JP2002253400A - Storage to preserve freshness - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage to preserve freshness to keep vegetables and fruits fresh. SOLUTION: A storage to preserve freshness is equipped with a photocatalytic sterilization and humidification unit 20 which filters air humidified by water in a water tank 22 and an atomizing device 21 by means of an atomizing device 21 atomizing liquid into the air, a device 26 for sending ultraviolet light, and a photocatalytic layer 27 placed on a surface exposed to ultraviolet light. The photocatalytic sterilization and humidification unit 20 is placed in a passage for cold air. Refrigerated articles A inside a storage 19 are kept fresh as the photocatalytic sterilization and humidification unit 20 not only humidifies and gets rid of dust by atomizing liquid into the air but also eliminates and dissolves bacterium and ethylene gas contained in the air by using the device 26 for sending ultraviolet light and the photocatalytic layer 27.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator for keeping freshness of vegetables and fruits.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional fresh food storage device, there is a vegetable freshness holding device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-34966.

[0003] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned conventional fresh storage will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional fresh food storage. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 denotes a showcase. Showcase 1
The interior 2 of the evaporator 3, the compressor 4, the condenser 5, the expansion valve 6
Cooling unit.

[0005] Reference numeral 7 denotes a water tank installed outside the showcase 1, and the water temperature in the water tank 7 is maintained at a predetermined water temperature by a cooling heat exchanger 8 and a heating heat exchanger 9. 10
Is a dissolved oxygen enricher for increasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water in the water tank 7.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a water sprinkler provided above the interior 2 of the refrigerator, which sprays water in the water tank 7 to the object A to be cooled such as vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator 2 via the water spray pump 16.

[0007] The water sprinkled by the sprinkler 17 and discharged from the showcase 1 is collected in the collection tank 11, and then is collected by the collection pump 12 through the activated carbon tank 13, the ultraviolet sterilizer 14, and the mineral addition device 15. And returned to the water tank 7.

[0008] With regard to the refrigerated storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

First, a storage object A to be cooled is stored in a refrigerator 2 in a refrigerator 2 of a showcase 1. Further, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water in the water tank 7 is increased by the dissolved oxygen enricher 10, and the water in the water tank 7 is maintained at a predetermined water temperature that is optimal for storing the storage object A to be cooled.

[0010] The water in the water tank 7 is sprinkled by the sprinkler 17 onto the object A to be cooled in the refrigerator 2, whereby the object A to be cooled is sprinkled.
Can be revived to maintain freshness.

The water discharged from the showcase 1 is cleaned of dust in the water in an activated carbon tank 13, sterilized by an ultraviolet sterilizer 14, added with minerals by a mineral addition device 15, and returned to the water tank 7. It is.

For this reason, the water in the water tank 7 contains minerals,
By sprinkling this water, the resuscitation action of the stored object A can be increased.

[0013]

However, in the above-described conventional structure, the showcase 1 after watering with the watering device 17 is used.
The wastewater discharged from the tank is sterilized by the ultraviolet sterilizer 14 and returned to the water tank 7, but the water stored in the water tank 7 is not sterilized.

Therefore, when germs and the like proliferate in the water tank 7, there is a disadvantage that the freshness of the article A to be cooled is adversely affected by spraying the water onto the article A to be cooled.

Further, the above-mentioned conventional construction is characterized in that
In addition to the insufficient humidification performance for ensuring the humidity of the interior 2 which is important from the viewpoint of drying prevention, there is a defect that ethylene gas which is a substance causing deterioration of freshness cannot be decomposed.

