JP7441451B2 - storage room - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to storage.

As described in Patent Document 1, by forming an electric field in a container serving as a storage and storing fresh foods in this electric field-forming atmosphere, the freshness of the fresh foods can be improved compared to the case where no electric field is formed. It is known that it can be kept for a long time. In the container of Patent Document 1, a plate-shaped electrode in which many small holes are regularly formed is used as an electrode for forming an electric field inside the container. It has a structure that is installed on the surface.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-250773

However, in Patent Document 1, since the electrode for forming the electric field has a flat plate shape, the distance between the electrode and the inner surface of the container tends to become small. Therefore, an electric field is likely to be formed between the electrode and the inner surface of the container, and it is difficult to cause the electric field to efficiently act on the fresh food in the cooling container.

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage that can efficiently apply an electric field to stored objects (particularly fresh foods) and maintain the freshness of the objects for a longer period of time.

Such objects are achieved by the invention described below.

(1) A storage main body having a storage chamber for storing the object;
an electrode provided within the housing chamber for forming an electric field within the housing chamber;
The electrode includes a support portion supported by an inner wall of the storage chamber;
a protruding portion protruding from the support portion toward the accommodation chamber;
The storage unit characterized in that a distance between the protruding portion and the inner wall is larger than a distance between the supporting portion and the inner wall.

(2) The storage according to (1) above, wherein the electrode is provided on a ceiling surface of the storage chamber.

(3) The storage according to (2) above, wherein the protrusion has a flat base provided along the ceiling surface.

(4) The storage according to (3) above, wherein the base has a recessed part recessed toward the ceiling surface.

(5) The storage according to any one of (1) to (4) above, including an insulator that is interposed between the electrode and the storage main body and insulates the electrode and the storage main body.

(6) a support member fixed to the storage main body via the insulator and having an insertion hole into which the support part can be inserted;
A fixing member that is inserted into the insertion hole together with the support part and fixes the support part to the support member by sandwiching the support part between the fixing member and the support member. Containment warehouse.

(7) The storage according to any one of (1) to (6) above, in which the state of the electric field changes over time.

(8) having a plurality of the electrodes;
The storage according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein different voltages are applied to the plurality of electrodes.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the distance between the housing main body and the protruding portion of the electrode, so that an electric field can be effectively formed within the housing chamber. Therefore, an electric field can be efficiently applied to the objects (particularly fresh foods) housed in the storage chamber, and the freshness of the objects can be maintained for a longer period of time.

It is a perspective view showing the whole container concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the inside of the container body. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an electric field forming device provided in the container body. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a fixture and electrodes included in the electric field generating device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixture and electrodes included in the electric field generating device. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the electrode. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the electrode. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the electrode. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixture and electrodes included in the electric field generating device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixture and electrodes included in the electric field generating device. It is a sectional view showing a windproof member provided inside the container main body. It is a sectional view showing a windproof member provided inside the container main body. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the effect of electrodes. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixture and electrodes included in an electric field generating device for a container according to a second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side view of the fixture shown in FIG. 14; It is a figure which shows the voltage applied to the electrode of the container based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the voltage applied to the electrode of the container based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the voltage applied to the electrode of the container based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the voltage applied to the electrode of the container based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the electrode provided in the container based on 5th Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing voltages applied to electrodes.

<First embodiment>
A container 1 (accommodation warehouse) shown in FIG. 1 is a mobile container mounted on a truck, ship, airplane, or the like. The container 1 is a reefer container, and includes a container main body 2 (accommodation main body) having a storage chamber 20 for storing objects, a cooling device 3 that cools the inside of the storage chamber 20, and an electric field formed in the storage chamber 20. The electric field forming device 4 has an electric field forming device 4 and a windproof member 8 that blocks wind toward the electrode 5 of the electric field forming device 4. The container 1 has a configuration that complies with international standards (ISO standards), and is, for example, a "20-foot container" with a total length of 20 feet or a "40-foot container" with a total length of 40 feet. In this way, by having a configuration that complies with international standards, the container 1 is excellent in convenience and versatility, and furthermore, has sufficient reliability.

However, the container 1 does not necessarily need to comply with international standards (ISO standards), and the shape of the container 1 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the container 1 may be a fixed container used in a store, warehouse, etc. instead of a mobile container. Moreover, for example, it may be installed on the loading platform of a truck or the like. Furthermore, the storage is not limited to the container 1, but can also be applied to, for example, a cooling warehouse, a refrigerator, etc.

Target objects are not particularly limited, and include, for example, seafood such as fish, shrimp, crab, squid, octopus, and shellfish, and processed foods thereof, and fruits such as strawberries, apples, bananas, mandarin oranges, grapes, and pears, and fruits such as these. Examples include processed foods, vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, and processed foods thereof, fresh foods such as meat such as beef, pork, chicken, and horse meat, and various dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Among these, particularly preferred objects are fresh foods. In the following, the target object will be explained as fresh food.

The container body 2 is grounded when in use. In other words, it is connected to ground. Further, the container main body 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the depth direction, and is provided with a storage chamber 20 for storing objects therein. The container body 2 is mainly composed of an inner wall, an outer wall, and a heat insulating material provided between the inner wall and the outer wall, so that the storage chamber 20 is sufficiently insulated and is not easily affected by outside temperature. It becomes. With such a configuration, the inside of the storage chamber 20 can be efficiently cooled by the cooling device 3. Note that, although not particularly limited, the inner wall and the outer wall can each be made of various metals such as stainless steel and aluminum.

