JP2014219184A - Moisture retention cold storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a moisture retention cold storage device that can replace a conventional dry ice or mechanical refrigerator, that can be manufactured at low cost, and that can minimize freshness deterioration.SOLUTION: The moisture retention cold storage device comprises: an accommodation portion 2 that includes an airtight accommodation space K and that can accommodate a cold storage target item S in the accommodation space K; and a cold storage medium 5 that is arranged above the accommodation space K of the accommodation portion 2, that is filled within a liquid or gelatinous cold storage agent, that cools the accommodation space K of the accommodation portion 2 by fusion latent heat generated when the cold storage agent frozen in advance goes through a phase change from a solid phase to a liquid phase to make the accommodation space K cold insulated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a moisturizing and cooling apparatus capable of minimizing the deterioration of freshness by maintaining temperature and humidity for a long time in accordance with the characteristics of fruits and vegetables.

  Traditionally, in order to distribute Japanese fruits and vegetables to overseas markets over a long period of time, it has been confirmed that low-temperature storage facilities for temporary storage and refrigerated vehicles for delivery can be used in the consumption areas, and then from domestic fields to airports Until then, it has been transported by a refrigerated car, and from there to overseas destinations, a means of transporting by transporting dry ice on a cold container has been used (see Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.).

  In addition, refrigerated vehicles used for land delivery and refrigerated containers used for air transport have problems such as deterioration of freshness of fruits and vegetables due to poor circulation of air and associated disposal loss, which has been a drag on export promotion ( (See Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 1, etc.).

JP 2004-218889 A JP 2005-104580 A

Aobo Kousou Generalization, Ogata Kuniyasu, Kenshisha, p168, 1977 Agricultural Machinery Society 68 (3), Uchino et al., P72-77, 2006

  Therefore, there is a demand for a moisturizing and cold-retaining device that can be used at low cost and can minimize deterioration in freshness, in place of conventional dry ice and mechanical refrigerators.

  The present invention has been made to overcome the above-mentioned problems with new technology and wisdom, and to contribute to the promotion of export of Japanese fruits and vegetables.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a moisturizing and cold-retaining device that is inexpensive and can minimize deterioration of freshness, in place of conventional dry ice and mechanical refrigerators.

  The present invention has a storage space having airtightness, a storage portion that can store a cold object in the storage space, and is disposed above the storage space of the storage portion, and is liquid or gel-like inside. The present invention relates to a moisturizing and cold-retaining device comprising: a cold storage member that is filled with a cold storage agent and cools the storage space of the storage portion by means of latent heat of fusion when the cold storage agent frozen in advance undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid.

  Moreover, it is preferable to further provide a cover member disposed between the cold object and the cold storage member.

  Further, the cover member is preferably a cover member having a different thickness according to different humidity set in the accommodation space of the accommodation portion in order to adjust the humidity of the accommodation space of the accommodation portion. .

  Moreover, the said cover member is formed in the bag shape which can accommodate the said cool storage member, and when the said cool storage member is accommodated, the thickness of the said cover member is in the one side and the other side with respect to the said cool storage member. Preferably they are different.

  Moreover, it is preferable to further provide a film capable of packaging the object to be cooled.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a plurality of the cool storage members are provided, and the plurality of cool storage members are stacked.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can replace with the conventional dry ice and a mechanical refrigerator, and can provide the moisture keeping cooler which can be cheap and can suppress freshness degradation to the minimum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a whole block diagram of the moisture retention cooler 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is sectional drawing. It is a figure which shows the temperature and humidity suitable for quality maintenance of vegetables and fruits. It is a graph which shows the experimental result at the time of preserve | saving spinach using the moisturizing cooler 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the experimental result at the time of storing oysters using the moisturizing cooler 1 of a 1st embodiment. It is a whole block diagram of 1 A of moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatuses which concern on 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is sectional drawing. It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the moisture retention cooler 1B which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the moisture retention cooler 1B which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, (a) shows the state by which the part whose thickness of the cover member 6 is 1 mm is arrange | positioned between the fruits and vegetables S and the cool storage plate 5. FIG. (B) is a figure which shows the state by which the part whose thickness of the cover member 6 is 4 mm has been arrange | positioned between the fruits and vegetables S and the cool storage plate 5. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of 1 C of moisturizing cold storage apparatuses which concern on 4th Embodiment, and is a figure preserve | saved in the state by which the fruit and vegetables S were packaged in the packaging film 7. FIG. 6 is a graph showing temperature changes and humidity changes of the accommodation space K in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. It is a graph which shows the temperature change and humidity change of the accommodation space K in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. FIG. It is a graph which shows the temperature change and humidity change of the accommodation space K in Example 3 and Comparative Example 3. FIG. It is a graph which shows the change (error bar shows a standard deviation) of the relative ascorbic acid content during storage in Example 3 and Comparative Example 4.

