JPWO2006009190A1 - Storage and refrigerator using it - Google Patents

Abstract

The storage has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for crops inside. The mist spraying device sprays liquid into the storage chamber to generate mist. The mist spraying device causes the harmful substances attached to the surface of the agricultural products stored in the storage room to rise by the mist, or causes the mists to adhere to the harmful substances attached to the surface of the agricultural products stored in the storage room.

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage having a mist spraying device for facilitating removal of mist by raising toxic substances such as agricultural chemicals adhering to agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, and a refrigerator using the same.

  In recent years, consumer concerns about food safety are high. According to some survey results, about 90% of consumers are particularly worried about residual pesticides in food. In response to this, in order to ensure the safety of pesticide residues, laws and regulations on the use of pesticides by farmers and laws and regulations on the residual amount of pesticides in food from the viewpoint of human health are being established. Still, there may be a test result that the pesticide residue exceeds the specified amount. Violated agricultural products are thus detected. Residual agricultural chemicals with a high violation rate are mainly agricultural chemicals used overseas for post-harvest purposes, and many of them are prohibited in Japan.

  In such a state of residual agricultural chemicals, there is a high need for an apparatus for removing residual agricultural chemicals in order for consumers to live with a safe diet. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-75050 discloses a food washing apparatus. This food washing apparatus has a function of removing harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals attached to vegetables and fruits. FIG. 48 shows such a conventional food washing apparatus.

  Usually, tap water is used for the cleaning liquid 2. A supply pipe 12 for supplying the cleaning liquid 2 is connected to the side wall of the cleaning tank 1, and a discharge pipe 13 for discharging the cleaning liquid is connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 1. The supply pipe 12 and the discharge pipe 13 are provided with electromagnetic valves 14 and 15.

  The bubble generating unit 3 that generates fine bubbles in the cleaning liquid 2 includes an ejector 6, a fluid pump 4, and a branching unit 9. The ejector 6 is provided with a suction tube 7 for sucking a gas that becomes fine bubbles. The fluid pump 4 conveys the cleaning liquid 2 and pressurizes the cleaning liquid 2 to dissolve the gas. The branch portion 9 returns the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1 to the ejector 6 again. The cleaning liquid 2 contains fine bubbles that are precipitated by dissolving the dissolved gas under reduced pressure. A transport pipe 5 that transports the cleaning liquid 2 connects the cleaning tank 1 and the ejector 6, and the ejector 6 and the fluid pump 4. The discharge pipe 8 connects the fluid pump 4 and the branch part 9 via the liquid reforming part 16. The return pipe 11 connects the branch portion 9 and the ejector 6.

  The liquid reformer 16 elutes contaminants adhering to food. The liquid reforming unit 16 is provided between the fluid pump 4 and the branching unit 9. In the liquid reforming unit 16, the cleaning liquid 2 is reformed so as to elute contaminants by contacting the cyclosilicate compound.

  The pollution decomposition unit 17 includes an ozone generator 18, a gas pump 19, and a solenoid valve 20. The ozone generator 18 generates ozone using high-pressure discharge. The gas pump 19 supplies the ozone generated by the ozone generator 18 to the cleaning tank 1. The electromagnetic valve 20 prevents the supply of ozone and the inflow of the cleaning liquid 2.

  The operation of the food washing apparatus configured as described above will be described below. When a cleaning start signal is issued from a control unit (not shown), the electromagnetic valve 14 is opened, and the cleaning liquid 2 is supplied from the supply pipe 12 to the cleaning tank 1. When the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1 reaches a predetermined amount, the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed and the supply is stopped.

  Next, the fluid pump 4 is operated, and the cleaning liquid 2 is transported to the ejector 6 through the transport pipe 5. The cleaning liquid 2 entrains air sucked from the suction pipe 7 provided in the ejector 6. The air entrained in the cleaning liquid 2 is pressurized by the fluid pump 4 and dissolved in the cleaning liquid 2.

  Thereafter, the cleaning liquid 2 is activated by the liquid reforming unit 16 through the discharge pipe 8. The cleaning liquid 2 is pressurized by the pressure reducing nozzle 10 and is ejected into the cleaning tank 1 in a state where fine bubbles are generated by the precipitation of dissolved air. In the decompression nozzle 10, in order to decompress the pressurized cleaning liquid 2, the pressure loss is increased and the ejection flow rate is decreased. Therefore, the excess cleaning liquid 2 is guided to the return pipe 11 and circulates in the bubble generation unit 3.

