JP4501294B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize effective weak light irradiation in a vegetable chamber in a refrigerator for the purpose of keeping freshness of green leaf vegetables. SOLUTION: A container 25 is provided for mainly containing leaf vegetables in one compartment in a vegetable chamber 17, upward of which container 25 a weak light irradiation apparatus 26 is disposed, whereby effective irradiation to leaf vegetables is ensured. The container 25 can contain vegetables permitting them to stand vertically, and can arrange the vegetables at a front surface of the vegetable chamber 17, and further can irradiate the entire of the vegetables from an upper portion, and furthermore allows the vegetables to be taken out with ease. For the weak light irradiation a red colored LED26c outputting about 660 nm wavelength light is employed to improve efficiency of photosynthesis and suppress heat production.

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to storage of green leafy vegetables.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Factors that affect the decline in freshness of vegetables include temperature, humidity, environmental gas, microorganisms, and light. Vegetables are living creatures that are breathing and transpiration, and in order to maintain freshness, it is necessary to suppress respiration and transpiration. Except for some vegetables, such as those that cause low-temperature damage, respiration is suppressed by low temperatures, and transpiration can be prevented by high humidity. In recent years, home refrigerators are provided with a sealed vegetable container for the purpose of preserving vegetables, and are controlled so as to cool the vegetables to an appropriate temperature and to maintain the humidity by the moisture that evaporates from the vegetables. Thereby, vegetables hold | maintain a nutrient and can maintain freshness.
[0003]
Conventionally, as described above, temperature and humidity management has been used to suppress the decrease in freshness of vegetables, but a method for maintaining the freshness of vegetables using “light” which is an influencing factor of the decrease in freshness has been developed. Light is adversely affected by strong light, such as promoting color change and transpiration, but weak light is known to be particularly effective in maintaining the freshness of green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll in the leaves, and this decrease in chlorophyll concentration is said to result in a decrease in quality. By irradiating weak light, decomposition of chlorophyll is suppressed, and an effect can be expected for retention of vitamin C.
[0004]
As a conventional method for preserving green vegetables by light irradiation, there is one disclosed in JP-A-9-28363.
[0005]
The conventional refrigerator will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0006]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional refrigerator. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator main body, which includes a housing 2 having an open front surface, and the inside of the housing 2 has three chambers arranged vertically by partition walls 2 </ b> A and 2 </ b> B arranged along the horizontal direction, That is, it is partitioned into an upper chamber 3, a middle chamber 4, and a lower chamber 5. Opening / closing doors 6 and 7 are respectively attached to the opening sides of the upper chamber 3 and the middle chamber 4.
[0007]
The lower chamber 5 accommodates a drawer 8 that mainly stores vegetables and the like. The drawer 8 is substantially in the shape of an opening, and the front wall 9 on the front side is larger than the opening of the lower chamber 5, and when the drawer 8 is accommodated in the lower chamber 5, the side surfaces 9 </ b> A, 9 </ b> B, The lower surface 9C is positioned on the same surface as the side surfaces 2C, 2D and the lower surface 2E of the housing 2, respectively. A switch 10 for detecting opening / closing of the drawer 8 is attached to a portion of the housing 2 with which the front wall 9 abuts.
[0008]
A white fluorescent lamp 11 is attached to a substantially central portion of the lower surface of the partition wall 2B that partitions the middle chamber 4 and the lower surface 5, and a lamp 12 is attached to the front side of the lower surface of the partition wall 2B.
[0009]
FIG. 10 shows an electric circuit for supplying power to the white fluorescent lamp 11 and the lamp 12. The switch 10 and a power supply circuit 13 that supplies power to the white fluorescent lamp 11 and the lamp 12 are connected in series, and the power supplied from the power supply circuit 13 is adjusted to a power source suitable for the white fluorescent lamp 11. The power control circuit 14 and the white fluorescent lamp 11 and the lamp 12 are connected in parallel, and the white fluorescent lamp 11 and the lamp 12 are alternately turned on and off by switching the switch 10.
[0010]
About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.
[0011]
The casing 2 is provided with a refrigeration device or a freezing device (not shown), and the upper chamber 3, the middle chamber 4, and the lower chamber 5 are respectively maintained at predetermined temperatures by the refrigeration device or the freezing device.
[0012]
Vegetables are mainly stored in the drawer 8. When the drawer 8 is stored and sealed in the lower chamber 5, the white fluorescent lamp 11 is lit to irradiate the vegetables. At this time, the lamp 12 is controlled to be turned off. The light intensity of the white fluorescent lamp 11 is set in a range that is effective for reducing the decrease in the chlorophyll concentration of green leafy vegetables. It can be held. When the drawer 8 is open, the lamp 12 is controlled to be turned on and the white fluorescent lamp 11 is turned off.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned conventional configuration is characterized by the control means that the white fluorescent lamp 11 is turned on when the lower chamber 5 is sealed, and considers the usage situation of a household refrigerator in which various vegetables are mixed and stored. There are disadvantages that are not.
