JP2007046888A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator improving freshness keeping property by maintaining constant high humidity to prevent evaporation from food in preservation and easily improving quality and safety by grasping and controlling an atomized state by an ultrasonic atomizer with a current value. <P>SOLUTION: A vegetable chamber 107 is provided with a piezoelectric element 122; a high pressure/oscillating circuit 135 for applying high frequency to the piezoelectric element; and an atomization determining means 138 provided in a control circuit 137 to determine the water quantity of an atomizing part from the current value detected by a current detecting circuit 136. The water quantity of the atomizing part is thereby grasped by the current value to optimize the water quantity of the atomizing part, thereby stabilizing the atomization quantity for spraying to a storage chamber, improving freshness keeping property of vegetables, and attaining miniaturization and cost reduction because of not using other detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control means for an ultrasonic atomizer that is a high humidity means for maintaining and improving the freshness of food by maintaining a high humidity.

  Factors that influence the decline in freshness of vegetables include temperature, humidity, environmental gas, microorganisms, and light. Vegetables are living creatures that are breathing and transpiration, and in order to maintain freshness, it is necessary to suppress respiration and transpiration. Except for some vegetables, such as those that cause low temperature damage, respiration is suppressed at low temperatures, and transpiration can be prevented by high humidity. In recent years, refrigerators for home use have been designed to preserve vegetables, and are equipped with sealed vegetable containers that are controlled to cool vegetables to an appropriate temperature and to increase the humidity in the cabinet to suppress transpiration of vegetables. Yes. In addition, as a means for increasing the humidity in the cabinet, there is also a means that uses a means for spraying mist.

  Conventionally, a refrigerator equipped with this kind of mist spraying function is one that suppresses transpiration of vegetables by generating and spraying mist with an ultrasonic atomizer when the vegetable compartment is low in humidity, and humidifying the vegetable compartment (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 21 shows a refrigerator provided with a conventional ultrasonic atomizer described in Patent Document 1. FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the ultrasonic atomizer.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the vegetable compartment 31 is provided in the lower part of the main body case 36 of the refrigerator main body 30, and the opening of the whole surface is closed by the drawer door 32 drawn out so that opening and closing is possible. Moreover, the vegetable compartment 31 is partitioned off from the upper refrigerator compartment (not shown) by the partition plate 2.

  A fixed hanger 33 is fixed to the inner surface of the drawer door 32, and a vegetable case 1 for storing food such as vegetables is mounted on the fixed hanger 33. The top opening of the vegetable case 1 is sealed with a lid 3. A thawing chamber 4 is provided inside the vegetable case 1, and an ultrasonic atomizer 5 is provided in the thawing chamber 4.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the ultrasonic atomizer 5 includes a mist outlet 6, a water storage container 7, a humidity sensor 8, and a hose receiver 9. The water storage container 7 is connected to a defrost water hose 10 by a hose receiver 9. The defrost water hose 10 is provided with a purification filter 11 for purifying the defrost water at a part thereof.

  The operation of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described below.

  The cooling air cooled by a heat exchange cooler (not shown) flows through the outer surface of the vegetable case 1 and the lid 3, whereby the vegetable case 1 is cooled and the food stored inside is cooled. Further, the defrost water generated from the cooler during the refrigerator operation is purified by the purification filter 11 when passing through the defrost water hose 10 and supplied to the water storage container 7 of the ultrasonic atomizer 5.

  Next, when the humidity sensor 8 detects that the internal humidity is 90% or less, the ultrasonic atomizing device 5 starts humidification, so that the humidity in the vegetable case 1 is kept at a suitable level. Humidity can be adjusted.

  On the other hand, when the humidity sensor 8 detects that the inside humidity is 90% or more, the ultrasonic atomizer 5 stops excessive humidification. As a result, the ultrasonic atomizer 5 can quickly humidify the vegetable compartment, the humidity in the vegetable compartment is always high, the transpiration action of the vegetable or the like is suppressed, and the freshness of the vegetable or the like can be maintained.

  Moreover, as a humidification method, there is one configured in another form (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of a conventional refrigerator, and FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of an atomizer.

  In FIG. 23, 51 is a refrigerator. 52 is a refrigerating room (one of refrigerating temperature zone rooms). 53 is a revolving door of this refrigerator compartment. Reference numeral 54 denotes a vegetable room (one of refrigerated temperature zones). 55 is a drawer door. 56 is a freezer compartment. Reference numeral 57 denotes a drawer door. 58 is a partition plate, and the partition plate 58 partitions the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54. 59 is a hole for allowing cold air from the refrigerator compartment 52 to flow into the vegetable compartment 54. Reference numeral 60 denotes a vegetable container. The vegetable container 60 is pulled out together with the drawer door 57. Reference numeral 61 denotes a vegetable container lid, which is fixed to the refrigerator body side. The vegetable container lid 61 covers the vegetable container 60 when the drawer door 57 is closed. 62 is an ultrasonic humidification means. The ultrasonic humidifying means 62 evaporates moisture inside the vegetable container 60. 63 is a cooler. This cooler is a cooler for the refrigeration temperature zone chamber, and cools the refrigeration chamber 52 and the vegetable compartment 54.

  Although not shown, the refrigerator also includes a cooler for a freezing temperature zone and cools the freezing chamber 56. Reference numeral 64 denotes a cold air circulation fan for a refrigeration temperature zone chamber. By operating the fan 64, the cold air from the cooler 63 circulates in the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54. The humidifying means 62 is provided in the hole 65 of the vegetable container lid 61 and includes a water absorbing material 66 and an ultrasonic oscillator 67.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.

  When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54 rises, the refrigerant flows through the cooler 63 and the cold air circulation fan 64 is driven. As a result, the cool air around the cooler 63 returns to the cooler 63 via the refrigerating chamber 52, the hole 59, and the vegetable chamber 54, as indicated by arrows in FIG. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 64 are cooled. This state is called a cooling mode.

  Next, when the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54 are substantially cooled, the supply of the refrigerant to the cooler 63 is stopped. However, the fan 64 continues to operate. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54 are humidified by melting of the frost attached to the cooler 63. This state is referred to as a humidification mode (so-called “humidity operation”).

  After the humidification mode is continued for a predetermined time (several minutes), the fan 64 is stopped and the operation stop mode is set. Thereafter, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54 is increased, the cooling mode is set again.

  Next, the ultrasonic humidifying means 62 shown in FIG. 24 will be described.

  The water absorbing material 66 is made of a water absorbing material such as silica gel, zeolite, or activated carbon. Therefore, moisture in the flowing air is adsorbed in the humidification mode described above. In the latter half of the cooling mode, the ultrasonic oscillator 67 is driven. Thereby, the water | moisture content in the water absorption material 66 is discharged | emitted outside. Thereby, the inside of a vegetable container is humidified. The purpose of driving the ultrasonic oscillator 67 in the latter half of the cooling mode is to prevent drying of the vegetable compartment 54 due to a decrease in humidity.

  Thus, the water absorbing material 66 and the ultrasonic oscillator 67 that vibrates the water absorbing material 66 are provided. Therefore, the water tank and water supply piping for humidification become unnecessary.

  Moreover, in the refrigerator provided with the humidification mode, the ultrasonic humidification means 62 is operated at times other than the humidification mode. Therefore, the fluctuation | variation of the humidity in a store | warehouse | chamber can be suppressed.

  In the refrigerator that cools the interior of the refrigerator by flowing the refrigerant through the cooler 63 and operating the cool air circulation fan 64, the ultrasonic humidifying means 62 is operated during the cooling. Thus, since it humidifies at the time of the cooling which is easy to dry, the fluctuation | variation of the humidity in a store | warehouse | chamber can be suppressed.

The ultrasonic humidifying means 62 includes a water absorbing material 66 and an ultrasonic oscillator 67 that vibrates the water absorbing material 66, and the water absorbing material 66 absorbs moisture from the air above the vegetable container lid 61, The ultrasonic oscillator 67 vibrates the water absorbing material 66 in order to release the moisture contained in the water absorbing material 66 into the vegetable container 61. Therefore, the inside of the vegetable container 60 can be humidified.
JP-A-6-257933 JP 2004-125179 A

  However, in the above conventional configuration, the atomization state of the ultrasonic atomizer, the state of the piezoelectric element and the surrounding structural parts are unknown, for example, the freshness of preserved vegetables in the storage chamber deteriorates due to heat generation or excessive humidification due to oscillation, There has been a problem that the piezoelectric element and peripheral members are damaged.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and by providing an atomization determination means for changing the applied voltage of the piezoelectric element with the current value detected by the current detection circuit of the ultrasonic atomizer, the freshness of the vegetables is improved. It aims at providing the refrigerator which improved the safety | security of an ultrasonic atomizer at the same time it suppresses the condensation in a vegetable room.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a high-humidity means in a refrigerator body having a heat-insulated compartment and a storage room for storing food such as vegetables, and is a high-humidity means. In the ultrasonic atomizer, the temperature of the piezoelectric element, the surrounding environment, and the optimum atomization amount are maintained by providing an atomization determination means for detecting the current value of the current detection circuit and grasping the atomization state.

  This improves the freshness of vegetables by maintaining high humidity in the storage room, prevents the temperature rise of the vegetable room and food deterioration due to heat generated by the piezoelectric element, and ensures the safety of the piezoelectric element and its peripheral members. be able to.

