JP2004028559A - Freezer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a freezer capable of preventing and suppressing deterioration of quality of food. <P>SOLUTION: The freezer 10 has a cluster segmenting device 1A segmenting water clusters in a freezing object 5, a mounting part 7 for mounting the freezing object 5, a refrigerator 8, and a fan 9 circulating cold air. The cluster segmenting device 1A has a plurality of magnetic field generators 2A, 2B and 2C applying a magnetic field on the freezing object 5 and changing its magnetic field intensity with the lapse of time, and a magnetic field controller 3 controlling the magnetic field intensity generated by each magnetic field generator. It is controlled so that generation timings of the magnetic field from two of the magnetic field generators 2A, 2B and 2C are synchronized and a generation timing of the magnetic field from the other magnetic field generator is different. Combination of the two magnetic field generators with synchronized generation timings of the magnetic field changes with the lapse of time. Each magnetic field generator generates an alternating magnetic field. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０１５６】
表１から明らかなように、本発明の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍した中華麺は、解凍後においても、優れた品質が保持されていた。これは、以下のような理由によるものであると考えられる。
【０１５７】
すなわち、冷凍対象物は、冷凍装置（冷凍庫）内という低温環境下に置かれ、凍結に至るが、このとき、クラスター細分化装置の作用を受け、冷凍対象物中の水のクラスターが細分化される。
【０１５８】
したがって、冷凍対象物は、水のクラスターが細分化された状態で、凍結に至る。その結果、冷凍対象物中に形成される氷の結晶は、微細化されたものとなる。
【０１５９】
このように、氷の結晶が微細化されることにより、粗大化した氷の形成が、効果的に防止、抑制される。このため、粗大化した氷によって、前記冷凍対象物のミクロ的な構造が冷凍前の構造から変化するのを、効果的に防止・抑制することができる（冷凍対象物を構成する細胞が破壊されるのを効果的に防止することができる）。その結果、食品の品質の低下を効果的に防止、抑制することができるものと考えられる。
【０１６０】
これに対し、各比較例で冷凍した冷凍対象物は、表３に示すように解凍後における品質の低下が著しかった。中でも、比較例１の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍した冷凍対象物は、解凍後における品質の低下が極めて顕著であった。これは、凍結により形成された氷が粗大化したものであり、このような氷によって、前記冷凍対象物のミクロ的な構造が冷凍前の構造から著しく変化したためであると考えられる（冷凍対象物を構成する細胞が破壊されたためであると考えられる）。
【０１６１】
また、冷凍処理を施していない中華麺（前記各実施例および各比較例の冷凍装置で凍結させた中華麺の製造日の３０日後に、同様の条件で製造したもの）を前記と同様にして調理した。このように調理された中華麺を、前記各実施例および各比較例による中華麺とともに、室温下で１時間静置し、その後の風味、外観を評価した。
【０１６２】
その結果、本発明の冷凍装置で冷凍した中華麺は、調理後直後と比べて、風味、外観の低下をほとんど生じていなかった。これに対し、各比較例の冷凍装置で冷凍した中華麺および冷凍処理を施さなかった中華麺は、風味、外観が著しく低下し、いわゆる「麺がのびた」状態になっていた。これは、以下のような理由によるものであると考えられる。
【０１６３】
すなわち、本発明の冷凍装置を用いた場合、冷凍対象物である麺は、水のクラスターが細分化された状態で凍結に至り、冷凍対象物中に形成される氷の結晶は、微細化されたものとなる。このため、冷凍対象物のミクロ的な構造は、冷凍後においても、冷凍前の状態を十分に保持することができる（冷凍対象物を構成する細胞の破壊が防止・抑制される）。また、解凍後においても、冷凍対象物中に含まれる水のクラスターは、微細化した状態が保持される。このため、調理時、調理後において、比較的クラスターの大きい水と接触した場合であっても、麺中に含まれるクラスターサイズの小さい水と、外部のクラスターサイズの大きい水とが置換したり、外部の水分を過剰に吸収したりする現象が起こり難い。したがって、本発明の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍された麺は、調理後、長時間放置した場合であっても、水分含有量が、調理前に比べて大きく増加するのを抑制される。
【０１６４】
これに対し、各比較例の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍された麺や冷凍処理を施さなかった麺では、含まれる水のクラスターサイズが大きいため、外部の水分を吸収しやすく、調理時、調理後等において、水分含有量が増加しやすい。したがって、調理後、長時間放置した場合、いわゆる「麺がのびた」状態になりやすい。
【０１６５】
また、前記各実施例および比較例１の冷凍装置を用いて、塊状の豚肉（１００ｇ）を冷凍した。その後、前記と同様にして、保存した。その後、電子レンジを用いて解凍し、解凍された豚肉を調理した。その結果、本発明の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍された豚肉（冷凍対象物）は、解凍後においても、優れた品質（風味、外観、香り等）を保持していた。これに対し、比較例１の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍した豚肉（冷凍対象物）は、解凍時に多量のドリップを生じ、明らかな品質（風味、外観、香り等）の低下が認められた。また、冷凍時における冷凍対象物（豚肉）の中心部付近の経時的な温度変化を測定したところ、図１１に示すように、本発明の冷凍装置では、比較例１の冷凍装置に比べ、水の凝固点付近における潜熱が小さくなっていることが確認された。図１１には、本発明の冷凍装置として、実施例２の冷凍装置を用いた場合の冷凍対象物の経時的な温度変化を示したが、実施例１および実施例３〜５の冷凍装置を用いた場合についても、ほぼ同様な結果が得られた。
【０１６６】
また、前記各実施例および比較例１の冷凍装置を用いて、塊状の木綿豆腐（１００ｇ）を冷凍した。その後、前記と同様にして、保存した。その後、電子レンジを用いて解凍した。その結果、本発明の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍された木綿豆腐（冷凍対象物）は、解凍後においても、優れた品質（風味、外観、香り等）を保持していた。これに対し、比較例１の冷凍装置を用いて冷凍した木綿豆腐（冷凍対象物）では、明らかな品質（風味、外観、香り等）の低下が認められた。また、冷凍時における冷凍対象物（木綿豆腐）の中心部付近の経時的な温度変化を測定したところ、図１２に示すように、本発明の冷凍装置では、比較例１の冷凍装置に比べ、冷凍対象物の冷却速度が速く、水の凝固点付近における潜熱が極端に小さくなっており、実質的に観測されなかった。図１２には、本発明の冷凍装置として、実施例１の冷凍装置を用いた場合の冷凍対象物の経時的な温度変化を示したが、実施例２〜５の冷凍装置を用いた場合についても、ほぼ同様な結果が得られた。
【０１６７】
また、オゾン供給手段として紫外線ランプを有する以外は、前記各実施例と同様に冷凍装置を作製し、これらの冷凍装置を用いて前記と同様に中華麺（冷凍対象物）を冷凍した。その後、冷凍された中華麺を冷凍装置内で６ヵ月保存した後、これらの中華麺を解凍した。その後、解凍された中華麺を、前記と同一の条件で調理した。
調理された中華麺の品質（風味、外観、香り等）を評価したところ、保存期間が長くなっているにも関わらず、前記と同様（表１に示す評価と同様）の結果が得られた。
【０１６８】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明によれば、食品の品質の低下を防止、抑制することが可能な冷凍装置を得ることができる。
また、冷凍された食品を長期間にわたって保存した場合であっても、優れた品質が保持される。
【０１６９】
また、冷凍対象物として麺類を用いた場合、調理後に、いわゆる「麺がのびる」現象を発生し難くすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の冷凍装置の第１実施形態を示す概略図である。
【図２】図１に示す冷凍装置が有するクラスター細分化装置の構成を示す概略図である。
【図３】クラスター細分化装置の各磁場発生装置からの磁場の発生タイミングを示すタイミングチャートの一例である。
【図４】クラスター細分化装置の各磁場発生装置からの磁場の発生タイミングを示すタイミングチャートの一例である。
【図５】本発明の冷凍装置の第２実施形態が有するクラスター細分化装置の構成を示す概略図である。
【図６】本発明の冷凍装置の第３実施形態が有するクラスター細分化装置の構成を示す概略図である。
【図７】クラスター細分化装置の各磁場発生装置からの磁場の発生タイミングを示すタイミングチャートの一例である。
【図８】クラスター細分化装置の各磁場発生装置からの磁場の発生タイミングを示すタイミングチャートの一例である。
【図９】本発明の冷凍装置の第４実施形態が有するクラスター細分化装置の構成を示す概略図である。
【図１０】本発明の冷凍装置の第５実施形態が有するクラスター細分化装置の構成を示す概略図である。
【図１１】冷凍対象物（豚肉）を冷凍する際の、冷凍対象物の経時的な温度変化を示すグラフである。
【図１２】冷凍対象物（木綿豆腐）を冷凍する際の、冷凍対象物の経時的な温度変化を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１Ａ、１Ｂ、１Ｃ、１Ｄ、１Ｅ　クラスター細分化装置
２Ａ、２Ｂ、２Ｃ、２Ｄ　　　　磁場発生装置
２１　　　　　コイル
２２　　　　　非磁性体カバー
３　　　　　　磁場制御装置
４　　　　　　エネルギー付与手段
５　　　　　　冷凍対象物
６　　　　　　管体
６１　　　　　中空部
７　　　　　　載置部
７１　　　　　トレイ
８　　　　　　冷凍機
８１　　　　　蒸発器
８２　　　　　圧縮機
８３　　　　　凝縮器
８４　　　　　冷媒配管
８５　　　　　冷媒配管
９　　　　　　ファン
１０　　　　　冷凍装置
１０１　　　　冷凍装置本体[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a refrigerator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Freezers for freezing and storing foods and the like at temperatures below freezing are widely used. Such a freezer was intended mainly for long-term storage by preventing food spoilage and the like.
[0003]
