JP2007292434A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator improved in the reliability of an ultrasonic vibrating device even in case of the stop of moisture supply to the ultrasonic vibrating device by using the ultrasonic vibrating device of low input. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic vibrating device comprising a horn of tapered-off shape toward the tip from the bottom face is arranged in a storage chamber. Consequently, even if water shortage occurs in a mist generating part, the calorific value of the ultrasonic vibrating device itself is reduced to lower a possibility of causing the failure of the ultrasonic vibrating device by water shortage. The reliability of the refrigerator comprising the ultrasonic vibrating device can thereby be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator using an ultrasonic vibration device that humidifies the space of a storage room such as vegetables.

  In recent years, refrigerators have been proposed that humidify the inside of a refrigerator, particularly the vegetable compartment, to maintain the freshness of vegetables for a long period of time. Factors that affect the decline in freshness of vegetables include temperature, humidity, environmental gas, microorganisms, and light. Vegetables and fruits are still respired and transpirated even after they are harvested. To maintain freshness, it is necessary to suppress the effects of 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.

  As a conventional humidification method, there is a method using an ultrasonic humidifier as an atomizer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an ultrasonic humidifier of the conventional refrigerator.

  17 and 18, the refrigerator 1 is divided into a refrigerator compartment 2 (one of the refrigerator temperature zone rooms), a vegetable compartment 4 (one of the refrigerator temperature zone compartments), and the freezer compartment 6. The vegetable compartment 4 is partitioned by a partition plate 8. Each storage room is provided with a door. A revolving door 3 is attached to the refrigerator compartment 2, a drawer door 5 is attached to the vegetable compartment 4, and a drawer door 7 is attached to the freezer compartment 6 so as to be opened and closed. The partition plate 8 is provided with holes 9 through which cold air from the refrigerator compartment 2 flows into the vegetable compartment 4. A vegetable container 10 is accommodated in the vegetable compartment 4, and the vegetable container 10 is pulled out together with the drawer door 5. The vegetable container lid 11 is fixed to the main body side of the refrigerator 1, and the vegetable container 10 is covered when the drawer door 5 is closed.

  The ultrasonic humidification means 12 evaporates water inside the vegetable container 10, and the vegetable container lid 11 is provided with a hole 15 and is composed of a water absorbing material 16 and an ultrasonic oscillator 17. The cooler 13 is a cooler for the refrigerated temperature zone chamber, and cools the refrigerated chamber 2 and the vegetable chamber 4. Although not shown, the refrigerator 1 also includes a cooler for the freezing temperature zone and cools the freezing chamber 6.

  The cold air from the cooler 13 circulates through the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 4 by the operation of the cold air circulation fan 14 for the refrigerator compartment.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.

  When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 4 rises, the refrigerant flows through the cooler 13 and the cold air circulation fan 14 is driven. As a result, the cool air around the cooler 13 returns to the cooler 13 through the refrigerator compartment 2, the holes 9, and the vegetable compartment 4 as shown by arrows in FIG. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 14 are cooled. This state is called a cooling mode.

  Next, when the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 4 are almost cooled, the supply of the refrigerant to the cooler 13 is stopped. However, the fan 14 continues to operate. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 4 are humidified by melting of the frost adhered to the cooler 13. 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 14 is stopped and the operation stop mode is set.

  Then, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 4 becomes high, it will be in cooling mode again.

  Next, the ultrasonic humidifying means 12 will be described.

The water absorbing material 16 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. Then, in the latter half of the cooling mode, the ultrasonic oscillator 17 is driven. Thereby, the water | moisture content in the water absorbing material 16 is discharged | emitted and the inside of a vegetable container is humidified. The reason why the ultrasonic oscillator 17 is driven in the latter half of the cooling mode is that, at this time, the humidity in the vegetable compartment 4 is lowered and drying proceeds.
JP 2004-125179 A

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, moisture is supplied to the ultrasonic transmitter by absorbing water contained in the cold air that has been heat-exchanged in the refrigeration room with the water absorbing material. Depending on the state, there is a possibility that sufficient water cannot be retained in the water absorbing material. In that case, if the tip of the ultrasonic oscillator is in a water-deficient state, the ultrasonic oscillator is subjected to a load, the piezoelectric element generates heat, and the reliability deteriorates, such as a decrease in ability. .

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and even if water shortage occurs in the ultrasonic oscillator, the heat generation of the ultrasonic vibration device itself can be achieved by using a small and low input ultrasonic vibration device. It aims at providing the refrigerator which improved the reliability of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus by quantity reduction.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator main body having a storage compartment partitioned by heat insulation, and an ultrasonic vibration device provided in the refrigerator main body, and the ultrasonic vibration device is A horn having a shape in which the cross-sectional area of the tip portion is smaller than that of the bottom surface portion, and a piezoelectric element provided on the bottom surface portion of the horn.

  Thus, by reducing the cross-sectional area of the tip portion from which the mist is emitted rather than the bottom surface portion, which is the portion provided with the piezoelectric element of the horn, even if the vibration generated at the bottom surface portion is small, the tip Because it can produce a large output in the part and can realize a low output and high output spray device, even if water shortage occurs in the mist generating part, the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic vibration device itself can be suppressed, The temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed, and the possibility that the ultrasonic vibration device will fail due to lack of water can be reduced.

  The refrigerator of the present invention reduces the heat generation amount of the ultrasonic vibration device itself due to the lack of water and reduces the possibility of failure of the ultrasonic vibration device due to the lack of water even in the event of a lack of water at the mist generation unit. Therefore, the reliability of the refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic vibration device can be improved. Furthermore, at the same time, the durability of the atomizing device can be enhanced, and the safety of the atomizing device and its peripheral members can be ensured.

  Invention of Claim 1 has the refrigerator main body which has the storage room divided by heat insulation, and the ultrasonic vibration apparatus with which the said refrigerator main body was equipped, The said ultrasonic vibration apparatus is a front-end | tip part rather than a bottom face part. It has a horn with a small cross-sectional area and a piezoelectric element provided on the bottom surface of the horn, and even if water loss occurs in the mist generating part, the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic vibration device itself due to water loss The possibility that the ultrasonic vibration device due to lack of water breaks down can be further reduced.

  Moreover, since the calorific value of the ultrasonic vibration device itself can be suppressed, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed. In particular, abnormal heat generation when water shortage occurs can be suppressed, so that the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is prolonged and reliability is improved. Furthermore, since it is used in a low-temperature atmosphere called a refrigerator, heat generation is suppressed, and the life of the ultrasonic vibration device can be further extended.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the refrigerator according to the first aspect, the tip of the horn is positioned near the abdomen of ultrasonic vibration, and the bottom surface of the horn is positioned near the node of ultrasonic vibration. Therefore, the horn can be further reduced in size, and the low-input ultrasonic vibration device is applied to the refrigerator, so that there are few installation restrictions and the design can be given a degree of freedom. In addition, since the input is low, power consumption can be reduced and the control board can be reduced in size and cost.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the refrigerator of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the water supply means for supplying moisture is provided near the tip of the horn so that the horn can be efficiently and stably provided. Since moisture is supplied to the tip, mist is always sprayed stably from the ultrasonic vibration device, and the storage chamber space can be maintained at high humidity. Moreover, since water can be prevented from being lost at the horn tip by stably supplying moisture to the horn tip, the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is prolonged and the reliability is improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the refrigerator according to the third aspect of the present invention, by providing a stored water holding means for storing water to be supplied to the water supply means, the horn tip is supplied from the stored water holding means by the water supply means. Since moisture is supplied to the mist, mist can be efficiently sprayed into the storage room space, and the storage room space can be maintained at high humidity. Further, since the stored water holding means and the water supply means are located in the vicinity, the configuration of the water supply path from the stored water holding means to the horn tip can be made compact and simplified, and the degree of freedom in design is improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the refrigerator according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the stored water holding means has water collecting means for generating condensed water by dewing moisture in the air in the storage chamber. By supplying the dew condensation water to the tip of the horn by water supply means, moisture can be constantly supplied to the tip of the horn, so that mist can be efficiently sprayed in the storage space and the storage chamber space is maintained at high humidity. be able to.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the refrigerator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the storage water holding means has a detachable water storage tank, so that the storage amount of vegetables or the like immediately after the start of refrigerator operation. Even in a low humidity environment such as when there is a small amount of water, even if it is not possible to secure a sufficient amount of water collection due to condensation, a certain amount of water can be supplied in advance, and water can be supplied to the tip of the horn by the supply means. The mist can be sprayed to the storage room, and the storage space can be maintained at high humidity.