[0014]
In order to irradiate light in the refrigerator, it is necessary to set the type of light source and the mounting position in consideration of humidity retention and condensation problems, the effects of opening and closing the door, and the storage state of vegetables.
[0015]
This invention solves the conventional subject, and it aims at providing the refrigerator which can perform the weak light irradiation to the preserved vegetables efficiently, and can maintain the freshness of vegetables.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present inventionA partition plate between the upper chamber is provided on the upper surface of the storage container for storing vegetables, and the space between the partition plate and the storage container is used as a storage space for vegetables. A vegetable room to be kept in a state, and a weak light irradiation device having a semiconductor light emitting element arranged to irradiate the inside of the storage container to the outside of the storage container in the vegetable room and emitting and radiating a visible light region wavelength, The storage container is formed of a translucent material, and the light from the semiconductor light emitting element is transmitted through the storage container to irradiate the vegetables stored in the storage space. Since it is not exposed to wet conditions and is not affected by condensation, the reliability of the weak light irradiation device is improved.
The present invention also providesA portion of the vegetable compartment is provided with a storage container that mainly stores leaf vegetables, and a low light irradiation device is disposed above the storage container, and a storage container that stores leaf vegetables is provided. In addition to being able to be stored, by arranging the weak light irradiation device above the storage container, only the leaf vegetables that exhibit the low light irradiation effect are efficiently irradiated.
[0017]
  Also bookThe present invention comprises a second storage container that mainly stores leafy vegetables at the top of a storage container provided in a vegetable room, and a weak light irradiation device is disposed above the second storage container. In a refrigerator that stores a mixture of leaf vegetables and other vegetables, it is possible to store them separately, and by arranging a low light irradiation device above the second storage container that mainly stores leaf vegetables. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently irradiate only leafy vegetables that show a weak light irradiation effect. Moreover, the leaf vegetable storage container is installed in the upper part of the vegetable room, and by installing a weak light irradiation device above it, the light irradiation distance can be shortened and the irradiation intensity can be reduced, leading to energy saving.
[0018]
  Also bookThe invention includes a second storage container that mainly stores leafy vegetables in a portion of the storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and the low light irradiation device is disposed above the second storage container. It can be stored upright and can maintain freshness, and by providing a weak light irradiation device above it, light is irradiated to vegetables from above, and not only one side but also light is irradiated to the whole, Irradiation unevenness is reduced, and vegetables can be stood and stored, which makes it easier to organize.
[0019]
  Also bookInvention,Since the 2nd storage container has been arranged in the front part of the vegetable compartment, the take-out property of leaf vegetables improves, and the weak light irradiation device is operated to the user by installing the weak light irradiation device upward. Things are easily recognized.
[0020]
  Also bookThe present invention is a vegetable compartment provided with a drawer-type door that pulls out the storage container integrally, and is provided with a second storage container that mainly stores leafy vegetables in a portion of the storage container, and partitions the upper surface of the vegetable compartment Since the weak light irradiation device for irradiating the inside of the second storage container is provided on the lower surface of the plate, the storage container can be pulled out integrally with the door, the usability of the vegetable room is improved, and the second storage container We can irradiate stored leafy vegetables with low light. In addition, since the partition plate is provided on the top surface of the vegetable room and the low light irradiation device is attached to the bottom surface of the vegetable room, the low light irradiation device does not get in the way even if the door of the vegetable room is opened and closed. Space is increased and the storage space for vegetables is not hindered.
[0021]
  Also bookInvention,Since humidity control is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate, excess moisture in the vegetable compartment is released, moderate humidity is maintained in the vegetable compartment, and transpiration of vegetables is prevented. The freshness decline of leaf vegetables is suppressed and the freshness maintenance effect increases.
[0022]
  Also bookInvention,A partition in which a section of the refrigerated compartment is partitioned by a partition plate and configured to store at least vegetables, a storage container provided in the compartment, and a weak light irradiation device that irradiates the interior of the storage container. Since it is provided on the plate, even in the vegetable storage container provided in the refrigerator compartment, it is possible to irradiate effective leafy vegetables with weak light.
[0023]
  Also bookInvention,A lid provided with humidity control means is provided at the upper surface opening of the storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and a low light irradiation device is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate that partitions the upper portion of the vegetable compartment, and the lid is transparent. Because the storage container in the vegetable compartment is made of a natural material, excess moisture in the container is released by humidity control means, and keeping the appropriate humidity can suppress a decrease in the freshness of the vegetable, and low light irradiation from above The light passes through the lid, and the freshness of the leaf vegetables stored in the lower storage container is further suppressed. In addition, the weak light irradiation device is located at the top of the lid, and the weak light irradiation device is not exposed to high humidity conditions and is not affected by condensation, which improves the reliability of the low light irradiation device. is there.
