JPH07241431A - Storeroom at suitable humidity - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase the opening degree of a door means and to humidify from a humidifying port to maintain a storeroom in the condition of a proper humidity when the humidity of the storeroom is decrease lower than the range of the proper humidity by arranging a humidifying part having the humidifying port facing the storeroom and a door means opening the humidifying port. CONSTITUTION:Even when the use environmental temperature is varied and fresh air enters, by performing dehumidification by a Peltier element 2 and humidification by a humidifying door 6, air in a storeroom 10 is maintained in the range of a proper humidify. Therefore, the storeroom 10 is prevented from being dried too much, and even when a material to be stored has a resin or an adhesive, the crack of the resin and the separation of the adhesive are prevented. Further, since water formed by bedewing or freezing is accumulated in a tank 37 and the water is used to humidify the storeroom, it is favorable for preventing or saving trouble with feeding water to the tank 37. And when a simultaneous operation mode is performed, by the Peltier element 2 or by feeble opening of the humidifying door 6, humidification is continuously performed very little. Therefore, it is favorable for preventing the variation in humidity of the storeroom 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an appropriate humidity storage. This suitable humidity storage is, for example, an optical device such as a camera or a microscope,
It is suitable for storing electronic parts such as semiconductors, cosmetics, confectionery and other items to be stored.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When storing a storage object such as an optical device or an electronic component, if the humidity of the storage chamber of the storage is high, a problem such as mold formation occurs. Therefore, conventionally, a device equipped with a Peltier element that dehumidifies by dew condensation or freezing has been developed. That is, JP-A-2-187125 discloses that
The Peltier element is arranged in the box, the cooling fin is provided on the heat absorption side of the Peltier element, and the heat radiation fin is provided on the heat radiation side.
There is disclosed an electronic drying device in which a drainage portion communicating with the outside of the box is arranged. In this device, the power supply to the Peltier element is alternately switched, whereby the ice that has frozen by the cooling fins is melted, and the moisture is received by the drainage section and discharged to the outside of the box body. This device dehumidifies and dries the storage chamber, and does not have a function of humidifying the storage chamber.

Further, in JP-A-3-86023 and JP-A-2-75121, a Peltier element arranged in a box is equipped with a cooling board and a heat radiating board, and water such as sponge is absorbed outside the box. There is disclosed an electronic dehumidifying device in which a member is arranged and a water absorbing member and a cooling board are connected by a drain pipe. In this case, when the cooling plate is cooled by energizing the Peltier element, dew condensation occurs and the storage chamber is dehumidified, and the water formed by the dew condensation is absorbed by the water absorbing member through the drain pipe. This device dehumidifies and dries the storage chamber, and does not have a function of humidifying the storage chamber.

[0004]

By the way, some objects to be stored cannot be too dry. For example, it is generally said that the optimum humidity of an optical device is about 40 to 60%, and when it is stored in an environment with a high degree of dryness, problems such as resin cracking and peeling of an adhesive are likely to be induced. In particular, when the storage room is installed in a low temperature room and the operating temperature of the storage room rises due to heating of the storage room, the storage room temperature of the storage room also rises, and The humidity in the room drops significantly.

This is due to the following reasons. That is, assuming that the amount of water vapor contained in a fixed volume of air is e and the amount of saturated water vapor of the air is E, the humidity is {(e / E) × 10.
0}% is meant. Here, the saturated steam amount E varies depending on the temperature, and the saturated steam amount E increases as the temperature rises. Therefore, even when the absolute amount of water vapor in the storage chamber of the storage is the same, the humidity of the storage chamber decreases when the environmental temperature becomes high.

Further, it is generally said that it is preferable to store vegetables and fruits and vegetables in a humidity of 85% or more. In order to store the object to be stored in this manner, it is preferable to store it in an appropriate humidity range. The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and its object is to appropriately humidify the storage chamber when the humidity of the storage chamber is lower than the appropriate humidity range, so that the object to be stored in the storage chamber has an appropriate humidity. An object is to provide a suitable humidity storage box that is advantageous for storage.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an appropriate humidity storage cabinet, which comprises a storage cabinet body having a storage chamber, a heat dissipating section and a cooling section disposed in the storage cabinet body, and the cooling section prevents dew condensation or ice formation. In an appropriate humidity storage cabinet that includes a Peltier element that generates and dehumidifies the storage chamber, and a control unit that controls the operation of the Peltier element, a humidification unit having a moisture supply port facing the storage chamber and a moisture supply port are provided. A door means for opening and closing is provided. The moisturizing section has a moisturizing port facing the storage chamber. The moisturizing unit stores water for moisturizing, or
It can be configured by a container portion that accommodates a water absorbing member such as a sponge that absorbs water. It is preferable that the water absorbing member has a bactericide and a sterilizing agent from the viewpoint of preventing mold. The container part may be formed integrally with the storage cabinet body, or may be a tank system that can be attached to and detached from the storage cabinet body.

