REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

 Provided is a refrigerator including an evaporator (111) which is provided inside a storage compartment (106) set to a refrigerating or freezing temperature zone and has a film facilitating scattering or dropping of condensed water formed on a surface to scatter or drop from the surface, and a blowing fan (112) which blows cool air cooled by the evaporator (111). Then, by blowing a blowing direction of the blowing fan (112) in a direction having a gravity direction component, since the blowing direction of the blowing fan (112) has the same direction component as self weight of the condensed water, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of the evaporator (111) is promoted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, which has a high energy saving effect and is equipped with an evaporator and a blowing fan.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is well known that power consumption of a refrigerator holds a top among electrical equipment in an ordinary household. This is because, unlike the other electrical equipment, the refrigerator is usually energized continuously for 24 hours. Accordingly, power saving of the refrigerator is required in order to achieve power saving (energy saving) in the ordinary household.

[0003] In a general refrigerator, hot and humid air around the refrigerator flows therein at the time of opening and closing of a door, or the like. When the humid air circulates inside the refrigerator and passes through an evaporator, water vapor in the air is condensed on a surface of the evaporator. Adjacent condensed water is coalesced or the like and grows, and the condensed water freezes passing through a supercooled state. Frost grows in the shape of a needle with the frozen part as a nucleus, thereby forming a frost layer. This is a so-called frost formation phenomenon. As the frost is formed on the surface of the evaporator, ventilation resistance of the air increases, air quantity is reduced, and cooling capacity is reduced. Accordingly, prescribed cooling performance cannot be maintained. Therefore, from a viewpoint of an energy saving design of the refrigerator, it is important to secure evaporator capacity (cooling capacity) at the time of frost formation. If reduction of the cooling capacity caused by the frost formation can be suppressed, power saving can be achieved.

[0004] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating one example of a conventional refrigerator.

[0005] In FIG. 15, refrigerator box 1 is provided with refrigerating compartment 2, vegetable compartment 3, upper stage freezing compartment 4, and lower stage freezing compartment 5. A door, which can be opened and closed, is provided on a front surface of each compartment.

[0006] Evaporator 7 is disposed at evaporator compartment 6 formed on a rear surface of vegetable compartment 3 and refrigerating compartment 2, and blowing fan 8 for refrigerating compartment 2 is provided above evaporator 7. Further, cool air flow passage 9 is formed above evaporator compartment 6 to communicate therewith.

[0007] Cool air cooled by evaporator 7 is blown by blowing fan 8 to refrigerating compartment 2 through inside of cool air flow passage 9, as indicated by arrows. The cool air is circulated to cool refrigerating compartment 2 and vegetable compartment 3, and after that, is flowed into a lower portion of evaporator 7. At this time, a direction, in which the cool air passes through evaporator 7, is an upward vertical direction, which is opposite to a gravity direction.

[0008] Further, in a case where dew is condensed at a temperature lower than or equal to a dew point, condensed water is formed on a surface of evaporator 7. A film, which is capable of scattering the condensed water from the surface, is applied to the surface of evaporator 7. With this configuration, the condensed water is scattered from the surface of evaporator 7, and a frost formation amount to evaporator 7 is reduced, thereby reducing power consumption (see, for example, PTL 1).

[0009] However, in a structure of the conventional refrigerator, there is a room for improvement in attaining power saving by reducing frost formation.

[0010] Actually, the condensed water is often scattered from the surface of evaporator 7 by blowing force. In the conventional method, in a case where air quantity of blowing fan 8 is sufficiently large, since separating force by the blowing is large, it is considered that the condensed water is scattered from the surface of evaporator 7. However, in a case where the air quantity of the blowing fan is small at the time of energy saving operation or the like, the separating force by the blowing becomes small, and due to the blowing in the opposite direction of gravity, the separation becomes difficult by an influence of self weight of the condensed water. Consequently, there is a possibility that the condensed water remains on the surface of evaporator 7 without being scattered. Further, in a case where the film on the surface of evaporator 7 is deteriorated over time, there is a possibility that a similar phenomenon occurs even in the case where the air quantity of blowing fan 8 is large.

[0011] Moreover, in the conventional refrigerator, defrosting operation is periodically performed to avoid lowering of cooling capacity by such frost formation. In the defrosting operation method, for example, there is a hot gas method, which switches flow of a refrigerant of a freezing cycle and heats the evaporator from inside, or a heater method, which heats the evaporator from outside by a heater provided in the vicinity of the evaporator. Since the evaporator does not play an original role as an evaporator during the defrosting operation, it is necessary to shorten a defrosting time as much as possible.

[0012] However, when the defrosting time is shortened easily and the cooling operation is resumed while defrosted water remains on a surface of a fin, the defrosted water itself becomes ventilation resistance, or frost is formed early caused by the remaining defrosted water. As a result, an interval of the defrosting operation is shortened, thereby actually increasing power consumption. To that end, an evaporator having high draining ability leads to shortening of the defrosting time, and can attain power saving of the refrigerator.

[0013] A conventional technology relating to this draining ability of the evaporator is as follows. A surface of the evaporator is cleaned, and then subjected to anodic oxidation treatment. A film having a plurality of narrow holes is formed on the surface, and heat treatment for stabilizing the film without sealing the narrow holes is performed, thereby enhancing hydrophilicity of the surface and improving draining performance (see, for example, PTL 2).

[0014] However, in the conventional structure, there is a room for improvement in obtaining stable draining performance.

[0015] Further, in the conventional method, hydrophilization of a surface property by the anodic oxidation treatment or the like is very expensive. Further, in a case where the hydrophilic performance of the surface is deteriorated, there is a possibility that the defrosted water continues to remain in the narrow holes and the draining performance is extremely lowered.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0016] 

PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-248951

PTL 2: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-175131

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A refrigerator of the present invention includes an evaporator, which is provided inside a storage compartment and has a film facilitating scattering or dropping of condensed water formed on a surface to scatter or drop from the surface, and a blowing fan, which blows cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment. A blowing direction of the blowing fan is set to a gravity direction or a direction having a gravity direction component.

[0018] With this configuration, since the blowing direction has the same direction component as self weight of the condensed water, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of the evaporator can be promoted, and the condensed water can be stably scattered from the surface of the evaporator. Consequently, the present invention is capable of reducing a frost formation amount to the evaporator, suppressing reduction of cooling efficiency, and saving power.