The present invention solves the conventional problems and has not only a function of humidifying and removing dust in the refrigerator but also a function of removing and decomposing bacteria and ethylene gas in the air. It is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerated storage that can maintain the freshness of the stored article.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photocatalyst comprising a spraying device for spraying a liquid into the air, an ultraviolet ray generating device, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet ray irradiating surface. A humidifying and disinfecting unit is provided, and the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit is installed in a cool air passage, and not only performs humidification and dust removal by spraying a liquid into the air,
The ultraviolet generator and the photocatalyst layer have the effect of removing and decomposing various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the water in the water storage tank is formed by a spray device for spraying water in the water storage tank into the air, an ultraviolet ray generator, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet irradiation surface. And a photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit for disinfecting the air humidified by the spraying device, wherein the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit is installed in a refrigerator, and the water that has been subjected to the disinfection treatment is stored in the air in the refrigerator. In addition to performing humidification and dust removal by spraying, the ultraviolet generator and the photocatalyst layer have the effect of removing and decomposing various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a water temperature control device for maintaining a water temperature in the water storage tank at a predetermined water temperature. This has the function of maintaining the internal water temperature at a predetermined water temperature.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray device for spraying water in a water storage tank into the air, an ultraviolet generator, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet irradiation surface. And a photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit for removing bacteria humidified by the spraying device, wherein water cooled by a water cooling coil is sprayed by the spraying device to cool air in the refrigerator. In addition to performing cooling, humidification, and dust removal by spraying the treated water into the air in the refrigerator, the ultraviolet light generator and the photocatalytic layer remove and decompose germs and ethylene gas in the air. Has an action.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the bottom of the interior of the refrigerator is a water storage tank, and the storage object to be cooled is located near the upper surface of the water storage tank. A pedestal for holding is provided, and upper and lower air and water vapor can pass through each other through the pedestal, and has an effect that upper and lower air and water vapor can pass each other through the pedestal.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, further comprising an air circulation device for passing air or outside air in the refrigerator into the water storage tank, wherein the air is stored in the water storage tank. When passing through the water in the tank, the humidification, cooling, dust removal, and bacteria elimination are performed, and the water in the water storage tank is stirred by passing the air.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the spraying device of the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit is a water spraying system using a pump, and the inside of the storage is a humidity spraying device. A humidity control device for stopping the pump when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and operating the pump when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is less than a predetermined value. This has the effect that the humidity in the refrigerator is kept within a predetermined range.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the ultraviolet generator of the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit is an ultraviolet lamp, and the temperature of the ultraviolet lamp is Is provided with a lamp temperature control device for maintaining the temperature of the ultraviolet light at a predetermined temperature.

[0025]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a freshness storage according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 18 denotes an open type showcase as one form of a fresh food storage. The air in the refrigerator 19 is supplied to the air cooling coil 29 through the refrigerator air inlet 28.
After being cooled in the cold air outlet 33 by the internal fan 31
The operation of returning to the inside 19 of the refrigerator is repeated.

Here, an air curtain is formed between the cool air outlet 33 and the inside air suction port 28, so that the outside air of the showcase 18 is hard to enter the inside 19 of the show.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a photocatalyst humidifying and disinfecting unit, which is provided in a cool air passage between the air cooling coil 29 and the cool air outlet 33, and partially or entirely cools the air cooled by the air cooling coil 29. It is introduced into the bacteria unit 20.

Numeral 21 denotes a spray device for spraying a liquid into the air, which sprays water in a water storage tank 22 into the air via a pump 23, and mainly uses a spray nozzle.

Reference numeral 26 denotes an ultraviolet ray generator, which mainly uses an ultraviolet ray lamp called a germicidal lamp, and is provided above the water storage tank 22. At this time, since the water surface of the water storage tank 22 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the water in the water storage tank 22 is always in a state where the bacteria are removed.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a photocatalyst layer provided on both sides of the irradiation of the ultraviolet ray generated from the ultraviolet ray generator 26.
What fixed the photocatalyst material, such as titanium oxide, to the surface of a stainless steel plate etc. is used.

An eliminator 24 captures excess water droplets generated in the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 with a mesh filter and returns the captured water droplets to the water storage tank 22.
It has the function of preventing it from flowing out to the 9.

Numeral 25 denotes a humidifying unit fan, which cools the air treated by the photocatalytic humidifying and removing unit 20 to a cool air outlet 33.
Is supplied to the inside 19 of the storage via the. Reference numeral 34 denotes a water supply port, and reference numeral 35 denotes a drainage port, and these are opened and closed as necessary to maintain the water storage amount in the water storage tank 22 at a predetermined amount.

Reference numeral 36 denotes an observation window provided so that the internal state of the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 can be observed. Observation window 36
The user can visually check the ultraviolet ray generation state of the ultraviolet ray generator 26 and the spraying state of the spraying apparatus 21 through not only the necessity of maintenance, but also for shoppers and the like for maintaining freshness. The effect of promoting air treatment in the refrigerator can also be expected.

With regard to the refrigerated storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

Stored objects A such as vegetables and fruits are stored in a refrigerator 19 at a temperature suitable for storage (generally about 0 ° C. to 7 ° C.).

The air inside the refrigerator 19 is sucked through the air inlet 28 in the refrigerator, cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling coil 29, and a part or all of the air is introduced into the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 via the louver 32. You.

In the humidification unit 20, the water in the water storage tank 22, which has been sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation, is sprayed into the air by the spray device 21.