<First Embodiment>
A moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a moisturizing and cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing temperature and humidity suitable for maintaining the quality of vegetables and fruits. FIG. 3 is a graph showing experimental results when spinach is stored using the moisturizing and cooling device 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a graph showing experimental results when oysters are stored using the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

  The moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that can suppress deterioration of freshness to a minimum by stably maintaining temperature and humidity for a long time in accordance with the characteristics of the fruits and vegetables S as the objects to be cooled. It is. Examples of fruits and vegetables include raw vegetables and fruits.

As shown in FIG. 1, the moisturizing and cold-reserving device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a storage box 2 as a storage portion and a cold storage plate 5 as a cold storage member.
The storage box 2 has a storage space K having airtightness therein. The accommodation space K can accommodate the fruits and vegetables S. The storage box 2 includes a storage box body 3 and a lid member 4. The storage box main body 3 includes an outer box 31 and an inner box 32.

  The outer box 31 is formed by a thin plate-like member into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped box shape whose upper side is open. The inner box 32 is disposed inside the outer box 31. The inner box 32 is formed of a thick plate-like member in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped box shape having a height lower than that of the outer box 31 and open on the upper side. An accommodation space K is formed inside the inner box 32. In the present embodiment, for example, the outer box 31 is formed with a thickness of about 5 mm, and the inner box 32 is formed with a thickness of about 5 cm.

  The outer box 31 has a pair of box extending portions 31A and 31A. The pair of box extending portions 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> A extend upward from the upper end of the outer box 31 at both ends in the width direction of the outer box 31. On the inner surface in the width direction of the outer box 31 in the pair of box extending portions 31A, 31A, a hook-and-loop fastener that can be attached to and detached from the upper surface of the lid member 4 described later is provided.

  A thick plate-like lid member 4 is attached to the upper portion of the storage box body 3. One end portion of the lid member 4 is connected to the upper end portion of the outer box 31 of the housing box body, and the lid member 4 is rotatable about a portion where the lid member 4 and the outer box 31 are connected as a central axis. It is comprised and the upper surface of the storage box main body 3 can be opened and closed. In the present embodiment, for example, the lid member 4 is formed with a thickness of about 5 cm.

The lid member 4 has a lid member extending portion 41. A hook-and-loop fastener that can be attached to and detached from the side surface of the outer box 31 on the surface on the back side of the lid member 4 in the lid member extending portion 41 (the side facing the side surface of the outer box 31 when the upper surface of the housing box body 3 is closed). Is provided.
A mesh-like bag body 42 is attached to the surface (back surface) of the lid member 4 on the accommodation space K side. In the present embodiment, the mesh bag body 42 is formed of a mesh bag body into which the cold storage plate 5 can be inserted.

  The storage box 2 configured as described above has a pair of box extending portions 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> A with the surface fasteners of the upper surface of the cover member 4 in a state where the upper open portion of the storage box body 3 is closed by the cover member 4. In addition, the hook-and-loop fastener of the lid member extending portion 41 is mounted on the side surface of the outer box 31 so that the housing space K is airtight. The storage box 2 makes it difficult for outside air to flow in, and stably holds the temperature and humidity of the storage space K. In addition, the storage box 2 may be comprised with the member which has heat insulation.

  The cold storage plate 5 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness. The cold storage plate 5 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The cold storage plate 5 is inserted into the mesh bag body 42 and attached to the back surface of the lid member 4. Note that the mesh bag body 42 is formed in a mesh shape and is a member only for holding the cold storage plate 5 on the back surface of the lid member 4 and is cooled by the cold storage plate 5 to cause a thermal convection phenomenon (difference in specific gravity). The effect of the cold storage and moisture retention of the cold storage plate 5 is not affected without shutting off the gas dropped by the above. In this state, the cover member 4 is closed in the storage box 2, so that the cold storage plate 5 is disposed on the upper side of the storage space K of the storage box 2 with airtightness in the storage space K.

  The cold storage plate 5 is configured by filling a liquid or gel-like cold storage agent inside a hollow box-shaped case body. The hollow box-shaped case body of the cold storage plate 5 is formed of a resin case, for example.