[0019] Further, a refrigerator of the present invention includes an evaporator, which is provided inside a storage compartment and has a film facilitating dropping of defrosted water formed on a surface to scatter or drop from the surface, and a blowing fan, which blows cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment. On a surface of a fin of the evaporator, a plurality of rows of grooves are linearly provided in a direction having a gravity direction component.

[0020] With this configuration, the evaporator has the film facilitating dropping of the defrosted water from the surface. In addition to this, since the defrosted water flows along the grooves, the draining ability of the defrosted water from the surface of the evaporator can be improved, and the defrosted water can be stably drained from the surface of the evaporator. Therefore, the present invention is capable of shortening a defrosting time and saving power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] 

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a general frost formation process.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an evaporator of the refrigerator in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the evaporator of the refrigerator in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged side view of the main part of the evaporator of the refrigerator in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an evaporator of the refrigerator in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the evaporator of the refrigerator in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11C is an enlarged side view of the main part of the evaporator of the refrigerator in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an evaporator of the refrigerator in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the evaporator of the refrigerator in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14C is an enlarged side view of the main part of the evaporator of the refrigerator in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional refrigerator.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments.

FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0023] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a general frost formation process. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] First, a general frost formation process will be described in FIG. 1.

[0025] As illustrated in (A) in FIG. 1, air is cooled on a cooling surface (evaporator surface), and when the air is cooled to a temperature lower than or equal to a dew point (saturation temperature), the air is precipitated and adhered to the cooling surface as a condensed water droplet. When the condensed water droplet is formed on the cooling surface, the droplet becomes a nucleus and grows to be large. At this time, the condensed water droplet is formed at any place on the cooling surface.

[0026] As illustrated in (B) in FIG. 1, when the condensed water droplet grows and has a size such that the adjacent condensed water droplets contact, the condensed water droplets are coalesced and become a large condensed water droplet.

[0027] As illustrated in (C) in FIG. 1, when the condensed water droplet is further cooled on the cooling surface, the droplet is solidified and frozen. Frost is formed in a shape of a needle from the frozen part, thereby forming a frost layer.

[0028] Once the condensed water droplet is frozen, it is difficult to suppress the growth of frost. Consequently, in order to reduce a frost formation amount onto the cooling surface, it is important to scatter or drop the condensed water droplet from the cooling surface in a state of the condensed water droplet and before it freezes.

[0029] In FIG. 2, heat insulating box 101 of refrigerator 100 includes outer box 102 mainly using a steel plate, and inner box 103 molded with a resin, such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). A foamed heat insulating material, e.g., hard foamed urethane, is filled in heat insulating box 101. Heat insulating box 101 is heat-insulated from surroundings, and is partitioned into a plurality of storage compartments 104, 105, 106 by heat insulating partition walls 120, 121.

[0030] Front surface openings of storage compartments 104, 105, 106 are respectively closed by heat insulating doors 117, 118, 119, which are rotatably pivoted on a refrigerator body.

[0031] For example, in a case where storage compartments 104, 105, 106 are respectively assumed to be a refrigerating compartment, a vegetable compartment, and a freezing compartment, a set temperature of the refrigerating compartment is a lower limit of a temperature, which is not frozen for refrigerating preservation, and normally ranges from 1°C to 5°C. A set temperature of the vegetable compartment ranges from 2°C to 7°C, which is a temperature equal to or slightly higher than that of the refrigerating compartment. A set temperature of the freezing compartment is set to a freezing temperature zone, and is normally set from -22°C to -15°C for freezing preservation. However, the temperature may be set, for example, to a low temperature of -30°C to -25°C to improve a freezing preservation state.

[0032] Machine compartment 107 is formed at a lowermost part of heat insulating box 101 and below a rear surface region of storage compartment 106. High pressure side components of a freezing cycle, such as compressor 108 and a dryer (not illustrated) removing moisture, are stored in machine compartment 107.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 3, cooling compartment 109, which generates cool air, is provided on the rear surface of storage compartment 106. Cooling compartment partition wall 110 is constituted between storage compartment 106 and cooling compartment 109. Cooling compartment partition wall 110 has a heat insulation property, and is configured to insulate and partition an air conveying passage of cool air to the respective compartments and storage compartment 106. Inside cooling compartment 109, evaporator 111 is vertically provided, and has a film (e.g., a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or more), which facilitates scattering or dropping of condensed water formed on a surface. Blowing fan 112 is arranged in a space below evaporator 111 of cooling compartment 109, and blows cool air cooled by evaporator 111 to storage compartments 104, 105, 106 by a forcible convection method. Further, drain pan 114 and penetration passage 115 for draining water to an outside of the refrigerator are structured in the space below evaporator 111 of cooling compartment 109, and evaporating dish 116 is structured on the outside of the refrigerator on a downstream side of penetration passage 115.

[0034] Cool air discharge port 124 for supplying the cool air generated in evaporator 111 to storage compartment 106 by blowing fan 112, and cool air suction port 125 for returning the cool air circulated inside storage compartment 106 to evaporator 111 are provided on cooling compartment partition wall 110.

[0035] Further, a storage case, which is held and drawn out by a drawer mechanism and stores food products, is arranged inside storage compartment 106. In the present exemplary embodiment, three storage cases are arranged inside storage compartment 106. Specifically, upper stage storage case 126, middle stage storage case 127, and lower stage storage case 128 are arranged.

[0036] Regarding the refrigerator structured as described above, an operation and action thereof will be described below.

[0037] Flow of the cool air inside storage compartment 106 will be described. The cool air generated by evaporator 111 is forcibly blown out from cool air discharge port 124 into storage compartment 106 by blowing fan 112, which rotates along with rotation of a motor. At this time, the air inside the refrigerator is blown and cooled by blowing fan 112 so as to pass through a surface of evaporator 111 in a gravity direction. The blown cool air cools food products stored in storage cases 126, 127, 128. As indicated by arrows, the cool air, which has cooled the food products, is sucked from cool air suction port 125 through a gap between upper stage storage case 126 and an inner wall of heat insulating door 119, and is returned to evaporator 111, thereby configuring an air circulation passage.