It is also preferable to improve the moisturizing ability of the moisturizing section by providing a heating device in the moisturizing section or in the vicinity of the moisturizing section and promoting natural evaporation of water in the moisturizing section by heating by the heating apparatus. A heating element including a nichrome wire or the like can be used as the heating device. Alternatively, the heat dissipation of the heat dissipation part of the Peltier device may be used. In this case, the heat radiating part of the Peltier element and the moisturizing part may be brought into close contact with each other or indirectly or directly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an appropriate humidity storage cabinet, which comprises a storage cabinet main body having a storage chamber, a heat radiation section and a cooling section arranged in the storage cabinet main body, and the cooling section produces dew condensation or ice to form the storage chamber. In a suitable humidity storage cabinet equipped with a Peltier element for dehumidifying and a control means for controlling the operation of the Peltier element, a humidification port that connects the outside air outside the storage cabinet body with the storage chamber and a moisturization port are opened and closed. And a door means for opening.

In the storage of the present invention, the door means opens and closes the moisture supply port. When the temperature of the storage chamber is low, the saturated water vapor amount E at that temperature is small, so the absolute amount of water vapor required to increase the humidity of the storage chamber is relatively small, and therefore depends on the volume of the storage chamber. Generally, the opening degree of the door means is relatively small. The aspect of the storage of the present invention will be further described. The control means is a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the storage room, and compares the humidity of the storage room detected by the humidity sensor with a predetermined threshold value to determine the humidity condition of the storage room, that is, the high humidity or the degree of dryness. Situation determination means,
The opening degree adjusting means for adjusting the opening degree of the door means according to the judgment by the humidity condition judging means can be provided. Further, the control means may include a Peltier element dehumidifying ability adjusting means for adjusting the dehumidifying ability of the Peltier element according to the determination by the humidity condition determining means. The control means may also include threshold setting means for setting or changing the magnitude of the threshold. The humidity sensor is preferably of a type that detects the relative humidity of the storage chamber, but may be of the type that detects absolute humidity and corrects it to the relative humidity.

[0011]

According to the first and second preferred humidity storages, the object to be stored is stored in the storage chamber of the storage main body. In this state, the Peltier element operates to cool the cooling unit, and the cooling unit forms dew or ice. Therefore, the amount of water vapor in the storage chamber is reduced and the storage chamber is dehumidified. When the humidity of the storage chamber is lower than the optimum humidity range, the opening degree of the door means is increased and the humidity is supplied from the humidification port, so that the storage chamber is maintained in the optimum humidity state.

[0012]

[Example 1]

(Structure of Embodiment) This example is applied to an optical device storage such as a camera. The storage main body 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in an installation room of a building. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage case body 1 is formed in a box shape having steel plates 1a to 1c, and has a storage chamber 10 inside. The volume of the storage chamber 10 can be set as appropriate, but can be, for example, several tens to several hundreds of liters. The storage room 10 is provided with a shelf 10e. The storage chamber 10 is opened and closed by a door 11. A seal member 13 made of a soft material such as rubber or soft resin is provided in the boundary area between the door 11 and the box body. Seal member 1
3 prevents the outside air from entering the storage chamber 10 and the air in the storage chamber 10 from leaking to the outside air.

The Peltier element 2 is arranged in the storage body 1. The Peltier element 2 is also called a thermoelectric element or an electronic cooling element, and has the Peltier effect of performing electronic cooling and electronic heating by energization. The Peltier element 2 has a heating portion that is tinged with heat and a heat absorbing portion that absorbs heat. When the Peltier element 2 is energized in one direction, the heating portion generates heat and the heat absorbing portion absorbs heat. Further, if the direction of the current passing through the Peltier element 2 is reversed, the heat generation and the heat absorption are reversed. Peltier element 2
Is a heat dissipation plate 20 as a heat dissipation unit provided on the heating unit side.
And a cooling plate 21 as a cooling unit provided on the heat absorbing unit side. The heat radiating plate 20 and the cooling plate 21 are both made of an aluminum alloy so as to ensure thermal conductivity. The heat dissipation plate 20 has a large area and also serves as the back plate of the storage case body 1. The cooling plate 21 has a smaller area than that of the heat radiating plate 20 so that the cooling capacity can be maintained and dew condensation or ice formation can be effectively performed. The cooling plate 21 is fixed to the heat radiating plate 20 by a screw 21c that is inserted through the through hole of the cooling plate 21, so that the Peltier element 2 is sandwiched between the heat radiating plate 20 and the cooling plate 21 in a close contact state.