As a regenerator, for example, water with a large latent heat of fusion is mainly used, and a cryogen (cooling agent) or a gelling agent is appropriately added thereto, and if necessary, a nucleating agent, a coloring agent, a preservative, and the like are added. Consists of. The melting temperature (melting point) of the regenerator can be appropriately set by adjusting the type and amount of the cryogen (coolant). By adding a gelling agent to the cold storage agent, the cold storage agent becomes a stable gel with an appropriate viscosity. The cold storage agent of the present embodiment, unlike a general cold storage agent made of a highly water-absorbent resin, can be kept constant at an arbitrary temperature by blending sodium chloride and a gelling agent. Moreover, the cool storage agent used for this embodiment is comprised with the component which can hold | maintain the temperature of the storage space K of the storage box 2 for a long time unlike a general cool storage agent. That is, the cold storage plate 5 filled with the cold storage agent used in the present invention has a constant temperature function for holding the temperature for a long time, compared to a general cold storage agent.
The cold storage agent is frozen for a predetermined time, for example, 12 hours or more in a freezer set to a temperature lower by about 10 ° C. than the melting temperature (melting point) of the cold storage agent before the start of use.

The cold storage plate 5 cools the storage space K of the storage box 2 by the latent heat of fusion when the pre-chilled cold storage agent changes phase from solid to liquid.
The cold storage plate 5 can vary the temperature of the storage space K of the storage box 2 by setting the melting temperature of the cold storage agent. For example, the melting temperature (melting point) of the cool storage agent filled in the cool storage plate 5 can be set to 0 ° C., 5 ° C., 10 ° C. or the like. The temperature of the cold storage plate 5 is substantially the same as the temperature of the cold storage agent filled therein.

  The cold storage plate 5 is disposed above the accommodation space K as described above. The regenerator filled inside the regenerator plate 5 disposed on the upper side of the accommodation space K absorbs the heat of the surrounding gas by the latent heat of fusion when the phase changes from solid to liquid. Thereby, the gas around the cool storage plate 5 is cooled. The gas cooled by the cold storage plate 5 falls and diffuses from the upper side to the lower side in the accommodation space K due to a thermal convection phenomenon (difference in specific gravity). Thereby, the cool storage plate 5 cools the accommodation space K.

  Here, as above-mentioned, the cool storage plate 5 is arrange | positioned in the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 which has airtightness. Thereby, since the storage space K of the storage box 2 has airtightness, for example, when the temperature changes from 20 ° C. to 0 ° C., the saturated water vapor amount decreases, and the humidity increases in the storage space K of the storage box 2. The humidity of the accommodation space K is about 90 to 100%, for example. And the state whose humidity is about 90 to 100% is kept for a predetermined time. In particular, the cold storage plate 5 filled with the cold storage agent used in the present invention has a constant temperature function for holding the temperature for a long time as compared with a general cold storage agent. Are better.

  In the present embodiment, when a plurality of cold storage plates 5 are used, the time during which the set temperature and humidity are maintained increases by the number of sheets. For example, when three cold storage plates 5 are stacked and arranged, the time during which the set temperature and humidity are maintained is three times as long as that of a single plate. Further, for example, when four cold storage plates 5 are stacked and arranged, the time for which the set temperature and humidity are maintained is four times as long as that for a single sheet.

Next, the operation of the moisturizing and cooling device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, the environment of the temperature and humidity of the fruits and vegetables S to be kept cold by the moisture keeping and cooling device 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, fruits and vegetables S (vegetables and fruits) have optimum temperatures and humidity for each of the fruits and vegetables S when stored. The freshness of fruits and vegetables can be prolonged by storing the fruits and vegetables in an environment of optimum temperature and humidity for a long time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, in the case of spinach, it is optimal that the temperature is 0 to 2 ° C. and the humidity is greater than 95%. For example, in the case of oysters, it is optimal that the temperature is 0 ° C. and the humidity is greater than 95%.

Therefore, in the moisturizing and cold-reserving device 1 in the present embodiment, the fruits and vegetables S are stored in the storage space K set to an optimum temperature and humidity for storing the fruits and vegetables S, and the fruits and vegetables S are kept cold and moisturized.
Specifically, in the state where the fruits and vegetables S are accommodated in the accommodation space K, the cold storage plate 5 is arranged in the airtight accommodation space K, and the temperature and humidity of the accommodation space K are set to the optimum temperature and humidity for the fruits and vegetables S. Set. For example, the cold storage plate 5 having a melting temperature (melting point) of the cold storage agent of 0 ° C. and sufficiently frozen is held on the back surface of the lid member 4 by the mesh bag 42, and the lid member 4 of the storage box 2 is closed.