By the way, when a conventional freezer is used for freezing food, the quality of the food (eg, flavor) is considered to be caused by a change in the microscopic structure of the food during freezing (eg, destruction of cells constituting the food). , Appearance, fragrance, etc.) in some cases. In addition, depending on the type of food, the quality is significantly degraded by freezing, and there are some foods that cannot be frozen and stored.
[0004]
In addition, frozen foods are usually thawed and eaten. However, depending on the type of food, there is also a problem that dripping occurs upon thawing.
[0005]
Also, noodles such as Chinese noodles, when frozen and thawed and cooked, were liable to significantly impair the flavor and appearance.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus capable of preventing and suppressing deterioration of food quality.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Such an object is achieved by the following (1) to (13) of the present invention.
[0008]
(1) A refrigeration apparatus for freezing a frozen object containing water,
Applying a magnetic field to the object to be frozen, and having a plurality of magnetic field generators that change its intensity over time,
A refrigerating apparatus, wherein when performing freezing, control is performed such that a timing of generating a magnetic field from at least one of the magnetic field generating apparatuses is different from a timing of generating a magnetic field from another of the magnetic field generating apparatuses.
[0009]
(2) A refrigeration apparatus for freezing a frozen object containing water,
Applying a magnetic field to the frozen object, and having three or more magnetic field generators that change the intensity over time,
When performing freezing, control is performed such that the magnetic field generation timing from at least two of the magnetic field generators is different from the magnetic field generation timing from one or more of the other magnetic field generators. Refrigeration equipment.
[0010]
(3) A refrigeration apparatus for freezing a frozen object containing water,
Applying a magnetic field to the frozen object, and having three or more magnetic field generators that change the intensity over time,
When performing freezing, the generation timing of the magnetic field from at least two of the magnetic field generators is synchronized, and is controlled so as to be different from the generation timing of the magnetic field from one or more magnetic field generators other than these.
A refrigeration apparatus characterized in that a combination of two or more magnetic field generators whose magnetic field generation timing is synchronized changes with time.
[0011]
(4) The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), further including: a mounting part for mounting the object to be frozen, a refrigerator, and a fan for circulating cool air.
[0012]
(5) The refrigeration apparatus according to (4), wherein the magnetic field generator is disposed at or near the placement unit.
[0013]
(6) The refrigeration apparatus according to (5), wherein the generation of the magnetic field from the magnetic field generation device is controlled so that the direction of the magnetic field lines rotates near the placement section.
[0014]
(7) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein at least two of the magnetic field generators are arranged to face each other.
[0015]
(8) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the plurality of magnetic field generators are installed such that surfaces facing the object to be frozen are orthogonal to each other.
[0016]
(9) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (8), wherein the magnetic field generator generates an alternating magnetic field.
[0017]
(10) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the refrigeration target is frozen in a state where water clusters in the refrigeration target are fragmented.
[0018]
(11) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the temperature in the refrigeration apparatus during use is −20 ° C. or less.
[0019]
(12) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the magnetic field generator has low-temperature resistance.
[0020]
(13) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the object to be frozen is food.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of a refrigeration apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision apparatus included in the refrigeration apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing the timing of generating a magnetic field from each magnetic field generator of the cluster segmentation apparatus. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 (the same applies to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 10 to be described later) are partially exaggerated and do not reflect the actual size.
[0022]
The refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present invention is used for the refrigeration target 5 containing water, and has a function of freezing the clusters of water in the refrigeration target 5 in a fragmented state. In other words, the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention has a function of refrigerating a part in which hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules or the like in the refrigerating object 5 are partially cut.
[0023]
In this specification, the “water cluster” will be described as indicating a cluster mainly composed of water molecules. Examples of the “water cluster” include a cluster substantially composed of only water molecules, a cluster composed mainly of water molecules, and containing components other than water (molecules other than water molecules, ions, and the like). No.