  Moreover, since the water tank capacity can be made smaller than the case of using only the water storage tank by using the combined use of the dew condensation system of the water collecting means and the detachable water tank system, the storage space can be increased.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the refrigerator of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the horn is a high thermal conductivity material, so that heat is diffused throughout the horn at the tip of the horn. In addition, since the storage space is in a low temperature environment, the temperature rise of the ultrasonic vibration device itself can be suppressed, so that the life is extended and the reliability is improved.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the refrigerator of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a flange portion formed on the bottom portion of the horn with the tip portion of the horn in the vicinity of the vibration abdomen. In addition to the vicinity of the vibration node, the flange portion is directly or indirectly connected to the refrigerator main body, so that the water supplied to the horn tip at the abdomen where the amplitude of vibration is large, that is, the horn tip portion, is efficiently obtained. Since the vibration can be atomized and the amplitude of the vibration node, that is, the flange formed on the horn, is small, vibration transmission from the connection portion directly or indirectly connected to the refrigerator can be reduced.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the refrigerator of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ultrasonic vibration device has a length of a quarter wavelength of a tip portion and a flange portion of the horn. By having a structure that vibrates in mode, there is no single abdomen and multiple nodes between the tip of the horn that will be the atomizing surface and the flange that is formed on the horn that will be the connecting part. Since energy dispersion and attenuation are reduced, efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since it can be reduced in size, there are few installation restrictions, a design freedom can be given, and a storage space can be enlarged.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the horn becomes small when the length of the horn is 1 mm to 20 mm, so that the refrigerator can be freely designed. The storage space can be enlarged.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ultrasonic vibration device can be directly touched by providing a cover member around the ultrasonic vibration device. Therefore, safety can be improved.

  In the refrigerator according to the twelfth aspect, in the refrigerator according to the third aspect, since the water supply means is an impregnated body, moisture is efficiently and stably supplied to the tip of the horn. The mist is always sprayed stably and the storage room space can be maintained at high humidity. Moreover, since water can be prevented from being lost at the horn tip by stably supplying moisture to the horn tip, the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is prolonged and the reliability is improved.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the refrigerator of the invention according to claim 3, wherein the water supply means is provided in the horn, whereby inclusions from the stored water holding means to the tip of the horn can be eliminated, and the inclusions can be removed. Since water is supplied to the tip of the horn more efficiently and stably without worrying about the service life, the mist is constantly sprayed stably from the ultrasonic vibration device, and the storage room space can be maintained at high humidity. . Moreover, it leads also to the cost reduction by reduction of a member.

  In the refrigerator of the invention of the thirteenth aspect, in the refrigerator of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the water supply means is made into a substantially linear fine hole formed from the bottom surface portion of the horn toward the tip portion, thereby more efficiently. And since moisture can be supplied from the central part of the horn tip which becomes a spraying surface stably, mist is always sprayed stably from the ultrasonic vibration device. In addition, since moisture can be supplied from the center of the horn tip, diffusibility is improved.

  The invention described in claim 15 is more efficient in the refrigerator of the invention described in claim 13 by making the water supply means a substantially L-shaped fine hole formed from the side surface portion of the horn toward the tip portion. In addition, since moisture can be supplied from the central portion of the horn tip which is a stable spray surface, mist is always stably sprayed from the ultrasonic vibration device. In addition, since moisture can be supplied from the center of the horn tip, diffusibility is improved. In addition, since a sufficient area of the piezoelectric element adhesively bonded to the horn bottom surface portion can be secured, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed by suppressing the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic vibration device itself. In particular, abnormal heat generation when water shortage occurs can be suppressed, so that the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is prolonged and reliability is improved. Further, since the area of the piezoelectric element can be sufficiently secured, the spray amount is improved even with the same input.

  The invention described in claim 16 is the refrigerator of the invention described in claim 13, wherein the water supply means is guided to the tip of the horn along the tapered horn side surface shape, thereby providing the water supply means with a simple configuration. Can be realized.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the refrigerator of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a water supply amount adjusting means for making the water supply amount to the tip of the horn constant, thereby improving efficiency. Since water can be supplied to the tip of the horn that becomes the spray surface stably and stably, the mist is always sprayed stably from the ultrasonic vibration device. Further, the spray amount can be varied by adjusting the water supply amount.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a removing means for removing the moisture content to be supplied to the upstream side of the ultrasonic vibration device is provided. Moisture supply to the ultrasonic vibrator is always stable and liquid inclusions can be removed, so that the humidity in the storage chamber can be maintained stably, improving the freshness of vegetables and generating mist in the ultrasonic vibrator. Or clogging of the water supply member can be prevented.

  In the invention described in claim 19, in the invention described in claim 18, since the removing member is an ion exchange resin that softens the liquid, the mineral component in the liquid can be removed. Clogging due to mineral component precipitation is suppressed, and the life of the atomizer can be extended.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the filter according to claim 18, wherein the removal member is a filter for filtering moisture, and can remove clogs and suspended matters in the liquid, thereby suppressing clogging at the fine mist generating portion. In addition, the lifetime of the mist generating part or the water supply member of the ultrasonic vibration device can be extended.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the invention according to claims 1 to 17, wherein antibacterial means is provided in the stored water holding means for storing the water to be supplied to the water supply means, and propagates to the remaining water. Proliferation of bacteria and other bacteria can be suppressed, and safety can be ensured in terms of hygiene.

  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. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the refrigerator in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 21 is partitioned into a refrigerated room 23, a switching room 24, a vegetable room 25, and a freezer room 26 from above by a partition 22 having heat insulation properties. The vegetable compartment 25 is provided with a vegetable compartment container 28, which contains food and is cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. with a humidity of about 80% RH or more (during food storage). On the back side of the vegetable compartment 25, an internal partition 30 for dividing the air passage 29 and the vegetable compartment 25 is provided. The internal partition 30 is provided with an atomization unit 31.

  In FIG. 2, there is an air passage 29 between the internal partition 30 and the main body outer wall 39, for example, the air generated by the cooler 40 is transferred to each storage room, or air is heat-exchanged from each storage room. Is provided for transporting to the cooler 40. Here, an atomizing unit 31 including an ultrasonic vibration device 32 is incorporated in the internal partition 30. The internal partition 30 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 stored water holding means 37, the wall thickness is 5 mm to 10 mm. In the stored water holding means 37, a water collecting means 41 is installed inside the warehouse. For example, a heating means 42 such as a heater made of nichrome wire is brought into contact with one surface of the water collecting means 41, and a cover member for constituting a blowing air means 43 such as a BOX fan and a circulation air passage 44 on the inside of the cabinet. 45 is installed.

  Further, in FIG. 3, the cover member 45 is provided with a first circulation air passage opening 46 and a second circulation air passage opening 47 related to the circulation air passage 44. Further, the water collecting means 41 is provided with a temperature detecting means 48 for detecting the temperature of the surface of the water collecting means 41.

  Further, in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 includes a horn 33 and a piezoelectric element 34, and the horn 33 is a horn having a tip 33 b smaller in cross-sectional area than the bottom 33 a. The flange portion 35 is formed integrally with the horn 33 on the piezoelectric element 34 side of the horn 33 by being processed into a tapered conical shape from the bottom surface portion 33a toward the tip end portion 33b by sintering or the like.

  At this time, the cross-sectional area of the tip 33b of the horn 33 was about 1/16 compared to the cross-sectional area of the bottom 33a.

  Further, the horn 33 and the piezoelectric element 34 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 34 is amplified so as to have a maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. In addition, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is attached to the connection portion 38 of the refrigerator or its attachment member with the flange portion 35 as the attachment position.

  The horn 33 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 amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration vibrates at a quarter wavelength between the flange portion 35 and the tip of the horn 33 so that the flange portion 35 becomes an amplitude node, and the tip of the horn 33 becomes an abdominal portion of the amplitude. It is set to be. The length of the horn 33 is determined by the atomized particle diameter of the generated mist, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 34, and the material of the horn 33. For example, when the atomized particle diameter is about 10 μm, the length B of the horn 33 is about 6 mm when the material of the horn 33 is aluminum and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 34 is about 270 kHz. When the atomized particle diameter is about 15 μm, the length B of the horn 33 is about 11 mm when the material of the horn 33 is aluminum and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 34 is about 146 kHz. A series of these theoretical calculation values is summarized in Table 1.

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

  In the case of the refrigerator 21, the cold air heat-exchanged by the cooler 40 is distributed to the refrigeration room 23, the switching room 24, the vegetable room 25, the freezing room 26, the ice making room 27, etc. by a stirring fan (not shown), In general, an ON / OFF operation is performed so as to maintain a predetermined temperature. The vegetable room 25 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by ON / OFF operation such as cold air distribution and heating means, and generally has no internal temperature detection means 49. In addition, the vegetable room 25 is highly humid due to transpiration of water from food and intrusion of water vapor by opening and closing the door. The thickness of the internal partition 30 is configured to be thinner than other portions because a certain amount of cooling capacity is required. Here, if the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, the water vapor in the vicinity of the water collecting means 41 is condensed on the water collecting means 41 and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the temperature detection means 48 installed in the water collecting means 41 grasps the surface temperature state, the control means 52 performs ON / OFF control or duty control on the air blowing means 43 and the heating means 42, and the water The surface temperature of the collecting means 41 is adjusted to a dew point temperature or less, and moisture contained in the high-humidity air sent from the interior by the blowing means 43 is condensed on the water collecting means 41. In particular, although not shown here, if the inside temperature detecting means 49, the inside humidity detecting means 50, etc. are provided in the storage, the dew point temperature can be strictly determined according to the change in the storage environment by a predetermined calculation. it can. Even if ice or frost is formed on the surface of the water collecting means 41, the heating means 42 can raise the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 to the melting temperature, so that water can be generated appropriately. Here, when the air blowing means 43 is operated, the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 increases due to the influence of the air in the vegetable compartment 25, and decreases when the air blowing means 43 is stopped. When the wall thickness is 10 mm or more, the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature even when the heating means 42 is OFF when the air blowing means 43 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 42 is always in an ON state, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Therefore, the energy of the heating means 42 can be minimized while controlling the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 by setting the thickness of the internal partition 30 on the back surface of the water collecting means 41 to 5 mm to 10 mm.