[0038] When heat insulating door 119 of refrigerator 100 is opened and food or the like is stored, hot and humid air around refrigerator 100 flows into storage compartment 106. Then, after heat insulating door 119 is closed, this inflow air circulates inside storage compartment 106. When the air passes through the surface of evaporator 111, water vapor in the inflow air is condensed and adhered onto the surface of evaporator 111. After that, when adjacent condensed water is coalesced to become a condensed water droplet having a certain degree of volume, the condensed water droplet is in a super water repellent state having a contact angle of 160 degrees or more. Then, since a contact area of the condensed water droplet with the surface of evaporator 111 is remarkably reduced, adhesive force is lowered. The condensed water droplet is separated from the surface of evaporator 111 before frozen by the influence of blowing force by blowing fan 112 and self weight of the condensed water droplet, and the condensed water is scattered or dropped. In the present configuration, since a blowing direction of blowing fan 112 and a direction of the self weight of the condensed water droplet are the same, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of evaporator 111 can be more promoted.

[0039] In this way, since the condensed water droplet is scattered or dropped from the surface of evaporator 111 before frozen by the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator, which is capable of reducing a frost formation amount onto the surface of evaporator 111, suppresses lowering of cooling efficiency, and saves power, can be provided.

[0040] Further, even if the blowing direction of blowing fan 112 does not completely coincide with the gravity direction, scattering promoting effect of the condensed water can be obtained as long as the blowing direction has a gravity direction component.

[0041] Moreover, in a case where air quantity of blowing fan 112 is reduced by energy saving operation control or the like, or even if the film on the surface of evaporator 111 is somewhat deteriorated over time or the like, stable scattering effect of the condensed water can be obtained by blowing of the gravity direction component.

[0042] Further, since the scattered or dropped condensed water droplet reaches evaporating dish 116 provided directly below evaporator 111 and is drained to the outside of refrigerator 100, flowing of the droplet inside storage compartment 106, adhesion and freezing thereof to a part visible from a customer, and causing of poor appearance can be also prevented.

[0043] As described above, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment includes evaporator 111, which is provided inside storage compartment 106 set to the refrigerating or freezing temperature zone and has the film facilitating scattering or dropping of the condensed water formed on the surface from the surface, and blowing fan 112, which blows the cool air generated in evaporator 111. Additionally, the blowing direction of blowing fan 112 is set to the direction having a gravity direction component. Since the blowing direction of blowing fan 112 has the same direction component as the self weight of the condensed water, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of evaporator 111 is promoted. Further, even in the case where the air quantity is low or the film is deteriorated, the condensed water can be stably scattered from the surface of evaporator 111, the frost formation amount to evaporator 111 is reduced, lowering of the cooling efficiency is suppressed, and the power can be saved.

[0044] Moreover, since the frost formation amount to evaporator 111 can be reduced, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment can shorten defrosting operation time of evaporator 111 by a defrosting heater (not illustrated) and save power.

[0045] It should be noted that, in the present exemplary embodiment, blowing fan 112 is arranged below evaporator 111. However, blowing fan 112 may be arranged above evaporator 111. In this case, the blowing fan is hardly affected by the scattered condensed water, and a degree of freedom of arrangement structure of the blowing fan can be enhanced.

[0046] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, description has been given of the case where the storage compartment is set to the freezing temperature zone. However, the storage compartment may be set to a refrigerating temperature zone.

SECOND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0047] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that parts, which are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment, are denoted using the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 5, cooling compartment 129, which generates cool air, is provided on an upper surface of storage compartment 106. Cooling compartment partition wall 130 is constituted between storage compartment 106 and cooling compartment 129. Cooling compartment partition wall 130 has a heat insulation property, and is configured to insulate and partition an air conveying passage of cool air to the respective compartments and storage compartment 106. Inside cooling compartment 129, evaporator 131 is provided so as to slightly incline from a horizontal state (e.g., an inclination of five degrees toward a storage compartment 106 deep side). Evaporator 131 has a film (e.g., a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or more), which facilitates scattering or dropping of condensed water formed on a surface. Blowing fan 132 is arranged in a space on a rear surface of evaporator 131, and blows cool air cooled by evaporator 131 to storage compartments 104, 105, 106 illustrated in FIG. 4 by a forcible convection method.

[0049] Cool air discharge port 124 for supplying the cool air generated in evaporator 131 to storage compartment 106 by blowing fan 132, and cool air suction port 125 for returning the cool air circulated inside storage compartment 106 to evaporator 111 are provided on cooling compartment partition wall 130.

[0050] Further, a storage case, which is held and drawn out by a drawer mechanism and stores food products, is arranged inside storage compartment 106. In the present exemplary embodiment, three storage cases are arranged inside storage compartment 106. Specifically, upper stage storage case 126, middle stage storage case 127, and lower stage storage case 128 are arranged.

[0051] Regarding the refrigerator structured as described above, an operation and action thereof will be described below.

[0052] First, flow of the cool air inside storage compartment 106 will be described. The cool air generated by evaporator 131 is forcibly blown out from cool air discharge port 124 into storage compartment 106 by blowing fan 132, which rotates along with rotation of a motor. At this time, the air inside the refrigerator is blown and cooled by blowing fan 132 so as to pass through a surface of evaporator 131 in a direction having a gravity direction component. The blown cool air cools food products stored in storage cases 126, 127, 128. As indicated by arrows, the cool air, which has cooled, the food products is sucked from cool air suction port 125 through a gap between storage case 126 and an inner wall of heat insulating door 119, and is returned to evaporator 131, thereby configuring an air circulation passage.

[0053] When heat insulating door 119 of refrigerator 100 is opened and food or the like is stored, hot and humid air around refrigerator 100 flows into storage compartment 106. Then, after heat insulating door 119 is closed, this inflow air circulates inside storage compartment 106. When the air passes through the surface of evaporator 131, water vapor in the inflow air is condensed and adhered onto the surface of evaporator 131. After that, when adjacent condensed water is coalesced or the like to become a condensed water droplet having a certain degree of volume, the condensed water droplet is in a super water repellent state having a contact angle of 160 degrees or more. Then, since a contact area of the condensed water droplet with the surface of evaporator 131 is remarkably reduced, adhesive force is lowered. The condensed water droplet is separated from the surface of evaporator 131 before frozen by the influence of blowing force by blowing fan 132 and self weight of the condensed water droplet, and the condensed water is scattered or dropped. In the present configuration, since a blowing direction of blowing fan 132 is the direction having a gravity direction, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of evaporator 131 can be more promoted.