[0024]
The refrigeration object 5 applied to the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present invention may be any object as long as it contains water. Examples of such frozen objects 5 include foods (including beverages), feeds, living tissues (eg, blood (blood components), organs, skin tissues, muscle tissues, nerve tissues, bone tissues, cartilage tissues, and the like). Various tissues, various cells such as germ cells, etc.), fresh flowers, medicines (including pharmaceuticals, reagents, etc.), and those containing at least one of them, etc., may be used as they are, for example, It may be used in a state of being packed and packed. Among them, food is preferable as the frozen object 5. In the case of using a conventional freezing device, the quality of a food (for example, flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) is particularly likely to be reduced, and some foods cannot be frozen and stored. Among the foods, noodles such as Chinese noodles, when frozen and thawed and cooked, were liable to have significantly reduced flavor. In the following description, food will be described as a representative of the frozen object 5.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a refrigeration apparatus main body 101, a cluster subdivision apparatus 1 </ b> A for subdividing a cluster of water contained in the refrigeration target 5, and a refrigeration target 5. And a refrigerator 8 and a fan 9 for circulating cool air.
[0026]
The refrigeration apparatus main body 101 has a space for storing the refrigeration target 5 therein.
[0027]
The mounting section 7 is arranged inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101.
In the illustrated configuration, the mounting section 7 is a rack having a plurality of trays 71. Since the mounting section 7 is such a rack, for example, the refrigeration object 5 can be arranged such that the contact area between the chilled air circulating in the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 and the refrigeration object 5 is increased. It becomes possible. 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. .
[0028]
The rack may be made of any material, but is preferably made of a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum or copper, or a non-magnetic material such as various plastics. It is more preferred that it is constituted.
[0029]
The refrigerator 8 has an evaporator 81, a compressor 82, and a condenser 83, and the refrigerant pipes 84, 85 connect between the evaporator 81 and the compressor 82 and between the evaporator 81 and the condenser 83, respectively. It is connected. Further, the refrigerator 8 is filled with a refrigerant.
[0030]
Such a refrigerator 8 has an action of keeping the inside of the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 at a cool temperature by performing heat exchange between the inside and the outside of the refrigeration apparatus main body 101.
[0031]
That is, in the refrigerator 8, the refrigerant charged in the refrigerator 8 takes heat inside the refrigerator main body 101 in the evaporator 81, is compressed in the compressor 82, and discharges heat to the outside air in the condenser 83, The inside of the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 is kept at a cool temperature.
[0032]
The fan 9 has a function of circulating cool air inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101. Thereby, the temperature variation in each part inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 is reduced, and the object to be frozen 5 can be cooled and frozen at a more stable cooling rate.
[0033]
The temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 when the refrigeration apparatus 10 is used is not particularly limited as long as at least a part of the refrigeration target 5 is frozen, but it is, for example, preferably −20 ° C. or less. Preferably, it is -30 to -70 ° C. By setting the internal temperature of the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 to −20 ° C. or less, the refrigeration target is obtained in a state where the clusters of water contained in the refrigeration target 5 are sufficiently miniaturized (a state in which hydrogen bonds are efficiently cut). The object 5 can be frozen, and then the operation of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1A is stopped, or the frozen object 5 to be frozen is taken out of the refrigerating apparatus 10 of the present invention, and a known refrigerating apparatus (cluster subdivision apparatus is used). (Refrigerator not provided), the quality of the frozen object 5 can be maintained for a sufficiently long period.
[0034]
The cluster of water contained in the refrigeration target 5 disposed inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 is subdivided by the operation of the cluster subdivision device 1A. Hereinafter, the cluster segmentation apparatus 1A will be described in detail.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cluster subdivision apparatus 1A applies a magnetic field to the frozen object 5 containing water and changes the magnetic field strength thereof over time. Magnetic field generator 2A, second magnetic field generator 2B, third magnetic field generator 2C) and magnetic field controller 3 for controlling the intensity of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator.
[0036]
First, the magnetic field generator will be described.
Since the first magnetic field generator 2A, the second magnetic field generator 2B, and the third magnetic field generator 2C have the same configuration, the first magnetic field generator 2A will be representatively described.
[0037]
The first magnetic field generator 2A has a coil 21 and a nonmagnetic cover 22. The coil 21 generates a magnetic field around the coil 21 when a current flows. Then, for example, the intensity of the generated magnetic field can be changed by changing the direction and amount of the current flowing through the coil 21. As a result, it is possible to change the magnetic field intensity (magnetic force applied to the frozen object 5) applied to the frozen object 5 placed near the first magnetic field generator 2A with time.
[0038]
As described above, by applying a magnetic field whose strength changes with time to the frozen object 5, hydrogen bonds formed mainly between water molecules in the frozen object 5 are efficiently cut. And the water clusters are subdivided.
[0039]
Since the clusters of water are subdivided in this way, the frozen object 5 (food) hardly deteriorates in quality such as flavor, appearance, and aroma.
Further, as the magnetic field strength (magnetic force applied to the frozen object 5) in the frozen object 5 changes with time, hydrogen bonds are re-formed between water molecules or hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) And hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) Can be effectively prevented from being bonded. As a result, it is possible to efficiently maintain a state in which the water clusters are subdivided. As a result, the above-mentioned effects become more remarkable.
[0040]
As described above, the inside of the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 at the time of using the refrigeration apparatus 10 has a temperature at which at least a part of the object 5 to be frozen is frozen. For this reason, the cluster of water contained in the frozen object 5 solidifies in a finely divided state. Thereby, the ice crystals formed in the frozen object 5 are also refined (small crystal grain size).
[0041]
By the way, when a conventional freezer is used for freezing food, the quality (for example, flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) of the food may be reduced. It is considered that such a decrease in the quality of the food is caused by a change in the microscopic structure of the food during freezing (for example, destruction of cells constituting the food). The present inventor has found that such a change in the microscopic structure is mainly caused by coarse ice formed during freezing.
[0042]
As described above, when the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present invention is used, ice crystals formed in the object 5 to be frozen are miniaturized. For this reason, in the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent and suppress the microscopic structure in the frozen object 5 from changing from the structure before freezing due to freezing (the cells constituting the frozen object 5). Can be effectively prevented from being destroyed). As a result, it is possible to store the frozen object 5 for an extremely long time while sufficiently maintaining the quality. In addition, since the destruction of the cells during freezing can be effectively prevented and suppressed, it is possible to effectively prevent the drip from occurring when the frozen object 5 is thawed.
[0043]
In addition, the present inventor provides a magnetic field to the object to be frozen while cooling it, so that the latent heat during freezing of the object to be frozen is reduced as compared with the case of using a normal refrigeration apparatus, and Was found to be able to efficiently cool the water. That is, when the object to be frozen is cooled at a substantially constant cooling rate, when the water in the object to be frozen solidifies, the temperature of the object to be frozen usually becomes substantially constant for a predetermined time. As shown in FIG. 11, the time required from the start of the coagulation of water to the end thereof can be shortened, and the temperature of the object to be frozen can be reduced in a shorter time. Such a tendency can be further remarkable by appropriately selecting the material of the refrigeration target, the operating conditions of the refrigeration apparatus, and the like. In an extreme case, as shown in FIG. In some cases, the latent heat during freezing is not substantially observed. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively prevent the quality of the frozen object from being deteriorated due to the freezing.
[0044]
The current flowing through the coil 21 may be DC or AC. In particular, if the current flowing through the coil 21 is an alternating current, the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A can be changed relatively easily.
[0045]
In the illustrated configuration, 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, for example, a baseball coil, a square coil, and the like.
[0046]
The nonmagnetic cover 22 has a function of protecting and fixing the coil 21.