  The refrigerator of the present invention keeps and improves the freshness of food by maintaining high humidity, and at the same time, converts the current value obtained by the current detection circuit to the piezoelectric element from the control circuit of the ultrasonic atomizer that is a means for increasing humidity. It is possible to improve the safety of the atomization device by providing an atomization determination means that can vary the applied voltage.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a storage chamber partitioned within the heat insulation box, an ultrasonic atomizer for humidifying the storage chamber and supplying moisture to vegetables, and the ultrasonic atomization. A water supply means for supplying a liquid to the apparatus, and an atomization determination means for adjusting the atomization amount sprayed from the ultrasonic atomizer, thereby grasping the amount of water in the atomization section. Therefore, since the spray amount with respect to the vegetable room can be adjusted, it is possible to improve the freshness of vegetables and prevent condensation in the vegetable room.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the atomization determination means according to the first aspect, wherein the piezoelectric element, a high-voltage / oscillation circuit for applying a high frequency to the piezoelectric element, a current detection circuit for detecting a current, and the control thereof Since the control circuit can be used only by the control circuit by determining the amount of water in the atomizing section from the current value detected by the current detection circuit, no additional parts are required, and the configuration can be simplified and inexpensive.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the current detection circuit according to the second aspect, when the detected current value is larger than a predetermined first value, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is forcibly reduced. This prevents the decrease in input and temperature rise of the piezoelectric element that lowers the current value, and increases safety.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the current detection circuit according to the second aspect, when the detected current value is larger than the predetermined first value, the water supply amount to the atomizing section is controlled by the water supply means. By making it decrease, the amount of water in the atomizing section can be optimized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the current detection circuit according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the detected current value is larger than a predetermined second value, the vibration of the piezoelectric element is stopped to further increase the safety. Can be increased.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the current detection circuit according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein when the detected current value is smaller than a predetermined third value, a value to be applied to the piezoelectric element. By forcibly increasing the input, the input of the piezoelectric element is increased, the amount of atomization is increased, and optimization is achieved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the current detection circuit according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, when the detected current value is smaller than a predetermined third value, the water supply means atomizes the current detection circuit. The atomization amount is optimized by supplying an appropriate amount of water to the atomization unit by increasing the amount of water supplied to the unit.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the current detection circuit according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the vibration of the piezoelectric element is stopped when the detected current value is smaller than a predetermined fourth value. By doing so, it is possible to prevent wasteful oscillation in a lack of water and enhance safety, and to reduce power consumption.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic atomizing device includes a piezoelectric element, and the atomization determining means detects the temperature of the piezoelectric element directly or indirectly. Temperature detecting means for controlling the high voltage / oscillation circuit based on a signal detected by the temperature detecting means, comprising a high voltage / oscillation circuit for applying a high frequency to the piezoelectric element and the piezoelectric element A circuit is provided.

  Thus, in order to determine the state of the atomizing part, the state of the atomizing part is determined by measuring the temperature of the piezoelectric element that has the highest temperature in the atomized state. You can control the amount. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the piezoelectric element is broken or its peripheral parts are deformed or broken, and the reliability of the ultrasonic atomizer can be improved.

  In addition to the invention of claim 9, the invention of claim 10 is provided with a storage room temperature detection means in the storage room, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means which is an atomization determination means and the storage room temperature detection. A control circuit is provided that varies the applied voltage of the piezoelectric element by comparison with the temperature detected by the means.

  Thereby, according to the state of a store room, the optimal atomization state in an atomization part can be determined, and the amount of spraying can be controlled more accurately. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the piezoelectric element is broken or its peripheral parts are deformed or broken, and the reliability of the ultrasonic atomizer can be improved.

  The invention according to an eleventh aspect is the ultrasonic atomizing device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the ultrasonic atomizing device has a tapered shape from the bottom surface portion toward the tip portion. By being a Langevin type ultrasonic atomizing device having a horn and a piezoelectric element provided on the bottom surface of the horn, it is possible to atomize with a low input and to reduce heat generation of the piezoelectric element. Thus, the heat effect on the storage room can be prevented.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the water supply means according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, wherein the water supply means is a water pump, so that the amount of water can be easily adjusted. Moreover, since water can be pumped up, the position of a water source such as a tank can be arranged below the atomizing device, so that the degree of freedom in design increases.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the water supply means according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein the water supply means is an on-off valve that opens and closes the flow path, so that the amount of water can be easily reduced. It can be adjusted and at the same time can be configured easily and inexpensively.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the conventional example or the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the main part in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a control configuration block diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram of the detected current value of the atomization determination means and the piezoelectric element temperature rise / atomization amount characteristic according to the first embodiment of the present invention, These are the figure which showed the relationship between the restoration | restoration effect of the moisture content with respect to the wilted vegetables in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the mist spray amount, and the relationship between the external appearance sensory evaluation value of a vegetable, and the mist spray amount, FIG. 6 and FIG. These are the control flowcharts in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the refrigerator 101 is partitioned from the top by a partition 103a, 103b, 103c and a door 104 for making these compartments closed. Thus, the storage spaces of the refrigerator room 105, the switching room 106, the vegetable room 107, and the freezing room 108 have different temperatures. Among them, the vegetable room 107 has a humidity of about 80% R.D. H or more (during food storage), cooled to 4 to 6 ° C.

  Further, in order to cool the refrigerator 101, the refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 111, a condenser, a decompression device (not shown) such as an expansion valve and a capillary tube, an evaporator 112, piping for connecting these components, a refrigerant, and the like. Is done.

  Furthermore, there is an air passage 113 for conveying the low-temperature air generated by the evaporator 112 to each storage room space, or for collecting the air heat-exchanged in the storage room space to the evaporator 112, and the air passage 113 is provided for each storage room. And is insulated by a partition 114.

  Further, in the vegetable compartment 108, an ultrasonic atomizer 115 as a spraying means, a water recovery part 116 as a water supply means for supplying water to the spraying means, a water reservoir 160 and a water absorbing material 131, Irradiation means 117 for controlling the pores of vegetables is configured.

  The ultrasonic atomizer 115 uses a Langevin type ultrasonic vibrator composed of a horn 121 and a piezoelectric element 122 provided on the bottom surface of the horn 121. The horn 121 is cut from the bottom portion to the tip portion by cutting or sintering. The cross-sectional area ratio is about 1/10 or less and the side surface shape depends on the frequency of the piezoelectric element. The horn 121 is integrated with the horn 121 on the piezoelectric element 122 side. A flange portion 123 is formed on the surface. Further, the horn 121 and the piezoelectric element 122 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated in the piezoelectric element 122 is amplified so as to have a maximum amplitude at the atomizing portion that is the tip of the horn. Moreover, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is attached to the connection part 124 of a refrigerator or its attachment member by using the flange part 123 as an attachment position.

  The horn 121 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, and examples thereof include metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. In particular, it is preferable to select a material mainly composed of aluminum from the viewpoint of light weight, high thermal conductivity, and amplitude amplification performance during ultrasonic transmission. In order to extend the life, it is desirable to select a material mainly composed of stainless steel.

  The water recovery unit 116 is installed at the bottom of the partition 103b and at the top of the vegetable compartment 108. The cooling plate 125 is made of a highly heat conductive metal or resin such as aluminum or stainless steel. The heating means 126 such as a heater, a planar heating element, or a PTC heater configured in the above is abutted. Then, in order to adjust the temperature of the cooling plate 125, the energization rate of the heating unit 126 is determined based on the detected temperature of the cooling plate temperature detecting unit 127, and the temperature of the cooling plate is controlled. A water recovery cover 128 for receiving water condensed on the cooling plate 125 is installed at the lower part.

  The water collected here is held in the water reservoir 130, and water is supplied to the atomizer 132 at the tip of the horn 121 by a water absorbing material 131 such as cotton or a polymer porous body using a capillary phenomenon.

  The liquid supplied to and attached to the atomizing unit 132 generates capillary waves due to the vibration of the horn 121, and the liquid present in the atomizing unit at the tip is liquefied into a liquid film or liquid yarn, and is sprayed onto fine particles of several to several tens of μm. And sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107.

  The irradiation means 117 is, for example, a blue LED 133 that irradiates light including blue light having a center wavelength of 470 nm, and includes a diffusion plate 134 for improving light diffusibility and protecting components.

  In FIG. 3, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 applies the voltage oscillated from the high voltage / oscillator circuit 135 to the piezoelectric vibrator 122. The current detection circuit 136 detects the current value at the time of application as a signal S1, inputs the signal as a signal S2 to the atomizer control circuit 137 as a control means, and the atomization determination means 138 indicates the atomization status. The output voltage of the high-voltage / oscillation circuit 135 is adjusted. Further, this control means communicates with the atomizer control circuit 137 and the control circuit 139 of the refrigerator 101 main body, and also determines the operation of the irradiation means 117.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  First, the vegetables and fruits stored in the vegetable room 107 usually include those that are slightly deflated by transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage. It fluctuates depending on the fluctuation of the door, the influence of opening and closing of the door, and the operating state of the refrigeration cycle. Furthermore, the storage environment is severe, and transpiration is promoted and it is easy to wither.

  Accordingly, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107 while adjusting the amount of mist sprayed at regular intervals, for example, intervals such as 1 minute ON and 9 minutes OFF, and the inside of the cabinet is quickly humidified.