[0054] In this way, since the condensed water droplet is scattered or dropped from the surface of evaporator 131 before frozen by the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator which is capable of reducing a frost formation amount onto the surface of evaporator 131, suppresses lowering of cooling efficiency, and saves power can be provided.

[0055] Moreover, in a case where air quantity of blowing fan 132 is reduced by energy saving operation control or the like, or even if the film on the surface of evaporator 131 is somewhat deteriorated over time or the like, stable scattering effect of the condensed water can be obtained by blowing of the gravity direction component.

[0056] Further, since the scattered or dropped condensed water droplet reaches evaporating dish 116 provided below a rear surface of storage compartment 106 and is drained to the outside of refrigerator 100, flowing of the droplet inside storage compartment 106, adhesion and freezing thereof to a part visible from a customer, and causing of poor appearance can be prevented.

[0057] As described above, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment includes evaporator 131, which is provided inside storage compartment 106 set to the refrigerating or freezing temperature zone and has the film facilitating scattering or dropping of the condensed water formed on the surface from the surface, and blowing fan 132, which blows the cool air generated in evaporator 131. Additionally, the blowing direction of blowing fan 132 is set to the direction having a gravity direction component. Since the blowing direction of blowing fan 112 has the same direction component as the self weight of the condensed water, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of evaporator 131 is promoted. Further, even in the case where the air quantity is low or the film is deteriorated, the condensed water can be stably scattered from the surface of evaporator 131, the frost formation amount to evaporator 131 is reduced, lowering of the cooling efficiency is suppressed, and the power can be saved.

[0058] Moreover, since the frost formation amount to evaporator 131 can be reduced, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment can shorten defrosting operation time of evaporator 131 by a defrosting heater (not illustrated) and save power.

[0059] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, description has been given of the case where the storage compartment is set to the freezing temperature zone. However, the storage compartment may be set to a refrigerating temperature zone.

THIRD EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0060] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part of the refrigerator in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an evaporator of the refrigerator in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the evaporator, and FIG. 8C is an enlarged side view of the main part of the evaporator.

[0061] In FIG. 6, heat insulating box 201 of refrigerator 200 includes outer box 202 mainly using a steel plate, and inner box 203 molded with a resin, such as ABS. A foamed heat insulating material, e.g., hard foamed urethane, is filled in heat insulating box 201. Heat insulating box 201 is heat-insulated from surroundings, and is partitioned into a plurality of storage compartments 204, 205, 206 by heat insulating partition walls 220, 221.

[0062] Front surface openings of the respective storage compartments are closed by heat insulating doors 217, 218, 219, which are rotatably pivoted on a refrigerator body.

[0063] For example, in a case where storage compartments 204, 205, 206 are respectively assumed to be a refrigerating compartment, a vegetable compartment, and a freezing compartment, a set temperature of the refrigerating compartment is a lower limit of a temperature, which is not frozen for refrigerating preservation, and normally ranges from 1°C to 5°C. A set temperature of the vegetable compartment ranges from 2°C to 7°C, which is a temperature equal to or slightly higher than that of the refrigerating compartment. A set temperature of the freezing compartment is set to a freezing temperature zone, and is normally set from -22°C to -15°C for freezing preservation. However, the set temperature may be set, for example, to a low temperature of -30°C to -25°C to improve a freezing preservation state.

[0064] Machine compartment 207 is formed at a lowermost part of heat insulating box 201 and below a rear surface region of storage compartment 206. High pressure side components of a freezing cycle, such as compressor 208 and a dryer (not illustrated) removing moisture, are stored in machine compartment 207.

[0065] In FIG. 7, cooling compartment 209, which generates cool air, is provided on the rear surface of storage compartment 206. Cooling compartment partition wall 210 is constituted between storage compartment 206 and cooling compartment 209. Cooling compartment partition wall 210 has a heat insulation property, and is configured to insulate and partition an air conveying passage of cool air to the respective compartments and storage compartment 206. Inside cooling compartment 209, evaporator 211 is vertically provided, and has a film (e.g., a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or more), which facilitates dropping of defrosted water formed on a surface. Blowing fan 212 is arranged in a space above evaporator 211 of cooling compartment 209, and blows cool air cooled by evaporator 211 to storage compartments 204, 205, 206 by a forcible convection method. Further, defrosting heater 213 for defrosting frost adhered to the surface of evaporator 211 is provided in a space below evaporator 211 of cooling compartment 209. Furthermore, drain pan 214 and penetration passage 215 for receiving and draining defrosted water to an outside of the refrigerator are structured below defrosting heater 213, and evaporating dish 216 is structured on the outside of the refrigerator on a downstream side of penetration passage 115.

[0066] Cool air discharge port 224 for supplying the cool air formed in evaporator 211 to storage compartment 206 by blowing fan 212, and cool air suction port 225 for returning the cool air circulated inside storage compartment 206 to evaporator 211 are provided on cooling compartment partition wall 210.

[0067] Further, a storage case, which is held and drawn out by a drawer mechanism and stores food products, is arranged inside storage compartment 206. In the present exemplary embodiment, three storage cases are arranged inside storage compartment 206. Specifically, upper stage storage case 226, middle stage storage case 227, and lower stage storage case 228 are arranged.

[0068] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of fin tube type evaporator 211 which is generally used widely in the refrigerator. Evaporator 211 is constituted by a plurality of fins 251 and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 252. The plurality of fins 251 are laminated at a predetermined interval, and heat transfer tube 252 is provided so as to penetrate through a penetration hole provided at each fin 251. FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of evaporator 211 illustrated in FIG. 8A. On a surface of fin 251, a plurality of grooves 253 are provided linearly in a gravity direction over an entire surface from an upper end to a lower end. FIG. 8C is an enlarged side view of fin 251 illustrated in FIG. 8B. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, a cross-sectional configuration of fin 251 is substantially triangular, a groove pitch A thereof is set to 0.6 mm, and a groove depth B thereof is set to 0.2 mm.

[0069] Regarding the refrigerator structured as described above, an operation and action thereof will be described below.