Further, a pair of double doors 21 and 22 are provided at the front end of the container body 2 in FIG. By opening the doors 21 and 22, it becomes possible to carry the object into or out of the storage chamber 20. However, the arrangement and configuration of the doors 21 and 22 are not particularly limited. On the other hand, a cooling device 3 is provided at the end of the container body 2 on the back side in FIG. In the container 1 of this embodiment, the wall located at the far end of the container body 2 in FIG. It may be composed of.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling device 3 is provided at the back end of the storage chamber 20 when viewed from the doors 21 and 22, and includes a suction section 31 that sucks air inside the storage chamber 20, and an intake section 31 that sucks air inside the storage chamber 20. A cooling device 32 that cools the air taken in from the cooling device 31 , a blowout portion 33 that blows out the air cooled by the cooling device 32 , that is, cold air, into the accommodation chamber 20 , and a temperature sensor 34 that detects the temperature inside the accommodation chamber 20 . have

The blowing section 33 is provided near the floor surface 202 of the storage chamber 20 and blows out cold air toward the floor surface 202. The cold air blown out from the blow-off part 33 flows along the plurality of grooves 24 formed along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2 on the floor surface 202 of the storage chamber 20, and hits the doors 21 and 22, or hits the doors 21, 22 or in front of them. It rises and reaches the ceiling surface 201 of the storage chamber 20. On the other hand, the suction unit 31 is provided near the ceiling surface 201 of the storage chamber 20 and sucks in the cold air rising from the floor surface 202 to the ceiling surface 201 or its vicinity. Further, the temperature and air volume of the cold air are controlled so that the temperature inside the storage chamber 20 detected by the temperature sensor 34 becomes the target temperature.

According to such a configuration, the cold air can be efficiently circulated throughout the storage chamber 20 and the temperature inside the storage chamber 20 can be maintained at the target temperature. The object X can be evenly and appropriately cooled. The temperature that can be set inside the storage chamber 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about -30°C to +30°C, for example. However, the configuration and arrangement of the cooling device 3 are not particularly limited as long as the inside of the storage chamber 20 can be cooled.

The electric field forming device 4 has a function of forming an electric field in the storage chamber 20 and causing the formed electric field to act on the object contained in the storage chamber 20. As shown in FIG. 3, such an electric field forming device 4 includes a plurality of electrodes 5 provided in a storage chamber 20, a fixture 6 for fixing each electrode 5 to a ceiling surface 201 of the storage chamber 20, and a plurality of electrodes 5 provided in a storage chamber 20. It has a voltage application device 7 that applies a driving voltage for forming an electric field to the electrode 5.

The fixture 6 has a plurality of fixing rail pairs 60 for fixing one electrode 5 to the ceiling surface 201 of the storage chamber 20. The plurality of fixed rail pairs 60 are arranged in a matrix along the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the container body 2. Further, adjacent pairs of fixed rails 60 are provided apart from each other and are electrically insulated.

In this embodiment, three fixed rail pairs 60 are arranged in parallel along the width direction of the container main body 2, and eight fixed rail pairs 60 are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the container main body 2. That is, a total of 24 fixed rail pairs 60 are regularly provided on the ceiling surface 201. However, the number and arrangement of the fixed rail pairs 60 are not particularly limited, and can be set as appropriate depending on the size, purpose, etc. of the container body 2.

Next, the configuration of the fixed rail pair 60 will be described. Since each fixed rail pair 60 has a similar configuration, below, one fixed rail pair 60 will be explained as a representative, and the remaining fixed rail pairs 60, the explanation thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed rail pair 60 has a pair of fixed rails 61 and 65 that support one corresponding electrode 5. The fixed rails 61 and 65 are each fixed to the ceiling surface 201 of the storage chamber 20. Further, the fixed rails 61 and 65 are provided side by side in the width direction of the container body 2, and extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2, respectively.

The fixed rail 61 includes a conductive electrode support rail 62 (support member) and an insulating block 63 (insulator) interposed between the electrode support rail 62 and the ceiling surface 201. The ceiling surface 201, that is, the container main body 2, and the electrode support rail 62 are insulated by this. Note that the insulating block 63 includes a block-shaped first portion 631 and a plate-shaped second portion 632. These first and second portions 631 and 632 are constructed as separate bodies and are fixed by, for example, screws or the like. Similarly, the fixed rail 65 includes a conductive electrode support rail 66 and an insulating block 67 interposed between the electrode support rail 66 and the ceiling surface 201. The container body 2 and the electrode support rail 66 are insulated. Note that the insulating block 67 includes a block-shaped first portion 671 and a plate-shaped second portion 672. These first and second portions 671 and 672 are constructed as separate bodies and are fixed, for example, with screws or the like.

Although not shown, in this embodiment, the insulating blocks 63 and 67 are screwed to the ceiling surface 201, and the electrode support rails 62 and 66 are screwed to the insulating blocks 63 and 67. However, the method of fixing the insulating blocks 63 and 67 to the ceiling surface 201 and the method of fixing the electrode support rails 62 and 66 to the insulating blocks 63 and 67 are not particularly limited.

Further, the constituent material of each electrode support rail 62, 66 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, and various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used, for example. Furthermore, the constituent materials of each insulating block 63, 67 are not particularly limited as long as they have insulating properties, and examples include various resin materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), various ceramic materials such as alumina and titania, etc. Porcelain materials containing quartz as a main component, such as those used for insulators, various glass materials, etc. can be used.

The electrode support rail 62 has an insertion hole 621 that extends along its longitudinal direction, passes through both end faces in the longitudinal direction, and opens on the side surface on the electrode support rail 66 side. That is, the electrode support rail 62 has a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional shape, and is tubular with the side opening 621a facing the other electrode support rail 66 side. Similarly, the electrode support rail 66 has an insertion hole 661 extending along its longitudinal direction, penetrating both end faces in the longitudinal direction, and opening on the side surface on the electrode support rail 62 side. That is, the electrode support rail 66 has a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional shape, and has a tubular shape with the side opening 661a facing the other electrode support rail 62 side. Support parts 51 and 52, which will be described later, of the electrode 5 are inserted into the insertion holes 621 and 661.

