Household appliance and refrigerator

Abstract

A back panel (20) is arranged on the rear side of a refrigerating chamber (2) with an opening (2s) formed in the front side and an area which can be seen by a user penetrating through the opening (2s), and a part of the front side surface of the back panel (20) is made of polypropylene resin recycled materials. Shelves (31-35) are disposed between the back panel (20) and the opening (2s). The shelves (31-35) are formed from a regenerated material of a polypropylene resin, and the concentration of titanium oxide as a shielding material added to the shelves (31-35) is higher than the concentration of titanium oxide added to the back panel (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] As part of recent environmental measures, there is a demand for increasing the use of recycled materials in home appliances such as refrigerators. Patent Document 1 discloses that, when recycled materials are used in home appliances, a resin film is placed on the surface of a substrate made of recycled materials to enhance the decorative appearance.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192637 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, recycled parts contain foreign matter, such as black specks, that has been mixed into the recycled resin used as the raw material, making it difficult to improve the appearance quality. Therefore, to conceal the foreign matter, additives such as titanium oxide are added to the recycled resin, or decorative films are applied to the recycled parts. However, considering the recyclability of recycled parts, applying a film of another material to the surface of recycled parts, as described in Patent Document 1, is not preferred.

[0008] Solutions to Problems

[0009] In the present invention, a recycled material component having a front surface partially or entirely formed of recycled material is provided at the rear side of a room having an opening formed on the front side and in an area visible to a user through the opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a front view showing the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a front view showing a state where the refrigerator compartment door is removed from the refrigerator.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a front view showing the rear panel.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a top view of the shelf.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 VV line cross-sectional view.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention (this embodiment) will be described. However, this embodiment is not limited by the following contents and can be implemented by any changes without prejudice to the gist of the present invention. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The directions shown are used as a reference for explanation.

[0017] (First embodiment)

[0018] Figure 1 1. It is a front view showing the refrigerator of Embodiment 1. In addition, below, the refrigerator 1 with 6 doors is described as an example, but it is not limited to 6 doors.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, refrigerator 1 includes an insulated housing 10, which includes a refrigerator compartment 2, an ice making compartment 3, an upper freezer compartment 4, a lower freezer compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 6. Alternatively, lower freezer compartment 5 and vegetable compartment 6 may be storage compartments that switch their temperature range from a refrigerated temperature range (e.g., 1°C to 6°C) to a frozen temperature range (e.g., approximately -20°C to -18°C). Refrigerator compartment 2 is set to a refrigerated temperature range (e.g., 6°C), while ice making compartment 3 and upper freezer compartment 4 are set to a frozen temperature range (e.g., approximately -20°C).

[0020] Refrigerator 1 also includes, on the front of its heat-insulating housing 10, refrigerator doors 2a and 2b for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 2; an ice-making door 3a for opening and closing the ice-making compartment 3; an upper freezer door 4a for opening and closing the upper freezer compartment 4; a lower freezer door 5a for opening and closing the lower freezer compartment 5; and a vegetable door 6a for opening and closing the vegetable compartment 6. The refrigerator doors 2a and 2b are configured to open in opposite directions. The ice-making door 3a, upper freezer door 4a, lower freezer door 5a, and vegetable door 6a are configured to be pulled out toward the front. The refrigerator doors 2a and 2b, ice-making door 3a, upper freezer door 4a, lower freezer door 5a, and vegetable door 6a are insulated doors.

[0021] Figure 2 1 is a front view showing a state where the refrigerator door is removed from the refrigerator. Figure 2 The ice making chamber 3 and the upper freezing chamber 4 are shown to the lower side, indicating a state where the back panel and cooling mechanism components provided on the back side are removed.

[0022] like Figure 2As shown, the insulated box 10 is formed by filling a foam insulation material (not shown) between an outer box 11 made of steel plate and an inner box 12 made of synthetic resin (e.g., ABS resin). In addition to the foam insulation material, the insulated box 10 also includes a plurality of vacuum insulation materials with a lower thermal conductivity (higher insulation performance) than the foam insulation material, installed between the outer box 10a and the inner box 10b. This prevents a decrease in internal volume and improves insulation performance. Alternatively, the insulated box 10 may be constructed solely of vacuum insulation material, without the foam insulation material.

[0023] The refrigerator compartment 2 is separated from the ice making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4 by a heat-insulating partition wall 13. The ice making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4 are separated from the lower freezer compartment 5 by a heat-insulating partition wall 14. The lower freezer compartment 5 is separated from the vegetable compartment 6 by a heat-insulating partition wall 15.

