JPH074829A - Deodorizer for refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Object] The present invention relates to a deodorizing device, and more particularly to a deodorizing device having a function of removing a malodorous component generated in a refrigerator, and preventing deterioration of defrosting performance of the refrigerator due to addition of the deodorizing function. However, the object of the present invention is to provide a deodorizing device capable of efficiently removing a malodorous component. A tubular heater that also serves as a defrost heater is composed of a deodorizing heater 33 having a catalyst coating layer on the surface thereof, and a water drop prevention member 34 located above the deodorizing heater 33 and having a catalyst coating layer on the surface thereof.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a deodorizing device, and more particularly to a deodorizing device having a function of removing a malodorous component generated in a refrigerator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a refrigerator, various foods such as vegetables, meat and fish produce odors, which are circulated in a closed system in the refrigerator, causing odors to accumulate, and foods to have this odor. Then the quality of the food was reduced.

In order to solve these problems, for example, there is a deodorizing device for a refrigerator as described in JP-A-2-194816.

A conventional deodorizing device for a refrigerator will be described below. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper part of the refrigerator showing a state in which a conventional deodorizing device is arranged in the refrigerator, FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a main part, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged cutaway front view.

First, in FIG. 7, 1 is a refrigerator main body, 2 and 3 are freezer compartments and refrigerating compartments formed therein, and 4 and 5 are doors, respectively. Reference numeral 6 denotes a cooler arranged in the cooler room 7 at the back of the freezing room 2, and 8 denotes a fan arranged above the cooler 6. When the fan is driven, a part of the air cooled by the cooler 6 is supplied into the freezer compartment 2 from the supply port 9, and the air in the freezer compartment 2 is supplied to the cooler compartment 7 via the return duct 10. The inside of the freezer compartment 2 is cooled by being circulated so that the inside of the freezer compartment 2 is cooled.

Further, a part of the air cooled by the cooler 6 is supplied into the refrigerating compartment 3 via the supply duct 11, and the air in the refrigerating compartment 3 is housed in the cooler compartment 7 via the return duct 12. It is circulated so that it is returned to the refrigerator room 3
The inside is cooled. In this case, the cooler chamber 7, the freezing chamber 2 and the return duct 10 constitute a circulation path through which the air in the freezing chamber 2 circulates. Further, the cooler chamber 7, the supply duct 11, the refrigerating chamber 3 and the return duct 12 constitute a circulation path through which the air in the refrigerating chamber 3 circulates.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a defrosting heater disposed below the cooler 6 in the lower part of the cooler chamber 7, which is a glass tube heater having a heater wire 13b provided in the glass tube 13a as shown in FIG. And is energized only when the cooler 6 is defrosted,
Other than that, the power is cut off and controlled so that the power is cut off.
Reference numeral 14 denotes a water drop prevention member provided on the defrost heater 13 so as to cover the defrost heater 13 from above, which is made of a metal plate such as aluminum having heat resistance and water resistance. It is formed in the shape of a shallow bottom container with an open side, and prevents defrost water from splashing on the defrost heater 13 when the cooler 6 is defrosted.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a deodorant, which is an adsorbent layer 1 made of an adsorbent such as activated carbon or silica (silicon dioxide).
5a and a catalyst layer 15b such as platinum or nickel provided on the surface of the adsorbent layer 15a has a two-layer structure. Here, the deodorizing body 15 forms a plate-shaped adsorbent layer 15a by sintering the adsorbent, and the adsorbent layer 1
After dipping 5a in a solution of the catalyst to attach the catalyst to the surface,
The catalyst layer 15b is formed on the surface of the adsorbent layer 15a by heat treatment.

Further, each of the adsorbent layer 15a and the catalyst layer 15b is made of a porous material so that air can flow inside. The deodorizing body 15 is supported and fixed to the inner surface of the water drop prevention member 14 by a supporting member 17 via a heat insulating material 16 made of glass fiber or the like, and is provided near the defrosting heater 13.

Reference numeral 18 is a cover member, for example, a wire mesh formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity so as to have a large number of through holes.
It is provided so as to cover the surface of the deodorant body 15.

The operation of the deodorizing device for a refrigerator constructed as described above will be described below.

In the above structure, during the cooling operation, the air in the refrigerator is blown by the air blowing action of the fan 8 to cool the cooler chamber 7 and the freezer chamber 2.
And is circulated through the return duct 10, and is circulated through the cooler chamber 7, the supply duct 11, the refrigerating chamber 3, and the return duct 12. At this time, the air passing through the cooler chamber 7 comes into contact with the deodorant body 15 through the through holes of the wire net 18, and the odorous component contained in the air is adsorbent layer 15 of the deodorant body 15.
Adsorbed by a and removed.