[0024]
  Also bookIn the invention, since the lid provided with the humidity control means is provided at the upper surface opening of the storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and the lid is provided with the low light irradiation means, the distance between the vegetable and the low light irradiation device is short. Thus, the irradiation intensity can be reduced, leading to energy saving.
[0025]
  Also bookSince the invention includes a storage container in the vegetable room and the low light irradiation devices are provided on a plurality of surfaces in the vegetable room, the irradiation can be performed not only from above but also from below or from the side, further suppressing variations in the irradiation surface. As a result, the effect of weak light irradiation is easily obtained throughout the vegetable compartment.
[0026]
  Also bookInvention,Since the weak light irradiation device is provided on the two surfaces facing each other in the vegetable room, the opposite surface and back surface of the vegetable can be irradiated with the weak light, and the low light irradiation can be efficiently performed.
[0027]
  Also bookInvention,Since the storage container is made of a translucent material, a weak light irradiation device can be installed anywhere on the outer peripheral surface of the storage container when weak light is irradiated from multiple surfaces, and the freshness of leaf vegetables in the storage container is reduced. In addition, the low light irradiation device is not exposed to high humidity conditions, and the reliability of the device due to condensation can be improved.
[0028]
  Also bookInvention,Since the weak light device is a semiconductor light emitting element that emits light in the visible light region, the amount of heat generated can be kept small, and the temperature rise in the vegetable compartment can be suppressed.
[0029]
  Also bookInvention,Since the semiconductor light emitting element is a red LED that outputs a wavelength of about 660 nm, the photosynthesis of leaf vegetables is efficiently performed to suppress a decrease in freshness, and the amount of heat generation is suppressed to prevent an increase in the temperature in the vegetable compartment. In addition, the user can easily recognize the presence or absence of light irradiation.
It is something that can be done.
[0030]
  Also bookInvention,Since the switch for controlling the operation of the weak light irradiation device is installed on the front surface of the refrigerator, the user can control the operation of the low light irradiation device according to the storage condition of the vegetables.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same structure as the past, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0032]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weak light irradiation device of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, 15 is a refrigerator main body, 16 is a refrigerator compartment, 17 is a vegetable compartment, 17a is a cooling air passage of the vegetable compartment 17, 18a and 18b are freezing compartments, and the refrigerator compartment 16 and the vegetable compartment 17 are partition plates. The freezer compartment 18 is partitioned by a partition plate 20. 21 is a door of the refrigerator compartment 16, 22 is a door of the vegetable compartment 17, and 23 and 24 are doors of the freezer compartment. A storage container 25 is provided in a portion of the vegetable compartment 17 and mainly stores leaf vegetables. Reference numeral 26 denotes a weak light irradiation device attached above the storage container 25, and is composed of a semiconductor light emitting device that emits a wavelength in the visible light region. Further, the weak light irradiation device 26 is provided with a protection function (not shown) for preventing condensation. And 26a is the weak light irradiation switch provided in the front surface of the refrigerator 15, and controls lighting of the weak light irradiation apparatus 26. FIG. The weak light irradiation switch 26a is not necessary, and if not, the weak light irradiation device 26 is automatically activated.
[0034]
27 is a compressor, 28 is a cooler, 29 is a blower for blowing cold air cooled by the cooler 28 into the refrigerator compartment 16 and the freezer compartment 18, and 30 is adjusting the amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment 16. A damper device 31 is a ventilation path for introducing the cold air cooled by the cooler 28 into the refrigerator compartment 16.
[0035]
Next, a specific configuration of the weak light irradiation device 26 will be described. The weak light irradiation device 26 includes a mounting substrate 26b, a semiconductor light emitting element 26c provided on the mounting substrate 26b, and a transparent cover 26d that protects the semiconductor light emitting element 26c.
[0036]
The semiconductor light emitting element 26c emits light in the visible light region and has a lot of red wavelengths. Visible light ranges from violet light with the shortest wavelength, through light of each color of indigo, blue, green, yellow, and orange, to red light with the longest wavelength. Chlorophyll absorbs the largest amount of blue-blue light, followed by red light, and the proportion of colored light such as green and yellow is small. On the other hand, the energy efficiency of photosynthesis is the highest for red light and decreases as the wavelength becomes shorter. From this, the photosynthesis speed is in the order of red light> blue indigo light> green light. Therefore, by emitting a large amount of red light in the visible light region, the speed of photosynthesis is increased and a green retention effect can be expected.
[0037]
Further, by using the semiconductor light emitting element 26c as a red LED that outputs light having a wavelength of about 660 nm, the speed of photosynthesis is further increased, and the green retention effect is increased. The temperature rise can be prevented, and the transpiration action can be suppressed. Further, red light is easily recognized by the user, and the visual recognition effect of the freshness maintaining means is enhanced.
[0038]
Further, by using a high-luminance type LED or a diffusion type LED, the number of LEDs can be reduced, and the low-light irradiation device 26 can be made at low cost.
[0039]
About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.