Examples of a constituent material of the nonmagnetic cover 22 include various resin materials such as an acrylic resin and a silicone resin.
[0047]
The magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, an alternating magnetic field. Thereby, the magnetic field intensity in the frozen object 5 can be easily changed, and the clusters of water in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided.
[0048]
The frequency in the alternating magnetic field is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 20 to 25000 Hz, and more preferably 40 to 1200 Hz. When the frequency in the alternating magnetic field is within the above range, the clusters of water in the frozen object 5 can be more effectively subdivided.
[0049]
Although the maximum intensity (absolute value) of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is not particularly limited, for example, the magnetic field in the frozen object 5 is preferably 100 to 12000 Gs, and is preferably 300 to 7000 Gs. Is more preferred. If the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A is less than the lower limit, it is difficult to sufficiently increase the amount of change in the magnetic field intensity in the frozen object 5, and depending on the type of the frozen object 5, etc. In some cases, it may be difficult to make the cluster of water in the frozen object 5 sufficiently small. On the other hand, if the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A exceeds the upper limit, the size of the device is increased. When the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A exceeds the upper limit, the voltage required to generate the magnetic field increases, and accordingly, the amount of heat generated from the coil increases, and the cooling efficiency decreases. Show a trend.
[0050]
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, preferred ranges of the frequency of the generated magnetic field, the maximum intensity, and the like are the same as described above.
[0051]
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. .
[0052]
The present invention is characterized in that it has a plurality of magnetic field generators. By having a plurality of magnetic field generators, the magnetic field control device 3 can individually control the generation pattern of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator, as will be described in detail later. Thereby, the magnetic field (the sum of the magnetic fields generated by the respective magnetic field generators) generated as a whole of the cluster segmentation apparatus 1A can easily have a desired shape, size, and strength. As a result, water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently.
[0053]
As described above, the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention may have a plurality of magnetic field generators, that is, any apparatus having two or more magnetic field generators, but may have three or more magnetic field generators. Is preferred. As a result, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided.
[0054]
Further, it is preferable that at least two of the magnetic field generators constituting the cluster segmentation apparatus 1A are arranged so as to face each other. As a result, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided.
[0055]
Further, for example, in each magnetic field generator, the shape and size of the coil 21 may be the same or different.
[0056]
It is preferable that such a magnetic field generating device is disposed on the mounting portion 7 or in the vicinity thereof. This makes it possible to more effectively subdivide the clusters of water in the frozen object 5.
[0057]
The distance (shortest distance) between the magnetic field generator (the first magnetic field generator 2A, the second magnetic field generator 2B or the third magnetic field generator 2C) and the object 5 to be frozen is determined by the magnetic field intensity generated by the magnetic field generator. For example, it is preferably 150 cm or less, and more preferably 20 cm or less. If the distance (the shortest distance) between the magnetic field generator and the frozen object 5 exceeds 150 cm, it is difficult to sufficiently reduce the water clusters in the frozen object 5 depending on the magnetic field intensity generated by the magnetic field generator. It is possible that
[0058]
As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the third magnetic field generator 2C and the mounting unit 7 are formed integrally. Thereby, the distance between the frozen object 5 and the magnetic field generator can always be shortened. As a result, the effect of cluster segmentation can be further enhanced. Further, the number of magnetic field generators installed as separate members can be reduced, which is advantageous for increasing the capacity of the refrigeration system and saving space.
[0059]
Further, it is preferable that the magnetic field generator has a low temperature resistance that can withstand the temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101. Thereby, since the durability of the magnetic field generator is improved, 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 replacements of the magnetic field generator can be reduced), maintenance of the refrigeration apparatus 10 is also facilitated.
[0060]
Next, the magnetic field control device 3 will be described.
The magnetic field control device 3 has a function of individually controlling the intensity of the magnetic field generated by each of the magnetic field generators (the first magnetic field generator 2A, the second magnetic field generator 2B, and the third magnetic field generator 2C). . This makes it possible to control the timing of the generation of the magnetic field from at least one of the magnetic field generators (the generation pattern of the magnetic field) to be different from the timing of the generation of the magnetic field from the other magnetic field generators. As described above, by making the timing of generating the magnetic field different among the plurality of magnetic field generators, the clusters of water in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently divided. That is, hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules and the like in the frozen object 5 can be efficiently cut. As a result, it is possible to freeze the frozen object 5 while sufficiently preventing and suppressing the deterioration of the quality.
[0061]
The magnetic field control device 3 includes, for example, a direction, a frequency, and a current amount of a current flowing through the coil 21 of each of the magnetic field generation devices (the first magnetic field generation device 2A, the second magnetic field generation device 2B, and the third magnetic field generation device 2C). It may have a variable function of changing the above. Thereby, the intensity of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator can be controlled more accurately, and the magnetic field generated by the entire cluster segmentation apparatus 1A (the sum of the magnetic fields generated by each magnetic field generator) can be easily adjusted. , Having a desired shape, size, and strength. As a result, water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be subdivided more efficiently.
[0062]
The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0063]
That is, first, an AC voltage is applied to the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B, and a magnetic field is generated from these two magnetic field generators. At this time, no voltage is applied to the coil 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C. In addition, the generation timing of the magnetic field from the first magnetic field generation device 2A and the generation timing of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generation device 2B are synchronized. With the change in the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B, the magnetic field in the frozen object 5 changes, and water clusters in the frozen object 5 are subdivided.
[0064]
After the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B are energized for a predetermined time, the energization of the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A is stopped, and the third magnetic field generator 2C is turned off. Of the coil 21 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. Thereby, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the frozen object 5 is switched in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1A, and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 changes. Thereby, the magnetic field in each part of the frozen object 5 can be changed evenly, and the subdivision of the cluster in the frozen object 5 proceeds efficiently.
[0065]
Thereafter, the coils 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C are energized for a predetermined time in the same manner as described above. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further proceeds.
[0066]
Thereafter, 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. Thereby, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the frozen object 5 is switched in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1A, and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 changes. Thereby, the subdivision of the cluster in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.
[0067]
Thereafter, the coil of the magnetic field generator for applying the AC voltage is repeatedly switched as described above. Thus, the direction of the magnetic field lines and the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 change with time. As described above, by changing the direction of the magnetic field lines and the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 with time, it is possible to uniformly miniaturize the water cluster in each portion in the frozen object 5.
[0068]
As described above, the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present embodiment repeatedly performs the operation-pause for each magnetic field generator. The inventor of the present invention has found that even though the temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101 is kept substantially constant, the icing of water in the refrigeration target 5 causes the operating magnetic field generator to stop operating. 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.
[0069]
That is, in the state where the magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator, the water molecules and the like in the frozen object 5 vibrate due to the applied magnetic field. The object 5 does not freeze and becomes supercooled. In such a state, by suspending the operation of the magnetic field generating apparatus that has generated the magnetic field, the water in the frozen object 5 freezes at a stretch. In the present embodiment, since the generation and stop of the magnetic field as described above are repeatedly performed, the refrigeration of the object to be frozen can be promptly advanced. In addition, since the generation and stop of the magnetic field as described above are sequentially and repeatedly performed for each of the magnetic field generators, the freezing of the frozen object 5 progresses uniformly at each part. Therefore, the frozen object 5 is frozen while its quality is sufficiently maintained.