  On the other hand, simultaneously with the operation of the fluid pump 4, the pollution decomposing unit 17 is operated, and ozone is supplied to the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1. Agricultural crops such as vegetables and fruits placed in the washing tank 1 are washed with the washing liquid 2.

  In the above conventional configuration, agricultural products are immersed in a cleaning solution, and harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are removed by physical action and chemical action of fine bubbles containing ozone gas. Such a dedicated device requires the cleaning tank 1 and the drain pipe, and the structure is complicated and large. Moreover, in the said conventional structure, in order to immerse crops in the washing | cleaning liquid 2, a lot of water is required.

  The storage of the present invention has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for crops inside. The mist spraying device sprays liquid into the storage chamber to generate mist. The mist spraying device causes the harmful substances attached to the surface of the agricultural products stored in the storage room to rise by the mist, or causes the mists to adhere to the harmful substances attached to the surface of the agricultural products stored in the storage room. As described above, since it is possible to easily remove harmful substances with mist with a small amount of water in the vegetable storage room without using a dedicated cleaning device, the user can easily remove harmful substances. it can. Moreover, the refrigerator of this invention is comprised by adding a cooling device to the said storage, and using a heat insulation box as a box.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the replenishing portion in the storage shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the replenishing portion in the storage shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the storage case according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a side sectional view of the mist spraying device in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the agrochemical removal performance of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 6 with respect to the mist particle diameter. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 6 with respect to the mist spray amount. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mist spraying device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a front view of the vicinity of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a control flowchart of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of another mist spraying apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing characteristics of the pesticidal removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 12 with respect to the mist particle diameter. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal performance of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. 12 with respect to the mist spray amount. FIG. 20 is a correlation diagram between the particle diameter of mist, the spray amount, and the agrochemical removal effect in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 21A is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal performance with respect to the mist particle diameter in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 21B is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal performance with respect to the mist spray amount in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the spray portion of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of another mist spraying apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a front view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AA in the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 27A is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27B is a partial front view showing an outline of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 27A. FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the ninth embodiment of the present invention. 29 is a front sectional view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the AA cross section in FIG. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a BB cross section in FIG. FIG. 32 is a graph showing the particle size distribution ratio of the mist sprayed in the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. 34 is a sectional side view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of a main part of the mist spraying device for the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the agrochemical removal performance of ozone water mist in the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of a main part of another mist spraying apparatus for a refrigerator according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a main part of still another mist spraying device for a refrigerator according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 40 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the agrochemical removal performance by the mist spraying device and the decomposition unit of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the proportion of agricultural chemicals remaining in the wash water after the treatment by the mist spraying device and the decomposition unit of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 43 is a side sectional view of another refrigerator in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 44 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the decomposition performance depending on the irradiation time of the decomposition unit of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 46 is a side sectional view of still another refrigerator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. 47 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 48 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional food washing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing tank 2 Cleaning liquid 3 Bubble generation part 4 Fluid pump 5 Conveying pipe 6 Ejector 7 Suction pipe 8 Discharge pipe 9 Branching part 10 Decompression nozzle 11 Return pipe 12 Supply pipe 13 Discharge pipes 14, 15, 20 Electromagnetic valve 16 Liquid reforming part 17 Contamination decomposition unit 18 Ozone generator 19 Gas pump 21 Mist spray device 22 Water tank 23 Spray nozzle 24 Ozone water supply port 25 Ozone generator 27 Ozone water channel 28 Water supply channel 29 Electrode 30 Power supply 31 Water supply port 40 Reserved water supply Unit 41 spraying tip 42 capillary supply structure 43 electrode 60, 63 box 61 mist spraying device 62 automobile 70, 90 storage 71 storage chamber 72, 72A water storage tank 73 water supply path 74 replenishment unit 76 spraying unit 77 air blowing unit 80 Sonic element 81 Metal mesh 82 Metal plate 83 Power supply 84 Reserved water 85 Temperature sensor 102 Evaporator 103 Machine room 1 4 Compressor 105 Condenser 106, 107, 108 Control part 110 Heat insulation box 111, 111A, 111B Partition plate 112 Refrigeration room 113 Switching room 114 Vegetable room 115 Freezing room 116 Heat insulation wall 120 Mist spray apparatus 121, 200 Decomposition part 122 Water storage Tank 123 Spraying unit 124 Reserved water 128 Power source 129 Blowing unit 132 Spray tip 133 Capillary supply structure 134 Cathode 135 Anode 202 Outer wall 227 Ice making chamber 228, 228A Container 228B Specific container 229 Air channel 301 Spraying unit 302, 302A Mist spraying device 303 Water supply section 304 Supply section 305 Connection section 306 Circulating air path 308, 309 Circulating air path opening section 310 Horn 310A Spray tip 311 Piezoelectric element 312 Flange section 313 Water storage tank 314 Control section 317 Blower section 321 Water collecting plate 323 Ozone Living body 325 Vegetable room temperature detection unit 326 Vegetable room humidity detection unit 327 Water collection plate temperature detection unit 328 Heating unit 330 Door open / close detection unit 350 Pore 351 Long diameter 352 Short diameter 400A, 400B Door 402 Light shielding plate 403 Switch 404, 404A Mist spray device 405 Holder 406 Application electrode 406A Spray tip 407 Water retention material 408 Counter electrode 409 Voltage application unit 412 Temperature detection unit 413 Heating unit 414 Control unit 420 Recess 425, 425B, 425C Water storage tank 425A Bottom surface 426 Supply water 431 Spray unit 431A Lower end 441 Water supply Portion 442 Water supply path 444 Water supply adjusting portion 501 Cover member 501A Bottom surface portion 512 Rail member 514 Lid 515 Holding portion 516 Protrusion portion 523 Irradiation portion 524 Diffusion plate 617 Heat insulation box 619, 620 Storage chamber 624 Circulation duct 625 Circulating air Path 626 Spray unit 627 Diffusion unit 628 Discharge port 629 Suction port 630 Circulation unit 631 Selection unit 632 Drain 633, 634 Temperature sensor 635 Slide rail 636 Food storage container 637 Vent 638 Heater

