JP2007192539A - Storage box and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage box having improved freshness retaining property by spraying fine water mists generated in the box storing green goods such as vegetables, and to provide a refrigerator. <P>SOLUTION: An electrostatic atomizer 304 has a spray part 231 in which an applying electrode 306 electrically connected to a voltage applying part 309 for generating high voltage and a counter electrode 308 are installed. A front end 304a of the applying electrode faces the inside of a vegetable chamber 225, and low-temperature air outside the vegetable chamber 225 is used as a cooling source for cooling the applying electrode 306. Moisture in the air is condensed on the applying electrode 306 and sprayed as mists into the vegetable chamber 225. The moisture in the air can be easily condensed on the applying electrode 306. Fine mists are generated by high-voltage corona discharge between the applying electrode 306 and the counter electrode 308. The fine mists atomized and sprayed are uniformly deposited on the surfaces of the green goods such as vegetables. This improves freshness retaining property while suppressing moisture evaporation from the green goods. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a storage and a refrigerator provided with a mist spraying device that enhances the freshness of foods such as fruits and vegetables and exerts deodorizing, antibacterial, and harmful substance removal effects.

  Factors that influence the decline in freshness of vegetables include temperature, humidity, environmental gas, microorganisms, and light. Vegetables are living creatures that perform respiration and transpiration. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress respiration and transpiration to maintain freshness. 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 provided with sealed vegetable containers for the purpose of preserving vegetables, cooling vegetables to an appropriate temperature, increasing the humidity in the cabinet, and suppressing transpiration of moisture from vegetables. It is controlled as follows. In addition, as a means for increasing the humidity in the cabinet, there is also one that uses a device that sprays mist.

  As shown in the prior art of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-257933 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), a refrigerator equipped with this type of mist spraying function generates and sprays mist with an ultrasonic humidifier when the vegetable compartment is low in humidity. Humidifying the vegetable compartment to prevent transpiration from the vegetable.

  FIG. 5 shows a refrigerator provided with the conventional ultrasonic humidifier described in Document 1. As shown in FIG. 5, 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 the thawing chamber 4 is provided with an ultrasonic humidifier 5.

  The ultrasonic humidifier 5 includes a mist outlet, a water storage container, a humidity sensor, and a hose receiver. The water storage container is connected to the defrost water hose 10 by a hose receiver. The defrost water hose 10 is provided with a purification filter 11 for cleaning 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 of the ultrasonic humidifier 5.

  Next, when the humidity sensor detects that the internal humidity is 80% or less, the ultrasonic humidifier 5 starts humidification, and the atmosphere in the vegetable case 1 is moderate to keep the vegetables fresh. The humidity can be adjusted to a certain level.

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

Moreover, Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2000-220949 (henceforth patent document 2) shows the refrigerator provided with the ozone water mist apparatus. The refrigerator has an ozone generator, an exhaust port, a water supply path directly connected to a water supply, and an ozone water supply path in the vicinity of the vegetable compartment. The ozone water supply route is led to the vegetable room. The ozone generator is connected to a water supply unit directly connected to the water supply. Further, the exhaust port is configured to be connected to the ozone water supply path. In addition, an ultrasonic element is provided in the vegetable compartment. Ozone generated by the ozone generator is brought into contact with water to become ozone water as treated water. The generated ozone water is guided to the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator, atomized by an ultrasonic vibrator, and sprayed to the vegetable compartment.
JP-A-6-257933 JP 2000-220949 A

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, since water or ozone water is atomized by an ultrasonic vibration element, the atomized water particles or ozone water particles do not become fine, and thus cannot be uniformly sprayed in the warehouse. The adhesion rate of mist to the food surface is low. Moreover, when it sprayed continuously in order to raise an adhesion rate, it had the subject that a vegetable etc. produced water rot or the inside of a warehouse condensed.

  An object of the present invention is to generate and spray fine mist of water in a cabinet storing vegetables and other fruits and vegetables to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and improve freshness.

  In order to solve the above conventional problems, the storage of the present invention includes a box having a storage chamber for storing fruits and vegetables and the like, and a mist spraying device for spraying mist in the storage chamber, and the mist spraying The apparatus has an electrostatic atomization type spray unit, and the spray unit is provided with an application electrode and a counter electrode that are electrically connected to a voltage application unit that generates a high voltage. The tip is exposed to the storage chamber and the application electrode is cooled by using low-temperature air outside the storage chamber as a cooling source, and moisture in the air is condensed on the application electrode as mist in the storage chamber. It is to be sprayed.