Here, we will briefly move on to the explanation of the electrode 5. As mentioned above, the fixed rail pairs 60 are provided three along the width direction of the container main body 2 and eight along the longitudinal direction of the container main body 2, a total of 24, and each of these fixed rail pairs 60 has one fixed rail pair. Two electrodes 5 are fixed. That is, three electrodes 5 are provided along the width direction of the container body 2, and eight electrodes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2, for a total of 24 electrodes.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of electrodes 5 may be fixed to one fixed rail pair 60, or conversely, one electrode 5 may be fixed to a plurality of fixed rail pairs 60. good. Further, the electrodes 5 do not need to be arranged regularly in a matrix, and for example, the electrodes 5 may be thinned out here and there from a 3×8 matrix.

Since each of these electrodes 5 has a similar configuration, one electrode 5 will be explained below as a representative, and the explanation of the remaining electrodes 5 will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode 5 is provided on the ceiling surface 201 of the storage chamber 20 via a fixed rail pair 60. By providing the electrode 5 on the ceiling surface 201, a wider object storage space 200 (see FIG. 2) formed between the floor surface 202 and the electrode 5 can be secured. In addition, for example, when carrying objects into the storage chamber 20 or carrying them out of the storage chamber 20 using a forklift or the like, the electrodes 5 are less likely to get in the way, allowing safe and smooth loading and unloading. be able to. However, the arrangement of the electrodes 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the electrodes 5 may be provided on the side surface (one side or both sides) of the storage chamber 20 via a pair of fixed rails 60, or the electrodes 5 may be provided on the floor surface 202 with a pair of fixed rails 60 interposed therebetween. It may also be provided via.

Moreover, the electrode 5 is provided in the housing chamber 20 in an exposed state, that is, in a naked state. In other words, the electrode 5 is not housed in or covered by another member. As a result, unnecessary members are not disposed around the electrode 5, and a wider accommodating space 200 can be secured.

Further, the electrode 5 is formed by bending a conductive plate material into a mountain fold or a valley fold along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction of the container body 2. The electrode 5 has a substantially Ω-shaped cross-sectional shape, and has a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2. The constituent material of the electrode 5 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, and various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used, for example.

The electrode 5 is located between a pair of support parts 51 and 52 that are provided side by side in the width direction (the width direction of the container body 2), and is located between the support parts 51 and 52, and extends downward from the support parts 51 and 52. It has a protrusion 53 that protrudes toward.

The protrusion 53 has a downwardly convex shape with both widthwise ends curved upward, and includes a base 531 located at the center in the widthwise direction, one widthwise end of the base 531, and one support part 51. and a connecting portion 533 that connects the other end of the base portion 531 in the width direction and the other support portion 52. The base 531 has a flat plate shape and is provided substantially parallel to the ceiling surface 201. Further, the upper surface of the base portion 531 is located below the lower surfaces of the supporting portions 51 and 52. Therefore, the distance D1 between the protrusion 53 and the ceiling surface 201 is larger than the distance D2 between the supports 51 and 52 and the ceiling surface 201. In other words, the relationship is D1>D2. In addition, the separation distance D1 means the average separation distance between the protrusion part 53 and the ceiling surface 201, and the separation distance D2 means the average separation distance between the support parts 51 and 52 and the ceiling surface 201.

Further, the base portion 531 is formed with a plurality of recessed portions 531a that are slightly recessed toward the ceiling surface 201 side. The plurality of recessed portions 531a each have a longitudinal shape extending in the width direction of the electrode 5, and are regularly provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the electrode 5. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, each recessed portion 531a has a recess depth approximately equal to the thickness of the electrode 5, and is formed to be sufficiently shallow compared to the protrusion amount of the protrusion portion 53. Therefore, the base portion 531 satisfies the above-described relationship D1>D2 also in each recessed portion 531a. Note that the recessed portion 531a may be omitted.

Both of the connecting portions 532 and 533 have a flat plate shape, and are inclined with respect to the base 531 such that the inclination angle θ with respect to the base 531 is less than 90°. In other words, the connecting portions 532 and 533 are provided in a tapered shape such that the distance between them decreases from the ceiling surface 201 side toward the floor surface 202 side. Therefore, the protrusion 53 has a trapezoidal shape. Note that the inclination angle θ is not particularly limited, and may be 90° or more.

The support part 51 is located between a substantially U-shaped groove forming part 511 having a groove 511a opening downward and along the fixed rail 61, and the groove forming part 511 and the connecting part 532, and is connected to the ceiling surface 201. It has a substantially parallel plate-shaped flat portion 512. Similarly, the support part 52 is located between a substantially U-shaped groove forming part 521 having a groove 521a opening downward and along the fixed rail 65, and the groove forming part 521 and the connecting part 533, and is located on the ceiling. It has a plate-like flat portion 522 that is substantially parallel to the surface 201 .

The configuration of the electrode 5 has been described above. Note that, as described above, in this embodiment, the electrode 5 is formed by bending a plate-shaped electrode member, but the method for forming the electrode 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the electrode 5 may be formed by extrusion molding. Further, in this embodiment, the electrode 5 has a substantially uniform thickness over its entire region, but the electrode 5 is not limited to this, and may have a structure in which a portion has a thickness different from other portions.

Further, in this embodiment, the protrusion 53 has a trapezoidal bent shape, but the shape of the protrusion 53 is not particularly limited as long as it protrudes downward from the support parts 51 and 52. For example, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, it may be curved downward in a semicircular shape, or as shown in FIG. 7, it may be bent in a V-shape such that the base portion 531 is omitted. Further, in the present embodiment, the electrode 5 is exposed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an insulating film 59 may be provided on the lower surface of the electrode 5. Thereby, contact between the object X accommodated in the accommodation chamber 20 and the electrode 5 is prevented, and the safety of the container 1 is increased.

In the electrode 5 having such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support portion 51 is inserted into the insertion hole 621 of the electrode support rail 62, and the support portion 52 is inserted into the insertion hole 661 of the electrode support rail 66. Ru. In this way, by inserting the support parts 51 and 52 into the insertion holes 621 and 661, the electrode 5 can be supported by the fixed rails 61 and 65 with a simple configuration. As described above, since the insertion holes 621 and 661 are open at both ends of the electrode support rails 62 and 66, for example, the support parts 51 and 52 can be inserted from the openings on the doors 21 and 22 side of the container body 2. By inserting the electrode 5 into the holes 621 and 661, the electrode 5 can be easily attached to the fixed rails 61 and 65.

Returning to the explanation of the fixed rail pair 60, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. It is formed large enough. Therefore, positioning of the electrode 5 within the storage chamber 20 becomes easy. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the width W of the openings 621a, 661a of the insertion holes 621, 661 is larger than the thickness T of the flat parts 512, 522 of the support parts 51, 52, It is smaller than the height H. In other words, the relationship T<W<H is satisfied. By satisfying such a relationship, the supporting parts 51 and 52 can slide freely within the insertion holes 621 and 661, and the supporting parts 51 and 52 can be slid out of the insertion holes 621 and 661 through the openings 621a and 661a. It is possible to prevent withdrawal.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed rail 61 further includes a long electrode fixing rail 64 (fixing member) inserted into the groove 511a of the groove forming part 511 inserted into the insertion hole 621. . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of screw holes 622 are formed in the electrode support rail 62 and penetrate through the lower surface of the electrode support rail 62 and the inner surface of the insertion hole 621. They are provided at approximately equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. Each screw hole 622 is provided with an electrode fixing screw S1 for sandwiching and fixing the support portion 51 between the electrode fixing rail 64 and the electrode support rail 62.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed rail 65 has a long electrode fixing rail 68 inserted into the groove 521a of the groove forming part 521 inserted into the insertion hole 661. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of screw holes 662 are formed in the electrode support rail 66 and penetrate through the lower surface of the electrode support rail 66 and the inner surface of the insertion hole 661. are provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. Each screw hole 662 is provided with an electrode fixing screw S2 for sandwiching and fixing the support part 52 between the electrode fixing rail 68 and the electrode support rail 66.

When the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 are tightened, the amount of protrusion of the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 into the insertion holes 621 and 661 increases, and the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68 are pushed by the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2. moves upward. As shown in FIG. 9, the supporting parts 51 and 52 are sandwiched between the upper surfaces 641 and 681 of the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68 and the ceiling surfaces 621b and 661b of the insertion holes 621 and 661, and the The electrode 5 is fixed to the electrode support rails 62 and 66 by frictional force. Further, the electrode support rail 62 and the electrode 5 are in contact with each other, and are electrically connected.

On the other hand, when the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 are loosened, the amount of protrusion of the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 into the insertion holes 621 and 661 decreases, and the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68 move downward accordingly. . Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the supports 51 and 52 are released from between the upper surfaces 641 and 681 of the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68 and the ceiling surfaces 621b and 661b of the insertion holes 621 and 661, and the electrode support rails 62 and The fixation of electrode 5 to 66 is released. In this state, the electrode 5 can slide on the electrode support rails 62 and 66. According to such a configuration, it becomes easy to remove and clean the dirty electrode 5, or to remove and replace the broken electrode 5, for example.

Returning to FIG. 3, the ceiling surface 201 of the container body 2 suppresses airflow (particularly upward airflow) from flowing from outside the container between the electrode 5 and the ceiling surface 201 when the doors 21 and 22 are opened. A windproof member 8 is provided. The windproof member 8 has electrical insulating properties, and its main constituent materials include various resin materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), various ceramic materials such as alumina and titania, and quartz used in insulators. Porcelain materials, various glass materials, etc. can be used.

The windproof member 8 is provided between the electrodes 5x, 5y, 5z located closest to the doors 21, 22 and the doors 21, 22. Further, the windproof member 8 has a plate shape extending along the width direction of the storage chamber 20, and projects downward from the ceiling surface 201. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the windproof member 8 covers at least one of the openings Q formed between the electrode 5 and the ceiling surface 201 when viewed from inside the storage chamber 20 from the doors 21 and 22 side. It is set up to cover the area. In particular, in this embodiment, since the lower end of the windproof member 8 is located below the electrode 5, the windproof member 8 closes the entire area of the opening Q.

Such a windproof member 8 suppresses the flow of air from the opening Q into between the electrode 5 and the ceiling surface 201, and for example, dirt, dust, dust, etc. may adhere to the ceiling surface 201 or the electrode 5, and the relevant portion may become damaged. Contamination can be effectively suppressed. However, the structure of the windproof member 8 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform its function. Moreover, the windproof member 8 may be omitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the windproof member 8 is provided with an ozonizer 81 (ozone generator). As a result, ozone (O ₃ ) can be supplied into the storage chamber 20, so that gas generated from the object can be decomposed by ozone (O ₃ ), and the object stored in the storage chamber 20 can be The freshness of X can be maintained more effectively. However, the ozonizer 81 may be omitted.

Next, the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes 5 will be explained. As described above, a total of 24 electrodes 5 are provided, three along the width direction of the container body 2 and eight along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, among the plurality of electrodes 5, eight electrodes are provided biased toward one end in the width direction of the container body 2 and lined up along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2. The electrodes 5 are also referred to as "electrodes 5x," and the eight electrodes 5 that are provided biased toward the other end in the width direction of the container body 2 and lined up along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2 are also referred to as "electrodes 5y." The eight electrodes 5 provided at the widthwise central portion of the main body 2, that is, between the electrodes 5x and 5y, and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the container main body 2 are also referred to as "electrodes 5z."

Among the eight electrodes 5x lined up along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2, a pair of adjacent electrodes 5x, 5x are provided apart from each other, and a gap G is formed between them. In this way, by providing the gap G between the pair of adjacent electrodes 5x, 5x, physical contact between the adjacent electrodes 5x, 5x can be prevented, and they can be electrically insulated. Similarly, among the eight electrodes 5y lined up along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2, a pair of adjacent electrodes 5y, 5y are provided apart from each other, and a gap G is formed between them. Further, among the eight electrodes 5z arranged along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2, a pair of adjacent electrodes 5z, 5z are provided apart from each other, and a gap G is formed between them.

Further, each electrode 5x is connected in series via an electrical connection member 9 that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode support rails 62, 62. Similarly, each electrode 5y is connected in series via an electrical connection member 9 that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode support rails 62, 62, and each electrode 5z is connected to a pair of adjacent electrode support rails 62, 62 in series. 62 and 62 are connected in series via an electrical connection member 9 that electrically connects them. These three electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z are electrically connected to the voltage application device 7, respectively. Note that the electrical connection member 9 is not particularly limited, and for example, electrical wiring can be used.

The voltage application device 7 includes, for example, a high voltage transformer, and applies an alternating voltage Vac for forming an electric field to each electrode 5 (5x, 5y, 5z). When the voltage application device 7 applies an alternating voltage Vac to each electrode 5, an electric field is formed in the storage chamber 20 based on the potential difference between each electrode 5x, 5y, 5z and the container body 2 connected to the ground. be done. By applying this electric field to the object housed in the storage chamber 20, ripening of the object X can be promoted while maintaining its freshness. Therefore, compared to the case where no electric field is formed, the food object can be preserved for a longer period of time, and the flavor of the object can be amplified. In particular, in this embodiment, since the plurality of electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z are regularly provided over almost the entire area of the ceiling surface 201, an electric field can be effectively formed over the entire area of the storage chamber 20.

Note that the amplitude of the alternating voltage Vac is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 kV to 20 kV, for example. By applying the alternating voltage Vac with such an amplitude to each electrode 5x, 5y, and 5z, a sufficiently strong electric field can be formed in the storage chamber 20, and the above-mentioned effects can be more reliably exerted. can. Further, the frequency of the alternating voltage Vac is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 5 Hz to 50 kHz, for example. Note that the waveform of the alternating voltage Vac may be any waveform such as a sine wave, a rectangular wave, a sawtooth wave, etc., for example.

Here, according to the configuration of the electrode 5 described above, the base portion 531 of the protruding portion 53 is located below the supporting portions 51 and 52, and D1>D2, so for example, the chain line in FIG. Compared to the conventional flat plate electrode 50A that matches the height of the support parts 51 and 52 as shown by L1, a highly insulating air layer is formed with sufficient thickness between the base part 531 and the ceiling surface 201. be able to. Therefore, the capacitance between the base 531 and the ceiling surface 201 becomes smaller and larger than that of the conventional case. As a result, an electric field distributed between the base 531 and the ceiling surface 201 is less likely to be formed, and an electric field distributed in the accommodation space 200 for the object X between the base 531 and the floor 202 is more likely to be formed. . Therefore, the electric field can be efficiently and effectively applied to the object accommodated in the accommodation chamber 20. Furthermore, since D1>D2, the volume of the accommodation space 200 is larger than, for example, the conventional flat plate electrode 50B that matches the height of the base 531 as shown by the chain line L2 in FIG. The maximum loading capacity of objects increases accordingly. Therefore, more objects can be transported with one container 1, and the cost of transporting them can be reduced.

Note that the separation distance D1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, approximately 3 cm to 10 cm, and more preferably 4 cm to 8 cm. According to such a lower limit value, the separation distance D1 can be made sufficiently large, and the above-mentioned effects can be more significantly exhibited. On the contrary, according to such an upper limit value, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accommodation space 200, that is, a decrease in the maximum loading amount of the objects X due to an excessively large separation distance D1. On the other hand, the separation distance D2 is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the relationship D1>D2, but is preferably about 1 cm to 5 cm, and more preferably about 2 cm to 3 cm. According to such a numerical range, the separation distance D2 can be made sufficiently small, and the above-mentioned effects can be more significantly exhibited.

In particular, as described above, since the base portion 531 has a flat plate shape and is provided over a wide range of the protruding portion 53, the occupation rate of the portion corresponding to the separation distance D1 with respect to the entire electrode 5 becomes larger. Therefore, the above-mentioned effects can be more prominently exhibited.

Further, as described above, the base portion 531 of the electrode 5 is provided with a recessed portion 531a that is recessed upward. By providing such a recessed portion 531a, the mechanical strength of the electrode 5 is improved. Therefore, damage to the electrode 5 due to impact during transportation can be effectively suppressed. Further, by providing the recessed portion 531a, it is possible to suppress retention of moisture adhering to the upper surface of the base portion 531. Furthermore, by providing the recessed portion 531a, unevenness is formed on the lower surface of the base 531, and the electric field can be formed more efficiently in the housing space 200 due to the unevenness.

Further, as described above, a gap G is formed between a pair of electrodes 5, 5 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the container body 2. By forming the gap G, the state of the electric field (direction of the lines of electric force) can be changed in the portion, and the electric field can be formed more efficiently within the accommodation space 200.