  In order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 25. Therefore, air is taken in by the blowing means 43. For example, after the high-humidity air is taken in from the second circulation air passage opening 47 by the blower means 43 and condensed by the water collecting means 41, the air is discharged from the first circulation air passage opening 46 into the chamber. Condensation is promoted by circulating the air in the vegetable compartment 25.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the water collecting means 41 grow gradually, flow downward without using power such as a pump due to their own weight, and collect near the ultrasonic vibration device 32. The collected condensed water is supplied to the tip of the horn 33 by the water supply means 36.

  The mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment container 28 as a mist having a small particle diameter by the ultrasonic vibration device 32. Among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green vegetable leaves and fruits are also stored in the vegetable room 25, and these fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to withering 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 25 to become highly humid again and at the same time adheres to the surface of the vegetable and fruit in the pore-opened state in the vegetable compartment 25, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and the water 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. .

  The horn 33 generates heat due to vibration in the vicinity of the tip of the horn 33. However, since the horn 33 is a high thermal conductivity material, it also serves to conduct heat to the entire horn 33.

  When the piezoelectric element 34 is driven, each part vibrates as shown by a solid line A in FIG. The flange portion 35 side of the horn 33 becomes a node portion of the sound wave propagating through the ultrasonic vibration device 32, and the flange portion 35 of the horn 33 corresponding to the node portion, for example, directly with the internal partition 30 or indirectly through an attachment member. Connect to and install. Since the connection is made at the node of the propagating sound wave, the loss is reduced and the power consumption can be reduced.

  Moreover, if the length of the front-end | tip of the horn 33 and the flange part 35 is 1/4 wavelength, the full length of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus 32 can be shortened. Conversely, if there are a plurality of abdominal portions between the tip of the horn 33 and the flange portion 35, the vibration energy loss increases, and the power required for vibration increases.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration device includes the horn formed in a substantially conical shape and the piezoelectric element, and the piezoelectric element is bonded to and integrated with one end surface of the horn. Since the ultrasonic vibration device with a small size and a low input is applied to the refrigerator by arranging it in the storage room, there are few installation restrictions and the design can be given flexibility. In addition, since the input is low, power consumption can be reduced and the control board can be reduced in size and cost.

  In addition, 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 34 of the horn 33, even if the vibration generated at the bottom surface portion is small, Since a large output can be produced at the tip, and a high-output spray device with low input can be realized, even if water shortage occurs in the mist generation unit, the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic vibration device 32 itself can be suppressed. Therefore, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed, and the possibility that the ultrasonic vibration device 32 breaks down due to lack of water can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the tip 33b of the horn 33 is about 1/16 as compared with the cross-sectional area of the bottom 33a, but is preferably about 1/10 to 1/30. If it is within this range, a low input and high output spraying device can be realized under the conditions of mounting in the refrigerator. Therefore, even if water shortage occurs in the mist generating part, the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic vibration device 32 itself is small. Since it can suppress, the temperature rise in a storage chamber can be suppressed and possibility that the ultrasonic vibration apparatus 32 by a lack of water will fail can be reduced.

  As a determinant of the cross-sectional area of the bottom surface portion 33a relative to the cross-sectional area of the tip portion 33b of the horn 33, it is necessary to set the input of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 mounted on the refrigerator within a range that does not affect the power consumption of the refrigerator. There is. At this time, in the refrigerator where energy saving has advanced recently, it is necessary to suppress the input, which is power for operating the ultrasonic vibration device 32 under the condition of the actual refrigerator, to about 10 W. When the input of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is suppressed to about 10 W in this way, the usable piezoelectric element 34 has a diameter of about 20 mm at the maximum, and when the diameter becomes larger than this, the piezoelectric element 34 is vibrated. Since the electric power increases, the diameter of the piezoelectric element 34 is desirably 20 mm or less when mounted on an actual home refrigerator, and if it is too small, a sufficient spray amount for generating mist cannot be obtained, so at least 3 mm. The thickness is preferably 5 mm or more. In addition, when the piezoelectric element 34 having such a diameter is used, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the tip 33b of the horn 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the bottom 33a because the output with respect to the input is large. If the diameter becomes too small, a sufficient spray amount cannot be secured. Therefore, at least, the cross-sectional area of the tip 33b of the horn 33 is about 1/30 or more of the cross-sectional area of the bottom 33a and is large. Further, by securing about 1/10, and desirably 1/15 or less, a low input and high output spray device can be realized.

  Thus, since the calorific value of the ultrasonic vibration device itself can be suppressed, the temperature rise in the storage chamber can be suppressed. In addition, since abnormal heat generation can be suppressed particularly when water shortage occurs, the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is prolonged and the reliability is improved. Furthermore, since it is used in a low-temperature atmosphere called a refrigerator, heat generation is suppressed and the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is extended.

  In addition, since water is supplied to the tip of the horn efficiently and stably by providing the water supply means, it is always stably sprayed from the ultrasonic vibration device, and the storage chamber space can be maintained at high humidity. . Moreover, since water can be prevented from being lost at the horn tip by stably supplying moisture to the horn tip, the life of the ultrasonic vibration device is prolonged and the reliability is improved.

  In addition, since the water supply means is provided in the vicinity of the stored water holding means, water is replenished from the stored water holding means to the tip of the horn by the water supply means. High humidity can be maintained. Further, since the stored water holding means and the water supply means are located in the vicinity, the configuration of the water path from the stored water holding means to the horn tip can be made compact and simplified, and the degree of freedom in design is improved.

  Further, the stored water holding means has means for condensing moisture in the air in the storage chamber as water collecting means, and the condensed water generated by the dew condensation means is supplied by supplying the condensed water to the tip of the horn by the water supply means. Water can be collected in the storage water holding means, and the condensed water collected can be constantly supplied to the tip of the horn by the supply means, so that mist can be efficiently sprayed in the storage space and the storage room space is maintained at high humidity. can do.

  In addition, since the horn is a high thermal conductivity material, heat is diffused throughout the horn at the horn tip, and the storage space is in a low temperature environment, so the temperature rise of the ultrasonic vibration device itself can be suppressed. Long service life and improved reliability.

  Moreover, since the atomized particle diameter is 4 μm to 20 μm, moisture can be forcibly supplied to the inside of the food, so that the moisture content of the food can be improved.

  In addition, the horn tip is near the vibration abdomen, the flange formed on the piezoelectric element bonding surface side of the horn is near the vibration node, and the flange is connected directly or indirectly to the refrigerator body. This makes it possible to efficiently atomize the water replenished to the horn tip at the abdomen where the amplitude of vibration is large, that is, the tip of the horn, and the amplitude is small at the vibration node, ie, the flange formed on the horn. The vibration transmission from the connection part directly or indirectly connected to the refrigerator can be reduced.

  Also, the ultrasonic vibration device has a structure in which the length of the horn tip and the flange portion vibrates in a quarter wavelength mode, so that the flange formed on the horn that becomes the tip of the horn and the connecting portion becomes the connection portion. Since there is only one abdomen and no node between the two parts, the horn can be miniaturized, and energy dispersion and attenuation can be reduced, so that the efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since it can be reduced in size, there are few installation restrictions, a design freedom can be given, and a storage space can be enlarged.

  Moreover, since the horn becomes small by setting the length of the horn to 1 mm to 20 mm, the refrigerator design can have a degree of freedom and the storage space can be enlarged.

  Further, by providing a cover member around the ultrasonic vibration device, it becomes impossible to directly touch, so that safety can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration device is described using a horn formed in a substantially conical shape. However, the ultrasonic vibration device is not a substantially conical shape, but a shape that amplifies the amplitude of vibration at the tip. Similar effects 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 improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Details of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment are omitted.

  6 and 7, the refrigerator 21 is partitioned by a partition 22 having heat insulation properties. The vegetable compartment 25 is provided with a vegetable compartment container 28, which contains food and is cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. with a humidity of about 80% RH or more (during food storage). On the back side of the vegetable compartment 25, an internal partition 30 for dividing the air passage 29 and the vegetable compartment 25 is provided. An atomizing unit 31 is provided on the outer wall 39 of the left side surface portion of the refrigerator 21.

  There is an air passage 29 between the internal partition 30 and the main body outer wall 39. For example, the cool air generated by the cooler 40 is transferred to each storage room, or the heat exchanged from each storage room is sent to the cooler. It is provided for transport. Here, an atomizing unit 31 including an ultrasonic vibration device 32 is installed on the outer wall 39 on the left side surface portion of the refrigerator 21 and the top surface of the vegetable compartment 25, that is, the partition 22 having heat insulation properties. The partition 22 which has heat insulation is mainly comprised with heat insulating materials, such as a polystyrene foam.

