Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator comprising a vacuumizing device (V) having a vacuum pump (10) arranged in the refrigerator and a suction nozzle (26) inserted into a bag (PB) for vacuum packaging outside the refrigerator in communication with a suction inlet of the vacuum pump (10), gas in the bag (PB) sucked by the vacuum pump (10) and discharged from the vacuum pump (10) does not flow in a storage area (6) but flows into an entry side of an evaporator (52) for cooling cold air in the refrigerator, when the gas passes through the evaporator (52), most of odor components contained in moisture of the gas are greatly reduced as the moisture is frozen, having a function of vacuum packaging a storage while suppressing noise and odor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerator having the function of vacuum packaging bags containing food or the like. Background Technology

[0002] If bags containing food can be vacuum-packed, the freshness of the food can be maintained for a long time when stored in a refrigerator. A refrigerator with such vacuum-packing capability has been proposed, which includes a vacuum pump and piping protruding outside the refrigerator and connected to the pump's inlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1 - Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-34163). In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, vacuum packaging can be performed outside the refrigerator by inserting a bag containing food or the like into the piping protruding outside the refrigerator and operating the vacuum pump.

[0003] However, in the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, the vacuum pump is located in the mechanical compartment outside the refrigerator, thus generating noise around the refrigerator when the vacuum pump is operating. Furthermore, gas drawn in from the food storage bag is released outside the refrigerator via the vacuum pump, causing odors to accumulate around the refrigerator. If gas drawn in from the food storage bag is released into the storage area inside the refrigerator, there is a problem of odors transferring to the stored items within the storage area.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that has the function of vacuum packaging of stored items while suppressing noise and odor problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The refrigerator of the present invention includes: The vacuum pumping device has the following features: The vacuum pump installed inside the refrigerator, and An air intake nozzle, connected to the suction port of the vacuum pump, is inserted into a vacuum packaging bag outside the refrigerator; The characteristic feature is that the gas in the bag that is drawn in and discharged from the vacuum pump does not flow within the storage area, but instead flows into the inlet side of the evaporator used to cool the cold air in the refrigerator.

[0006] According to the present invention, since the vacuum pump is arranged inside the refrigerator, the leakage of vacuum pump operating noise to the outside of the refrigerator can be suppressed. Furthermore, the gas drawn in from the bag is discharged from the vacuum pump and flows into the evaporator inlet side instead of flowing within the storage area, thus preventing the odor of the gas drawn in from the bag from being released into the storage area. Additionally, it prevents odor components contained in the gas drawn in from the bag from adhering to the stored items in the storage area. Most of the odor components contained in the gas are contained in the moisture in the gas. When the gas passes through the evaporator, the moisture is frozen and adheres as frost to the fin surface, thus the odor components are also captured by the evaporator along with the frost. Therefore, the odor components in the gas passing through the evaporator can be significantly reduced.

[0007] This allows for refrigerators that can vacuum-pack stored items while suppressing noise and odor issues.

[0008] Furthermore, in this invention, the following characteristics are established: The outlet piping connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump opens in the return pipe into which the gas flowing in the storage area flows, and the gas discharged from the vacuum pump flows in the return pipe into the inlet side of the evaporator.

[0009] According to the present invention, the gas drawn in from the bag is discharged from the vacuum pump and flows into the return pipe, where it flows into the inlet side of the evaporator. Thus, the gas drawn in from the bag does not flow within the storage area, but can reliably flow into the inlet side of the evaporator.

[0010] Furthermore, in this invention, the following characteristics are established: A deodorizing filter is arranged in the return pipe, and the gas discharged from the vacuum pump flows into the inlet side of the evaporator after passing through the deodorizing filter.

[0011] According to the present invention, the gas drawn into the bag is discharged from the vacuum pump and passes through a deodorizing filter before flowing into the inlet side of the evaporator. This allows for more reliable removal of odorous components from the gas.

[0012] Furthermore, in this invention, the following characteristics are established: The vacuum pump is located on the back side inside the refrigerator.