At this time, the air is humidified and sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, dust and various bacteria in the air are captured in the spray water, and the dust and various bacteria are sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation in the water storage tank 22.

Further, in the vicinity of the surface of the photocatalyst layer 27 which is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, not only the decomposition and disinfection of organic substances and various bacteria trapped in the spray water but also the freshness of vegetables and fruits is enhanced by the strong oxidizing action of the photocatalyst. Decomposition of ethylene gas, which is harmful to retention, can be performed.

Then, the clean humidified air which has been humidified, dust-removed, sterilized and decomposed with ethylene gas in the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 passes through the eliminator 24 and the humidifying unit fan 25 from the cool air outlet 33 to the inside 19 of the refrigerator. Is supplied.

Therefore, the air in the refrigerator 19 is stored in a state optimal for storing the cooled storage items A of vegetables and fruits (at a temperature of about 0 to 7 ° C.,
(Humidity of about 90% or more), and the ethylene gas in the air inside the refrigerator, which is harmful to the freshness, can be decomposed.

As described above, the freshener according to the present embodiment includes the spraying device 21 for spraying the water in the water storage tank 22 into the air, the ultraviolet ray generating device 26, and the photocatalyst layer 27 provided on the ultraviolet ray irradiating surface. A photocatalyst humidification and disinfection unit 20 for sterilizing the water in the water storage tank 22 and the air humidified by the spray device 21 is provided.
9 is installed in a cool air passage between the cool air outlet 33 and sprays water that has been sterilized into the air cooled by the air cooling coil 29 to not only humidify but also generate ultraviolet light. Since the apparatus 26 and the photocatalyst layer 27 can remove and decompose various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air,
The freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

In this embodiment, the showcase 18 is of an open type, but the showcase 18 may be of a closed type, that is, a closed type. If the showcase 18 is of a closed type, the concentration of ethylene gas harmful to maintaining freshness in the storage 19 tends to increase the ethylene gas concentration.
The freshness maintaining effect by setting 0 is remarkable.

Further, since the amount of humidified air flowing out of the refrigerator is reduced, there is an effect that the humidification load in the refrigerator 19 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, an example of application to a showcase has been described. However, similar effects can be expected when applied to, for example, agricultural storage warehouses, commercial and household refrigerators, truck luggage compartments, and the like.

The above is true not only for this embodiment but also for other embodiments.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a freshness storage according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 2
Numeral 0 is installed in the interior 19 of the showcase 18.

Regarding the fresh food storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

The air in the refrigerator 19 is cooled by an air cooling coil 29 through a refrigerator air inlet 28 and then cooled by the fan 3 in the refrigerator.
The operation of returning to the inside 19 from the cool air outlet 33 by 1 is repeated.

Further, a part of the air inside the refrigerator 19 is
2 is introduced into the photocatalyst humidification and disinfection unit 20, and the water in the water storage tank 22 that has been disinfected by ultraviolet irradiation is sprayed into the air by the spray device 21.

At this time, the air is humidified and sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, dust and various bacteria in the air are captured in the spray water, and the dust and various bacteria are sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation in the water storage tank 22.

Further, in the vicinity of the surface of the photocatalyst layer 27 to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays, not only the decomposition and disinfection of organic substances and various germs trapped in the spray water but also the freshness of vegetables and fruits due to the strong oxidizing action of the photocatalyst. Decomposition of ethylene gas, which is harmful to retention, can be performed.

The clean humidified air that has been humidified, dust-removed, sterilized, and decomposed with ethylene gas in the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 is supplied to the inside 19 of the refrigerator via the eliminator 24 and the humidification unit fan 25.

Therefore, the air in the refrigerator 19 is kept in an optimal state for storing the cooled articles A of vegetables and fruits (at a temperature of about 0 to 7 ° C.,
(Humidity of about 90% or more), and the ethylene gas in the air inside the refrigerator, which is harmful to the freshness, can be decomposed. Therefore, the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

Further, the air introduced into the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 is air in the refrigerator 19, which has a higher humidity than the air cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling coil 29, so that the humidifying load of the spray device 21 is reduced. can do.

Further, the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be relatively easily maintained only by installing the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 in the refrigerator 19 and providing a water pipe to the pump 23.