  There is a switching chamber 24 above the vegetable chamber 25, and the switching chamber 24 has a switching chamber container. As a cooling method, the switching chamber 24 has, for example, a cold air discharge port 54 and a suction port 55 in a part of the back surface, and the temperature is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the cold air and the operation of a heating means (not shown). A water collecting means 41 is provided in the upper part of the ultrasonic vibration device 32, and a cover member 45 that is inclined so that water flows through the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is provided. The back surface of the water collecting means 41 has a thinner wall thickness than the surrounding heat insulating material. Further, the water collecting means 41 includes a cover member 45 to form an air passage, and a blower means 43 is provided in a part thereof.

  About the refrigerator 21 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  The switching chamber 24 is used in a temperature range from freezing to refrigeration. For example, when setting the freezer compartment temperature, cold air flows from the outlet and the internal temperature is about −20 ° C. Since the upper surface (switching chamber side) of the thin walled partition 22 is at a temperature around −20 ° C., the upper surface of the vegetable chamber 25 is cooled by heat conduction. In the second embodiment, the surface of the water collecting means 41 is controlled by the heating means 42 and the surface temperature to the dew point temperature or less by the heating means 42 and the detecting means, and the water that has entered the water collecting means 41 by transpiration from the vegetable or door opening / closing. Water is generated by dew condensation of the internal water vapor.

  The water dripped from the water collecting means 41 is received by the cover member 45 and collected in the water storage tank 53 provided in the stored water holding means 37 along the inclined cover member 45. Therefore, the water supply means 36 contains sufficient water, and the water adhering to the ultrasonic vibration device 32 in this state is generated as mist, and the mist is sprayed on the vegetable compartment 25. As a result, the sprayed mist makes the inside of the vegetable chamber 25 highly humid, and at the same time, adheres to the surface of vegetables and fruits in the state of the pores in the vegetable chamber 25, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and moisture evaporates. Water is again supplied into the deflated cells, the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, and it returns to a crispy state.

  Further, the amount of condensation on the water collecting means 41 can be controlled by the blowing means 43.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the water collecting means 41 attached to the top partition 22 of the vegetable room 25 and the low-temperature cold air generated in the switching room 24 are used as a cooling source, and the vegetable room 25 The water collecting means 41 is cooled by heat conduction from the switching chamber 24 side of the partition 22 on the top surface, and the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is adjusted below the dew point by the heating means 42 and the air blowing means 43, so that The water collecting means 41 is surely condensed, the collected water is collected in a water storage tank 53 provided in the stored water holding means 37, and the water is supplied to the ultrasonic vibration device 32 by the water supply means 36. Mist can be reliably sprayed onto the vegetable compartment container 28 from the upper left side of the chamber 25, and by attaching the mist to the vegetable surface, moisture retention can be enhanced for the vegetable and freshness can be improved.

  In addition, since the water storage tank 53 is detachably installed from the stored water holding means 37, when the amount of vegetables stored in the vegetable room 25 is small or immediately after the operation of the refrigerator 21, the humidity is relatively low. Sometimes, water can be replenished in advance in the water storage tank 53, so that the moisture retention can be improved more stably.

  Moreover, since the atomization unit 31 and the water storage tank 53 are on the door side, they are easy to remove and easy to maintain.

  In the second embodiment, the combination of the water storage tank 53 and the dew condensation method has been described. However, as in the case of the first embodiment, the water storage tank 53 should be eliminated if sufficient water can be secured to spray the mist. Is also possible. Thereby, the effective volume of a store room can be increased.

  In the second embodiment, the switching chamber 24 is used as a cooling source for the vegetable chamber 25, but an ice making chamber 27 may be used. As a result, the temperature becomes constant and the control means is simplified.

  The other effects in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Details of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment are omitted.

  In FIG. 8, the refrigerator 21 is partitioned by a partition 22 having heat insulation properties. A shelf is installed in the refrigerator compartment 23 to form a plurality of spaces. The refrigerator compartment 23 is a hermetically sealed state with a rotary door. The temperature is controlled so that food is stored in each space and the refrigeration temperature is maintained. On the back surface of the refrigerator compartment 23, an internal partition 30 for dividing the air passage 29 and the refrigerator compartment 23 is provided. An atomizing unit 31 is provided at one corner in the air passage 29 on the back of the refrigerator compartment 23.

  An air passage 29 is provided between the internal partition 30 and the main body outer wall 39, and cool air generated by, for example, a refrigerator for refrigeration temperature (not shown) is circulated to the refrigerator compartment 23. Here, an atomization unit 31 including an ultrasonic vibration device 32 is provided at an upper corner in the rear air passage 29 of the refrigerator compartment 23, and water to the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is provided on the upper surface side of the refrigerator compartment 23. The collecting means 41 is provided, and the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is provided with a cover member 45 that is inclined so that water flows. Further, the water collecting means 41 includes a cover member 45 to form an air passage, and a blower means 43 is provided in a part thereof.

  About the refrigerator 21 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  The refrigerator compartment 23 is used in a refrigerator temperature zone. For example, the refrigerating room 23 circulates cold air generated by a refrigerating temperature cooler (not shown) through the refrigerating room 23 by the blowing means 43. In the third embodiment, the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is controlled to control the surface temperature to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, and water is generated by condensing the internal water vapor that has entered the water collecting means 41 by opening and closing the door.

  The water dripped from the water collecting means 41 is received by the cover member 45 and collected in the water storage tank 53 provided in the stored water holding means 37 along the inclined cover member 45. Therefore, the water supply means 36 contains sufficient water, and water attached to the ultrasonic vibration device 32 in this state is generated as mist, and the mist is sprayed in the refrigerator compartment 23. Since the sprayed mist makes the inside of the refrigerator compartment 23 highly humid again, it is possible to prevent the food from drying without taking measures against drying by wrapping or the like. In addition, when the food is vegetable, mist adheres to the surface of the open pores of vegetables and fruits, penetrates into the tissues through the pores, moisture is evaporated, and moisture is supplied again into the deflated cells. The wilting pressure is eliminated, and the state returns to a crisp state.

  Further, the amount of condensation on the water collecting means 41 can be controlled by the blowing means 43.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is adjusted to a dew point or lower by controlling the condensation temperature of the water collecting means 41 installed on the upper surface of the refrigerator compartment 23 and the water collecting means 41. Thus, moisture in the air is surely condensed on the water collecting means 41, the collected water is collected in a water storage tank 53 provided in the stored water holding means 37, and water is supplied to the ultrasonic vibration device 32 by the water supply means 36. Mist can be reliably sprayed onto the vegetable compartment container 28 from above the left side of the vegetable compartment 25, and the inside of the refrigerator compartment 23 can be kept highly humid, and in the case of vegetables in particular, the mist is adhered to the vegetable surface. This improves the moisture retention of vegetables and improves the freshness.

  In addition, since the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is disposed in the upper corner of the air passage 29 on the back side of the refrigerator compartment 23, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 cannot be directly touched with the door normally open. Will improve.

  Moreover, since it sprays from the upper direction of the refrigerator compartment 23, mist can be spread | diffused uniformly.

  Moreover, since mist can be sprayed to the whole refrigerator compartment 23, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 23 can be cooled with 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 third embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is installed in the upper corner of the air passage 29 and the water collecting means 41 is installed on the upper surface side of the refrigerating chamber 23, but both are installed on the lower surface side of the refrigerating chamber 23. Also good. Thereby, the temperature control of the water collecting means 41 is performed using the cold air of the switching chamber 24 or the ice making chamber 27 laid out below, and the water is collected on the same principle as in the first embodiment, and the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is collected. The same effect can be obtained by sending the mist generated from the refrigeration chamber 23 into the refrigerating chamber 23 by the blowing means 43 installed at the top.

  Moreover, although the water storage tank 53 was demonstrated in the form fixed from the stored water holding means 37, you may install the water storage tank 53 detachably similarly to Embodiment 2. FIG. Thereby, when the humidity is relatively low immediately after the start of the operation of the refrigerator 21, water can be replenished in advance in the water storage tank 53, so that the moisture retention can be improved more stably. The water storage tank 53 can also be used as an ice making tank (not shown) provided with a refrigerator compartment. Thereby, it can implement | achieve, without reducing the effective volume of the refrigerator compartment 23, and cost reduction is also possible.

  Other effects in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic device of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 13: is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus of the other form of the water supply means of the refrigerator in Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 14 (a) is a side view of an ultrasonic vibration device according to still another embodiment of the water supply means for the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 14 (b) is the water supply means for the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. It is the side view and principal part sectional drawing of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus of further another form. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  9 and 10, the refrigerator 21 is partitioned by a partition 22 having heat insulation properties. The vegetable compartment 25 is provided with a vegetable compartment container 28, which contains food and is cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. with a humidity of about 80% RH or more (during food storage). On the back side of the vegetable compartment 25, an internal partition 30 for dividing the air passage 29 and the vegetable compartment 25 is provided. The internal partition 30 is provided with an atomization unit 31.