[0013] According to the present invention, since the vacuum pump is arranged on the rear side inside the refrigerator, there is no interference when storing or retrieving stored items, and the storage area can be utilized effectively. Furthermore, when the outlet piping connected to the vacuum pump is connected to the return piping, the total length of the outlet piping can be shortened.

[0014] Furthermore, in this invention, the following characteristics are highlighted: The air intake nozzle is installed at the front end of the hose that is attached to the latching part of the movable mechanism. The movement of the latching part caused by the force applied by the helical spring in the pulling direction enables the air intake nozzle and the hose to be pulled out to the front surface of the refrigerator and at least the hose to be pulled into the refrigerator.

[0015] According to the present invention, at least the hose is usually stored inside the refrigerator so as not to cause obstruction, and when vacuum packaging is performed, the hose and the suction nozzle are pulled out to the front surface of the refrigerator, so that vacuum packaging can be easily performed.

[0016] Furthermore, in this invention, the following characteristics are highlighted: It includes a storage clamp, which comprises a connection portion having a check valve connected to the suction nozzle and a retaining portion equipped with the connection portion. With the connecting part open inside the bag, the retaining part clamps the opening of the bag to seal it. Air is drawn into the bag through the opening of the connecting part connected to the air intake, and the air intake is removed from the connecting part. In this way, the storage clamp can keep the bag in a sealed state using the check valve and store it in the refrigerator in this state.

[0017] According to the present invention, even when using a bag without a sealing mechanism such as a locking element, the freshness of the food inside the bag can be maintained for a long time.

[0018] As described above, the present invention provides a refrigerator that can vacuum-pack stored items while suppressing noise and odor problems. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator including a vacuum device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. It shows the vacuum device and related components arranged inside the refrigerator after other components have been removed.

[0020] Figure 2 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 Arrow A indicates the portion of the diagram.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vacuum pump and its surrounding components of a vacuuming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4A This is a diagram illustrating the movable mechanism of a vacuuming device according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the hose being pulled into the movable mechanism.

[0023] Figure 4B It shows from Figure 4AThe diagram shows the state of the hose being pulled out.

[0024] Figure 4C It is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the movable mechanism.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a storage clamp that can be installed onto a vacuum device.

[0026] Figure 6 Viewed from the rear Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D view of the refrigerator.

[0027] Figure 7 It is an enlarged display using Figure 6 Arrow B indicates the portion of the diagram.

[0028] Figure 8 It is an enlarged display using Figure 6 The part shown by arrow C is the diagram.

[0029] Figure 9 It is an enlarged display using Figure 8 The part indicated by arrow D in the diagram.

[0030] Figure 10 It is an enlarged display using Figure 8 The part indicated by arrow E in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the gas flow in a refrigerator including a vacuum device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Among them, 2 is the refrigerator; 4 is the main body; 6 is the storage area; 8 is the vegetable compartment; 8A is the opening; 10 is the vacuum pump; 20 is the inlet piping; 22 is the movable mechanism; 22A is the shell; 22A1 is the front part; 22B is the coil spring; 22B1 is the protrusion; 22C is the latching part; 22C1 is the rear latching protrusion; 22C2 is the hole; 22D is the front latching protrusion; 22E is the button; 24 is the refrigerator. 26. Hoses; 30. Suction nozzle; 32. Outlet piping; 32. Storage clamps; 32A. Connecting part; 32B. Holding part; 40. Movable shelf; 42. Hinge; 44. Support bar; 50. Flow path; 52. Evaporator; 54. Fan; 60. Return pipe; 60A. Inlet; 60B. Outlet; 62. Deodorizing filter; 70. Compressor; 72. Condenser; 74. Cooling fan; 80. Evaporating dish; 82. Return piping; V. Vacuum device; M. Machinery room; PB. Bag. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the refrigerator described below is intended to embody the technical concept of the present invention; unless specifically stated otherwise, the present invention is not limited to the following. In the figures, components with the same function may be marked with the same symbol. For clarity, the size and positional relationships of the components shown in the figures may be exaggerated. In the drawings, the width direction of the refrigerator is shown as the X-axis, the depth direction as the Y-axis, and the height direction as the Z-axis.