[0040]
The cold air cooled by the cooler 29 is sent into the freezer compartments 18a and 18b by the blower 29, and the inside of the freezer compartments 18a and 18b is cooled to a predetermined temperature (about −18 to −20 ° C.). On the other hand, a part of the cool air cooled by the cooler 29 is introduced into the ventilation path 31 and is sent into the refrigerating chamber 16 by opening / closing control of the damper device 31, and the inside of the refrigerating chamber 16 has a predetermined temperature (about 1 to 4). ℃). The cold air circulated in the refrigerator compartment 16 is introduced into the cooling air passage 17a of the vegetable compartment 17, and the vegetable compartment 17 is cooled to a predetermined temperature (about 2 to 5 ° C.).
[0041]
A storage container 25 is provided in the vegetable compartment 17. When the vegetable compartment door 22 is opened and vegetables are stored in the vegetable compartment 17, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are mainly stored in the storage container 25. When the vegetable room door 22 is closed, the stored green leafy vegetables are irradiated by the weak light irradiation device 26 above the storage container 25. At this time, the operation of the weak light irradiation device 26 can be selected by the user by the weak light irradiation switch 26a. When there is no weak light irradiation switch 26a, the operation of the weak light irradiation device is automatically controlled.
[0042]
It is known that the leaves of green leafy vegetables are subject to photosynthesis, chloroplast decay, protein, and chlorophyll degradation when placed under dark conditions. Various changes accompanying aging are suppressed. Specifically, the decomposition of chlorophyll contained in the leaves is suppressed and the decrease in concentration is suppressed, so that the green color is maintained and the decrease in vitamin C is also suppressed. Thereby, the storage property of vegetables increases and it can hold | maintain a nutrient component.
[0043]
It is said that the effect of weak light irradiation is recognized in green leafy vegetables, and in the refrigerator that stores various miscellaneous vegetables, the irradiation range of the weak light irradiation device 26 is specified by storing the green leafy vegetables in the storage container 25. Therefore, effective food can be irradiated with low light efficiently.
[0044]
As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes the storage container 25 that mainly stores leafy vegetables in one section of the vegetable room 17, and the low light irradiation device 26 is disposed above the storage container. The chlorophyll contained in the leaves of the leaves is preserved at low temperature after being stored at a low temperature, and the green color is maintained by suppressing the decrease in concentration, and the decrease in vitamin C is also suppressed. It is. Thereby, the storage property of vegetables increases and it can hold | maintain a nutrient component.
[0045]
Furthermore, in the refrigerator in which various miscellaneous vegetables are stored, the stored vegetables can be organized by storing the green leafy vegetables in the storage container 25, and the irradiation range of the low light irradiation device 26 can be specified. Therefore, effective food can be irradiated with weak light efficiently.
[0046]
In addition, it is desirable that the light irradiated from the weak light irradiation device 26 has a wavelength in the visible light region, and particularly contains a lot of red light (660 nm) having the highest efficiency of photosynthesis, and the illuminance is the height of the vegetable room 17 and It is set according to the height of the storage container 25.
[0047]
Further, the weak light irradiation device 26 is provided with a protection function for preventing dew condensation, so that the weak light irradiation device 26 is lit without being affected by the dew condensation even if the inside of the vegetable compartment 17 is dewed by door opening and closing. Can do.
[0048]
Further, the lighting control time of the weak light irradiation device 26 can be freely designed by opening and closing the door, the amount of vegetables stored, and the like. For example, if a control is provided to irradiate for a predetermined time when the vegetable compartment door 22 is opened, other than when the vegetable compartment door 22 is closed, the user can recognize the lighting of the weak light irradiation device 26, and the freshness maintaining means can be visually confirmed. An effect is obtained. Moreover, it does not always light while the door 22 of the vegetable compartment is closed, but energy saving can be achieved as compared with the prior art by performing intermittent control within a range where the effect on vegetables is obtained.
[0049]
Furthermore, when vegetables are not stored in the storage container 25, over-lighting can be prevented if the operation of the low light irradiation device 26 is canceled by the low light irradiation switch 26a, leading to energy saving.
[0050]
The storage container 25 is not limited to the shape of the container, and may be a partition member such as a partition plate or a partition bar, and can store green leafy vegetables standing on the front portion of the vegetable compartment 17. It can also be arranged. The green leafy vegetables stored upright are turned on by the weak light irradiation device 26. At this time, by storing upright, the entire leaf having the effect of low light is not irradiated from one side but from above. Can be irradiated. In addition, it is easy to keep the vegetables organized by standing and storing the vegetables.
[0051]
Furthermore, it becomes easy to put in and out vegetables by installing the storage container 25 in the front part. Moreover, since the weak light irradiation apparatus 26 is arrange | positioned upwards, it becomes easy for consumers to visually recognize the weak light irradiation apparatus 26, and the visual effect of a freshness maintenance technique increases.