  In FIG. 9, there is an air passage 29 between the internal partition 30 and the main body outer wall 39. For example, the air generated by the cooler 40 is transferred to each storage room, or air is heat-exchanged from each storage room. Is provided for transporting to the cooler 40. Here, an atomizing unit 31 including an ultrasonic vibration device 32 is incorporated in the internal partition 30. The internal partition 30 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 stored water holding means 37, the wall thickness is 5 mm to 10 mm. In the stored water holding means 37, a water collecting means 41 is installed inside the warehouse. For example, a heating means 42 such as a heater made of nichrome wire is brought into contact with one surface of the water collecting means 41, and a cover member for constituting a blowing air means 43 such as a BOX fan and a circulation air passage 44 on the inside of the cabinet. 45 is installed.

  Further, in FIG. 10, the cover member 45 is provided with a first circulation air passage opening 46 and a second circulation air passage opening 47 related to the circulation air passage 44. Further, the water collecting means 41 is provided with a temperature detecting means 48 for detecting the temperature of the surface of the water collecting means 41.

  Further, the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is formed with a substantially straight minute hole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a toward the tip portion 33b, and the horn bottom surface portion 33a side of the minute hole 33c and the stored water holding means. 37 is connected via a supply amount adjusting means 56. Further, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is configured such that the horn 33 and the piezoelectric element 34 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 34 is amplified so as to have the maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. In addition, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is attached to the connection portion 38 of the refrigerator or its attachment member with the flange portion 35 as the attachment position.

  About the refrigerator 21 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  In the case of the refrigerator 21, the cold air that has been heat-exchanged by the cooler 40 is generally distributed to each storage room by an agitating fan (not shown) and the like, and is turned ON / OFF so as to maintain a predetermined temperature. Is. The vegetable room 25 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by ON / OFF operation such as cold air distribution and heating means, and generally has no internal temperature detection means 49. In addition, the vegetable room 25 is highly humid due to transpiration of water from food and intrusion of water vapor by opening and closing the door. The thickness of the internal partition 30 is configured to be thinner than other portions because a certain amount of cooling capacity is required. Here, if the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, the water vapor in the vicinity of the water collecting means 41 is condensed on the water collecting means 41 and water droplets are reliably generated. In particular, although not shown here, if the inside temperature detecting means 49, the inside humidity detecting means 50, etc. are provided in the storage, the dew point temperature can be strictly determined according to the change in the storage environment by a predetermined calculation. it can. Even if ice or frost is formed on the surface of the water collecting means 41, the heating means 42 can raise the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 to the melting temperature, so that water can be generated appropriately. Here, when the air blowing means 43 is operated, the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 increases due to the influence of the air in the vegetable compartment 25, and decreases when the air blowing means 43 is stopped. When the wall thickness is 10 mm or more, the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature even when the heating means 42 is OFF when the air blowing means 43 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 42 is always in an ON state, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Therefore, the energy of the heating means 42 can be minimized while controlling the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 by setting the thickness of the internal partition 30 on the back surface of the water collecting means 41 to 5 mm to 10 mm.

  In order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 25. Therefore, air is taken in by the blowing means 43. For example, after the high-humidity air is taken in from the second circulation air passage opening 47 by the blower means 43 and condensed by the water collecting means 41, the air is discharged from the first circulation air passage opening 46 into the chamber. Condensation is promoted by circulating the air in the vegetable compartment 25.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the water collecting means 41 grow gradually and collect in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device 32. Condensed water that has collected passes through the horn bottom surface 33 a side of the substantially straight microhole 33 c formed from the bottom surface 33 a provided on the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 toward the tip 33 b and the stored water holding means 37. It is supplied to the horn tip 33b through the supply amount adjusting means 56 to be connected.

  In this way, a path in which the horn tip 33b is directly connected from the stored water holding means 37 is formed, and the stored water is conveyed through the path.

  The supply amount adjusting means 56 uses a power such as an electromagnetic valve and a piezoelectric pump, or a means for holding the water level constant in the stored water holding means 37 and supplies a constant amount by using a pressure head. Mist can be sprayed.

  The mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment container 28 as a mist having a small particle diameter by the ultrasonic vibration device 32. Among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green vegetable leaves and fruits are also stored in the vegetable room 25, and these fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to withering 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 25 to become highly humid again and at the same time adheres to the surface of the vegetable and fruit in the pore-opened state in the vegetable compartment 25, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and the water 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 fourth embodiment, the water supply means is the horn 33 with the horn bottom surface portion 33a side of the substantially straight microhole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a toward the tip end portion 33b, and the stored water holding means. By supplying moisture to the central portion of the horn tip 33b via the supply amount adjusting means 56 connected to the horn 37, a conveyance path in which the horn tip 33b is directly connected from the stored water holding means 37 is formed. Since the stored water is transported, it is possible to prevent foreign matter and the like from being mixed in the transport path, and the ultrasonic vibration device generates heat due to a decrease in the amount of mist sprayed and a lack of water as the supply amount decreases. Thus, it is possible to prevent a problem such as failure, and it is possible to further improve the reliability when the ultrasonic vibration device is installed in the refrigerator.

  Moreover, since the inclusion from the stored water holding means 37 to the horn tip 33b can be eliminated, the conveyance path can be formed with a simple configuration without concern about the life of the inclusion. Further, since the conveyance path is directly connected to the horn tip 33b from the stored water holding means 37, the supply amount of the stored water can be easily adjusted, and the supply amount to the horn tip 33b can be accurately controlled. Since moisture is supplied to the horn tip 33b more efficiently and stably, the mist is always sprayed stably from the ultrasonic vibration device 32, and the storage chamber space can be maintained at high humidity. In addition, since moisture can be supplied from the center of the horn tip 33b, the diffusibility is improved. Moreover, it leads also to the cost reduction by reduction of a member. Further, the water supply amount adjusting means 56 for making the water supply amount to the horn tip end portion 33b constant is provided, so that water can be supplied to the horn tip end portion 33b which becomes the spray surface efficiently and stably. Mist is always sprayed stably from the sonic vibration device 32. Moreover, since the amount of spray can be varied by adjusting the amount of water supply, the amount of mist spray can be adjusted according to the state of the storage space.

  The remaining effects of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the water supply means is described as the substantially linear fine hole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a of the horn toward the tip end portion 33b. However, as shown in FIG. By making the substantially L-shaped fine hole 33e formed from the side surface portion 33d toward the tip portion 33b, water can be supplied more efficiently and stably from the central portion of the horn tip that becomes the spray surface. Mist is always sprayed stably from the sonic vibration device 32. In addition, since moisture can be supplied from the center of the horn tip, diffusibility is improved. Moreover, 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 vibration device 32 itself. In particular, abnormal heat generation when water shortage occurs can be suppressed, so that the life of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is prolonged and reliability is improved. Further, since the area of the piezoelectric element 34 can be sufficiently secured, the spray amount is improved even with the same input. In addition, FIG. 13 shows the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus of the other form of the water supply means in this Embodiment 4. FIG.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the water supply means has been described as the substantially linear micro hole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a of the horn toward the tip portion 33b. However, as shown in FIG. By supplying water to the tip portion 33b of the horn along the shape of the tapered horn side surface portion 33d, a water supply means can be realized with a simple configuration.

  In addition, when the horn 33 is provided on the ceiling surface of the storage room and the tip 33b faces downward, the sprayed mist tends to fall relatively directly under the influence of gravity. 38 is provided on the side wall of the refrigerator, that is, the tip 33b faces in the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, so that diffusibility of mist can be enhanced as compared with the case where the horn 33 is provided on the ceiling surface.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), in the horn 33 provided on the side wall of the storage chamber, by making the cross-sectional shape of the fine mouth 33c, which is a spray mouth, horizontally long, and its longitudinal direction 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.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the side surface portion 33d of the horn 33 is formed so that the bottom surface portion has substantially the same diameter as the bottom surface portion over a certain distance L from the piezoelectric element 34 as compared with FIG. As a result, the heat capacity increases as the material of the horn 33 in the vicinity of the piezoelectric element 34 increases. For example, even when the amount of water at the tip 33b of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 decreases and the piezoelectric element 34 generates heat, the heat capacity is larger, so the amount of heat of the piezoelectric element 34 itself is absorbed. The reliability of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 can be further improved.

  In the fourth embodiment, the spraying direction of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is set in the horizontal direction, but the ultrasonic vibration device 32 can be set 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 fourth embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 has been described as using a horn 33 formed in a substantially conical shape. However, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 does not have a substantially conical shape but a shape that amplifies the amplitude of vibration at the tip. If there is a similar effect. For example, it is possible to have a substantially rectangular shape at the distal end portion 33b as a tapered shape from the piezoelectric element 34 toward the distal end. 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 this embodiment, the water droplets condensed on the water collecting means 41 are held in the stored water holding means 37 and then supplied to the horn 33 using the power or pressure difference of a pump or the like. It is also possible to use the water storage tank 53 as described in Embodiment 3 as the water holding means. In this case, a sufficient amount of water is supplied from a relatively low humidity immediately after the start of operation of the refrigerator. Since it is possible to spray the mist more stably to the storage chamber, and by providing a transport path directly connected to the horn tip 33b from the stored water holding means 37 as in the present embodiment, Furthermore, there is an effect that mist can be sprayed stably to the storage chamber.