  Excess water vapor in the vegetable compartment 107 is condensed on the cooling plate 125, and water droplets attached to the cooling plate 125 grow and drip onto the water recovery cover 128 by its own weight, flow through the water recovery cover 128, and enter the water storage unit 130. Stored. Then, the condensed water is carried by the water absorbing material 131 to the atomizing portion 132 at the tip of the horn of the ultrasonic atomizer 115. Then, a water droplet adheres to the tip, and the water droplet is atomized by the vibration of the piezoelectric element 122 and sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107.

  At this time, the shape of the horn 121 is a structure in which the length of the horn 121 tip and the bottom flange is vibrated in a quarter wavelength mode, and the cross-sectional area of the horn 121 is the cross-sectional area of the bottom. And about 1/16. Therefore, by amplifying the vibration energy generated in the piezoelectric element 122 by the atomizing section 132 at the tip of the horn, it is possible to atomize the vegetable chamber 107 sufficiently to achieve a high output at the tip of the horn even with a low input.

  Further, by reducing the cross-sectional area of the tip portion from which the mist is emitted from the bottom surface portion that is the portion provided with the piezoelectric element 122 of the horn 121, even if the vibration generated at the bottom surface portion is small, A large output can be produced at the tip, and a low-input and high-output spray device can be realized, so that even if water shortage occurs in the mist generation unit, the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic atomizer 115 itself is suppressed. Therefore, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed, and the possibility that the ultrasonic atomizing device 115 will fail due to lack of water can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the tip portion of the horn 121 is about 1/16 compared to the cross-sectional area of the bottom surface portion, but this cross-sectional area ratio is about 1/10 to 1/30. Desirably, within this range, a low-input and high-output spray device can be realized under the conditions of mounting in the refrigerator. Therefore, even if water shortage occurs in the mist generation unit, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 itself Therefore, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed, and the possibility that the ultrasonic atomizer 115 due to lack of water breaks down can be reduced.

  As a determinant of the cross-sectional area of the bottom surface portion relative to the cross-sectional area of the tip portion of the horn 121, it is necessary to set the input of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 mounted on the refrigerator in a range that does not affect the power consumption of the refrigerator. is there. At this time, in recent refrigerators that have achieved energy savings, it is necessary to suppress the input, which is power for operating the ultrasonic atomizer 115 under the conditions of the actual refrigerator, to about 10 W. Thus, if the input of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is to be suppressed to about 10 W, the usable piezoelectric element 122 has a diameter of about 20 mm at the maximum, and if the diameter becomes larger than this, the piezoelectric element 122 is vibrated. Therefore, the piezoelectric element 122 should have a diameter of 20 mm or less when mounted on an actual home refrigerator, and if it is too small, a sufficient amount of spray for generating mist cannot be obtained. It is 3 mm or more, and desirably 5 mm or more. In addition, when the piezoelectric element 122 having such a diameter is used, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the tip of the horn 121 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the bottom, because the output with respect to the input is large. If it becomes too small, a sufficient spray amount cannot be secured. Therefore, at least the cross-sectional area of the tip of the horn 121 is about 1/30 or more with respect to the cross-sectional area of the bottom surface, and at most 1/10. By securing the degree and desirably 1/15 or less, a low input and high output spraying device can be realized.

  The sprayed mist is a liquid of about several μm to several tens of μm and adheres finely to the vegetable surface. Fine water droplets adhere to the vegetable surface, but there is also a surface in contact with the air, so there is no obstruction of breathing and no water rot occurs. Therefore, at the same time as the humidity in the vegetable compartment 107 becomes high, the humidity on the vegetable surface and the humidity in the storage chamber are in an equilibrium state, and transpiration can be prevented from the vegetable surface, and the attached mist is a gap between cells on the vegetable and fruit surfaces. The tissue penetrates into the tissue, and water is supplied again into the deflated cells, and the deflation is eliminated by the bulging pressure of the cells, resulting in a state of a chakit.

Further, when the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is in operation, the irradiation means 117 is turned on to irradiate the vegetables and fruits stored in the vegetable compartment 107. The irradiating means 117 irradiates light including blue light having a central wavelength of 470 nm, for example, a blue LED 133 or a lamp covered with a material that transmits only blue light. The photon of the blue light irradiated at this time is about 1 μmol / It is weak light of m ⁻² / s ⁻¹ . In vegetables and fruits irradiated with weak blue light, the pores existing on the surface of the epidermis increase the opening of the pores as compared to the normal state due to light stimulation of blue light. As a result, the mist adhering to the surface of the vegetables and fruits penetrates into the tissues from the surface of the open pores of the vegetables and fruits, the water is evaporated, and water can be further supplied into the deflated cells, and the state is shaken. It returns and freshness is restored.

  When performing this series of operations, the current value and the amount of atomization change depending on the amount of water adhering to the atomizing section 132 of the horn 121.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the amount of water droplets attached to the atomizing section 132 is large, the vibration energy due to the oscillation of the piezoelectric element 122 is smaller than the surface tension of the water droplets, so that the water droplets do not fly off from the tip and are maintained at the tip. Therefore, the energy that jumps out changes to heat loss of the piezoelectric element 122, and the temperature of the piezoelectric element 122 rises. When the temperature of the piezoelectric element 122 rises, the resistance value of the piezoelectric element 122 decreases, a large amount of current flows to the piezoelectric element 122, the temperature rises, and the piezoelectric element 122 or its surrounding components are damaged. There is also a possibility that the temperature of the vegetable compartment 107 also rises, the deterioration of the freshness of vegetables, and the components in the vegetable compartment 107 are damaged.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water droplets attached to the atomizing section 132 at the tip of the horn 121 is small, the work amount is reduced and the input is reduced, but the atomization amount is also reduced, so the amount of mist sprayed in the vegetable compartment 107 is reduced, The freshness of the vegetable room decreases.

  Therefore, by varying the voltage applied from the high voltage / oscillation circuit 135 to the piezoelectric element 122 based on the detection current value i detected by the detection circuit 136 that detects the current flowing through the piezoelectric element 122 as atomization determination means, The freshness is improved by spraying mist by controlling the current value and the atomization amount appropriately. Moreover, excessive dew condensation in the vegetable compartment 107 can be prevented, the safety of the piezoelectric element 122 can be improved, and the safety of the refrigerator 101 main body can be improved.

  For example, when the detected current value i is large, the vibration energy due to the oscillation of the piezoelectric element 122 is smaller than the surface tension of the water droplet when the water droplet adhesion amount of the atomizing unit 132 is large, and the water droplet does not fly off from the tip. It is determined that the water droplet is maintained, and the application voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 122 is stopped or reduced in some cases, and after a little time has elapsed, the voltage application is started again.

  On the other hand, when the detected current value i is small, it is determined that the amount of water droplets attached to the atomizing portion 132 at the tip of the horn 121 is small, and control is performed to increase the applied voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 122.

Specifically, when the upper limit of the proper current value of the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 115 is a lower limit at the first value i ₁ is the third value i _3, the detected current value i is greater than a first value i ₁ By decreasing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 122, the temperature rise of the piezoelectric element 122 due to an increase in input is suppressed. Further, when the detected current value i exceeds the second value i ₂ , the piezoelectric element 122 may be destroyed by the temperature rise, so the applied voltage is set to zero and the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is stopped. Ensure safety. At the same time, the blue LED 133 of the irradiation unit 117 is also turned off.

When the detected current value i is small, it can be predicted that the amount of atomization is small, so an operation for increasing the amount of atomization is performed. When the detected current value i is less than the third value i _3, increasing the applied voltage in order to increase the current value. Further, when the detected current value i is smaller than i ₄ , the control circuit determines that some trouble such as disconnection has occurred, and stops the ultrasonic atomizer 115 and the irradiation unit 117.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing the relationship between the moisture content restoration effect and the mist spray amount on the wilting vegetables, and the relationship between the appearance sensory evaluation value of the vegetables and the mist spray amount. Since this experiment was conducted in a 70-liter vegetable room, the following spray amounts all indicate the spray amount per 70 liters.

  From the figure, the range in which the moisture content recovery effect of vegetables is 50% or more in the case of light irradiation is in the range of 0.05 to 10 g / h (per liter = 0.007 to 0.14 g / h · l). there were.

  If the amount of mist sprayed is too small, the amount of water released from the pores to the outside of the vegetation falls below, making it impossible to supply moisture to the inside of the vegetable. In addition, it is considered that the contact frequency between the mist and the open pores decreases, and it becomes difficult for water to penetrate into the vegetables.

  In the experiment, it was found that the lower limit value of the spray amount was 0.05 g / h.

  On the other hand, if the amount of mist sprayed is too large, it will exceed the allowable moisture content inside the vegetable, and the moisture that is not taken into the vegetable will adhere to the outside of the vegetable. The phenomenon that rot will occur and vegetables will hurt occurs.

  Excess moisture adhered to the surface of such vegetables, and the range in which the vegetables cause quality deterioration such as water rot is 10 g / h or more, which is unsuitable for experiments. Therefore, the experimental result of 10 g / h (per liter = 0.15 g / h · l) or more cannot be adopted due to the deterioration of the quality of the vegetables, and will be omitted.