  As a result, it is possible to easily and surely condense the applied electrode from moisture in the air, and a nano level fine mist is generated by the high voltage corona discharge between the counter electrode, atomized and sprayed. Fine mist adheres uniformly to the surface of fruits and vegetables such as vegetables, suppresses transpiration from the fruits and vegetables, and improves freshness. Moreover, it can penetrate | invade in a structure | tissue from the cell space | gap, pores, etc. on the surface of fruit and vegetables, and a water | moisture content is supplied to the deflated cell, and it can return to a crispy state.

  In addition, the generated fine mist contains ozone, OH radicals, etc., and these oxidizing powers can be used to deodorize and sterilize the vegetable surface, as well as pesticides and wax that adhere to the vegetable surface. It is possible to oxidatively decompose and remove harmful substances.

  The storage of the present invention can easily and reliably produce nano-level fine mist by moisture condensation in the air to the application electrode, and keep the fine mist uniformly attached to the surface of vegetables and other fruits and vegetables. Increases sex.

  The invention of the storage according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a box having a storage chamber for storing fruits and vegetables and the like, and a mist spraying device for spraying mist into the storage chamber, wherein the mist spraying device is The spraying part of the electrostatic atomization system, and the spraying part is provided with an application electrode and a counter electrode that are electrically connected to a voltage application part that generates a high voltage, and a tip part of the application electrode The application electrode is cooled by using low-temperature air outside the storage chamber as a cooling source, and moisture in the air is condensed on the application electrode and sprayed as mist in the storage chamber. Without special water supply means, it can be easily and reliably condensed from the moisture in the air to the applied electrode, and a fine mist is generated by high-voltage corona discharge between the counter electrode, Atomized and sprayed The fine mist is uniformly adhered to the surface of fruits or vegetables such as vegetables, suppressing transpiration from fruits or vegetables, it is possible to improve the freshness. Moreover, it can penetrate | invade in a structure | tissue from the cell space | gap, pores, etc. on the surface of fruit and vegetables, and a water | moisture content is supplied to the deflated cell, and it can return to a crispy state.

  Moreover, the invention of the storage container according to claim 2 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the counter electrode is connected to the positive electrode side of the voltage application unit, and minus the mist generated from the application electrode. Since the adhesion to vegetables and fruits with a positive charge is improved, the mist adheres more uniformly to the vegetable surface, and compared to a mist with no charge. Thus, the mist adhesion rate can be further improved, and the freshness can be improved efficiently.

  Moreover, the invention of the storage container according to claim 3 of the present invention is such that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the mist spraying device generates a mist having a nano-level particle diameter of less than 1 μm. Nano-scale fine mist is generated by splitting and subdividing water droplets using electrical energy generated by high-voltage corona discharge between the electrodes, so that it can be sprayed uniformly in the cabinet, and the mist fruits and vegetables It is easy to penetrate into the tissue from the cell gaps and pores on the surface of the fruits and vegetables, and the effect of restoring wilting is enhanced. In addition, because of the fine and uniform nano-level mist spray, fruits and vegetables or the like are not susceptible to water rot and the problem of dew condensation in the cabinet.

  Moreover, the invention of the storage according to claim 4 of the present invention is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mist spraying device generates mist containing ozone. Because of its strong oxidizing power, the generated fine mist can deodorize the vegetable room and antibacterial and sterilize the vegetable surface. At the same time, oxidative decomposition of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the vegetable surface. The effects of removal and antifouling can be enhanced.

  Moreover, the invention of the storage container according to claim 5 of the present invention is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mist spraying device generates mist containing OH radicals. In addition, because it retains strong oxidizing power, the generated fine mist can deodorize and sterilize the vegetable surface in the vegetable room, and at the same time oxidatively decompose harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the vegetable surface , Removal and antifouling effects can be enhanced.

  Moreover, the invention of the storage according to claim 6 of the present invention is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the application electrode further includes a water retention part for holding condensed water. Then, when the application electrode is covered with the water retention part, a certain amount of water is contained, and more stable mist spraying can be performed.