[0070] First, flow of the cool air inside storage compartment 206 will be described. The cool air cooled by evaporator 211 is forcibly blown out from cool air discharge port 224 into storage compartment 206 by blowing fan 212, which rotates along with rotation of a motor. At this time, the cool air is blown and cooled by blowing fan 212 so as to pass through the surface of evaporator 211 in a direction opposite the gravity. The blown cool air cools food products stored in storage cases 226, 227, 228. As indicated by arrows, the cool air, which has cooled, the food products is sucked from cool air suction port 225 through a gap between storage case 228 and an inner wall of heat insulating door 219, and is returned to evaporator 211, thereby configuring an air circulation passage.

[0071] When heat insulating door 219 of refrigerator 200 is opened and food or the like is stored, hot and humid air around refrigerator 200 flows into storage compartment 206. Then, after heat insulating door 219 is closed, this inflow air circulates inside storage compartment 206. When the air passes through the surface of fin 251 of evaporator 211, water vapor in the inflow air is condensed and adhered onto the surface of fin 251. After that, when adjacent condensed water is coalesced or the like and grows, the condensed water is frozen passing through a supercooled state. Frost grows in the shape of a needle with the frozen part as a nucleus, thereby forming a frost layer. This is a so-called frost formation phenomenon. As the frost is formed on the surface of evaporator 211, ventilation resistance of the air increases, air quantity is reduced, and cooling capacity is reduced. Accordingly, prescribed cooling performance cannot be maintained.

[0072] Therefore, in order to remove the frost layer generated on the surface of fin 251, defrosting heater 213 provided below evaporator 211 is energized at the same time that compressor 208 and blowing fan 212 are caused to stop. The frost layer is melted by hot natural convection or radiant heat generated from a surface of defrosting heater 213. The melted defrosted water is in a super water repellent state having a contact angle of 160 degrees or more, and a contact area of the defrosted water with the surface of fin 251 is remarkably reduced. Consequently, the defrosted water is easily fallen on the surface of fin 251, is easily dropped from the surface of fin 251 by self weight flowing along (guided by) grooves 253 linearly provided in a plurality of rows in the gravity direction, and can be drained.

[0073] In this way, according to the structure of the present exemplary embodiment, since draining performance of the defrosted water on the surface of fin 251 is enhanced, the defrosted water itself can be prevented from becoming ventilation resistance at the time of resuming the cooling operation, or early generation of frost caused by the remaining defrosted water can be prevented. This leads to shortening of a defrosting time, and power saving of the refrigerator can be attained.

[0074] Further, even if the direction, at which groove 253 of fin 251 is provided, does not completely coincide with the gravity direction, the draining performance of the defrosted water can be enhanced as long as the direction has a gravity direction component.

[0075] Moreover, even in a case where the film on the surface of evaporator 211 is somewhat deteriorated over time or the like, stable draining effect of the defrosted water can be obtained by providing groove 253 having a gravity direction component.

[0076] Further, groove 253 on the surface of fin 251 can be formed very inexpensively and simply by press working.

[0077] Furthermore, by providing groove 253, an air contacting area (heat transfer area) of the fin in the same outside dimension can be increased, and a cooling ability (a heat exchange amount) at the time of cooling operation can be improved.

[0078] As described above, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment includes evaporator 211, which is provided inside storage compartment 206 and has the film facilitating dropping of the defrosted water formed on the surface from the surface, and blowing fan 212, which blows the cool air cooled by evaporator 211 into storage compartment 206. Additionally, on the surface of fin 251 of evaporator 211, a plurality of rows of grooves 253 are linearly provided in the direction having a gravity direction component. The draining performance of the defrosted water formed on the surface of fin 251 of evaporator 211 is improved. Further, even in the case where the film is deteriorated over time or the like, since the defrosted water flows along grooves 253, the stable draining can be performed. The defrosted water itself can be prevented from becoming the ventilation resistance at the time of resuming the cooling operation, or the early generation of frost caused by the remaining defrosted water can be prevented. In the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment, this leads to shortening of the defrosting time, and power saving can be attained.

[0079] It should be noted that the dimension and cross-sectional configuration of groove 253 illustrated in the present exemplary embodiment is one example, and the present invention is not limited to this dimension and cross-sectional configuration.

[0080] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the case where the storage compartment is set to the freezing temperature zone has been described. However, the storage compartment may be set to a refrigerating temperature zone.

FOURTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0081] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a basic structure of a storage compartment, which is a main part of the refrigerator in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an evaporator of the refrigerator in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the evaporator, and FIG. 11C is an enlarged side view of the main part of the evaporator. It should be noted that parts which are the same as those in the third exemplary embodiment are denoted using the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0082] In FIG. 10, cooling compartment 229, which generates cool air, is provided on a rear surface of storage compartment 206. Cooling compartment partition wall 230 is constituted between storage compartment 206 and cooling compartment 229. Cooling compartment partition wall 230 has a heat insulation property, and is configured to insulate and partition an air conveying passage of cool air to the respective compartments and storage compartment 206. Inside cooling compartment 229, evaporator 231 is vertically provided, and has a film (e.g., a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or more), which facilitates dropping of defrosted water formed on a surface. Blowing fan 232 for blowing cool air cooled by evaporator 231 to storage compartments 204, 205, 206 by a forcible convection method is arranged in a space below evaporator 231 of cooling compartment 229. Further, defrosting heater 213 for defrosting frost adhered onto the surface of evaporator 231 is provided in a space below evaporator 231 of cooling compartment 229. Furthermore, drain pan 214 and penetration passage 215 for receiving defrosted water and draining it to an outside of the refrigerator are structured below defrosting heater 213, and evaporating dish 216 is structured on the outside of the refrigerator on a downstream side of penetration passage 215.

[0083] Cool air discharge port 224 for supplying the cool air generated in evaporator 231 to storage compartment 206 by blowing fan 232, and cool air suction port 225 for returning the cool air circulated inside storage compartment 206 to evaporator 231 are provided on cooling compartment partition wall 230.

[0084] Further, a storage case, which is held and drawn out by a drawer mechanism and stores food products, is arranged inside storage compartment 206. In the present exemplary embodiment, three storage cases are arranged inside storage compartment 206. Specifically, upper stage storage case 226, middle stage storage case 227, and lower stage storage case 228 are arranged.