  Thereby, the regenerator filled in the regenerator plate 5 absorbs the heat of the surrounding gas due to the latent heat of fusion when the phase changes from solid to liquid, and the regenerator around the regenerator plate 5 becomes the regenerator. To a melting temperature of 0 ° C. The gas cooled by the cold storage plate 5 falls into the accommodation space K and diffuses due to a thermal convection phenomenon (difference in specific gravity). For this reason, in the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2, the temperature is about 0 ° C., and the temperature is kept at about 0 ° C. for a predetermined time. Further, since the storage space K of the storage box 2 is airtight, for example, when the temperature inside the storage space K changes from 20 ° C. to 0 ° C., the saturated water vapor amount decreases, and the storage space K of the storage box 2 , The humidity is about 95%. A state where the humidity is about 95% is maintained for a predetermined time. Here, the cold storage plate 5 of the present embodiment is superior in a constant temperature function for holding the temperature for a long time, compared to a general cold insulating agent. Therefore, the cold storage plate 5 stably holds the temperature and humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 for a long time.

Here, for example, as experimental results of the temperature and humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 when using the moisturizing and cooling device 1 of the present invention, spinach (spinach) shown in FIG. 3 and oysters (カ) shown in FIG. A case where moisture is kept moist and cold will be described. 3 and 4, in the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the storage box 2 having a storage space K with a capacity of 16L is used, and three cold storage plates 5 are stacked above the storage space K. Used.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the spinach (spinach) experiment, the spinach is stored in the storage space K of the storage box 2, and the storage space K is formed by the three cold storage plates 5 stacked above the storage space K. Was kept cold and moisturized. As shown in FIG. 3, in the spinach experiment, the temperature of the storage space K was about 0 ° C. to 10 ° C., and the humidity of the storage space K was about 90% to 100%, and was stably held for 72 hours. Was confirmed.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, in the oyster experiment result, the spinach is stored in the storage space K of the storage box 2, and the three cold storage plates 5 stacked above the storage space K are The storage space K was kept cold and moisturized. As shown in FIG. 4, it was confirmed that the temperature of the storage space K was about 5 ° C. and the humidity of the storage space K was about 75 to 95% and was stably held for 699 hours (29 days).

Next, a mechanism for distributing the fruits and vegetables S when the moisturizing and cooling device 1 of the present invention is used will be described.
Specifically, in the distribution process, a method in which the cold storage plate 5 and the storage box 2 are carried out without transshipment (one transport company uses the same cold storage plate 5 and storage box 2 from the domestic collection destination to the overseas delivery destination to produce fruits and vegetables. ) And the method of carrying out with transshipment (case of transshipment of fruits and vegetables to the cold storage plates and boxes in the process of being handled by a plurality of transport companies), each of which will be described below.

  First, the case without transshipment will be described. The fruits and vegetables harvested in the field by the producer are put in the storage box 2 together with the cold storage plate 5 and carried to the sorting area. The transport company collects the fruits and vegetables at the sorting area, puts them in the storage box 2 mounted on the truck, and delivers them to the overseas consumers as they are. The overseas consumers receive the fruits and vegetables and store them in the storage box 2 until they are consumed.

  On the other hand, a case with transshipment will be described. The fruits and vegetables harvested in the field by the producer are put in the storage box 2 together with the cold storage plate 5 and carried to the sorting area. The transport company collects the fruits and vegetables at the sorting area, puts them in the storage box 2 mounted on the truck, and transports them to the airport. The airline picks up the fruits and vegetables at the cargo terminal, puts them in the container with the storage box 2, and transports them overseas by aircraft. An overseas transportation company collects fruits and vegetables at an airport cargo terminal and transports them to a delivery destination by a truck equipped with a storage box 2. The overseas consumers receive the fruits and vegetables and store them in the storage box 2 until they are consumed.

  As described above, the same cold storage plate 5 and the storage box 2 can be used in the entire process from the field to the final consumption area, and a system for distributing fresh fruits and vegetables in Japan to overseas markets at low cost. Can be provided.

In this way, when the use of the cold storage plate 5 which is a feature of the present invention becomes the mainstream in the overseas distribution of fruits and vegetables, even in regions where low-temperature transport infrastructure is not yet developed from Japanese fields to overseas consumption areas, the fruits and vegetables of Japan Can be distributed at a low price with freshness, allowing Japanese producers to actively engage in business with a view to overseas markets.
This movement to revolutionize the distribution of fruits and vegetables can be expected to spread in domestic research institutions, etc., and it can be expected to lead to the activation of industry-academia collaboration activities to bring Japanese agriculture to the export industry.

  According to the moisturizing and cooling apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, for example, the following effects are exhibited.