  Furthermore, an ice-making tank previously installed in a refrigeration room or the like can be used as the stored water holding means 37, and in that case, it is necessary regardless of the humidity conditions of the storage room as described above. Compared to the case where a dedicated tank is provided for supplying mist, the user pays attention only to the remaining amount of water in the ice making tank and replenishes water regularly. Thus, since water for ice making and water for mist spraying can be supplied, there is a special effect that the usability of the refrigerator can be further improved.

  In addition, 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 the amount of supply can be reduced by mixing the foreign matter into the conveyance path having a small diameter inside the horn 33. This can prevent problems such as a decrease in the amount of mist sprayed due to a decrease in the amount of mist and a problem that the ultrasonic vibration device generates heat due to lack of water, resulting in higher reliability when the ultrasonic vibration device is installed in a refrigerator. It becomes possible to improve.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13: is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus of the other form of the water supply means of the refrigerator in Embodiment 5 of this invention. FIG. 14 (a) is a side view of an ultrasonic vibration device of still another embodiment of the water supply means for the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 (b) is a water supply means for the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view and principal part sectional drawing of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus of further another form. Details of the same configuration as in the first to fourth embodiments are omitted.

  11 and 12, the refrigerator 21 is partitioned by a partition 22 having heat insulation properties. The vegetable compartment 25 is provided with a vegetable compartment container 28, which contains food and is cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. with a humidity of about 80% RH or more (during food storage). On the back side of the vegetable compartment 25, an internal partition 30 for dividing the air passage 29 and the vegetable compartment 25 is provided. An atomizing unit 31 is provided on the outer wall 39 of the left side surface portion of the refrigerator 21.

  There is an air passage 29 between the internal partition 30 and the main body outer wall 39. For example, the cool air generated by the cooler 40 is transferred to each storage room, or the heat exchanged from each storage room is sent to the cooler. It is provided for transport. Here, an atomizing unit 31 including an ultrasonic vibration device 32 is installed on the outer wall 39 on the left side surface portion of the refrigerator 21 and the top surface of the vegetable compartment 25, that is, the partition 22 having heat insulation properties. The partition 22 which has heat insulation is mainly comprised with heat insulating materials, such as a polystyrene foam.

  There is a switching chamber 24 above the vegetable chamber 25, and the switching chamber 24 has a switching chamber container. As a cooling method, the switching chamber 24 has, for example, a cold air discharge port 54 and a suction port 55 in a part of the back surface, and the temperature is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the cold air and the operation of a heating means (not shown). A water collecting means 41 is provided in the upper part of the ultrasonic vibration device 32, and a cover member 45 that is inclined so that water flows through the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is provided. The back surface of the water collecting means 41 has a thinner wall thickness than the surrounding heat insulating material. Further, the water collecting means 41 includes a cover member 45 to form an air passage, and a blower means 43 is provided in a part thereof.

  Further, the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is formed with a substantially straight minute hole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a toward the tip portion 33b, and the horn bottom surface portion 33a side of the minute hole 33c and the stored water holding means. 37 is connected via a supply amount adjusting means 56. Further, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is configured such that the horn 33 and the piezoelectric element 34 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 34 is amplified so as to have the maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. In addition, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is attached to the connection portion 38 of the refrigerator or its attachment member with the flange portion 35 as the attachment position.

  About the refrigerator 21 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  The switching chamber 24 is used in a temperature range from freezing to refrigeration. For example, when setting the freezer compartment temperature, cold air flows from the outlet and the internal temperature is about −20 ° C. Since the upper surface (switching chamber side) of the thin walled partition 22 is at a temperature around −20 ° C., the upper surface of the vegetable chamber 25 is cooled by heat conduction. In the second embodiment, the surface of the water collecting means 41 is controlled by the heating means 42 and the surface temperature to the dew point temperature or less by the heating means 42 and the detecting means, and the water that has entered the water collecting means 41 by transpiration from the vegetable or door opening / closing. Water is generated by dew condensation of the internal water vapor.

  The water dripped from the water collecting means 41 is received by the cover member 45 and collected in the water storage tank 53 provided in the stored water holding means 37 along the inclined cover member 45. Condensed water that has collected passes through the horn bottom surface 33 a side of the substantially straight microhole 33 c formed from the bottom surface 33 a provided on the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 toward the tip 33 b and the stored water holding means 37. It is supplied to the horn tip 33b through the supply amount adjusting means 56 to be connected.

  The supply amount adjusting means 56 uses a power such as an electromagnetic valve and a piezoelectric pump, or a means for holding the water level constant in the stored water holding means 37 and supplies a constant amount by using a pressure head. Mist can be sprayed.

  Therefore, the water supply means 36 contains sufficient water, and the water adhering to the ultrasonic vibration device 32 in this state is generated as mist, and the mist is sprayed on the vegetable compartment 25. As a result, the sprayed mist makes the inside of the vegetable chamber 25 highly humid, and at the same time, adheres to the surface of vegetables and fruits in the state of the pores in the vegetable chamber 25, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and moisture evaporates. Water is again supplied into the deflated cells, the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, and it returns to a crispy state.

  Further, the amount of condensation on the water collecting means 41 can be controlled by the blowing means 43.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the water collecting means 41 attached to the top partition 22 of the vegetable room 25 and the low-temperature cold air generated in the switching room 24 are used as a cooling source, and the vegetable room 25 The water collecting means 41 is cooled by heat conduction from the switching chamber 24 side of the partition 22 on the top surface, and the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is adjusted below the dew point by the heating means 42 and the air blowing means 43, so that The water collecting means 41 is surely condensed, the collected water is collected in a water storage tank 53 provided in the stored water holding means 37, and the tip portion is provided from the bottom surface portion 33 a provided in the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32. Moisture is supplied to the horn tip 33b through a supply amount adjusting means 56 that connects the horn bottom 33a side of the substantially straight fine hole 33c formed toward the 33b and the stored water holding means 37 to the vegetable chamber. On the left side of 25 The mist can be surely sprayed into the vegetable compartment container 28, vegetables enhanced moisture by depositing mist vegetable surfaces, thereby improving the freshness from.

  In addition, since the water storage tank 53 is detachably installed from the stored water holding means 37, when the amount of vegetables stored in the vegetable room 25 is small or immediately after the operation of the refrigerator 21, the humidity is relatively low. Sometimes, water can be replenished in advance in the water storage tank 53, so that the moisture retention can be improved more stably.

  Moreover, since the atomization unit 31 and the water storage tank 53 are on the door side, they are easy to remove and easy to maintain.

  Further, in the fifth embodiment, the combination of the water storage tank 53 and the dew condensation method has been described. However, as in the case of the fourth embodiment, the water storage tank 53 is eliminated when sufficient stored water can be secured to spray the mist. Is also possible. Thereby, the effective volume of a store room can be increased.

  In the fifth embodiment, the combination of the water storage tank 53 and the dew condensation method has been described. Further, for example, a water supply tank for ice making installed in a refrigerator compartment is used to branch from the water supply tank to the water storage tank 53. You may supply. Thereby, the volume of the water storage tank 53 can be reduced, and the effective volume of the storage chamber can be increased. In addition, this is not limited to a water supply tank for ice making, a tank installed in a refrigerator may be used, and even if drain water generated when frosted water is melted is used, the same effect is obtained. Is obtained.

  Thus, when the water supply tank for ice making is used as the water storage tank 53, in addition to being able to increase the effective volume of the storage chamber described above, a necessary amount of moisture regardless of the humidity conditions of the storage chamber. Compared with the case where a dedicated tank is provided for supplying mist, the user pays attention only to the amount of water remaining in the ice making tank and replenishes water regularly. Since both water for ice making and water for mist spraying can be supplied, there is an extraordinary effect that the convenience of the refrigerator can be further improved.

  In addition, 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 the amount of supply can be reduced by mixing the foreign matter into the conveyance path having a small diameter inside the horn 33. This can prevent problems such as a decrease in the amount of mist sprayed due to a decrease in the amount of mist and a problem that the ultrasonic vibration device generates heat due to lack of water, resulting in higher reliability when the ultrasonic vibration device is installed in a refrigerator. It becomes possible to improve.

  In the fifth embodiment, the switching room 24 is used as a cooling source for the vegetable room 25, but an ice making room 27 may be used. As a result, the temperature becomes constant and the control means is simplified.

  The other effects in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.

  Further, in the fifth embodiment, the water supply means is described as the substantially straight minute hole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a of the horn toward the tip portion 33b. However, in the same manner as described in the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the water supply means is a substantially L-shaped fine hole 33e formed from the side surface portion 33d of the horn toward the tip end portion 33b, so that the horn can be sprayed more efficiently and stably. Since moisture can be supplied from the central portion of the tip, mist is always sprayed stably from the ultrasonic vibration device 32. In addition, since moisture can be supplied from the center of the horn tip, diffusibility is improved. Moreover, 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 vibration device 32 itself. In particular, abnormal heat generation when water shortage occurs can be suppressed, so that the life of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is prolonged and reliability is improved. Further, since the area of the piezoelectric element 34 can be sufficiently secured, the spray amount is improved even with the same input.

