US20140360213A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents
Refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140360213A1 US20140360213A1 US14/461,087 US201414461087A US2014360213A1 US 20140360213 A1 US20140360213 A1 US 20140360213A1 US 201414461087 A US201414461087 A US 201414461087A US 2014360213 A1 US2014360213 A1 US 2014360213A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- refrigerator
- filter
- duct
- filter module
- storage room
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/10—Ultra-violet radiation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
- F21V33/0044—Household appliances, e.g. washing machines or vacuum cleaners
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
- F25D27/005—Lighting arrangements combined with control means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
- G01G19/52—Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. furniture
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K13/00—Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
- A61L2209/111—Sensor means, e.g. motion, brightness, scent, contaminant sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/14—Filtering means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
- A61L9/18—Radiation
- A61L9/20—Ultra-violet radiation
- A61L9/205—Ultra-violet radiation using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
- F21W2131/30—Lighting for domestic or personal use
- F21W2131/305—Lighting for domestic or personal use for refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0415—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification by deodorizing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0417—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification using an UV-lamp
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/067—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by air ducts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
- F25D2400/361—Interactive visual displays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/06—Sensors detecting the presence of a product
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K2207/00—Application of thermometers in household appliances
- G01K2207/02—Application of thermometers in household appliances for measuring food temperature
- G01K2207/04—Application of thermometers in household appliances for measuring food temperature for conservation purposes
Abstract
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator is able to store food at a low temperature and to effectively remove bacteria of the food stored in a storage room, to maintain the storage room clean.
Description
- This application is a Divisional application of prior co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/579,655 filed Aug. 17, 2012, which is a U.S. National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2011/007350, filed Oct. 5, 2011, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0137690, filed Dec. 29, 2010, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates to a refrigerator that is able to store food at a low point of temperature and to remove bacteria of the food stored in a storage room effectively, to maintain the storage room clean.
- 2. Background Art
- Generally, a refrigerator is an electric appliance that can store food at a low temperature to preserve food fresh for a relatively long time. Based on statuses of stored items, which are the food, cold air is controlled to preserve them frozen or refrigerated.
- The cold air supplied to the inside of the refrigerator is generated by heat exchange of refrigerant, and it is constantly supplied to the inside of the refrigerator while a cycle configured of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation is performed repeatedly. The supplied refrigerant is uniformly transported into the refrigerator by convection, such that the food located in the refrigerator may be preserved at a desired temperature.
- Such a refrigerator may be categorized, based on a structure of freezer and refrigerator compartments provided therein, into a traditional top freezer type refrigerator, a side by side refrigerator, and a bottom freezer type refrigerator.
- The traditional top freezer type refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment located on a top thereof and a refrigerator compartment located at a bottom thereof. The side by side type refrigerator includes freezer and refrigerator compartments located side by side.
- The bottom freezer type refrigerators have been used a lot in North America and Europe. Such a bottom freezer type refrigerator includes a large-sized refrigerator compartment located on a top and a freezer compartment smaller than the refrigerator compartment located at a bottom. Such a refrigerator includes a case having at least one storage room formed therein and a door rotatably coupled to the case to selectively open and close the storage room.
- The storage room of the refrigerator is typically partitioned into freezer and refrigerator compartments. Behind the storage room may be arranged an evaporator for generating cold air by heat-exchanging with air inside the storage room and a fan for blowing the air inside the storage room into the evaporator and for re-storing the heat-exchanged cold air into the storage room.
- Moreover, a variety of functions for user convenience may be provided. To realize such functions, a home bar may be provided in the door or a plurality of baskets may be provided in a rear surface of the door, to store or keep a proper amount of food or food containers in the door.
- In such a refrigerator vegetables and fruits, fish, various food materials and cooked-food may be stored. Unless the storage room is cleaned periodically, the refrigerator might be full of unpleasant smells generated from the variety of food stored in the storage room, and bacteria and viruses might reproduce. Because of this, sanitation could be poor and the user might have an unpleasant feeling.
- Also, bacteria and the like might spread into the other food or move inside the refrigerator along the cold air circulation. Because of this, sanitation inside the refrigerator might be poor.
- To solve these problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to remove bacteria from food stored in a storage room and from air inside the storage room effectively and to maintain the storage room clean.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to maintain clean a plurality of storage rooms via an auxiliary sterilization passage independent from a cold air passage.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to automatically sterilize/deodorize the storage room and decompose remnants of dead bacteria.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to remove allergens located in the storage room to manage the storage room sanitarily and to keep freshness of the stored food.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to selectively perform sterilization based on introduction of food, change of internal temperature, or usage of the food to reduce power consumption.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to detect a kind and amount of bacteria or odor factors located in the storage room to display the detected information to the user.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that is able to recognize image information relating to an appearance of a specific food or distribution of temperatures to acquire freshness of the food and to display the freshness to the user.
- To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising at least one storage room provided therein for low temperature storage; a compressor provided in the cabinet, to compress refrigerant; at least one door to open and close the storage room selectively; a filter module comprising a housing arranged in the storage room, with an air inlet and an air outlet formed therein, a plurality of sterilization filters arranged in the housing and a fan; and a control unit to control the operation of the filter module.
- The housing may include a front housing having the air inlet formed therein; a rear housing coupled to the front housing, having the air outlet formed therein to arrange the fan; and a front panel arranged in a front of the front housing.
- The plurality of the sterilization filters may be configured of first to third sterilization filters arranged along the air outlet from the air inlet sequentially, and the size of mesh may be getting smaller from the first sterilization filter to the third sterilization filter. The third sterilization filter may have a zebra pattern. Leuconostoc enzyme may be coated on at least one of the sterilization filters. A protein activity inhibitor may be further coated on the at least one of the sterilization filters.
- The filter module may further include a deodorization filter to deodorize the air having passed through the sterilization filters. The filter module may further include an anti-allergen filter. The anti-allergen filter may include at least one selected from a group composed of activated carbon (charcoal), silver (Au), allercatcher fiber, co-phthalocyanine and Fe-phthalocyanine. The activated carbon may be T-SCOB, T-E or T-TS impregnated charcoal.
- The cabinet may include an inner case having the storage room provided therein and an outer case defining an exterior appearance of the refrigerator, a cold air duct arranged in a space between the front case and the rear plate to supply cold air to the storage room, and a filter duct comprising a plurality of outlets to draw the sterilized air exhausted from the filter module therein and to transport the drawn sterilized air to the storage room. A passing hole may be provided in the inner case, corresponding to the outlets of the filter duct, and the sterilized air may be drawn into the inner case via the passing hole.
- The inner case may be partitioned into a plurality of storage sections, and at least one passing hole may be provided in each of the storage sections. The cold duct and the filter duct may be connected with each other partially, and cold air and sterilized air may be supplied to the storage room together.
- The control unit may drive the filter module for a preset time period, when a preset integrated time of the compressor passes. The control unit may drive the filter module for a first time period and stop the filter module for a second time period, and the control unit may repeat the driving and stopping of the filter module multiple times. The integrated time of the compressor may be 5 hours and the first time period may be 10 minutes and the second time period may be 5 minutes.
- The control unit may drive the filter module for a preset time period when the door is closed based on opening and closing of the door. The control unit may drive the filter module for a preset time period when the door is closed based on at least one of a frequency of door opening/closing and a door opening time. The control unit may stop the driving of the filter module when the door is opened during the driving of the filter module. The control unit may stop the driving of the filter module when a defrost operation starts during the driving of the filter module.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising at least one storage room provided therein for low temperature storage; a compressor provided in the cabinet, to compress refrigerant; at least one door to selectively open and close the storage room; a filter module comprising at least one UV lighting source to irradiate an ultraviolet light toward air inside the storage room and a photocatalyst filter to filter the air having the UV light irradiated thereto; and a control unit to control the operation of the filter module. Titanium may be coated on the photocatalyst filter.
- The filter module may include a housing arranged in the storage room, with an air inlet and an air outlet formed therein, and a fan arranged adjacent to the air outlet of the housing, and the UV lighting source may be arranged adjacent to the air inlet within the housing and the photocatalyst filter may be arranged adjacent to the air outlet within the housing.
- The cabinet may include an inner case having the storage room provided therein and an outer case defining an exterior appearance of the refrigerator, a cold air duct arranged in a space between the front case and the rear plate to supply cold air to the storage room, and a filter duct comprising a plurality of outlets to draw the sterilized air exhausted from the filter module therein and to transport the drawn sterilized air to the storage room. A passing hole may be provided in the inner case, corresponding to the outlets of the filter duct, and the sterilized air may be drawn into the inner case via the passing hole. The inner case may be partitioned into a plurality of storage sections, and at least one passing hole may be provided in each of the storage sections.
- The UV lighting source may be operated based on at least one of a light emission duration time, a light emission intensity, and a light emission period that are memorized in the control unit. The UV lighting source may be operated based on at least one of a door opening status and a temperature change of the storage room.
- The filter module may further include an anti-allergen filter. The anti-allergen filter may include at least one selected from a group composed of activated carbon (charcoal), silver (Au), allercatcher fiber, co-phthalocyanine and Fe-phthalocyanine.
- In a further aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising an inner case having the storage room provided therein and an outer case defining an exterior appearance thereof; a sensor unit to detect a contamination source inside the storage room; at least one door to selectively open and close the storage room; a filter duct arranged between the front case and the rear plate, to flow air inside the inner case therein; a filter module provided in the filter duct, the filter module comprising a steam generation unit to spray high-temperature steam toward the air drawn into the filter duct and a fan to adjust air flow inside the filter duct; and a control unit to control the operation of the filter module based on the result of the detection performed by the sensor unit.
- The sensor unit may include at least one of a bio-sensor to detect a specific bacteria contaminant and a gas sensor to detect an offensive smell factor. The sensor unit may include a camera unit arranged in the storage room, to detect and visualize an image of a stored food, and the control unit may determine spoiling of the stored food based on a difference between an image of the stored food pre-memorized therein and the image of the stored food detected by the camera unit.