  Moreover, invention of the refrigerator as described in Claim 7 of this invention is equipped with the storage as described in any one of Claims 1-6, and the cooling device which cools the inside of the storage chamber of the said storage, The application electrode of the mist spraying device is indirectly cooled from the outside of the storage chamber by the cooling device, and while cooling the storage chamber to a desired storage temperature, on the other hand, from the moisture in the air by indirect cooling of the application electrode This condensation can be caused in the applied electrode and mist spraying can be performed in the storage chamber.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the spray portion of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a control flow diagram.

  In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 221 is partitioned into a refrigerator compartment 223, a switching compartment 224, a vegetable compartment 225, and a freezer compartment 226 from above by a partition plate 222. A vegetable container 228 is installed in the vegetable compartment 225. The vegetable compartment 225 is a space partitioned by a door 233, a partition plate 222, and an interior partition 230, in which food is stored, and the humidity is about 80% RH or more (during food storage), and the temperature is 4 to 6 ° C. Is retained. A rear compartment 230 for partitioning the air passage 229 and the vegetable compartment 225 is provided on the back of the vegetable compartment 225. A partition plate 222 on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 225 is provided with a water supply device 232 including a spraying portion 231. The spray unit 231 is, for example, an electrostatic atomizer, a nozzle atomizer, an ultrasonic atomizer, a centrifugal atomizer, or the like.

  Further, since the refrigerator 221 cools the refrigerator, the refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 241, a condenser, a decompression device (not shown) such as an expansion valve and a capillary tube, an evaporator 242, piping for connecting these components, and refrigerant. Etc.

  The refrigerator 221 has a machine room, and the machine room is provided with a compressor 241 and a condenser. In the case of a refrigeration cycle using a three-way valve or a switching valve, these functional parts can be arranged in the machine room.

  The capillary constituting the refrigeration cycle may function as an electronic expansion valve that can freely control the flow rate of the refrigerant driven by the pulse motor.

  In the heat insulation box, an evaporator 242 is provided on the back surface of the freezer compartment 226, and plays a role of cooling the refrigerant and the air in the cabinet, which have been lowered in temperature by decompression expansion, by heat exchange.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic atomizer 304 that is an example of the spray unit 231 is incorporated in the partition 222. The electrostatic atomizer 304 has a spray tip 304 a that sprays mist in the vegetable compartment 225. The outer shell of the electrostatic atomizer 304 is composed of a cylindrical holder 305. An application electrode 306 is installed in the cylindrical holder 305, and the periphery of the application electrode 306 is a water retaining material (water retaining part) 307. It is covered and is in a water-containing state up to the spherical tip of the application electrode 306. Furthermore, a donut disk-shaped counter electrode 308 is attached to the inner opening of the holder 305 so as to maintain a certain distance from the tip of the application electrode 306. Further, a voltage application unit 309 that generates a high voltage electrically connects the negative electrode side to the application electrode 306 and the positive electrode side to the counter electrode 308.

  Further, a part of the electrostatic atomizer 304 is provided with a temperature detection unit 312 for detecting the tip temperature of the application electrode 306, detects the signal, performs a predetermined calculation, and configures the configuration. A control unit 314 for operating the parts is provided. As this control unit, for example, a microcomputer or the like can be used.

  Further, a heating unit 313 is provided on the back surface of the application electrode 306 in order to control the tip temperature of the application electrode 306.

  Here, the partition plate 222 is mainly composed of a heat insulating material such as styrene foam, and its wall thickness is about 30 mm, but the wall thickness on the back surface of the electrostatic atomizer 304 is composed of 5 mm to 10 mm. Yes.

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

  In the case of a refrigerator, the cold air heat-exchanged by a cooler (evaporator) 242 is stored in a refrigerator room 223, a switching room 224, a vegetable room 225, a freezer room 226, and an ice making room (not shown) by a stirring fan (not shown). In general, cold air is distributed to the vehicle and the ON / OFF operation is performed so as to maintain a predetermined temperature. The vegetable room 225 is adjusted so as to be 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by ON / OFF operation such as distribution of cold air or a heating unit, and generally has no internal temperature detection unit. The vegetable room 225 is highly humid due to transpiration from food and permeation of water vapor by opening and closing the door. The thickness of the partition plate 222 on which the electrostatic atomizer 304 is installed requires a cooling capacity for cooling the application electrode 306, and the wall thickness at the location where the electrostatic atomizer 304 is provided is It is made thinner than other parts. Therefore, the application electrode 306 can be cooled by heat conduction from the ice making chamber at a relatively low temperature. Here, if the tip temperature of the application electrode 306 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, water vapor in the vicinity of the application electrode 306 is condensed on the application electrode 306, and water droplets are reliably generated.