On the other hand, when the defrosting operation is started, the cooler 6
And the operation of the fan 8 is stopped, while the defrost heater 13
Is energized to generate heat. Due to the heat generated by the defrosting heater 13, the cooler 6 is heated to perform defrosting, and the deodorant body 15 is also heated. At this time, since the surface of the deodorant body 15 is covered with the metal net 18, the deodorant body 15 is heated as uniformly as possible by heat conduction of the metal net 18. In the heated deodorizer 15, the odor component adsorbed by the adsorbent of the adsorbent layer 15a is desorbed, and at the same time, the odor component is oxidatively decomposed and removed in the catalyst layer 15b.

The deodorizing body 15 is heated in this way, so that the adsorption function, that is, the deodorizing function is reproduced. At this time, the water drop prevention member 14 plays a role of efficiently confining the heat from the defrosting heater 13 to heat the deodorizing body 15 efficiently, and at the same time, deodorizing body 15 and the defrosting heater 1
The defrosting water dripping from the cooler 6 is prevented from splashing on the nozzle 3.

The heat insulating material 16 suppresses the heat of the deodorizing body 15 from being radiated from the water drop prevention member 14, and deodorization is caused by defrosting water falling on the water drop prevention member 14 and the water drop prevention member 14 being rapidly cooled. The heat shock of the body 15 is prevented.

Furthermore, the wire netting 18 prevents the deodorizing body 15 from falling and scattering if the deodorizing body 15 is damaged.

When the defrosting operation is finished and the cooling operation is restarted and the temperature of the deodorizing body 15 is lowered, the odorous components contained in the air in the refrigerator are adsorbed and removed by the deodorizing body 15 as described above. Will be done.

[0018]

However, in the above structure, since the deodorant body 15 is provided on the shallow bottom portion of the water drop prevention member 14, the defrosting water is removed from the side end portion of the water drop prevention member 14 to the surface. Due to the action of tension, the defrosting water flows into the shallow bottom and water is applied to the deodorizing body 15, and there is a possibility that the deodorizing body 15 may be frozen and destroyed by the cooling operation and the defrosting operation of the refrigerator. .

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a deodorizing device which prevents defrosting water from being applied to a deodorizing body, avoids freezing destruction, and stably maintains a deodorizing effect. And

[0020]

In order to achieve this object, a deodorizing device for a refrigerator according to the present invention is provided on the surface of a tubular heater provided in an air circulation path in a refrigerator and having an electric resistor built therein. A deodorizing heater having a catalyst coating layer made of at least activated alumina, silica, and a platinum group metal in all or part of the heat generating portion, and located at a distance that avoids water splashing on the deodorizing heater due to refraction and scattering of water due to surface tension. Then, the deodorization heater is covered from above and is composed of a water drop prevention member having a shallow container-like cross-sectional shape whose lower side is open. The notch having the width dimension is continuously provided, leaving a blade portion having a width smaller than that of the water droplet diameter.

[0021]

According to this structure, the water drop prevention member exists independently without other components such as the deodorizer, and the catalyst coating layer which is the deodorizer is formed on the surface of the tubular heater located below the water drop prevention member. Since it exists, the defrost water that has flowed into the shallow bottom portion due to the surface tension from the side end portion of the water drop prevention member does not reach the catalyst coating layer.

The defrosting water that is refracted and scattered by the surface tension of the water drop prevention member in the direction of the deodorizing heater due to surface tension does not fall on the catalyst coating layer because the deodorizing heater is installed above the scattering position. Fall to.

Further, the defrosting water is guided to the blades between the notches continuously provided on the lower portion of the side surface of the water drop prevention member, the flow velocity in the vertical direction is increased, and the defrosting water is refracted and scattered from the tip of the side surface. Is alleviated.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the upper part of the refrigerator showing a state in which the deodorizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in a refrigerator, FIG. 2 is an enlarged cutaway front view of a main portion, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a water drop dropping path to the main part shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, 21 is a refrigerator body,
Reference numerals 22 and 23 denote freezer compartments and refrigerating compartments formed therein, and 24 and 25 doors, respectively. Reference numeral 26 is a cooler installed in the cooler room 27 at the back of the freezing room 22, and 28 is a fan installed above the cooler 26. When the fan 28 is driven, a part of the air cooled by the cooler 26 is supplied into the freezer compartment 22 from the supply port 29, and the air in the freezer compartment 22 is returned to the cooler compartment 27 via the return duct 30. The freezing chamber 22 is cooled by the circulation.

