JP2003336952A - Refrigerating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide refrigerating equipment capable of preventing or suppressing the lowering of the quality of food. <P>SOLUTION: This refrigerating equipment 10 comprises a cluster fragmenting device 1A for fragmenting the cluster of water in a frozen object 5, a placing part 7 for placing the frozen object 5 thereon, a heat exchanger 8, and a fan 9 for circulating cool air. The cluster fragmenting device 1A comprises a plurality of magnetic field generators 2A, 2B, and 2C for providing magnetic fields to the frozen object 5 and varying the intensity of the magnetic field with the elapse of time, a magnetic field control device 3 controlling the intensity of the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generators, and a light radiating means 4 for radiating light with a wavelength of 500 nm or shorter. Alternating magnetic fields are generated from the magnetic field generators 2A, 2B, and 2C at specified timings, and the light with the wavelength of 500 nm or shorter is radiated from the light source 41 of the light radiating means 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a refrigerating apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Freezers for freezing and storing foods at temperatures below freezing are widely used. Such a freezer was mainly intended for long-term storage by preventing food from spoilage.

By the way, when a conventional freezer is used for freezing food, the quality of the food is considered to be caused by a change in the microstructure of the food during freezing (for example, destruction of cells constituting the food). For example, the flavor, appearance, fragrance, etc.) may be deteriorated. In addition, depending on the type of food, the quality of the food is significantly deteriorated by freezing, and some foods cannot be frozen.

[0004] Frozen foods are usually thawed and eaten, but depending on the type of food, there is a problem that drip is generated during thawing.

Noodles such as Chinese noodles are apt to be significantly impaired in flavor and appearance when they are frozen and then thawed and cooked.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerating device capable of preventing and suppressing deterioration of food quality.

[0007]

These objects are achieved by the present invention described in (1) to (19) below.

(1) A freezing device for freezing an object to be frozen containing water, wherein a magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the object to be frozen and changing its strength over time, and a wavelength for the object to be frozen A refrigerating apparatus comprising: a light irradiation unit that irradiates light with a wavelength of 500 nm or less.

(2) A freezing device for freezing an object to be frozen containing water, wherein a magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the object to be frozen and changing its strength over time, and a wavelength for the object to be frozen. A light irradiating means for irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 to 500 nm.

(3) The refrigerating apparatus according to (1) or (2) above, wherein a plurality of the magnetic field generators are installed.

(4) When performing freezing, control is performed such that the generation timing of the magnetic field from at least one of the magnetic field generation devices is different from the generation timing of the magnetic field from the other magnetic field generation device. Refrigerating apparatus according to.

(5) At least three of the magnetic field generators have three or more magnetic field generators, and at the time of freezing, the magnetic field generation timing from at least two of the magnetic field generators is one or more other than these. The refrigerating apparatus according to (3) above, which is controlled so as to be different from the generation timing of the magnetic field from the.

(6) At least three magnetic field generators are provided, and when freezing is performed, the magnetic field generation timings of at least two of the magnetic field generators are synchronized, and
The combination of two or more magnetic field generators controlled so as to be different from the magnetic field generation timing from one or more magnetic field generators other than these, and the magnetic field generation timings being synchronized changes with time (3. ) The refrigeration equipment described in.

(7) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the above (3) to (6), wherein the plurality of magnetic field generators are installed so that their surfaces facing the object to be frozen are orthogonal to each other.

(8) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the light irradiation means is configured to change the intensity and / or irradiation direction of irradiation light with time.

(9) A change in the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and the intensity of the irradiation light by the irradiation means and /
Alternatively, the refrigerating apparatus according to the above (8), wherein the change of the irradiation direction is performed in synchronization.

(10) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (9), which has a mounting portion for mounting the object to be frozen, a heat exchanger, and a fan for circulating cold air.

(11) The refrigerating apparatus according to the above (10), wherein the magnetic field generator is arranged at or near the placing section.

(12) The refrigerating apparatus as described in (11) above, wherein the magnetic field generation from the magnetic field generating apparatus is controlled so that the direction of the magnetic force lines rotates in the vicinity of the placing section.

(13) The above (1) to (1) wherein at least two of the magnetic field generators are arranged so as to face each other.
The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of 2).

(14) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the magnetic field generator generates an alternating magnetic field.

(15) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14) above, which freezes the frozen object in a state where water clusters in the frozen object are subdivided.

(16) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (15) above, wherein the temperature in the refrigerating apparatus during use is -30 ° C or lower.

(17) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the magnetic field generator has low temperature resistance.

(18) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the object to be frozen is a food.

(19) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the object to be frozen is a vegetable, a green-yellow food, or a food containing the food.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below in detail based on preferred embodiments. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a refrigerating apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision apparatus included in the refrigerating apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing the generation timing of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generation device of the cluster subdivision device. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 (also in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10 described later) are partially exaggerated and do not reflect the actual size.

The refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention is used for a frozen object 5 containing water and has a function of refrigerating water clusters in the frozen object 5 in a subdivided state. In other words, the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention has a function of refrigerating in a state in which hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules in the object to be frozen 5 are partially cut.

In the present specification, the "water cluster" means a cluster mainly composed of water molecules (Cluste
r) will be explained. Examples of the “water cluster” include a cluster substantially composed of only water molecules, and a cluster mainly composed of water molecules and containing components other than water (molecules other than water molecules, ions, etc.). Can be mentioned.

The object to be frozen 5 applied to the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention may be any object as long as it contains water. As such a frozen object 5, for example,
Foods (including beverages), feeds, living tissues (for example, various tissues such as blood (blood components), organs, skin tissues, muscle tissues, nerve tissues, bone tissues, cartilage tissues, and various cells such as germ cells) , Fresh flowers, medicines (including pharmaceuticals, reagents, etc.), and those containing at least one of these, etc., and these may be used as they are, or may be used in a packed or packaged state. Among these, food is preferable as the frozen object 5. When a conventional freezing device is used, foods are particularly likely to deteriorate in quality (for example, flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.), and some foods cannot be frozen and stored substantially. Among foods, especially noodles such as Chinese noodles were apt to be significantly impaired in shape (structure) and flavor when frozen and then thawed and cooked. In addition, green-yellow foods such as vegetables were likely to lose their freshness. In the following description, food will be described as a representative of the frozen object 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerating apparatus main body 101, a cluster subdivision apparatus 1A for subdividing water clusters contained in a refrigeration target 5, and a refrigerating apparatus. It has a mounting part 7 on which the target 5 is mounted, a heat exchanger 8, a fan 9 for circulating cold air, and a light irradiation means 4 for irradiating the frozen target 5 with predetermined light.