<Second embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 14, in the container 1 of this embodiment, the groove forming part 511 is omitted from the support part 51 of each electrode 5, and the entire part is composed of a flat plate-like part 512 that is substantially parallel to the ceiling surface 201. ing. Similarly, the groove forming portion 521 is omitted from the support portion 52 of each electrode 5, and the entire support portion 521 is composed of a plate-shaped flat portion 522 that is substantially parallel to the ceiling surface 201. In accordance with this, the shapes of the insertion holes 621 and 661 formed in the electrode support rails 62 and 66 have also been changed, and the entire area thereof has a flat shape that is approximately equal to the width W of the openings 621a and 661a. There is.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68 are omitted from the fixing rails 61 and 65. Therefore, when the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 are tightened, the supporting parts 51 and 52 are sandwiched between the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 and the electrode support rails 62 and 67, and the frictional force generated between them causes the electrode are fixed to electrode support rails 62 and 66. On the other hand, when the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 are loosened, the supporting parts 51 and 52 are released from between the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 and the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68, and the electrode 5 is released from between the electrode fixing screws S1 and S2 and the electrode fixing rails 64 and 68. is unfixed.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, insertion holes 621 open on the outer surface 620 of the electrode support rail 62 at both ends of the electrode support rail 62, and the adjacent electrode support rails 62, 62 An electrode connecting member 10 is provided which is disposed astride the electrode support rails 62 and electrically connects the electrode support rails 62, 62. The electrode connecting member 10 is bent into a substantially L-shape, and includes a portion 101 that is inserted into the insertion hole 621 and electrically connected to the electrode 5 by contacting the support portion 51, and an electrode support rail 62. The portion 102 is located on the outer surface 620 of the electrode support rail 62 and is electrically connected to the electrode support rail 62 by contacting the electrode support rail 62. Such an electrode connecting member 10 is fixed to the electrode support rail 62 at the portion 102 by a fixing screw S31.

Similarly, at both ends of the electrode support rail 66, insertion holes 661 are opened in the outer surface 660 of the electrode support rail 66, and in this part, electrode support rails 66 are disposed astride the adjacent electrode support rails 66, 66, and these electrode support An electrode connecting member 11 is provided to electrically connect the rails 66, 66. The electrode connection member 11 is bent into a substantially L-shape, and includes a portion 111 that is inserted into the insertion hole 661 and electrically connected to the electrode 5 by contacting the support portion 52, and an electrode support rail 66. and a portion 112 located on the outer surface 660 of the electrode support rail 66 and electrically connected to the electrode support rail 66 by contacting the electrode support rail 66 . Such an electrode connecting member 11 is fixed to the electrode support rail 66 at the portion 112 by a fixing screw S32.

Note that the electrode connecting members 10 and 11 can be made of various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel.

<Third embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the voltage application device 7 changes the state of the electric field formed within the storage chamber 20 over time. By changing the state of the electric field within the storage chamber 20 over time, for example, compared to the case where the state of the electric field within the storage chamber 20 is kept constant, the growth (division) of microorganisms contained in the food can be suppressed. Can be suppressed. Therefore, the freshness of the objects stored in the storage chamber 20 can be maintained for a longer period of time.

The reason why the growth of microorganisms can be suppressed by changing the state of the electric field within the storage chamber 20 over time is that microorganisms have the property of starting to divide after becoming accustomed to the environment to a certain extent. By changing the state of the electric field over time, it is possible to switch to a different environment before the microorganisms get used to the current one, which can inhibit the microorganisms from getting used to the environment and, as a result, reduce the growth of the microorganisms. It can be suppressed. The microorganisms contained in the object include, for example, Salmonella, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (O157, O111, etc.), Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus cereus, and Norovirus. etc.

Here, "changing the state of the electric field over time" refers to, for example, changing over time at least one of the amplitude and frequency of the alternating voltage Aac applied to each electrode 5. Methods for changing the state of the electric field over time are not particularly limited, but include, for example, several methods shown below.

As a first method, as shown in FIG. 16, there is a method in which an alternating voltage Vac having a reference value of 0V and a constant amplitude and frequency is intermittently applied to each electrode 5. In FIG. 16, the voltage application device 7 alternately repeats a first state in which the alternating voltage Vac is applied to each electrode 5 and a second state in which the alternating voltage Vac is not applied to each electrode 5. That is, a first state in which an electric field is formed in the storage chamber 20 and a second state in which no electric field is formed are alternately repeated. In this way, by alternately repeating the first state and the second state, the state of the electric field can be changed over time with relatively simple control.

As a second method, as shown in FIG. 17, there is a method in which the amplitude of the alternating voltage Vac applied to each electrode 5 is changed over time. Note that changing the amplitude of the alternating voltage Vac over time means that the amplitude of the alternating voltage Vac may be changed periodically or irregularly (randomly). In FIG. 17, the voltage application device 7 is in a first state in which an alternating voltage Vac with a reference of 0V and an amplitude of E1 is applied to each electrode 5, and an alternating voltage Vac with a reference of 0V and an amplitude of E2 (≠E1) is applied to each electrode 5. and the second state in which the voltage is applied to each electrode 5 are alternately repeated. By alternately repeating the first state and the second state, the state of the electric field can be changed over time with relatively simple control.

The amplitude E1 is preferably twice or more, more preferably three times or more, and even more preferably four times or more as the amplitude E2. Thereby, the state of the electric field within the storage chamber 20 can be made sufficiently different between the first state and the second state, and it is possible to effectively suppress the microorganisms from becoming accustomed to the environment.

As a third method, as shown in FIG. 18, there is a method in which the frequency of the alternating voltage Vac applied to each electrode 5 is changed over time. Note that changing the frequency of the alternating voltage Vac over time means that the frequency of the alternating voltage Vac may be changed periodically or irregularly (randomly). In FIG. 18, the voltage application device 7 is in a first state in which an alternating voltage Vac having a frequency of f1 is applied to each electrode 5, and in a second state in which an alternating voltage Vac having a frequency f2 (≠ f1) is applied to each electrode 5. Repeat alternately. By alternately repeating the first state and the second state, the state of the electric field can be changed over time with relatively simple control.