[0052]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0053]
In FIG. 3, 32 is a vegetable room, and 33 is a door provided on the front surface of the vegetable room 32. Reference numeral 34 denotes a storage container provided in the vegetable compartment 32, and a second storage container 34a for mainly storing leafy vegetables is provided above the storage container 34. Reference numeral 35 denotes a weak light irradiation device arranged above the second storage container 34a.
[0054]
About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.
[0055]
A storage container 34a is provided in the upper part of the vegetable compartment 32. When the vegetable compartment door 33 is opened and vegetables are stored in the vegetable compartment 32, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are mainly stored in the storage container 34a. When the vegetable room door 32 is closed, the stored green leafy vegetables are irradiated by the weak light irradiation device 35 above the storage container 34a.
[0056]
At this time, the illuminance of the weak light irradiation device 35 is affected by the distance from the green leafy vegetables stored in the storage container 34a. If the suitable illumination intensity irradiated to the surface of vegetables is decided, the light intensity emitted from the weak light irradiation apparatus 35 can be reduced, so that distance with vegetables is short. Therefore, by arranging the storage container 34a in the upper part of the vegetable compartment, the distance from the weak light irradiation device 35 is shortened, and the irradiation efficiency is improved. Moreover, it becomes easy to irradiate the whole from a stem part to a leaf part by storing vegetables sideways.
[0057]
As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes the second storage container 34a that mainly stores leafy vegetables at the top of the storage container 33 provided in the vegetable compartment 32, and is weak above the second storage container 34a. Since the light irradiation device 35 is arranged, in the refrigerator storing various vegetables in a mixed manner, leaf vegetables and other vegetables can be stored separately, and the second storage container that mainly stores leaf vegetables. By arranging the weak light irradiation device 35 above 34a, it is possible to efficiently irradiate only the leafy vegetables where the weak light irradiation effect appears.
[0058]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0059]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 36 denotes a vegetable room, which includes a storage container 37. Reference numeral 38 denotes a vegetable compartment door from which the storage container 37 is pulled out. Reference numeral 39 denotes a second storage container provided in the storage container 37, which mainly stores green leafy vegetables. Reference numeral 40 denotes a partition plate for partitioning the refrigerator compartment 16 and the vegetable compartment 37, and 41 is a weak light irradiation device, which is disposed on the lower surface of the partition plate 40 so as to irradiate the inside of the second storage container 39. Reference numeral 42 denotes humidity control means attached to the lower surface of the partition plate 40.
[0060]
About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.
[0061]
The vegetable compartment 36 is hermetically sealed by the partition plate 40 and the storage container 37 on the upper surface portion, and is in a high humidity state due to transpiration from the vegetables. At this time, the lid of the storage container 37 is also used by the partition plate 40, so that the storage space of the vegetable compartment is improved. When the door 38 of the vegetable compartment is pulled out, the vegetable storage container 37 in the vegetable compartment 36 is pulled out together. When storing vegetables, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are stored and stored in the second storage container 39 in the storage container 37. The stored green leafy vegetables will be irradiated with weak light by the weak light irradiation device 41 installed above, the decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll is suppressed, the green color of the vegetables is maintained, and nutritional components such as vitamin C are retained. I can do it.
[0062]
Moreover, since the storage space can be enlarged in the vegetable compartment 36 by using the lid of the vegetable storage container 37 as the partition plate 40, the vegetable light can be obtained even if the low light irradiation device 41 is attached to the lower surface of the partition plate 40. Storage space can be secured. Moreover, even if the door 38 of a vegetable compartment is opened and closed by attaching the weak light irradiation apparatus 41 to the partition plate 40, the weak light irradiation apparatus 41 does not become obstructive.
[0063]
In addition, the humidity control means 42 attached to the lower surface of the partition plate 40 has a function of absorbing water without condensation even when moisture exceeding the saturation humidity adheres, and releasing moisture when the humidity decreases. Since it does not rot due to condensation and is kept at high humidity, transpiration is suppressed.
[0064]
As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment is in the vegetable compartment 36 having the drawer-type door 38 that pulls out the storage container 37 integrally, and the second storage that mainly stores leafy vegetables in a section of the storage container 37. Since the container 39 is provided and the weak light irradiation device 41 that irradiates the inside of the second storage container 39 is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate 40 that partitions the upper surface of the vegetable compartment 36, the storage container 39 can be pulled out integrally with the door 38. In addition, the usability of the vegetable compartment 36 is improved, and the leaf vegetables stored in the second storage container 39 can be irradiated with low light. Moreover, since the partition plate 40 is provided on the upper surface of the vegetable compartment 36 and the weak light irradiation device 41 is attached to the lower surface thereof, even if the door 38 of the vegetable compartment 36 is opened and closed, the weak light irradiation device 41 is not in the way. In addition, the storage space of the vegetable compartment 36 is increased, and the storage space for vegetables is not hindered.