- The refrigerator may further include a display part provided in a door, to image surface temperature distribution of the stored food visualized by the camera unit and to display the imaged surface temperature distribution to the user. The display part may display the spoiling of the stored food determined by the control unit to the user. The camera unit may detect at least one of a temperature, a color, and a shape of the stored food. The control unit may increase cooling load of the storage room for a preset time period after steam spraying is complete.
- The refrigerator may further include a display part to display a contamination status of the storage room detected by the sensor unit to the user. The sensor unit may include a weight sensor to recognize weight change of the stored food.
- As mentioned above, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the food stored in the storage room and air inside the storage room may be sterilized effectively. Also, the storage room may be maintained clean.
- Further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the plurality of the storage rooms may be maintained clean by the sterilization passage independently separated from the cold air passage.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the storage room may be sterilized and deodorized. In addition, remains of dead bacteria may be self-discomposed.
- Still further according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, allergens that are allergy generation factors may be removed from the inside of the storage room. Because of this, the storage room may be managed more sanitarily and freshness of the stored food may be kept.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the sterilization may be selectively performed based on food introduction, internal temperature change, or usage. Because of this, power consumption may be reduced.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, kinds and an amount or a smell factor of bacteria located in the storage room may be detected and the detected information may be displayed to the user.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, image information relating to a shape or temperature distribution of specific food may be acquired and freshness of the food may be figured out, to display the freshness of the food to the user.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure and in the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment, which is partially open; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating key parts of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an operation status of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of an operation status of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 5A-5B are front views illustrating key parts of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 6A-6B and 7 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a multi duct of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; - FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of an operation status of a filter module and a multi duct;
-
FIG. 10 is a block view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B are graphs illustrating an effect of the filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 14A-14B are photographs taken to illustrate an effect of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 15A-15B are graphs illustrating an effect of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 17 is a plane view illustrating the filter module and the multi duct ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to a further embodiment, which is partially open; -
FIG. 19 is a block view illustrating the refrigerator ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a plane view illustrating a filter module and a multi duct of the refrigerator ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating key parts of a camera unit of the refrigerator ofFIG. 18 ; and -
FIGS. 22 to 25 are photographs taken to illustrate an example of an operation status of the camera unit shown inFIG. 21 . - As follows, a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate examples of the present invention and they are provided to explain the present invention in more detail. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the drawings.
- Regardless of numeral references, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts and repeated description will be omitted. The size and appearance of each element shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or shrunk.
- In the meanwhile, the terms including ordinal numbers such as ‘first’ and ‘second’ used in the specification may be used to explain a variety of elements and the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for distinguishing one of the elements from the other.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is partially open.FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating key parts of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. - The
refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applicable to various types of refrigerators, for example, a traditional top freezer type refrigerator, a side by side type refrigerator, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator. More specifically, the refrigerator may be a refrigerator including acabinet 10 having at least one storage room formed therein for low temperature storage and at least onedoor cabinet 10 to selectively open and close the storage room. - As follows, the side by side type refrigerator widely used in recent years will be embodied which includes freezer and refrigerator compartments located side by side, being selectively closed by doors provided respectively, for explanation convenience.
- The
refrigerator 1 may include acabinet 10 having at least one storage room for low temperature storage, a compressor (not shown) provided in thecabinet 10 to compress refrigerant, at least onedoor cabinet 10 to open and close the storage room, afilter module 100 mounted in the storage room of thecabinet 10, and a control unit (not shown) configured to control operation of thefilter module 100. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , therefrigerator 1 according to this embodiment may include thecabinet 10 capable of providing a room in which food and food containers may be stored at a relatively low temperature and an exterior appearance of the refrigerator. Thecabinet 10 may have an approximately cube shape, with an open front to receive food and food containers therethrough. - The
cabinet 10 of therefrigerator 1 may include anouter case 10 b and at least oneinner case 10 a capable of providing a storage room to freeze or refrigerate food. With reference toFIG. 2 , acold air duct 60 may be arranged between thefront plate 11 and therear plate 12 to supply cold air to the inside of thestorage room 40. - The at least one
door cabinet 10 to selectively open and close the open front of thecabinet 10.FIG. 1 illustrates a side by side type refrigerator which includes afirst door 20 and asecond door 30 coupled to thecabinet 10 to open and close a left storage room (50, seeFIG. 7 ) and aright storage room 40, respectively. - Various functions may be added to the
refrigerator 1 to allow a user to use therefrigerator 1 conveniently. To realize such functions, adispenser 21 and ahome bar 31 may be further provided in thedoors home bar 31, and he or she may dispense purified water or ice from thedispenser 21. - At least one
basket 33 may be arranged in a rear surface of thedoor 30. - Also, in case of the side by
side type refrigerator 10, an internal space of thecabinet 10 may be partitioned into a left room and a right room. Commonly, the left room is employed as a freezer compartment (50, seeFIG. 7 ) storing food and food containers at below zero temperatures and the right room is employed as arefrigerator compartment 40 storing food and food containers at above zero temperatures. - The
freezer compartment 50 may freeze the food stored therein below the zero temperatures, and it is used to store the food for a relatively long time period. Therefrigerator compartment 40 maintains the temperature lower than room temperature and it is used to store the food fresh. - A plurality of
shelves FIG. 7 ) and therefrigerator compartment 40. The food and the food containers may be placed on the plurality of theshelves shelves drawer FIG. 7 ) and therefrigerator compartment 40 to receive food, such as fruit or vegetables. - The
refrigerator 1 may stored fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, a variety of food materials and related cooking materials. The plurality of the storage spaces may be formed in thecabinet 10 by the shelves and drawers. Because of this, separate storage for each kind of food may be possible. - For example, a
single drawer 42 of the drawers provided in therefrigerator compartment 40 may be used as a storage space for fruit and/or vegetables. Another drawer may be used as a storage space for meats or fish. Theother drawer 32 provided in the rear surface of thedoor 30 may be used as storage space for grains, such as rice, beans, or adzuki beans. -
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an operation status of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of an operation status of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIGS. 5A-5B are front views illustrating key parts of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. - Also,
FIGS. 6A-6B and 7 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a multi duct of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of an operation status of a filter module and a multi duct. - The
filter module 100 may include ahousing 110 having an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet (not shown), a plurality ofsterilization filters 120 arranged in thehousing 110, and afan 130 for sucking air inside the storage space into thefilter module 100 and for exhausting the sterilized air outside of thehousing 110. Thehousing 110 may have various appearances and structures. According to one example in reference toFIG. 2 , thehousing 100 may include afront housing 111 having the air inlet formed therein, arear housing 113 having the air outlet formed therein and coupled to a rear side of thefront housing 111 to arrange thefan 130 therein, and afront panel 112 coupled to a front of thefront housing 111. - With such a structure, air inside the
storage room 40 may be sucked via a gap formed between thefront panel 112 and thefront housing 111. The sucked air may reach thesterilization filter 120 via the air inlet formed in thefront housing 111. In addition, thesterilization filter 120 may be detachably arranged in the housing, with a replaceable structure. Also, aslit plate 140 may be arranged in thefilter module 110 to guide air flow between the sterilization filters 120 and thefan 130. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , the sterilization filters 120 may be composed of afirst sterilization filter 121, asecond sterilization filter 122, and athird sterilization filter 123 that are sequentially arranged from the air inlet toward the air outlet of thehousing 110. The first to third sterilization filters 121, 122 and 123 may perform three steps of sterilization. - A size of mesh may get smaller from the
first sterilization filter 121 toward thethird sterilization filter 123. For example, thefirst sterilization filter 121 may have a mesh with a size of approximately 100 μm or more. Thesecond sterilization filter 122 may have a mesh with a size of approximately 5 μm or more, and thethird sterilization filter 123 may have a mesh with a size of approximately 2.5 μm. - In addition, the
filter module 100 may include adeodorization filter 124 used to deodorize the air having passed the sterilization filters 121 to 123. - The
filter module 100 having the structure mentioned above may keep the air inside thestorage room 40 clean using three steps of sterilization and a single step of deodorization. - Leuconostoc enzymes may be coated on at least one of the sterilization filters 121 to 124. The leuconostoc enzyme is a kind of Kimchi's lactic enzyme and it is highly effective in sterilization. Also, a protein activity inhibitor may be additionally coated on the sterilization filters 121 to 124, and the sterilization filters 121 to 124 may include an organic/inorganic binder and water. Preferably, a compound of Kimchi's lactic enzyme extract and protein activity inhibitor may be coated on the sterilization filters 121 to 124.