The cover member 3 made of resin is fixed to the heat dissipation plate 20. Specifically, as can be understood from FIG. 2, the screw 3 is inserted into the through hole of the mounting collar portion 3b formed in the cover member 3.
c, and the cover member 3 is attached to the heat sink 20 by the screw 3c.
Is fixed to the inner wall surface 20r of the. The cover member 3 includes a grill portion 31 having a large number of through holes 30, and a grill portion 31.
And a water guiding portion 32 extending downward. The Peltier element 2 and the cooling plate 21 are arranged in a cooling chamber 31x formed by the grill portion 31. Water transfer section 32
The water guide path 35 is formed by the heat dissipation plate 20 and the heat dissipation plate 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the humidity sensor 4 for detecting the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is held by the grill portion 31.
The humidity sensor 4 detects the relative humidity of the storage room 10. Further, the storage cabinet body 1 is equipped with an outside air humidity sensor 42 that detects the humidity of the outside air, facing the through hole 1t. A tank 37 as a moisturizing unit is provided at the bottom of the storage body 1.
And the receiving hole 37c of the tank 37 faces the lower end of the water conduit 35. The tank 37 has a tank chamber 37 a having a water storage function and a moisture supply port 37 b capable of facing the storage chamber 10.
With and. Although the tank 37 is detachable from the storage case body 1, it may be formed integrally with the storage case body 1 in some cases. The humidifying port 37b is opened and closed by a humidifying door 6 as a door means.

Further, as schematically shown in FIG. 3, the drive motor 60, which is a stepping motor, is provided in the tank 3 of the storage main body 1.
It is equipped near 7. Further, the rotating body 61 rotated by the transmission mechanism 60i of the drive motor 60, and the male screw portion 62e screwed to the female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral portion of the rotating body 61.
Is provided, and the tip end of the screw shaft 62 is connected to the humidification door 6. Further, the moisture supply door 6 that is opened and closed
Is provided with a guide portion 10j.

The rotating body 61 can rotate about the axis of the screw shaft 62, but can be displaced in the directions of arrows X1 and X2. Therefore, when the drive motor 60 rotates in one direction, the rotating body 61 rotates, and the screw shaft 62 moves toward the arrow X1.
Direction, the moisturizing door 6 is guided by the guide portion 10j and moves in the arrow X1 direction, and the moisturizing door 6 closes the moisturizing port 37b. When the drive motor 60 rotates in the other direction with the humidification door 6 closed, the rotating body 61 rotates in the reverse direction, and the screw shaft 62 is rotated.
Moves in the direction of arrow X2, the humidifying door 6 is guided by the guide portion 10j and moves to arrow X2, and the humidifying door 6 opens the humidifying port 37b.

Further, a control means 7 is arranged in the storage body 1. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the control means 7. The control means 7 includes an input processing circuit 71, a microcomputer 72, an output processing circuit 73, and a memory 74. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal from the humidity sensor 4 and the outside air humidity sensor 42 are input to the control means 7. The signal of the mode changeover switch 70 provided on the operation panel equipped in the storage cabinet body 1 is input to the control means 7. This mode changeover switch 70 is used for the humidification door 6
Is a switch for switching between a normal mode in which the opening / closing operation is repeated and a simultaneous operation mode in which the moisturizing door 6 is weakly and continuously opened and the Peltier element 2 is simultaneously and weakly and continuously operated. Therefore, the mode changeover switch 70 constitutes a simultaneous operation selecting means. The setting device 78 is provided on the operation panel and has reference values H1 and H that function as threshold values described later.
2, H3, and H4 are set, and they function as threshold value setting means. The data set by the user with the setting device 78 is stored in the memory 74. The reference value may be stored in the memory 74 in advance without using the setter 78. The control signal of the control means 7 is input to the Peltier element drive circuit 29, and the Peltier element 2 is controlled. The control signal of the control means 7 is input to the motor drive circuit 61, which controls the drive motor 60 and the opening and closing of the humidification door 6.

(Use) Now, the operation of this storage will be described together with the method of use. First, an object to be stored such as an optical device is stored in the storage chamber 10 of the storage main body 1. The temperature of the storage chamber 10 basically depends on the temperature of the outside air except for the influence of cooling by the Peltier device 2. The humidity of the storage room 10 is detected by the humidity sensor 4. When the humidity of the storage chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 4 is high and exceeds the first reference value H1 (for example, 60%), the control means 7 causes the Peltier device 2 to operate.
Is operated to cool the cooling plate 21. As a result, dew condensation K is generated on the cooling surface 21f of the cooling plate 21 and the amount of water vapor in the storage chamber 10 decreases, so that the storage chamber 10 is dehumidified. The water condensed on the cooling surface 21f of the cooling plate 21 passes through the water guide passage 35 to reach the lower side, and is supplied to the tank 37 from the receiving port 37c.

During long-term storage, the outside air is stored in the storage chamber 10 through the sealing member 13 or the minute gaps between the plates constituting the storage cabinet main body 1 even though it is sealed by the sealing member 13. May invade For example, when the outside air is moist such as in the summer, the moist air of the outside air enters the storage chamber 10. Also in this case, when the humidity of the storage chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 4 exceeds the first reference value H1 (for example, 60%), the Peltier element 2 is actuated by the control means 7 in the same manner as described above, and the storage chamber 10 is opened. Dehumidified. Therefore, generation of mold and the like in the storage chamber 10 is avoided.