  Specifically, the tip temperature is measured by the temperature detection unit 312 installed in the vicinity of the application electrode 306, and the heating unit 313 is ON / OFF controlled by the control unit 314, or the voltage is changed. Thereby, the tip temperature of the application electrode 306 is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, and moisture contained in the high-humidity air is condensed on the application electrode 306. Although not shown here, a dew point temperature can be determined strictly according to changes in the internal environment by a predetermined calculation by installing an internal temperature detection unit, an internal humidity detection unit, etc. in the storage. . Even if the tip of the application electrode 306 becomes ice or frost, the heating electrode 306 can raise the tip temperature of the application electrode 306 to the melting temperature by the heating unit 313, so that water is appropriately generated by melting the frost or ice. I can do it.

  In the electrostatic atomizer 304 of the present embodiment, since the application electrode 306 is covered with the water retention material 307, the application electrode 306 is in a certain amount of water-containing state. In this state, the application electrode 306 is set to the negative voltage side and the counter electrode 308 is set to the positive voltage side, and a high voltage (eg, 4.6 kV) is applied between the electrodes by the voltage application unit 309. At this time, for example, corona discharge occurs between the electrodes separated by a distance of 3 mm, and the water of the application electrode 306 is atomized from the tip of the electrode, accompanied by a nano-level fine mist having a charge of less than 1 μm that cannot be visually observed. Ozone and OH radicals are generated.

  The generated fine mist is sprayed into the vegetable container 228. The fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic atomizer 304 is negatively charged. On the other hand, vegetables, which are fruits and vegetables, are stored in the vegetable room, and green rape leaves, fruits and the like are also stored therein. These fruits and vegetables are usually stored in a slightly deflated state due to transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage. These fruits and vegetables are usually charged with a positive charge, and the sprayed fine mist with a negative charge tends to collect on the vegetable surface. Therefore, the sprayed fine mist makes the vegetable room highly humid again and at the same time adheres to the surface of the fruits and vegetables, suppresses the transpiration from the fruits and vegetables, and improves the freshness. In addition, it penetrates into the tissues through the gaps between the cells of vegetables and fruits, the water evaporates, the water is supplied again into the deflated cells, the deflation is eliminated by the cell swelling pressure, and it returns to a crispy state .

  Moreover, the generated fine mist holds ozone, OH radicals, etc., and these hold strong oxidizing power. Therefore, the generated fine mist can deodorize the vegetable room and antibacterial and sterilize the vegetable surface. At the same time, it can oxidatively decompose and remove harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the vegetable surface.

  Further, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the operation of the compressor 241 exchanges heat with the air in the refrigerator 221 in the condenser to dissipate heat and condensates and reaches the capillary. Thereafter, the pressure is reduced while exchanging heat with the suction line through the capillary, and the vapor reaches the evaporator 242.

  Due to the action of a cooling fan (not shown), the cool air having a relatively low temperature due to the evaporation action of the refrigerant in the evaporator 242 flows into the refrigerator compartment 223, the freezer compartment 226, etc., and the respective rooms are cooled. . In the evaporator 242, the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the air in the cabinet is then sucked into the compressor 241 through the suction line.

  As the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle described above, isobutane, which is a flammable refrigerant with a low global warming potential, is used from the viewpoint of global environmental conservation.

  This isobutane, which is a hydrocarbon, has a specific gravity approximately twice that at normal temperature and atmospheric pressure compared with air (at 2.04 and 300K).

  If isobutane, which is a combustible refrigerant, leaks from the refrigeration system when the compressor is stopped, it leaks downward because it is heavier than air. At this time, there is a possibility that the refrigerant leaks into the cabinet from the partition on the back of the freezer compartment. In particular, in the case of leakage from the evaporator 242 with a large amount of refrigerant, the amount of leakage may increase. However, the vegetable compartment 225 having the electrostatic atomizer 304 is installed above the evaporator. Therefore, even if it leaks, it does not leak into the vegetable room.

  Even if it leaks into the vegetable compartment, the refrigerant stays in the lower part of the storage compartment because it is heavier than air. Therefore, since the electrostatic atomizer is installed on the top of the storage room, it is extremely low that the vicinity of the electrostatic atomizer becomes a flammable concentration.

  Next, a control flow relating to fine mist spraying will be described with reference to FIG.