- The
third sterilization filter 123 may have a zebra pattern (not shown) to increase a coating area of the enzymes. Thefilter module 100 may further include an anti-allergen filter. - In reference to
FIG. 4 , afilter module 150 shown inFIG. 4 may include ahousing 151 having an air inlet and an air outlet formed therein, afilter box 160 detachably held in the 151, and a fan (not shown) arranged in thehousing 151. Thefilter module 150 shown inFIG. 4 may be integrally formed with the housing, which is a different characteristic, in comparison with thefilter module 100 mentioned above. Also, thefilter box 160 may include a plurality ofsterilization filters anti-allergen filter 163, and adeodorization filter 164, which are the same as mentioned above. - The
anti-allergen filter 163 may include at least one selected from a group composed of activated carbon (charcoal), silver (Au), allercatcher fiber, co-phthalocyanine, and Fe-phthalocyanine. The activated carbon may be T-SCOB impregnated charcoal having encapsulated silver, T-E impregnated charcoal to selectively soak ethylene or T-TS impregnated charcoal to selectively soak aldehyde that is generated from Doenjang or fermented foods. Such ananti-allergen filter 163 may perform a function of removing allergens located in thestorage room 40. - An object of the embodiments may be to provide a refrigerator that is able to maintain the plurality of the storage rooms via the auxiliary sterilization passage independent from the cold air passage. With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7, in thecabinet 10 may be arranged thecold air duct 60 configured to supply cold air to thestorage room 40, located in a predetermined space formed between thefront plate 11 and therear plate 12, and afilter duct 70 that draws the sterilized air from thefilter module 100 therein, with a plurality ofoutlets 71 to transport the drawn sterilized-air to thestorage room 40. Themulti duct 90 may include thecold air duct 60 and thefilter duct 70. - With reference to
FIGS. 5A-5B , an opening 11 a may be formed in thefront plate 11 to arrange thefilter module 100 therein, and a coldair supply hole 11 b may be formed in thefront plate 11 to supply cold air to the storage room. Also, a passinghole 11 c may be provided in the inner case to supply the sterilized-air to the storage room via the filter duct 70 (second duct). The passinghole 11 c may be located at a position corresponding to theoutlet 71 of the filter duct 70 (second duct), and sterilized air may be drawn into thefront plate 11 via the passinghole 11 c. - More specifically, the air drawn into the
filter module 100 from the storage room via the air inlet of the housing may be sterilized and deodorized while passing through the sterilization filters and the deodorization filter. The sterilized air may be drawn into the multi-duct 70 along the opening 11 a of the inner case, after passing through the air outlet of thehousing 110. Hence, the sterilized air flowing inside the filter duct 70 (second duct) passes through theoutlet 71 of the filter duct 70 (second duct) and the passinghole 11 c of thefront plate 11, sequentially, to be supplied to the storage room. - The
cold air duct 60 may be formed to surround the filter duct 70 (second duct) to make better use of a space formed between the inner case and therear plate 12. Also, with reference toFIG. 6B , a longitudinal end (Z1) of the filter duct 70 (second duct) may be connected with thecold air duct 60, to draw the sterilized air into thefront plate 11 together with the cold air. With reference toFIG. 7 , a longitudinal end (Z2) of the filter duct 70 (second duct) may be separated from thecold air duct 60, to draw the sterilized air into the inner case separate from the cold air. - With reference to
FIG. 8 ,inner spaces front plate 11 may be partitioned into a plurality of storage sections 40-1 to 40-3 by theshelves filter module 100 may be arranged in a specific area (A to R) of each storage section. As mentioned above, when thefilter module 100 is arranged in a specific area of one of the storage sections (for example, 40-2), the sterilized air may be supplied to storage sections 40-1 and 40-3 via the filter duct 70 (second duct) mentioned above. Also, at least oneoutlet 71 of the filter duct 70 (second duct) and at least one passinghole 11 c of thefront plate 11 may be provided in each of the storage sections 40-1 to 40-3. - With reference to
FIG. 6B , thecold air duct 60 and the filter duct 70 (second duct) may be connected with each other at some area (Z1). With this structure, the cold air and the sterilized air may be supplied to the storage room together. - So far, it is described that the sterilized air exhausted from the
filter module 100 may be supplied to neighboring storage sections (40-1 to 40-3) via the filter duct 70 (second duct). However, different from this, with reference toFIGS. 9A-9B , an air path may be formed in a front surface or a side surface of the filter module and the sterilized air may be then circulated into the storage sections directly, not via the filter duct 70 (second duct). - It is shown in
FIGS. 9A-9B that the sterilized air may be exhausted via a front surface of thefilter unit 100, with air inside the storage sections being drawn into thefilter unit 100 via at least one side surface of thefilter unit 100. Also, it is shown that the sterilized air is exhausted via at least one side surface of thefilter unit 100, with the air inside the storage room being drawn via the front surface of thefilter unit 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereby and thefilter unit 100 may be arranged, spaced apart a proper distance from an inner circumferential surface of the inner case. - According to an example, the air inside the storage may be drawn via the front surface of the
filter unit 100, and the sterilized air may be exhausted via the space between thefilter unit 100 and thefront plate 11. -
FIG. 10 is a block view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B are graphs illustrating an effect of a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIGS. 14A-14B are photographs taken to illustrate an effect of the filter module of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIGS. 15A-15B are graphs illustrating an effect of the filter module of the refrigerator according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is a block view illustrating key parts of a control unit of a refrigerator relating to an embodiment. - The
refrigerator 1 relating to this embodiment may include a control unit 80 configured to control operation of thefilter module 100. The control unit 80 may be a central control unit to control an overall operation of the refrigerator or a local control unit to control only the operation of thefilter module 100. - The control unit 80 may include an input part 81 to input a control command, such as on/off, and an operational mode of the
filter module 100, and a display part 82 to display to the user a status of the storage room, an operational status of thefilter module 100, or a replacement cycle of thefilter module 100. In addition, the input part 81 may include a refrigerator compartment temperature adjusting part, a freezer compartment temperature adjusting part, and a special storage room temperature adjusting part. Also, the input part 81 may include an operational mode selecting part and a lock setting/unlock inputting part for each storage room. - The
refrigerator 1 may include various sensors to acquire information on a status of thestorage room 40. For example, it may include a temperature sensor 83 to measure a temperature of either of thestorage rooms doors - The status information of the
storage room 40 may include at least one of operation mode information, operation temperature information, door opening information, lock-setting information, and abnormal status information. More specifically, the display part 82 may display an operation temperature for a specific storage section requiring special treatment (for example, a drawer and a storage box), together with an operation temperature for each of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. - The operation mode of the
filter module 100 may include a manual mode in which the user inputs on/off selectively, if necessary, and an auto-mode, in which on/off is automatically implemented based on a preset operation condition. - Operation conditions of the auto-mode may be preset based on an integrated time of the compressor, a frequency, and/or a time of door opening.
- According to one example, the control unit 80 may operate the
filter module 100 for a predetermined time period, once a preset integrated time of the compressor has passed. - The control unit 80 may control the filter module to be on for a first time period and to be off for a second time period. The control unit 80 may repeat the on and off of the filter module multiple times. For example, the integrated time of the compressor may be approximately 5 hours. The first time period may be approximately 10 minutes and the second time period may be approximately 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, the control unit 80 may control the
filter module 100 to be driven for a preset time period based on opening and closing of thedoor 20, in other words, when thedoor 20 is opened and closed. The control unit 80 may control thefilter module 100 to be driven for the preset time period when the door is closed, based on at least one of the opening/closing frequency of the door and the opening time of the door. - In other words, when the door is closed after being opened, it may be likely that food storage is performed and external air may be drawn into the storage room. Because of this, sterilization may be performed using the
filter module 100. - With reference to
FIG. 11 , an example will be described in detail in which thefilter module 100 is driven by the control unit 80 in an auto-mode according to an example. - First, considering the user's use status, the frequency and time of the door opening may increase in breakfast/lunch/dinner hours and operation conditions of the
filter module 100 may be determined based on such actual use cycle. Also, an operation period of the compressor may be determined based on the actual use cycle mentioned above. The compressor may be driven for an approximately 8 hour period three times a day. The compressor may be stopped to operate for 3 hours after being driven for an integrated (accumulative) 5 hours. - The
filter module 100 may be driven three times at intervals of approximately 8 hours according to the operation period of the compressor. In other words, when thefilter module 100 may be automatically driven for approximately 2 (integrated) hours by the control unit 80, when the integrated time of the compressor is 5 hours. At this time, thefilter module 100 may be operated for approximately 2 hours (8 times), repeating the driving for 10 minutes before stopping for 5 minutes. - Alternatively, the
filter module 100 may be operated in a power mode when a large amount of food is stored in the storage room or strong sterilization is required. According to one example, the filter module may be operated for about 4 hours (16 times), repeating the driving for 10 minutes and stopping for 5 minutes (one time). In the meanwhile, the control unit 80 may stop the driving of the filter module, when the door is opened during the driving of thefilter module 100, and it may drive thefilter module 100 for the remaining time with the remaining frequency after the door is closed. - When a defrost operation starts during the driving of the
filter module 100, the control unit 80 may stop the driving of the filter module. The control unit 80 may drive thefilter module 100 for the remaining time with the remaining frequency after the defrost operation has finished. -
FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B are graphs to describe a sterilization effect of therefrigerator 1 relating to an embodiment.FIGS. 12A and 13A illustrate experimental data, targeted at chicken andFIGS. 12B and 13B illustrate experimental data, targeted at beef. - With reference to
FIGS. 12A-12B , “R1” and “R2” refer to the viable microbe cell number according to passage of days when thefilter module 200 is not applied. “L1” and “L2” refer to the viable microbe cell number according to passage of days when thefilter module 100 is applied. With reference toFIG. 12A , approximately 32% of the viable microbe cell number may be decreased after 14 days when thefilter module 100 is applied. With reference toFIG. 12B , approximately 91% of the viable microbe cell number may be decreased after 14 days when thefilter module 100 is applied. - With reference to
FIGS. 13A-13B , “R3” and “R4” refer to the viable microbe cell number according to passage of days when the compound of kimchi lactobacillus extract and protein activity inhibitor is not coated on thefilter module 100. “L3” and “L4” refer to the viable microbe cell number according to passage of days when the compound of kimchi lactobacillus extract and protein activity inhibitor is coated on thefilter module 100. With reference toFIG. 13A , it is shown that approximately 49% of the viable microbe cell number is decreased after 2 days, when the compound of kimchi lactobacillus extract and protein activity inhibitor is coated on thefilter module 100. In reference toFIG. 13B , it is shown that approximately 23% of the viable microbe cell number is decreased after 3 days, when the compound of kimchi lactobacillus extract and protein activity inhibitor is coated on thefilter module 100. - With reference to
FIGS. 14A-14B ,FIG. 14A is a photograph of an air sample collected after being forcibly circulated by the fan, with spraying bacteria, when thefilter module 100 is not applied to a preset experiment chamber, andFIG. 14B is a photograph of an air sample collected after forcibly circulated to pass thefilter module 100 by the fan, with spraying bacteria, when thefilter module 100 is applied to a preset experiment chamber. According to the photographs, it is shown that approximately 99.8% of the bacteria are reduced when thefilter module 100 is applied. -
FIGS. 15A-15B is graphs illustrating decrease of contaminants when thefilter module 100 is operated after arranged in a storage room of a refrigerator.FIG. 15A illustrates an effect in case of performing an experiment that uses microbial medium, and it is shown that approximately 37% of microbes are decreased.FIG. 15B illustrates an effect in case of performing an experiment that uses chopped chicken, and it is shown that approximately 25% of microbes are decreased. - Also, experimental data for a decreasing rate of various microbes in case of using the
filter module 100 is as follows: -
TABLE 1 Experiment Experiment Decreasing Rate Method Protocol Environment Microbe 0 min. 15 min. 30 min. 60 min. Shaking ASTM 35% E. coli 65.57% 99.98% >99.98% >99.99% flask E2149-01 ATCC 11229 S. aureus 25% 91.25% 99.42% >99.99% ATCC 6538 S. enteria >99.95% >99.99% >99.99% >99.99% ATCC 13311 L. mono- 63.13% 60.71% >99.99% >99.99% cytogenes ATCC 19114 Shaking ASTM 3% E. coli 21.43% 7.41% 71.07% 92.86% Flask E2149-01 ATCC 11229 S. aureus >99.99% 37.04% 69.26% ATCC 6538 S. enteria 99.79% 21.05% >99.99% >99.99% ATCC 13311 L. mono- 10.53% 21.05% 26.32% 76.84% cytogenes ATCC 19114 -
TABLE 2 Decreasing Experiment Experiment Rate (After Method Protocol Environment Microbe 24 hours) Shaking FITI 35% E. coli >99.99% flask FC-TM-19 ATCC 11229 S. aureus >99.99% ATCC 6538 S. enteria >99.99% ATCC 13311 L. mono- >99.99% cytogenes ATCC 19114 Feline calicivirus >99.99% -
TABLE 3 Decreasing Experiment Experiment Rate (After Method Protocol Environment Microbe 24 hours) Shaking FITI 4% E. coli >99.99% flask FC-TM-19 ATCC 11229 S. aureus 88.70% ATCC 6538 L. mono- 94.20% cytogenes ATCC 19114 - As mentioned above, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, food stored in the storage room and air inside the storage room may be sterilized effectively, to keep the storage room clean.