  The range in which the moisture content restoring effect of vegetables is 70% or more in the case of light irradiation was 0.1 to 10 g / h (= 0.015 to 0.14 g / h · l per liter). Thus, when the lower limit of the spray amount of mist is increased to about 0.1 g / h or more, the contact frequency with the open pores is sufficiently increased, and the penetration of the mist into the vegetables is actively performed. Conceivable.

  In the case of no light irradiation, there is no range in which the moisture content restoration effect of vegetables is 50% or more, and the moisture content restoration rate is less than 10% for all spray amounts. As shown in the figure, in the case of no light irradiation, since the pores are not sufficiently opened, it is considered that moisture does not penetrate into the vegetables unless the particle diameter is sufficiently small.

  Details of these operations will be described with reference to the control flow charts of FIGS.

When the humidification mode is entered at step 501, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is turned on at step 502, the spray time t ₁ is set, the timer t ₂ is started, and the vegetable chamber 107 is sprayed with mist. Next, the irradiation means 117 in step 503 is turned on. Thereby, the blue LED 133 is turned on, and the pore opening degree of the vegetable is increased. As a result, the mist adhering to the surface of the vegetable is easily taken into the vegetable through the pores and cell gaps. Then, the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 115 When the timer _{t 2} has exceeded the set time _{t 1} is OFF in step 504, resets the _{t 2,} then set the stopping time _{t 3,} a timer is started _{t 4.} At this time, the irradiation means 117 is turned OFF in step 506. And when the timer _{t 4} exceeds the stop time _{t 3} in step 507, it resets the timer _{t 4,} procedure returns to step 502.

Here, if the timer _{t 2} is less than the spray time _{t 1} at step 504, the process proceeds to atomization determination mode of Step 508 shown in FIG.

When the process proceeds to step 508, the detected current value i is first read and determined as in step 509. When the detected current value i is less than the first programmed value i ₁ and greater than or equal to the third value i _{3, the} mist sprayed from the atomizing section 132 at the tip of the horn 121 as in step 510 is set to an appropriate value. After making a determination and waiting for Δt seconds, the process proceeds to step 509 again to repeat the determination. At this time, if the detected current value i is not the third value i ₃ or more and the first value i ₁ or less, the process proceeds to step 512 to control the current value and input by changing the applied voltage. First, when it is determined in step 512 that the detected current value i is larger than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 513. If the detected current is smaller than the second value i _{2 in} step 513, the current value and input are reduced by reducing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 122 by a preset voltage ΔV, and the temperature of the piezoelectric element 122 is reduced. Controls the rise and atomization. Further, if the detected current value i is larger than the second value i ₂ in step 513, it is considered that the temperature of the piezoelectric element 122 is increasing, and is there a very large amount of water droplets on the tip of the horn 121? Or, it is considered that there is no water at the tip, and if energization is continued as it is, there is a risk of damage to the piezoelectric element 122 and the like, and there is a deterioration of food in the vegetable compartment 107, so the safety of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 and the refrigerator 101 is ensured. Therefore, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 122 is set to zero, and the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is stopped in step 516. Next, at step 517, the irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 505.

Further, the detection current value i in step 512 if _{i 3} smaller, the process proceeds to step 519. When the detected current value i is the fourth value i ₄ smaller than in step 519, it is considered that some abnormality such as disconnection occurs in the control circuit, the ultrasonic atomizing device 115 from step 520, it stops the irradiation unit 117 Then, the process proceeds to step 505. However, in this case, an abnormal flag is written in the storage device in the circuit, and when the cumulative number of flag writings exceeds a predetermined number of times, a notification means (not shown) attached to the refrigerator main body is operated to prompt the user. You may do that.

If step 519 detects the current value i is the fourth value i ₄ or more, increasing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 122, the input, to increase the amount of work due to vibration, increasing the atomizing quantity.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the current for detecting the heat insulation box, the storage chamber partitioned in the heat insulation box, and the piezoelectric element and the high-voltage / oscillation circuit current for applying a high frequency to the piezoelectric element. By providing an ultrasonic atomizer having a detection circuit and a control circuit for controlling them, and an atomization determination means for determining the amount of water in the atomization unit from the current value detected by the current detection circuit, By grasping the amount of water droplets as a current value and controlling the current value, the amount of water droplets in the atomization section can be optimized, stabilizing the amount of atomization sprayed in the storage room, improving the freshness of vegetables, etc. The detection means is not used, so it can be made smaller and less expensive.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 1, the Langevin type ultrasonic atomizer which has an ultrasonic atomizer which has a taper-shaped horn toward the front-end | tip part from the bottom face part, and the piezoelectric element with which the bottom face part of the horn was equipped. As a result, the energy of the piezoelectric element can be amplified and transmitted to the tip of the horn, so that it can be atomized with low input, and the heat effect on the storage chamber can be reduced by reducing the heat generation of the piezoelectric element. Can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment, when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is larger than the predetermined first value, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is forcibly reduced, so that the temperature of the piezoelectric element increases. Can be prevented and safety can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is larger than the predetermined second value, the vibration of the piezoelectric element is stopped, so that safety can be further improved.

  In the first embodiment, when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is smaller than the predetermined third value, the input to the piezoelectric element is increased by forcibly increasing the value applied to the piezoelectric element, It is possible to increase the amount of atomization and spray the appropriate amount of atomization to the vegetable compartment.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is smaller than the predetermined fourth value, the vibration of the piezoelectric element is stopped to prevent useless oscillation and reduce power consumption. be able to.

  Furthermore, in this Embodiment 1, since dew condensation water is used, the mineral etc. which are mixed in the tap water etc. are minute, the factor which becomes clogged with a water absorbing material is removed, and lifetime reliability is improved. improves.

  In the first embodiment, the atomization determination means is a current detection circuit, and the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is varied by the detected current value in the current detection circuit. However, the atomization determination means is the temperature detection means. It is also possible to do. In this case, temperature detection means for directly or indirectly detecting the temperature of the piezoelectric element, such as a thermocouple, a temperature thermistor, or a non-contact infrared sensor, is provided on the surface of the piezoelectric element or in the vicinity thereof, and the detected temperature And the temperature detected by the vegetable room temperature detecting means installed in the storage room or other temperature detected by the storage room temperature detecting means, the amount of water adhering to the tip of the horn can be estimated and the applied voltage of the piezoelectric element can be varied. Note that indirectly detecting the temperature is a concept including estimating the temperature of the piezoelectric element itself from the temperature in the vicinity of the piezoelectric element and the temperature in the vicinity of the horn part that is thermally conductively connected to the piezoelectric element.

  For example, when temperature detection means such as a temperature thermistor is installed in the space near the piezoelectric element or the horn tip, the temperature of the piezoelectric element itself can be easily inferred from the detected temperatures detected indirectly. In addition, if an infrared sensor is used, the temperature and the temperature can be accurately detected by limiting the position and distance by the refrigerator structure and focusing the focus on the tip of the horn or the piezoelectric element.

  Therefore, since the temperature of the piezoelectric element having the highest temperature in the atomized state is measured, the spray amount can be controlled with higher accuracy, and damage to the piezoelectric element and deformation / damage of its peripheral parts can be prevented. In addition, the storage room temperature and the cooling plate temperature can be varied according to the detected temperature to vary the temperature around the piezoelectric element, thereby improving safety.

  In addition, since the amount of water supplied to the tip changes depending on the water level of the water reservoir, the water level of the water reservoir is detected by a float switch, an infrared sensor, or a position detection sensor using an electrode that uses water conduction in the water reservoir. Even so, the supply amount of the horn tip and the water droplet adhesion amount can be grasped. In this case, since the water level of the water reservoir can be accurately grasped, the amount of water droplets at the tip can be accurately grasped, and the atomization amount is stabilized.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a control configuration block diagram according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 10 and 11 are control flow diagrams according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, the horn 121 of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is configured with a substantially linear fine hole 153 formed from the bottom surface portion 151 toward the tip portion 152 which is an atomization portion. The part 151 and the water recovery cover 128 are connected by a flow path 155 via an on-off valve 154 such as an electromagnetic valve that adjusts the amount of water supplied to the horn 121. In this manner, water is supplied to the front end portion 152 of the horn 121 that is the atomization section through the flow path 153 and the fine hole 153 by the on-off valve 154 that is the water supply means. In addition, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is configured such that the horn 121 and the piezoelectric element 122 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 122 is amplified so as to have the maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. That is, the tip 152 of the horn 121 is set to be the antinode of the vibration of the horn 121. Further, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 has the flange portion 123 as an attachment position, and this flange portion 123 serves as a vibration node of the horn 121 and is attached to the connection portion 124 of the refrigerator or its attachment member.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement / effect | action is demonstrated below.

  Water droplets collected by the water collection cover 128 gradually grow, flow along the inner surface of the cover, and flow to the flow path 155. When the on-off valve 154 is opened, the substantially straight microscopic hole 153 formed from the bottom surface portion 151 toward the tip portion 152 is supplied from the horn bottom portion 151 side to the horn tip portion 152 that is an atomization portion. . The water droplets adhering to the tip 152 are atomized by the oscillation of the piezoelectric element 122 and sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107. At this time, the opening / closing valve 154 can adjust the amount of water at intervals of the opening / closing time, so that the supply amount can be adjusted.