As described above, the freshener according to the present embodiment includes the spraying device 21 for spraying the water in the water storage tank 22 into the air, the ultraviolet ray generating device 26, and the photocatalyst layer 27 provided on the ultraviolet ray irradiating surface. A photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 for disinfecting the water in the water storage tank 22 and the air humidified by the spray device 21 is provided. In addition to humidifying by spraying the treated water into the air in the refrigerator, the ultraviolet ray generator 26 and the photocatalyst layer 27 can remove and decompose various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air, so that they can be cooled. Since the freshness of the storage item A can be maintained, and the air introduced into the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 is the air in the compartment 19 having a higher humidity than the air cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling coil 29. , Spraying device 21 It is possible to reduce the humidification load.

Further, the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be relatively easily maintained only by installing the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 in the refrigerator 19 and providing a water pipe to the pump 23.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a freshener according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 37 denotes a water supply tank connected to the water supply port 34 of the water storage tank 22, and the water temperature in the water supply tank 37 is maintained at a predetermined water temperature.

Reference numeral 38 denotes a water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 22, and reference numeral 39 denotes a heater for heating the water in the water storage tank 22.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a water temperature control device which controls the water temperature in the water storage tank 22 detected by the water temperature sensor 38 to a predetermined value (for example, 0).
C), the water is supplied to the heater 39 so that the water tank 2
2 has the function of maintaining the water temperature in the nozzle 2 at a predetermined value.

In the present embodiment, a water supply tank 37, a water temperature sensor 38, a heater 39, and a water temperature control device 40 are further provided in the fresh storage according to the first or second embodiment.

With regard to the refrigerated storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

The air in the refrigerator 19 is sucked from the refrigerator air inlet 28, cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling coil 29, and a part or all of the air is introduced into the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 via the louver 32. You. In the humidification unit 20, the water in the water storage tank 22 that has been sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation is sprayed into the air by the spray device 21.

At this time, the air is humidified and sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, dust and various bacteria in the air are captured in the spray water, and the dust and various bacteria are sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation in the water storage tank 22.

Further, in the vicinity of the surface of the photocatalyst layer 27 which is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, not only the decomposition and disinfection of organic substances and various bacteria trapped in the spray water but also the freshness of vegetables and fruits is enhanced by the strong oxidizing action of the photocatalyst. Decomposition of ethylene gas, which is harmful to retention, can be performed.

The clean humidified air that has been humidified, dust-removed, sterilized, and decomposed with ethylene gas in the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 is passed through the eliminator 24 and the humidifying unit fan 25 to the cold air outlet 33 into the inside 19 of the refrigerator. Is supplied.

Therefore, the air inside the refrigerator 19 is kept in an optimal condition for storing the cooled object A of vegetables and fruits (at a temperature of about 0 to 7 ° C.,
(Humidity of about 90% or more), and the ethylene gas in the air inside the refrigerator, which is harmful to the freshness, can be decomposed. Therefore, the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

A water supply tank 37 is connected to a water supply port 34 of the water storage tank 22, and water of a predetermined water temperature is supplied to the water storage tank 22. Further, when the temperature of the air cooled by the air cooling coil 29 becomes 0 ° C. or less, the water in the water storage tank 22 may freeze and become unable to spray water. When the water temperature in the inside is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, 0 ° C.), the water temperature in the water storage tank 22 is maintained at a predetermined value by energizing the heater 39 by the water temperature control device 40.

As described above, by keeping the water temperature in the water storage tank 22 at a predetermined value, not only can the operation stop of the spraying device 21 due to freezing be prevented, but also the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 can be prevented.
And the temperature and humidity of the air in the refrigerator 19 can be stabilized.

As described above, the freshener according to the present embodiment includes the spraying device 21 for spraying the water in the water storage tank 22 into the air, the ultraviolet ray generating device 26, and the photocatalyst layer 27 provided on the ultraviolet ray irradiating surface. A photocatalyst humidification and disinfection unit 20 for sterilizing the water in the water storage tank 22 and the air humidified by the spray device 21 is provided.
It is installed in a cool air passage between the cooling air outlet 9 and the cool air outlet 33, and not only performs humidification and dust removal by spraying sterilized water into the air cooled by the air cooling coil 29, but also Since the bacteria and ethylene gas in the air can be removed and decomposed by the ultraviolet ray generator 26 and the photocatalyst layer 27, the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

The water temperature control device 40 controls the water storage tank 22.
Since the internal water temperature can be maintained at a predetermined value, not only can the operation of the spraying device 21 be stopped due to freezing, the temperature and humidity of the air in the refrigerator 19 can be stabilized, and the freshness of the storage object A can be further maintained. it can.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 20 denotes a photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit, and the air in the refrigerator 19 is introduced into the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 via a louver 32.