-
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a filter module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.FIG. 17 is a plane view illustrating the filter module and the multi duct shown inFIG. 16 . The refrigerator according to this embodiment may include a case having at least one storage room for low temperature storage, a compressor provided in the case to compress refrigerant, at least one door to open and close the storage room, afilter module 200 having at least oneUV lighting source 21 to irradiate UV light toward the storage room and aphotocatalyst filter 220 to filter the air having the UV irradiated thereto, and a control unit to control operation of thefilter module 200. - The refrigerator according to this embodiment is the same as the refrigerator according to the embodiment mentioned above, except for the filter module. As follows, the only difference will be described in detail and description of the other repeated components will be omitted accordingly.
- Titanium may be coated on the
photocatalyst filter 220. With reference toFIG. 16 , theUV lighting source 210 may irradiate UV light toward the air inside the storage room. Once bacteria contained in the air is dead because of the UV light, remnants of the dead bacteria may decompose because of the titanium-coatedphotocatalyst filter 220. As a result, thefilter module 200 may have a remnants-removing effect, as well as a sterilization effect. - Also, the
filter module 200 may further include an anti-allergen filter. The anti-allergen filter is the same as described above. - In the meanwhile, the
filter module 200 may have various structures. According to one example of the structure, thefilter module 200 may include a housing (not shown) having an air inlet and an air outlet formed therein, and afan 230 arranged adjacent to the air outlet of the housing. TheUV lighting source 210 may be arranged adjacent to the air inlet inside the housing, and thephotocatalyst filter 220 may be arranged adjacent to the air outlet inside the housing. - As it is the same as the refrigerator mentioned above with reference to
FIGS. 2 to 6 , the case of the refrigerator may include an inner case that defines the storage room and an outer case that defines an exterior appearance of the refrigerator. Acold air duct 60 and a filter duct 70 (second duct) may be provided in a predetermined space formed between the inner case and the outer case to provide cold air to the storage room and to provide a passage for sterilization, respectively. - With reference to
FIG. 17 , thefilter module 200 may be arranged in the filter duct 70 (second duct). In this case, aninlet 72 to draw air inside the storage room and anoutlet 71 to exhaust the sterilized air to the storage room may be provided in the filter duct 70 (second duct). - According to one example, a plurality of the
UV lighting source 210 may be arranged in an inner circumferential surface of the filter duct 70 (second duct), spaced apart a proper distance from each other, to irradiate UV light toward the air. Afan 230 may be arranged in the filter duct 70 (second duct). - Also, a passing hole may be provided in the inner case, corresponding to the
outlet 71 of the filter duct 70 (second duct). The sterilized air may be drawn into the inner case via the passing hole. - As mentioned above, the inner case may be partitioned into a plurality of storage sections. At least one passing hole of the inner case may be provided for each of the storage sections. In other words, the sterilized air may be supplied to each of the storage sections via the filter duct 70 (second duct) as mentioned above.
- The
UV lighting source 210 may be operated based on at least one of a light emitting time, a light emission intensity, and a light emission period that are stored in the control unit. TheUV lighting source 210 may be operated based on at least one of an opening status of the door, and a change in temperature inside the storage room. - Also, the control unit may include an input part to input control commands, such as on and off, of the UV lighting source, a light emission duration time, a light emission intensity (for example, strong, middle and weak), and a light emission period, and a display part to display a status of the storage room. In addition, the input part may include a refrigerator compartment temperature adjusting part, a freezer compartment temperature adjusting part, and a special storage room temperature adjusting part. Also, the input part may include an operational mode selecting part and a lock setting/unlock inputting part for each storage room.
- The status information of the storage room may include at least one of operation mode information, operation temperature information, door opening information, lock-setting information, and abnormal status information. More specifically, the display part may display an operation temperature for a specific storage section requiring special treatment (for example, a drawer and a storage box), together with an operation temperature for each of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Also, the display part may be a liquid crystal display, and it may be configured of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) capable of displaying numbers, characters, and various symbols.
- The
UV lighting source 210 may be operated based on at least one of the light emission duration time, the light emission intensity (for example, strong, middle and weak), and the light emission period stored in the control unit. The light emission duration time, the light emission intensity, and the light emission period may be preset by the user, such that theUV lighting source 210 may be controlled by the control unit constantly (auto-mode). Alternatively, they are input by the user at the time when he or she desires to drive theUV lighting source 210, such that theUV lighting source 210 may be controlled intermittently (manual-mode). - The control unit may control operation of the
UV lighting source 210 based on a temperature change inside the storage room. According to one example, when the temperature of the storage room is a predetermined reference value or more, the control unit may operate theUV lighting source 210 for a preset time period. - The reference value may be determined based on a result of experiments, for example, 2 to 6, and it may be approximately 3. When the temperature change inside the storage room is the reference value or more, the control unit may expect that the food stored in the storage room could be contaminated, and it may then operate the
UV lighting source 210. - The control unit may control the operation of the UV lighting source based on an opening status of the door, an opening frequency of the door, or an opening time of the door. For example, the control unit may operate the
UV lighting source 210 for a preset time period after the door is opened and closed, and it may not operate theUV lighting source 21 until the door is open and closed the next time. - In other words, there might be concern of contamination that can occur to food contained in the storage room when new food is accommodated in the storage room. Because of this, the control unit may control the operation of the
UV lighting source 210 based on the status of the door opening, the frequency of the door opening or the duration time of the door opening. - In the meanwhile, so far, the embodiment that the operation of the
UV lighting source 210 is controlled based on the status of the door opening or temperature change inside the storage room is described, but the present invention is not limited thereby. The operation of theUV lighting source 210 may be controlled based on both of the door opening status and the storage room temperature change. - For example, when the temperature inside the storage room is increased up to a reference value or more after the door is open and closed, the control unit may operate the
UV lighting source 210 for a preset time period. Until the temperature inside the storage room is increased up to the reference value or more after the door is open and closed next time, the control unit may not operate theUV lighting source 210. - When the
UV lighting source 210 is operated in the refrigerator constantly, plastic material inside the refrigerator (an inner circumferential surface of the storage room and a food container) might be discolored even after the sterilization. Because of this, a replacing interval of the plastic material happens fast. - As a result, according to the
refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment described above, thefilter module 200 may be arranged in the filter duct 70 (second duct). Because of this, discoloration generated in the inner circumferential surface of the storage room and the food container may be prevented and usage of theUV lighting source 210 may be lengthened. - Also, in a case of concern over contamination of food, sterilization may be selectively performed based on the introduction of food or internal temperature change. Because of this, power consumption may be reduced.