By the way, the humidity of the storage room 10 of the storage may be too low. For example, in the case where the temperature of the installation room where the storage is installed is low, if the environment temperature around the storage is increased by heating the installation room, the temperature of the storage room 10 of the storage is also increased, As a result, the humidity of the storage chamber 10 decreases as described above. This is because the relative humidity is affected by the temperature as described above. Further, when the degree of dryness of the outside air is high, such as in winter, the dried outside air may enter the storage chamber 10. In these cases, the humidity of the storage chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 4 is low and the third reference value H3
When it is less than (for example, 20%), the drive motor 60 is controlled by the control means 7 and the opening degree of the humidification door 6 increases. Therefore, the water vapor generated by the natural evaporation of the water in the tank 37 is supplied to the storage chamber 10 through the humidification port 37b.
As a result, excessive drying of the storage chamber 10 is corrected, and the storage chamber 10 is maintained in an appropriate humidity state. Further, when the humidification is over, the Peltier element 2 having a dehumidifying function operates, so that the storage chamber 10 is dehumidified.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the mode changeover switch 70 is switched to the simultaneous operation mode, the Peltier element 2 is weakly continuously operated to dehumidify a small amount and the humidifying door 6 is weakly continuously opened. Then a small amount of moisture is supplied. At this time, the dehumidifying amount per unit time is A, the moisturizing amount per unit time is B, and the outside air storage chamber 10 is per unit time.
Assuming that the humidity intrusion amount due to the intrusion into the
Peltier element 2 so that the amount of humidification B + the amount of humidity penetration C)
And the operation of the moisturizing door 6 are controlled by the control means 7. The humidity intrusion amount C becomes a positive value when the humidity of the outside air is higher than the humidity of the storage room 10, such as in the summer.
When the humidity of the outside air is lower than the humidity of the storage room 10 as in the winter season, the value becomes a negative value. The humidity intrusion amount C is determined by the humidity of the outside air detected by the outside air humidity sensor 42 and the humidity sensor 4
It is preliminarily estimated from the difference between the humidity of the storage room 10 and the humidity detected in. The estimated value is stored in the memory 74.

(Control Mode) FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine executed by the microcomputer 72 of the control means 7. As shown in FIG. 5, the routine starts when the power is turned on. In step S2, registers and flags are initialized, in step S4 an internal timer that defines the time required for one routine is started, in step S6 input processing is executed, in step S8 suitable humidity processing is executed, and in step S8.
Other processing is executed in step 10, output processing is executed in step S12, and the process returns to step S4 after waiting for the end of the internal timer in step S14. This defines the time required for one routine.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of the humidity processing executed by the microcomputer 72. In step S800, it is determined whether the mode flag is 1 or 0. The mode flag is set to 1 in the initial setting described above. When the mode flag is 1, it means that the normal mode for opening and closing the humidification door 6 is executed. When the mode flag is 0, it means that the humidifying door 6 is continuously weakly opened and the Peltier element 2 is continuously weakly operated without executing the opening / closing operation of the humidifying door 6. The mode flag is switched by the mode selector switch 70 operated by the user.

If the mode flag is 1 as a result of the determination in step S800, the process proceeds to step S802, and the humidity H of the storage chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 4 exceeds the first reference value H1 (for example, 60%). It is determined whether or not. Therefore, step 802 constitutes a high humidity area determination means. If it exceeds the limit, the storage chamber 10 is in a high humidity region, and therefore it is necessary to perform a dehumidifying process. Therefore, in step S804, the proportion of high humidity is determined. If the humidity is considerably high, in step S806 the Peltier element 2 is set to the strong mode to increase the voltage applied to the Peltier element 2 to increase the dehumidification amount, and in step S812. The humidification door 6 is closed and the process returns to the main routine. Therefore, step S812 constitutes a moisture supply prevention unit. Storage room 1
If the high humidity ratio of 0 is medium, the Peltier element 2 is set to the medium mode in step S808, the voltage applied to the Peltier element 2 is set to medium, and the dehumidification amount is set to medium, and then step S81.
It returns to the main routine through 2. If the humidity is not so high, the Peltier device 2 is set to the small mode in step S810 to reduce the applied voltage to reduce the dehumidification amount, and the process returns to the main routine via step S812. Therefore, steps S806, S808, and S810 constitute the Peltier element dehumidifying ability adjusting means.

Further, as a result of the determination in step S802, when the humidity H of the storage chamber 10 is less than the first reference value H1 (for example, 60%), the process proceeds to step S820, and the humidity sensor 4
The humidity H of the storage room 10 detected by the second reference value H2
(For example, 40%). If it is less than this, the need for dehumidification is scarce, so the flow advances to step S822 to set the Peltier element 2 in the weak mode, and the voltage applied to the Peltier element 2 is reduced. The weak mode is that when the Peltier element 2 is repeatedly turned on and off, the heating section and the heat absorbing section of the Peltier element 2 are repeatedly reversed, resulting in a large thermal shock and a decrease in durability of the Peltier element 2. The dehumidifying ability of the Peltier element 2 operated in 1. is considered to be substantially unaffected because it is weak. However, the Peltier element 2 may be turned off depending on the type of the Peltier element 2 (when it is durable against thermal shock).