A spray device 21 sprays water in a water storage tank 22 into the air through a pump 23, and mainly uses a spray nozzle.

Reference numeral 26 denotes an ultraviolet ray generator, which mainly uses an ultraviolet ray lamp called a germicidal lamp, and is provided above the water storage tank 22. At this time, since the water surface of the water storage tank 22 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the water in the water storage tank 22 is always in a state where the bacteria are removed.

Reference numeral 27 denotes photocatalyst layers provided on both sides of the irradiation of the ultraviolet ray generated from the ultraviolet ray generator 26.
What fixed the photocatalyst material, such as titanium oxide, to the surface of a stainless steel plate etc. is used.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an eliminator which captures excess water droplets generated in the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 with a mesh filter and returns the same to the water storage tank 22.
It has the function of preventing it from flowing out to the 9.

Numeral 25 denotes a humidifying unit fan, which cools the air treated by the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 to a cool air outlet 33.
Is supplied to the inside 19 of the storage via the.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a water cooling coil for cooling water in the water storage tank 22. The water temperature in the water storage tank 22 is controlled by a water temperature control device 40.
Is held at a predetermined value.

[0086] With regard to the fresh food storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

The air in the storage 19 is introduced into the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 via the louver 32. Inside the humidification unit 20, the water in the water storage tank 22, which is sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation and maintained at a predetermined water temperature by the water temperature control device 40, is sprayed into the air by the spray device 21.

At this time, the air is humidified and cooled,
The bacteria are removed by ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, dust and various bacteria in the air are captured in the spray water, and the dust and various bacteria are sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation in the water storage tank 22. Further, in the vicinity of the surface of the photocatalyst layer 27 irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the strong oxidizing action of the photocatalyst not only degrades and removes bacteria and organic substances trapped in the spray water, but also harms the freshness of vegetables and fruits. It is possible to decompose even ethylene gas.

The clean humidified air that has been humidified, cooled, dust-removed, sterilized, and decomposed by ethylene gas in the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 passes through the eliminator 24 and the humidifying unit fan 25 to the cold air outlet 33 through the cool air outlet 33. 19.

Therefore, the air in the refrigerator 19 is kept in an optimal condition for storing the storage object A of vegetables and fruits (temperature: about 0 to 7 ° C.,
(Humidity of about 90% or more), and the ethylene gas in the air in the refrigerator, which is harmful to the freshness, can be decomposed.

Further, without using an air cooling coil, water having a predetermined water temperature is sprayed into the air to humidify, cool, remove dust, sterilize, and decompose ethylene gas in the interior 19 of the refrigerator. There is no need to treat the condensed water (drain) generated in the coil, and the structure can be simplified.

As described above, the freshener according to the present embodiment includes the spraying device 21 for spraying the water in the water storage tank 22 into the air, the ultraviolet ray generating device 26, and the photocatalyst layer 27 provided on the ultraviolet ray irradiating surface. A photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 for disinfecting the water in the water storage tank 22 and the air humidified by the spray device 21 is provided. In addition to cooling and humidifying by spraying the sterilized water into the air in the refrigerator, the ultraviolet light generator 26 and the photocatalyst layer 27
Thus, the germ and ethylene gas in the air can be removed and decomposed, so that the freshness of the stored object A can be maintained.

Further, there is no need to treat the dew water (drain) generated in the air cooling coil, and the structure can be simplified.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a freshener according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 22 denotes a water storage tank of the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 occupying the entire bottom of the inside 19 of the storage. Reference numeral 42 denotes a pedestal provided near the upper side of the water surface of the water storage tank 22, and has a structure in which upper and lower air and water vapor can pass through the pedestal 42.

In the present embodiment, a pedestal 42 is provided in place of the bottom plate of the interior 19 in the freshness storage according to the fourth embodiment.

[0096] With regard to the refrigerated storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

The air in the compartment 19 is introduced into the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit 20 via the louver 32. Inside the humidification unit 20, the water in the water storage tank 22, which is sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation and maintained at a predetermined water temperature by the water temperature control device 40, is sprayed into the air by the spray device 21.

At this time, the air is humidified and cooled,
The bacteria are removed by ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, dust and various bacteria in the air are captured in the spray water, and the dust and various bacteria are sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation in the water storage tank 22.

Further, in the vicinity of the surface of the photocatalyst layer 27 irradiated with ultraviolet rays, not only the decomposition and disinfection of organic substances and various germs trapped in the spray water but also the freshness of vegetables and fruits due to the strong oxidizing action of the photocatalyst. Decomposition of ethylene gas, which is harmful to retention, can be performed.