  The moisturizing and cold-reserving device 1 according to the first embodiment has an accommodation space K having airtightness, and is disposed above the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 and the accommodation box 2 that can accommodate the fruits and vegetables S in the accommodation space K. The cold storage plate 5 is filled with a liquid or gel-like cold storage agent and cools the storage space K of the storage box 2 by the latent heat of fusion when the precooled cold storage agent changes from solid to liquid. And comprising. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 can be maintained for a predetermined time. Thereby, it can replace with the conventional dry ice and a mechanical refrigerator, and can provide the moisture keeping cool device which can be cheap and can suppress freshness degradation to the minimum.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram of a moisturizing and cooling apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 </ b> A of the second embodiment, the cover member 6 is disposed between the fruits and vegetables S and the cold storage plate 5. In the present embodiment, the cover member 6 is a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness. Further, the cover member 6 is formed to have a size enough to close the open portion of the storage box body 3. For example, the cover member 6 is made of a sheet-like cloth material having a predetermined thickness, and felt (nonwoven fabric) can be used as the cloth material.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, when the fruits and vegetables S (vegetables and fruits) are stored, the fruits and vegetables S have optimum temperature and humidity as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the case of onion and garlic, it is optimal that the humidity is about 65 to 70%. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to adjust the humidity of the accommodation space K, the cover member 6 is disposed between the fruits and vegetables S and the cold storage plate 5.

  In order to adjust the humidity of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2, the cover member 6 has different thicknesses depending on the different humidity set in the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2.

Specifically, when there is no cover member 6, the cold storage plate 5 is disposed in the storage space K of the storage box 2, and the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 is set to about 95% to 100%. For example, by setting the thickness of the cover member 6 to 1 mm, the humidity of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 can be set to be reduced by about 5 to 6% from about 95% to 100%. Further, by setting the thickness of the cover member 6 to 2 mm, the humidity of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 can be set to be reduced from about 95% to 100% to about 7 to 8%. Further, by setting the thickness of the cover member 6 to 4 mm, the humidity of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 can be set to be reduced by about 9 to 11% from about 95% to 100%. The thickness of the cover member 6 is not limited to this.
Thus, as the thickness of the cover member 6 is increased, the degree to which the humidity in the storage space K of the storage box 2 is reduced can be increased as compared with the case where the thickness of the cover member 6 is small. Therefore, the humidity set in the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the cover member 6.
In addition, about the thickness of the cover member 6, thickness may be implement | achieved by the cover member 6 of 1 sheet, and thickness may be implement | achieved by overlapping the cover member 6 of several sheets.

  Further, the cover member 6 can adjust the temperature of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2. By increasing the thickness of the cover member 6, the gas cooled by the cold storage plate 5 and falling due to the thermal convection phenomenon (difference in specific gravity) is blocked, and the temperature of the storage space K of the storage box 2 can be increased. . On the other hand, by reducing the thickness of the cover member 6, the temperature of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 can be lowered as compared with the case where the thickness of the cover member 6 is large. For example, in summer and winter when the temperature of outside air is different, the thickness of the cover member 6 is increased so that the accommodation space K is not too cold in winter when the temperature of outside air is low, or the accommodation space K is cooled in summer when the temperature of outside air is high. Thus, the temperature of the storage space K of the storage box 2 can be adjusted by reducing the thickness of the cover member 6.

  Moreover, when the cover member 6 is comprised with a cloth material, the water | moisture content of the surface of the cool storage plate 5 is absorbed, and it can suppress that a water | moisture content enters into the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2. FIG. Also,

  According to the moisturizing and cooling device 1 according to the second embodiment described above, for example, the following effects are produced in addition to the effects in the first embodiment.

  The moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a cover member 6 disposed between the fruits and vegetables S and the cold storage plate 5. Therefore, the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 can be adjusted. Thereby, the fruits and vegetables S can be preserve | saved with the optimal humidity for each fruits and vegetables S.