[0034] (One embodiment involves a refrigerator that includes a vacuum pumping device) Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator 2 including a vacuum device V, according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. It shows the vacuum device V and related components arranged inside the refrigerator after other components have been removed. Figure 2 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 Arrow A indicates the portion of the diagram. Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing the vacuum pump 10 and its surrounding components of a vacuum pumping device V according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the movable mechanism 22 of a vacuum device V according to one embodiment of the present invention, which shows the state in which the hose 24 is pulled into the movable mechanism 22. Figure 4B It shows from Figure 4A The diagram shows the state of the hose 24 being pulled out. Figure 4C It is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the movable mechanism.

[0035] In the refrigerator 2 of this embodiment, the storage area 6 is arranged in the main body 4, and the machine compartment M is arranged in the lower part of the rear side. The machine compartment M is arranged outside the refrigerator. The storage area 6 includes at least a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, and a vegetable compartment 8, which is arranged approximately at the center in the height direction of the storage area 6.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the vacuuming device V according to this embodiment includes: a vacuum pump 10, an inlet pipe 20 connected to the suction port of the vacuum pump 10, and an outlet pipe 30 connected to the discharge port of the vacuum pump 10. The vacuum pump 10 is arranged on the rear side of the vegetable compartment 8, which is located approximately at the center in the height direction of the refrigerator 2. Since the vacuum pump 10 is arranged inside the refrigerator, the operating noise of the vacuum pump 10 can be suppressed from leaking outside the refrigerator. Furthermore, since the vacuum pump 10 is arranged on the rear side inside the refrigerator, it will not interfere with the storage of stored items, and the storage area 6 can be used effectively.

[0037] By operating the vacuum pump 10, air in the vacuum-packed bag PB can be drawn in from the inlet pipe 20 and discharged from the outlet pipe 30. Any known small electric pump used for vacuum packaging can be used as the vacuum pump 10.

[0038] <Suction side of the vacuum pump> An inlet pipe 20, connected to the suction port of the vacuum pump 10, extends forward into a movable mechanism 22 inside the refrigerator. A flexible hose 24 is connected to the front end of the inlet pipe 20 within the movable mechanism 22. (Example:) Figure 4C As shown, the movable mechanism 22 includes a housing 22A, a coil spring 22B disposed within the housing 22A, a latching portion 22C, and a front latching protrusion 22D. As indicated by the dotted arrow, the protrusion 22B1 located at the coil spring 22B is inserted into the hole 22C2 located at the latching portion 22C. Then, the rear latching protrusion 22C1 located at the latching portion 22C is inserted into the ring of the hose 24. Furthermore, the cylindrical front latching protrusion 22D, protruding upwards from the lower surface of the housing 22A, is inserted into the ring of the hose 24.

[0039] In other words, the rear side (on the inlet pipe 20 side) of the loop of the hose 24 is engaged with the latching part 22C (specifically, the rear latching protrusion 22C1), and the front side is engaged with the front latching protrusion 22D. Thus, the hose 24 is wound around the latching part 22C (specifically, the rear latching protrusion 22C1) and the front latching protrusion 22D, thereby being arranged in a figure-eight shape. An air intake nozzle 26 is installed at the front end of the hose 24 extending forward from the loop. Then, the front end of the hose 24, including the air intake nozzle 26, extends outward (front side) from the opening of the front component 22A1. Figure 4C In the process, a figure-eight ring is formed through the flexible tube 24, but it is not limited to this and can also form an O-shaped ring.