During the fine mist spraying, the temperature at the tip of the application electrode 306 is determined. If the applied electrode temperature determination mode is entered in step 1, then the temperature of the temperature detector 312 is determined in step 2. If the detected temperature T is lower than the reference temperature T ₁ of reduced below the dew point temperature, the process proceeds to step 3. On the other hand, if the detected temperature is higher than the reference temperature T ₁ of the applied electrode tip is determined to be in the dry state, the process proceeds to Step 5, OFF the electrostatic atomizer 304 for safety, including idling To.

When the process proceeds from step 2 to step 3, then, when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting portion than the reference temperature T ₂ which predetermined application electrode tip does not freeze or frost is high, when being condensed on the application electrode tip It judges, and it judges that mist spraying is possible, turns on a spraying part, and sprays fine mist in a storage room.

If it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detecting portion is lower than the reference temperature T ₂ in step 3, application electrode tip is determined that the frozen or frosted, the process proceeds to step 6. In step 6, the electrostatic atomizer 304 is turned off, the heating unit 313 is turned on, and the tip portion is heated to melt ice and frost.

  As mentioned above, this Embodiment 6 is a refrigerator provided with the heat insulation box which has the storage chamber divided by heat insulation, and the electrostatic atomizer as a spraying part which sprays a liquid. Cooling the application electrode of the electrostatic atomizer by heat conduction from the other low temperature storage room side, using the low temperature cold air of the separate storage room, which is relatively low temperature, to adjust the temperature of the application electrode tip temperature below the dew point Thus, moisture in the air can be reliably condensed on the tip of the application electrode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the amount of condensation can be adjusted by finely adjusting the tip temperature of the tip of the application electrode with the heating unit on the back surface of the application electrode. Moreover, even if ice or frost is generated at the tip, when the electrostatic atomizer is operated by melting these, water droplets can be reliably formed, and safety is maintained.

  Moreover, the electrostatic retention of the fine mist of this Embodiment makes it possible to increase the moisture retention of vegetables and improve the freshness by reliably attaching the mist to the vegetable surface. Further, when fine mist is generated, the effects of deodorization, removal of harmful substances on the food surface, and antifouling can be enhanced by ozone and OH radicals generated simultaneously.

  Moreover, the spray part of this Embodiment produces | generates mist by an electrostatic atomization system, and generates fine mist by dividing | segmenting and subdividing a water droplet using electric energy, such as a high voltage. The generated mist has a charge, so by giving the mist the opposite charge to the object you want to attach, such as vegetables and fruits, for example, the mist with a negative charge is added to the positively charged vegetables. Spraying improves adhesion to vegetables and fruits, so that the mist adheres more uniformly to the vegetable surface and improves the mist adhesion rate compared to non-charged mists. I can do it. In addition, the sprayed fine mist can be directly sprayed on the food in the vegetable container, and the fine mist can be attached to the vegetable surface using the potential of the fine mist and the vegetable, so the freshness is efficiently maintained. Can be improved.

  Furthermore, the makeup water of this embodiment uses condensed water instead of tap water supplied from the outside. Therefore, there are no mineral components and impurities, and deterioration of water retention due to deterioration of the applied electrode tip or clogging can be prevented.

  Furthermore, since the mist of the present embodiment contains radicals, agricultural chemicals and wax adhering to the vegetable surface can be decomposed and removed with an extremely small amount of water, so that water can be saved and input can be reduced.

  Ozone is also generated when fine mist is generated. The ozone concentration in the storage chamber can be adjusted by ON / OFF operation of the electrostatic atomizer. By adjusting the ozone concentration appropriately, deterioration such as yellowing of vegetables due to excessive ozone can be prevented, and the sterilization and antibacterial action of the vegetable surface can be enhanced.

  In addition, since the electrostatic atomizer is arranged above the evaporator, when the refrigeration cycle is configured using a combustible refrigerant such as isobutane or propane, and when the refrigerant leaks, Since it is heavier than air, it does not fill the vegetable compartment with the refrigerant, so it is safe.

  Moreover, since the electrostatic atomization part is installed above the storage room also in the vegetable compartment, even if a refrigerant | coolant leaks, it will remain in the lower part of a storage room, and it does not ignite.

  In addition, since there is no part which faces the refrigerant | coolant piping etc. directly in the storage chamber, a refrigerant | coolant does not leak. Therefore, the combustible refrigerant is not ignited.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the spraying portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts and members as those of the first embodiment may be indicated by the same numbers.