The humidified, cooled, dust-removed, sterilized, and ethylene gas-decomposed clean humidified air in the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 is passed through the eliminator 24 and the humidifying unit fan 25 through the cool air outlet 33 into the refrigerator. 19.

Therefore, the air in the refrigerator 19 is kept in an optimal condition for storing the cooled articles A of vegetables and fruits (at a temperature of about 0 to 7 ° C.,
(Humidity of about 90% or more), and the ethylene gas in the air inside the refrigerator, which is harmful to the freshness, can be decomposed. Therefore, the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

[0102] The object A to be cooled placed on the pedestal 42 is located in the vicinity of the water surface of the water storage tank 22 maintained at a predetermined water temperature. The structure allows them to pass each other.

Accordingly, since the ambient air of the storage object A is kept close to the high-humidity low-temperature air near the water surface of the water storage tank 22, the freshness of the storage object A can be further maintained.

As described above, the fresh food storage of this embodiment has the water storage tank 22 at the bottom of the storage and the pedestal 42 for holding the storage object to be cooled near the upper surface of the water storage tank 22. Since the upper and lower air and water vapor can pass through each other via 42, the surrounding air of the storage object A is kept in a state close to the high-humidity low-temperature air near the water surface of the water storage tank 22. The freshness of A can be further maintained.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a freshener according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 43 denotes an air pump as an air circulating device for passing the air or outside air in the inside 19 into the water storage tank 22. The air pump 43 sucks the air or outside air in the inside 19 from the air suction port 44. The water is passed through the water in the water storage tank 22 through the porous body 45 provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 22.

[0107] The present embodiment is provided with an air circulation device 43 for allowing the air or outside air in the refrigerator 19 to pass through the water storage tank 22 in the freshener storage according to the fifth embodiment.

[0108] With regard to the fresh food storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

The object A to be cooled placed on the pedestal 42 is
It is located near the water surface of the water storage tank 22 maintained at a predetermined water temperature, and has a structure in which upper and lower air and water vapor can pass each other via the pedestal 42. Therefore, the surrounding air of the storage object A is kept in a state close to the high-humidity low-temperature air near the water surface of the water storage tank 22.

Further, the inside of the refrigerator 19 is
Is passed through the water storage tank 22, the water inside the water storage tank 22 is agitated by the air, the water temperature distribution in the water storage tank 22 becomes uniform, and the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air of the storage object A to be cooled are stabilized. At the same time, the air passing through the water storage tank 22 is also humidified, cooled, dust-removed, and sterilized, so that the air in the refrigerator 19 is cleaned. Therefore, the freshness of the stored object A can be further maintained.

As described above, the freshness storage of this embodiment is provided with the air circulation device 43 for passing the air in the storage 19 or the outside air into the water storage tank 22.
When passing through the water inside, the humidification, cooling, dust removal, and bacteria elimination are performed to clean the air in the storage 19, and the water in the water storage tank 22 is agitated by the passage of the air and is stirred in the water storage tank 22. And the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air of the storage object A to be cooled are stabilized, so that the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be further maintained.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a freshness storage according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 46 denotes a humidity sensor which detects the humidity of the air in the refrigerator 19. Reference numeral 47 denotes a humidity control device, which stops the pump 23 when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 46 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and
When the humidity detected in step is less than the predetermined value, the operation of operating the pump 23 is performed.

In the present embodiment, a humidity control device 47 for keeping the humidity of the air in the refrigerator 19 within a predetermined range is provided in the freshener according to the first embodiment.

[0115] With regard to the fresh food storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

First, the inside of the refrigerator 1 detected by the humidity sensor 46
If the humidity of the sample No. 9 is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the humidity control device 47 stops the operation of the pump 23 and stops The water spray of the device 21 is stopped.

On the other hand, the inside of the warehouse 1 detected by the humidity sensor 46
9 is less than the predetermined value, it is necessary to humidify the air in the refrigerator 19,
3 is operated to spray water from the spray device 21.

As described above, by operating the pump 23 by the humidity control device 47, the humidity in the refrigerator 19 is maintained within a predetermined range, and the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

As described above, the freshness storage of the present embodiment is a humidity control device 47 for maintaining the humidity of the storage 19 within a predetermined range.
And the air in the refrigerator 19 is
Is kept at a humidity suitable for the storage, and the freshness of the stored object A can be further maintained.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a freshness storage according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 26 denotes an ultraviolet lamp as an ultraviolet generator, and a lamp heater 48 is provided at an electrode portion of the ultraviolet lamp 26.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a lamp temperature control device, which supplies electricity to the lamp heater 48 when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 38 is lower than a predetermined temperature, and turns on the lamp heater 48 when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 38 is higher than the predetermined temperature. The operation of stopping the current supply is performed.