-
FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to a further embodiment, which is partially open.FIG. 19 is a block view illustrating a refrigerator according to the embodiment ofFIG. 18 .FIG. 20 is a plane view illustrating a filter module and a multi duct of the refrigerator ofFIG. 18 .FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating key parts of a camera unit of the refrigerator ofFIG. 18 . - A
refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment may include acabinet 10 having an inner case defining at least one storage room formed therein for low temperature storage of food and an outer case defining an exterior appearance thereof, asensor unit 510 detecting a source of contamination inside the storage room, and at least onedoor - Also, the refrigerator may include a filter duct 70 (second duct) arranged between the inner case and the outer case to flow air inside the inner case therein, a
filter module 300 having asteam generation unit 310 provided in the filter duct 70 (second duct) to spray high temperature gas toward the air drawn into the filter duct 70 (second duct) and afan 320 to adjust air flow inside the filter duct 70 (second duct), and acontrol unit 500 to control operation of thefilter module 300 based on the result of the detection performed by thesensor unit 510. - The
refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is the same as the refrigerator according to the embodiment described with reference toFIG. 1 , except for thesensor unit 510 and thefilter module 300. As follows, the difference will be described in detail and the other repeated description of the same components will be omitted accordingly. - The
sensor unit 510 may include at least one of a bio-sensor 511 to detect a specific bacteria contaminant and agas sensor 512 to detect an offensive smell factor. As mentioned above, thesensor unit 510 may include aweight sensor 513 to measure the weight of the stored goods (for example, food) seated in the storage room and atemperature sensor 514 to identify information on a status inside thestorage room 40. - In addition, the
refrigerator 1 may further include a microbial response viewer (MRV)system 600 that is a simulation program configured to manage microbes for each kind of food based on temperature, pH, humidity, Aw, and the surrounding environments. TheMRV system 600 may perform a function of analyzing the kind and amount of the bacteria detected by thebio-sensor 511. - The
control unit 500 may include aninput part 501 to input control commands relating to the operation of the filter module, such as on and off, of the steam generation unit and the fan, a steam spray time, a steam intensity (for example, strong, middle and weak), and a steam spray period, and adisplay part 502 to display a status of the storage room. - The
input part 501 may include a refrigerator compartment temperature adjusting part, a freezer compartment temperature adjusting part, and a special storage room temperature adjusting part. Also, the input part may include an operational mode selecting part and a lock setting/unlock inputting part for each storage room. - The
display part 502 may display an operation temperature for a specific storage section requiring special treatment (for example, a drawer and a storage box), together with an operation temperature for each of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. One of the doors (for example, the door 20) may have thedisplay part 502 arranged in an outer circumferential surface thereof. - The bio-sensor 511 may be an optical type bio-sensor and it may be able to detect food-poisoning bacteria located in the refrigerator. The
gas sensor 512 may detect an offensive smell factor generated in thestorage room 40. When the detected smell factor is a preset concentration or more, thecontrol unit 500 may drive thefilter module 300. - Also, the
control unit 500 may determine a spraying time and steam temperature of the filter module based on the kind and amount of the bacteria detected by thebio-sensor 511 and theMRV system 600. Thecontrol unit 500 may control thedisplay part 502 to display a contamination status inside the storage room that is detected by thesensor unit 510 to the user. - With reference to
FIG. 20 , thefilter module 300 may be arranged in the filter duct 70 (second duct). In this case, aninlet 72 to draw air inside the storage room and anoutlet 71 to exhaust the sterilized air to the storage room may be provided in the filter duct 70 (second duct). - According to one example, a plurality of the
steam generating units 310 may be arranged in an inner circumferential surface of the filter duct 70 (second duct), spaced apart a proper distance from each other, to spray high-temperature steam toward the air. Afan 320 may be arranged in the filter duct 70 (second duct). - Also, a passing hole may be provided in the inner case, corresponding to the
outlet 71 of the filter duct 70 (second duct). The sterilized air may be drawn into the inner case via the passing hole. - As mentioned above, the inner case may be partitioned into a plurality of storage sections. At least one passing hole of the inner case may be provided for each of the storage sections. In other words, the sterilized air may be supplied to each of the storage sections via the filter duct 70 (second duct) as mentioned above.
- Once the steam spraying is complete, the
control unit 500 may increase a cooling load of the storage room for a preset time period. In other words, when the high-temperature steam is sprayed to the cold air inside the storage room to perform the sterilization, the temperature inside the storage room may be increased, and there might be concern about food spoiling, which has to be prevented in advance. - With reference to
FIG. 21 , thesensor unit 510 may include acamera unit 400 arranged in astorage room 42 to detect an image of the stored food to visualize the stored food. Thecontrol unit 500 may determine spoiling of the stored food based on a difference between an image of the stored food memorized in advance and the image of the stored food detected by thecamera unit 400. Thecamera unit 400 may detect at least one of temperature, color, and shape of the stored food. - Also, the
display part 502 may image surface temperature distribution of the visualized stored food to display the imaged surface temperature distribution to the user. Also, thedisplay part 502 may display the result of determination on the spoiling of the stored food performed by thecontrol unit 500 to the user. - The
camera unit 400 may detect and visualize images of fruit or vegetables stored in the storage room (for example, the drawer 42). In other words, therefrigerator 1 relating to this embodiment may analyze freshness and spoiling of stored food nondestructively using image processing technology. Thecontrol unit 500 may process the acquired image information and display the processed information to the user via thedisplay part 502. - With reference to
FIG. 21 , according to one example, thecontrol unit 500 may determine whether a stored apple is spoiled based on a difference among distributed surface temperatures of the apple visualized by thecamera unit 400. In other words, a surface temperature of a plant may be determined by an environmental factor and transpiration (evaporative water via stomata of a plant emits extra heat). If a plant tissue damages because of various stresses, the plant closes the stomata and the closed stomata fails to perform the transpiration. The damaged tissue that fails to generate the transpiration may fail to emit the heat. Because of this, a surface temperature of the plant may increase. -
FIGS. 22 to 25 are photographs taken to illustrate an example of an operation status of the camera unit ofFIG. 21 . With reference toFIGS. 22 and 23 , thecontrol unit 500 may control thecamera unit 400 to visualize surface temperature distribution of fruit and vegetables stored in thestorage room 42 every preset time. Thecontrol unit 500 may compare the surface temperatures of the fruit and vegetables with each other. When the difference among the surface temperatures is out of a preset temperature range, thecontrol unit 500 may determine that the fruit and vegetables are spoiled. - The
camera unit 400 may detect an infrared light radiated from the fruit and vegetable according to active thermography and passive thermography. That is, according to the active thermograph, a heat source is supplied to an object and an infrared light radiated from the object is detected. According to the passive thermograph, an infrared light self-radiated from the object is detected. - As a result, when the surface temperature distribution of the fruit and vegetables is visualized according to the active thermograph, a heat source part (not shown) may be provided in the
storage room 42 to supply heat to the, fruit and vegetables stored in thestorage room 42. Thecamera unit 400 may detect an infrared light radiated from the vegetables and the fruits supplied the heat by the heat source part, to visualize the surface temperature distribution. When the surface temperature distribution of the fruit and vegetables is visualized according to the passive thermograph, thecamera unit 400 may detect an infrared light self-radiated from the fruit and vegetables supplied the heat by the heat source part, to visualize the surface temperature distribution. - The
display part 502 provided in an outer surface of thedoor 20 may image surface temperature distribution of the fruit and vegetables visualized by thecamera unit 400, and it may display the imaged surface temperature distribution to the user at a predetermined interval. As a result, the user may recognize a quality status of the fruit and vegetables stored currently by looking at the surface temperature distribution of the fruit and vegetables stored in thestorage room 42 via thedisplay part 502. - The surface temperature distribution of the fruit and vegetables that is visualized by the
camera unit 400 may be memorized in a memory part (not shown). Thecontrol unit 500 may determine the spoiling of the fruit and vegetables stored in thestorage room 42 based on the difference among the distributed surface temperatures stored in the memory part. That is, when the surface temperature distribution of the fruit and vegetables measured at preset intervals is out of a preset temperature range, thecontrol unit 500 may determine that tissues of the fruit and vegetables are damaged. - With reference to
FIG. 22 , fruit, such as an apple, may acquire a yellow color generally, to have a relatively low surface temperature distribution. However, as time passes, the tissue of the apple may be damaged and the stomata closed. Because of this, the transpiration fails to happen and the surface temperature of the apple increases. - With reference to
FIG. 23 , when the tissue of the fruit, such as an apple, is damaged as time passes, the fruit may acquire a red color around the damaged tissue to have a relatively high surface temperature distribution. In this case, thecontrol unit 500 may compare the imaged surface temperature distribution of the apple before a preset time passes with the imaged surface temperature distribution after the preset time has passed. If the difference of the surface temperature distributions is out of a preset temperature range, the control unit may determine that the tissues of the fruit and vegetables are damaged. - When determining that the tissues of the fruit and vegetables are damaged, the
control unit 500 may display the spoiling of the fruit and vegetables to the user via thedisplay part 502, and it may also display a message of consuming or discarding the fruit and vegetables. As a result, the user can discard or consume right away when the tissues of the fruit and vegetables stored in thestorage room 42 are damaged. In a case that the fruit and vegetables are spoiled, the spoiled fruit and vegetables may be removed from the refrigerator and generation of offensive smell may be prevented. Also, the possibility of the user's suffering from a disease caused by eating of the spoiled fruit and vegetables may be reduced. -
FIG. 24 includes photographs showing change in shape and color of food stored in thestorage room 42 provided in the refrigerator according to this embodiment, for example, spinach and pac-choi. With reference toFIG. 24 , vegetables, such as spinach and pac-choi, acquire a green color generally right after being stored in thestorage room 42, which means that a fresh status is maintained. - However, as a preset time period passes, tissues of the spinach and the pac-choi are damaged, and the color of spinach and the pac-choi is changed because of oxidation. In other words, as shown in the lower photographs of
FIG. 24 , a yellow color may increase around the damaged tissues and an original color thereof may fade gradually, if the tissues of the spinach and the pac-choi are damaged. - In this case, the
control unit 500 may compare an imaged surface color of the spinach and pac-choi before a preset time period has passed and an imaged surface color thereof after the preset time period has passed. When the difference between the surface colors is out of a preset color range, thecontrol unit 500 may determine that the tissues of the fruit and vegetables are damaged. - With reference to
FIG. 25 , according to another example, when meat, such as pork and beef, is stored in thestorage room 42, an overall shape of the meat right after being stored in the storage room may be maintained almost the same as a shape of an outer surface of the meat. - However, as time passes, tissues of the meat may be damaged and juice may come out of the meat. Because of this, an overall outer shape of the meat may change at a surface at which the juice collects.