The frequency f1 is preferably 10 times or more, more preferably 50 times or more, and even more preferably 100 times or more as high as the frequency f2. Thereby, the state of the electric field within the storage chamber 20 can be made sufficiently different between the first state and the second state, and it is possible to effectively suppress the microorganisms from becoming accustomed to the environment.

As a fourth method, as shown in FIG. 19, while applying an alternating voltage Vac with a reference of 0V and a constant amplitude and frequency to each electrode 5, a constant bias voltage Vb is applied intermittently. An example of this method is to apply an electric current. In FIG. 19, the voltage application device 7 alternates between a first state in which a superimposed voltage Vd of an alternating voltage Vac and a bias voltage Vb is applied to each electrode 5, and a second state in which an alternating voltage Vac is applied to each electrode 5. Repeat. By alternately switching between the first state and the second state, the state of the electric field can be changed over time with relatively simple control. In particular, with this method, the alternating voltage Vac can be kept constant, so the control is simpler than the second and third methods of changing the amplitude and frequency of the alternating voltage Vac.

Bias voltage Vb is smaller than the amplitude (maximum value) of alternating voltage Vac. Thereby, the superimposed voltage Vd can be made into an alternating current voltage. Therefore, in the first state, an electric field can be more reliably formed within the storage chamber 20. The bias voltage Vb is preferably 0.1 to 0.6 times the amplitude of the alternating voltage Vac, more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 times, and 0.3 to 0. More preferably, it is .4 times as large. This makes it possible to balance the time when the superimposed voltage Vd is on the positive side and the time when it is on the negative side, that is, it is possible to prevent one from becoming excessively long compared to the other, and it is possible to improve the efficiency in the first state. Therefore, an electric field can be created within the storage chamber 20. Furthermore, the state of the electric field within the storage chamber 20 can be made sufficiently different between the first state and the second state, and it is possible to effectively suppress microorganisms from becoming accustomed to the environment.

The first to fourth methods have been described above as methods for changing the state of the electric field over time. In any of the first to fourth methods, the state of the electric field is changed to It is preferable to change the time at intervals of at least 60 minutes, preferably at intervals of at least 2 minutes and at most 40 minutes, and preferably at intervals of at least 3 minutes and at most 30 minutes. In other words, the duration of the first state and the second state is preferably 1 minute or more and 60 minutes or less, more preferably 2 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less, and 3 minutes or more and 30 minutes or less, respectively. is even more preferable. This makes the time in the first state and the time in the second state sufficiently short, so that the microorganisms can more reliably switch to another environment before getting used to the current environment. In addition, it is possible to prevent the time in the first state and the time in the second state from becoming excessively short, and to effectively prevent microorganisms from returning to their original environment before they start responding to the new environment. be able to. In other words, the state of the electric field can be changed at a time interval slightly shorter than the division rate of microorganisms. Thereby, division of microorganisms can be suppressed more effectively. Note that the time in the first state and the time in the second state may be the same or different.

Here, microorganisms (1) have a division speed of approximately 10 to 40 minutes in a temperature range of approximately 10°C to 40°C, (2) the lower the temperature, the lower the division rate; (3) ) It is known that almost all microorganisms, except for some microorganisms, cannot grow at temperatures below 10°C, and (4) almost all microorganisms cannot grow at temperatures below 0°C. Therefore, as mentioned above, by changing the state of the electric field at intervals of 60 minutes or less, preferably 40 minutes or less, and more preferably 30 minutes or less, the time it takes for microorganisms to become accustomed to the environment (for example, about 10 minutes) can be reduced. Taking this into account, it is possible to change the state of the electric field at a time interval that is sufficiently shorter than the division rate of microorganisms. Therefore, the growth of microorganisms can be suppressed more reliably.

Furthermore, in any of the first to fourth methods, the electric field may be changed periodically or irregularly (randomly). In other words, the time in the first state and the time in the second state may be substantially the same each time, or the time in the first state and the time in the second state may vary irregularly each time. By changing the electric field periodically, drive control of the voltage application device 7 becomes easier than when changing the electric field irregularly. On the other hand, by irregularly changing the electric field, microbial growth may be suppressed more effectively than by periodically changing the electric field. Although this is just speculation, it is conceivable that if the electric field is changed periodically, the microorganisms may become accustomed to the periodic environmental changes themselves. In this way, even if microorganisms become accustomed to periodic environmental changes, the proliferation of microorganisms can be more effectively suppressed by irregularly changing the electric field.

Note that as a method for changing the state of the electric field over time, the first to fourth methods described above may be combined as appropriate. Further, in the first to fourth methods described above, the first state and the second state are alternately repeated, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first state and the second state and the state of the electric field. It may have at least one state (third state, fourth state, fifth state, etc.) in which the values are different, and these plurality of states may be repeated in order.

<Fourth embodiment>
In this embodiment, each electrode 5x, each electrode 5y, and each electrode 5z are each independently connected to the voltage application device 7. In this way, by providing three electric field forming systems, even if one electric field forming system fails, an electric field can be formed by the other two electric field forming systems. Thereby, the risk of not being able to form an electric field due to a failure is reduced, and high reliability can be achieved.

Moreover, the voltage application device 7 can also apply mutually different voltages to each electrode 5x, each electrode 5y, and each electrode 5z. That is, the container 1 has electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z as a plurality of electrodes, and different voltages are applied to these electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z. In this way, by applying different voltages to the electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z, the electric field can be changed periodically or irregularly, similarly to the second embodiment described above.