The refrigerating apparatus body 101 has a space for accommodating the object 5 to be frozen therein.

The mounting portion 7 is arranged inside the refrigeration apparatus body 101. In the illustrated configuration, the mounting unit 7 is a rack having a plurality of trays 71. Since the mounting unit 7 is such a rack, for example, the refrigeration apparatus body 101
It becomes possible to arrange the frozen object 5 so that the contact area between the cold air circulating inside and the frozen object 5 becomes large. Therefore, for example, even when the total amount of the frozen objects 5 is relatively large (even when there are a plurality of frozen objects 5), the freezing process of the frozen objects 5 can be efficiently performed. .

The rack may be made of any material, but is preferably made mainly of a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum or copper, or a non-magnetic material such as various plastics, More preferably, it is composed mainly of aluminum.

The heat exchanger 8 includes an evaporator 81 and a compressor 82.
And a condenser 83, and refrigerant pipes 84 and 85 are connected between the evaporator 81 and the compressor 82 and between the evaporator 81 and the condenser 83, respectively. The heat exchanger 8 is filled with a refrigerant.

The heat exchanger 8 as described above is provided in the refrigeration unit body 1
By performing heat exchange between the inside of 01 and the outside, it has the effect of keeping the inside of the refrigeration apparatus body 101 cool.

That is, in the heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant filled in the inside of the heat exchanger 8 causes the evaporator 81 to cool the refrigerating apparatus main body 101.
The internal heat of the refrigerating apparatus main body 101 is kept cool by removing the internal heat, being compressed by the compressor 82, and discharging the external air to the condenser 83.

The fan 9 has a function of circulating the cool air inside the refrigerating apparatus main body 101. As a result, variations in the temperature in the internal parts of the refrigeration apparatus body 101 are reduced, and the object 5 to be frozen can be cooled and frozen at a more stable cooling rate.

The light irradiating means 4 applies a wavelength of 50 to the object 5 to be frozen.
Light having a wavelength of 0 nm or less, particularly light having a wavelength of 400 to 500 nm is emitted, and in the configuration shown, one or more light sources 41 and light source drive control for driving each light source 1 under predetermined conditions as described later. And means 42.

Specific examples of the light source 41 include various light sources such as a blue light lamp, a violet light lamp, an ultraviolet lamp, a halogen lamp, a neon lamp, a xenon lamp, and a light emitting diode, and an X-ray source (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as " (Referred to as “light source”), and one or more of these may be used in combination. By irradiating with light of such a relatively short wavelength, the quality of the object to be frozen 5 can be kept good for a long time in combination with the application of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generator described later.

When the wavelength of the irradiation light exceeds 500 nm, the effect due to the light irradiation is reduced. In addition, the wavelength 400 to 50
When irradiating 0 nm light, a relatively simple and inexpensive light source can be used.

In the illustrated configuration, the light source 41 is installed above the object 5 to be frozen, but the installation position and arrangement of the light source 41 are not limited to those shown in the drawing. Lateral, backward, forward, lower, diagonally upward, etc. of the object 5,
Any location may be used as long as the object 5 to be frozen can be irradiated with light.

Further, it is not limited to the case where the light emitted from the light source 41 is directly applied to the object 5 to be frozen.
Reflector, condenser, lens, prism, optical filter,
Irradiation may be performed via various optical elements (not shown) such as a diffusion plate and an optical fiber. In particular, using these optical elements to irradiate the frozen object 5 with light over a wider range or from multiple directions is effective because the entire frozen object 5 is irradiated with light more uniformly. Is.

It is preferable that the light irradiation means 4 is capable of changing (increasing or decreasing) the light amount (intensity) of the irradiation light with respect to the object to be frozen 5 continuously or stepwise. Thereby, the intensity of the irradiation light to the frozen object 5 can be changed with time, and the cluster of water contained in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently.

Examples of the method of changing the light amount (intensity) of the irradiation light to the frozen object 5 include a method of increasing / decreasing the voltage applied to the light source, a method of changing the number of operating light sources (area), and a frozen object 5 There are a method of changing the distance between the light source 41 and the light source 41, a method of blocking light by a light blocking means, and a method of switching the wavelength of the irradiation light between 500 nm or less and more than 500 nm.

Further, the light irradiating means 4 may be constructed so as to be able to change the direction (or irradiation position) of the light irradiating the frozen object 5. In this case, for example,
A configuration in which the light source 41 can be displaced (moved, rotated, etc.) relative to the object to be frozen 5 can be mentioned. In this case,
Displacement means (not shown) for relatively displacing the light source 41
Are included in the components of the light irradiation means 4. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned optical element such as a mirror is used, the optical element may be displaced (moved, rotated, etc.) relative to the object to be frozen 5. With such a configuration, the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the frozen object 5 can be changed, and the intensity of the irradiation light can be changed, so that the frozen object 5 can be more uniformly and efficiently included. The water clusters can be subdivided.

The temperature inside the refrigerating apparatus body 101 when the refrigerating apparatus 10 is used is not particularly limited as long as it is a temperature at which at least a part of the object 5 to be frozen is frozen, but for example, it is -20 ° C. or lower. Preferably, -30
More preferably, the temperature is from -70 ° C. Refrigeration device body 10
By setting the internal temperature of 1 to −20 ° C. or lower, the frozen object 5 is cooled in a state where the water clusters contained in the frozen object 5 are sufficiently miniaturized (hydrogen bonds are efficiently cut). It can be frozen, and thereafter, the operation of the cluster subdivision device 1A is stopped, or the frozen object 5 to be frozen is taken out from the refrigeration device 10 of the present invention, and a known refrigeration device (a cluster subdivision device is used. Even if it is moved into a non-refrigerating device), the quality of the frozen object 5 can be maintained for a sufficiently long period of time.