- In this case, the
control unit 500 may compare imaged shapes of the meat before and after a preset time has passed with each other. When a difference between the shapes is out of a preset shape range, thecontrol unit 500 may determine that the tissues of the meat are damaged. - A user may change the preset shape range to a desired range by using the
button part 220. - When determining that the tissues of the meat and the tissues of the fruit and vegetables are damaged, the
control unit 500 may display to the user that juice is coming out of the meat, and that the color of the fruit and vegetables has changed via thedisplay part 502. At the same time, thecontrol unit 500 may display a message of consuming or discarding the meat and the fruit and vegetables. - As a result, when the tissues of the meat and the fruit and vegetables stored in the
storage room 42 are damaged, the user may consume or discard them immediately. Because of this, the spoiled food may be removed from the refrigerator quickly if the food is spoiled, and offensive smells may be prevented. - Also, the possibility of the user's suffering from a disease caused by eating spoiled meat, fruit, and vegetables may be reduced.
- As described above, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, food stored in the storage room and air inside the storage room may be sterilized effectively. Also, the storage room may be maintained clean.
- Further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the plurality of the storage rooms may be maintained clean by the sterilization passage independently separated from the cold air passage.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the storage room may be sterilized and deodorized. In addition, remains of dead bacteria may be self-discomposed.
- Still further according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, allergens that are allergy generation factors may be removed from the inside of the storage room. Because of this, the storage room may be managed more sanitarily and freshness of the stored food may be kept.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, the sterilization may be selectively performed based on the food introduction, the internal temperature change or the usage. Because of this, power consumption may be reduced.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, a kinds and amount or the smell factor of bacteria located in the storage room may be detected and the detected information may be displayed to the user.
- Still further, according to the refrigerator relating to at least one embodiment, image information relating to shape or temperature distribution of specific food may be acquired and freshness of the food may be figured out, to display the freshness of the food to the user.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (28)
1. A refrigerator, comprising:
a cabinet having at least one storage compartment;
at least one door that selectively opens and closes the case the at least one storage compartment;
a plurality of shelves vertically disposed within the at least one storage compartment, that partitions the at least one storage compartment into a plurality of storage sections;
a first duct mounted on a rear wall of the at least one storage compartment to supply cold air, wherein the first duct branches into a plurality of cold air passages and includes a plurality of cold air supply holes that supplies the cold air into the plurality of storage sections; and
a filter module mounted between the plurality of cold air passages, the filter module comprising:
a filter configured to filter air within the at least one storage compartment;
at least one UV light source that irradiates an ultraviolet light toward the filter;
a fan that draws air into the at least one storage compartment; and
a second duct provided between the plurality of cold air passages to supply the filtered air, the second duct having at least one passing hole.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein the filter further comprises a photocatalyst filter.
3. The refrigerator of claim 2 , wherein the photocatalyst filter is coated with titanium.
4. The refrigerator of claim 1 ,
wherein the UV light sources comprises a UV LED disposed within the second duct.
5. The refrigerator of claim 4 , further comprising a controller that selectively drives the fan and the UV LED.
6. The refrigerator of claim 5 , further comprising an input that receives input of an operational mode of the filter module.
7. The refrigerator of claim 6 , further comprising a display that displays the operational mode of the filter module.
8. The refrigerator of claim 1 , further comprising:
a sensor that senses a status of stored goods within the at least one storage compartment; and
a controller that controls an operation of the filter module based on a detection result of the sensor.
9. The refrigerator of claim 8 , wherein the filter module comprises:
at least one steam generator.
10. The refrigerator of claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:
a bio-sensor that detects a specific bacteria contaminant;
a gas sensor that detects an offensive smell;
a weight sensor that measures a weight of stored goods; or
a temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the at least one storage compartment.
11. The refrigerator of claim 10 , wherein the sensor comprises a bio-sensor.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11 , further comprising:
a microbial response viewer (MRV) system that manages microbes for each of a predetermined kind of stored goods.
13. The refrigerator of claim 12 , wherein the controller controls a spraying time and a spraying temperature of the at least one steam generator based on a kind and amount of bacteria detected by the bio-sensor and MRV system.
14. The refrigerator of claim 8 , further comprising a display that displays a contamination status of the at least one storage compartment.
15. The refrigerator of claim 8 , wherein the controller comprises:
an input that receives input of control commands for the filter module from a user.
16. The refrigerator of claim 8 , further comprising:
a camera that captures an image of stored goods in the at least one storage compartment.
17. The refrigerator of claim 16 , wherein the controller determines a contamination status and spoiling of stored goods based on a comparison between an image of the stored goods previously captured by the camera and a currently captured image.
18. The refrigerator of claim 16 , wherein the camera is capable of detecting at least one of surface temperature distribution, color, or shape of the stored goods.
19. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein air flow through the second duct does not cross with air flow through the first duct
20. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein the filter comprises at least one sterilization filter.
21. The refrigerator of claim 20 , wherein the at least one sterilization filter is coated with a leuconostoc enzyme.
22. The refrigerator of claim 20 , wherein the filter further comprises a deodorization filter.
23. The refrigerator of claim 5 , wherein the UV light source is operated based on at least one of a light emission duration time, a light emission intensity, or a light emission period stored in the controller.
24. The refrigerator of claim 23 , wherein the light emission duration time, the light emission intensity, and the light emission period are preset by a user, such that the UV light source is controlled by the controller constantly.
25. The refrigerator of claim 5 , wherein the controller controls operation of the UV light source based on a temperature change inside the at least one storage compartment.
26. The refrigerator of claim 25 , wherein when the temperature of the at least one storage compartment is a predetermined reference value or more, the controller operates the UV light source for a predetermined period of time.
27. The refrigerator of claim 5 , wherein the controller controls an operation of the UV light source based on an opening status of the door, an opening frequency of the door, or an opening time of the door
28. The refrigerator of claim 27 , wherein the controller operates the UV light source for a predetermined period of time after the door is opened and closed, and does not operate the UV light source until the door is open and closed a next time.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/461,087 US20140360213A1 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2014-08-15 | Refrigerator |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2010-0137690 | 2010-12-29 | ||
KR1020100137690A KR101813030B1 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2010-12-29 | Refrigerator |
PCT/KR2011/007350 WO2012091256A1 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2011-10-05 | Refrigerator |
US201213579655A | 2012-08-17 | 2012-08-17 | |
US14/461,087 US20140360213A1 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2014-08-15 | Refrigerator |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/KR2011/007350 Division WO2012091256A1 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2011-10-05 | Refrigerator |
US13/579,655 Division US9903634B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2011-10-05 | Refrigerator with filter module for sterilization |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140360213A1 true US20140360213A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
Family
ID=46383307
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/579,655 Active 2031-10-16 US9903634B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2011-10-05 | Refrigerator with filter module for sterilization |
US14/461,087 Abandoned US20140360213A1 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2014-08-15 | Refrigerator |
US14/461,066 Active 2033-02-13 US9803909B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2014-08-15 | Refrigerator |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/579,655 Active 2031-10-16 US9903634B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2011-10-05 | Refrigerator with filter module for sterilization |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/461,066 Active 2033-02-13 US9803909B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2014-08-15 | Refrigerator |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US9903634B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2526356B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101813030B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102741633B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011350356B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012091256A1 (en) |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106196824A (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2016-12-07 | 中山市联润五金机械有限公司 | Intelligent alarm refrigerator |
WO2017160499A3 (en) * | 2016-03-14 | 2017-12-28 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Scent-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
US9968697B1 (en) * | 2016-10-04 | 2018-05-15 | Eric Philipps | UV sanitizing cabinet for sanitizing garments and the like |
US10027866B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2018-07-17 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same |
US10180248B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2019-01-15 | ProPhotonix Limited | LED lamp with sensing capabilities |
US10281200B2 (en) | 2016-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Image-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
US10330377B2 (en) | 2013-06-14 | 2019-06-25 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance comprising a camera module |
US10373472B2 (en) | 2016-03-14 | 2019-08-06 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Scent-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
DE102018208849A1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2019-12-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Home storage device |
EP3617621A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2020-03-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air filtration system for antimicrobial refrigerators |
US11187451B2 (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2021-11-30 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Refrigerator comprising odor removal device |
CN113834273A (en) * | 2021-08-18 | 2021-12-24 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Refrigerator ion sterilization control method, electronic equipment, storage medium and refrigerator |
US11340011B2 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2022-05-24 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigerator drawer with cassette filter |
US11636870B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-04-25 | Denso International America, Inc. | Smoking cessation systems and methods |
US11760170B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Olfaction sensor preservation systems and methods |
US11760169B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Particulate control systems and methods for olfaction sensors |
US11813926B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-14 | Denso International America, Inc. | Binding agent and olfaction sensor |
US11828210B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-28 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic systems and methods of vehicles using olfaction |
US11881093B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-01-23 | Denso International America, Inc. | Systems and methods for identifying smoking in vehicles |
US11932080B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-03-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic and recirculation control systems and methods |
Families Citing this family (105)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9451788B2 (en) * | 2012-03-16 | 2016-09-27 | Seung Won Lee | Storage apparatus for improving food preservation |
AU2012375603B2 (en) * | 2012-03-29 | 2017-02-02 | Red Bull Gmbh | Storage device for articles having a load state detection device for detecting a removal, a loading and/or the load state of the storage device |
US9878061B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2018-01-30 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Ultraviolet system for disinfection |
US10383964B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2019-08-20 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Storage device including ultraviolet illumination |