[0085] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of fin tube type evaporator 231 which is generally used widely in the refrigerator. Evaporator 231 is constituted by a plurality of fins 261 and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 262. The plurality of fins 261 are laminated at a predetermined interval, and heat transfer tube 262 is provided so as to penetrate through a penetration hole provided at each fin 261. FIG. 11B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of evaporator 231 illustrated in FIG. 11A. On a surface of fin 261, a plurality of grooves 263 are provided linearly in a gravity direction over an entire surface from an upper end to a lower end. FIG. 11C is an enlarged side view of fin 261 illustrated in FIG. 11B. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, a cross-sectional configuration of fin 261 is substantially triangular, a groove pitch A thereof is set to 0.6 mm, and a groove depth B thereof is set to 0.2 mm.

[0086] Regarding the refrigerator structured as described above, an operation and action thereof will be described below.

[0087] Flow of the cool air inside storage compartment 206 will be described. The cool air cooled by evaporator 231 is forcibly blown out from cool air discharge port 224 into storage compartment 206 by blowing fan 232, which rotates along with rotation of a motor. At this time, the cool air is blown and cooled by blowing fan 232 so as to pass through the surface of evaporator 231 in the gravity direction. The blown cool air cools food products stored in storage cases 226, 227, 228. As indicated by arrows, the cool air, which has cooled, the food products is sucked from cool air suction port 225 through a gap between storage case 226 and an inner wall of heat insulating door, and is returned to evaporator 231, thereby configuring an air circulation passage.

[0088] When heat insulating door 219 of refrigerator 200 is opened and food or the like is stored, hot and humid air around refrigerator 200 flows into storage compartment 206. Then, after heat insulating door 219 is closed, this inflow air circulates in storage compartment 206. When the air passes through the surface of fin 261 of evaporator 231, water vapor in the inflow air is condensed and adhered onto the surface of fin 261. After that, when adjacent condensed water is coalesced or the like and grows, the condensed water is frozen passing through a supercooled state. Frost grows in the shape of a needle with the frozen part as a nucleus, thereby forming a frost layer. This is a so-called frost formation phenomenon. As the frost is formed on the surface of evaporator 231, ventilation resistance of the air increases, air quantity is reduced, and cooling capacity is reduced. Accordingly, prescribed cooling performance cannot be maintained.

[0089] Therefore, in order to remove the frost layer formed on the surface of fin 261, defrosting heater 213 provided below evaporator 231 is energized at the same time that compressor 208 and blowing fan 232 are caused to stop. The frost layer is melted by hot natural convection or radiant heat generated from a surface of defrosting heater 213. The melted defrosted water is in a super repellent state having a contact angle of 160 degrees or more, and a contact area of the defrosted water with the surface of fin 261 is remarkably reduced. Consequently, the defrosted water is easily fallen on the surface of fin 261, is easily dropped from the surface of fin 261 by self weight flowing along (guided by) grooves 263 linearly provided in a plurality of rows in the gravity direction, and can be drained.

[0090] In this way, according to the structure of the present exemplary embodiment, since draining performance of the defrosted water on the surface of fin 261 is enhanced, the defrosted water itself can be prevented from becoming ventilation resistance at the time of resuming the cooling operation, or early generation of frost caused by remaining defrosted water can be prevented. This leads to shortening of a defrosting time, and power saving of the refrigerator can be attained.

[0091] Further, even if the direction, at which groove 263 of fin 261 is provided, does not completely coincide with the gravity direction, the draining performance of the defrosted water can be enhanced as long as the direction has a gravity direction component.

[0092] Moreover, even in a case where the film on the surface of evaporator 231 is somewhat deteriorated over time or the like, the stable draining effect of the defrosted water can be obtained by providing groove 263 having a gravity direction component.

[0093] Additionally, even in a case where the defrosted water is accumulated on the surface of the fin 261 by some factor, by blowing air in the direction (direction having a gravity direction component) which is the same as a self-weight direction of the defrosted water at the time of resuming the cooling operation, the accumulated defrosted water can be drained by the blowing force.

[0094] Further, groove 263 on the surface of fin 261 can be formed very inexpensively and simply by press working.

[0095] Furthermore, by providing groove 263, an air contacting area (heat transfer area) of the fin in the same outside dimension can be increased, and a cooling ability (heat exchange amount) at the time of cooling operation can be improved.

[0096] As described above, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment includes evaporator 231, which is provided inside storage compartment 206 and has the film facilitating dropping of the defrosted water formed on the surface from the surface, and blowing fan 232, which blows the cool air cooled by evaporator 231 into storage compartment 206. Additionally, on the surface of fin 261 of evaporator 231, a plurality of rows of grooves 263 are linearly provided in the direction having a gravity direction component. The draining performance of the defrosted water formed on the surface of fin 261 of evaporator 231 is improved. Further, even in the case where the film is deteriorated over time or the like, since the defrosted water flows along grooves 263, the stable draining can be performed. Moreover, since the blowing fan 232 blows air in the direction having a gravity direction component, even in the case where the defrosted water is accumulated on the surface of the fin 261 by some factor, the accumulated defrosted water can be drained by the blowing force, by blowing the air in the direction (the direction having a gravity direction component) which is the same as the self-weight direction of the defrosted water at the time of resuming the cooling operation. Therefore, in the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment, the defrosted water itself can be prevented from becoming the ventilation resistance at the time of cooling operation, or the early generation of frost caused by the remaining defrosted water can be prevented. This leads to shortening of the defrosting time, and power saving can be attained.

[0097] It should be noted that the dimension and cross-sectional configuration of groove 263 illustrated in the present exemplary embodiment is one example, and the present invention is not limited to this dimension and cross-sectional configuration.

FIFTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0098] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a basic structure of a storage compartment, which is a main part of the refrigerator in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an evaporator of the refrigerator in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14B is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the evaporator, and FIG. 14C is an enlarged side view of the main part of the evaporator. It should be noted that parts which are the same as those in the third exemplary embodiment are denoted using the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0099] In FIG. 13, cooling compartment 239, which generates cool air, is provided on an upper surface of storage compartment 206. Cooling compartment partition wall 240 is constituted between storage compartment 206 and cooling compartment 239. Cooling compartment partition wall 240 has a heat insulation property, and is configured to insulate and partition an air conveying passage of cool air to the respective compartments and storage compartment 206. Inside cooling compartment 239, evaporator 241 is provided so as to slightly incline from a horizontal state (e.g., an inclination of five degrees toward a storage compartment 206 deep side). Evaporator 241 has a film (e.g., a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or more), which facilitates dropping of defrosted water formed on a surface. Blowing fan 242 is arranged in a space on a rear surface of evaporator 241 of cooling compartment 239, and blows cool air cooled by evaporator 241 to storage compartments 204, 205, 206 by a forcible convection method. Further, defrosting heater 213 for defrosting frost adhered onto the surface of evaporator 241 is provided below evaporator 241 of cooling compartment 239.