[0065]
Furthermore, since the humidity control means 42 is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate 40, excess moisture in the vegetable compartment 36 is released, so that moderate humidity is maintained in the vegetable compartment 36, and the transpiration of vegetables is prevented. In addition to being prevented, a decrease in freshness of leafy vegetables is suppressed by low light, and the effect of maintaining freshness is enhanced.
[0066]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0067]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 42 a denotes a vegetable room (compartment room) which is located in a section of the refrigerator compartment 16 and is partitioned by a partition plate 43. 44 is a storage container provided in the vegetable compartment 42a, and 45 is a weak light irradiation device that is attached to the lower surface of the partition plate 43 above the storage container 44 and irradiates the storage container 44.
[0068]
The operation of the vegetable room (compartment room) of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described below.
[0069]
The vegetable compartment (compartment compartment) 42a is a sealed space partitioned by the partition plate 43, and is indirectly cooled by the cold air introduced into the refrigerator compartment 16 and controlled to a predetermined temperature. When vegetables are stored in the vegetable room 42a, the room becomes highly humid due to the moisture of the vegetables, and the transpiration of the vegetables is suppressed. Further, green leafy vegetables such as spinach can be stored in the storage container 44, and the stored vegetables are irradiated with weak light by the weak light irradiation device 45 installed above, and the decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll contained in the leaves is suppressed. The As a result, the green color is maintained and the decrease in nutrient components such as vitamin C is suppressed.
[0070]
As described above, in the refrigerator of the present embodiment, a compartment in the refrigerator compartment 16 is partitioned by the partition plate 43, and at least a vegetable room 42a configured to store vegetables and a storage provided in the vegetable room 42a. Since the partition 44 is provided with the container 44 and the weak light irradiation device 45 for irradiating the inside of the storage container 44, the low light irradiation is performed even in the refrigerator in which the vegetable room 42 a is provided in a part of the refrigerator compartment 16. It is something that can be done.
[0071]
(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0072]
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 46 denotes a vegetable room, which includes a storage container 47. Reference numeral 48 denotes a lid that is installed in the upper surface opening of the storage container 47, and the lid 48 is provided with humidity control means 49. The lid 48 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic. 50 is a second storage container provided in a section of the storage container 47, 51 is a door of the vegetable compartment 46, and 52 is a partition plate that partitions the vegetable compartment 46 and the refrigerator compartment 16. 53 is a weak light irradiation apparatus attached to the lower surface of the partition plate 52.
[0073]
The operation | movement is demonstrated below about the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above.
[0074]
The inside of the storage container 47 of the vegetable compartment 46 is sealed by a lid body 48 installed at the upper surface opening. When vegetables are stored, they are in a high humidity state due to the moisture of the vegetables, and the transpiration of the stored vegetables is suppressed. At this time, the lid body 48 has the moisture adjusting means 49 that absorbs water without condensation even if moisture of saturation humidity or higher adheres, and releases moisture when the humidity decreases. Therefore, the leafy vegetables may rot due to condensation. And transpiration is suppressed because it is kept at high humidity. When storing vegetables, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are stored in the second storage container 50. The weak light of the weak light irradiation device 53 installed on the lower surface of the partition plate 52 passes through the lid 48 and irradiates the inside of the storage container 50, and the concentration of chlorophyll contained in the leaves of the stored green leafy vegetables is reduced. The decrease is suppressed, and while maintaining a green color, nutrient components such as vitamin C are retained.
[0075]
Further, by installing the weak light irradiation device 53 on the partition plate 52, the inside of the vegetable compartment 46 can be widened without obstructing the opening and closing of the door 51. Furthermore, since the weak light irradiation device 53 is not exposed to a high humidity state, it is not necessary to have a dew condensation prevention function.
[0076]
As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment is provided with the lid body 48 provided with humidity control means at the upper surface opening of the storage container 50 provided in the vegetable compartment 46, and the partition plate 52 that partitions the upper portion of the vegetable compartment 46. Since the weak light irradiation device 53 is provided on the lower surface and the lid 48 is made of a light-transmitting material, the storage container 50 in the vegetable compartment 46 releases moisture in the container by the humidity control means 49, Maintaining the appropriate humidity can suppress a decrease in the freshness of the vegetables, and light from the low light irradiation from above passes through the lid 48 and further suppresses the decrease in the freshness of the leaf vegetables stored in the lower storage container 50. It becomes. Further, the weak light irradiation device 53 is located on the upper portion of the lid 48, and the weak light irradiation device 53 is not exposed to high humidity conditions and is not affected by dew condensation. It will improve.
[0077]
(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0078]
In FIG. 7, reference numeral 54 denotes a weak light irradiation means, which is disposed on the lower surface of the lid body 48 provided with the humidity adjustment means 49 and irradiates the inside of the storage container 50. At this time, the material of the lid 48 may be transparent or not.
[0079]
The operation of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described below.