[0040] In the coil spring 22B, the outer peripheral end is mounted to the latching part 22C via the protrusion 22B1, and the central end is fixed to the housing 22A. Thus, when the front end of the hose 24, including the intake nozzle 26, is pulled out, force is transmitted from the hose 24 via the rear latching protrusion 22C1, causing the latching part 22C to also move in the pulling direction. As the latching part 22C moves in the pulling direction, the coil spring 22B retracts towards the center, applying force in the direction of returning to its original position. In this way, the latching part 22C applies force in the direction of pulling the hose 24 in via the coil spring 22B. Figure 4A The diagram shows the state in which the hose 24 is pulled in through the clip 22C.

[0041] With the hose 24 pulled in via the latch 22C, the hose 24 is stored inside the refrigerator. The air intake 26 is also largely stored inside the refrigerator. At least the front end of the air intake 26 protrudes outward from the opening 8A on the front surface of the vegetable compartment 8, allowing the user to grasp the air intake 26. Furthermore, the front component 22A 1 uses the force of a spring to restrain the pull-in / pull-out position of the hose 24 (in a locked state), thus forming a holding / releasing mechanism. By pressing the button 22E provided on the front component 22A 1 (see...), the user can achieve the desired result. Figure 4C The button 22E can be released from the locked state of the hose 24. The button 22E is accessible from the opening 8A on the front surface of the vegetable compartment 8 (see reference). Figure 2 With button 22E (unlocked) pressed, the user grasps the inhalation nozzle 26 and pulls it out against the force applied by the locking part 22C. At this time, the locking part 22C moves, causing the hose 24 to be pulled out from the opening 8A. Then, when the hand is removed from the pressed button 22E, the position of the pulled-out hose 24 is maintained, and the device is locked. Figure 4B This state is shown, and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrangement in refrigerator 2 is shown.

[0042] The user presses button 22E to unlock, causing the latching part 22C to move and pull the hose 24 out to any length. Then, the user removes their hand from button 22E, at which point the holding / releasing mechanism activates, restraining the movement of the latching part 22C. This keeps the hose 24 and the suction nozzle 26 in the extended position. A switch for the vacuum pump 10 is also located near button 22E at opening 8A.

[0043] When the user presses button 22E again, the restraint achieved by the holding mechanism is released, the force of the coil spring 22B causes the latching part 22C to move, and the hose 24 returns to its original pulled-in position along with the movement of the latching part 22C. However, the holding / releasing mechanism of the latching part 22C is not limited to this; for example, it may include a ratchet mechanism, such as the cord pull-out / winding mechanism used in a vacuum cleaner, which switches the restraint / releasing by pulling the hose 24. In addition, an electric motor or the like can be used to pull out / wind the hose 24.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, a movable shelf 40 is included on the front surface of the vegetable compartment 8, which can rotate about a hinge 42 arranged on the lower side. The movable shelf 40 can be rotated from a storage rotation position to a use rotation position by pulling the upper side of the movable shelf 40 opposite to the hinge 42 forward. The storage rotation position is arranged vertically along the front surface of the vegetable compartment 8. Folding support bars 44 are installed at both ends of the movable shelf 40, and the upper surface of the movable shelf 40, which is upright to the front, is constrained by the support bars 44 and kept in a roughly horizontal position. In addition, the position of the movable shelf 40 is also kept in the storage rotation position by the constraint force of the support bars 44.

[0045] The arrangement path of the outlet piping 30 connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump 10 is described in detail below.

[0046] Vacuum Packaging Methods The following is an example of a method for vacuum packaging using the aforementioned vacuum device V. First, the movable shelf 40, which is located in a storage rotation position vertically arranged along the front surface of the vegetable compartment 8, is pulled towards the front, and rotated until the upper surface of the movable shelf 40 becomes approximately horizontal in a use rotation position. Then, the button 22E located at the opening 8A is pressed to release the lock, and the suction nozzle 26 attached to the front end of the hose 24, which is in a pulled-in state via the movable mechanism 22, is grasped and pulled out. With the hose 24 of a specified length pulled out, the hand is removed from the pressed button 22E, leaving the hose 24 in the pulled-out state.