  Moreover, in the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the cover member 6 responds to different humidity set in the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2 in order to adjust the humidity of the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2. Thus, cover members 6 having different thicknesses are used. Therefore, the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 can be easily adjusted only by changing the thickness of the cover member 6.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the entire configuration of the moisture-retaining and cold-retaining device 1B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a portion where the cover member 6 has a thickness of 1 mm between the fruits and vegetables S and the cold storage plate 5. (B) is a figure which shows the state by which the part whose thickness of the cover member 6 is 4 mm has been arrange | positioned between the fruits and vegetables S and the cool storage plate 5. FIG. In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  The moisturizing and cold-retaining device 1B of the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment mainly in that a bag-shaped cover member 6A is provided instead of the cover member 6 of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the moisturizing and cooling device 1 </ b> B of the third embodiment includes a bag-shaped cover member 6 </ b> A instead of the cover member 6 of the first embodiment. The bag-shaped cover member 6 </ b> A is formed in a bag shape that can accommodate the cold storage plate 5. 6 A of cover members are comprised with the bag-shaped cloth material which has predetermined | prescribed thickness, and a felt (nonwoven fabric) can be used as a cloth material.
The cold storage plate 5 is attached to the back surface of the lid member 4 by being inserted into the mesh-like bag body 42 while being accommodated in the bag-like cover member 6A.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bag-shaped cover member 6 </ b> A has different thicknesses on one side 61 and the other side 62 with respect to the cold storage plate 5 when the cold storage plate 5 is accommodated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the cold storage plate 5 is attached to the back surface of the lid member 4 in a state where the cold storage plate 5 is accommodated in the bag-like cover member 6 </ b> A. Here, the thickness of the bag-shaped cover member 6 </ b> A disposed between the fruits and vegetables S and the cold storage plate 5 is reversed by repeatedly inverting the upper and lower sides while the cold storage plate 5 is accommodated in the bag-shaped cover member 6 </ b> A. In the case of 1 mm (see FIG. 7A) and 4 mm (see FIG. 7B), the setting can be changed.
Thereby, only by reversing the upper and lower sides of the bag-like cover member 6A, the thickness of the cover member 6A disposed between the fruits and vegetables S and the cold storage plate 5 is changed according to the set humidity. The humidity of the accommodation space K can be changed.

According to the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment described above, for example, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
In 3rd Embodiment, 6 A of cover members are formed in the bag shape which can accommodate the cool storage plate 5, and the thickness of 6 A of bag-like cover members is the cold storage plate 5 when the cool storage plate 5 is accommodated. The one side 61 and the other side 62 are different. Therefore, the humidity of the accommodation space K can be easily changed by repeatedly inverting the cover member 6A upside down with a simple configuration in which the thicknesses of the one side 61 and the other side 62 of the cover member 6A are different. . Therefore, it is possible to change the humidity to the optimum value for each fruit and vegetable S with a simple configuration in which the thicknesses of the one side and the other side of the cover member 6A are made different.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the entire configuration of the moisture keeping and cooling device 1 </ b> C according to the fourth embodiment, and is a diagram in which the fruits and vegetables S are stored in a state of being packaged in the packaging film 7. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  The moisturizing and cold-retaining device 1C of the fourth embodiment is mainly composed of one cold storage plate 5 in the first embodiment instead of the four cold storage plates 5, and the fruits and vegetables S Is different from the moisturizing and cold-reserving device 1 of the first embodiment in that it is packaged in a packaging film 7 as a film.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the moisturizing and cooling device 1 </ b> C of the fourth embodiment, four cold storage plates 5 are stacked in two rows and two rows above the storage box 2. In the accommodation space K, fruits and vegetables S wrapped in the packaging film 7 are accommodated. In this embodiment, the packaging film 7 is formed in a bag shape, and the opening is closed by welding. The packaging film 7 is formed into a bag shape with a transparent film formed of, for example, polypropylene. In this embodiment, for example, Komatsuna baby leaves are used as the fruits and vegetables S.

According to the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment described above, for example, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects in the first embodiment.
In the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the four cold storage plates 5 are stacked in two stages and two rows, and are arranged on the upper side of the accommodation space K. Therefore, the gas cooled by the latent heat of fusion of the cool storage agent filled in the four cool storage plates 5 is dropped into the accommodation space K. Thereby, the temperature and humidity of the storage space K can be held for a long time, rather than a single cold storage plate.

  Moreover, in the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the packaging film 7 capable of packaging the fruits and vegetables S is provided. Therefore, damage to the fruits and vegetables S at the time of transportation can be suppressed as compared with the case where they are not packaged by the packaging film 7. Further, the freshness of the fruits and vegetables S can be maintained as compared with the case where the fruits and vegetables are not wrapped with the packaging film 7. Further, the airtightness of the space where the fruits and vegetables S are present can be increased and the humidity of the accommodation space K can be further stabilized as compared with the case where the packaging film 7 is not wrapped.

As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of the moisture retention cooler 1 of this invention was described, this invention is not restrict | limited to embodiment mentioned above, It can change suitably.
For example, although 1st Embodiment-4th Embodiment was demonstrated, this invention may be comprised by any one form of 1st Embodiment-4th Embodiment, and 1st Embodiment-4th. Any two or more of the embodiments may be combined. Specifically, for example, the configuration of the packaging film 7 of the fourth embodiment may be added to the first embodiment, or the cover member 6 of the second embodiment and the packaging film 7 of the fourth embodiment are provided together. Alternatively, the cover member 6A of the third embodiment and the packaging film 7 of the fourth embodiment may be provided together.