The object to be frozen 5 placed inside the refrigerating apparatus main body 101 is operated by the cluster subdividing apparatus 1A.
The water clusters contained in the frozen object 5 are subdivided. Hereinafter, the cluster subdivision device 1A will be described in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cluster subdivision device 1A applies a magnetic field to the frozen object 5 containing water and changes its magnetic field strength with time. It has a first magnetic field generator 2A, a second magnetic field generator 2B, a third magnetic field generator 2C), and a magnetic field controller 3 for controlling the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator.

First, the magnetic field generator will be described. The first magnetic field generation device 2A, the second magnetic field generation device 2B, and the third magnetic field generation device 2C have the same configuration, so the first magnetic field generation device 2A will be representatively described.

The first magnetic field generator 2A includes a coil 21
And a non-magnetic cover 22. The coil 21 generates a magnetic field around the coil 21 when a current flows. Then, for example, by changing the direction or amount of the current flowing through the coil 21, the strength of the magnetic field generated can be changed. As a result, the magnetic field strength (magnetic force received by the freezing target 5) applied to the freezing target 5 placed near the first magnetic field generator 2A can be changed with time.

In this way, by applying a magnetic field whose strength changes with time to the object to be frozen 5, hydrogen bonds mainly formed between water molecules in the object to be frozen 5 are formed. Efficiently cuts and water clusters are subdivided.

By subdividing the water clusters in this manner, the frozen object 5 (food) is less likely to deteriorate in quality such as flavor, appearance, and aroma.

Further, as described above, the inside of the refrigerating apparatus main body 101 when the refrigerating apparatus 10 is used is at a temperature for refrigerating at least a part of the frozen object 5. Therefore, the water clusters contained in the frozen object 5 are solidified in a fragmented state. As a result, the ice crystals formed in the frozen object 5 are also miniaturized (the crystal grain size is small).

By the way, when a conventional freezer is used for freezing food, the quality of the food (eg, flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.)
In some cases. It is considered that such a deterioration in the quality of food is caused by a change in the microstructure of the food during freezing (for example, destruction of cells constituting the food). Then, the present inventor has found that such a microscopic structural change is mainly due to coarsened ice formed during freezing.

As described above, when the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention is used, the ice crystals formed in the frozen object 5 are
It will be miniaturized. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent / suppress the change in the microscopic structure in the frozen object 5 from the structure before freezing due to freezing (cells constituting the frozen object. Can be effectively prevented from being destroyed). As a result, it becomes possible to preserve the quality of the frozen object 5 sufficiently and store it for an extremely long period of time. Further, since the destruction of the cells during freezing can be effectively prevented or suppressed, the occurrence of drip during thawing of the frozen object 5 can also be effectively prevented.

The current flowing through the coil 21 may be direct current or alternating current. In particular, when the current flowing through the coil 21 is alternating current, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A can be changed relatively easily.

In the illustrated structure, the coil 21 is a circular coil, but the shape of the coil 21 is not particularly limited. The coil 21 may have any shape such as a baseball coil or a rectangular coil.

The non-magnetic cover 22 has a function of protecting and fixing the coil 21. Examples of the constituent material of the non-magnetic cover 22 include various resin materials such as acrylic resin and silicone resin.

The magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is not particularly limited, but is preferably an alternating magnetic field, for example. Thereby, the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 can be easily changed, and the cluster of water in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided.

The frequency of the alternating magnetic field is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 to 25000 Hz, more preferably 40 to 1200 Hz, for example. When the frequency in the alternating magnetic field has a value within the above range, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more effectively.

The maximum strength (absolute value) of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is not particularly limited.
The magnetic field in the frozen object 5 is 100 to 12000 Gs
Is preferable, and 300-7000 Gs is more preferable. If the strength of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is less than the lower limit value, it becomes difficult to sufficiently increase the amount of change in the magnetic field strength of the object to be frozen 5, and depending on the type of the object to be frozen 5, etc. May make it difficult to sufficiently reduce the water clusters in the frozen object 5. On the other hand, when the strength of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A exceeds the upper limit value, the size of the device is increased.

The magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is not limited to the alternating magnetic field as described above. For example, the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A may be intermittent. In this case, the preferable range of the frequency and maximum strength of the generated magnetic field is the same as above.

Although the first magnetic field generator 2A has been described above, the second magnetic field generator 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C also have the same configuration and function as the first magnetic field generator 2A. is doing.

In the present invention, the magnetic field generator may be a single magnetic field generator, but preferably has a plurality of magnetic field generators. By having a plurality of magnetic field generators, the frozen object 5
The magnetic field can be applied more uniformly to
As will be described later in detail, the magnetic field control device 3 can individually control the generation pattern of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generation device. As a result, the magnetic field generated by the entire cluster subdivision device 1A (the sum of the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generation devices) can easily have a desired shape, size, and strength. As a result, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently.

As described above, the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention
May have a plurality of magnetic field generators, that is, two or more magnetic field generators, but preferably has three or more magnetic field generators. This makes it possible to further efficiently subdivide the water clusters in the frozen object 5.

Further, it is preferable that at least two of the magnetic field generators constituting the cluster subdivision device 1A are arranged so as to face each other. This makes it possible to further efficiently subdivide the water clusters in the frozen object 5.

Further, for example, in each magnetic field generator, the shape and size of the coil 21 may be the same or different.

It is preferable that such a magnetic field generator is arranged at or near the mounting portion 7. This makes it possible to more effectively subdivide the water clusters in the frozen object 5.

Magnetic field generator (first magnetic field generator 2A,
Second magnetic field generator 2B or third magnetic field generator 2
The distance (shortest distance) between C) and the object to be frozen 5 varies depending on the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic field generator, and is, for example, 1
It is preferably 50 cm or less, more preferably 50 cm or less. When the distance (shortest distance) between the magnetic field generator 2 and the object to be frozen 5 exceeds 150 cm, the water cluster in the object to be frozen 5 can be made sufficiently small depending on the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic field generator. It can be difficult.

As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the second magnetic field generator 2B and the mounting portion 7 (particularly the tray 71) are integrally formed. Thereby, the frozen object 5 and
The distance to the magnetic field generator 2B can always be shortened. As a result, the effect of cluster subdivision can be further enhanced. Moreover, since the number of magnetic field generators installed as separate members can be reduced, it is advantageous for increasing the capacity and space of the refrigerating apparatus.