[0047] For example, when vacuum-packing a resin bag PB with a locking mechanism, the suction nozzle 26 is inserted into the bag PB containing the food, and the other openings are closed with the locking mechanism to minimize gas movement inside and outside the bag PB. In this state, the vacuum pump 10 is activated by operating the switch located at the opening 8A to draw in gas from the bag PB. After sufficient suction is performed, the inserted suction nozzle 26 is removed from the bag PB, and the locking mechanism is quickly closed. This allows for easy and reliable vacuum packaging of the bag PB. In particular, since the movable shelf 40 is located on the front surface of the vegetable compartment 8, which is approximately centrally positioned in the height direction of the refrigerator 2, the user can easily vacuum-pack the bag PB in a comfortable posture.

[0048] After vacuum packing of all required bags PB is completed, the switch located at opening 8A is operated to stop the operation of vacuum pump 10. Then, the locking mechanism is released by pressing button 22E located at opening 8A, and the extended hose 24 is pulled in using the latch 22C. Afterward, the movable shelf 40, which was in the use rotation position, returns to the storage rotation position. Then, the vegetable compartment 8 and other compartments are opened to store the vacuum-packed bags PB into storage area 6.

[0049] Vacuum packaging in bags (PB) can preserve the freshness of ingredients for extended periods. By removing oxygen from the PB bag, oxidation and respiration of the ingredients are inhibited, maintaining their flavor and preventing spoilage. Furthermore, seasoning or marinating can be completed much faster than usual.

[0050] As described above, in the vacuum device V according to this embodiment, the suction nozzle 26 is installed at the front end of the hose 24, which is engaged with the latching portion 22C of the movable mechanism 22. By moving the latching portion 22C in the pulling direction, the suction nozzle 26 and the hose 24 can be pulled out to the front surface of the refrigerator, or at least the hose 24 can be pulled into the refrigerator. Since the suction nozzle 26 and the hose 24 are usually largely housed inside the refrigerator, they do not cause obstruction. When performing vacuum packaging, pulling the suction nozzle 26 out to the front surface of the refrigerator allows for easy vacuum packaging.

[0051] <Storage clamp> The above description explains the vacuum packaging of resin bags PB with locking mechanisms, but it is also possible to vacuum package resin bags PB without locking mechanisms. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a storage clamp 32 that can be mounted onto a vacuum device V. It illustrates an example of using the storage clamp 32 to vacuum pack a bag PB without a closure.

[0052] The storage clamp 32 includes a connecting portion 32A connected to the suction nozzle 26 and a holding portion 32B that keeps the bag PB sealed. The holding portion 32B includes two holding members connected in a rotatable state at one end and has a curved recess corresponding to the shape of the connecting portion 32A. In this way, the suction nozzle 26 can be mounted onto the holding portion 32B. The bag PB is placed between the two holding members in the open state, and the front end of the connecting portion 32A, mounted via the recess, is inserted into the bag PB. In this state, the two holding members are closed to achieve the sealed state. Figure 5 The portions indicated by arrows S1 and S2 clamp the bag PB, thus sealing the opening of the bag PB. The curved recess, corresponding to the shape of the connecting portion 32A, ensures a good seal even in the area where the suction nozzle 26 is inserted.

[0053] The connecting part 32A includes a check valve. When the vacuum pump 10 is operated with the suction nozzle 26 connected and its front end inserted into the bag PB, the check valve opens under the suction of the vacuum pump 10, allowing gas to be drawn into the bag PB. This allows the bag PB to reach a specified vacuum state. On the other hand, when the vacuum pump 10 stops operating, the check valve closes under the action of force due to the absence of suction and remains closed. The check valve also remains closed after the suction nozzle 26 is removed. This maintains the vacuum propagation state of the bag PB. The bag PB is stored in the refrigerator 2 with the storage clamp 32 installed, thus preserving the freshness of the food inside the bag PB for a long time. The bag vacuum-packed using the vacuum device V is not limited to the bag PB described above; any other bag, including or without a sealing mechanism, can be used.

