioned light irradiation unit is located on the aforementioned side wall portion.

10. The refrigerator as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The light irradiation unit is inclined relative to the vertical direction or the width direction of the refrigerator in a direction from the front side of the refrigerator toward the inside to irradiate the light.

11. The refrigerator as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The aforementioned at least one container includes a first container and a second container disposed above the first container, wherein the second container is the uppermost container; The front end of the second container described above has a handle; At least a portion of the handle is within the illumination range of the light generated by the light irradiation unit.

12. The refrigerator as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The aforementioned at least one container includes a first container and a second container disposed above the first container, wherein the second container is the uppermost container; In the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, with the first container and the second container housed in the storage compartment, the front end of the second container is located further back than the front end of the first container. At least a portion of the containment area adjacent to the front end of the first container is within the irradiation range of the light generated by the light irradiation unit.

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