The magnetic field generator is the refrigerating apparatus main body 10
It is preferable to have low temperature resistance capable of withstanding the temperature inside 1. As a result, the durability of the magnetic field generator is improved, so that the refrigeration apparatus 10 exhibits a stable effect over a long period of time. Further, since it is not necessary to replace the magnetic field generator (or the number of times the magnetic field generator is replaced can be reduced), maintenance of the refrigeration system 10 becomes easy.

Next, the magnetic field control device 3 will be described.
The magnetic field control device 3 has a function of individually controlling the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generation device (first magnetic field generation device 2A, second magnetic field generation device 2B, third magnetic field generation device 2C). . As a result, at least one of the magnetic field generators
It is possible to control the timing of generation of a magnetic field from one magnetic field (magnetic field generation pattern) so as to be different from the timing of generation of a magnetic field from another magnetic field generation device. In this way, by making the generation timing of the magnetic field different among the plurality of magnetic field generation devices, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided. That is,
The hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules and the like in the object to be frozen 5 can be efficiently broken. As a result, it is possible to freeze the object 5 to be frozen while sufficiently preventing / suppressing the deterioration of quality.

The magnetic field control device 3 may be, for example, each magnetic field generator (first magnetic field generator 2A, second magnetic field generator 2).
B, the third magnetic field generator 2C) may have a variable function of changing the direction, frequency, current amount, etc. of the current flowing through the coil 21. As a result, the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generation device can be controlled more accurately, and the magnetic field generated by the cluster subdivision device 1A as a whole (sum of magnetic fields generated by each magnetic field generation device) can be easily calculated. ,
It can have a desired shape, size, and strength. As a result, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently.

The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG.

That is, first, the first magnetic field generator 2A
An alternating voltage is applied to the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B to generate a magnetic field from these two magnetic field generators. At this time, the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C
No voltage is applied to. In addition, the first magnetic field generator 2
The generation timing of the magnetic field from A is synchronized with the generation timing of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generator 2B. As the magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B change, the magnetic field in the frozen object 5 changes, and the water clusters in the frozen object 5 are subdivided.

After energizing the coils 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B for a predetermined time, the energization of the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A is stopped,
Energization of the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C is started. That is, the application of the AC voltage is switched from the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A to the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C. As a result, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 is switched and the direction of the magnetic force lines near the freezing target 5 is changed in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1A. As a result, the magnetic field in each part of the frozen object 5 can be changed uniformly, and the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.

Thereafter, similarly to the above, the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C is energized for a predetermined time. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further progresses.

After that, the energization of the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B is stopped, and the energization of the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A is started. That is, the application of the AC voltage is switched from the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B to the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A. As a result, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 is switched and the direction of the magnetic force lines near the freezing target 5 is changed in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1A. As a result, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.

After that, similarly to the above, the coil of the magnetic field generator for applying the AC voltage is repeatedly switched. As a result, the direction of the magnetic lines of force and the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 change with time. In this way, by changing the direction of the magnetic lines of force and the magnetic field strength in the object to be frozen 5 with time, it is possible to make the water cluster finer evenly in each part in the object to be frozen 5.

As described above, the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present embodiment repeats operation-pause for each magnetic field generator. The present inventor, when the freezing of the water in the object 5 to freeze freezes the magnetic field generator that has been operating, even though the temperature inside the refrigerating machine body 101 is kept substantially constant. It has been found that the process proceeds preferentially (that is, when switching the magnetic field generator that generates the magnetic field). This is considered to be due to the following reasons.

That is, while the magnetic field is being generated by the magnetic field generator, the frozen object 5 is
Since water molecules and the like in the inside are vibrating, even if the temperature thereof becomes lower than the freezing temperature, the frozen object 5 does not freeze and becomes in a supercooled state. In such a state, by suspending the operation of the magnetic field generator that has generated the magnetic field, the water content in the frozen object 5 suddenly freezes. Further, in the present embodiment, since the generation and stop of the magnetic field as described above are repeatedly performed, the freezing of the object to be frozen 5 can be rapidly advanced. Further, since the generation and stop of the magnetic field as described above are sequentially repeated for each magnetic field generation device, freezing of the frozen object 5 progresses uniformly at each site. Therefore, the frozen object 5 reaches freezing in a state in which its quality is sufficiently maintained.

As described above, in this embodiment, 2
By synchronizing the generation timings of the magnetic fields from the one magnetic field generation device and changing the combination of the synchronized magnetic field generation devices with time, in the vicinity of the frozen object 5,
The generation of the magnetic field is controlled so that the magnetic field lines rotate. As a result, the water clusters can be made more evenly in each part of the frozen object 5.

In the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, the phases of the magnetic fields generated in the two synchronized magnetic field generators are always the same, but the phases are not necessarily the same. For example, in two synchronized magnetic field generators, the phases of the generated magnetic fields may be shifted by one-half wavelength.

The maximum strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator may be substantially the same or may be different for each magnetic field generator.

The cluster subdivision device 1A does not always have to be operated. For example, the operation of the cluster subdivision device may be terminated after the frozen object 5 is frozen.

Further, the generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator may be controlled as shown in FIG. 4, for example.

That is, while the first magnetic field generator 2A and the third magnetic field generator 2C continuously generate an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency, the second magnetic field generator 2B discontinuously (intermittently). Alternatively, an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency may be generated.

In this case, the frequencies of the alternating magnetic fields generated by the respective magnetic field generators may be the same or different from each other.

The cluster subdivision device 1A has a light irradiation means 4, and generates a magnetic field by the magnetic field generator (any one of the first magnetic field generator 2A to the third magnetic field generator 2C) and the object to be frozen. 5 is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 500 nm or less, particularly 400 to 500 nm (hereinafter referred to as “short wavelength light”).

As described above, the frozen object 5 is subdivided into water clusters contained in the frozen object 5 by applying a magnetic field. The tissue of the object 5 is excited by the short-wavelength light and becomes more susceptible to the influence of the magnetic field, and as a result, the subdivision of water clusters is further promoted. In particular, not only ordinary foods but also green-yellow foods such as vegetables can be easily absorbed because the irradiation light is short-wavelength light, and the above effects can be obtained.

Irradiation of short-wavelength light is performed as shown in FIG.
It may be performed constantly while the magnetic field is applied by any of the magnetic field generators, or may be performed intermittently (intermittently). In the latter case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, irradiation of short wavelength light (operation of the light irradiation means 4) can be performed in synchronization with the generation of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generation device 2B.