  Among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green vegetable leaves and fruits are also stored in the vegetable room 107, and these fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to wilt due to transpiration. The vegetables and fruits stored in the vegetable room 25 usually include those that are slightly deflated by transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage, and by atomized mist The surface of vegetables is moistened.

  The sprayed mist causes the inside of the vegetable compartment 107 to become highly humid again, and at the same time, adheres to the surface of the open pores of the vegetables and fruits in the vegetable compartment 107, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and moisture evaporates and dries. However, the water is supplied again into the cells, the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, and it returns to a crisp state. The diameter of the atomized particles is preferably 4 μm to 20 μm, and the average pore size of general vegetables is about 15 μm. Large particles fall off due to gravity and cannot be sprayed uniformly in the case. Mist with a particle diameter of 15 μm or less is more preferable for reviving the wilted vegetables.

  In addition, the vegetable pores irradiated with the weak blue light by the irradiating means 117 have a larger opening of the pores than the normal state due to the light stimulation of the blue light. As a result, the mist adhering to the surface of the vegetables and fruits penetrates into the tissues from the surface of the open pores of the vegetables and fruits, the water is evaporated, and water can be further supplied into the deflated cells, and the state is shaken. It returns and freshness is restored.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an appropriate current value of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is detected by the current detection circuit 136, and the output of the atomization determination means of the control circuit 137 of the atomizer is communicated to the control circuit of the refrigerator body. 154 and the operation of the irradiation means 117 are determined. In addition, you may comprise the control circuit of an atomizer and the control circuit of a refrigerator on the same board | substrate.

  Details of these operations will be described with reference to the control flow charts of FIGS.

When the humidification mode is entered in step 501, the on-off valve 154 in the flow path 155 is opened in step 551, and the water stored in the water recovery cover 128 is allowed to flow to the ultrasonic atomizer 115. Then Δt seconds later, the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 115 is turned ON at step 502, it sets the spray time _{t 1,} the timer is started _{t 2,} spraying the mist to vegetable compartment 107. Next, the irradiation means 117 in step 503 is turned on. Thereby, the blue LED 133 is turned on, and the pore opening degree of the vegetable is increased. As a result, the mist adhering to the surface of the vegetable is easily taken into the vegetable through the pores and cell gaps. Then, the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 115 When the timer _{t 2} has exceeded the set time _{t 1} is OFF in step 504, resets the _{t 2,} then set the stopping time _{t 3,} a timer is started _{t 4.} At this time, in step 552, the on-off valve 154 is closed, and the irradiation means 117 is also turned off. When the timer _{t 4} exceeds the stop time _{t 3} in step 507, it resets the timer _{t 4,} procedure returns to step 502.

Here, if the timer _{t 2} is less than the spray time _{t 1} at step 504, the process proceeds to atomization determination mode of Step 508 shown in FIG.

When the process proceeds to step 508, the detected current value i is first read and determined as in step 509. When the detected current value i is less than the first programmed value i ₁ and greater than or equal to the third value i _{3, the} mist sprayed from the atomizing section 132 at the tip of the horn 121 as in step 561 is set to an appropriate value. Determination is made, and the on-off valve 154 continues to be open. Then, after waiting for Δt seconds, the process again proceeds to step 509 and the determination is repeated. If the detected current value i is not the third value i ₃ or more and the first value i ₁ or less at this time, the process proceeds to step 512, and the current value and input are controlled by the amount of water droplets attached to the tip of the horn. First, when it is determined in step 512 that the detected current value i is larger than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 513. If the detected current is smaller than the second value i _{2 in} step 513, the operation of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 continues in step 562, but the on-off valve 154 is switched to the closed state. Thereby, since the amount of water droplets adhering to the tip decreases, the current value and input are reduced, the temperature rise of the piezoelectric element 122, and the atomization amount are suppressed. Further, when the detected current value i is larger than the second value i ₂ in step 513, it is considered that the temperature of the piezoelectric element 122 is increasing, and there are very many water droplets at the tip, or It is thought that there is no water at the tip, and if energization is continued as it is, there is a risk of damage to the piezoelectric element 122 and the like, and there is a deterioration of food in the vegetable compartment 107, so in step 563 the safety of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 and the refrigerator 101 is increased. In order to ensure, the applied voltage to the piezoelectric element 122 is set to zero, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is stopped in step 516, and the on-off valve 154 is also switched to close. Next, at step 517, the irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 505.

If the detected current value i is smaller than i ₁ in step 512, the process proceeds to step 519. When the detected current value i is the fourth value i ₄ smaller than in step 519, it is considered that some abnormality such as disconnection occurs in the control circuit, stopping the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 115 from step 564, the on-off valve The closing and irradiating means 117 are stopped, and the process proceeds to Step 505. However, in this case, an abnormal flag is written in the storage device in the circuit, and when the cumulative number of flag writings exceeds a predetermined number of times, a notification means (not shown) attached to the refrigerator main body is operated to prompt the user. You may do that.

If detected current value i in step 519 in the fourth value i ₄ above, to maintain the open state of the on-off valve 154.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the heat insulation box, the storage chamber partitioned in the heat insulation box, the piezoelectric element, the high-voltage / oscillation circuit for applying a high frequency to the piezoelectric element, and the current are supplied. An ultrasonic atomizer having a current detection circuit to detect and a control circuit for controlling them, and an open / close valve for supplying a liquid to the ultrasonic atomizer, from the current value detected by the current detection circuit By providing the atomization determination means for determining the amount of water in the atomization unit, the amount of water in the atomization unit can be grasped by the current value, and the amount of water can be optimized by the on-off valve, so that the amount of atomization sprayed in the storage chamber is stabilized, Improves the freshness of vegetables and prevents water rot due to condensation in the vegetable compartment.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is larger than the predetermined first value, by reducing the water supply amount to the atomization unit by closing the on-off valve, The amount of water in the atomizing section can be optimized.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the horn tip portion is connected by connecting the horn bottom portion side of the substantially straight fine hole formed from the bottom portion of the horn toward the tip portion and the flow path including the on-off valve. Since moisture can be supplied to the central part, inclusions such as water-absorbing materials can be eliminated, and moisture can be supplied more efficiently and stably to the tip of the horn. Mist is sprayed stably at all times, and the storage room space can be maintained at high humidity.

  Moreover, since moisture can be supplied from the center of the horn tip, the diffusibility is improved and the cost is reduced by reducing the number of members.

  In the second embodiment, the spray direction of the ultrasonic atomizer is installed in the horizontal direction, but the ultrasonic atomizer can be installed in the downward direction. In this case, since mist is sprayed from above, mist can be diffused uniformly. Moreover, since mist can be sprayed on the whole storage space, the inside of the storage space can be cooled by the latent heat of mist (moisture). Thereby, since the cooler capability for refrigeration temperature zones can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the size and cost.

  In the second embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer is described using a horn formed in a substantially conical shape, but is not a substantially conical shape, but a shape that amplifies the amplitude of vibration at the tip. If so, the same effect can be obtained. For example, a tapered shape from the piezoelectric element side toward the tip can be formed into a substantially rectangular shape at the tip. This increases the area over which the mist is sprayed compared to the circular shape, so that the spray range is expanded and the diffusibility is further improved.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a control configuration block diagram according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a control flow diagram according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, the vegetable compartment 107 stores food such as vegetables and fruits in a vegetable case 160, and in the upper part, in order to suppress transpiration from the food stored in the vegetable case 160, the humidity in the cabinet is set. A lid 161 for maintenance is configured, and an atomizing portion of the ultrasonic atomizing device 115 serving as spraying means is configured in the gap between the vegetable case 160 and the lid 161 so as to face the interior.

  An irradiation means 117 is attached to the partition 103b, and a part of the lid 161 is cut off or made of a transparent material so that food in the case can be irradiated.

  The horn 121 of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is configured with a substantially straight microscopic hole 153 formed from the bottom surface portion 151 toward the tip portion 152 that is an atomizing portion. In order to supply water to the horn 121, a tank 162 is configured in the refrigerator compartment 105. The tank 162 and the horn 121 are provided with a filter 164 and a water pump using any of a stepping motor, a gear, a tube, a piezoelectric, and the like. The flow path 163a and the narrow pipe flow path 163b are formed before and after the water pump, and are directly connected to the horn 121 through the narrow pipe flow path 163a and the bottom of the piezoelectric element, and some of the partitions 103a, 103b, 114 and the refrigerator It is embedded in the box 102.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement / effect | action is demonstrated below.

  The water stored in the tank 162 supplies water from the flow path 163 to the ultrasonic atomizer 115 by the operation of a water supply pump 165 that is a water supply means. When the water supply pump 165 is ON, water supplied in advance by the user flows toward the ultrasonic atomizer 115. At this time, the water flowing through the flow path flows through a pre-installed filter to remove impurities such as dust and foreign matter, and the flow path 163b is hermetically sealed. The micropores 153 in the horn 121 can be prevented from being clogged, and at the same time, dust and bacteria can be prevented from entering, thereby ensuring hygiene. The narrow tube channel 163b is embedded in a heat insulating material such as the partition 114 and flows while preventing freezing. Although not shown here, a heater for ensuring temperature may be in close contact with the flow path at the outer periphery of the flow path. Then, water is supplied to the horn tip 152 from the horn bottom 151 side of the substantially linear fine hole 153 formed from the bottom surface 151 toward the tip 152 from the flow path 163b, and the water droplets attached to the tip 152 Is atomized by the oscillation of the piezoelectric element 122 and sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107.