The voltages applied to each electrode 5x, 5y, and 5z are not particularly limited. For example, a first alternating voltage Vac1, which is the voltage applied to each electrode 5x, a second alternating voltage Vac2, which is the voltage applied to each electrode 5y, and a third alternating voltage Vac3, which is the voltage applied to each electrode 5z. The frequencies may be different from each other. Further, for example, the first alternating voltage Vac1, the second alternating voltage Vac2, and the third alternating voltage Vac3 may have different frequencies and amplitudes. Further, for example, the same waveforms may be used for the first alternating voltage Vac1, the second alternating voltage Vac2, and the third alternating voltage Vac3, and the phases thereof may be shifted from each other.

In this embodiment, the electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z are provided as a plurality of electrodes to which different voltages are applied, but the structure is such that at least two electrodes 5 are provided, and different voltages are applied to these electrodes. If so, it is not limited to this. For example, any one of the electrodes 5x, 5y, and 5z may be omitted, or on the contrary, at least one electrode to which a voltage can be applied independently may be added.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each electrode 5x constitutes one electrode group, each electrode 5y constitutes another electrode group, and each electrode 5z constitutes yet another electrode group. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, each electrode group may have at least one electrode 5x, 5y, and 5z. Further, each electrode group may have a different number of electrodes 5 forming the electrode groups. As described above, in the container 1, the electrodes 5 are provided on the ceiling surface 201 in a mutually insulated state, and the electrical connection member 9 is used to electrically connect desired electrodes 5 to each other. It has become. Therefore, the configuration of each electrode group can be easily changed to the desired configuration by simply changing the connection of the electrical connection members 9.

<Fifth embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, the electrode 5z is removed from the fixed rail pair 60, and the container 1 is composed of a first electrode group 5A composed of eight electrodes 5x and eight electrodes 5y. and a second electrode group 5B. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the voltage application device 7 applies a first alternating voltage Vac1 to the first electrode group 5A, and a second alternating voltage Vac2 having an opposite phase to the first alternating voltage Vac1 to the second electrode group 5B. Apply. Note that the first alternating voltage Vac1 and the second alternating voltage Vac2 have the same waveform and have the same frequency and amplitude.

By setting the first alternating voltage Vac1 and the second alternating voltage Vac2 in opposite phases, that is, by shifting the phases by 180°, the potential difference ΔV1 between the first electrode group 5A and the second electrode group 5B is changed between the first electrode group 5A and the container body 2. and the potential difference ΔV3 between the second electrode group 5B and the container body 2. That is, the relationships are ΔV1>ΔV2 and ΔV1>ΔV3. Therefore, there is more space between the first electrode group 5A and the second electrode group 5B than between the first electrode group 5A and the inner wall of the container body 2 or between the second electrode group 5B and the inner wall of the container body 2. An electric field is more likely to be formed.

Therefore, the electric field can be formed over a wider area of the storage chamber 20, preferably over the entire area, and the electric field can be applied efficiently to the object placed at any position within the storage chamber 20. Note that the above-mentioned "opposite phase" refers to a case where the phase difference between the first alternating voltage Vac1 and the second alternating voltage Vac2 is equal to 180 degrees, as well as a slight error that may occur technically (for example, ±10%). This meaning also includes cases where the term has .

Although the storage of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration that performs the same function, or any configuration can be added.

1 Container 2 Container body 20 Accommodation chamber 200 Accommodation space 201 Ceiling surface 202 Floor surface 21 Door 22 Door 24 Groove 3 Cooling device 31 Suction section 32 Cooling device 33 Blow-off section 34 Temperature sensor 4 Electric field forming device 5 Electrode 5A First electrode group 5B Second electrode group 5x Electrode 5y Electrode 5z Electrode 50A Flat electrode 50B Flat electrode 51 Support part 511 Groove forming part 511a Groove 512 Flat part 52 Support part 521 Groove forming part 521a Groove 522 Flat part 53 Projecting part 531 Base part 531a Recessed part 532 Connection part 533 Connection part 59 Insulating film 6 Fixture 60 Fixed rail pair 61 Fixed rail 62 Electrode support rail 621 Insertion hole 621a Opening 621b Ceiling surface 622 Screw hole 63 Insulation block 64 Electrode fixing rail 641 Top surface 65 Fixed rail 66 Electrode support rail 661 Insertion hole 661a Opening 661b Ceiling surface 662 Screw hole 67 Insulating block 68 Electrode fixing rail 681 Top surface 7 Voltage application device 8 Windproof member 9 Electrical connection member 10 Electrical connection member 101 Part 102 Part 11 Electrical connection member 111 Part 112 Part D1 Separation distance D2 Separation distance E1 Amplitude E2 Amplitude G Gap H Height L1 Chain line L2 Chain line Q Opening S1 Electrode fixing screw S2 Electrode fixing screw S31 Fixing screw S32 Fixing screw Vac Alternating voltage Vac1 First alternating voltage Vac2 Second alternating voltage Vb Bias Voltage Vd Superimposed voltage f1 Frequency f2 Frequency θ Inclination angle

Claims (4)

A storage main body having a storage chamber for storing the object;
an electrode provided within the housing chamber for forming an electric field within the housing chamber;
The electrode includes a pair of support parts supported on a ceiling surface of the storage chamber;
a protrusion disposed between the pair of support parts and protruding from the pair of support parts toward the inside of the storage chamber;
The protruding portion has a flat plate shape along the ceiling surface, and includes a base portion formed continuously along a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the pair of supporting portions are arranged,
The storage storage characterized in that a distance between the base and the ceiling surface is larger than a distance between the support section and the ceiling surface . The storage storage according to claim 1 , wherein the base has a recessed part recessed toward the ceiling surface. The storage according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an insulator interposed between the electrode and the storage main body to insulate the electrode and the storage main body. a support member fixed to the storage main body via the insulator and having an insertion hole into which the support part can be inserted;
The housing according to claim 3 , further comprising a fixing member that is inserted into the insertion hole together with the support part and fixes the support part to the support member by sandwiching the support part between the housing and the support member. Warehouse.