US10441670B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2019-10-15 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Storage device including ultraviolet illumination |
US9981051B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2018-05-29 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Ultraviolet gradient sterilization, disinfection, and storage system |
CN104853625A (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2015-08-19 | 传感器电子技术股份有限公司 | Multi wave sterilization system |
US10688210B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2020-06-23 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Storage device including ultraviolet illumination |
US9724441B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2017-08-08 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Storage device including target UV illumination ranges |
US10646603B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2020-05-12 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Multi wave sterilization system |
KR102025424B1 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2019-09-25 | 서울바이오시스 주식회사 | Lighting apparatus of multifunction using light emitting diode |
US9128931B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2015-09-08 | General Electric Company | Communication of digital information presented on an appliance display |
PL2938950T3 (en) * | 2012-12-30 | 2017-05-31 | Arçelik Anonim Sirketi | A refrigerator with improved uv treatment chamber |
CN103940970A (en) * | 2013-01-23 | 2014-07-23 | 海尔集团公司 | Refrigeration equipment smell detection method, detection device and refrigeration equipment |
US9845988B2 (en) | 2014-02-18 | 2017-12-19 | Supercooler Technologies, Inc. | Rapid spinning liquid immersion beverage supercooler |
KR101822891B1 (en) | 2013-02-12 | 2018-01-29 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator and Manufacturing method of metal |
JP6391943B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2018-09-19 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Refrigerator, camera device, internal image display program |
JP6411753B2 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2018-10-24 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Refrigerator and camera device |
JP6498866B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2019-04-10 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Refrigerator, camera device |
JP6080655B2 (en) * | 2013-04-03 | 2017-02-15 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
KR102026730B1 (en) * | 2013-04-08 | 2019-09-30 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
KR20140122318A (en) * | 2013-04-09 | 2014-10-20 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Deodorizing filter and refrigerator using the same |
CN105650998B (en) | 2013-04-23 | 2020-08-25 | Lg电子株式会社 | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
DE102013012933A1 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2014-11-13 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Fridge and / or freezer |
CN104718553B (en) * | 2013-06-04 | 2018-09-11 | 松下电器(美国)知识产权公司 | Information processing system |
DE102013211096A1 (en) * | 2013-06-14 | 2014-12-18 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Freezers System |
CN103438657A (en) * | 2013-07-27 | 2013-12-11 | 海信容声(广东)冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator with intelligent sterilization control function |
KR102217138B1 (en) * | 2013-07-30 | 2021-02-18 | 서울바이오시스 주식회사 | storage equipment having air purifying module |
JP6313014B2 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2018-04-18 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Camera system, refrigerator |
DE102013218270A1 (en) * | 2013-09-12 | 2015-03-12 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Domestic refrigerating appliance and method for operating a household refrigerating appliance |
JP6307699B2 (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2018-04-11 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Refrigerator and display system in refrigerator |
US9989300B1 (en) | 2013-10-28 | 2018-06-05 | Supercooler Technologies, Inc. | Modular refrigeration device |
US10149487B2 (en) | 2014-02-18 | 2018-12-11 | Supercooler Technologies, Inc. | Supercooled beverage crystallization slush device with illumination |
US10302354B2 (en) | 2013-10-28 | 2019-05-28 | Supercooler Technologies, Inc. | Precision supercooling refrigeration device |
CN103823030B (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2015-09-16 | 四川长虹电器股份有限公司 | A kind of method and refrigerator detecting food spoilage |
KR102238946B1 (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2021-04-12 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Gas sensor, refrigerator having the same and control method for the refrigerator |
CN104019621B (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2016-08-24 | 安徽康佳同创电器有限公司 | A kind of refrigerator |
CN105222504B (en) * | 2014-07-02 | 2019-06-28 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Refrigerator and its control method |
KR102257497B1 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2021-05-31 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Gas sensor, refrigerator having the same and control method for the refrigerator |
CN104199335A (en) * | 2014-07-23 | 2014-12-10 | 小米科技有限责任公司 | Goods information sending and receiving method and device |
KR101706961B1 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2017-02-15 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
WO2016087084A1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2016-06-09 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A refrigerator comprising a sensor that detects spoilage of food |
KR20160089725A (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2016-07-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator and Contorlling Method for the same |
WO2016155406A1 (en) * | 2015-04-01 | 2016-10-06 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Steam-sterilization refrigerator and control method therefor |
US9987383B2 (en) * | 2015-05-07 | 2018-06-05 | Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. | Medical device treatment |
USD778687S1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2017-02-14 | Supercooler Technologies, Inc. | Supercooled beverage crystallization slush device with illumination |
KR20170003283A (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2017-01-09 | 서울바이오시스 주식회사 | Apparatus for Freshening and Purifying Air and Controlling Method thereof |
US11156970B2 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2021-10-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Foodstuff sensing appliance |
KR101769205B1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-08-17 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US10825567B1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2020-11-03 | Food2Life, LLC | Apparatus and method for informed personal well-being decision making |
KR101771590B1 (en) * | 2015-09-16 | 2017-08-25 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator and method for the same |
KR20170082084A (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2017-07-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A refrigerator |
JP6598865B2 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2019-10-30 | 京セラ株式会社 | Inspection device and inspection system |
US11360069B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2022-06-14 | Kyocera Corporation | Inspection apparatus and inspection system |
JP6449473B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2019-01-09 | 京セラ株式会社 | Inspection system and inspection apparatus |
CN105546914B (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2018-03-06 | 吴瑶 | A kind of intelligent freezer |
KR101803628B1 (en) * | 2016-02-16 | 2017-12-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | refrigerator |
WO2017150216A1 (en) * | 2016-02-29 | 2017-09-08 | 京セラ株式会社 | Refrigerator and management system |
CN105727331B (en) * | 2016-04-12 | 2018-10-16 | 深圳阿谷智能科技有限公司 | A kind of dissipation control terminal and dissipation system |
ITUA20163437A1 (en) * | 2016-05-23 | 2017-11-23 | Marco Ferrara | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE SANITATION OF ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH FOOD ARE TREATED |
CN106092816B (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2018-11-23 | 泰州市龙泽环境科技有限公司 | A kind of rotten detection device of domestic intelligent |
KR20180009427A (en) * | 2016-07-18 | 2018-01-29 | 서울바이오시스 주식회사 | Storage system and storage device having the smae |
US20190281867A1 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2019-09-19 | Carrier Corporation | Cold chain spoilage recognition and management system |
CN106091559B (en) * | 2016-08-04 | 2018-06-08 | 合肥微纳传感技术有限公司 | A kind of intelligence food storage device, storage method and the refrigerator using the device |
US10087569B2 (en) | 2016-08-10 | 2018-10-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Maintenance free dryer having multiple self-cleaning lint filters |
US20180053140A1 (en) * | 2016-08-18 | 2018-02-22 | Intel Corporation | Food storage method and apparatus with sensors |
KR102515330B1 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2023-03-29 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US10563899B2 (en) * | 2016-09-19 | 2020-02-18 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator with targeted cooling zone |
US10627150B2 (en) * | 2016-09-19 | 2020-04-21 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator with targeted cooling zone |
KR20180056037A (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-05-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Laundry Treating Apparatus |
KR20180094742A (en) * | 2017-02-16 | 2018-08-24 | 서울바이오시스 주식회사 | Deodorizing device inclduing suction fan and refrigerator including the same |
US10544539B2 (en) | 2017-02-27 | 2020-01-28 | Whirlpool Corporation | Heat exchanger filter for self lint cleaning system in dryer appliance |
CN106679290A (en) * | 2017-03-08 | 2017-05-17 | 佛山市小鲜互联电器科技有限公司 | Refrigerator capable of clearing peculiar smell in refrigerator in accelerated mode and control method |
KR102321492B1 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2021-11-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US10684065B2 (en) * | 2017-06-26 | 2020-06-16 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
CN107478269A (en) * | 2017-08-06 | 2017-12-15 | 深圳市益鑫智能科技有限公司 | Environment cleanliness intelligent indicating system in a kind of new refrigerator |
US11015281B2 (en) | 2017-09-26 | 2021-05-25 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry appliance having a maintenance free lint removal system |
JP6967725B2 (en) * | 2017-10-06 | 2021-11-17 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Refrigerator and refrigerator control method |
CN107773769A (en) * | 2017-11-02 | 2018-03-09 | 广东英得尔实业发展有限公司 | A kind of automatic odor removal car refrigerator and its application method |
DE102017125797A1 (en) * | 2017-11-06 | 2019-05-09 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Temperature detection device for a cooling device, cooling device with a temperature detection device and method for detecting a temperature for a cooling device |
CN108036564A (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2018-05-15 | 中山市兆普科生物科技研究院有限公司 | A kind of health freezing, freezing equipment |
US10718559B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2020-07-21 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Air filter bracket |
DE102017223169A1 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2019-06-19 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | air cleaner |
CN113100631B (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2023-01-24 | 佛山市顺德区美的饮水机制造有限公司 | Sterilization control system and sterilization control method of water dispenser |
KR102498510B1 (en) | 2018-04-02 | 2023-02-10 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US20200018538A1 (en) * | 2018-07-11 | 2020-01-16 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Refrigerator appliances and active air filter assemblies |
KR102551358B1 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2023-07-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method and system for providing information related to a status of an object in a refrigerator |
KR20200074500A (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-25 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
CN111380292B (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2022-11-18 | 海尔智家股份有限公司 | Air-cooled refrigerator and sterilization method thereof |
US20200353512A1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2020-11-12 | Alexei Fomine | Restroom sanitation and monitoring system |
DE102019116607A1 (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2020-12-24 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Larder with a device for treating indoor air and processes |
WO2019172736A2 (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2019-09-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method for determining when to replace filter, and air conditioner which determines when to replace filter |
KR102138537B1 (en) * | 2019-09-20 | 2020-07-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
CN110822799B (en) * | 2019-11-18 | 2021-06-15 | 南京溧水高新产业股权投资有限公司 | Peculiar smell remover for household refrigerator |
CN113048707A (en) * | 2019-12-26 | 2021-06-29 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator control method, refrigerator and storage medium |
US20220088238A1 (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2022-03-24 | Validfill Llc | Ultraviolet sanitization unit for beverage cups |
CN111568123B (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2021-09-03 | 合肥美的智能科技有限公司 | Shelf assembly and container |
US20210338860A1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-11-04 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (uv) light emission device employing visible light for operation guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
CN114251893B (en) * | 2020-09-25 | 2023-09-19 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Air-cooled refrigerator and sterilization method thereof |
TWD217681S (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-03-11 | 南韓商Lg電子股份有限公司 | Filter for washing machine |
USD1008588S1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2023-12-19 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Filter for washing machine |