  At this time, the fine tube flow path 163b is thinner than the flow path 163a, so that it is easy to control trace water, and the accuracy of spray amount in the vegetable compartment can be improved. In addition, by using the water pump 165, the number of steps and the number of motor rotations can be easily adjusted. For example, the amount of water supplied can be controlled by the voltage applied to the water pump, and the accuracy of the amount of spray in the vegetable compartment can be improved. become.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the current detection circuit 136 detects the appropriate current value of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 and communicates the output of the atomization determination means of the control circuit 137 of the atomizer to the control circuit of the refrigerator body. The operations of the water pump 165 and the irradiation means 117 are determined. In addition, you may comprise the control circuit of an atomizer and the control circuit of a refrigerator on the same board | substrate.

  Details of these operations will be described with reference to the control flow diagram of FIG.

  Regarding the mist spraying, the operation of the ultrasonic atomizer 115, the lighting of the irradiation means 117, and the operation of the water pump 165 are determined.

When the atomization determination is performed in step 508, the detection current value i is first read and determined as in step 509. When the detected current value i is less than the first programmed value i ₁ and greater than or equal to the third value i _{3, the} mist sprayed from the atomizing unit 132 at the tip of the horn 121 as in step 571 is set to an appropriate value. It judges, the water supply amount to the ultrasonic atomizer 115 by a water pump is judged appropriate, and the water supply amount is continued. Then, after waiting for Δt seconds, the process again proceeds to step 509 and the determination is repeated. At this time, if the detected current value i is not equal to or greater than the third value i ₃ and not equal to or less than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 512, the amount of water supplied is controlled by the water pump, and the ultrasonic atomizer 115 Adjust the current value and input.

First, when it is determined in step 512 that the detected current value i is larger than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 513. If the sensed current in the step 513 is less than the second value i _2, the operation of the ultrasonic atomizing device 115 at step 572 but continues, reduces the amount of water flowing from the water pump. Thereby, since the amount of water droplets adhering to the tip decreases, the current value and input are reduced, and the temperature rise of the piezoelectric element 122 and the atomization amount are suppressed. Further, when the detected current value i is larger than the second value i ₂ in step 513, it is considered that the temperature of the piezoelectric element 122 is increasing, and there are very many water droplets at the tip that is the atomizing portion. If there is no water at the tip or there is no water at the tip, there is a risk of damage to the piezoelectric element 122 or the like and deterioration of the food in the vegetable compartment 107. Therefore, in step 573, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 and the refrigerator In order to ensure the safety of 101, the applied voltage to the piezoelectric element 122 is made zero, and the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is stopped in step 573, and the water supply of the water supply pump 165 is also stopped. Next, at step 517, the irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 505.

When the detected current value i is smaller than i ₁ in step 512, the process proceeds to step 519. When the detected current value i is the fourth value i ₄ smaller than in step 519, it is considered that some abnormality such as disconnection occurs in the control circuit, stopping the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 115 from step 574, water pump 165 The irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to Step 505. However, in this case, an abnormal flag is written in the storage device in the circuit, and when the cumulative number of flag writings exceeds a predetermined number of times, a notification means (not shown) attached to the refrigerator main body is operated to prompt the user. You may do that.

If the sensed current value i in step 519 the fourth value i ₄ or more, increases by a value water amount has been set in advance of the water pump 165.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the water supply means is a water pump, the amount of water can be easily adjusted, and water can be pumped up so that the water source such as a tank can be used. Since the position can be arranged below the atomizer, the degree of freedom in design increases.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 3, since the flow-path cross-sectional area from a pump to a horn was made thinner than the flow-path cross-sectional area from a tank to a pump, it is easy to control trace water and the precision improvement of the spray amount of a vegetable compartment is improved. It becomes possible. In addition, by using the water pump 165, the number of steps and the number of motor rotations can be easily adjusted. For example, the amount of water supplied can be controlled by the voltage applied to the water pump, and the accuracy of the amount of spray in the vegetable compartment can be improved. become.

  Further, in the third embodiment, by using a water supply pump, it is possible to adjust the amount of water by linearly varying the amount of water supply depending on the number of rotations thereof, so that it is possible to adjust the spray amount with high accuracy.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 3, since a tank can also be arrange | positioned outside a vegetable room, the capacity | capacitance of a vegetable room can be ensured and food can fully be accommodated.

  In the third embodiment, since the tank is installed in the refrigerator compartment, there is no risk of freezing, and no temperature compensation heater is required. Furthermore, since it can also be used as an ice making tank, the storage capacity of the refrigerator is not reduced.

(Embodiment 4)
Embodiment 4 of the present invention is an atomization amount adjustment of an ultrasonic atomizer provided with a piezoelectric element on the bottom surface of a water storage tank.

  FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a characteristic diagram of a water level, a current value, and an atomization amount in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 15, the top partition 103 b of the vegetable compartment 107 includes a thin piezoelectric element 171 on the bottom surface, an atomizing portion 171 a on the upper side of the piezoelectric element 171, a water tank 172 and a stored water 173 installed on the upper part. An ultrasonic atomizer 174, a water supply tank 175 for supplying water to the water storage tank 172, a cooling plate 125 serving as a dehumidifying / humidifying device, and a heating unit 126 such as a heater. A bowl-shaped cover member 176 is formed below the cooling plate 125 so that the condensed water generated in 125 flows into the water storage tank 172. Further, the vegetable room 107 includes a vegetable room temperature detecting means 177 and a vegetable room humidity detecting means 178 for detecting the temperature and humidity of the vegetable room 107, respectively.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  First, when the vegetable room humidity detection means 178 of the vegetable room 107 continuously detects a low humidity state of a relative humidity of 90% or less for a certain period of time, for example, the ultrasonic atomizer 174 is operated at regular intervals, Humidify the vegetable compartment.

  On the other hand, for example, when a high humidity state with a relative humidity of 99% or more is continuously detected for a certain period of time, it is determined that dew condensation is necessary for the vegetable compartment container 160, food, and the inner wall, and cooling is performed as a dehumidifying means. The surface temperature of the plate 125 is adjusted to the dew point temperature or lower, and the water vapor in the container is dehumidified by dew condensation. At this time, the generated condensed water flows through the cover member, is collected using the cover member 176 in the water storage tank 173 of the ultrasonic atomizer 174, is stored again, and is reused during humidification.

  Specifically, when the vegetable room humidity is detected by the vegetable room humidity detecting means 177 that the vegetable room 107 continues at a relative humidity of 90% or less at around 5 ° C. for a certain period of time, the ultrasonic atomizer 174 is operated, Spraying the mist into the cabinet and humidifying it suppresses the transpiration of the stored food.

  On the other hand, in the environment where the vegetable room 107 is around 5 ° C., the vegetable room 107 is in a supersaturated state when approximately 100% humidity, the vegetable room temperature detecting means 176 and the vegetable room humidity detecting means 177 are continuously detected for a certain period of time. The occurrence of condensation can be predicted. Therefore, the surface temperature of the cooling plate 122, which is a dehumidifying means, is adjusted by the heating means 126, and the input of the heating means is adjusted so as to be adjusted to approximately 0 ° C. below the dew point temperature. As a result, the internal steam is positively condensed on the cooling plate 125, and dehumidification is possible. Here, the dew condensation water generated on the cooling plate grows, and as the water droplets become larger, the gravity component becomes larger than the surface tension, and eventually drops onto the cover member 176. The dropped water drops flow downward because the cover member 176 is inclined. In the lower part, there is a water storage tank 172 of an ultrasonic atomizer 174, which stores condensed water.

  Thereafter, when humidification becomes necessary, the stored water 173 is atomized again by the ultrasonic atomizer 174 and used for humidification.

Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the ultrasonic atomizer 174 changes its input and the amount of atomization depending on the water level located above the atomization section 171 a above the piezoelectric element 171. When such an apparatus is used in the refrigerator 101, if the atomization amount is less than the setting, the freshness of the vegetables cannot be maintained. Conversely, if the atomization amount is larger than the setting, the inside of the vegetable compartment 107 becomes oversaturated, and the case or the inside of the cabinet Condensation will reduce the quality, water rot, etc., and vegetables may also deteriorate. Therefore, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 171 is controlled so that the current value range in which the set atomization amount is achieved, i ₃ ≦ i ≦ i ₁ . When it is determined that the current value is large and the water level is high, the heating means is adjusted so that the surface temperature of the cooling plate 125 is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature so as to stop the generation of condensed water.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the heat insulation box, the storage chamber partitioned in the heat insulation box, the piezoelectric element, the high-voltage / oscillation circuit for applying a high frequency to the piezoelectric element, and the current are detected. An ultrasonic atomizer equipped with a current detection circuit for controlling the current and a control circuit for controlling them, and a water supply means for supplying liquid to the ultrasonic atomizer, and atomizing from the current value detected by the current detection circuit The water level stored in the water tank can be grasped by the current value and the water level can be optimized so that the amount of atomization sprayed into the storage room can be stabilized, It is possible to improve the freshness and to reduce the size and cost because no other detection means is used.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, a spraying means that is a high humidity means, a water supply tank, a cooling plate that is a dehumidifying means, a water storage tank that is a part of the spraying means, and a cover member for flowing condensed water are provided. By collecting the condensed water generated at the time of dehumidification by the cooling plate again in the water storage tank, the drainage tank becomes unnecessary and the user's wastewater treatment load is reduced.