  The storage according to the present invention has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for crops inside. The mist spraying device generates mist by spraying liquid in the storage chamber, so that the mist lifts harmful substances of agricultural chemicals adhering to the surface of the crops stored in the storage chamber, or the mist is stored in the storage chamber. Adhere to the harmful substances of agricultural chemicals attached to the surface of the crops. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, and the harmful substances of the agricultural chemical remaining in the recesses are removed by the synergistic effect of the physical action and the chemical action. Or, by attaching mist to harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals, the harmful substances are lifted with a small amount of water to facilitate removal. Such a configuration can be applied to various forms for storing agricultural products such as a vegetable room of a refrigerator and a container in distribution.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to what makes the same structure of preceding embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
In the storage according to the present invention, a transport container used for transporting agricultural products is used as a box. Accordingly, harmful substances can be removed or lifted before the food stored in the storage room is delivered to the consumer.

  Generally, vegetables and fruits are transported to a market or a supermarket after harvesting, but the transport requires a long time. Using this time, mist is sprayed on vegetables and fruits stored in the storage room. Thereby, in order for a consumer to lead a diet with peace of mind, pretreatment for facilitating removal of residual agricultural chemicals can be performed.

  1 is a side sectional view of a storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a water replenishing section in the storage case shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the replenishing portion in the storage shown in FIG.

  The storage 70 is provided with a storage room 71 for storing crops in a box 60. In addition, the storage 70 has a mist spraying device 61 inside the storage chamber 71. The box 60 is a transport container and is mounted on the automobile 62 and used for transport. In addition, it may be transported by being mounted on an airplane or ship.

  The mist spraying device 61 includes a water storage tank 72, a water supply path 73, and a replenishment unit 74. A water supply path 73 supplies water from the water storage tank 72 to the replenishing unit 74. The replenishment unit 74 is provided on the upper top surface of the storage chamber 71. The replenishing unit 74 includes a water storage tank 75 that is a holding unit that stores water, a spraying unit 76, and a blower unit 77 that blows mist generated by the spraying unit 76 into the storage chamber 71.

  The spray unit 76 includes a metal mesh 81 and a metal plate 82 located at the bottom of the water storage tank 75, an ultrasonic element 80 provided outside, and a power source 83. The ultrasonic element 80 atomizes water by an ultrasonic method. The metal mesh 81 transmits only mist having a predetermined particle size or less. Further, the stored water 84 in the water tank 75 is supplied from the water supply path 73 and stored in the water tank 75. In addition, a temperature sensor 85 that detects the temperature in the storage is provided at one corner of the storage chamber 71.