[0100] Cool air discharge port 224 for supplying the cool air generated in evaporator 241 to storage compartment 206 by blowing fan 242, and cool air suction port 225 for returning the cool air circulated inside storage compartment 206 to evaporator 241 are provided on cooling compartment partition wall 240.

[0101] Further, a storage case, which is held and drawn out by a drawer mechanism and stores food products, is arranged inside storage compartment 206. In the present exemplary embodiment, three storage cases are arranged inside storage compartment 206. Specifically, upper stage storage case 226, middle stage storage case 227, and lower stage storage case 228 are arranged.

[0102] FIG. 14A is fin tube type evaporator 241 which is generally used widely in the refrigerator. Evaporator 241 is constituted by a plurality of fins 271 and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 272. The plurality of fins 271 are laminated at a predetermined interval, and heat transfer tube 272 is provided so as to penetrate through a penetration hole provided at each fin 271. On a surface of fin 271, a plurality of grooves 273 are provided linearly in a gravity direction over an entire surface from an upper end to a lower end. FIG. 14C is an enlarged side view of fin 271 illustrated in FIG. 14B. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, a cross-sectional configuration of fin 271 is substantially triangular, a groove pitch A thereof is set to 0.6 mm, and a groove depth B thereof is set to 0.2 mm.

[0103] Regarding the refrigerator structured as described above, an operation and action thereof will be described below.

[0104] First, flow of the cool air inside storage compartment 206 will be described. The cool air cooled by evaporator 241 is forcibly blown out from cool air discharge port 224 into storage compartment 206 by blowing fan 242, which rotates along with rotation of a motor. At this time, the cool air is blown and cooled by blowing fan 242 so as to pass through the surface of evaporator 241 in a direction having a gravity direction component. The blown cool air cools food products stored in storage cases 226, 227, 228. As indicated by arrows, the cool air, which has cooled, the food products is sucked from cool air suction port 225 through a gap between storage case 226 and an inner wall of heat insulating door 219, and is returned to evaporator 241, thereby configuring an air circulation passage.

[0105] When heat insulating door 219 of refrigerator 200 is opened and food or the like is stored, hot and humid air around refrigerator 200 flows into storage compartment 206. Then, after heat insulating door 219 is closed, this inflow air circulates in storage compartment 206. When the air passes through the surface of fin 271 of evaporator 241, water vapor in the inflow air is condensed and adhered onto the surface of fin 271. After that, when adjacent condensed water is coalesced or the like and grows, the condensed water is frozen passing through a supercooled state. Frost grows in the shape of a needle with the frozen part as a nucleus, thereby forming a frost layer. This is a so-called frost formation phenomenon. As the frost is formed on the surface of evaporator 241, ventilation resistance of the air increases, air quantity is reduced, and cooling capacity is reduced. Accordingly, prescribed cooling performance cannot be maintained.

[0106] Therefore, in order to remove the frost layer formed on the surface of fin 271, defrosting heater 213 provided below evaporator 241 is energized at the same time that compressor 208 and blowing fan 242 are caused to stop. The frost layer is melted by hot natural convection or radiant heat generated from a surface of defrosting heater 213. The melted defrosted water is in a super water repellent state having a contact angle of 160 degrees or more, and a contact area of the defrosted water with the surface of fin 271 is remarkably reduced. Consequently, the defrosted water is easily fallen on the surface of fin 271, is easily dropped from the surface of fin 271 by self weight flowing along (guided by) grooves 273 linearly provided in a plurality of rows in the gravity direction, and can be drained.

[0107] In this way, according to the structure of the present exemplary embodiment, since draining performance of the defrosted water on the surface of fin 271 is enhanced, the defrosted water itself can be prevented from becoming ventilation resistance at the time of resuming the cooling operation, or early generation of frost caused by remaining defrosted water can be prevented. This leads to shortening of a defrosting time, and power saving of the refrigerator can be attained.

[0108] Further, even if the direction, at which groove 273 of fin 271 is provided, does not completely coincide with the gravity direction, the draining performance of the defrosted water can be enhanced as long as the direction has a gravity direction component.

[0109] Moreover, even in a case where the film on the surface of evaporator 241 is somewhat deteriorated over time or the like, the stable draining effect of the defrosted water can be obtained by providing groove 273 having a gravity direction component.

[0110] Additionally, even in a case where the defrosted water is accumulated on the surface of the fin 271 by some factor, by blowing air in the direction (direction having a gravity direction component) which is the same as a self-weight direction of the defrosted water at the time of resuming the cooling operation, the accumulated defrosted water can be drained by the blowing force.

[0111] Further, groove 273 on the surface of fin 271 can be formed very inexpensively and simply by press working.

[0112] Furthermore, by providing groove 273 in fin 271, an air contacting area (heat transfer area) of the fin in the same outside dimension can be increased, and a cooling ability (heat exchange amount) at the time of cooling operation can be improved.

[0113] As described above, the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment includes evaporator 241, which is provided inside storage compartment 206 and has the film facilitating dropping of the defrosted water formed on the surface from the surface, and blowing fan 242, which blows the cool air cooled by evaporator 241 into storage compartment 206. Additionally, on the surface of fin 271 of evaporator 241, a plurality of rows of grooves 273 are linearly provided in the direction having a gravity direction component. The draining performance of the defrosted water formed on the surface of fin 271 of evaporator 241 is improved. Further, even in the case where the film is deteriorated over time or the like, since the defrosted water flows along grooves 273, the stable draining can be performed. Moreover, since the blowing fan 242 blows air in the direction having a gravity direction component, even in the case where the defrosted water is accumulated on the surface of fin 271 by some factor, the accumulated defrosted water can be drained by the blowing force, by blowing the air in the direction (the direction having a gravity direction component) which is the same as the self-weight direction of the defrosted water at the time of resuming the cooling operation. Therefore, in the refrigerator in the present exemplary embodiment, the defrosted water itself can be prevented from becoming the ventilation resistance at the time of cooling operation, or the early generation of frost caused by the remaining defrosted water can be prevented. This leads to shortening of the defrosting time, and power saving can be attained.