In the example of FIG. 4, the increase / decrease of the total magnetic field intensity by the three magnetic field generators and the increase / decrease of the short wavelength light intensity by the light irradiation means 4 are performed in synchronization. That is,
In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the three magnetic field generators 2A to 2C are operating and when the two magnetic field generators 2A and 2C are operating alternately, the former, that is, the magnetic field When the total intensity is large, the light irradiation means 4 is turned on in synchronization with this, and short wavelength light is emitted. By doing so, it is possible to more efficiently subdivide the water clusters contained in the frozen object 5.

In FIG. 4, when the two magnetic field generators 2A and 2C are operating (when the second magnetic field generator 2B is not operating), the light irradiating means 4 is turned off, and the The wavelength light is not irradiated, but not limited to this, the two magnetic field generators 2A and 2C.
Is activated, the light irradiation means 4 is powered down (the number of light sources to be turned on and / or the voltage applied to the light sources is decreased) to reduce the irradiation light amount of the short wavelength light. It may have any configuration. Also, the light irradiation means 4
The light source 41 or the like may be displaced (moved, rotated, etc.) relative to the object 5 to be frozen, and the irradiation direction (irradiation position) of the short wavelength light may be changed. The light source drive control means 42 performs the above-described lighting / extinguishing control of the light source 41, power control, displacement control, and the like.

The cluster subdivision device 1A is further provided with α
It may have an energy applying means for irradiating at least one of rays, ultrasonic waves, microwaves and negative ions. When the cluster subdivision device 1A has such an energy imparting means, it becomes possible to subdivide the water cluster in the frozen object 5 more efficiently. Such energy applying means may be formed integrally with the magnetic field generator or may be a separate body.

Next, a second embodiment of the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigeration apparatus of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described first embodiment,
Descriptions of similar matters are omitted.

The refrigeration system 10 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision device 1B is different from that used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration system of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cluster subdivision device 1B comprises a plurality of magnetic field generators, that is, a first magnetic field generator 2A, a second magnetic field generator 2B, and a third magnetic field generator 2C. It has two magnetic field generators, and the surfaces facing these frozen objects 5 are orthogonal to each other.
Each magnetic field generator is installed.

By arranging a plurality of magnetic field generators in this way, the shape of the magnetic field given to the frozen object 5 and the direction of the magnetic force lines in the vicinity of the frozen object 5 are three-dimensionally determined in the cluster subdivision device 1B as a whole. Can be efficiently changed. Thereby, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 can be progressed uniformly and efficiently.

The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each of the magnetic field generators 2A to 2C and the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 are controlled, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 described in the above embodiment. be able to.

In this embodiment, the lines of magnetic force are three-dimensionally rotated near the object 5 to be frozen by the arrangement of the magnetic field generators 2A to 2C as described above and the generation timing of the magnetic field as shown in FIG. Thus, the state (generation) of the magnetic field is controlled. As a result, even if the frozen object 5 has a complicated shape, it is possible to make the water clusters more evenly in each part of the frozen object 5.

Also in this embodiment, the generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each of the magnetic field generation devices 2A to 2C and the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 are limited to those shown in FIG. Instead, it can be controlled as shown in FIG. 4 or any other pattern.

Next, a third embodiment of the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigeration apparatus of the third embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the above-described first and second embodiments, and description of similar matters will be omitted.

The refrigerating apparatus 10 of this embodiment has the same construction as that of the above-mentioned embodiment except that the construction of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1C is different from that used in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration system of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cluster subdivision device 1C includes four magnetic field generators (first magnetic field generator 2).
A, second magnetic field generator 2B, third magnetic field generator 2
C, a fourth magnetic field generator 2D). Further, in the cluster subdivision device 1C, the first magnetic field generation device 2A and the third magnetic field generation device 2C face each other,
Similarly, the second magnetic field generator 2B and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D face each other. The surfaces of the first magnetic field generation device 2A and the third magnetic field generation device 2C that face the freezing target 5 face the freezing target 5 of the second magnetic field generation device 2B and the fourth magnetic field generation device 2D. Each magnetic field generator is installed so as to be orthogonal to the plane. That is, the fourth magnetic field generator 2D is formed on the inner surface side of the door of the refrigerating device 10 shown on the left side in FIG.

In this way, by arranging a plurality of magnetic field generators so as to surround the four sides of the object to be frozen 5,
It is possible to more efficiently subdivide the clusters in the frozen object 5.

The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG.

That is, first, the first magnetic field generator 2A
An alternating voltage is applied to the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B to generate a magnetic field from these two magnetic field generators. At this time, no voltage is applied to the coils 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D. Further, the generation timing of the magnetic field from the first magnetic field generator 2A and the generation timing of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generator 2B are synchronized. As the magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B change, the magnetic field in the frozen object 5 changes, and the water clusters in the frozen object 5 are subdivided.

After energizing the coils 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B for a predetermined time, the energization of the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A is stopped,
Energization of the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C is started. That is, the application of the AC voltage is switched from the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A to the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C. As a result, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 is switched and the direction of the magnetic force lines near the freezing target 5 is changed in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C. As a result, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.

Then, similarly to the above, the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C is energized for a predetermined time. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further progresses.

After that, the energization of the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B is stopped, and the energization of the coil 21 of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D is started. That is, the application of the AC voltage is switched from the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B to the coil 21 of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D. As a result, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 is switched and the direction of the magnetic force lines near the freezing target 5 is changed in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C. As a result, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.

Thereafter, similarly to the above, the coils 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D are energized for a predetermined time. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further progresses.

After that, the energization of the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C is stopped, and the energization of the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A is started. That is, the application of the AC voltage is switched from the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C to the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A. As a result, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 is switched and the direction of the magnetic force lines near the freezing target 5 is changed in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C. As a result, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.

Thereafter, similarly to the above, the coil 21 of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D and the first magnetic field generator 2A is energized for a predetermined time. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further progresses.

After that, the energization of the coil 21 of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D is stopped and the energization of the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B is started. That is, the application of the AC voltage is switched from the coil 21 of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D to the coil 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B. As a result, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 is switched and the direction of the magnetic force lines near the freezing target 5 is changed in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C. As a result, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.