Moreover, although comprised so that the some cool storage plate 5 might be stacked, it is not restricted to this, You may arrange | position in the horizontal direction.
Moreover, the number of the cool storage plates 5 is not limited.
Moreover, the thickness of the cover members 6 and 6A is not restrict | limited, It can set suitably.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail using Examples and Comparative Examples of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. FIG. 9 is a graph showing changes in temperature and humidity of the accommodation space K in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. FIG. 10 is a graph showing changes in temperature and humidity of the accommodation space K in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. FIG. 11 is a graph showing changes in temperature and humidity of the accommodation space K in Example 3 and Comparative Example 3. FIG. 12 is a graph showing temperature changes and humidity changes in the accommodation space K in Example 4 and Comparative Example 4. FIG. 13 is a graph showing changes in relative ascorbic acid content during storage in Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 (error bars indicate standard deviation).

The configurations of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 will be described.
Example 1 uses the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment with a storage box 2 having a capacity of 16 L, and three cold storage plates 5 (A4 size: 30 cm long, 21 cm wide, 3.5 cm thick). Used in stacks. Grapes were stored in the storage space K of the storage box 2.
In Comparative Example 1, a mechanical refrigerator was used, and grapes were accommodated inside the mechanical refrigerator.

About Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the temperature change and humidity change by the time inside the storage space K of the storage box 2 were measured. As a result, a graph of temperature change inside the accommodation space K shown in FIG. 9 was obtained. In Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, temperature change and humidity change with time of 0 to 360 hours (15 days) were measured.
Considering FIG. 9, in Example 1, the temperature of the storage space K of the storage box 2 is about 5 ° C., and the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 is about 75 to 85%. In Example 1, the degree of change is moderate and the range of change is small. On the other hand, in the comparative example 1, especially the width | variety of the change of the humidity inside a mechanical refrigerator is large, and the humidity is fluctuate | varied for every short cycle.

The configurations of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 will be described.
Example 2 uses the moisturizing and cold-retaining apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment with the storage box 2 having a capacity of 32 L, and four cold storage plates 5 (A4 size: 30 cm long, 21 cm wide, 3.5 cm thick). Used in stacks. Strawberries were accommodated in the accommodation space K of the accommodation box 2.
The comparative example 2 used the mechanical refrigerator, and accommodated the strawberry inside the mechanical refrigerator.

About Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, the temperature change and humidity change by the time inside the storage space K of the storage box 2 were measured. As a result, a graph of temperature change inside the accommodation space K shown in FIG. 10 was obtained. In Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, temperature change and humidity change with time of 0 to 150 hours (about 6 days) were measured.
When FIG. 10 is considered, in Example 2, the temperature of the storage space K of the storage box 2 is about 3 ° C., and the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 is about 85 to 95%. In Example 2, the degree of change is moderate and the range of change is small. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 2, particularly in the case of a mechanical refrigerator, the operation of defrosting (defrosting) is executed until the humidity inside the accommodation space K once decreases due to the operation of defrosting and then recovers to a predetermined humidity. The time is long.

  As described above, the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 in the first and second embodiments according to the present invention is more stably maintained for a longer time than the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 in the first and second comparative examples. The result was obtained.

The configurations of Examples 3 and 4 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 will be described.
In Example 3, the moisture-retaining / cooling apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment uses a storage box 2 having a capacity of 32L, and has four cold storage plates 5 (A4 size: 30 cm long, 21 cm wide, 3.5 cm thick). Were stacked and used in two rows and two rows. In the storage space K of the storage box 2, Komatsuna baby leaves packed in the packaging film 7 were stored. The details of the cold storage plate 5, the storage box 2, and the packaging film 7 are as follows.
(1) Cold storage plate ・ Manufacturer: IT Co., Ltd. ・ Product name: Ice battery system ・ Size: A4 (length 30 cm, width 21 cm, thickness 3.5 cm) ・ Set days: 4 days Temperature: 2 ° C-3 ° C
・ Set humidity: 70-90%
(2) Storage box / Manufacturer: IT Co., Ltd. Product name: Ice battery cold box (3) Freshness-preserving film (packaging film)
・ Manufacturer: Toyobo ・ Product name: F & G bag (stretched polypropylene anti-fog standard bag No. 11)

  In Example 3, Komatsuna baby leaves are immediately wrapped in a freshness-preserving film after harvesting, and placed in a storage box 2 together with a cold storage plate 5 set at a temperature of 2 ° C. to 3 ° C. and a humidity of 70 to 90%. It was stored for 4 days assuming the transportation days from the ground to overseas consumption areas. During storage, the temperature and humidity in the storage box 2 were measured every 10 minutes, and the quality of the baby leaf was measured every day. Komatsuna baby leaves are one of the most difficult to keep freshness of fruits and vegetables.