CN113117119B (en) * | 2021-03-09 | 2022-11-11 | 宁波方太厨具有限公司 | Layered disinfection cabinet |
CN113654297B (en) * | 2021-08-19 | 2022-06-14 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Refrigerator deodorizer control method and device and refrigerator |
WO2023211862A1 (en) * | 2022-04-25 | 2023-11-02 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Rapid, low cost, volatile accumulation sensing instrument for rancidity measurement in nuts and oils |
CN115014025B (en) * | 2022-06-10 | 2023-06-30 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Colony monitoring method and device in deep freezing mode and refrigerator |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020163436A1 (en) * | 2001-05-03 | 2002-11-07 | Abtar Singh | Food-quality and shelf-life predicting method and system |
US20060130498A1 (en) * | 2004-12-20 | 2006-06-22 | General Electric Company | System and method for preserving food |
US20060213904A1 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Lawrence Kates | System and method for monitoring food |
US20080016898A1 (en) * | 2006-07-20 | 2008-01-24 | Maytag Corp. | Refrigerator with an air filter/freshener system |
US20080307818A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2008-12-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20090271243A1 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | Btsafety Llc. | System and method of providing product quality and safety |
US20090309960A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2009-12-17 | Bosoon Park | Portable multispectral imaging systems |
US20100170278A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2010-07-08 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
Family Cites Families (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2508768A (en) | 1947-10-18 | 1950-05-23 | Coltemp Corp | Refrigerator cooler for bottled beverages |
US3702544A (en) | 1970-09-25 | 1972-11-14 | Unitec Ind Inc | Refrigerator |
EP0476724A3 (en) * | 1988-01-22 | 1992-06-03 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Apparatus for removing stink |
JP2907439B2 (en) * | 1989-05-09 | 1999-06-21 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Fine ceramic surface discharge |
KR0186157B1 (en) | 1995-09-14 | 1999-04-15 | 구자홍 | Deodorant and preparing method of the same |
US5901564A (en) | 1997-12-08 | 1999-05-11 | Comeau, Ii; Richard J. | System for germicidal disinfecting of food inside of refrigerators using ultraviolet radiation |
JP3502282B2 (en) | 1998-12-16 | 2004-03-02 | 松下冷機株式会社 | refrigerator |
BR9903093A (en) | 1999-06-22 | 2001-01-16 | Multibras Eletrodomesticos Sa | Automatic defrosting system for refrigeration appliance |
TW528848B (en) * | 2000-08-29 | 2003-04-21 | Hitachi Ltd | Refrigerator |
JP2004020113A (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2004-01-22 | Toshiba Corp | Refrigerator |
US7051549B2 (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
KR20050006351A (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2005-01-17 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | air conditioner |
US6918259B2 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-07-19 | Troy M. Anderson | Air circulation and filtration system for a refrigerator |
JP2005076980A (en) | 2003-08-29 | 2005-03-24 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Refrigerator |
JP2005195203A (en) * | 2004-01-05 | 2005-07-21 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Refrigerator |
EP1580504B1 (en) | 2004-03-24 | 2017-03-29 | LG Electronics, Inc. | Cold air guide structure for ice-making chamber in cold chamber door |
KR20050096342A (en) | 2004-03-30 | 2005-10-06 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
KR100546619B1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2006-01-26 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Apparatus and Method for Controlling Air-Clean Function in Air-Conditioning System |
US7335240B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2008-02-26 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Air filter unit and service line enclosure for a refrigerator |
JP4522907B2 (en) * | 2005-04-15 | 2010-08-11 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigerator |
US7284390B2 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2007-10-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator with intermediate temperature icemaking compartment |
KR20070052507A (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2007-05-22 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
EP1788327A2 (en) * | 2005-11-17 | 2007-05-23 | Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd. | Refrigerator having independent sterilization duct |
US7934387B2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2011-05-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner |
WO2007061238A2 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2007-05-31 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Refrigerator |
KR20070074860A (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-18 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US20070180839A1 (en) * | 2006-02-09 | 2007-08-09 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Cooling apparatus of kimchi refrigerator and method therefor |
US7665327B2 (en) | 2007-01-17 | 2010-02-23 | Sub-Zero, Inc. | Chilled food storage area for refrigerated appliance |
US7824480B2 (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2010-11-02 | Sub-Zero, Inc. | Air treatment system |
JP4911706B2 (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2012-04-04 | 住江織物株式会社 | Deodorant filter |
KR20080090927A (en) | 2007-04-06 | 2008-10-09 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
JP2009030919A (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2009-02-12 | Panasonic Corp | Direct cooling-type refrigerator, and disinfecting device |
JP5261970B2 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2013-08-14 | パナソニック株式会社 | refrigerator |
JP2009047382A (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2009-03-05 | Toshiba Corp | Refrigerator |
KR101331949B1 (en) | 2007-08-23 | 2013-11-22 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator having lamp apparatus |
JP2009125697A (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-06-11 | Gunma Prefecture | Air filtration filter |
-
2010
- 2010-12-29 KR KR1020100137690A patent/KR101813030B1/en active IP Right Grant
-
2011
- 2011-10-05 AU AU2011350356A patent/AU2011350356B2/en active Active
- 2011-10-05 CN CN201180007836.9A patent/CN102741633B/en active Active
- 2011-10-05 WO PCT/KR2011/007350 patent/WO2012091256A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-10-05 EP EP11852667.2A patent/EP2526356B1/en active Active
- 2011-10-05 US US13/579,655 patent/US9903634B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-08-15 US US14/461,087 patent/US20140360213A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-08-15 US US14/461,066 patent/US9803909B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020163436A1 (en) * | 2001-05-03 | 2002-11-07 | Abtar Singh | Food-quality and shelf-life predicting method and system |
US20060130498A1 (en) * | 2004-12-20 | 2006-06-22 | General Electric Company | System and method for preserving food |
US20060213904A1 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Lawrence Kates | System and method for monitoring food |
US20080307818A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2008-12-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20100170278A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2010-07-08 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20080016898A1 (en) * | 2006-07-20 | 2008-01-24 | Maytag Corp. | Refrigerator with an air filter/freshener system |
US20090271243A1 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | Btsafety Llc. | System and method of providing product quality and safety |
US20090309960A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2009-12-17 | Bosoon Park | Portable multispectral imaging systems |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10330377B2 (en) | 2013-06-14 | 2019-06-25 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance comprising a camera module |
US11750909B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2023-09-05 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same |
US11343418B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2022-05-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same |
US10027866B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2018-07-17 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same |
US10721382B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2020-07-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerators having internal content cameras, and methods of operating the same |
US10180248B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2019-01-15 | ProPhotonix Limited | LED lamp with sensing capabilities |
US11181515B2 (en) | 2016-03-14 | 2021-11-23 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Scent-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
WO2017160499A3 (en) * | 2016-03-14 | 2017-12-28 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Scent-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
US10373472B2 (en) | 2016-03-14 | 2019-08-06 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Scent-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
US10281200B2 (en) | 2016-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Image-based spoilage sensing refrigerator |
CN106196824A (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2016-12-07 | 中山市联润五金机械有限公司 | Intelligent alarm refrigerator |
US9968697B1 (en) * | 2016-10-04 | 2018-05-15 | Eric Philipps | UV sanitizing cabinet for sanitizing garments and the like |
US11187451B2 (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2021-11-30 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Refrigerator comprising odor removal device |
DE102018208849A1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2019-12-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Home storage device |
US11719482B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2023-08-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air filtration system for antimicrobial refrigerators |
EP3617621A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2020-03-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air filtration system for antimicrobial refrigerators |
US11022361B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2021-06-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air filtration system for antimicrobial refrigerators |
US11340011B2 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2022-05-24 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigerator drawer with cassette filter |
US11636870B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-04-25 | Denso International America, Inc. | Smoking cessation systems and methods |
US11760170B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Olfaction sensor preservation systems and methods |
US11760169B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Particulate control systems and methods for olfaction sensors |
US11813926B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-14 | Denso International America, Inc. | Binding agent and olfaction sensor |
US11828210B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-28 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic systems and methods of vehicles using olfaction |
US11881093B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-01-23 | Denso International America, Inc. | Systems and methods for identifying smoking in vehicles |
US11932080B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-03-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic and recirculation control systems and methods |
CN113834273A (en) * | 2021-08-18 | 2021-12-24 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Refrigerator ion sterilization control method, electronic equipment, storage medium and refrigerator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012091256A1 (en) | 2012-07-05 |
KR20120075825A (en) | 2012-07-09 |
CN102741633A (en) | 2012-10-17 |
EP2526356B1 (en) | 2019-12-04 |
EP2526356A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 |
US20130015753A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 |
KR101813030B1 (en) | 2017-12-28 |
CN102741633B (en) | 2015-03-11 |
US9803909B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 |
EP2526356A4 (en) | 2017-05-03 |
US9903634B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 |
AU2011350356A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
US20140368103A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 |
AU2011350356B2 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9803909B2 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR101660745B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR101692730B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US9179703B2 (en) | Ultraviolet system for disinfection | |
AU2006317874B2 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US7263843B1 (en) | Display case with improved sanitation | |
JP5082395B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
CN102047051B (en) | Food storage container | |
KR101923458B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
CN102016463B (en) | Food storage storehouse and freezer | |
JP7261063B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
KR20120011454A (en) | Refrigerator and controlling method thereof | |
JP2017207227A (en) | refrigerator | |
US20220125965A1 (en) | Methods and devices for sterilizing organic products | |
JP2007003062A (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR101700194B1 (en) | Refrigerator and controlling method thereof | |
US20220061342A1 (en) | Ingredient freezing system and method for producing frozen ingredient | |
KR20100007261A (en) | Refrigerator and method for controlling the same | |
JP2010243070A (en) | Refrigerator | |
DE102013010399B4 (en) | Germ-free, temperature-controlled refrigerator | |
JP7038783B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
JP2017009237A (en) | refrigerator | |
CN107208959B (en) | Have adjusted the operating method and Domestic refrigerator of the Domestic refrigerator of condensation rate | |
WO2014109153A1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR20060011061A (en) | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |