JP5345776B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator, preventing transpiration from preserved food and maintaining and improving freshness keeping performance by maintaining high constant humidity, and simply improving quality and safety by acquiring and controlling the atomizing amount of fine mist generated by operating an electrostatic atomizer by a current value. <P>SOLUTION: In this refrigerator, a vegetable room 107 is provided with a control circuit 137 for controlling a voltage applying part 135 for applying to an atomizing electrode 120, a discharge current detecting means 136 for detecting a current, and the atomizer, and an atomizing amount determination means 138 for determining the atomizing amount from the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 in the control circuit 137, whereby the atomizing amount can be acquired by the current value, and optimized so that abnormal dew condensation in a storage room can be prevented to hold the room with high humidity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control means for a refrigerator equipped with an electrostatic atomizer that maintains the freshness of food and improves nutrients, disinfects, and removes agricultural chemicals by maintaining high humidity.

  Factors that influence the decline in freshness of vegetables include temperature, humidity, environmental gas, microorganisms, and light. Vegetables are living creatures that are breathing and transpiration, and in order to maintain freshness, it is necessary to suppress respiration and transpiration. Except for some vegetables, such as those that cause low temperature damage, respiration is suppressed at low temperatures, and transpiration can be prevented by high humidity.

  In recent years, refrigerators for home use have been designed to preserve vegetables, and are equipped with sealed vegetable containers that are controlled to cool vegetables to an appropriate temperature and to increase the humidity in the cabinet to suppress transpiration of vegetables. Yes. In addition, as a means for increasing the humidity in the cabinet, there is also a means that uses a means for spraying mist.

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

  FIG. 16: is a principal part longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the longitudinal cross-section which cut | disconnected the vegetable room of the conventional refrigerator described in patent document 1 right and left. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the ultrasonic atomizer provided in the vegetable room of the conventional refrigerator.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the vegetable compartment 31 is provided in the lower part of the main body case 36 of the refrigerator main body 30, and the opening of the whole surface is closed by the drawer door 32 drawn out so that opening and closing is possible. Moreover, the vegetable compartment 31 is partitioned off from the upper refrigerator compartment (not shown) by the partition plate 2.

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

  As shown in FIG. 17, the ultrasonic atomizer 5 includes a mist outlet 6, a water storage container 7, a humidity sensor 8, and a hose receiver 9. The water storage container 7 is connected to a defrost water hose 10 by a hose receiver 9. The defrost water hose 10 is provided with a purification filter 11 for purifying the defrost water at a part thereof.

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a longitudinal section obtained by cutting a refrigerator compartment and a vegetable compartment of a conventional refrigerator described in Patent Document 2 into left and right, and FIG. 19 is provided in the vegetable compartment of the conventional refrigerator. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the longitudinal cross-section of a humidification means.

  In FIG. 18, 51 is a refrigerator. 52 is a refrigerating room (one of refrigerating temperature zone rooms). 53 is a revolving door of this refrigerator compartment. Reference numeral 54 denotes a vegetable room (one of refrigerated temperature zones). 55 is a drawer door. 56 is a freezer compartment. Reference numeral 57 denotes a drawer door. 58 is a partition plate, and the partition plate 58 partitions the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54. 59 is a hole for allowing cold air from the refrigerator compartment 52 to flow into the vegetable compartment 54.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a vegetable container. The vegetable container 60 is pulled out together with the drawer door 57. Reference numeral 61 denotes a vegetable container lid, which is fixed to the refrigerator body side. The vegetable container lid 61 covers the vegetable container 60 when the drawer door 57 is closed. 62 is an ultrasonic humidification means. The ultrasonic humidifying means 62 evaporates moisture inside the vegetable container 60. 63 is a cooler. This cooler is a cooler for the refrigeration temperature zone chamber, and cools the refrigeration chamber 52 and the vegetable compartment 54.

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

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

  When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 54 rises, the refrigerant flows through the cooler 63 and the cold air circulation fan 64 is driven. Thereby, the surrounding cold air of the cooler 63 returns to the cooler 63 through the refrigerator compartment 52, the hole 59, and the vegetable compartment 54 as shown by the arrow in FIG. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment 52 and the vegetable compartment 64 are cooled. This state is called a cooling mode.

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

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

  Next, the ultrasonic humidifying means 62 shown in FIG. 19 will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

  Moreover, as a liquid spraying apparatus using electrostatic atomization, there exists what was comprised with the form of the air cleaner (for example, refer patent document 3).

  FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional deodorant spraying device described in Patent Document 3, FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of the conventional deodorant spraying device, and FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows another form of the conventional deodorizer spraying apparatus.

  FIG. 20 shows a schematic configuration of the deodorant spraying device described in Patent Document 3, in which a nozzle 71 for injecting a liquid deodorant and a deodorant injected thereby are charged with static electricity and fog In order to achieve this, a charging unit 72 that forms a high-voltage electric field and a high-voltage power source 76 that charges the charging unit 72 are included. The charging unit 72 in this example reduces the particle size by electrostatically atomizing the water column 73 of the deodorant sprayed from the nozzle 71 by the dielectric charging method at the charging electrode 74, that is, by passing a high voltage electric field. Then, it is sprayed as water droplets 75 of charged fine particles.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of this. A part of the nozzle 71 is inserted into the cylindrical charging electrode 74, and a high voltage is applied by the high voltage power supply 76 using the nozzle 71 as a positive electrode and the charging electrode 74 as a negative electrode. The water droplet 75 of the deodorant fine particles sprayed from is negatively charged and atomized.

  When charged negatively in this way, the negative ion effect can also be exhibited. By mixing antioxidants and bactericides such as vitamin C into the deodorant and simultaneously spraying them by electrostatic atomization, the active oxygen staying in the air can be removed by the antioxidants. It can be sterilized with a disinfectant.

  If an AC high-voltage power source is used as the high-voltage power source 76, the positive and negative polar charges can be charged to the water droplets 75 of fine particles, and the charge can be eliminated. If a grounded electrostatic adsorption unit (not shown) is installed at the tip of the charging unit 74 by the charging electrode 74, airborne fine particles in the air can be adsorbed and collected simultaneously with the water drops 75 of the deodorant. Can do.

As shown in FIG. 22, if a high voltage is directly applied to the nozzle 71 itself, the nozzle 71 itself can be used as a charging unit, and the deodorant can be directly charged at the nozzle 71 simultaneously with the spraying. Either the structure of FIG. 21 or the structure of FIG. 22 can be used by being incorporated in an air purifier.
JP-A-6-257933 JP 2004-125179 A JP 2005-270669 A

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, mist is sprayed for the purpose of increasing the humidity in the chamber, but the amount of atomization cannot be adjusted, and there is a possibility that a water pool will occur in the chamber due to excessive spraying, Moreover, it had the subject of generating water rot.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe refrigerator that performs an appropriate amount of mist spraying by adjusting the amount of atomization.

  In order to solve the above problems, the refrigerator of the present invention has an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode for applying a voltage to the water supplied to the tip of the nozzle, and electrostatically sprays fine mist into the storage chamber. From the atomizing device, a voltage applying unit that applies a high voltage between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode, water supply means for supplying water to the electrostatic atomizing device, and the electrostatic atomizing device An atomization amount determination means for determining the atomization amount of the fine mist to be sprayed, and a control means for adjusting the atomization amount of the electrostatic atomizer by a signal from the atomization amount determination means It is.

  As a result, it is possible to maintain a high humidity in the storage chamber and prevent abnormal condensation in the storage chamber and perform an appropriate amount of mist spraying.

  The refrigerator of the present invention maintains the humidity in the storage room by maintaining high humidity, and at the same time prevents abnormal condensation in the storage room, and improves the freshness of vegetables by spraying an appropriate amount of mist. A refrigerator can be provided.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes an electrostatic atomizing device that has an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode for applying a voltage to water supplied to the tip of the nozzle, and sprays fine mist into the storage chamber; A voltage applying unit that applies a high voltage between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode, water supply means for supplying water to the electrostatic atomizer, and fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic atomizer An atomization amount determination means for determining the amount of atomization of the ink, and a control means for adjusting the atomization amount of the electrostatic atomizer by a signal from the atomization amount determination means. By determining the atomization amount of the fine mist sprayed from the atomizer and adjusting the atomization amount of the electrostatic atomizer based on the result, abnormal condensation in the storage chamber is maintained at the same time as maintaining high humidity in the storage chamber. Prevented and improved the freshness of vegetables by spraying an appropriate amount of mist It is possible to provide a built warehouse.

  In addition, by grasping the amount of atomization, the amount of atomization to the vegetable room can be adjusted while spraying with fine mist, preventing excessive spraying, improving the freshness of vegetables, antibacterial performance of the vegetable room, sterilization performance Can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the first aspect, the atomization amount determining means is constituted by a discharge current detecting means for detecting a current when the voltage application unit discharges, and the control means is configured as described above. A control circuit for controlling the voltage of the voltage application unit based on the signal detected by the discharge current detection unit is provided. The amount of atomization is determined from the current value detected by the discharge current detection unit, and the voltage of the voltage application unit is determined. By controlling, it is possible to cope with only the control circuit, so no additional parts are required, and the configuration can be simple and inexpensive.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is larger than the first value which is the upper limit value of the appropriate range, the voltage application unit is When the voltage applied between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode is forcibly reduced, and the current value detected by the discharge current detection means is greater than the first value that is the upper limit of the appropriate range, , By forcibly reducing the voltage applied between the atomizing electrode that generates fine mist and the counter electrode, lowering the current value, reducing the amount of atomization, preventing excessive atomization of the atomization amount in the storage chamber, It is possible to optimize the amount of atomization in the storage chamber.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, when the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is smaller than the third value that is the lower limit value of the appropriate range, voltage application is performed. The part forcibly increases the voltage applied between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode, and the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is smaller than the third value which is the lower limit value of the appropriate range. In this case, it is possible to increase the amount of atomization by forcibly increasing the voltage applied between the atomizing electrode that generates fine mist and the counter electrode, and to optimize the amount of atomization into the storage chamber. it can.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the first aspect, the atomization amount determination means is constituted by a discharge current detection means for detecting a current when the voltage application unit discharges, and the control means is configured as described above. A control circuit for controlling the water supply amount of the water supply means based on the signal detected by the discharge current detection means is provided, and the atomization amount is determined from the current value detected by the discharge current detection means, and the water supply means By controlling the water supply amount, it can be handled only by the control circuit, so there is no need to add parts, and the configuration can be simple and inexpensive.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the water supply means has a water supply pump, and the control circuit controls the amount of water supplied by the water supply pump. It can be easily adjusted, and since water can be pumped up, the position of a water source such as a water supply tank can be placed below the electrostatic atomizer, increasing design freedom. .

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the water supply means has an open / close valve that opens and closes the flow path of the water, and the control circuit controls opening and closing of the open / close valve. The amount of water can be easily adjusted by an on-off valve that opens and closes the water flow path, and at the same time, the configuration can be simple and inexpensive.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is larger than a first value that is an upper limit value of an appropriate range. If the water supply means reduces the amount of water supplied to the electrostatic atomizer and the current value detected by the discharge current detection means is greater than the first value that is the upper limit of the appropriate range Reduces the amount of water supplied to the electrostatic atomizer by the water supply means, reduces the amount of atomization, prevents excessive spraying of the amount of atomization in the storage chamber, and optimizes the amount of atomization in the storage chamber be able to.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is smaller than a third value that is a lower limit value of the appropriate range. If the water supply means increases the amount of water supplied to the electrostatic atomizer, and the current value detected by the discharge current detection means is smaller than the third value that is the lower limit of the appropriate range Can increase the amount of water supplied to the electrostatic atomizer by the water supply means, increase the amount of atomization, and optimize the amount of atomization into the storage chamber.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is greater than a second value that is larger by a predetermined value than the upper limit value of the appropriate range. When it becomes larger, the electrostatic atomizer is stopped. When the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means becomes larger than a second value larger than the upper limit value of the appropriate range, The safety can be improved by stopping the control device.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is smaller than a fourth value smaller than a lower limit value of the appropriate range by a predetermined value. When it becomes smaller, the electrostatic atomizer is stopped, and when the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means becomes smaller than the fourth value smaller than the lower limit value of the appropriate range, electrostatic atomization By stopping the device, the atomization operation in a lack of water can be prevented, safety can be improved, and power consumption can be reduced.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the atomization electrode portion is cooled to generate water by dew condensation from ambient air, and a refrigerator. It is not necessary to hold stored water such as a tank, and maintenance is not required.

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

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a longitudinal section on the left side when the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is cut left and right. FIG. 2: is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the left longitudinal cross section at the time of cutting the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator of the same embodiment into right and left. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration related to the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the particle diameter and the number of particles of mist generated by the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator of the same embodiment.

  FIG. 5 (a) is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the moisture content restoration effect and the mist spray amount on the wilted vegetables in the refrigerator of the embodiment, and the relationship between the appearance sensory evaluation value of the vegetable and the mist spray amount, FIG.5 (b) is the characteristic view which compared the change of the vitamin C amount in the refrigerator of the same embodiment with the prior art, FIG.5 (c) is the agricultural chemical removal of the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator of the same embodiment The characteristic figure which shows performance, FIG.5 (d) is a characteristic figure which shows the disinfection performance of the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator of the embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control in the refrigerator according to the embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control when the process proceeds to the atomization amount determination step in the flowchart of FIG.

  1, 2, and 3, a refrigerator 101 includes a box body (heat insulating box) 102, partitions 103 a, 103 b, and 103 c for creating compartments of a storage room, and a space for making these compartments a closed space It is insulated by the door 104, and is a storage space having different temperatures from the top to the refrigerator compartment 105, the switching compartment 106, the vegetable compartment 107, and the freezing compartment 108. Among them, the vegetable compartment 107 has a humidity of about 80% R.D. H or more (during food storage), cooled to 4 to 6 ° C.

  In addition, the refrigeration cycle for cooling the refrigerator 101 includes a compressor 111, a condenser, a decompression device (not shown) such as an expansion valve and a capillary tube, and an evaporator 112, which are sequentially connected in an annular manner by piping. The refrigerant is configured to circulate.

  Furthermore, there are air passages 113 for transporting the low-temperature air generated by the evaporator 112 to each storage room space, or for recovering the air heat-exchanged in the storage room space to the evaporator 112, and the air passage 113 is stored in each storage space. It is insulated by the chamber and the partition 114.

  Furthermore, in the vegetable compartment 107, the electrostatic atomizer 115 which is a spray means, the water collection | recovery part 116 for supplying water to this spray means (electrostatic atomizer 115), and the pores of vegetables are controlled. An irradiating means 117 is configured for this purpose.

  The electrostatic atomizer 115 includes an atomizing tank 118 for holding water from the water recovery unit 116, a nozzle tip 119 in the form of a nozzle for spraying into the vegetable compartment 107, and the nozzle tip. An atomizing electrode 120 is formed in contact with water in the vicinity of 119, the counter electrode 121 is maintained so as to maintain a certain distance in the vicinity of the opening of the nozzle tip 119 to be sprayed, and the counter electrode for holding the counter electrode 121. A holder 122 is attached. Furthermore, the negative electrode side of the voltage application unit 135 that generates a high voltage is electrically connected to the atomizing electrode 120 and the positive electrode side is electrically connected to the counter electrode 121. Moreover, the electrostatic atomizer 115 is attached to the partition 114 or the water collection | recovery cover 128 by the connection part 123 of an attachment member.

  The liquid (water) supplied to and adhering to the tip 119 of the nozzle is refined by high-voltage electrostatic energy applied between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121, and the droplets are further charged. By atomization, it is atomized into fine particles of several nm to several μm and sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107.

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

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

  In FIG. 3, the electrostatic atomizer 115 is applied with a high voltage from the voltage application unit 135 between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121. The discharge current detection means 136 detects the current value at the time of the application as a signal S1, and the signal is input as a signal S2 to the atomizer control circuit 137 which is a control means. The situation is grasped, and the output voltage of the voltage application unit 135 is adjusted as the signal S3. Further, this control means communicates with the atomizer control circuit 137 and the control circuit 139 of the refrigerator 101 main body, and also determines the operation of the irradiation means 117.

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

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

  Therefore, the water vapor generated in the storage room (vegetable room 107) by opening / closing the door 104 or breathing vegetables is made into a liquid by condensation, and the electrostatic atomizer 115 is operated to spray fine mist on the vegetable room 107. And quickly humidify the interior.

  An excess of water vapor in the vegetable compartment 107 is condensed on the cooling plate 125, and water droplets attached to the cooling plate 125 grow, drop onto the water recovery cover 128 by its own weight, flow through the water recovery cover 128, and an electrostatic atomizer 115 is stored in the atomizing tank 118. The condensed water is atomized from the nozzle tip 119 of the electrostatic atomizer 115 and sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107.

  At this time, the atomization electrode 120 in the vicinity of the nozzle tip 119 of the electrostatic atomizer 115 is set to the negative voltage side, the counter electrode 121 is set to the positive voltage side, and a high voltage (for example, 10 kV) is applied between the electrodes by the voltage application unit 135. Is applied. At this time, for example, corona discharge occurs between electrodes separated by a distance of 15 mm, atomized from the nozzle tip 119 in the vicinity of the atomizing electrode 120, and a nano-level fine mist having a charge of about 1 μm or less that cannot be visually observed, Accompanying this, ozone and OH radicals are generated. The voltage applied between the electrodes is as very high as 2 to 10 kV, but the discharge current value at that time is μA level, and the input is as low as 1 to 3 W. However, the generated fine mist is about 1 g / h and can be sufficiently atomized and humidified in the vegetable compartment 107.

  Further, when the discharge current value is input to the discharge current detection unit 136 as the signal S1, the current value is converted into a digital or analog voltage signal S2 that can be easily calculated by a CPU or the like and output to the atomization amount determination unit 138. . Next, the atomization amount determination means 138 converts the discharge current value into the atomization amount (it has been experimentally found that there is a correlation), and sends the control signal S3 to the voltage application unit 135 so as to be equal to or less than the predetermined atomization amount. Output to. Finally, the voltage application unit 135 changes the voltage value to be applied to generate a high voltage. Thereafter, feedback control is performed while looking at the discharge current value.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the mist sprayed from the nozzle tip 119 is a mist having two peaks of about several tens of nanometers and several μm, and the nano-level fine mist adhering to the vegetable surface contains OH radicals and the like. It contains a lot and is effective for sterilization, antibacterial, sterilization, etc. In addition, it promotes the increase of nutrients such as vitamin C amount by removing agricultural chemicals and antioxidants by oxidative degradation. Although the amount is small, it adheres to the vegetable surface and can keep moisture around the vegetable surface.

  At this time, fine water droplets adhere to the vegetable surface, but there is also a surface in contact with the air, so there is no obstruction of breathing and no water rot occurs. Therefore, the vegetable compartment 107 is at a high humidity, and at the same time, the humidity on the surface of the vegetable and the humidity in the storage room (vegetable compartment 107) are in an equilibrium state, and transpiration from the vegetable surface can be prevented. It penetrates into the tissue through the gaps between the cells on the surface of the fruit, water is supplied again into the deflated cells, and the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, resulting in a shakit.

When the electrostatic atomizer 115 is operating, the irradiation means 117 is turned on to irradiate the vegetables and fruits stored in the vegetable compartment 107. The irradiation means 117 irradiates light including blue light having a center wavelength of 470 nm, for example, a blue LED 133 or a lamp covered with a material that transmits only blue light. The photon of the blue light irradiated at this time is about 10 μmol / It is faint light of (m ² · s).

  In vegetables and fruits irradiated with weak blue light, the pores existing on the surface of the epidermis increase the opening of the pores compared to the normal state due to light stimulation of blue light. As a result, the space in the pores is expanded, the apparent relative humidity in the space is reduced, the equilibrium state is broken, and moisture is easily absorbed. Therefore, the mist adhering to the surface of the vegetables and fruits penetrates into the tissues from the surface of the open pores of the vegetables and fruits, and the moisture is evaporated to supply the moisture to the deflated cells, so that the vegetables are shaken. The state is restored and freshness is restored.

  Fig.5 (a) is the characteristic view which showed the relationship between the restoration | restoration effect of the water content with respect to the wilted vegetable, and the amount of atomization, and the relationship between the external appearance sensory evaluation value of a vegetable, and the amount of mist spraying. Since this experiment was conducted in a 70-liter vegetable room, the following spray amounts all indicate the spray amount per 70 liters.

  From FIG. 5 (a), the range in which the moisture content recovery effect of vegetables is 50% or more in the case of light irradiation is 0.05 to 10 g / h (= 0.007 to 0.14 g / h · per liter). l).

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

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

  On the other hand, if the amount of atomization of mist is too large, the moisture content allowable amount inside the vegetable will be exceeded, and moisture not taken into the vegetable will adhere to the outside of the vegetable, and this moisture will cause a part of the vegetable surface The phenomenon that water rot will occur and vegetables will hurt occurs.

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

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

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

  FIG. 5B is a characteristic diagram showing changes in the amount of vitamin C when the vitamin C concentration at the time of charging when the fine mist of the present invention is sprayed is 100. In this experiment, an average amount of vegetables (about 6 kg, 15 types) was stored in a 70-liter vegetable room, stored for 3 days, and the change in the amount of vitamin C in broccoli when sprayed with about 0.5 g / h of fine mist. The amount is compared with the existing refrigerator.

  In general, in a vegetable room environment of a refrigerator, the amount of vitamin C can be reduced by increasing the humidity and temperature, but the amount of vitamin C decreases in proportion to the number of days elapsed. Therefore, in order to maintain or increase the amount of vitamin C, it is necessary to give the stimulus such as antioxidant and light to vegetables.

  Therefore, in the present invention, vegetables were stimulated by OH radicals generated by electrostatic atomization and low-concentration ozone, and the amount of vitamin C was increased.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), in the conventional product, the amount of vitamin C was reduced by about 6% after 3 days from the time of introduction, but in the present product, broccoli was about 4% after 3 days. Vitamin C concentration is rising. This shows that the amount of vitamin C in vegetables is increased by stimulation with OH radicals and ozone.

  Moreover, FIG.5 (c) is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect when spraying fine mist, and the amount of mist spraying. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes to which about 3 ppm of malathion is attached are used, and the fine mist of the present invention is sprayed at about 0.5 g / h for 12 hours for removal treatment. And the removal rate is computed by measuring the residual malathion density | concentration after a process by gas chromatography (GC).

  As is apparent from FIG. 5 (c), in order to make the malathion removal rate about 50%, the spray amount needs to be 0.0007 g / h · L or more, and the effect of removing the pesticide increases with the increase of the spray amount. It has improved.

  Moreover, when the spray amount exceeds 0.07 g / h · L, the ozone concentration generated is more than 0.03 ppm although there is an effect of removing agricultural chemicals, it is difficult to apply to a household refrigerator from the viewpoint of human safety. The ozone concentration of 0.03 ppm is a level that does not cause an ozone odor, and is an upper limit value of the ozone concentration that has an agrochemical decomposition effect without causing adverse effects such as tissue damage to vegetables. Thus, the appropriate range of the spray amount is 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.07 g / h · L or less.

  Furthermore, FIG.5 (d) is a characteristic view which shows the microbe elimination effect when spraying fine mist. In this experiment, E. coli was placed in a 70 L container in advance, and the fine mist of the present invention was sprayed at 1 g / h, and the progress of the rate of decrease in the number of E. coli was measured. In addition, the result at the time of spraying the same quantity with an ultrasonic atomizer is shown for the comparison object.

  From FIG. 5 (d), the sterilization rate of the product of the present invention is clearly higher than that of the conventional product, and 99.8% can be sterilized after 7 days. Thereby, vegetables and containers can be kept clean.

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

When the humidification mode is entered in step 501, the electrostatic atomizer 115 is turned on in step 502, the spraying time t ₁ is set, the timer t ₂ is started, and the vegetable chamber 107 is sprayed with mist. Next, the irradiation means 117 in step 503 is turned on. Thereby, the blue LED 133 is turned on, and the pore opening degree of the vegetable is increased. As a result, the mist adhering to the surface of the vegetable is easily taken into the vegetable through the pores and cell gaps.

Then, the timer _{t 2} is OFF the electrostatic atomization apparatus 115 Once beyond the set time _{t 1} in step 504, resets the _{t 2,} then set the stopping time _{t 3,} a timer is started _{t 4.} At this time, the irradiation means 117 is turned OFF in step 506. And when the timer _{t 4} exceeds the stop time _{t 3} in step 507, it resets the timer _{t 4,} procedure returns to step 502.

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

When the process proceeds to step 508, the detected current value i is first read and determined as in step 509. When the detected current value i is less than the first programmed value i ₁ and greater than or equal to the third value i _{3, the} fine mist sprayed from the nozzle tip 119 in the vicinity of the atomizing electrode 120 as in step 510. The amount of atomization is determined to be an appropriate value, and after waiting for Δt seconds, the process proceeds to step 509 again to repeat the determination.

At this time, if the detected current value i is not the third value i ₃ or more and the first value i ₁ or less, the process proceeds to step 512 and the applied voltage applied between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is reduced. Variable current value and input are controlled.

First, when it is determined in step 512 that the detected current value i is larger than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 513. If the detected current is smaller than the second value i _{2 in} step 513, the applied voltage between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is reduced by a preset voltage ΔV, whereby the current value, input Reducing air discharge and reducing the amount of atomization.

Further, when the detected current value i is larger than the second value i ₂ in step 513, it is considered that the air discharge is promoted and the atomization amount exceeds the upper limit because the current value is large. In this case, the spray amount is It is considered that there is no water in the vicinity of the atomizing electrode 120 at the nozzle tip 119, or between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 in order to ensure the safety of the electrostatic atomizer 115 and the refrigerator 101. In step 516, the electrostatic atomizer 115 is stopped. Next, at step 517, the irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 505.

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

If detected current value i in step 519 in the fourth value i ₄ or more, increasing the take voltage applied between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121, the input, to increase the electrostatic energy, the atomization amount Increase. As a result, the antibacterial and bactericidal properties are improved, and the preservation of vegetables can be improved.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the atomizing electrode 120 for applying a voltage to the water supplied to the nozzle tip 119 and the counter electrode 121 are provided in the storage room (vegetable room 107). Electrostatic atomization device 115 for spraying fine mist, voltage application unit 135 for applying a high voltage between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121, and water supply means for supplying water to the electrostatic atomization device 115 (Water recovery unit 116 and water recovery cover 128), atomization amount determination means 138 for determining the atomization amount of fine mist sprayed from electrostatic atomizer 115, and atomization amount determination means 138 Control means for adjusting the atomization amount of the electrostatic atomizer 115 according to the signal, and the atomization amount determination means 138 is constituted by a discharge current detection means 136 for detecting a current when the voltage application unit 135 is discharged. , The control means, the discharge current By comprising the atomizer control circuit 137 that controls the voltage of the voltage application unit 135 based on the signal detected by the output means 136, the amount of atomization at the nozzle tip 119, which is the atomization unit, is expressed as a current value. Since the amount of atomization can be optimized by grasping and controlling the current value, stabilization of the amount of atomization sprayed in the storage room (vegetable room 107), improvement of the freshness of vegetables, storage room (vegetable room 107) and It can sterilize vegetables, decompose agricultural chemicals on the surface of vegetables, increase nutrients such as vitamin C, and can be downsized and inexpensive because no other detection means are used.

  In addition, the storage room (vegetable room 107) is maintained at high humidity and at the same time, abnormal condensation in the storage room (vegetable room 107) is prevented, and an appropriate amount of mist spraying is performed to improve the freshness of vegetables. A refrigerator can be provided. In addition, by grasping the amount of atomization, the amount of atomization to the vegetable compartment 107 can be adjusted while spraying with fine mist, thus preventing excessive spraying, improving the freshness of vegetables, antibacterial activity and removal of the vegetable compartment 107 Bacteria performance can be improved. Also, by determining the atomization amount from the current value detected by the discharge current detection means 136 and controlling the voltage of the voltage application unit 135, it is possible to cope with only the control circuit, so no additional parts are required, and it is simple and inexpensive. Can be configured.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is larger than the first value i ₁ that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range, the voltage application unit 135 is used as the atomizing electrode. Since the voltage applied between 120 and the counter electrode 121 is forcibly reduced, the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be reduced, and the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) is excessive. Spraying can be prevented and safety can be improved. Further, when the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is smaller than the third value i ₃ that is the lower limit value of the appropriate range, the voltage application unit 135 causes the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 to Since the voltage applied between them is forcibly increased, the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) is increased, the appropriate amount of atomization is sprayed on the vegetable room, and the antibacterial and sterilizing ability is improved, and the agricultural chemical decomposition performance Can be improved. Therefore, optimization of the atomization amount of the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be achieved.

In the first embodiment, the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is larger than the second value i _{2 that} is a predetermined value larger than the first value i ₁ that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range. In this case, the voltage applied between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is set to zero, and the electrostatic atomizing device 115 is stopped, so that safety can be further improved.

In the first embodiment, the detection current value i detected by the discharge current detection unit 136, becomes smaller than a third predetermined value smaller fourth than the value i ₃ value i ₄ which is the lower limit of the proper range In this case, the voltage applied between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is set to zero to stop the electrostatic atomizing device 115, thereby preventing the atomization operation in a lack of water and improving the safety. In addition, wasteful discharge can be prevented and power consumption can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in this Embodiment 1, since dew condensation water is used, the mineral etc. which are mixed in the tap water etc. are minute, the factor which becomes clogged with the nozzle front-end | tip part 119 is removed, and lifetime Reliability is improved.

  In the first embodiment, when the door 104 is determined to be open using the door opening / closing switch, the electrostatic atomizer 115 is turned off. Thereby, since there is no mist spraying in the open space, the spraying efficiency is improved and no potential difference is generated, so that the food can be safely touched.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8: is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the vertical cross section of the left side at the time of cutting the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2 of this invention into right and left. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration related to the electrostatic atomizer of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control in the refrigerator according to the embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control when the process proceeds to the atomization amount determination step in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description will be made centering on parts different from the first embodiment, and detailed description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In FIG. 8, the electrostatic atomizer 115 has an atomizing tank 118, and the water recovery cover 128 and the atomizing tank 118, which are part of the water recovery unit 116, determine the amount of water supplied to the atomizing tank 118. A pipe-shaped flow path 155 made of resin or the like is connected via an on-off valve 154 such as an electromagnetic valve for adjustment.

  In FIG. 9, a high voltage is applied from the voltage application unit 135 between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121. The discharge current detection means 136 detects the current value at the time of the application as a signal S1, and the signal is input as a signal S2 to the atomizer control circuit 137 which is a control means. The amount is grasped, and the output voltage of the voltage application unit 135 is adjusted as the signal S3. Further, this control means communicates with the atomizer control circuit 137 and the refrigerator control circuit 139 of the refrigerator 101 main body, and also determines the operation of the irradiation means 117 and the on-off valve 154.

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

  Water droplets collected by the water collection cover 128 gradually grow, flow along the inner surface of the water collection cover 128, and flow to the flow path 155. When the on-off valve 154 is open, the water stored in the water recovery cover 128 flows into the atomization tank 118 and is between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 in the vicinity of the nozzle tip 119 that is an atomization unit. When a high voltage is applied, the particles are atomized and the water droplets are further charged. Therefore, the particles are further atomized by Rayleigh splitting, and a fine mist having extremely fine nano-level particles is sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107. At this time, the on-off valve 154 can adjust the amount of water at intervals of the on-off time, so that the supply amount can be adjusted and the atomization amount can be adjusted.

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

  The sprayed fine mist causes the inside of the vegetable compartment 107 to become highly humid again and at the same time adheres to the surface of the vegetables and fruits in the state of pores in the vegetable compartment 107, penetrates into the tissue from the pores, and the moisture evaporates. Water is supplied again into the deflated cells, and the deflation is eliminated by the swelling pressure of the cells, and it returns to a crispy state. In particular, the fine mist is negatively charged due to electrostatic atomization, and usually the vegetables are positively charged, so the fine mist is likely to adhere to the surface. In addition, since nano-level particles exist, moisture can be absorbed even from the cell space. Furthermore, it is very light because it is a particle of 1 μm or less. By improving the diffusibility, the fine mist spreads throughout the vegetable compartment, improving the freshness, and does not stand out even if it adheres to the container, so the quality is not impaired. .

  In addition, the vegetable pores irradiated with the weak blue light by the irradiating means 117 have a larger opening of the pores than the normal state due to the light stimulation of the blue light. This allows fine mist adhering to the surface of vegetables and fruits to permeate into the tissue from the surface of the open pores of vegetables and fruits, transpiration of water, and supply moisture to the deflated cells, shaky state It returns to the freshness.

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

When the humidification mode is entered in step 501, the on-off valve 154 in the flow path 155 is opened in step 551, and the water stored in the water recovery cover 128 is allowed to flow to the electrostatic atomizer 115. Then Δt seconds later, and ON the electrostatic atomization apparatus 115 in step 502, set the spraying time _{t 1,} the timer is started _{t 2,} spraying the fine mist into the vegetable compartment 107. Next, the irradiation means 117 in step 503 is turned on. Thereby, the blue LED 133 is turned on, and the pore opening degree of the vegetable is increased. Thereby, it becomes easy to take in the fine mist adhering to the surface of vegetables into the inside of a vegetable from a pore or a cell space.

Then, the timer _{t 2} is OFF the electrostatic atomization apparatus 115 Once beyond the set time _{t 1} in step 504, resets the _{t 2,} then set the stopping time _{t 3,} a timer is started _{t 4.} At this time, in step 552, the on-off valve 154 is closed, and the irradiation means 117 is also turned off. When the timer _{t 4} exceeds the stop time _{t 3} in step 507, it resets the timer _{t 4,} procedure returns to step 502.

Here, if the timer _{t 2} is less than the spray time _{t 1} at step 504, the process proceeds to atomization determination mode of Step 508 shown in FIG. 10.

When the process proceeds to step 508, the detected current value i is first read and determined as in step 509. When the detected current value i is less than the first programmed value i ₁ and greater than or equal to the third value i ₃ , the atomization amount of the fine mist sprayed from the nozzle tip 119 as in step 561 is an appropriate value. Therefore, the on-off valve 154 is kept open.

Then, after waiting for Δt seconds, the process again proceeds to step 509 and the determination is repeated. At this time, if the detected current value i is not the third value i ₃ or more and the first value i ₁ or less, the process proceeds to step 512 to send to the atomizing tank 118 in order to adjust the atomization amount. Control the amount of water.

First, when it is determined in step 512 that the detected current value i is larger than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 513. If the sensed current in the step 513 is less than the second value i _2, although the operation of the electrostatic atomization apparatus 115 in Step 562 to continue on-off valve 154 is switched to the closed state. Thereby, the atomization amount sprayed from the nozzle front-end | tip part 119 reduces.

Further, if the detected current value i is larger than the second value i ₂ in step 513, it is considered that the amount of atomization from the nozzle tip 119 is very large. In this case, the electrostatic atomizer 115 in step 563 is considered. In order to ensure the safety of the refrigerator 101, the applied voltage between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is set to zero, the electrostatic atomizing device 115 is stopped in step 516, and the on-off valve 154 is also switched to the closed state. . Next, at step 517, the irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 505.

If the detected current value i is smaller than i ₁ in step 512, the process proceeds to step 519. Since detected current value i in step 519 if the fourth value i ₄ less is considered that some abnormality such as disconnection occurs in the control circuit, stop the electrostatic atomization apparatus 115 from step 564, the on-off valve 154 Is closed, the irradiation means 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to Step 505. However, in this case, an abnormal flag is written in the storage device in the circuit, and when the cumulative number of flag writings exceeds a predetermined number of times, a notification means (not shown) attached to the refrigerator main body is operated to prompt the user. You may do that.

If detected current value i in step 519 in the fourth value i ₄ above, also maintains its vegetable compartment environment by maintaining the open state of the on-off valve 154.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 for applying a voltage to the water supplied to the nozzle tip 119 are provided in the storage room (vegetable room 107). Electrostatic atomization device 115 for spraying fine mist, voltage application unit 135 for applying a high voltage between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121, and water supply means for supplying water to the electrostatic atomization device 115 (On-off valve 154), atomization amount determination means 138 for determining the atomization amount of fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic atomizer 115, and electrostatic atomization based on signals from the atomization amount determination means 138 Control means for adjusting the atomization amount of the device 115, the atomization amount determination means 138 is constituted by a discharge current detection means 136 for detecting a current when the voltage application unit 135 is discharged, and the control means By the discharge current detection means 136 By comprising the atomizer control circuit 137 and the refrigerator control circuit 139 that control the opening and closing of the on-off valve 154 based on the known signal, the amount of atomization at the nozzle tip 119, which is an atomization section, is expressed as a current value. Since it can grasp and optimize the water supply amount by the on-off valve 154 and the atomization amount, it stabilizes the atomization amount sprayed in the storage room (vegetable room 107), improves the freshness of vegetables, and is antibacterial , Sterilization of storage room (vegetable room 107) and vegetables, decomposition of agricultural chemicals on the vegetable surface, increase of nutrients such as vitamin C and prevention of water rot due to condensation in the vegetable room 107, and other detection means Can be made smaller and less expensive.

  In addition, the storage room (vegetable room 107) is maintained at high humidity and at the same time, abnormal condensation in the storage room (vegetable room 107) is prevented, and an appropriate amount of mist spraying is performed to improve the freshness of vegetables. A refrigerator can be provided. In addition, by grasping the amount of atomization, the amount of atomization to the vegetable compartment 107 can be adjusted while spraying with fine mist, thus preventing excessive spraying, improving the freshness of vegetables, antibacterial activity and removal of the vegetable compartment 107 Bacteria performance can be improved. Further, by determining the atomization amount from the current value detected by the discharge current detection means 136 and controlling the opening / closing of the on-off valve 154, the control circuit can cope with it, and the amount of water can be easily adjusted by the on-off valve 154 that opens and closes the water channel. Can be configured easily and inexpensively.

In the second embodiment, when the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is larger than the first value i ₁ that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range, the on-off valve 154 is switched to the closed state. Since the amount of water supplied to the atomization section is reduced, the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be reduced, and excessive spraying of the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be prevented. Can be increased.

In the second embodiment, the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is larger than the second value i _{2 that} is a predetermined value larger than the first value i ₁ that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range. In this case, safety can be improved by setting the applied voltage between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 to zero, stopping the electrostatic atomizing device 115, and closing the on-off valve 154.

In the second embodiment, the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is smaller than the fourth value i _{4 that} is a predetermined value smaller than the third value i ₃ that is the lower limit value of the appropriate range. In this case, the applied voltage between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is set to zero, the electrostatic atomizing device 115 is stopped, and the on-off valve 154 is also closed, so that the atomization operation in the lack of water is performed. Thus, safety can be improved, wasteful discharge can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 2, since it is a very fine mist with a particle diameter of 1 micrometer or less, a diffusibility improves, it can reduce the dew condensation in the vegetable compartment 107, and it also leads to the cost reduction by reduction of a member.

  In the second embodiment, the spray direction of the electrostatic atomizer 115 is installed in the horizontal direction, but the electrostatic atomizer 115 can be installed in the downward direction. In this case, since it is sprayed from above, the fine mist can be diffused uniformly. Moreover, since fine 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, downsizing and cost reduction are possible.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing a left longitudinal section when the water supply tank periphery of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is cut to the left and right, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure relevant to the electrostatic atomizer of the refrigerator of the form. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control when the process proceeds to the atomization amount determination step by the control in the refrigerator of the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description will be made centering on parts different from Embodiment 1 or 2, and detailed description of the same parts as Embodiment 1 or 2 will be omitted.

  12 and 13, the vegetable compartment 107 stores food such as vegetables and fruits in a vegetable case 160, and an upper portion thereof is a container for suppressing transpiration from food stored in the vegetable case 160. A lid 161 for maintaining the internal humidity is configured, and a nozzle tip 119 that is an atomizing portion of the electrostatic atomizer 115 that is a spraying means is directed toward the inside of the gap between the vegetable case 160 and the lid 161. Configured.

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

  In order to supply water from the electrostatic atomizer 115, a water supply tank 162 is configured in the refrigerator compartment 105, and an atomization tank 118 provided in the water supply tank 162 and the electrostatic atomizer 115 is provided with a filter 164. A flow path 163a and a narrow pipe flow path 163b are formed around the water feed pump 165 via a water feed pump 165 using any one of a stepping motor, a gear, a tube, a piezoelectric, and the like. The narrow pipe flow path 163b and the atomizing tank 118 are formed. Through this, water is supplied to the nozzle tip 119, and a part thereof is embedded in the partitions 103 a, 103 b, 114 and the refrigerator box 102.

  The electrostatic atomization device 115 detects the discharge current value at the atomization electrode 120 by the discharge current detection means 136, and outputs the output of the atomization amount determination means 138 of the atomization device control circuit 137 to the refrigerator control circuit 139 of the refrigerator main body. To determine the operation of the water pump 165 and the irradiation means 117. The atomizer control circuit 137 and the refrigerator control circuit 139 may be configured on the same substrate.

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

  The water stored in the water supply tank 162 determines whether to supply water from the flow path 163 to the electrostatic atomizer 115 by the operation of the water supply pump 165. When the water supply pump 165 is ON, water supplied in advance by the user flows toward the electrostatic atomizer 115. At this time, the water flowing through the flow paths 163a and 163b flows into the filter 164 installed in advance to remove impurities such as dust and foreign matters, and the capillary flow path 163b is hermetically sealed. The nozzle tip 119 of the atomizer 115 can be prevented from being clogged, and at the same time, dust and bacteria can be prevented from entering, thereby ensuring hygiene.

  The narrow tube channel 163b is embedded in a heat insulating material such as the partition 114 and flows while preventing freezing. Although not shown here, a heater for ensuring temperature may be in close contact with the narrow tube channel 163b on the outer periphery of the channel. Then, water is supplied from the flow path 163b to the atomizing tank 118 of the electrostatic atomizer 115, and a high voltage is applied between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 in the vicinity of the nozzle tip 119 which is an atomizing unit. When applied, the particles are atomized and the water droplets are further charged. Therefore, the particles are further atomized by Rayleigh splitting, and a fine mist having extremely fine nano-level particles is sprayed on the vegetable compartment 107.

  At this time, the fine tube flow path 163b is thinner than the flow path 163a, so that trace water can be easily controlled, and the accuracy of the amount of spray in the vegetable compartment 107 can be improved. Further, by using the water pump 165, adjustment of the number of steps, the number of rotations of the motor, and the like can be easily performed. And the amount of atomization can be controlled.

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

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

When the atomization determination is performed in step 508, the detection current value i is first read and determined as in step 509. When the detected current value i is less than the first programmed value i ₁ and greater than or equal to the third value i ₃ , the atomization amount of the fine mist sprayed from the nozzle tip 119 as in step 571 is an appropriate value. It is determined that the amount of water supplied to the electrostatic atomizer 115 by the water pump 165 is appropriate, and the amount of water supplied is continued.

Then, after waiting for Δt seconds, the process again proceeds to step 509 and the determination is repeated. If the detected current value i is not greater than or equal to the third value i _{3 and not} greater than the first value i ₁ at this time, the flow proceeds to step 512, the water supply amount is controlled by the water pump 165, and the electrostatic atomizer 115 Adjust the amount of atomization.

First, when it is determined in step 512 that the detected current value i is larger than the first value i ₁ , the process proceeds to step 513. If the detected current is smaller than the second value i _{2 in} step 513, the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 115 is continued in step 572, but the amount of water flowing from the water supply pump 165 is reduced. As a result, the water level in the atomizing tank 118 is lowered and the pressure head difference is reduced, so that the pressure applied to the nozzle tip 119 is reduced, and therefore the amount of atomization is reduced.

On the other hand, if the detected current value i is larger than the second value i ₂ in step 513, the current value increases because the amount of atomization is large. In this case, in order to ensure the safety of the electrostatic atomizer 115 and the refrigerator 101 in step 563, the applied voltage between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is made zero, and the electrostatic atomizer 115 is stopped in step 516. At the same time, the water supply of the water supply pump 165 is also stopped. Next, at step 517, the irradiation unit 117 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 505.

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

If the sensed current value i in step 519 the fourth value i ₄ above, atomization amount is increased by increasing by a value water amount has been set in advance of the water pump 165, improvement in antimicrobial, and Promote the degradation of agricultural chemicals.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 for applying a voltage to the water supplied to the nozzle tip 119 are provided in the storage room (vegetable room 107). Electrostatic atomization device 115 for spraying fine mist, voltage application unit 135 for applying a high voltage between the atomization electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121, and water supply means for supplying water to the electrostatic atomization device 115 (Water feed pump 165), atomization amount determination means 138 for determining the atomization amount of fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic atomizer 115, and signals from the atomization amount determination means 138 for electrostatic atomization Control means for adjusting the atomization amount of the device 115, the atomization amount determination means 138 is constituted by a discharge current detection means 136 for detecting a current when the voltage application unit 135 is discharged, and the control means By the discharge current detection means 136 The atomization device control circuit 137 and the refrigerator control circuit 139 for controlling the water supply amount of the water supply pump 165 based on the detected signal are used to determine the amount of atomization at the nozzle tip 119, which is an atomization portion, as a current. By grasping the value, the amount of water supply can be optimized by the amount of water supplied by the water pump 165, and the amount of atomization can be optimized, so that the amount of atomization sprayed in the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be stabilized, and the freshness of vegetables Improving antibacterial properties simultaneously with improvement, sterilization of storage room (vegetable room 107) and vegetables, decomposition of agricultural chemicals on the surface of vegetables, increase of nutrients such as vitamin C and prevention of water rot due to condensation in the vegetable room 107, Further, since no other detection means is used, the size can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the storage room (vegetable room 107) is maintained at high humidity and at the same time, abnormal condensation in the storage room (vegetable room 107) is prevented, and an appropriate amount of mist spraying is performed to improve the freshness of vegetables. A refrigerator can be provided. In addition, by grasping the amount of atomization, the amount of atomization to the vegetable compartment 107 can be adjusted while spraying with fine mist, thus preventing excessive spraying, improving the freshness of vegetables, antibacterial activity and removal of the vegetable compartment 107 Bacteria performance can be improved. Further, by determining the atomization amount from the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 and controlling the water supply amount of the water pump 165, it can be handled by the control circuit, and the water amount can be easily adjusted by the water supply amount of the water pump 165. Can be configured easily and inexpensively.

  In addition, since the water supply means is the water supply pump 165, the amount of water can be easily adjusted, and water can be pumped up, so that the position of the water source such as the water supply tank 162 can be changed to the electrostatic atomizer 115. Since it becomes possible to arrange below, the freedom degree of design increases.

Further, in the third embodiment, when the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is larger than the first value i ₁ that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range, the amount of water flowing from the water supply pump 165 is reduced. Since the amount of water supplied to the atomizing section is reduced, the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be reduced, and excessive spraying of the amount of atomization in the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be prevented. Can be increased. Further, the increase detected current value i detected by the discharge current detection unit 136, when it becomes smaller than the third value i ₃ which is the lower limit of the proper range, by a value water amount has been set in advance of the water pump 165 As a result, the amount of atomization is increased, and the appropriate amount of atomization is sprayed onto the vegetable compartment 107, while improving antibacterial and sterilizing capabilities and improving the agricultural chemical decomposition performance. Therefore, optimization of the atomization amount of the storage room (vegetable room 107) can be achieved.

In the third embodiment, the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is larger than the second value i _{2 that} is a predetermined value larger than the first value i ₁ that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range. In this case, it is possible to improve safety by setting the applied voltage between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 to zero, stopping the electrostatic atomizing device 115, and stopping water supply of the water supply pump 165.

In the third embodiment, the detected current value i detected by the discharge current detecting means 136 is smaller than the fourth value i _{4 that} is a predetermined value smaller than the third value i ₃ that is the lower limit value of the appropriate range. In such a case, the applied voltage between the atomizing electrode 120 and the counter electrode 121 is set to zero, the electrostatic atomizing device 115 is stopped, and the water supply pump 165 is also stopped to perform the atomization operation in the lack of water. Can be prevented and safety can be improved, wasteful discharge can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 3, since the channel cross-sectional area from the water supply pump 165 to the atomization tank 118 is made thinner than the channel cross-sectional area from the water supply tank 162 to the water pump 165, it is easy to control a trace amount of water. The accuracy of the spray amount in the vegetable compartment 107 can be improved. Further, by using the water pump 165, adjustment of the number of steps and the number of rotations of the motor can be easily performed. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the third embodiment, by using the water supply pump 165, it is possible to adjust the amount of water by changing the amount of water supplied linearly according to the rotation speed or the like, so that it is possible to adjust the spray amount with high accuracy.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 3, since the water supply tank 162 can be arrange | positioned also outside the vegetable compartment 107, the capacity | capacitance of the vegetable compartment 107 can be ensured and food can fully be accommodated.

  Further, in the third embodiment, since the water supply tank 162 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 105, there is no fear of freezing and a heater for temperature compensation is not necessary. Furthermore, since it can also be used as an ice making tank, the storage capacity of the refrigerator is not reduced.

  Further, in the third embodiment, by providing the counter electrode above the nozzle tip 119, the mist is drawn upward, the spraying distance is extended, and at the same time, the mist is sprayed while avoiding the food at the nozzle tip 119. be able to.

  In the third embodiment, the counter electrode 121 is attached to the electrostatic atomizer 115, but may be provided on a part of the top cover or part of the container. In this case, useless protrusions are eliminated and the storage capacity increases.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 15: is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the vertical cross section of the left side at the time of cut | disconnecting the vegetable compartment and its peripheral part of the refrigerator in Embodiment 4 of this invention right and left.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description will be made centering on portions that are different from the first to third embodiments, and detailed description of the same portions as the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

  In FIG. 15, in the rear part of the refrigerator, the low-temperature air generated by the evaporator 112 is conveyed to each storage room space by the cool air circulation fan 201, or the air exchanged in the storage room space is collected in the evaporator 112. There is an air passage 113 and it is partitioned by a partition 114.

  The electrostatic atomizer 202 includes an atomizing electrode 203, a counter electrode 205 provided to maintain a constant distance in the vicinity of the tip end portion 204, and a counter electrode holder 206 for holding the counter electrode 205. The positive electrode side is electrically connected so that the atomizing electrode 203 and the negative electrode side become the counter electrode 205. The liquid supplied / adhered to the tip end portion 204 is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 107 by subdividing the droplets by high-voltage electrostatic energy applied between the atomizing electrode 203 and the counter electrode 205.

  Moreover, the electrostatic atomizer 202 is embedded and installed in the partition 114 so that the front-end | tip part 204 which sprays fine mist faces in the vegetable compartment 107. As shown in FIG.

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

  The atomization electrode 203 of the electrostatic atomizer 202 is cooled by heat conduction through the partition 114 by the low-temperature air in the air passage 113 generated by the evaporator 112. Thereby, since the atomization electrode 203 part becomes lower than the atmospheric temperature in the vegetable compartment 107, since water is supplied to the front-end | tip part 204 by the dew condensation from the surrounding air, spraying fine mist on the vegetable compartment 107 Can do.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the atomizing electrode 203 is cooled to condense the ambient air in the storage room (vegetable room 107) and supply water, so that the tank is provided in the refrigerator. It is not necessary to hold the stored water, and maintenance is not required.

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

The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of this invention The principal part expanded sectional view of the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator of the embodiment The block diagram which shows the control structure relevant to the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator of the embodiment The characteristic view which shows the relationship between the particle diameter of the mist generated by the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator of the embodiment, and the number of particles (A) Characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the restoring effect of the moisture content on the wilted vegetables and the mist spray amount in the refrigerator of the embodiment and the relationship between the appearance sensory evaluation value of the vegetables and the mist spray amount (b) (C) The characteristic diagram which shows the agrochemical removal performance of the electrostatic atomizer in the refrigerator of the same embodiment (d) The refrigerator of the same embodiment Chart showing the disinfection performance of the electrostatic atomizer in Japan The flowchart which shows the control in the refrigerator of the embodiment The flowchart which shows the control at the time of transfering to the step of atomization amount determination in the flowchart of FIG. The principal part expanded sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the control structure relevant to the electrostatic atomizer of the refrigerator of the embodiment The flowchart which shows the control in the refrigerator of the embodiment The flowchart which shows the control at the time of transfering to the step of atomization amount determination in the flowchart of FIG. The principal part expanded sectional view which shows the water supply tank periphery part of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 3 of this invention from the vegetable compartment. The block diagram which shows the control structure relevant to the electrostatic atomizer of the refrigerator of the embodiment The flowchart which shows the control at the time of transfering to the step of atomization amount determination by control in the refrigerator of the embodiment The principal part expanded sectional view of the vegetable compartment and its peripheral part of the refrigerator in Embodiment 4 of this invention The principal part longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the vegetable compartment of the conventional refrigerator described in patent document 1 The enlarged perspective view which shows the principal part of the ultrasonic atomizer provided in the vegetable room of the conventional refrigerator The principal part longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the refrigerator compartment and vegetable room of the conventional refrigerator described in patent document 2 The principal part expanded sectional view of the humidification means provided in the vegetable room of the conventional refrigerator Schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional deodorant spray device described in Patent Document 3 Schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the conventional deodorant spraying device Schematic configuration diagram showing another form of the conventional deodorant spraying device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Refrigerator 107 Vegetable room 115,202 Electrostatic atomizer 116 Water recovery part 118 Atomization tank 119,204 Nozzle tip part 120,203 Atomization electrode 121,205 Counter electrode 128 Water recovery cover 135 Voltage application part 136 Discharge current Detection means 137 Atomization device control circuit 138 Atomization amount determination means 139 Refrigerator control circuit 154 On-off valve 155 Flow path 165 Water supply pump

Claims (5)

An electrostatic atomizing device having an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode for applying a voltage to water supplied to the tip of the nozzle and spraying fine mist in the storage chamber, the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode A voltage application unit that applies a high voltage between the water, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrostatic atomizer, and an atomization amount of fine mist sprayed from the electrostatic atomizer and atomization amount determination means, and control means for adjusting the atomization amount of the electrostatic atomization apparatus by a signal from the atomization amount determination unit,
The atomization amount determination means includes discharge current detection means for detecting a current when the voltage application unit discharges, and the control means applies the voltage application based on a signal detected by the discharge current detection means. A control circuit for controlling the voltage of the part,
When the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means is larger than the first value that is the upper limit value of the appropriate range, the voltage applied by the voltage application unit is applied between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode. Forced to decrease <br/> Refrigerator. If the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means becomes smaller than the third value is a lower limit of the proper range, the voltage by the voltage applying portion is applied between the counter electrode and the atomizing electrode The refrigerator according to claim 1 , which is forcibly increased. If the current value detected by the discharge current detecting means becomes larger than a predetermined value larger second value than the upper limit of the proper range, refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 stops the electrostatic atomization apparatus. The discharge current current value detected by the detecting means, when it becomes smaller than a predetermined value smaller fourth value than the lower limit of the proper range, any one of claims 1 to 3 for stopping the electrostatic atomization apparatus Refrigerator. The refrigerator according to claim 1, any one of 4 to produce water by condensation from the ambient air by cooling the atomization electrodes.