Part of the air cooled by the cooler 26 is supplied to the refrigerating compartment 23 via the supply duct 31, and the air in the refrigerating compartment 23 is returned to the cooler compartment 27 via the return duct 32. The inside of the refrigerator compartment 23 is cooled by the circulation. In this case, the cooler chamber 27, the freezing chamber 22 and the return duct 30 constitute a circulation path through which the air in the freezing chamber 22 circulates, and the cooler chamber 27 and the supply duct 3 are provided.
1, the refrigerating room 2 by the refrigerating room 23 and the return duct 32
A circulation path through which the air in 3 circulates is configured.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a deodorizing heater disposed below the cooler 26 in the lower part of the cooler chamber 27. This is an electric resistance wire 33d in a glass tube 33c as shown in FIGS.
The catalyst coating layer 33a is provided on the surface of the effective heating portion of the tubular heater 33b provided with.

The tubular heater 33b also serves as a defrosting heater for the refrigerator and is energized only when the cooler 26 is defrosting.
Other than that, the power is cut off and controlled so that the power is cut off.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, 34 is a water drop prevention member which has a shallow bottom shape with an open lower side and is provided so as to cover the deodorizing heater 33 from above and which prevents defrost water from splashing on the deodorizing heater. For example, it is made of a metal such as aluminum having heat resistance and water resistance.

The operation of the deodorizing device for a refrigerator constructed as described above will be described below.

During the cooling operation, the air in the refrigerator is circulated through the cooler chamber 27, the freezing chamber 22 and the return duct 30 by the blowing action of the fan 28, and the cooler chamber 27, the supply duct 31, the refrigerating chamber 23 and the return chamber are returned. It is circulated through the duct 32.

At this time, the air containing the odorous component passing through the cooler chamber 27 contacts the deodorizing heater 33, and the odorous component is adsorbed on the catalyst coating layer 33a and removed.

Next, when the defrosting operation is started, the cooler 2
6 and the fan 28 are stopped, the deodorizing heater 33 is energized to generate heat. Since the catalyst coating layer 33a of the deodorizing heater 33 is installed so as to cover the outer circumference of the glass tube 33c, it is efficiently radiatively heated by the heat rays radiated from the electric resistance wire 33d in the entire circumferential direction and reaches its activation temperature. It can be heated in a short time and the deodorizing heater can be heated to a high temperature.

At this time, the catalyst coating layer 33 of the deodorizing heater 33
When the catalyst coating layer 33a is heated to the activation temperature, the odorous components adsorbed by a are released, and at the same time, they are oxidatively decomposed and deodorized by the chemical action of the catalyst substance, and the adsorption ability of the catalyst coating layer 33a. Is played.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the water droplets 35 of the defrosting water falling from the cooler 6 at the time of defrosting are the water droplet preventing members 3.
35a which falls vertically due to the surface tension of water at the end face of the lower part of the side surface of No. 4 and the deodorizing heater 33 at an angle of θ = about 45 °.
35b refracting and falling in the direction of
It splits into 35c which rises the inner surface of. Upflow 35c
Reaches the saturation amount, the vertical falling flow 35a and the refraction falling flow 3
It becomes 5b and falls downward. At this time, the water drop prevention member 34 does not have other components, and the deodorizing body or the like is not splashed by the upward flow 35c. On the other hand, in the catalyst coating layer 33a, which is a deodorizer, the distance from the water drop prevention member 34 and the width of the water drop prevention member 34 are determined so that the deodorization heater 33 is located above the flow path of the refraction falling flow 35b. Since it is there, it does not get wet.

Thus, the catalyst coating layer 33 which is a deodorant
Since defrosting water is not applied to a, it is possible to prevent freezing and destruction of the catalyst coating layer having a deodorizing function.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a deodorizing apparatus of another embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of FIG. 5, showing a drop path of defrost water.

A deodorizing heater 33 has a catalyst coating layer 33a on its surface. Reference numeral 36 denotes a water drop prevention member which is provided on the deodorization heater 33 so as to cover the deodorization water from above and which prevents defrosting water from splashing on the deodorization heater. The cutout portion 37 having a smaller width than that is continuously formed. Reference numeral 38 denotes a blade portion between the continuously formed notch portions, the width of which is smaller than the water droplet diameter. 39
Reference numerals a, 39b and 39 show the drop paths of water drops of defrost water.

The function and effect are similar to those of the above embodiment. Regarding the operation of the deodorizing device configured as described above, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and other details will be omitted.

During the cooling operation, the air in the refrigerator is circulated by the blowing action of the fan 28, and the air containing the odor component contacts the deodorizing heater 33, and the odor component is adsorbed and removed by the catalyst coating layer 33a.

Next, when the defrosting operation is started, the cooler 2
6 and the fan 28 are stopped, the deodorizing heater 33 is energized to generate heat. At this time, the odorous components adsorbed on the catalyst coating layer 33a of the deodorizing heater 33 are released when the catalyst coating layer 33a is heated to the activation temperature, and at the same time oxidatively decomposed and deodorized by the chemical action of the catalyst substance. And the adsorption capacity of the catalyst coating layer 33a is regenerated.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, 36 is a deodorizer, and 33b is a tubular heater. The deodorizing body 36 has a catalyst coating layer 36a coated by, for example, a dip coating method on the surface of a base material 36b made of a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. It is attached to the tubular heater 33b.