[0080]
When storing vegetables, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are stored in the storage container 50. At this time, the inside of the storage container 50 is irradiated by the weak light irradiation device 54 installed above, and the stored green leafy vegetables are suppressed from lowering the chlorophyll concentration contained in the leaves, maintaining the green color, and vitamin C Nutritional components such as can be retained. At this time, since the storage container 47 of the vegetable compartment 46 is controlled to be highly humid, transpiration of vegetables is also suppressed. Furthermore, by installing the weak light irradiation device 54 on the lid 48 installed on the upper surface opening of the storage container 47, the illuminance can be reduced because the distance from the vegetable is shorter than attaching to the partition plate 52. It becomes energy saving. Further, it is not necessary to change the lid 48 to a permeable material.
[0081]
As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment is provided with the lid body 48 provided with the humidity control means 49 at the upper surface opening of the storage container 47 provided in the vegetable compartment 46, and the weak light irradiation means 54 is provided on the lid body 48. Since it provided, the distance of vegetables and the weak light irradiation apparatus 54 becomes short, irradiation intensity | strength can be reduced and it leads to energy saving.
[0082]
(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0083]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 55 denotes a vegetable room provided with a storage container 56. The storage container 56 is made of a permeable material. Reference numeral 57 denotes a lid provided at the upper surface opening of the storage container 56, and is provided with humidity control means 58. Reference numeral 59 denotes a second storage container installed in a section of the storage container 56, which is made of a permeable material. Reference numeral 60 denotes a first weak light irradiation device that is installed on the lower surface of the lid 57 and irradiates the inside of the second storage container 59. Reference numeral 61 denotes a partition plate that separates the freezer compartments 18a and 18b from the vegetable compartment 55. 62 is a second weak light irradiation device, which is below the storage container 56, is attached to the partition plate 61, and irradiates the inside of the second storage container 59 from below. That is, the 1st weak light irradiation apparatus 60 and the 2nd weak light irradiation apparatus 62 are arrange | positioned so that it may face.
[0084]
The operation | movement is demonstrated below about the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above.
[0085]
A storage container 56 provided in the vegetable compartment 55 is sealed by a lid 57 and kept at high humidity by the moisture of the vegetable. At this time, excess moisture is absorbed and released by the humidity control means 58 attached to the lid 57, and the inside of the storage container 56 can be kept at an appropriate humidity without condensation. It suppresses transpiration. When storing vegetables, the green leafy vegetables are stored and classified in the second storage container 59. The stored vegetables are irradiated by the first weak light irradiation device 60 installed on the upper side and the second weak light irradiation device 62 installed on the lower side, the decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll contained in the leaves is suppressed, and the green color is reduced. Is maintained, and nutrients such as vitamin C are retained. At this time, the second weak light irradiation device 62 attached below can irradiate weak light because the storage container 56 and the second storage container 59 are made of a transmissive material.
[0086]
The first and second plurality of weak light irradiation devices 60 and 62 are provided, and the first weak light irradiation device 60 and the second weak light irradiation device 62 are arranged so as to face each other. The vegetables stored in the inside are irradiated from above and below, so that the whole can be irradiated and the variation in irradiation can be eliminated.
[0087]
Note that the weak light irradiation device may not only face up and down, but may also face left and right, and third and fourth weak light irradiation devices may be provided.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained aboveBookThe invention includes a storage container that mainly stores leaf vegetables in a section of the vegetable room, and a low light irradiation device is disposed above the storage container, so that the leaf vegetables are separated in a refrigerator in which various vegetables are mixed. It becomes possible to preserve, and by arranging a weak light irradiation device above this, only the leafy vegetables where the effect appears can be efficiently irradiated with low light.
[0089]
  Also,BookInvention,A second storage container that mainly stores leafy vegetables is provided in the upper part of the storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and the weak light irradiation device is disposed above this, thereby reducing the light irradiation distance and reducing the illuminance. Will lead to energy savings.
[0090]
  Also,BookInvention,In a configuration in which a second storage container that mainly stores leafy vegetables is stored in a portion of the storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, and the low light irradiation device is disposed above the second storage container, the second storage container is disposed in the front part of the vegetable compartment. The leaf vegetables can be stored in an upright manner by arranging them in an easy-to-organize manner, and it becomes easy to take out the vegetables by arranging the storage container in the front portion.
[0091]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the second storage container is placed in the front part of the vegetable compartment, the take-out of leafy vegetables is improved, the light is irradiated onto the vegetable from above, and the whole is irradiated with light, reducing unevenness in irradiation. In addition, the user can easily recognize that the low light irradiation device is operating.
[0092]
  Also,BookInvention,In a vegetable room with a drawer-type door that pulls out the storage container integrally, a second storage container that mainly stores leafy vegetables is provided in a portion of the storage container, and a second plate is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate that partitions the upper surface of the vegetable room. Since the weak light irradiation device for irradiating the inside of the storage container 2 is provided, the usability of the vegetable room is improved and the low light irradiation device does not get in the way even if the door of the vegetable room is opened and closed. Even if a weak light irradiation device is attached, the storage space for vegetables can be secured.