  In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, the amount of water in the water tank can be reduced by collecting the condensed water in the water tank, and the number of times the water tank is taken out can be reduced. And the freshness can be improved.

(Embodiment 5)
Embodiment 5 of the present invention is a specific method of collecting water and adjusting the amount of water.

  FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  17 and 18, the refrigerator 101 is partitioned by a partition 114 having heat insulation properties. The vegetable compartment 107 is provided with a vegetable case 160, which stores food in the space and is cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. with a humidity of about 80% RH or more (during food storage). On the back of the vegetable compartment 107, an internal partition 114 for dividing the air passage 113 and the vegetable compartment 107 is provided.

  In FIG. 17, there is an air passage 113 between the internal partition 114 and the main body outer wall 201, for example, the air generated by the cooler 112 is transferred to each storage room, or air is heat-exchanged from each storage room. Is provided for transporting to the cooler 112. Here, an ultrasonic atomizer 115 is incorporated in the internal partition 114. The internal partition 114 is mainly made of a heat insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and its wall thickness is about 30 mm. On the back surface of the water recovery unit 116, the wall thickness is 5 mm to 10 mm. A cooling plate 125 is installed inside the water collection unit 116. For example, a heating means 126 such as a heater made of nichrome wire is brought into contact with one surface of the cooling plate 125, and a blower means 203 such as a BOX fan and a cover member 205 for constituting a circulation air path 204 are arranged inside the cabinet. Is installed.

  Further, in FIG. 18, the cover member 205 is provided with a first circulation air passage opening 206 and a second circulation air passage opening 207 related to the circulation air passage 204. Further, the cooling plate 125 is provided with cooling plate temperature detecting means 127 for detecting the surface temperature.

  Further, the horn 121 of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is formed with a substantially straight microhole 153 formed from the bottom surface portion 151 toward the tip portion 152, and the horn bottom surface portion 151 side of the microhole 153 and the water recovery unit. 116 and an on-off valve 154 which is a water supply means. In addition, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is configured such that the horn 121 and the piezoelectric element 122 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 122 is amplified so as to have the maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. Moreover, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is attached to the connection part 124 of a refrigerator or its attachment member by using the flange part 123 as an attachment position.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement / effect | action is demonstrated below.

  In the case of the refrigerator 101, the cold air that has been heat-exchanged by the cooler 112 is generally distributed to each storage room by an agitating fan (not shown), etc., and is turned ON / OFF so as to maintain a predetermined temperature. Is. The vegetable room 107 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by ON / OFF operation such as cold air distribution and heating means, and generally has no in-chamber temperature detection means. In addition, the vegetable compartment 107 is highly humid due to the evaporation of moisture from food and the invasion of water vapor by opening and closing the door. The internal partition 114 is configured to be thinner than the other portions because a certain amount of cooling capacity is required. Here, if the surface temperature of the cooling plate 125 is set to the dew point temperature or less, the water vapor in the vicinity of the cooling plate 125 is condensed on the cooling plate 125, and water droplets are reliably generated. In particular, although not shown here, if there is a vegetable room temperature detecting means 177, a vegetable room humidity detecting means 178, etc. in the cabinet, the dew point temperature is strictly determined by a predetermined calculation according to changes in the chamber environment. Can be determined. Even if ice or frost is formed on the surface of the cooling plate 125, the heating plate 126 can raise the surface temperature of the cooling plate 125 to the melting temperature, so that water can be generated appropriately. Here, when the air blowing means 203 is operated, the surface temperature of the cooling plate 125 increases due to the influence of the air in the vegetable compartment 107, and decreases when the air blowing means 203 is stopped. When the wall thickness is 10 mm or more, the surface temperature of the cooling plate 125 becomes equal to or higher than the dew point temperature even when the heating unit 126 is OFF when the air blowing unit 203 is in operation, and the amount of condensation cannot be adjusted. On the other hand, when the wall thickness is 5 mm or less, the heating means 126 is always in an ON state, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Therefore, the energy of the heating means 126 can be minimized while controlling the surface temperature of the cooling plate 125 by setting the thickness of the internal partition 114 on the back surface of the cooling plate 125 to 5 mm to 10 mm.

  In order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 107. Therefore, air is taken in by the blowing means 203. For example, after taking in high-humidity air from the second circulation air passage opening 207 by the air blowing means 203 and causing condensation on the cooling plate 125, the air is discharged into the chamber from the first circulation air passage opening 206, Condensation is promoted by circulating the air in the vegetable compartment 107.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the cooling plate 125 gradually grow and gather near the ultrasonic atomizer 115. Condensed water that has collected passes through the horn bottom surface 151 side of the substantially straight micropores 153 formed from the bottom surface 151 provided on the horn 121 of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 toward the tip 152 and the water recovery unit 116. It is supplied to the horn tip 152 which is an atomization section through a flow path 155 such as a pipe formed of resin or the like via an open / close valve 154 to be connected.

  The adjusting means of the on-off valve 154, which is a means for supplying water to the horn tip 152, varies depending on the opening time of the on-off valve 154 and the water level stored on the opening / closing valve 154.

  The mist is sprayed into the vegetable case 107 as a mist having a small particle diameter by the ultrasonic atomizer 115. Among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green vegetable leaves and fruits are also stored in the vegetable room 107, and these fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to wilt due to transpiration. The vegetables and fruits stored in the vegetable room 107 usually include those that are slightly deflated by transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage, and by atomized mist The surface of vegetables is moistened.

  The sprayed mist causes the inside of the vegetable compartment 107 to become highly humid again, and at the same time, adheres to the surface of the open pores of the vegetables and fruits in the vegetable compartment 107, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and moisture evaporates and dries. However, the water is supplied again into the cells, the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, and it returns to a crisp state. The atomized particle diameter is preferably 4 μm to 20 μm, and the average pore size of general vegetables is about 15 μm. Therefore, a mist having a particle diameter of 15 μm or less is more preferable in order to revive the wilted vegetables. .

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the opening / closing valve that connects the water recovery unit to the horn bottom surface side of the substantially straight micropore formed in the horn from the bottom surface portion toward the tip portion is provided in the horn. In this way, by supplying water to the central part of the horn tip part through the flow path, a transport path in which the horn tip part is directly connected from the water recovery part is formed, and water is transported in the transport path. It is possible to prevent foreign matters from being mixed in the middle of the process, and to prevent problems such as a decrease in the amount of mist sprayed due to a decrease in the supply amount and a malfunction of the ultrasonic atomizer due to lack of water. It is possible to improve the reliability when the ultrasonic atomizer is installed in the refrigerator.

  In addition, since inclusions from the water recovery part to the horn tip that is the atomization part can be eliminated, the conveyance path can be formed with a simple configuration without worrying about the life of the inclusions. In addition, since the flow path is directly connected from the water recovery unit to the horn tip, which is the atomization unit, it is easy to adjust the amount of stored water supplied, and the amount supplied to the horn tip can be accurately controlled. Thus, moisture is supplied to the horn tip more efficiently and stably, so that the mist is always stably sprayed from the ultrasonic atomizer and the storage space can be maintained at high humidity. Moreover, since water can be supplied from the center part of a horn front-end | tip part, a diffusivity improves. Moreover, it leads also to the cost reduction by reduction of a member. In addition, an on-off valve is provided to adjust the amount of water supplied to the horn tip, which allows efficient and stable supply of moisture to the horn tip that becomes the spray surface. A stable amount of water can be supplied, so a stable mist is sprayed to increase the humidity in the vegetable compartment and prevent condensation.

(Embodiment 6)
Embodiment 6 of the present invention is a description of a specific horn shape.

  FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of another embodiment of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 (b) is another embodiment of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is the sectional side view and principal part sectional drawing of an ultrasonic atomizer.

  In FIG. 19, the horn 121 is provided with a substantially L-shaped fine hole 222 in a part of the horn side surface portion 221 and penetrates the tip portion 152 which is an atomization portion.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement / effect | action is demonstrated below.

  One end of a flow path 155 through an on-off valve 154 serving as water supply means is supplied from a substantially L-shaped fine hole 222 formed in the horn side surface portion 221 to a horn tip 152 serving as an atomizing portion. At this time, one end of the flow path on the horn side and the horn side surface are fine but have a space.

  And since the piezoelectric element 122 does not have a micropore, the contact area with a horn increases and it can adhere | attach more firmly.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the center of the horn tip which becomes a spray surface more efficiently and stably by supplying water to the horn tip from the side surface of the horn through a substantially L-shaped fine hole. Since moisture can be supplied from the unit, mist is always sprayed stably from the ultrasonic atomizer 115.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 6, since a water | moisture content can be supplied from the center part of a horn front-end | tip, a diffusivity improves.

  Further, in the sixth embodiment, since the area of the piezoelectric element adhesively bonded to the horn bottom surface portion can be sufficiently secured, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed by suppressing the heat generation amount of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 itself. . In particular, abnormal heat generation when water shortage occurs can be suppressed, so that the life of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is extended and reliability is improved.