After that, similarly to the above, the coil of the magnetic field generator for applying the AC voltage is repeatedly switched. As a result, the direction of the magnetic lines of force and the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 change with time. In this way, by changing the direction of the magnetic lines of force and the magnetic field strength in the object to be frozen 5 with time, it is possible to make the water cluster finer evenly in each part in the object to be frozen 5.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the magnetic field generation timings of the two magnetic field generators are synchronized, and the combination of the synchronized magnetic field generators is changed over time, so that the vicinity of the frozen object 5 is reduced. At, the generation of the magnetic field is controlled so that the magnetic field lines rotate. As a result, the water clusters can be made more evenly in each part of the frozen object 5.

Further, the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 can be controlled as shown in FIG. 7, for example. In this case, the lighting timings of the light source 41A and the light source 41B are controlled to have different patterns. In the example shown in FIG. 7, both the light source 41A and the light source 41B may be turned on, only the light source 41A may be turned on, and only the light source 41B may be turned on (of the light source 41A and the light source 41B). Both may be turned off.) However, these turning on / off is preferably performed in synchronization with the operation of the first to fourth magnetic field generators 2A to 2D. Also, the irradiation pattern of short wavelength light is
You may control as FIG. 3 or FIG.

In the timing chart shown in FIG. 7, the phases of the magnetic fields generated in the two synchronized magnetic field generators are always the same, but the phases are not necessarily the same. For example, in two synchronized magnetic field generators, the phases of the generated magnetic fields may be shifted by one-half wavelength.

Further, the maximum strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator may be substantially the same or may be different for each magnetic field generator.

The cluster subdivision device 1A does not always need to be operated. For example, the operation of the cluster subdivision device 1A may be terminated after the frozen object 5 is frozen.

Further, in the timing chart shown in FIG. 7, the generation timings of the magnetic fields from the two magnetic field generation devices are synchronized, and the combination of the synchronized magnetic field generation devices is changed over time. The number of magnetic field generators to be synchronized may be three.

Further, the generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator may be controlled as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

That is, while the first magnetic field generator 2A and the third magnetic field generator 2C continuously generate an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency, the second magnetic field generator 2B and the fourth magnetic field generator 2C are generated. An alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency may be generated discontinuously (intermittently) from 2D.

In this case, the generation timing of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generator 2B and the generation timing of the magnetic field from the fourth magnetic field generator 2D may or may not be synchronized.

Further, the frequencies of the alternating magnetic fields generated by the respective magnetic field generators may be the same or different from each other.

In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 8, the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 is such that the light source 41A is continuously turned on and the light source 41B is repeatedly turned on / off (or dimmed). Controlled. In this case, the lighting of the light source 41B is performed in synchronization with (or synchronously with) the lighting of the second and fourth magnetic field generators 2B and 2D. This allows
The strength of the magnetic field and the strength of the light quantity (total light quantity) of the short-wavelength light are synchronized, and the water clusters contained in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently. Further, the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light is not limited to the above,
The control may be performed as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 or any other pattern.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigeration apparatus of the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described first to third embodiments, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

The refrigerating apparatus 10 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above-mentioned embodiment except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1D is different from that used in the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration system of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cluster subdivision apparatus 1D is the cluster subdivision apparatus 1 in the third embodiment.
Similar to C, four magnetic field generators (first magnetic field generator 2A, second magnetic field generator 2B, third magnetic field generator 2).
C and a fourth magnetic field generator 2D), but their arrangement is different from that of the cluster subdivision device 1C. That is, in the cluster subdivision device 1D, the surface of the first magnetic field generation device 2A facing the freezing target 5 and the surface of the second magnetic field generation device 2B facing the freezing target 5 are on the same surface. The surface of the third magnetic field generator 2C facing the object 5 to be frozen and the surface of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D facing the object to be frozen 5 are located on the same plane. It is arranged. The first magnetic field generator 2A and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D are arranged so as to face each other, and the second magnetic field generator 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C are different from each other. , Are arranged to face each other.

The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each of the magnetic field generators 2A to 2D and the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 should be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. You can Moreover, the irradiation pattern of the short wavelength light is not limited to the above, and may be controlled as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 or any other pattern.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigeration apparatus of the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described first to fourth embodiments, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

The refrigerating apparatus 10 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above-mentioned embodiment except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1E is different from that used in the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration system of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the cluster subdivision device 1E, the fourth magnetic field generation device 2D is formed integrally with the placing portion 7 (particularly the tray 71). As a result, the distance between the object to be frozen 5 and the magnetic field generator can always be shortened. As a result, the effect of cluster subdivision can be further enhanced. Moreover, since the number of magnetic field generators installed as separate members can be reduced, it is advantageous for increasing the capacity and space of the refrigerating apparatus.

By arranging the magnetic field generators as shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D facing the object to be frozen 5 is the first magnetic field generator 2A,
Second magnetic field generator 2B and third magnetic field generator 2C
Is orthogonal to the surface facing the frozen object 5. As a result, the shape of the magnetic field applied to the freezing target 5 and the direction of the lines of magnetic force in the vicinity of the freezing target 5 can be efficiently changed three-dimensionally in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1E. Thereby, the subdivision of clusters in the frozen object 5 can be progressed uniformly and efficiently.

The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each of the magnetic field generators 2A to 2D and the irradiation of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG. As a result, the generation of the magnetic field is controlled so that the magnetic force lines rotate three-dimensionally in the vicinity of the frozen object 5. As a result, the water clusters can be made more evenly in each part of the frozen object 5.

Further, the generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each of the magnetic field generators 2A to 2D and the irradiation of the short wavelength light from the light irradiation means 4 can be controlled as shown in FIG. . The irradiation pattern of short wavelength light is
The present invention is not limited to the above, and may be controlled as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 or other arbitrary patterns.

The present invention has been described above based on the preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0143] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the food item is used as the object to be frozen, but the object to be frozen may be any object as long as it contains water. As a frozen object, for example, when a living tissue such as an organ used for transplantation is used, by freezing in a state where water clusters in the living tissue are subdivided, cells constituting the living tissue are destroyed. This can be effectively prevented or suppressed. Therefore, it becomes possible to preserve the biological tissue for a long period of time while sufficiently preventing or suppressing the functional deterioration of the biological tissue. As a result, even after transplantation, the biological tissue can sufficiently exhibit its original function.