[0093]
  Also,BookInvention,Since humidity control is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate, excess moisture in the vegetable compartment is released, moderate humidity is maintained in the vegetable compartment, and transpiration of vegetables is prevented. The freshness decline of leaf vegetables is suppressed and the freshness maintenance effect increases.
[0094]
  Also,BookInvention,A partition in which a section of the refrigerator compartment is partitioned by a partition plate and configured to store at least vegetables, a storage container provided in the partition chamber, and a weak light irradiation device for irradiating the interior of the storage container By providing, it is possible to irradiate the leafy vegetables that are effective even in the vegetable storage container provided in the refrigerated room.
[0095]
  Also,BookInvention,A lid provided with humidity control means is provided at the upper surface opening of the storage container provided in the vegetable compartment, a weak light irradiation device is provided on the lower surface of the partition plate that partitions the upper part of the vegetable compartment, and the lid is formed of a translucent material. Therefore, the freshness of vegetables can be maintained by maintaining an appropriate humidity, and the freshness of leaf vegetables can be further improved by irradiation with weak light from above. Furthermore, since the weak light irradiation device is not exposed to high humidity conditions, the reliability of the device due to condensation is improved.
[0096]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the weak light irradiation device is provided on the lid provided with the humidity control means, the distance between the vegetable and the weak light irradiation is shortened, the irradiation intensity can be reduced, and energy saving is possible.
[0097]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the weak light irradiation device is installed on multiple surfaces in the vegetable compartment, it is possible to irradiate not only from the top, but also from the left, right, top and bottom, and it is possible to suppress variations in irradiation, resulting in a low light effect on the whole vegetable. It becomes easy to be done.
[0098]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the weak light irradiation device is provided on the two surfaces facing each other in the vegetable room, the opposite surface and back surface of the vegetable can be irradiated with the weak light, and the low light irradiation can be efficiently performed.
[0099]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the storage container is made of a translucent material, a weak light irradiation device can be provided anywhere on the outer peripheral surface of the storage container, and the freshness of the leaf vegetables in the storage container can be maintained, and low light irradiation The apparatus is not exposed to high humidity conditions, and the reliability of the apparatus due to condensation can be increased.
[0100]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the weak light device is a semiconductor light emitting element that emits light in the visible light region, the amount of heat generated can be kept small, and the temperature rise in the vegetable compartment can be suppressed.
[0101]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the semiconductor light emitting device is a red LED that outputs a wavelength of about 660 nm, the photosynthesis of leaf vegetables is efficiently performed and the freshness maintenance is further improved, and the user can easily recognize the presence or absence of light irradiation. .
[0102]
  Also,BookInvention,Since the switch which controls the operation | movement of a weak light irradiation apparatus is installed in the refrigerator front part, the user can control the operation | movement of a weak light irradiation apparatus according to the accommodation condition of vegetables.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a weak light irradiation device provided in the refrigerator according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a refrigerator according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional refrigerator
FIG. 10 is an electric circuit diagram of a conventional refrigerator.
[Explanation of symbols]
17, 32, 36, 46, 55 Vegetable room
25, 37, 47, 56 Storage container
26, 35, 41, 45, 53, 54, weak light irradiation device
26a Weak light switch
26c Red LED (semiconductor light emitting device)
32 Vegetable room
34, 39, 44, 50, 59 Second storage container
38 Vegetable room door
40, 43, 52 Partition plate
42, 49 Humidity control means
42a Vegetable room (compartment room)
48 lid
60 1st weak light irradiation apparatus
62 Second weak light irradiation device

Claims (7)

A partition plate between the upper chamber is provided on the upper surface of the storage container for storing vegetables, and the space between the partition plate and the storage container is used as a storage space for vegetables. A vegetable room to be kept in a state, and a weak light irradiation device having a semiconductor light emitting element that is disposed outside the storage container and emits light in a visible light region wavelength in the vegetable room, and the storage container is made of a translucent material. Forming and irradiating the light stored in the storage space with the light of the semiconductor light emitting element through the storage container, and the weak light irradiation device includes a first weak light irradiation device and a first light irradiation device. A refrigerator having two weak light irradiation devices, wherein the first weak light irradiation device and the second weak light irradiation device are arranged so as to face each other . 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein two refrigerators are provided on the upper and lower sides, and at least the upper storage vessel is formed of a translucent material so that light emission of the weak light irradiation device acts on vegetables. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weak light irradiation device is provided in a cooling air passage of a vegetable room formed outside the storage container. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the semiconductor light emitting element includes light having a red, indigo, or blue wavelength. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the semiconductor light emitting element is covered with a translucent cover. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weak light irradiation device is turned on when the vegetable compartment door is opened, as well as when the door is closed. The refrigerator according to claim 6, further comprising a switch for canceling the operation of the weak light irradiation device.

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