[0054] As described above, the storage clamp 32 according to this embodiment includes a connecting part 32A connected to the suction nozzle 26 and having a check valve, and a holding part 32B on which the connecting part 32A is installed. When the connecting part 32A is open inside the bag PB, the holding part 32B clamps the opening of the bag PB to seal it. Air is drawn into the bag PB from the opening of the connecting part 32A connected to the suction nozzle 26, and the suction nozzle 26 is removed from the connecting part 32A. In this way, the check valve can keep the bag PB in a sealed state, and it can be stored in the refrigerator. In this way, even if a bag PB without a sealing mechanism such as a locking element is used, the freshness of the food inside the bag PB can be maintained for a long time.

[0055] <Vacuum pump discharge side> Figure 6 Viewed from the rear Figure 1 The image shows a 3D view of refrigerator 2. Figure 7 It is shown in magnification Figure 6 The diagram shows the part indicated by arrow B. Figure 8 It is shown in magnification Figure 6 The diagram shows the part indicated by arrow C. Figure 9 It is shown in magnification Figure 8 The diagram shows the part indicated by arrow D. Figure 10 It is shown in magnification Figure 8 The diagram shows the portion indicated by arrow E. Figure 10 This diagram schematically illustrates the gas flow in a refrigerator 2 including a vacuum device V, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gas flow is indicated here by dotted arrows. Next, refer to... Figures 6 to 10 To illustrate the discharge side of vacuum pump 10.

[0056] <Refrigerator airflow> First, let's explain the flow of cold air, which depends on the cooling mechanism of refrigerator 2. For example... Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, a flow path 50 is provided at the center of the rear side of the refrigerator 2 in the width direction. An evaporator 52 and a fan 54 are arranged in the flow path 50. Return pipes 60 are arranged on the left and right sides of the flow path 50 in the width direction. Figure 11 In the schematic diagram shown, in order to simplify the representation of gas flow using a cross-sectional side view, the return pipe 60 is shown in front of the flow path 50, but the basic gas flow is the same.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, a compressor 70, connected to an evaporator 52, is located in the lower mechanical compartment M on the outer rear side of refrigerator 2. The refrigerant (gas) compressed by the compressor 70 is liquefied by the condenser 72, depressurized as it passes through the capillary tube, its boiling point decreases, and it flows into the evaporator 52. Then, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the gas inside the refrigerator passing through the evaporator 52 and vaporizes. The vaporized refrigerant is then compressed again by the compressor 70, repeating this cycle.

[0058] When the fan 54 operates within the flow path 50, the gas flows upward within the flow path 50 and is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 52. At this time, the moisture contained in the cold air, along with other substances in the water, is condensed and adheres as frost to the fins of the evaporator 52.

[0059] The cold air passing through the evaporator 52 flows upward within the flow path 50 and enters the storage area 6 through the upper opening. The cold air then circulates within the storage area 6, cooling the contents therein. A portion of the circulated gas flows to the lower side of the storage area 6 and into the lower part of the flow path 50, i.e., the inlet side of the evaporator 52.

[0060] A portion of the gas flowing in the vegetable compartment 8 flows into the return pipe 60 from the inlet 60A located on the rear side. The gas flowing into the return pipe 60 flows downwards and passes through the deodorizing filter 62. This removes odor components mixed in with the gas. It then flows into the lower part of the flow path 50, i.e., the inlet side of the evaporator 52, from the outlet 60B on the lower side. In other words, the gas flowing into the return pipe 60 does not flow within the storage area 6, but directly into the inlet side of the evaporator 52. The gas flowing into the inlet side of the evaporator 52 passes through the evaporator 52 and repeats the aforementioned gas cycle.