  In the sixth embodiment, since the area of the piezoelectric element 122 can be sufficiently secured, the spray amount is improved even with the same input.

  Moreover, about FIG. 20 (a) of another form, a water supply means is implement | achieved by simple structure by letting a water supply means water-guide to the front-end | tip part 152 of a horn along the shape of the taper horn side surface part 221. FIG. be able to.

  When the horn 121 is provided on the ceiling surface of the storage room and the front end portion 152 faces downward, the sprayed mist tends to fall relatively directly under the influence of gravity, whereas the connection portion 38 of the horn 121 is provided. It is provided on the side wall of the refrigerator, that is, the tip 152 is directed in the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, so that the mist diffusibility can be enhanced as compared with the case where the horn 121 is provided on the ceiling surface.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), in the horn 121 provided on the side wall of the storage chamber, the cross-sectional shape of the fine mouth 33c that is a spraying port is horizontally long, and the longitudinal direction thereof is the left-right direction. It has a diffusivity that spreads in the left-right direction, making it possible to greatly improve the diffusibility of the mist supplied to the storage room. Effective means.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), the bottom surface of the horn 121 is formed with substantially the same diameter as the bottom surface over a certain distance L from the piezoelectric element 122 as compared with FIG. 20 (a). Since the heat capacity increases with the increase in the material of the horn 121 near the piezoelectric element 122, it is possible to maintain a low temperature especially in the vicinity of the piezoelectric element 122 of the horn 121 that is at a low temperature because it is exposed to the inside of the cabinet. Therefore, even when, for example, the amount of moisture at the tip 152 of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 decreases and the piezoelectric element 122 generates heat, the heat capacity is larger, so that the amount of heat of the piezoelectric element 122 itself can be absorbed. This is advantageous in that the reliability of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 can be further improved.

  In the sixth embodiment, the spraying direction of the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is installed in the horizontal direction. However, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 can be installed in the downward direction. In this case, since mist is sprayed from above, mist can be diffused uniformly. Moreover, since mist can be sprayed on the whole storage space, the inside of the storage space can be cooled by the latent heat of mist (moisture). Thereby, since the cooler capability for refrigeration temperature zones can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the size and cost.

  In the sixth embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer 115 is described as using a horn 121 formed in a substantially conical shape, but the amplitude of vibration at the tip is amplified instead of the substantially conical shape. The same effect can be obtained as long as the shape is made. For example, it is possible to make the tip portion 152 have a substantially rectangular shape by tapering from the piezoelectric element 122 side toward the tip. This increases the area over which the mist is sprayed compared to the circular shape, so that the spray range is expanded and the diffusibility is further improved.

  In the sixth embodiment, water droplets condensed on the cooling plate 125 are held in the water recovery unit 116 and then supplied to the horn 121 using the power or pressure difference of a pump or the like. In this case, a sufficient amount of water can be replenished from the relatively low humidity immediately after the start of operation of the refrigerator, so that the mist can be sprayed more stably into the storage room. Furthermore, by providing a transport path directly connected from the water recovery unit 116 to the horn tip 152 as in the present embodiment, there is an effect that mist can be sprayed more stably into the storage chamber. is there.

  Further, an ice-making tank previously installed in the refrigerator compartment or the like can be used as the water recovery unit 116, and in this case, the necessary amount is used regardless of the humidity condition of the storage chamber as described above. Compared to the case where a dedicated tank is provided for supplying mist, the user should pay attention only to the amount of water remaining in the ice making tank and replenish water regularly. Thus, since water for making ice and water for spraying mist can be supplied, it is possible to improve the convenience of the refrigerator.

  Further, when the ice making tank is used in this way, the supply amount on the supply path on the ice making tank side is provided with a filter for preventing foreign matter from being mixed, so that foreign matter is mixed into the fine diameter conveying path inside the horn 121 and the supply amount The reliability of the ultrasonic atomizer when it is installed in a refrigerator can prevent problems such as a decrease in the amount of mist sprayed due to a decrease in the mist, and the problem that the ultrasonic atomizer fails due to heat loss. Can be further improved.

  As described above, the refrigerator according to the present invention can be applied not only to household or commercial refrigerators or vegetable storage, but also to uses such as low-temperature food distribution of vegetables and warehouses.

Side sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Side sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Control configuration block diagram of refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Detecting current value of atomizing device in embodiment 1 of the present invention and temperature rise degree / atomizing amount characteristic diagram of piezoelectric element The figure which showed the relationship between the restoration | restoration effect of the moisture content with respect to the wilted vegetable in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the mist spray amount, and the relationship between the appearance sensory evaluation value of a vegetable, and the mist spray amount Control flow chart of refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Control flow chart of refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Side sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Control structure block diagram of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Control flow chart of refrigerator in embodiment 2 of the present invention Control flow chart of refrigerator in embodiment 2 of the present invention Side sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Control structure block diagram of refrigerator in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Control flow diagram of refrigerator in embodiment 3 of the present invention Side sectional view of the main part of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The water level of the atomizer in Embodiment 4 of this invention, an electric current value, and the atomization amount characteristic diagram Side sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention Side sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. (A) Side sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer in another embodiment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 6 of the present invention (b) In the vicinity of the ultrasonic atomizer in another embodiment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 6 of the present invention Side sectional view and main part sectional view Side view of a conventional refrigerator The expansion perspective view which shows the principal part of the ultrasonic atomizer in the conventional refrigerator Side view of a conventional refrigerator Side sectional view of a conventional refrigerator atomizer

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Refrigerator 102 Box body 103a Partition 103b Partition 103c Partition 104 Door 105 Refrigeration room 106 Switching room 107 Vegetable room 108 Freezer room 111 Compressor 112 Evaporator 113 Air path 114 Partition 115 Ultrasonic atomizer 116 Water recovery part 117 Irradiation means 121 Horn 122 Piezoelectric element 123 Flange part 124 Connection part 125 Cooling plate 126 Heating means 127 Cooling plate temperature detection means 128 Water recovery cover 130 Water storage part 131 Water absorbing material 132 Atomizing part 133 Blue LED
134 Diffusion plate 135 High voltage / oscillation circuit 136 Current detection circuit 137 Atomization device control circuit 138 Atomization determination means 139 Refrigerator control circuit 151 Bottom portion 152 Tip portion 153 Fine hole 154 Open / close valve 155 Flow path 160 Vegetable case 161 Lid 162 Tank 163a Flow path 163b Narrow pipe flow path 164 Filter 165 Water supply pump 171 Piezoelectric element 171a Atomization unit 172 Water storage tank 173 Storage water 174 Ultrasonic atomization device 175 Water supply tank 176 Cover member 177 Vegetable room temperature detection means 178 Vegetable room humidity detection means 201 Main body Outer wall 203 Blowing means 204 Circulating air passage 205 Cover member 206 First circulating air passage opening 207 Second circulating air passage opening 221 Horn side face 222 Substantially L-shaped fine hole 231 End of substantially rectangular

Claims (13)

  A heat insulating box, a storage chamber partitioned within the heat insulating box, an ultrasonic atomizer for supplying fine mist to the storage chamber, and a water supply for supplying liquid to the ultrasonic atomizer Means for determining the amount of water in the atomizing section to which the mist provided in the ultrasonic atomizer is sprayed, and the ultrasonic atomizer according to a signal from the atomization determination means Comprising a control means for controlling the above.   The ultrasonic atomization device includes a piezoelectric element, and the atomization determination unit is a current detection circuit that detects a current flowing through the piezoelectric element, and includes a high voltage and a high voltage for applying a high frequency to the piezoelectric element and the piezoelectric element. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: an oscillation circuit, and a control circuit that controls the high-voltage / oscillation circuit based on a signal detected by the current detection circuit.   The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is larger than a predetermined first value, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is forcibly decreased and controlled to a predetermined value.   The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is larger than a predetermined first value, the amount of water supplied to the atomizing unit is decreased by the water supply means and controlled to a predetermined value.   The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is larger than a predetermined second value, the vibration of the piezoelectric element is stopped.   6. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is smaller than a predetermined third value, the value applied to the piezoelectric element is forcibly increased and controlled to a predetermined value. The refrigerator described.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is smaller than a predetermined third value, the amount of water supplied to the atomization unit is increased by the water supply means.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein when the current value detected by the current detection circuit is smaller than a predetermined fourth value, the vibration of the piezoelectric element is stopped.   The ultrasonic atomizing device includes a piezoelectric element, and the atomization determining means is a temperature detecting means for directly or indirectly detecting the temperature of the piezoelectric element, and applies a high frequency to the piezoelectric element and the piezoelectric element. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit that includes a high-voltage / oscillation circuit for controlling the high-voltage / oscillation circuit based on a signal detected by the temperature detection means.   The storage room is provided with storage room temperature detection means, and the applied voltage of the piezoelectric element is varied by comparing the temperature detected by the temperature detection means that is the atomization determination means and the temperature detected by the storage room temperature detection means. The refrigerator according to claim 9 provided with a control circuit.   The ultrasonic atomizing device is a Langevin type ultrasonic atomizing device having a horn having a shape in which a cross-sectional area of a tip portion is smaller than a bottom surface portion and a piezoelectric element provided on the bottom surface portion of the horn. The refrigerator as described in any one of 1 to 10.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the water supply means is a water pump.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water supply means is an on-off valve that opens and closes a water channel.

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