[0070]
Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the generation timing of the magnetic field from the two magnetic field generators is synchronized, and the combination of the synchronized magnetic field generators is changed over time, so that the vicinity of the frozen object 5 can be improved. In, the generation of a magnetic field is controlled so that the lines of magnetic force rotate. Thereby, in each part in the frozen object 5, the clusters of water can be more uniformly miniaturized.
[0071]
In the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, the phases of the generated magnetic fields are always the same in the two synchronized magnetic field generators, but the phases do not necessarily have to be the same. For example, in two synchronized magnetic field generators, the phase of the generated magnetic field may be shifted by a half wavelength.
[0072]
Further, the maximum intensity of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator may be substantially the same, or may be different for each magnetic field generator.
[0073]
Further, the cluster segmentation apparatus 1A does not need to be constantly operated. For example, after the frozen object 5 is frozen, the operation of the cluster segmentation apparatus may be terminated.
[0074]
Further, the generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator may be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0075]
That is, the first magnetic field generator 2A and the third magnetic field generator 2C continuously generate an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency, and the second magnetic field generator 2B discontinuously (intermittently). An alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency may be generated.
[0076]
In this case, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated from each magnetic field generator may be the same or different.
[0077]
The cluster subdivision apparatus 1A preferably further includes an energy applying means 4 for irradiating at least one of microwaves, α-rays, far infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, ultraviolet rays, and negative ions. When the cluster subdivision apparatus 1A has the energy applying means 4, it is possible to subdivide the water cluster in the frozen object 5 more efficiently. When the energy applying means 4 irradiates a microwave, the microwave is preferably applied intermittently (discontinuously). Specifically, it is preferable to repeat the microwave irradiation for 0.1 to 10 seconds and stop the microwave irradiation for 0.1 to 20 seconds. As a result, the water clusters in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided.
[0078]
In the illustrated configuration, the magnetic field generator and the energy applying means 4 are integrally formed.
[0079]
When the energy applying means 4 irradiates far-infrared rays, the constituent material of the energy applying means 4 is, for example, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), Magnesia (MgO), zirconia (ZrO) ₂ ), Titania (TiO ₂ ), Silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ), Chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ), Ferrite (FeO.Fe) ₃ O ₄ ), Spinel (MgO.Al ₂ O ₃ ), Ceria (CeO) ₃ ), Beryllia (BeO), Na ₂ O ₃ , SnO ₂ , SiC, ZrC, TaC, ZrB ₂ Or the like, ore such as tourmaline or the like can be used. Among them, it is preferable to use ceramics as a constituent material of the energy applying means 4 in that it is possible to irradiate far infrared rays with particularly excellent efficiency.
[0080]
When the energy applying means 4 irradiates ultrasonic waves, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator or the like can be used as the energy applying means 4.
[0081]
When the energy applying means 4 irradiates negative ions, the constituent materials of the energy applying means 4 include, for example, tourmaline, davidite, blannelite, selenium ore, linguite, linkaiulite, carnotite, Ore such as zamun stone, metachamun stone, franceville stone, tall stone, coffin stone, samarski stone, thorium stone, troganite, mozna stone, BaTiO ₃ , PbTiO ₃ , PbZrO ₃ , Pb (Zr, Ti) O ₃ , KNbO ₃ , KTaO ₃ , K (Ta, Nb) O ₃ , LiNbO ₃ And Rochelle salt, glycine sulfate, potassium phosphate, calcium strontium propionate and the like can be used. When the energy imparting means 4 irradiates the negative ions, oxidation or the like of the frozen object 5 can be prevented or suppressed, and the quality can be maintained. For this reason, for example, when the frozen object 5 is a food, even if it is stored for a longer period of time, excellent flavor and the like can be maintained.
[0082]
Further, it is preferable that the energy applying means 4 has a low temperature resistance that can withstand the temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus main body 101. Thereby, the durability of the energy applying means 4 is improved, so that the refrigeration apparatus 10 exhibits a stable effect over a long period of time. Further, since the energy applying means 4 does not need to be replaced (or the number of replacements of the energy applying means 4 can be reduced), maintenance of the refrigeration apparatus 10 becomes easy.
[0083]
Further, the refrigeration apparatus 10 may include an ozone supply unit (not shown) for supplying ozone into the refrigeration apparatus main body 101. Thereby, the frozen object 5 (frozen material) can be stably stored for a longer period of time by the sterilizing action of ozone supplied into the inside of the refrigeration apparatus main body 101, and the frozen object 5 (frozen material) can be stored. Rot, denaturation, etc. can be prevented more effectively. The ozone supply means is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, an ozone generator (eg, an ultraviolet lamp) that generates ozone by various reactions such as a photochemical reaction, an electrolytic reaction, a discharge reaction, and a radiation reaction, and a cylinder containing ozone. Etc. can be used.
[0084]
Next, a second embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigerating device of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same items will be omitted.
[0085]
The refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1B is different from that used in the first embodiment.
[0086]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0087]
As shown in FIG. 5, the cluster segmentation apparatus 1B has a plurality of magnetic field generators (a first magnetic field generator 2A, a second magnetic field generator 2B, and a third magnetic field generator 2C). The magnetic field generators are arranged such that the surfaces facing the frozen object 5 are orthogonal to each other.
[0088]
By arranging a plurality of magnetic field generators in this way, the shape of the magnetic field applied to the frozen object 5 and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 can be three-dimensionally improved as a whole in the cluster segmentation apparatus 1B. Can be changed well. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 can be advanced uniformly and efficiently.
[0089]
The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 described in the above embodiment. Thereby, the generation of the magnetic field is controlled so that the magnetic field lines rotate three-dimensionally in the vicinity of the frozen object 5. As a result, even if the frozen object 5 has a complicated shape, water clusters can be more uniformly miniaturized in each part in the frozen object 5.
[0090]
Next, a third embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigerating apparatus of the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above, and the description of the same items will be omitted.
[0091]
The refrigeration apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1C is different from that used in the first and second embodiments.
[0092]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0093]
As shown in FIG. 6, the cluster segmentation apparatus 1C includes four magnetic field generators (a first magnetic field generator 2A, a second magnetic field generator 2B, a third magnetic field generator 2C, and a fourth magnetic field generator). 2D). Further, in the cluster segmentation device 1C, the first magnetic field generator 2A and the third magnetic field generator 2C face each other, and similarly, the second magnetic field generator 2B and the fourth magnetic field generator The device 2D faces. The surfaces of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the third magnetic field generator 2C facing the frozen object 5 face the frozen object 5 of the second magnetic field generator 2B and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D. Each magnetic field generator is installed so as to be orthogonal to the surface to be formed. That is, the fourth magnetic field generator 2D is formed on the inner surface side of the door of the refrigerator 10 shown on the left side in FIG.
[0094]
Thus, by arranging a plurality of magnetic field generators so as to surround the four sides of the frozen object, the clusters in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided.