[0061] <The flow of gas drawn in from the bag> The outlet piping 30, connected to the outlet of vacuum pump 10, enters and opens into return pipe 60. Both vacuum pump 10 and return pipe 60 are located on the rear side of the refrigerator, thus shortening the overall length of the outlet piping connected to the vacuum pump. Gas drawn from bag PB by vacuum pump 10 flows into return pipe 60. The flowing gas, together with the gas flowing in from inlet 60A of return pipe 60, flows downwards within return pipe 60.

[0062] The gas then passes through the deodorizing filter 62. This removes odor components emanating from the food in the bag PB. Afterward, the gas flows from the lower outlet 60B into the lower part of the flow path 50, i.e., the inlet side of the evaporator 52. Thus, the gas drawn in from the bag PB does not flow within the storage area 6 at all, but flows directly into the inlet side of the evaporator 52. Therefore, the odor from the gas drawn in from the bag PB is not released into the storage area 6, preventing odor components contained in the gas from adhering to the storage area 6. In this embodiment, the inlet 60A of the return pipe 60 is located above the opening of the outlet pipe 30, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible for the opening of the outlet pipe 30 to be located above the inlet 60A.

[0063] Since most of the odor components in the gas are contained in the moisture within the gas, they are encased in frost that freezes and adheres to the fin surface as the gas passes through the evaporator. Therefore, the odor components in the gas passing through the evaporator can be significantly reduced.

[0064] Frost adhering to the fins of evaporator 52 melts as the defrost heater is activated, falling from evaporator 52 and flowing into evaporating dish 80 via return piping 82 located below. Moisture flowing into evaporating dish 80 evaporates due to heat dissipated by compressor 70 or condenser 72 within the machine chamber M. Gas flows with cooling fan 74, which cools the machine chamber M, thereby promoting the evaporation of moisture in evaporating dish 80. Odor-causing components remaining in evaporating dish 80 can then be discarded.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the gas mainly flows into the return pipe 60 through the vegetable compartment 8, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible for the gas circulating in the freezer compartment to flow into the return pipe 60 and not into the lower refrigerator compartment, but into the inlet side of the evaporator 52. The return pipe 60 can be arranged in any other way, as long as the gas flowing in from the inlet 60A can flow into the inlet side of the evaporator 52 and not into the storage area 6 further below it.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the outlet pipe 30 of the vacuum pump 10 opens within the return pipe 60, but this is not a limitation. For example, it is also possible for the outlet pipe 30 of the vacuum pump 10 to extend to the inlet side of the evaporator 52 and then open again. Even in this case, it is preferable to arrange a deodorizing filter at the outlet pipe 30. Furthermore, any other arrangement and construction can be adopted, as long as it has the function of allowing the gas discharged from the vacuum pump 10 to flow into the inlet side of the evaporator 52 instead of flowing within the storage area 6.

[0067] As described above, the refrigerator 2 in the above embodiments and variations includes a vacuum device V, which has a vacuum pump 10 arranged inside the refrigerator and a suction nozzle 26 that is connected to the suction port of the vacuum pump 10 and inserted into a vacuum-packed bag PB outside the refrigerator; the gas in the bag PB that is sucked in by the vacuum pump 10 and discharged from the vacuum pump 10 does not flow in the storage area 6, but flows into the inlet side of the evaporator 52 used to cool the cold air inside the refrigerator.

[0068] According to the above embodiment, since the vacuum pump 10 is arranged inside the refrigerator, the operating noise of the vacuum pump 10 can be suppressed from leaking outside the refrigerator. Furthermore, the gas drawn in from the bag PB is discharged from the vacuum pump 10 and flows into the inlet side of the evaporator 52 instead of flowing within the storage area 6, thus preventing the odor of the gas drawn in from the bag PB from being released into the storage area 6. Additionally, it prevents odor components contained in the gas drawn in from the bag PB from adhering to the stored items in the storage area 6. Most of the odor components in the gas are contained in the moisture in the gas. When the gas passes through the evaporator 52, the moisture is frozen and adheres to the fin surface as frost, thus the odor components are also captured by the evaporator along with the frost. Therefore, the odor components in the gas passing through the evaporator 52 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the vacuum device V can be installed in the refrigerator 2 without opening a hole in the outer wall of the refrigerator 2.