Then, from step S822 to step S8
Proceed to 24. In step S824, it is determined whether the humidity H of the storage room 10 is less than a third reference value H3 (for example, 20%). When less than, it is determined that the storage chamber 10 is too dry. Then, the processing proceeds to step S826, and the degree of dryness is determined. When the dryness of the storage chamber 10 is high, the humidification door 6 is opened and the opening degree is set to a large value S1 in step S828. If the dryness of the storage chamber 10 is medium, the humidification door 6 is opened and the degree of opening is set to a medium value S2 (S1> S2) in step S830. If the degree of dryness is small, the humidifying door 6 is opened in step S832 and the degree of opening is set to a small value S3 (S1> S).
2> S3). Therefore, steps S828 and S83
0, S832 constitute a moisturizing ability adjusting means for moisturizing the storage chamber 10 in accordance with the drying of the storage chamber 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S834, and the humidity H of the storage chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 4
Exceeds a fourth reference value H4 (for example, 35%) which is a humidification target value. If it exceeds, it is considered that the humidification is sufficient, and the humidification door 6 is closed in step S836. If it does not exceed the limit, the humidification is insufficient and the process returns to the main routine with the humidification door 6 open. By such control, the storage chamber 10 is prevented from being overdried, and the storage chamber 10 is maintained in an appropriate humidity range.

As a result of the determination in step S800, when the mode flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S850 to set the simultaneous operation mode to continuously weakly operate the Peltier element 2 to dehumidify a small amount, and the humidification door 6 to be weak. Open and give a small amount of moisture. Therefore, the switching between the opening operation and the closing operation of the humidification door 6 and the strong mode operation of the Peltier element 2, which are the main causes of the humidity fluctuation of the storage chamber 10, are eliminated. Therefore, storage room 1
This is advantageous for avoiding a humidity fluctuation of 0, and the humidity can be controlled stably.

A stirring means such as a fan for stirring the air in the storage chamber 10 may be provided. In this case, the stirring action is advantageous for uniforming the humidity of the storage chamber 10. (Effects of the Embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, even if the operating environment temperature fluctuates or the outside air enters, the Peltier element 2 dehumidifies and the humidification door 6 humidifies. The air in the storage chamber 10 is maintained in an appropriate humidity range.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the storage chamber 10 from being excessively dried, and to prevent the resin from cracking or the adhesive from peeling even when the object to be stored has a resin or an adhesive.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water generated by dew condensation or freezing is accumulated in the tank 37, and the water is used for humidification, which is advantageous for avoiding or reducing the trouble of supplying water to the tank 37. By the way, there is a time lag before the water vapor supplied from the moisture supply port 37b diffuses into the entire storage chamber 10 and the humidity is detected by the humidity sensor 4. Humidifier 37b
This is all the more because the humidity sensor 4 and the humidity sensor 4 are separated from each other. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the Peltier element 2 is set in the weak mode (or the off mode) that significantly reduces the dehumidifying ability of the Peltier element 2.
When comparing the reference value (that is, the lower limit target value of dehumidification) H2 that functions as a threshold value for setting and the reference value H4 that functions as a target value of humidification, it is found that H2> H4, so it is easy to deal with the time lag. , Avoiding excessive humidification.

In the present embodiment, when the simultaneous operation mode is executed, the Peltier element 2 continuously dehumidifies a minute amount, and the moisturizing door 6 is weakly opened to continuously supply a minute amount. Therefore, the on / off operation of the moisturizing door 6, which is the main cause of the humidity fluctuation of the air in the storage chamber 10, can be eliminated. Therefore, it is advantageous for avoiding the fluctuation of the humidity of the storage chamber 10 and for maintaining the target humidity.

In addition, in this embodiment, the user sets the reference values H1, H2, H3, H by the setting device 78 according to the kind of the stored items.
Since 4 can be set, the reference values H1, H2, H3, and H4 can be changed according to the type of stored items in the storage room 10, and the humidity of the storage chamber 10 can be adjusted, which corresponds to the variety of stored items. It is advantageous. Further, in the present embodiment, even when the necessity of dehumidifying the storage chamber 10 is scarce, the Peltier element 2 is set to the weak mode without being turned off, so that the Peltier element 2 is not repeatedly turned on and off. Therefore, it is advantageous for avoiding the thermal shock of the Peltier element 2, and is advantageous for improving the durability and extending the life of the Peltier element 2. In this case, the Peltier element 2
The dehumidification may be over because it is not turned off.
Even if dehumidification over occurs, it can be compensated for in the humidification step by opening the humidification door 6.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the heat dissipation plate 20 of the Peltier element 2 is used to form the back plate of the storage case body 1, it is advantageous in saving parts. In addition, humidity sensor 4
In this embodiment, in which the humidity sensor 4 is held on the cover member 3,
The assembling property of is improved. (Other Examples) The above-mentioned reference values H1 to H4 are not limited to the above-mentioned values, and can be changed as needed. In the example described above, the mode flag is changed to 0 by the mode changeover switch 70 and the humidification door 6 is switched from the normal mode to the simultaneous operation mode. However, the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is not limited to this and is set to a predetermined value. When it reaches, the control means 7 may change the mode flag to 0 and switch from the normal mode to the simultaneous operation mode.