[0024] A back panel 20 is provided on the rear side (back side) of the refrigerator compartment 2. In addition, the back panel 20 is formed of a recycled material such as polypropylene resin. Recycled material refers to a material that is processed by recycling used products and waste generated from the manufacturing process and can be used as materials or raw materials for other new products. In the refrigerator 1, for example, recycled materials of thermoplastic resins such as PP (polypropylene) resin and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin are used. In addition, the back panel 20 is provided with a panel formed of recycled material of PP resin on the front surface, and a foamed heat insulating material with a cooling air duct formed on the back side. That is, the back panel 20 is formed by laminating a panel formed of recycled material and a foamed heat insulating material. In addition, a structure in which a panel formed of a component different from the back panel 20, i.e., a recycled material, is provided on the surface side of the back panel 20 may be provided.

[0025] The back panel 20 is provided with an air passage for cooling air to be passed through, and the cooling air is discharged into the refrigerating chamber 2. The back panel 20 occupies most of the center of the back of the refrigerating chamber 2. Figure 2 In the back of the refrigerator compartment 2, a portion of the inner box 12 is located on the left and right sides of the back panel 20. In addition, the top surface and the left and right side surfaces of the refrigerator compartment 2 are respectively formed of the synthetic resin (ABS resin) that forms the inner box 12 as a whole.

[0026] The refrigerator compartment 2 has an opening 2s on the front (near the front). In other words, the opening 2s is not facing upward but rather oriented horizontally. Therefore, the user faces the back of the refrigerator compartment 2, and the back panel 20 is visible through the opening 2s. Furthermore, the back panel 20 is located farthest from the user within the refrigerator compartment 2.

[0027] In addition, a plurality of shelves 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 2. The shelf 31 is located at the top layer and can be adjusted in height. The shelf 32 is located on the lower side of the shelf 31 and can be adjusted in height. The shelf 33 is located in the right half of the lower side of the shelf 32 and can be adjusted in height. In addition, support portions 41 for hooking and supporting the shelves 31 to 33 are provided at multiple locations on the left and right inner boxes 12. The shelf 34 is located in the left half, with one side in the left and right directions supported by the support portion 41 and the other side supported by the longitudinal partition component 34a. The shelf 35 separates the shelf 35 from the quenching chamber 42, and a tray 42a is stored between the shelf 35 and the heat-insulating partition wall 13 in a freely accessible manner. In addition, a water supply tank 43 for the ice maker is provided on the left side of the tray 42a through a partition. In addition, Figure 2 The structure of the refrigerating chamber 2 shown is an example and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a front view showing the rear panel.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the back panel 20 has a structure extending from the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 2 to the shelves 33 and 34 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) of the upper air duct member 21a, and the upper air duct member 21a provided on the shelf 34 and the shelf 35 (see Figure 2 ) between the middle layer of the air duct component 21b, provided between the shelf 35 and the heat insulation partition wall 13 (refer to Figure 2 ) between the lower air duct component 21c. Furthermore, air outlets 21s for blowing out cooling air are formed at multiple locations in the upper air duct component 21a. Furthermore, the middle air duct component 21b is formed wider than the upper air duct component 21a. The lower air duct component 21c is located behind the fresh ice compartment and is formed with return ports 22a and 22b for the refrigerated compartment. The cold air exhausted from the air outlet 21s of the upper air duct component 21a passes through the front side (near the front side) of the shelves 31 to 35 and returns to the return ports 22a and 22b for the refrigerated compartment.

[0030] When the back panel 20 is made of recycled material, the back panel 20 may be entirely made of recycled material or partially made of recycled material. For example, the portion where the upper and middle air duct components 21a and 21b are made of recycled material, excluding the lower air duct component 21c at the rear of the fresh food compartment, are made of recycled material.

[0031] Furthermore, the back panel 20 is made of recycled PP resin, so foreign matter m is mixed on the surface. The foreign matter m is large enough to be visible by approaching. Moreover, the size and location of the foreign matter m are completely random.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top view of the shelf.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, shelf 31 is constructed with a rectangular glass plate 31a and a substantially square frame member 31b surrounding glass plate 31a. Frame member 31b is made of recycled material, such as polypropylene resin (PP resin), and has a recess 31c formed on the rear portion (back portion) into which the protrusion of rear panel 20 engages. While this embodiment describes shelf 31 as a combination of glass and resin, it may also be constructed entirely of synthetic resin.