[0069] This allows for refrigerators that can vacuum-pack stored items while suppressing noise and odor issues.

[0070] Specifically, the outlet pipe 30 connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump 10 is opened in the return pipe 60 into which the gas flowing in the storage area flows, and the gas discharged from the vacuum pump 10 flows in the return pipe and into the inlet side of the evaporator 52.

[0071] According to the above embodiment, the gas drawn in from the bag PB is discharged from the vacuum pump 10 and flows into the return pipe 60, where it flows into the inlet side of the evaporator 52. Thus, the gas drawn in from the bag PB does not flow within the storage area 6, but can reliably flow into the inlet side of the evaporator 52.

[0072] Furthermore, a deodorizing filter 62 is arranged in the return pipe 60, and the gas discharged from the vacuum pump 10 flows into the inlet side of the evaporator 52 after passing through the deodorizing filter 62.

[0073] According to the above embodiment, the gas drawn in from the bag PB is discharged from the vacuum pump 10 and passes through the deodorizing filter 62 before flowing into the inlet side of the evaporator 52. This allows for more reliable removal of odor components from the gas.

[0074] Although embodiments and forms of the present invention have been described, the disclosure may vary in structural details, and the combination or order of elements in the embodiments and forms may also be changed without departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The vacuum pumping device has the following features: The vacuum pump installed inside the refrigerator, and An air intake nozzle, connected to the suction port of the vacuum pump, is inserted into a vacuum packaging bag outside the refrigerator; The characteristic feature is that the gas in the bag that is drawn in and discharged from the vacuum pump does not flow within the storage area, but instead flows into the inlet side of the evaporator used to cool the cold air in the refrigerator; The suction nozzle is installed at the front end of the hose that is attached to the latching part of the movable mechanism. The movement of the latching part caused by applying force in the pulling direction enables the suction nozzle and the hose to be pulled out to the front surface of the refrigerator and at least the hose to be pulled into the refrigerator.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet piping connected to the outlet of the vacuum pump opens in the return pipe into which the gas flowing in the storage area flows, and the gas discharged from the vacuum pump flows in the return pipe into the inlet side of the evaporator.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, A deodorizing filter is arranged in the return pipe, and the gas discharged from the vacuum pump flows into the inlet side of the evaporator after passing through the deodorizing filter.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum pump is located on the back side inside the refrigerator.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable mechanism includes a housing, a helical spring disposed within the housing, a protrusion disposed at the helical spring, a locking portion, a rear locking protrusion disposed at the locking portion, and a cylindrical front locking protrusion protruding upward from the lower surface of the housing. The locking portion has a hole, and the protrusion is inserted into the hole. Both the rear locking protrusion and the front locking protrusion are inserted into the ring of the hose.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage area includes a vegetable chamber located at the center of the storage area in the height direction; the front surface of the vegetable chamber has an opening for the air intake to be exposed outward.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front surface of the vegetable compartment also has a movable shelf that can rotate about a hinge located on the lower side as a rotation center; the movable shelf has a storage rotation position arranged vertically along the front surface of the vegetable compartment and a use rotation position that stands upright to the front.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The movable shelf is equipped with folding support bars at both ends, which are used to keep the movable shelf in the storage rotation position or the use rotation position.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front side of the vegetable compartment is provided with a holding / releasing mechanism for controlling the pulling-in / pulling-out position of the hose by applying force from a spring to keep the hose in a locked state, and a button for releasing the locked state of the hose.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a storage clamp, which comprises a connection portion having a check valve connected to the suction nozzle and a retaining portion equipped with the connection portion. With the connecting part open inside the bag, the retaining part clamps the opening of the bag to seal it. Air is drawn into the bag through the opening of the connecting part connected to the air intake, and the air intake is removed from the connecting part. In this way, the storage clamp can keep the bag in a sealed state using the check valve and store it in the refrigerator in this state.

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