  Further, in the fifth embodiment, the water supply means is described as the substantially straight minute hole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a of the horn toward the tip portion 33b. However, in the same manner as described in the fourth embodiment. As shown to Fig.14 (a), a water supply means can be implement | achieved by simple structure by water-feeding means shall be led to the front-end | tip part 33b of a horn along the shape of the taper horn side surface part 33d. .

  In addition, when the horn 33 is provided on the ceiling surface of the storage room and the tip 33b faces downward, the sprayed mist tends to fall relatively directly under the influence of gravity. 38 is provided on the side wall of the refrigerator, that is, the tip 33b faces in the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, so that diffusibility of mist can be enhanced as compared with the case where the horn 33 is provided on the ceiling surface.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), in the horn 33 provided on the side wall of the storage chamber, by making the cross-sectional shape of the fine mouth 33c, which is a spray mouth, horizontally long, and its longitudinal direction 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.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the side surface portion 33d of the horn 33 is formed so that the bottom surface portion has substantially the same diameter as the bottom surface portion over a certain distance L from the piezoelectric element 34 as compared with FIG. As a result, the heat capacity increases as the material of the horn 33 in the vicinity of the piezoelectric element 34 increases. For example, even when the amount of water at the tip 33b of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 decreases and the piezoelectric element 34 generates heat, the heat capacity is larger, so the amount of heat of the piezoelectric element 34 itself is absorbed. The reliability of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 can be further improved.

  In the fifth embodiment, the spray direction of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is set in the horizontal direction. However, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 can be set 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 fifth embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 has been described as using a horn 33 formed in a substantially conical shape. However, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 does not have a substantially conical shape but a shape that amplifies the amplitude of vibration at the tip. If there is, the same effect can be obtained. For example, it is possible to have a substantially rectangular shape at the distal end portion 33b as a tapered shape from the piezoelectric element 34 toward the distal end. 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 6)
FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Details of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment are omitted.

  In FIG. 15, there is an air passage 29 between the internal partition 30 and the main body outer wall 39, for example, the air generated by the cooler 40 is transferred to each storage room, or air is heat-exchanged from each storage room. Is provided for transporting to the cooler 40. Here, an atomizing unit 31 including an ultrasonic vibration device 32 is incorporated in the internal partition 30. The internal partition 30 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 stored water holding means 37, the wall thickness is 5 mm to 10 mm. In the stored water holding means 37, a water collecting means 41 is installed inside the warehouse. For example, a heating means 42 such as a heater made of nichrome wire is brought into contact with one surface of the water collecting means 41, and a cover member for constituting a blowing air means 43 such as a BOX fan and a circulation air passage 44 on the inside of the cabinet. 45 is installed.

  In the ultrasonic vibration device 32, the horn 33 and the piezoelectric element 34 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated in the piezoelectric element 34 is amplified so as to have a maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. In addition, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is attached to the connection portion 38 of the refrigerator or its attachment member with the flange portion 35 as the attachment position.

  The amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration vibrates at a quarter wavelength between the flange portion 35 and the tip of the horn 33 so that the flange portion 35 becomes an amplitude node, and the tip of the horn 33 becomes an abdominal portion of the amplitude. It is set to be. The length of the horn 33 is determined by the atomized particle diameter of the generated mist, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 34, and the material of the horn 33.

  The stored water holding means 37 is provided with an ion exchange resin 60 and a filter 61 which are removal members between the water flow paths of the water collecting means 41 and the water supply means 36, and the water storage tank 53 is for ensuring the hygiene of the stored water. The antibacterial means 62 is provided on the surface. The ion exchange resin 60 is a mixture of a strongly acidic cation exchange resin and a strongly basic anion exchange resin that removes metal ions such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, and sodium ions contained in water and softens them, and does not stir when water flows. So that it is held. Examples of the shape of the mixture of the strongly acidic cation exchange resin and the strongly basic anion exchange resin include beads, fibers, and powders. The filter 61 is provided so as to remove dust and dirt contained in the water or dead bodies of bacteria. As the types of filters, there are a mesh type using fibers and fine metal wires, and a filter having a honeycomb shape such as ceramic. In addition, as an antibacterial means, a material obtained by kneading a silver-based or copper-based antibacterial agent into the molding material of the water storage tank 53, a surface-treated silver-based or copper-based antibacterial agent, or an electric field using the ionization tendency of dissimilar metals There are sterilization units.

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

  If the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, the water vapor in the vicinity of the water collecting means 41 is condensed on the water collecting means 41, and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the temperature detection means 48 installed in the water collecting means 41 grasps the surface temperature state, the control means 52 performs ON / OFF control or duty control on the air blowing means 43 and the heating means 42, and the water The surface temperature of the collecting means 41 is adjusted to a dew point temperature or less, and moisture contained in the high-humidity air sent from the interior by the blowing means 43 is condensed on the water collecting means 41. In particular, although not shown here, if the inside temperature detecting means 49, the inside humidity detecting means 50, etc. are provided in the storage, the dew point temperature can be strictly determined according to the change in the storage environment by a predetermined calculation. it can. Even if ice or frost is formed on the surface of the water collecting means 41, the heating means 42 can raise the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 to the melting temperature, so that water can be generated appropriately.

  In order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 25. Therefore, air is taken in by the blowing means 43. For example, after the high-humidity air is taken in from the second circulation air passage opening 47 by the blower means 43 and condensed by the water collecting means 41, the air is discharged from the first circulation air passage opening 46 into the chamber. Condensation is promoted by circulating the air in the vegetable compartment 25.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the water collecting means 41 grow gradually, flow downward without using power such as a pump due to their own weight, pass through the filter 61 and the ion exchange resin 60, and the water storage tank 53 near the ultrasonic vibration device 32. To gather. The collected condensed water is supplied to the tip of the horn 33 by the water supply means 36. Here, by flowing water through the filter 61, impurities such as dust and foreign matters are removed, and further metal ions such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, etc. contained in the water are removed by the ion exchange resin 60. It is possible to soften the water and prevent clogging of the water supply means 36 for supplying water to the ultrasonic atomizer 32, and at the same time, prevent dust and bacteria from entering. Further, the hygiene can be ensured by the antibacterial means provided in the water storage tank 53 for the condensed water staying in the water storage tank 53.

  In this way, the mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment container as a mist having a small particle diameter by the ultrasonic vibration device 32. Among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green vegetable leaves and fruits are also stored in the vegetable room 25, and these fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to withering due to transpiration. The vegetables and fruits stored in the vegetable compartment usually include those that are slightly deflated by transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage. The surface is moistened.

  The sprayed mist makes the inside of the vegetable chamber 25 highly humid again, and at the same time adheres to the surface of vegetables and fruits in the state of pores in the vegetable chamber, penetrates into the tissues through the pores, and the moisture is evaporated, and the cells are deflated. Water is supplied again, and the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, and it returns to a crispy 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 sixth embodiment, by flowing water through the filter 61 installed in advance, impurities such as dust and foreign matters are removed, and further, calcium ions contained in the water by the ion exchange resin 60, Since water can be softened by removing metal ions such as magnesium ions and sodium ions, clogging of the water supply means 36 for supplying water to the ultrasonic atomizer 32 can be prevented, and at the same time, dust and bacteria can be prevented from entering. Long-term reliability as an ultrasonic unit for spraying mist can be ensured. Further, the hygiene can be ensured by the antibacterial means provided in the water storage tank 53 for the condensed water staying in the water storage tank 53.

In the sixth embodiment, the filter 61 and the ion exchange resin 60 are provided adjacent to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the order in which water flows is reversed or installed away from the water flow path. In addition, the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.
Further, the configuration of the sixth embodiment can be applied to the first to fifth embodiments, and similar effects can be obtained.

  Moreover, since the atomized particle diameter is 4 μm to 20 μm, moisture can be forcibly supplied to the inside of the food, so that the moisture content of the food can be improved.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Details of the same configuration as that of the sixth embodiment are omitted.

  In FIG. 16, the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is configured with a substantially straight microhole 33 c formed from the bottom surface portion 33 a toward the tip portion 33 b, and the horn bottom surface portion 33 a side of the microhole 33 c and the stored water. The holding means 37 is connected via the supply amount adjusting means 56. Further, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is configured such that the horn 33 and the piezoelectric element 34 are bonded and fixed, and the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 34 is amplified so as to have the maximum amplitude at the tip of the horn. In addition, the ultrasonic vibration device 32 is attached to the connection portion 38 of the refrigerator or its attachment member with the flange portion 35 as the attachment position.