  In Example 4, lettuce baby leaves were stored for 3 days without using the freshness-keeping film 7 in Example 3.

  Comparative Example 3 was stored in the same manner as in Example 3 except that a low-temperature incubator (mechanical refrigerator) set at 3 ° C. was used instead of the storage box 2 and the cold storage plate 5. The temperature and humidity in the incubator during storage and the quality of the baby leaf were compared with the results of the examples. Comparative Example 3 assumes distribution at low temperature by current mechanical refrigeration.

  Comparative Example 4 was stored in the same manner as in Example 3 except that a low-temperature incubator (mechanical refrigerator) set at 25 ° C. was used instead of the storage box 2 and the cold storage plate 5. The quality of the baby leaf during storage was compared with the results of the examples. Comparative Example 4 assumes distribution at room temperature where low temperature management is not performed.

  First, the control of temperature and humidity during storage was evaluated. As shown in FIG. 11, both Comparative Example 3 and Example 3 were able to maintain a low temperature environment of 2 to 3 ° C. over 4 days. In Comparative Example 3, temperature fluctuation due to on / off control of the refrigerator and a temporary temperature increase due to defrost performed every 12 hours were observed. In Example 3, a temporary temperature increase was observed accompanying the baby leaf taking-out operation, but the temperature in the storage box 2 was kept at 5 ° C. or lower. Moreover, although the relative humidity was able to be maintained at 70 to 90% in both Comparative Example 3 and Example 3, in Example 3, since the temperature fluctuation was small, the fluctuation in humidity was also suppressed.

  The color difference, water loss rate, and relative ascorbic acid content were evaluated as the quality of Komatsuna baby leaves. As for the color difference, in Comparative Example 4, a color change occurred after 2 days of storage, but in Example 3 and Comparative Example 3, no color difference was observed even after 4 days of storage. Further, the water loss rate was less than 3% even after 4 days of storage, and the wilt could be suppressed by maintaining the high humidity environment according to the present invention. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the relative ascorbic acid content decreased to about half after the start of storage in Comparative Example 4 after 4 days, whereas in Example 3 and Comparative Example 3, there was a difference before and after storage. Did not occur. These quality measurement results show that the present invention has the same level of quality retention effect as mechanical refrigeration. In addition, the result for this Komatsuna baby leaf can be applied not only to leafy vegetables but also to fruits and vegetables in general.

  In Example 4, the temperature and humidity in the cold box during storage, and the quality of the baby leaf were measured. During storage, the temperature in the cold box was kept at 3 ° C. and the relative humidity was 83%. The relative ascorbic acid content was only reduced by 5%, and the wear of internal components could be suppressed. However, the water loss rate was 23%, and although the wilting was greatly suppressed, it was not completely prevented.

  As a result, the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 in Example 3 according to the present invention was more stably maintained than the humidity of the storage space K of the storage box 2 in Comparative Example 3. . Moreover, in Example 3, as for the quality of the komatsuna baby leaf, good results were obtained for the color difference, water loss rate, and relative ascorbic acid content after 4 days of storage.

1 Moisturizing and cooling device 2 Storage box (storage unit)
5 Cold storage plate (cool storage member)
6, 6A Cover member 7 Packaging film (film)
K Containment space S Fruit and vegetables (cold items)

Claims (6)

An accommodating portion having airtightness, and an accommodating portion capable of accommodating an object to be cooled in the accommodating space;
The housing portion is disposed above the housing space of the housing portion, filled with a liquid or gel-like cold storage agent therein, and the latent heat of fusion when the cold storage agent that has been frozen in advance undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid. A cold storage member that cools and cools the accommodation space of
A moisturizing and cold-retaining device. The moisture-retaining and cold-reserving device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member that is disposed between the cold object and the cold storage member. The cover member having different thicknesses according to different humidity set in the accommodation space of the accommodation portion is used as the cover member to adjust the humidity of the accommodation space of the accommodation portion. Moisturizing and cooling equipment. The cover member is formed in a bag shape that can accommodate the cold storage member,
The thickness of the said cover member is a moisture retention cooler of Claim 3 from which the said cool storage member differs in the one side and the other side with respect to the said cool storage member. The moisturizing and cold-retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a film capable of packaging the cold object. A plurality of the cold storage members are provided,
The moisturizing and cold-retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cold storage members are stacked.

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