  In FIG. 4, the partition plate 222 of the refrigerator 221 is provided with an electrostatic atomizer 304, a water storage tank 315 in the vicinity thereof, the stored water 316 in the water storage tank 315, and high-humidity air toward the application electrode 306. The ventilation part 317 for flowing is comprised.

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

  The water tank 315 stores tap water, condensed water, and the like. Here, when the fine mist is sprayed into the storage chamber by the electrostatic atomizer 304, the atmosphere in the vicinity of the tip of the application electrode and the storage chamber need to be at high humidity. The reason is that in the case of low humidity, the dew point temperature is lower than the freezing point and cannot be atomized. Also, if the storage room is low in humidity, transpiration from the surface of the food is promoted and the freshness deteriorates. Therefore, the stored water 316 is vaporized by flowing wind over the water surface of the water storage tank 315 to create high-humidity air, which is conveyed to the application electrode 306 by the blower 317. The transported high-humidity air condenses on the application electrode 306 controlled to a temperature equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, and generates a non-visible nano-level fine mist with charges by applying a high voltage between the application electrode and the counter electrode, Spray into storage room. In addition, the storage room can be equally humidified to maintain freshness.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the electrostatic atomizer 304 is provided in the refrigerator partition, and the storage tank and the air blowing unit are provided in the vicinity thereof, so that the application electrode and the storage chamber can be provided as necessary. In addition to transporting moist air and ensuring the freshness in the storage chamber, the freshness and antibacterial properties can be further improved by the fine mist generated from the applied electrode.

  In addition, by increasing the humidity of the application electrode of this embodiment, in particular, air discharge between the application electrode and the counter electrode is suppressed, so that the ozone concentration can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the water tank is fixed to the partition, but a detachable water tank may be used. This makes it easy to replace, add, and clean water, and can meet the needs of users who are more clean-minded, improving the convenience of the refrigerator.

  In the present embodiment, the air blowing unit is used to promote evaporation from the water storage tank, but a heating unit or the like may be used. In this case, the temperature difference between the temperature of the air and the water storage tank widens, and the stored water easily evaporates.

  In the present embodiment, the air blowing unit is used to promote evaporation from the water storage tank, but a stirring unit or the like may be used. In this case, the liquid level of the stored water is easily vaporized.

  As described above, the storage of the present invention can recover the moisture content of vegetables and the like once lowered to the original moisture content, so that the home refrigerator, commercial refrigerator, food storage, storage container, It can also be applied to refrigerated storage, cold storage vehicles, and transport containers.

Side sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the spray section of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Control flow chart of refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the spray section of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Schematic diagram of a vegetable room in a conventional refrigerator

Explanation of symbols

221 Refrigerator 222 Partition plate 223 Refrigeration room 224 Switching room 225 Vegetable room 226 Freezing room 228 Vegetable container 229 Air channel 230 Internal partition 231 Spraying unit 232 Water supply device 233 Door 241 Compressor 242 Cooler (evaporator)
304 Electrostatic atomizer 304a Spray tip 305 Holder 306 Application electrode 307 Water retaining material 308 Counter electrode 309 Voltage application unit 312 Temperature detection unit 313 Heating unit 314 Control unit 315 Water storage tank 316 Reserved water 317 Blower unit

Claims (7)

  A box having a storage chamber for storing fruits and vegetables and the like, and a mist spraying device for spraying mist in the storage chamber, the mist spraying device having an electrostatic atomization spray unit, An application electrode and a counter electrode that are electrically connected to a voltage application unit that generates a high voltage are installed in the unit, and the tip of the application electrode faces the storage chamber and cool air outside the storage chamber A container configured to cool the application electrode as a cooling source, to condense moisture in the air on the application electrode, and to spray as mist in the storage chamber.   The storage according to claim 1, wherein the counter electrode is connected to the positive electrode side of the voltage application unit, and negative charges are applied to the mist generated from the application electrode.   The storage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mist spraying device generates mist having a nano-level particle diameter of less than 1 µm.   The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mist spraying device generates mist containing ozone.   The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mist spraying device generates mist containing OH radicals.   The storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a water retention unit that retains condensed water in the application electrode.   The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a cooling device that cools an inside of a storage chamber of the storage, and the application electrode of the mist spraying device is provided from outside the storage chamber by the cooling device. A refrigerator that cools indirectly.

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