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, a first evaporator chamber 51a in which a first evaporator 51 is disposed is provided at the back of the refrigerator compartment 2. In the first evaporator chamber 51a, a first fan 52 is provided above the first evaporator 51. The cooling air sent by the first fan 52 passes through the refrigerator compartment air passage 21t and the blow-out port 21s (see FIG. 2 ) provided on the back panel 20. Figure 3 ) to send air to the refrigerating chamber 2 to cool the inside of the refrigerating chamber 2. Here, the first fan 52 is composed of a turbo fan (rearward fan) as a centrifugal fan. The air sent to the refrigerating chamber 2 is returned from the refrigerating chamber return port 22a, 22b (refer to Figure 3 ) returns to the first evaporator chamber 51a and exchanges heat with the first evaporator 51 again.

[0036] However, if refrigerator components are made from recycled materials, they can contain foreign matter. Therefore, when used in various locations, these foreign matter becomes conspicuous and causes discomfort to users. Therefore, recycled components have traditionally been used in locations that are not visually discernible to users. However, this limits the locations where recycled components can be used. Furthermore, there is a need to increase the use of recycled components.

[0037] Furthermore, in the case of refrigerators, once discarded, they are returned to recycling facilities, where the materials are sorted and crushed, separating them into iron and plastic for recycling. If a decorative film is attached to the plastic, it cannot be completely removed, so the film remains and the plastic is recycled. When converting plastic into recycled material, clean recycled material cannot be achieved without removing foreign matter. Until now, this has been used in components that don't require aesthetics, strength, or other requirements. However, such a solution would make it impossible to adapt to a recycling-oriented society, leading to a demand for increasing the use of recycled material components.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, recycled materials are used for the back panel 20, which is a large exterior area and is located on the back of the refrigerator compartment 2. The back panel 20 is visible to the user, but is the farthest from the user in the refrigerator compartment 2. In addition, the room (room) where the refrigerator 1 is installed is usually equipped with lighting on the ceiling of the room. Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, even if the light from the lighting installed on the ceiling enters the refrigerator compartment 2, it is difficult for the light to reach the back panel 20, and the reflected light from the back panel 20 is difficult to enter the user's eyes. As a result, the foreign matter on the back panel 20 becomes less noticeable and can be less likely to cause discomfort to the user.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, an interior light 60 is typically installed on the top surface of the refrigerator compartment 2. However, the interior light 60 is positioned toward the front of the opening 2s of the refrigerator compartment 2, not in a direction or position that allows the light to directly enter the back panel 20. Therefore, light from the interior light 60 is less likely to reach the back panel 20, and reflected light from the back panel 20 is less likely to enter the user's eyes. As a result, foreign matter on the back panel 20 becomes less noticeable and does not cause discomfort to the user.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, shelves 31 to 35 are arranged between the back panel 20 and the opening 2s. Therefore, the possibility of a user approaching and visually viewing the back panel 20 can be reduced, and foreign matter mixed into the back panel 20 is less noticeable.

[0041] In addition, in order to make the foreign matter m less noticeable, titanium oxide is mixed into the frame part 31b of the back panel 20 and the shelf 31 as a shielding material. By adding titanium oxide to the recycled material, the surface of the foreign matter m is covered with titanium, so the foreign matter m turns white and becomes less noticeable. Therefore, the concentration of titanium oxide added to the frame part 31b of the shelf 31 is made higher than the concentration of titanium oxide added to the back panel 20. In other words, the shelf 31 is a component located in the front, so it is necessary to increase the amount of titanium oxide added to improve the concealment of the foreign matter m. On the other hand, the back panel 20 is a component located in the back, so even if the addition of titanium oxide is reduced and the concealment of the foreign matter m is reduced, there will be no problem. In this way, by making the amount of titanium oxide added different between the back panel 20 and the shelf 31, the concealment of the foreign matter m can be improved and the discomfort caused to the user can be reduced.

[0042] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment includes a back panel 20 made of recycled material in an area visible to the user through the opening 2s, located behind the refrigerated compartment 2 (storage compartment, interior). This area is located farther from the opening 2s, making it difficult for light from the front of the ceiling to reach the back panel 20. Therefore, even though the back panel 20 is made of recycled material, foreign matter m is less noticeable. Consequently, even when the back panel 20 is located in a position visible to the user, recycled material can be used, increasing the utilization rate of recycled materials in the refrigerator 1.

[0043] In the first embodiment, shelves 31 to 35 are disposed between the back panel 20 and the opening 2s. The shelves 31 to 35 thus increase the distance from the back panel 20 to the user's view, thereby making foreign matter m that has entered the back panel 20 less noticeable. Specifically, as described in the background art, there is no need to add additives such as titanium oxide or provide a decorative film to make foreign matter m less noticeable.

[0044] (Second embodiment)

[0045] Figure 6 : is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 In FIG, the storage compartments of the lower freezer compartment 5 and the vegetable compartment 6 below the refrigerator compartment 2 are shown.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerator 1 is provided with a lower freezer compartment container 5b (storage compartment container) in the lower freezer compartment 5 (storage compartment), and a vegetable compartment container 6b (storage compartment container) in the vegetable compartment 6 (storage compartment).