In the above-mentioned example, the outside air humidity sensor 42 for detecting the humidity of the outside air is provided in addition to the humidity sensor 4 for detecting the humidity of the storage chamber 10. However, when the humidity difference between the inside and the outside is not detected, the outside air is detected. The humidity sensor 42 can be omitted. The tank 37 may be equipped with a heater such as a shield heater having a liquid-tight structure, and the heat of the heater may improve the natural evaporation property of water in the tank 37 to promote the moisture supply property. In this case,
The control means 7 controls the moisturizing door 6 so that the time when the water in the tank 37 is heated by the heater is synchronized with the time when the moisturizing door 6 is opened.
Alternatively, the heaters may be synchronously controlled.

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 7 shows Embodiment 2 of the storage of the present invention. This example has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the portions having basically the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals. Also in this example, basically, the same effect can be obtained. Therefore, different points will be mainly described below.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, the moisture supply port 37b is formed in the heat radiating plate 20 which functions as a back plate of the storage cabinet body 1. The humidifying port 37b communicates the storage chamber 10 with the outside air F outside the storage case body 1. The humidifying port 37b is opened and closed by a humidifying door 6 as a door means. Also in this example, as in the case of the first embodiment, the Peltier element 2 is operated by the control means 7 to dehumidify the storage chamber 10.

In the second embodiment as well, as described above, the humidity of the storage chamber 10 may drop too much.
There are times when you want to rehydrate. In this case, when the humidity of the storage chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 4 is low and is less than the third reference value H3 (for example, 20%), the control means 7 controls the drive motor 60 to open the humidification door 6. The degree increases. Therefore, the outside air F having a humidity higher than that of the storage chamber 10 is supplied to the storage chamber 10 through the humidification port 37b. As a result, excessive drying of the storage chamber 10 is corrected, and the storage chamber 10 is maintained in an appropriate humidity state. Further, when the humidification is over, the Peltier element 2 having a dehumidifying function operates, so that the storage chamber 10 is dehumidified.

In this example, the humidity of the outside air F is detected by the outside air humidity sensor 42, and the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is detected by the humidity sensor 4. The above control is executed when the humidity of the outside air F is higher than the humidity of the storage chamber 10, and the above control is not executed when the humidity of the outside air F is lower than the humidity of the storage chamber 10. . In this example, since the moisture supply port 37b is formed in the heat dissipation plate 20, the moisture supply port 3b is used at the time of moisture supply.
The effect of cooling the heat dissipation plate 20 by the outside air passing through 7b can also be expected.

In FIG. 7, a water absorbing member 39t such as a sponge is arranged at the lower end of the water guide passage 35. The lower end portion of the heat dissipation plate 20 is bent into a U-shaped cross section to form a holding portion 20w, and the water absorbing member 39t is held by the holding portion 20w. The water absorbing member 39t is provided with the opening 20f of the heat dissipation plate 20.
Face to face. The water generated from the dew condensation or the freezing ice formed on the cooling plate 21 by the Peltier element 2 passes through the water guide passage 35.
Water is absorbed by the water-absorbing member 39t after passing through and is discharged to the outside air F from the opening 20f by natural evaporation. Natural evaporation is promoted by the heat dissipation plate 20 which has received the heat dissipation of the Peltier device 2. Further, in FIG. 7, 7 h is a switch for turning on / off the Peltier element 2, which is controlled by the control means 7.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the storage according to the present invention. This example is a case where it is applied to a fruit and vegetable storage for storing fruits and vegetables such as vegetables and fruits. This example has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the portions having basically the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals. The different parts will be mainly described below. In this example, fruits and vegetables are stored in the storage room 10. Therefore, the humidity of the storage room 10 is 85% or more,
90% or more is particularly preferable. A cooling fan 90 that faces the heat sink 20 to cool the heat sink 20, a fan motor 91 that drives the cooling fan 90, heat absorbing fins 21i that secures the heat absorbing action of the cooling plate 21, and a circulation fan 93 that stirs the air in the storage chamber 10. The heat-absorbing fins 21i are provided with a water tray 94 for receiving water formed by dew condensation or ice formation, and a temperature sensor 95 for detecting the temperature of the storage chamber 10. The water in the water tray 94 is supplied to the tank 37 via the water conduit 35. As described above, according to the present embodiment, water generated by dew condensation or freezing is collected in the tank 37, which is advantageous for avoiding or reducing the trouble of supplying water to the tank 37.