When a chemical is used as the object to be frozen, it is possible to prevent or suppress the deterioration of the quality of the chemical.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration having three or four magnetic field generators has been described, but the number of magnetic field generators may be two, or may be five or more. Good. Similarly, regarding the configuration of the light irradiation means, particularly the shape, form, number, arrangement, lighting pattern, etc. of the light sources,
There is no particular limitation.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the freezing apparatus having a structure in which the magnetic field generator and the light irradiation means are fixed and the object to be frozen is frozen in a stationary state has been described. However, the magnetic field generator and / or the light irradiation is used. The configuration may be such that the means and the object to be frozen move relatively. That is, at least one of the magnetic field generator and / or the light irradiation unit and the object to be frozen may be moved. Thereby, the irradiation pattern of the magnetic field or the short-wavelength light in the frozen object can be changed more complicatedly, and the clusters in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently. Examples of the refrigerating apparatus having such a configuration include a belt conveyor tunnel type refrigerating apparatus.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the magnetic field generator having a flat plate shape has been described, but the shape or form of the magnetic field generator is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cylinder. It may have any shape such as a shape, a curved plate shape, or a rod shape.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration having one fan and one heat exchanger has been described, but a configuration having a plurality of fans and heat exchangers may be used.

[0149]

EXAMPLES Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.

[Freezing of frozen object] (Example 1) First, a cluster subdivision device as shown in Fig. 2 was produced. The light irradiation means has a peak wavelength of 4
A 20 nm blue-violet lamp was used.

Next, using this cluster subdivision device, a refrigeration device as shown in FIG. 1 was produced. The refrigerating apparatus thus obtained was operated under the following conditions.

The generation pattern of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generation device and the pattern of short wavelength light generated by the light irradiation means were controlled as shown in FIG. The magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator was an alternating magnetic field of 60 Hz.

The maximum intensity (absolute value) of the magnetic field generated by the entire cluster subdivision device (sum of magnetic fields generated by each magnetic field generation device) was 2000 Gs.

Under the conditions as described above, the refrigerating apparatus is operated and the internal temperature of the refrigerating apparatus main body is set to −50 ° C., and then the frozen object is placed on each tray of the placing section to freeze the object. Frozen. At this time, the distance (shortest distance) between the magnetic field generator and the object to be frozen was 5 cm. As the object to be frozen, packed Chinese noodles (200 g) were used.

(Embodiment 2) As the cluster subdivision device, one having a structure as shown in FIG. 5 is used, and the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator (60 Hz alternating magnetic field, magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator) is used. Maximum intensity of summation = 200
0 Gs) generation pattern and short wavelength light (420 nm) pattern generated by the light irradiation means were controlled as shown in FIG. Under the same conditions, the packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen.

(Embodiment 3) As the cluster subdivision device, one having a structure as shown in FIG. 6 is used, and the magnetic fields (60 Hz alternating magnetic field, magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generation device) of each magnetic field generation device are used. Maximum intensity of sum = 280
0 Gs) and the pattern of short-wavelength light (420 nm) generated by the light irradiation means were controlled as shown in FIG. 8, using the same refrigerating apparatus as in Example 1 above. Under the same conditions, the packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen.

(Embodiment 4) As the cluster subdivision device, one having a structure as shown in FIG. 9 is used, and the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator (60 Hz alternating magnetic field, magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator) is used. Maximum intensity of sum = 280
0 Gs) and the pattern of short wavelength light (420 nm) generated by the light irradiating means are controlled as shown in FIG. Under the same conditions, the packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen.

(Embodiment 5) As a cluster subdivision device, a device having a structure as shown in FIG.
The magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator (60 Hz alternating magnetic field,
Maximum strength of sum of magnetic fields generated by each magnetic field generator = 28
00 Gs) and the short wavelength light (420 nm) pattern generated by the light irradiating means are controlled as shown in FIG. Under the same conditions, the packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen.

Example 6 Packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen in the same manner as in Example 2 except that an ultraviolet lamp was used as a light source.

(Example 7) The packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen in the same manner as in Example 3 except that an ultraviolet lamp was used as a light source.

Example 8 The packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen in the same manner as in Example 5 except that an ultraviolet lamp was used as a light source.

(Comparative Example 1) Packed Chinese noodles (object to be frozen) were frozen in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a freezing device having no cluster subdivision device was used. .

(Comparative Example 2) A refrigerating apparatus having the same configuration as in Example 3 was used except that the magnetic field control device and the light irradiation means were not provided, and an alternating magnetic field was continuously generated from each magnetic field generation device. The same object to be frozen was frozen in the same manner as in Example 3 except for the above.

(Comparative Example 3) A refrigerating apparatus having the same structure as in Example 5 was used, except that a magnetic field control device was not provided and a light source emitting orange light was used as the light irradiating means. The same object to be frozen was frozen in the same manner as in Example 5 except that an alternating magnetic field was continuously generated from each magnetic field generator.

[Evaluation] Chinese noodles frozen by using the refrigerating apparatus of each of the Examples and Comparative Examples were stored in the refrigerating apparatus for 120 days and then thawed. Then, the thawed Chinese noodles were cooked under the same conditions.

The quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) of the cooked Chinese noodles was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0167]

[Table 1]

As is clear from Table 1, the Chinese noodles frozen using the freezing apparatus of the present invention retained excellent quality even after thawing. This is considered to be due to the following reasons.

That is, the object to be frozen is placed in a freezing device (freezer) in a low temperature environment and freezes. At this time, the cluster subdivision device acts so that water clusters in the object to be frozen are changed. It is subdivided.

Therefore, the object to be frozen reaches freezing in the state where the water clusters are subdivided. As a result, the ice crystals formed in the frozen object are made fine.

As described above, the formation of coarsened ice is effectively prevented and suppressed by refining the ice crystals. Therefore, due to the coarsened ice, the microscopic structure of the frozen object changes from the structure before freezing,
It can be effectively prevented / suppressed (the cells constituting the frozen object can be effectively prevented from being destroyed). As a result, effectively prevent the deterioration of food quality,
It is thought that it can be suppressed.

On the other hand, as shown in Table 1, the quality of frozen objects frozen in each comparative example was significantly deteriorated after thawing. Among them, the object to be frozen, which was frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of Comparative Example 1, had a remarkable deterioration in quality after thawing. It is considered that this is because the ice formed by freezing was coarsened, and the microscopic structure of the frozen object was significantly changed from the structure before freezing due to such ice (the frozen object It is believed that the cells that make up the are destroyed).