[0114] It should be noted that the dimension and cross-sectional configuration of groove 273 illustrated in the present exemplary embodiment is one example, and the present invention is not limited to this dimension and cross-sectional configuration.

[0115] The refrigerator of the present invention includes the evaporator, which is provided inside the storage compartment and has the film facilitating scattering or dropping of the condensed water formed on the surface from the surface, and the blowing fan, which blows the cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment. The blowing fan blows air in the gravity direction. With this configuration, since the blowing direction has the same direction component as the self weight of the condensed water, scattering of the condensed water from the surface of the evaporator is promoted. Further, even in the case where the air quantity is reduced or the film is deteriorated, the condensed water can be stably scattered from the surface of the evaporator. The frost formation amount onto the evaporator is reduced, lowering of the cooling efficiency is suppressed, and the power saving can be attained.

[0116] The refrigerator of the present invention includes the evaporator, which is provided inside the storage compartment and has the film facilitating scattering or dropping of the condensed water formed on the surface from the surface, and the blowing fan, which blows the cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment. The blowing fan blows air in the direction having a gravity direction component. Even if the blowing direction of blowing fan does not completely coincide with the gravity direction, the scattering promoting effect of the condensed water formed on the evaporator can be obtained as long as the blowing direction has the gravity direction component.

[0117] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the film provided on the surface of the evaporator comprises a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or greater. The scattering effect of the condensed water from the surface of the evaporator can be enhanced more reliably.

[0118] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the blowing fan is arranged above the evaporator. The blowing fan is hardly affected by the scattered condensed water, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement structure of the blowing fan can be enhanced.

[0119] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the blowing fan is arranged below the evaporator. The degree of freedom of the blowing direction of the blowing fan can be enhanced.

[0120] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the inside of the storage compartment is set to the refrigerating temperature zone. In an environment which is hardly affected by ice or frost, the scattering effect of the condensed water from the surface of the evaporator can be enhanced more reliably.

[0121] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the inside of the storage compartment is set to the freezing temperature zone. Even in an environment which is affected by ice or frost, the scattering effect of the condensed water from the surface of the evaporator can be enhanced more reliably.

[0122] The refrigerator of the present invention includes the evaporator, which is provided inside the storage compartment and has the film facilitating dropping of defrosted water formed on the surface from the surface, and the blowing fan, which blows the cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment. The fin is provided on the surface of the evaporator, and the groove is provided on the surface of the fin thereof. With this configuration, the draining performance of the defrosted water formed on the surface of the evaporator can be improved. Further, even in the case where the film is deteriorated, since the defrosted water flows along the groove, the draining can be stably performed. This leads to shortening of the defrosting time, and the power saving can be attained.

[0123] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the groove is linearly provided in the direction having a gravity direction component. Since the defrosted water flows along the groove and drops by the self weight, the draining ability can be enhanced more stably.

[0124] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the groove is provided in the plurality of rows. The defrosted water can be drained more reliably from the entire surface of the evaporator.

[0125] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the groove is provided by press working and can be formed very inexpensively and simply

[0126] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the super water repellent film having the water contact angle of 160 degrees or more is provided on the surface of the evaporator. The defrosted water can be drained more reliably from the surface of the evaporator.

[0127] In the refrigerator of the present invention, the blowing fan blows air in the direction having a gravity direction component. Even in the case where the defrosted water is accumulated on the surface of the evaporator, by blowing the air in the direction which is the same as the self-weight direction of the defrosted water at the time of resuming the cooling operation, the accumulated defrosted water can be drained by the blowing force.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0128] As described above, the blowing method of the blowing fan of the refrigerator according to the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator for household or business, an exclusive refrigerator for vegetables, or a showcase.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0129] 

1

refrigerator box

2

refrigerating compartment

3

vegetable compartment

4

upper stage freezing compartment

5

lower stage freezing compartment

6

evaporator compartment

7

evaporator

8

blowing fan

9

cool air passage

100, 200

refrigerator

101, 201

heat insulating box

102, 202

outer box

103, 203

inner box

104, 105, 106, 204, 205, 206

storage compartment

107, 207

machine compartment

108, 208

compressor

109, 129, 209, 229, 239

cooling compartment

110, 130, 210, 230, 240

cooling compartment partition wall

111, 131, 211, 231, 241

evaporator

112, 132, 212, 232, 242

blowing fan

114, 214

drain pan

115, 215

penetration passage

116, 216

evaporating dish

117, 118, 119, 217, 218, 219

heat insulating door

120, 121, 220, 221

heat insulating partition wall

124, 224

cool air discharge port

125, 225

cool air suction port

126, 127, 128, 226, 227, 228

storage case

213

defrosting heater

251, 261, 271

fin

252, 262, 272

heat transfer tube

253, 263, 273

groove

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

an evaporator which is provided inside a storage compartment, and has a film for facilitating condensed water formed on a surface to scatter or drop from the surface; and

a blowing fan which blows cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment,

wherein the blowing fan blows the air in a gravity direction.

2. A refrigerator comprising:

an evaporator which is provided inside a storage compartment, and has a film for facilitating condensed water produced on a surface to scatter or drop from the surface; and

a blowing fan which blows cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment,

wherein the blowing fan blows the air in a direction having a gravity direction component.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the film provided on the surface of the evaporator comprises a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or greater.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blowing fan is disposed above the evaporator.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blowing fan is disposed below the evaporator.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inside of the storage compartment is set to a refrigerating temperature zone.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inside of the storage compartment is set to a freezing temperature zone.

8. A refrigerator comprising:

an evaporator which is provided inside a storage compartment, and has a film for facilitating defrosted water produced on a surface to drop from the surface; and

a blowing fan which blows cool air cooled by the evaporator into the storage compartment,

wherein a fin is provided on a surface of the evaporator, and a groove is provided on a surface of the fin of the evaporator.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the groove is linearly provided in a direction having a gravity direction component.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the groove is provided in a plurality of rows.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the groove is provided by press working.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the film provided on the surface of the evaporator comprises a super water repellent film having a water contact angle of 160 degrees or greater.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the blowing fan blows the air in the direction having a gravity direction component.

Drawing