Now, the operation of this storage will be described together with the method of use. First, fruits and vegetables such as vegetables are stored in the storage chamber 10 of the storage main body 1. Due to the cooling action of the Peltier device 2, the temperature of the air in the storage chamber 10 is maintained in a temperature range suitable for storing fruits and vegetables (for example, about 0 to 5 ° C). The temperature of the storage chamber 10 is detected by the temperature sensor 95. When the temperature of the storage chamber 10 detected by the temperature sensor 95 is high and exceeds the first reference value (T1), the Peltier element 2 is operated by the control means 7 to cool the cooling plate 21 and the storage chamber 10 is cooled. To be done. At this time, dew condensation or freezing is generated on the heat absorbing fins 21i and the cooling plate 21, and the water generated by the dew condensation or freezing passes through the water guide passage 35 to reach the lower side and is supplied to the tank 37. In this way, the operation of the Peltier element 2 causes dew condensation or freezing, so that the water vapor in the storage chamber 10 is consumed and the humidity in the storage chamber 10 tends to be lower than the appropriate humidity range. Therefore, the drive motor 60 is controlled by the control means 7 to increase the opening degree of the moisturizing door 6. Therefore, tank 3
The water vapor of No. 7 is supplied to the storage chamber 10 through the humidification port 37b. As a result, the excessive drying of the storage room 10 is corrected,
The storage room 10 is maintained in an appropriate humidity state, and fruits and vegetables are well preserved.

FIG. 9 shows the microcomputer 72 of the control means 7 of this example.
6 is a flowchart of the appropriate temperature and humidity processing executed by the above. This process corresponds to the proper humidity process S8 of the main routine shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, in step S902, it is determined whether the temperature of the storage chamber 10 exceeds the first reference temperature T1 (for example, 5 ° C.). If it exceeds, the storage chamber 10 is higher than the appropriate temperature range, so the Peltier device 2 is set to the strong mode in step S904, and the storage chamber 10 is cooled. If it does not exceed, it is determined in step S906 whether the temperature of the storage chamber 10 is lower than the second reference temperature T2 (for example, 0 ° C: T1> T2), and if it is lower than that, the storage chamber 10 is in the low temperature range. Step S90
In step S908, the Peltier device 2 is set to the weak mode. The Peltier element 2 is not turned off because the Peltier element 2 has a long life as described above.
Note that steps S902 and S906 constitute an appropriate temperature range determination means.

By the way, when the door 11 of the storage room 10 is opened for taking in and out of fruits and vegetables, etc.,
Since the cold air is discharged and the outside air enters the storage chamber 10, the storage chamber 10 tends to have a low humidity and a high temperature. Since the relative humidity depends on the temperature as described above, the higher the temperature of the storage chamber 10, the larger the absolute amount of water vapor for increasing the relative humidity of the storage chamber 10. Therefore, it is preferable to quickly perform the moisturizing process on the storage chamber 10.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following is performed. That is, in step S910, the temperature of the storage chamber 10 is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine the degree of the temperature of the storage chamber 10. If it is medium temperature, the medium temperature mode is set in step S912. That is, the opening S5 of the humidifying door 6 is set to S5M, the opening S6 is set to S6M, and the opening S7 is set to S7M.
Set to. Here, the aperture S5 means a large aperture mode with a large aperture area, the aperture S6 means a medium aperture mode with a medium aperture area, and the aperture S7 means a small aperture mode with a small aperture area. means.

If the result of determination in step S910 is high temperature, high temperature mode is set in step S914. That is, ΔSa is added to S5M which is the reference in the medium temperature mode, and this is set as the opening degree S5. Also S6M
Is added to ΔSb to set it as the aperture S6. Also, ΔSc is added to S7M, and this is calculated as the aperture S7.
Set as.

If the result of determination in step S910 is low temperature, low temperature mode is set in step S916. That is, ΔSh is subtracted from S5M and this is set as the opening degree S5. Further, ΔSi is subtracted from S6M, and this is set as the opening degree S6. Further, ΔSj is subtracted from S7M, and this is set as the opening degree S7. Therefore, steps S914 and S916 constitute the aperture correction means.

Further, in step S920, the storage chamber 10
Humidity H is less than the first reference humidity H7 (for example, 70%), and if less than that, it is considered that the storage chamber 10 is dry, and in step S922, an opening is made to greatly enhance the humidifying capacity by the humidifying port 37b. Set the degree to S5. If not, the process proceeds from step S920 to step S924, and it is determined whether the humidity H of the storage chamber 10 is less than the second reference humidity H8 (for example, 90%). If less, the humidity of the storage chamber 10 should be further increased. , In step S926, the aperture is set to S6. If not, the process proceeds from step S924 to step S928, and the aperture is set to S7 in step S928. Here, the magnitude of the opening degree is set so that S5>S6> S7.