In the present embodiment, a lamp temperature control device 49 for keeping the temperature of the ultraviolet lamp 26 within a predetermined range is further provided in the fresh storage according to the first embodiment.

[0124] With regard to the fresh food storage constructed as described above,
The operation will be described below.

The intensity of irradiation of the ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet lamp 26 greatly changes depending on the temperature at which the ultraviolet lamp 26 is placed. UV irradiation intensity
It has been found that the intensity is reduced by half with respect to the ultraviolet irradiation intensity at normal temperature (about 20 ° C.).

Since a decrease in the ultraviolet irradiation intensity is directly linked to a decrease in the sterilization performance, it is necessary to ensure the ultraviolet irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet lamp 26 even in a low temperature environment.

The ultraviolet lamp 26 is installed in the photocatalyst humidifying and disinfecting unit 20 at a position where water is sprayed from the water storage tank 22 by the spraying device 21.
It is considered that the water temperature in the inside and the temperature of the ultraviolet lamp 26 are substantially equal.

Then, the water temperature in the water storage tank 22 detected by the water temperature sensor 38 is regarded as the temperature of the ultraviolet lamp 26, and when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 38 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the lamp heater 48 is energized, and the water temperature sensor 38 is turned on. The temperature of the ultraviolet lamp 26 is maintained within a predetermined range by installing a lamp temperature control device 49 for stopping the energization of the lamp heater 48 when the water temperature detected at the step is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet lamp 26 from being cooled to a low temperature and to lower the ultraviolet irradiation intensity, and to secure stable sterilization performance. As a result, the air in the storage 19 is kept clean, and the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes the lamp temperature control device 49 for maintaining the temperature of the ultraviolet lamp 26 within a predetermined range.
Can be prevented from being cooled to a low temperature and the intensity of ultraviolet irradiation being reduced, and stable sterilization performance can be ensured. As a result, the air in the storage 19 is kept clean, and the freshness of the storage object A to be cooled can be maintained.

[0131]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention provides a photocatalyst humidifying and removing apparatus comprising a spraying device for spraying a liquid into the air, an ultraviolet generating device, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet irradiation surface. A germ unit is provided, and the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit is installed in a cool air passage.In addition to performing humidification and dust removal by spraying a liquid into the air, the ultraviolet light generator and the photocatalyst layer Various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air can be removed and decomposed, and freshness of items to be cooled such as vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator can be maintained.

[0132] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the water in the water storage tank is sprayed into the air, an ultraviolet ray generator, and a photocatalyst layer provided on the ultraviolet irradiation surface. Water and a photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit for disinfecting the air humidified by the spraying device, wherein the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit is installed in a refrigerator, and the sterilized water is removed from the refrigerator. In addition to performing humidification and dust removal by spraying in the air, the ultraviolet ray generator and the photocatalyst layer can remove and decompose various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air, thereby cooling vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator. Not only can the freshness of the stored items be maintained, but the air introduced into the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit is air in the refrigerator, which has a higher humidity than the air cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling coil. Humidification load of spraying device It can be reduced, further, it is possible to relatively easily retain the freshness of the object to be cooled accommodated article by simply performing water pipe between the pump by installing a photocatalyst humidifying air filtering unit in the refrigerator.

The invention described in claim 3 is the first invention.
Or, in the invention according to claim 2, further comprising a water temperature control device for maintaining the water temperature in the water storage tank at a predetermined water temperature, the water temperature in the water storage tank can be maintained at the predetermined water temperature, the air in the refrigerator Temperature and humidity can be stabilized, and the freshness of the object to be cooled can be further maintained.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the water in the water storage tank is sprayed into the air, an ultraviolet light generator, and a photocatalyst layer provided on the ultraviolet irradiation surface. A photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit for sterilizing water and air humidified by the spray device, and cooling the air in the refrigerator by spraying water cooled by a water cooling coil with the spray device. In addition to performing cooling, humidification and dust removal by spraying the sterilized water into the air in the refrigerator, the ultraviolet ray generator and the photocatalyst layer remove and decompose various bacteria and ethylene gas in the air. Thus, the freshness of the article to be cooled can be maintained, and the structure can be simplified since there is no need to treat the dew water (drain) generated in the air cooling coil.