[0095]
The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0096]
That is, first, an AC voltage is applied to the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B, and a magnetic field is generated 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. In addition, the generation timing of the magnetic field from the first magnetic field generation device 2A and the generation timing of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generation device 2B are synchronized. With the change in the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B, the magnetic field in the frozen object 5 changes, and water clusters in the frozen object 5 are subdivided.
[0097]
After the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2B are energized for a predetermined time, the energization of the coil 21 of the first magnetic field generator 2A is stopped, and the third magnetic field generator 2C is turned off. Of the coil 21 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 frozen object 5 is switched in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C, and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 changes. Thereby, the subdivision of the cluster in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.
[0098]
Thereafter, the coils 21 of the second magnetic field generator 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C are energized for a predetermined time in the same manner as described above. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further proceeds.
[0099]
Thereafter, 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 frozen object 5 is switched in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C, and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 changes. Thereby, the subdivision of the cluster in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.
[0100]
After that, the coils 21 of the third magnetic field generator 2C and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D are energized for a predetermined time in the same manner as described above. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further proceeds.
[0101]
Thereafter, 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 frozen object 5 is switched in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C, and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 changes. Thereby, the subdivision of the cluster in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.
[0102]
Thereafter, the coils 21 of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D and the first magnetic field generator 2A are energized for a predetermined period of time, as described above. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 further proceeds.
[0103]
Thereafter, 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 frozen object 5 is switched in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1C, and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 changes. Thereby, the subdivision of the cluster in the frozen object 5 progresses efficiently.
[0104]
Thereafter, the coil of the magnetic field generator for applying the AC voltage is repeatedly switched as described above. Thus, the direction of the magnetic field lines and the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 change with time. As described above, by changing the direction of the magnetic field lines and the magnetic field strength in the frozen object 5 with time, it is possible to uniformly miniaturize the water cluster in each portion in the frozen object 5.
[0105]
As described above, in the present embodiment, by synchronizing the generation timings of the magnetic fields from the two magnetic field generators and changing the combination of the synchronized magnetic field generators with time, the magnetic field lines near the object 5 to be frozen are changed. The generation of the magnetic field is controlled so that is rotated. Thereby, in each part in the frozen object 5, the clusters of water can be more uniformly miniaturized.
[0106]
In the timing chart shown in FIG. 7, the phases of the generated magnetic fields are always the same in the two synchronized magnetic field generators, but the phases do not necessarily have to be the same. For example, in two synchronized magnetic field generators, the phase of the generated magnetic field may be shifted by a half wavelength.
[0107]
Further, the maximum intensity of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator may be substantially the same, or may be different for each magnetic field generator.
[0108]
Also, the cluster segmentation device does not need to be constantly operated. For example, after the frozen object 5 is frozen, the operation of the cluster segmentation apparatus may be terminated.
[0109]
In the timing chart shown in FIG. 7, the generation timings of the magnetic fields from the two magnetic field generators are synchronized and the combination of the synchronized magnetic field generators is changed with time. There may be three generators.
[0110]
Further, the generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator may be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0111]
That is, the first magnetic field generator 2A and the third magnetic field generator 2C continuously generate an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency, while the second magnetic field generator 2B and the fourth magnetic field generator 2D do not generate an alternating magnetic field. An alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency may be generated continuously (intermittently).
[0112]
In this case, the generation timing of the magnetic field from the second magnetic field generation device 2B and the generation timing of the magnetic field from the fourth magnetic field generation device 2D may or may not be synchronized.
[0113]
Further, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated from each magnetic field generating device may be the same or different from each other.
[0114]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigerating device 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 items will be omitted.
[0115]
The refrigeration apparatus 10 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1D is different from that used in the first to third embodiments.
[0116]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in the refrigeration apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0117]
As shown in FIG. 9, the cluster subdivider 1D has four magnetic field generators (a first magnetic field generator 2A, a second magnetic field generator, similar to the cluster subdivider 1C of the third embodiment). 2B, a third magnetic field generator 2C and a fourth magnetic field generator 2D), but their arrangement is different from that of the cluster segmentation apparatus 1C. That is, in the cluster subdivision device 1D, the surface of the first magnetic field generator 2A facing the frozen object 5 and the surface of the second magnetic field generator 2B facing the frozen object 5 are on the same plane. So that the surface of the third magnetic field generator 2C facing the frozen object 5 and the surface of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D facing the frozen object 5 are located on the same plane. Are located. Also, 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 arranged to face each other.
[0118]
The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 described in the third embodiment.
[0119]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the refrigerating apparatus of the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the above-described first to fourth embodiments, and description of similar items will be omitted.
[0120]
The refrigeration apparatus 10 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment except that the configuration of the cluster subdivision apparatus 1E is different from that used in the first to fourth embodiments.
[0121]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster segmentation apparatus included in the refrigeration apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0122]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the cluster segmentation apparatus 1 </ b> E, the fourth magnetic field generator 2 </ b> D is formed integrally with the receiver 7. Thereby, the distance between the frozen object 5 and the magnetic field generator can always be shortened. As a result, the effect of cluster segmentation can be further enhanced. Further, the number of magnetic field generators installed as separate members can be reduced, which is advantageous for increasing the capacity of the refrigeration system and saving space.
[0123]
By arranging the respective magnetic field generators as shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the fourth magnetic field generator 2D facing the object to be frozen 5 has the first magnetic field generator 2A and the second magnetic field generator 2D. The surfaces of the device 2B and the third magnetic field generator 2C that face the frozen object 5 are orthogonal to each other. Thus, the shape of the magnetic field applied to the frozen object 5 and the direction of the magnetic field lines near the frozen object 5 can be efficiently changed three-dimensionally in the entire cluster subdivision apparatus 1E. Thereby, the subdivision of the clusters in the frozen object 5 can be advanced uniformly and efficiently.
[0124]
The generation timing (generation pattern) of the magnetic field from each magnetic field generator can be controlled, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 described in the third embodiment. Thereby, the generation of the magnetic field is controlled so that the magnetic field lines rotate three-dimensionally in the vicinity of the frozen object 5. As a result, in each part in the frozen object 5, the clusters of water can be more uniformly miniaturized.
[0125]
Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0126]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of a case where food is used as a frozen object, but the frozen object may be any as long as it contains water. For example, when a living tissue such as an organ used for transplantation or the like is used as an object to be frozen, the cells constituting the living tissue are destroyed by freezing the water clusters in the living tissue in a fragmented state. Can be effectively prevented and suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to store the living tissue for a long period of time while sufficiently preventing and suppressing functional deterioration of the living tissue. As a result, even after transplantation, the living tissue can sufficiently exhibit its inherent function.
[0127]
In addition, when, for example, a chemical is used as the object to be frozen, a decrease in the quality of the chemical can be prevented or suppressed.
[0128]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration having three or four magnetic field generators has been described. However, the number of magnetic field generators may be two or five or more.