  The stored water holding means 37 is provided with an ion exchange resin 60 and a filter 61 as removal members between the water flow paths of the water collecting means 41 and the supply amount adjusting means 56, and the water storage tank 53 ensures sanitary stored water. In order to do so, antibacterial treatment has been done. The ion exchange resin 60 is a mixture of a strongly acidic cation exchange resin and a strongly basic anion exchange resin that removes metal ions such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, and sodium ions contained in water and softens them, and does not stir when water flows. So that it is held. Examples of the shape of the mixture of the strongly acidic cation exchange resin and the strongly basic anion exchange resin include beads, fibers, and powders. The filter 61 is provided so as to remove dust and dirt contained in the water or dead bodies of bacteria. As the types of filters, there are a mesh type using fibers and fine metal wires, and a filter having a honeycomb shape such as ceramic. In addition, as an antibacterial means, a material obtained by kneading a silver-based or copper-based antibacterial agent into the molding material of the water storage tank 53, a surface-treated silver-based or copper-based antibacterial agent, or an electric field using the ionization tendency of dissimilar metals There are sterilization units.

  Further, the supply amount adjusting means 56 provides a constant amount using a pressure head by providing a means for holding the water level constant in the stored water holding means 37 using a power source such as an electromagnetic valve or a piezoelectric pump. Can spray mist stably.

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

  If the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, the water vapor in the vicinity of the water collecting means 41 is condensed on the water collecting means 41, and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the temperature detection means 48 installed in the water collecting means 41 grasps the surface temperature state, the control means 52 performs ON / OFF control or duty control on the air blowing means 43 and the heating means 42, and the water The surface temperature of the collecting means 41 is adjusted to a dew point temperature or less, and moisture contained in the high-humidity air sent from the interior by the blowing means 43 is condensed on the water collecting means 41. In particular, although not shown here, if the inside temperature detecting means 49, the inside humidity detecting means 50, etc. are provided in the storage, the dew point temperature can be strictly determined according to the change in the storage environment by a predetermined calculation. it can. Even if ice or frost is formed on the surface of the water collecting means 41, the heating means 42 can raise the surface temperature of the water collecting means 41 to the melting temperature, so that water can be generated appropriately.

  In order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 25. Therefore, air is taken in by the blowing means 43. For example, after the high-humidity air is taken in from the second circulation air passage opening 47 by the blower means 43 and condensed by the water collecting means 41, the air is discharged from the first circulation air passage opening 46 into the chamber. Condensation is promoted by circulating the air in the vegetable compartment 25.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the water collecting means 41 grow gradually and collect in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device 32. The collected condensed water passes through the filter 61 and the ion exchange resin 60, and the horn of the substantially linear micropore 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a provided on the horn 33 of the ultrasonic vibration device 32 toward the tip portion 33b. It is supplied to the horn tip 33b through a supply amount adjusting means 56 that connects the bottom 33a side and the stored water holding means 37.

  In this way, a path in which the horn tip 33b is directly connected from the stored water holding means 37 is formed, and the stored water is conveyed through the path.

  Here, by flowing water through the filter 61, impurities such as dust and foreign matters are removed, and further metal ions such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, etc. contained in the water are removed by the ion exchange resin 60. It is possible to soften the water and prevent clogging of the water supply means 36 for supplying water to the ultrasonic atomizer 32, and at the same time, prevent dust and bacteria from entering. Further, the hygiene can be ensured by the antibacterial means provided in the water storage tank 53 for the condensed water staying in the water storage tank 53.

  The supply amount adjusting means 56 uses a power such as an electromagnetic valve and a piezoelectric pump, or a means for holding the water level constant in the stored water holding means 37 and supplies a constant amount by using a pressure head. Mist can be sprayed.

  In this way, the mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment container as a mist having a small particle diameter by the ultrasonic vibration device 32. Among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green vegetable leaves and fruits are also stored in the vegetable room 25, and these fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to withering 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 25 to become highly humid again and at the same time adheres to the surface of the vegetable and fruit in the pore-opened state in the vegetable compartment 25, penetrates into the tissue through the pores, and the water 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 seventh embodiment, by flowing water through the filter 61 installed in advance, impurities such as dust and foreign matters are removed, and further, calcium ions contained in the water by the ion exchange resin 60, Since water can be softened by removing metal ions such as magnesium ions and sodium ions, clogging of the water supply means 36 for supplying water to the ultrasonic atomizer 32 can be prevented, and at the same time, dust and bacteria can be prevented from entering. Long-term reliability as an ultrasonic unit for spraying mist can be ensured. Further, the hygiene can be ensured by the antibacterial means provided in the water storage tank 53 for the condensed water staying in the water storage tank 53.

  Further, the water supply amount adjusting means 56 for making the water supply amount to the horn tip end portion 33b constant is provided, so that water can be supplied to the horn tip end portion 33b which becomes the spray surface efficiently and stably. Mist is always sprayed stably from the sonic vibration device 32. Moreover, since the amount of spray can be varied by adjusting the amount of water supply, the amount of mist spray can be adjusted according to the state of the storage space.

  In the seventh embodiment, the filter 61 and the ion exchange resin 60 are provided adjacent to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the order in which water flows is reversed or installed away from the water flow path. It is also possible to obtain the same effect as the seventh embodiment.

  In addition, the configuration of the seventh embodiment can be applied to the first to fifth embodiments, and similar effects can be obtained.

  In the seventh embodiment, the water supply means has been described as a substantially straight microhole 33c formed from the bottom surface portion 33a of the horn toward the tip end portion 33b. However, as shown in FIG. The structure which makes it the substantially L-shaped fine hole 33e formed toward the front-end | tip part 33b from the side part 33d, as shown to Fig.14 (a), a water supply means is a horn side part 33d along the shape of the horn side part 33d. As shown in FIG. 14B, the ultrasonic vibration of the structure in which the cross-sectional shape of the fine mouth 33c, which is a spraying port, is horizontally long and the longitudinal direction thereof is the left-right direction. The present invention can be applied to the device 32, and the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, the refrigerator according to the present invention can be applied not only to household use, commercial use, and vegetable storage, but also to uses such as space requiring high humidity, food distribution and warehouses. Is possible.

The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of this invention Longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The front view of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus vicinity of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of this invention 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ultrasonic vibration device for a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Functional block diagram of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention Front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the second embodiment of the present invention Vertical sectional view of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention Vertical sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention Front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention Vertical sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention Front view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the fifth embodiment of the present invention The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration apparatus of the other form of the water supply means of the refrigerator in Embodiment 4 or 5 of this invention (A) Longitudinal sectional view of ultrasonic vibration device of still another form of water supply means of refrigerator in embodiment 4 or 5 of the present invention (b) Still other of water supply means of refrigerator in embodiment 4 or 5 of the present invention Side view and main part sectional view of the ultrasonic vibration device of the embodiment Longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention Longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibration device of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention Vertical section of a conventional refrigerator Cross-sectional view of the main parts of a conventional refrigerator ultrasonic humidifier

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Refrigerator 32 Ultrasonic vibration device 33 Horn 33a Bottom face part 33b Tip part 33c Substantially straight minute hole 33d Side part 33e Substantially L-shaped minute hole 34 Piezoelectric element 35 Flange part 36 Water supply means 37 Reserved water holding means 38 Connection part 45 Cover member 53 Water storage tank 56 Water supply amount adjustment means 60 Removal means (ion exchange resin)
61 Removal means (filter)
62 Antibacterial means

Claims (21)

  A refrigerator main body having a storage compartment partitioned by heat insulation, and an ultrasonic vibration device provided in the refrigerator main body, the ultrasonic vibration device is a horn having a cross-sectional area smaller than the bottom surface portion, The refrigerator which has a piezoelectric element with which the bottom part of the horn was equipped.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the horn is placed near the abdomen of ultrasonic vibration, and the bottom of the horn is placed near the node of ultrasonic vibration.   The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein water supply means for supplying moisture is provided near the tip of the horn.   The refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising stored water holding means for storing water to be supplied to the water supply means.   The said stored water holding means has a water collection means which produces | generates condensed water by dehydrating the water | moisture content in the air in the said storage chamber, The said condensed water is supplied to the front-end | tip of the said horn by the said water supply means. The refrigerator described.   The refrigerator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the stored water holding means has a detachable water storage tank.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the horn is made of a material having high thermal conductivity.   The front end of the horn is in the vicinity of the vibration abdomen, the flange formed on the bottom of the horn is in the vicinity of the vibration node, and the flange is directly or indirectly connected to the refrigerator body. The refrigerator according to any one of 1 to 7.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ultrasonic vibration device has a structure that vibrates a length of a tip portion and a flange portion of the horn in a quarter wavelength mode.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a length of the horn is 1 mm to 20 mm.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a cover member is provided around the ultrasonic vibration device.   The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the water supply means is an impregnated body.   The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the water supply means is provided in the horn.   The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the water supply means is a substantially linear fine hole formed from the bottom surface of the horn toward the tip.   The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the water supply means is a substantially L-shaped fine hole formed from a side surface portion to a tip portion of the horn.   The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the water supply means is led to the tip of the horn along the shape of the horn side surface.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising water supply amount adjusting means for making the water supply amount to the tip of the horn constant.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a removing unit that removes a moisture content supplied to an upstream side of the ultrasonic vibration device.   The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the removing means is an ion exchange resin that softens water supplied to the ultrasonic vibration device.   The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the removing unit is a filter that filters water supplied to the ultrasonic vibration device.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein an antibacterial means is provided in the stored water holding means for storing water to be supplied to the water supply means.

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