[0173] Further, Chinese noodles that have not been subjected to a freezing treatment (those manufactured under the same conditions 30 days after the manufacturing date of the Chinese noodles frozen by the refrigerating apparatus of each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples)
Was cooked as above. The thus-prepared Chinese noodles were allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour together with the Chinese noodles of the above Examples and Comparative Examples, and the flavor and appearance were evaluated thereafter.

As a result, the Chinese noodles frozen by the freezing apparatus of the present invention showed almost no deterioration in flavor and appearance as compared with immediately after cooking. On the other hand, the Chinese noodles frozen in the freezing apparatus of each comparative example and the Chinese noodles that were not subjected to the freezing treatment were significantly deteriorated in flavor and appearance, and were in a so-called "noodle stretched" state. This is considered to be due to the following reasons.

That is, when the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention is used, the noodles to be frozen reach freezing in a state where water clusters are subdivided, and the ice crystals formed in the frozen objects are It will be miniaturized. Therefore, the microscopic structure of the frozen object can sufficiently maintain the state before freezing even after freezing (destruction of cells constituting the frozen object is prevented / suppressed). Further, even after thawing, the water clusters contained in the frozen object are kept in a finely divided state. Therefore, during cooking, even after contact with water having a relatively large cluster, the water having a small cluster size contained in the noodles is replaced with water having a large cluster size outside, The phenomenon of excessive absorption of external water is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the noodles frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention are prevented from having a large increase in water content compared with before cooking even when left standing for a long time after cooking.

On the other hand, in the noodles frozen using the refrigerator of each comparative example or the noodles not subjected to the freezing treatment, the cluster size of water contained therein is large, so that it is easy to absorb the external moisture, and the noodles are easily cooked. , The water content tends to increase after cooking. Therefore, when left for a long time after cooking, the so-called "noodles are stretched" is likely to occur.

(Examples 9 to 16 and Comparative Examples 4 to 6) The same procedures as in Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were performed, except that boiled spinach (200 g) was used as a frozen object. It was frozen.

Spinach frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of Examples 9 to 16 and Comparative Examples 4 to 6 was stored in the refrigerating apparatus for 15 times.
After storing for 0 days, it was thawed and cooked under the same conditions.

The quality (flavor, appearance, fragrance, etc.) of the cooked spinach was evaluated in the same manner as described above. As a result, almost the same results as in Table 1 were obtained.

[0180]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a refrigerating apparatus capable of preventing or suppressing the deterioration of the quality of food. In addition, excellent quality is maintained even when frozen food is stored for a long period of time.

When noodles are used as the object to be frozen, it is possible to prevent the so-called "noodle spread" phenomenon from occurring after cooking.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a refrigeration apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an example of a timing chart showing a generation timing of a magnetic field from each magnetic field generation device of the cluster subdivision device.

FIG. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing the generation timing of a magnetic field from each magnetic field generation device of the cluster subdivision device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in the second embodiment of the refrigeration system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a third embodiment of the refrigeration system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a timing chart showing the generation timing of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generation device of the cluster subdivision device.

FIG. 8 is an example of a timing chart showing the generation timing of a magnetic field from each magnetic field generation device of the cluster subdivision device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a fourth embodiment of the refrigeration system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a fifth embodiment of the refrigeration system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Cluster subdivision device 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D magnetic field generator 21 coils 22 Non-magnetic cover 3 Magnetic field controller 4 Light irradiation means 41 light source 41A, 41B light source 42 light source drive control means 5 frozen objects 6 tube 61 Hollow part 7 Placement section 71 trays 8 heat exchanger 81 Evaporator 82 compressor 83 Condenser 84 Refrigerant piping 85 Refrigerant piping 9 fans 10 Refrigerator 101 Refrigerator body

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A freezing device for freezing an object to be frozen containing water, wherein a magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the object to be frozen and changing its intensity over time, a wavelength of 500 nm for the object to be frozen. A refrigerating apparatus comprising: a light irradiation unit that irradiates the following light. 2. A freezing device for freezing an object to be frozen containing water, wherein a magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the object to be frozen and changing its strength over time is used, and a wavelength of 400 is applied to the object to be frozen. A light irradiating means for irradiating light of up to 500 nm. 3. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the magnetic field generators are installed. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein at the time of performing refrigeration, the generation timing of a magnetic field from at least one of the magnetic field generation devices is controlled to be different from the generation timing of a magnetic field from another magnetic field generation device. Refrigeration equipment. 5. At least two of the magnetic field generators have three or more magnetic field generators, and at least two of the magnetic field generators generate magnetic fields from one or more magnetic field generators other than these. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the refrigerating apparatus is controlled so as to be different from the generation timing of the magnetic field. 6. At least three magnetic field generators are provided, and at the time of freezing, the magnetic field generation timings of at least two of the magnetic field generators are synchronized, and one or more of the other magnetic field generators are synchronized. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the combination of two or more magnetic field generators that are controlled so as to be different from the generation timing of the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator and that synchronize the generation timing of the magnetic field changes with time. 7. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of magnetic field generators are installed such that their surfaces facing the object to be frozen are orthogonal to each other. 8. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation unit is configured to change the intensity and / or the irradiation direction of the irradiation light with time. 9. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a change in the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and a change in the intensity and / or the irradiation direction of the irradiation light by the irradiation unit are performed in synchronization with each other. 10. A placing unit for placing the frozen object,
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heat exchanger and a fan that circulates cold air. 11. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the magnetic field generation device is arranged in the mounting portion or in the vicinity thereof. 12. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein generation of the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating apparatus is controlled so that the direction of the magnetic force line rotates in the vicinity of the mounting portion. 13. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least two magnetic field generators are arranged so as to face each other. 14. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generator generates an alternating magnetic field. 15. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object to be frozen is frozen in a state where water clusters in the object to be frozen are subdivided. 16. The temperature inside the refrigerating device during use is −
The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which has a temperature of 30 ° C or lower. 17. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generator has low temperature resistance. 18. The object to be frozen is a food product.
The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of 1 to 17. 19. The object to be frozen is a vegetable, a green-yellow food, or a food containing the food.
The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of 1.