[0047] Refrigerator 1 also includes a back panel 50 on the rear side (back side) of lower freezer compartment 5 and vegetable compartment 6, extending across lower freezer compartment 5 and vegetable compartment 6. Back panel 50 is provided in an area visible to the user through opening 5s of lower freezer compartment 5. Furthermore, back panel 50 is provided in an area visible to the user through opening 6s of vegetable compartment 6. Back panel 50 is formed from a recycled material, such as polypropylene resin.

[0048] A second evaporator chamber 53a, housing a second evaporator 53, is provided behind the rear panel 50. A second fan 54 is provided above the second evaporator 53 in the second evaporator chamber 53a. The lower freezer compartment 5b and the vegetable compartment 6b are formed from recycled materials, such as polypropylene resin. Cooling air delivered by the second fan 54 is supplied to the lower freezer compartment 5 and the vegetable compartment 6 via a cooling air duct (not shown) and an exhaust port (not shown) provided on the rear panel 50, thereby cooling the interiors of the lower freezer compartment 5 and the vegetable compartment 6.

[0049] In addition, in order to make the foreign matter m less conspicuous, titanium oxide is mixed into the back panel 50 and the lower freezer container 5b (vegetable compartment container 6b) as a shielding material. The concentration of titanium oxide added to the lower freezer container 5b (vegetable compartment container 6b) is made higher than the concentration of titanium oxide added to the back panel 50. That is, the lower freezer container 5b (vegetable compartment container 6b) is a component located near the front, so the amount of titanium oxide added is increased, thereby improving the concealment of the foreign matter m. On the other hand, the back panel 50 is a component located on the back side, so the amount of titanium oxide added is reduced, thereby reducing the concealment of the foreign matter m. In this way, by making the amount of titanium oxide added different between the back panel 50 and the lower freezer container 5b (vegetable compartment container 6b), the concealment of the foreign matter m can be improved, and the discomfort caused to the user can be reduced.

[0050] Thus, in the refrigerator of the second embodiment, a back panel 50 having an entire front surface made of recycled material is provided on the rear side of the lower freezer compartment 5 (vegetable compartment 6) having an opening 5s (6s) formed on the front side, in an area visible to the user through the opening 5s (6s). As a result, the back panel 50 is farther away from the opening 5s (6s), making it difficult for light from the front of the ceiling to reach the back panel. Therefore, even though the back panel 50 is formed of recycled material, foreign matter m becomes less noticeable.

[0051] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is used as an example for description, but it is not limited to the refrigerator 1. For example, it can be applied to household appliances such as microwave ovens, washing machines, and dishwashing and drying machines. In the case of a microwave oven, it can be formed by setting a back panel (recycled material component) whose front surface is entirely made of recycled materials on the rear side of a heating box (indoors) having an opening formed on the front side and in an area visible to the user through the opening. In addition, in the case of a washing machine, it is a drum-type washing machine, and it can be formed by setting a bottom surface (recycled material component) whose front surface is entirely made of recycled materials on the rear side of a washing tub having an opening formed on the front side and in an area visible to the user through the opening.

[0052] Explanation of symbols

[0053] 1—Refrigerator, 2—Refrigerator (Storage Room), 5—Lower Freezer (Storage Room), 6—Vegetable Room (Storage Room), 2s—Opening, 5b—Lower Freezer Container (Storage Room Container), 6b—Vegetable Room Container (Storage Room Container), 10—Insulated Box, 11—Outer Box, 12—Inner Box, 20—Back Panel (Recycled Material Component), 21a—Upper Air Path Component, 21b—Middle Air Path Component, 21c—Lower Air Path Component, 21s—Blowout Port, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35—Shelves, 31a—Glass Plate, 31b—Frame Component, 50—Back Panel (Recycled Material Component), 60—Light Inside the Box, m—Foreign Matter.

Claims

1. A household appliance, characterized in that: A recycled material component having a front surface partially or entirely formed of recycled material is provided on the rear side of a room having an opening formed on the front side and in an area visible to a user through the opening.

2. A refrigerator, characterized in that: A rear panel formed of a part or all of a recycled material on the rear side of the storage compartment having an opening formed on the front side is provided in an area visible to a user through the opening.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that A shelf or storage container is disposed between the back panel and the opening.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The shelf or the storage compartment container is formed of recycled material, The concentration of the masking material added to the shelf or the storage compartment container is higher than the concentration of the masking material added to the back panel.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that The shielding material is titanium oxide.

Images