[0129]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigeration apparatus in which the magnetic field generator is fixed and the refrigeration target is frozen in a state where the refrigeration target is kept stationary has been described. However, the configuration is such that the magnetic field generator and the refrigeration target are relatively moved. There may be. That is, a configuration in which at least one of the magnetic field generator and the object to be frozen moves may be used. Thereby, the magnetic field in the frozen object can be changed more complicatedly, and the cluster in the frozen object 5 can be more efficiently subdivided. As a refrigerating apparatus having such a configuration, for example, a belt-conveyor-type tunnel-type refrigerating apparatus and the like can be mentioned.
[0130]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the magnetic field generating device of the cluster segmentation device and the energy applying means are integrally formed has been described. However, in the present invention, the magnetic field generating device and the energy applying , May be provided separately.
[0131]
In the above-described embodiment, the magnetic field generator has a flat plate shape. However, the shape of the magnetic field generator is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cylinder, a curved plate, Any shape such as a rod shape may be used.
[0132]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration having one fan and one refrigerator is described. However, a configuration having a plurality of fans and refrigerators may be used.
[0133]
【Example】
Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
[0134]
[Freezing of frozen objects]
(Example 1)
First, a cluster subdivision apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 was produced.
Tourmaline was used as a constituent material of the energy applying means.
[0135]
In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator (non-magnetic cover) and the energy applying means are integrally formed.
[0136]
Next, a refrigeration apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 was manufactured using this cluster subdivision apparatus.
[0137]
The refrigeration apparatus thus obtained was operated under the following conditions.
The generation pattern of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator was controlled as shown in FIG. The magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator was an alternating magnetic field of 60 Hz.
[0138]
The maximum intensity (absolute value) of the magnetic field (the sum of the magnetic fields generated by each magnetic field generating device) generated as the entire cluster segmentation device was set to 2000 Gs.
[0139]
Under the above conditions, the refrigeration apparatus is operated, and after the temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus body is set to −50 ° C., the objects to be frozen are placed on the respective trays of the placing section, and the objects to be frozen are frozen. Was. At this time, the distance (the shortest distance) between the magnetic field generator and the object to be frozen was 5 cm.
Packed Chinese noodles were used as the objects to be frozen.
[0140]
(Example 2)
A refrigeration apparatus was manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that the cluster subdivision apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 was used, and the same conditions as in the first embodiment were used using the refrigeration apparatus. Then, the packed Chinese noodles (the object to be frozen) were frozen.
[0141]
(Example 3)
A refrigeration apparatus was manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the cluster subdivision apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 was used, and the same conditions as in the first embodiment were used using the refrigeration apparatus. Then, the packed Chinese noodles (the object to be frozen) were frozen.
[0142]
(Example 4)
A refrigeration apparatus was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a cluster subdivision apparatus having a configuration as shown in FIG. 7 was used.
The obtained refrigerating apparatus was operated under the following conditions.
[0143]
The generation pattern of the magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator was controlled as shown in FIG. The magnetic field generated by each magnetic field generator was an alternating magnetic field of 60 Hz.
[0144]
The maximum intensity (absolute value) of the magnetic field (the sum of the magnetic fields generated by each magnetic field generating device) generated as the entire cluster segmentation device was set to 2000 Gs.
[0145]
Under the above conditions, the refrigeration apparatus is operated, and after the temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus body is set to −50 ° C., the objects to be frozen are placed on the respective trays of the placing section, and the objects to be frozen are frozen. Was. At this time, the distance (the shortest distance) between the magnetic field generator and the object to be frozen was 5 cm.
Packed Chinese noodles were used as the objects to be frozen.
[0146]
(Example 5)
A refrigeration apparatus was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the cluster subdivision apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 10 was used, and the same conditions as in Example 4 were used using the refrigeration apparatus. Then, the packed Chinese noodles (the object to be frozen) were frozen.
[0147]
(Comparative Example 1)
The object to be frozen was frozen in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a refrigerator having no cluster subdivision device was used.
[0148]
(Comparative Example 2)
Except that it does not have a magnetic field control device, a refrigeration unit having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is used. From each magnetic field generator, except that an alternating magnetic field is continuously generated, the same as in the first embodiment. , The frozen object was frozen.
[0149]
(Comparative Example 3)
Except that it does not have a magnetic field control device, a refrigeration device having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is used. From each magnetic field generator, except that an alternating magnetic field is continuously generated, the same as in the second embodiment. , The frozen object was frozen.
[0150]
(Comparative Example 4)
Except that it does not have a magnetic field control device, a refrigeration device having the same configuration as that of the third embodiment is used. From each magnetic field generator, except that an alternating magnetic field is continuously generated, the same as in the third embodiment. , The frozen object was frozen.
[0151]
(Comparative Example 5)
Except that it does not have a magnetic field control device, a refrigeration device having the same configuration as in the fourth embodiment is used. From each magnetic field generator, except that an alternating magnetic field is continuously generated, the same as in the fourth embodiment. , The frozen object was frozen.
[0152]
(Comparative Example 6)
A refrigeration unit having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment except that it does not have a magnetic field control device is used. In the same manner as the fifth embodiment, except that an alternating magnetic field is continuously generated from each magnetic field generator. , The frozen object was frozen.
[0153]
[Evaluation]
The Chinese noodles frozen using the refrigerators of the above Examples and Comparative Examples were stored in the refrigerator for three months, and then the Chinese noodles were thawed. Thereafter, the thawed Chinese noodles were cooked under the same conditions.
[0154]
The quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) of the cooked Chinese noodles was evaluated. Table 1 shows the results.
[0155]
[Table 1]

[0156]
As is clear from Table 1, the Chinese noodles frozen using the refrigerator of the present invention maintained excellent quality even after thawing. This is considered to be due to the following reasons.
[0157]
That is, the object to be frozen is placed in a low-temperature environment such as a freezer (freezer) and is frozen. At this time, the cluster of water in the object to be frozen is subdivided by the action of the cluster subdivision device. You.
[0158]
Therefore, the frozen object is frozen with the water clusters being fragmented. As a result, ice crystals formed in the object to be frozen become finer.
[0159]
In this manner, the formation of coarse ice is effectively prevented and suppressed by the refinement of the ice crystals. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent and suppress the microscopic structure of the frozen object from changing from the structure before freezing due to the coarsened ice (the cells constituting the frozen object are destroyed. Can be effectively prevented). As a result, it is considered that the deterioration of food quality can be effectively prevented and suppressed.
[0160]
On the other hand, as shown in Table 3, the quality of the frozen object frozen in each comparative example was significantly reduced after thawing. Above all, the quality of the frozen object frozen using the refrigeration apparatus of Comparative Example 1 after thawing was extremely remarkable. This is considered to be because the ice formed by freezing was coarsened, and the microscopic structure of the frozen object was significantly changed from the structure before freezing by such ice (the frozen object). It is considered that the cells that make up S. were destroyed.)
[0161]
In addition, Chinese noodles that were not subjected to a freezing treatment (those produced under the same conditions 30 days after the production date of the Chinese noodles frozen by the refrigerating apparatus of each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples) were prepared in the same manner as described above. Cooked. The cooked Chinese noodles were allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour together with the Chinese noodles obtained in the above Examples and Comparative Examples, and the flavor and appearance were evaluated.