With respect to the operation of the deodorizing device constructed as described above, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and other details will be omitted.

During the cooling operation, the air in the refrigerator is circulated by the blowing action of the fan 28, the air containing the odorous component contacts the deodorizing body 37, and the odorous component is adsorbed on the catalyst coating layer 37a,
To be removed.

Next, when the defrosting operation is started, the cooler 2
6 and the fan 28 are stopped, the tubular heater 33a is energized to generate heat and the temperature of the deodorizer 36 rises.

The odorous components adsorbed on the catalyst coating layer 36a of the deodorizer 36 are released by heating the catalyst coating layer 36a up to the activation temperature and at the same time oxidatively decomposed by the chemical action of the catalyst substance. It is deodorized, and the adsorption ability of the catalyst coating layer 36a is regenerated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the defrosting water 39b which falls from the cooler 6 at the time of defrosting and drops on the notch 37 has a width of the notch 37. Since it is smaller than the water droplet diameter, it does not fall from the upper portion of the cutout portion, but is pulled toward the blade portion 38 by surface tension. On the other hand, 39a falling on the blade portion 38 concentrates on the blade portion because the width of the blade portion 38 is smaller than the water droplet diameter. In this way, both of them flow concentratedly in the blade portion 38, so that the flow velocity increases, and the refraction drop flow due to the surface tension does not occur at the end surface of the blade portion, and it becomes a vertical drop flow 39 and falls downward. For this reason, the deodorization heater 33 does not have water droplets of defrosting water splashing thereon and the catalyst coating layer 3
It is possible to prevent water from being applied to 3a and freeze damage.

Further, the catalyst coating layer 33a of the present invention comprises manganese dioxide, a metal oxide such as perovskite type metal oxide, hexaaluminate and the like, and a catalyst substance such as alumina-supported platinum group metal and the like, with a suitable binder such as hydroxide. It is formed by using together with alumina, alumina sol, silica gel and the like. Of these, it is most desirable to use an alumina platinum group metal as a catalyst coating material from the viewpoint of heat resistance and poisoning resistance.

Further, it is desirable that the catalyst coating layer 33a of the present invention contains silica. By including silica, the catalyst coating layers 33a, 34a and 3 on the exterior of the heating element such as a glass tube are provided.
The adhesion between 5a and 36a can be strengthened.

[0051]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, at least the activated alumina is provided in the whole or a part of the effective heat generating portion on the surface of the tubular heater which is provided in the air circulation path in the refrigerator and has the electric resistor. A deodorizing heater having a catalyst coating layer made of silica and a platinum group metal, and located at a distance that avoids water splashing on the deodorizing heater due to refraction and scattering of water from surface tension,
Since the deodorization heater is covered from above and a water drop prevention member having a shallow container-like cross-sectional shape with an open bottom is provided, it is possible to prevent the deodorization heater from being splashed with water.

Further, a notch portion having a width smaller than that of the water droplet diameter is continuously formed in the lower portion of the side surface of the water droplet prevention member, and the width of the blade portion between the notch portions is equal to the water droplet diameter. Also, by making the size small, it is possible to further prevent water from getting on the deodorizing heater.

From the above, it is possible to prevent freezing damage and to maintain a stable deodorizing function without water splashing on the catalyst coating layer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an upper part of a refrigerator showing a state in which a deodorizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a refrigerator.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cutaway front view of a main part of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which water droplets are dropped onto the main part shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a deodorizing device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper part of the refrigerator showing a state in which the conventional deodorizing device is installed in the refrigerator.

8 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

9 is an enlarged cutaway front view of the main part of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 33 Deodorizing heater 34, 36 Water drop prevention member

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A catalyst comprising at least active alumina, silica and a platinum group metal in the whole or part of an effective heat generating portion on the surface of a tubular heater having an electric resistor built therein which is provided in an air circulation path in a refrigerator compartment. A deodorizing heater having a coating layer,
From a water drop prevention member having a shallow bottom container-shaped cross-sectional shape that is located at a distance that avoids water splashing on the deodorizing heater due to refraction and scattering of water from surface tension, covers the deodorizing heater from above, and opens the lower side. Deodorizer for refrigerator. 2. A notch having a width dimension smaller than that of the water droplet diameter is continuously provided in the lower portion of the side surface of the water droplet prevention member, leaving a blade portion having a width smaller than that of the water droplet diameter. The deodorizing device for a refrigerator according to claim 1.