As described above, in this embodiment, the storage chamber 10
When the humidity is low, the opening degree is set to S5 and the opening area of the humidifying door 6 is set to "large". When the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is medium, the opening degree is set to S6 and the opening area of the humidifying door 6 is set to "medium". When the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is small, the opening degree is set to S7 and the opening area of the humidifying door 6 is set to "small". That is, when the humidity of the storage room 10 is low, the humidity supply capacity is increased, and when the humidity of the storage room 10 is high, the humidity supply capacity is decreased. Therefore, the humidifying capacity is adjusted according to the humidity of the storage chamber 10.

When the door 11 of the storage chamber 10 is opened for taking in and out of fruits and vegetables as described above, the cold air in the storage chamber 10 is released and the outside air enters the storage chamber 10, so that the storage is performed. Chamber 10 tends to have lower humidity and higher temperatures. In this case, the moisturizing capacity is increased to improve the storage chamber 1.
It is preferable to quickly perform the humidification process to 0. In this regard, in the present embodiment, when the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is low and the temperature thereof is high, that is, when the amount of water vapor required to increase the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is large, the high temperature mode is set, as can be understood in step S914. Since the apertures S5, S6, and S7 are set and increased by adding and correcting them, respectively, step S92
In 2, S926 and S928, the moisturizing ability can be increased, and the advantage that the moisturizing process can be speeded up is obtained.

If the amount of water vapor required to increase the humidity of the storage chamber 10 is low due to the low temperature, step S9
As you can see in Section 16, setting the low temperature mode and opening degree S
Since 5, S6 and S7 are subtractively corrected to make them small, the humidifying ability can be made small in steps S922, S926 and S928, and an advantage that excessive humidification can be prevented can be obtained.

(Supplementary Note) The following technical ideas can be understood from the above-described embodiments. (1) A humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the storage room is provided, and the control means activates the Peltier element when the humidity of the storage room is in the high humidity range, and opens the door means when the humidity of the storage room is in the low humidity range. An appropriate humidity storage characterized by enhancing the moisturizing capacity.

(2) A humidity sensor for detecting the humidity in the storage chamber is provided, and the control means simultaneously performs a weak continuous operation of the Peltier element and a weak continuous opening of the door means to dehumidify the storage chamber in a minute amount and supply a small amount of moisture. However, a suitable humidity storage characterized by suppressing humidity fluctuations. (3) Door driving means such as a motor for opening and closing the door means,
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the storage chamber, and the control unit has an opening degree correction unit for adding or subtracting the opening degree of the door unit according to the temperature of the storage chamber detected by the temperature sensor. Suitable humidity storage. According to this, when the storage chamber is at a high temperature (that is, when the absolute amount of water vapor necessary to maintain the humidity is large), the opening degree of the door means is increased to increase, so that the moisturizing ability is increased and the storage chamber It is advantageous for quick moisture supply.

(4) The humidity sensor and the humidity supply port are separated by a certain distance, and the humidity supply target value by the humidity supply port is lower than the dehumidification target lower limit value of the storage chamber. (5) The humidifying unit is an appropriate humidity storage unit arranged below the Pechel element so as to receive moisture that has been condensed or iced by the Pechel element.

[0054]

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the storage chamber is maintained at an appropriate humidity by the dehumidification by the Peltier element and the humidification by opening the door means. Therefore, excessive drying of the storage chamber is avoided. Therefore, even when the object to be stored stored in the storage chamber has a resin or an adhesive, it is possible to avoid cracking of the resin or peeling of the adhesive. In addition, even if the objects to be stored are fruits and vegetables such as vegetables, drying of these can be avoided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a storage cabinet.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a cover member.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram near a humidification port.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of control means.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine executed by a microcomputer of control means.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine for suitable humidity processing executed by a microcomputer of a control unit.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of a storage container according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a storage container according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a routine of suitable temperature and humidity processing executed by a microcomputer of a control unit of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 1 is a storage main body, 10 is a storage chamber, 2 is a Peltier element, 20 is a heat radiating plate (heat radiating part), 21 is a cooling plate (cooling part), 3 is a cover member, 32 is a water guiding part, and 35 is water guiding. A passage, 37 is a tank (humidifying part), 37b is a humidifying port, 4 is a humidity sensor, 6 is a humidifying door (door means), 60 is a drive motor,
Reference numeral 7 indicates a control means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A storage cabinet main body having a storage chamber, and a Peltier element which is provided in the storage cabinet main body and which has a heat radiating section and a cooling section to generate dew condensation or ice to dehumidify the storage chamber. In an appropriate humidity storage box equipped with a control means for controlling the operation of the Peltier element, a moisturizing section having a moisturizing port facing the storage chamber and a door means for opening and closing the moisturizing port are provided. An appropriate humidity storage characterized by being stored. 2. A storage cabinet main body having a storage chamber, and a Peltier element which is provided in the storage cabinet main body and which has a heat radiating portion and a cooling portion to generate dew condensation or ice to dehumidify the storage chamber. A humidifying storage provided with a control means for controlling the operation of an installed Peltier element, wherein a humidifying port communicating the outside air of the storing cabinet main body with the storage chamber, and opening and closing the humidifying port A suitable humidity storage characterized in that a door means is provided.