[0162]
As a result, the Chinese noodles frozen by the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention showed almost no deterioration in flavor and appearance compared to immediately after cooking. On the other hand, the Chinese noodles frozen by the refrigerating apparatus of each comparative example and the Chinese noodles not subjected to the freezing treatment had remarkably reduced flavor and appearance, and were in a so-called “noodle extension” state. This is considered to be due to the following reasons.
[0163]
That is, when the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention is used, the noodles to be frozen are frozen in a state in which water clusters are fragmented, and ice crystals formed in the frozen objects are refined. It will be. Therefore, the microstructure of the frozen object can sufficiently maintain the state before freezing even after freezing (the destruction of the cells constituting the frozen object is prevented and suppressed). Further, even after thawing, the clusters of water contained in the frozen object remain in a fine state. For this reason, at the time of cooking, even after contacting with relatively large cluster water after cooking, water having a small cluster size contained in the noodles is replaced with water having a large external cluster size, The phenomenon of excessive absorption of external moisture is unlikely to occur. Therefore, even if noodles frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention are left for a long time after cooking, the water content is suppressed from increasing significantly compared to before the cooking.
[0164]
On the other hand, in the noodles frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of each comparative example and the noodles not subjected to the freezing treatment, since the cluster size of the contained water is large, it is easy to absorb the external moisture, and during cooking, after cooking, In such cases, the water content tends to increase. Therefore, if left for a long time after cooking, the so-called “noodles are easily spread”.
[0165]
In addition, using the refrigerating apparatus of each of the above Examples and Comparative Example 1, lump pork (100 g) was frozen. Then, it preserve | saved similarly to the above. Then, it was thawed using a microwave oven and the thawed pork was cooked. As a result, the pork (frozen object) frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention maintained excellent quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) even after thawing. On the other hand, the pork frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of Comparative Example 1 (the object to be frozen) generated a large amount of drip when thawing, and a clear decrease in quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) was observed. Further, when the temperature change over time near the center of the frozen object (pork) during freezing was measured, as shown in FIG. 11, the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention showed more water than the refrigeration apparatus of Comparative Example 1. It was confirmed that the latent heat in the vicinity of the freezing point was small. FIG. 11 shows a time-dependent temperature change of the object to be frozen when the refrigerating apparatus of the second embodiment is used as the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention. Almost the same results were obtained in the case of using.
[0166]
Using the refrigerating apparatus of each of the above Examples and Comparative Example 1, lump cotton tofu (100 g) was frozen. Then, it preserve | saved similarly to the above. Then, it was thawed using a microwave oven. As a result, the cotton tofu (frozen object) frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention maintained excellent quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) even after thawing. On the other hand, in the cotton tofu (the object to be frozen) frozen using the refrigerating apparatus of Comparative Example 1, a clear decrease in quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) was observed. Further, when the temperature change over time near the center of the frozen object (cotton tofu) during freezing was measured, the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention showed, as shown in FIG. The cooling rate of the frozen object was high, and the latent heat near the freezing point of water was extremely small, and was not substantially observed. FIG. 12 shows a time-dependent temperature change of the object to be frozen when the refrigerating apparatus of the first embodiment is used as the refrigerating apparatus of the present invention. , Similar results were obtained.
[0167]
Except for having an ultraviolet lamp as an ozone supply means, a refrigerating apparatus was prepared in the same manner as in each of the above-described embodiments, and Chinese noodles (refrigeration target) were frozen using the refrigerating apparatus in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, the frozen Chinese noodles were stored in a freezer for 6 months, and then the Chinese noodles were thawed. Thereafter, the thawed Chinese noodles were cooked under the same conditions as above.
When the quality (flavor, appearance, aroma, etc.) of the cooked Chinese noodles was evaluated, the same results as described above (similar to the evaluation shown in Table 1) were obtained despite the long storage period. .
[0168]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a refrigeration apparatus capable of preventing and suppressing deterioration of food quality.
In addition, excellent quality is maintained even when the frozen food is stored for a long period of time.
[0169]
In addition, when noodles are used as the object to be frozen, the so-called “noodle extension” phenomenon can be suppressed after cooking.
[Brief description of the 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 illustrating a configuration of a cluster segmentation device included in the refrigeration device illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an example of a timing chart showing timing of generating a magnetic field from each magnetic field generating device of the cluster segmentation device.
FIG. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing timing of generating a magnetic field from each magnetic field generating device of the cluster segmentation device.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a refrigeration apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a refrigeration apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an example of a timing chart showing a timing of generating a magnetic field from each magnetic field generator of the cluster segmentation apparatus.
FIG. 8 is an example of a timing chart showing timing of generating a magnetic field from each magnetic field generating device of the cluster segmentation device.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a refrigeration apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cluster subdivision device included in a refrigeration apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a time-dependent temperature change of the frozen object (frozen pork) when the object is frozen.
FIG. 12 is a graph showing a time-dependent temperature change of the frozen object when freezing the object (cotton tofu).
[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 control device
4 Energy application means
5 Objects to be frozen
6 tube
61 hollow
7 Mounting part
71 trays
8 Refrigerator
81 Evaporator
82 compressor
83 Condenser
84 Refrigerant piping
85 Refrigerant piping
9 fans
10 Refrigeration equipment
101 Refrigeration unit

Claims (13)

A refrigeration apparatus that freezes a frozen object including water,
Applying a magnetic field to the object to be frozen, and having a plurality of magnetic field generators that change its intensity over time,
A refrigerating apparatus, wherein when performing freezing, control is performed such that a timing of generating a magnetic field from at least one of the magnetic field generating apparatuses is different from a timing of generating a magnetic field from another of the magnetic field generating apparatuses. A refrigeration apparatus that freezes a frozen object including water,
Applying a magnetic field to the frozen object, and having three or more magnetic field generators that change the intensity over time,
When performing freezing, control is performed such that the magnetic field generation timing from at least two of the magnetic field generators is different from the magnetic field generation timing from one or more of the other magnetic field generators. Refrigeration equipment. A refrigeration apparatus that freezes a frozen object including water,
Applying a magnetic field to the frozen object, and having three or more magnetic field generators that change the intensity over time,
When performing freezing, the generation timing of the magnetic field from at least two of the magnetic field generators is synchronized, and is controlled so as to be different from the generation timing of the magnetic field from one or more magnetic field generators other than these.
A refrigeration apparatus characterized in that a combination of two or more magnetic field generators whose magnetic field generation timing is synchronized changes with time. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a mounting section for mounting the object to be frozen, a refrigerator, and a fan for circulating cool air. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic field generation device is disposed at the placement section or in the vicinity thereof. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the generation of the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator is controlled so that the direction of the magnetic field lines rotates near the placement section. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least two of the magnetic field generators are arranged to face each other. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of magnetic field generators are installed such that surfaces facing the object to be frozen are orthogonal to each other. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the magnetic field generator generates an alternating magnetic field. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the frozen object is frozen in a state where water clusters in the frozen object are subdivided. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the temperature inside the refrigeration apparatus during use is -20C or lower. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the magnetic field generator has low temperature resistance. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the object to be frozen is food.

Images