The invention described in claim 5 is the same as the invention described in claim 1.
The invention according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a bottom portion of the inside of the refrigerator is a water storage tank, and a pedestal for holding a storage object to be cooled is provided near an upper portion of the water surface of the water storage tank. And water vapor can pass through each other, and by allowing upper and lower air and water vapor to pass through each other through the pedestal, the surrounding air of the object to be cooled is near the water surface of the water storage tank. Is kept close to the high-humidity low-temperature air, so that the freshness of the stored object can be further maintained.

The invention described in claim 6 is the same as that in claim 5
The invention according to the above, further comprising an air circulating device for passing air or outside air in the storage into the water storage tank, the air is humidified, cooled, dust removal, when passing through the water in the water storage tank While being sterilized, the water in the water storage tank is agitated by passing air, so that the water temperature distribution in the water storage tank becomes uniform, and the temperature and humidity of the ambient air of the storage object to be cooled are stabilized, The freshness of the object to be cooled can be further maintained.

The invention described in claim 7 is the first invention.
In the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 6, the spray device of the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit is a water spray system using a pump, a humidity sensor is provided in the refrigerator, and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is a predetermined value or more. In the case of, the pump is stopped, and when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is less than a predetermined value, a humidity control device that operates the pump is provided, and the humidity in the refrigerator is within a predetermined range. By holding, the freshness of the storage object to be cooled can be further held.

The invention described in claim 8 is the first invention.
The invention according to any one of claims 7 to 7, wherein the ultraviolet generating device of the photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit is an ultraviolet lamp, and includes a lamp temperature control device that maintains the temperature of the ultraviolet lamp at a predetermined temperature. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in UV irradiation intensity due to cooling of the UV lamp, and to ensure stable sterilization performance. As a result, the air in the refrigerator is kept clean, and the freshness of the storage object to be cooled can be maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fresh food storage according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 2 of a refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 3 of a refrigerator according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a freshener according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of Embodiment 5 of a fresh food storage according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 6 of the fresh food storage according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of Embodiment 7 of a fresh food storage according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of Embodiment 8 of a fresh food storage according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a conventional fresh food storage.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 18 showcase 19 inside 20 storage 20 photocatalytic humidifying and disinfecting unit 21 spray device 22 water storage tank 23 pump 26 ultraviolet ray generating device 27 photocatalytic layer 29 air cooling coil 33 cool air outlet 40 water temperature control device 41 water cooling coil 42 pedestal 43 air circulation device 46 Humidity sensor 47 Humidity control device 49 Lamp temperature control device A

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) F25D 23/00 302 F25D 23/00 302F

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A photocatalyst humidifying and disinfecting unit comprising a spraying device for spraying a liquid into the air, an ultraviolet ray generating device, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet ray irradiating surface. A fresh food store installed inside. 2. A water spray device for spraying water in a water storage tank into the air, an ultraviolet light generator, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet irradiation surface, wherein the water in the water storage tank is humidified by the spray device. Equipped with a photocatalytic humidification and sterilization unit that sterilizes the air
A fresh food storage in which the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit is installed in a storage. 3. The freshness storage according to claim 1, further comprising a water temperature control device for maintaining a water temperature in the water storage tank at a predetermined water temperature. 4. An apparatus for spraying water in a water storage tank into the air, an ultraviolet ray generator, and a photocatalyst layer provided on an ultraviolet irradiation surface, wherein the water in the water storage tank is humidified by the spray apparatus. Equipped with a photocatalytic humidification and sterilization unit that sterilizes the air
A refrigerated storage that cools air in the storage by spraying the water cooled by the water cooling coil with the spray device. 5. A water storage tank at the bottom of the refrigerator, and a pedestal for holding a storage object to be cooled is provided near the upper surface of the water storage tank, and upper and lower air and water vapor can pass through each other via the pedestal. The fresh food storage according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The freshness storage according to claim 5, further comprising an air circulation device for passing air or outside air in the storage into the water storage tank. 7. The spraying device of the photocatalytic humidification and disinfection unit is a water spraying method using a pump, a humidity sensor is provided in the refrigerator, and when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is a predetermined value or more, the pump is stopped; The fresh food storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a humidity control device that operates the pump when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is less than a predetermined value. 8. The photocatalytic humidifying and sterilizing unit according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet ray generating device is an ultraviolet ray lamp, and further comprises a lamp temperature control device for keeping the temperature of the ultraviolet ray lamp at a predetermined temperature.
A freshener according to any one of claims 1 to 7.