  The operation and action of the storage configured as described above will be described. First, the water stored in the water storage tank 72 is supplied into the water storage tank 75 via the water supply path 73 and stored as the stored water 84. Next, the stored water 84 is atomized by the ultrasonic element 80. Of the generated mist, only fine mist having a predetermined particle diameter or less is sprayed from the metal mesh 81. Thus, the inside of the replenishment part 74 will be in the state filled with the mist below predetermined particle | grains. The fine mist in the replenishing part 74 is sprayed as a mist in the storage chamber 71 by the blowing part 77. The fine mist adheres to the surface of agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits in the storage chamber 71 and penetrates into fine concave portions on the surface of the agricultural products. Hazardous substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax are lifted by the internal pressure energy of this fine mist. In this way, by causing the harmful substances to rise, the harmful substances are more easily removed when the user has washed the vegetables with water than when the mist is not attached. In addition, when the mist is charged, it electrically enters a fine recess on the crop surface and chemically reacts with residual agricultural chemicals and wax. For this reason, the hydrophilic property of the harmful substance is increased, and it is taken into the mist and decomposed and removed. Further, even if the mist does not cause a chemical reaction with the harmful substance as described above, for example, the mist may only be attached to the harmful substance. As a result, the harmful substance is dissolved in the mist, or the mist is dissolved in the harmful substance to dilute the harmful substance. As a result, when the user rinses the vegetables with water, harmful substances are removed more easily than when the mist is not attached.

  Mist refers to water that has been finely divided into ultrafine particles, and its particle diameter is from several μm that is visible to several nm that is not visible, and has a liquid property.

  As described above, in the storage 70 of the present embodiment, an appropriate amount of fine mist that can enter the recesses of the cell gap is sprayed by the mist spraying device 61 with respect to the agricultural products being stored in the storage chamber 71. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, so that harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals attached to the surface of the crop stored in the storage chamber 71 are lifted up, or the mist is attached to the harmful substance. Thus, when the user rinses the vegetables with water, harmful substances are more easily removed than when the mist is not attached. In addition to the physical action of mist as described above, harmful substances remaining in the recesses, as well as ensuring that ozone and OH radicals generated simultaneously with the mist adhere to the vegetable surface, the physical action and chemical Due to the synergistic effect with the action, it becomes possible to remove harmful substances, and the harmful substances can be removed more effectively. By spraying even a small amount of water as a mist in this manner, harmful substances can be lifted or adhered to the harmful substances, and the removal of the harmful substances becomes easy.

  Vegetables and fruits are transported to markets and supermarkets after harvesting, but they require a long time for transportation. Using this time, mist is sprayed on the vegetables and fruits stored in the storage room 71. Thereby, in order for consumers to have a safe eating habit, pretreatment for facilitating the removal of residual pesticides can be performed.

  In addition, among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green rape leaves and fruits are also stored in the storage room 71, and these fruits and vegetables are more likely to wither due to transpiration during transportation. However, since the box 60 is a transport container used for transportation, moisture evaporation during transportation of food stored in the storage room 71 and reduction of nutrient components are prevented, and the food is transported in a fresh state. . Furthermore, vegetable vegetables that could only be transported to a place where they can arrive without worrying about wilting until now can be transported for a long time.

  Moreover, in the above description, although it presupposes spraying tap water, it is not limited to this. If functional water such as ozone water, acidic water, or alkaline water is sprayed as the liquid to be sprayed, the functional water mist enters fine holes on the surface of vegetables and fruits. Therefore, the removal effect which raises the dirt inside fine pores and harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals, the oxidative decomposition effect of harmful substances, and the acid / alkali decomposition effect increase.

  Furthermore, the removal of the stain | pollution | contamination adhering in the storage chamber 71, the odor in the storage chamber 71 warehouse, and an acid and alkali decomposition | disassembly effect also increase. In particular, in this way, the spray unit 76 of the type that generates mist by vibrational energy makes water droplets finer by using high-frequency vibrational energy. In other words, an atomizer that generates mist by vibration energy does not perform electrolysis or the like decomposition on water particles, and thus may be able to mist without changing water components. In this way, when it is a device that mists the water component as it is depending on how vibrational energy is applied, for example, a function with some component added compared to pure water such as alkaline ion water or negative ion water Even if water is used, it becomes possible to mist the component as it is, and any water according to the needs of the user can be supplied as mist.

  If a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber 71 is provided, the temperature zone can be adjusted. When the temperature sensor 85 detects a temperature higher than a preset temperature, the cooling device is operated. By doing so, the freshness of the crops can be maintained in the refrigerated temperature zone at high temperatures such as in summer.

  Moreover, when the storage chamber 71 becomes a high humidity of 90% or more, since the transpiration of vegetables is suppressed among the foods, the deterioration speed of the food stored in the storage chamber 71 becomes slow. Therefore, the water replenishment efficiency by mist improves. In order to obtain such an effect, by providing a humidity sensor in the storage chamber 71, the spray unit 76 is driven in accordance with the change in the air quality in the storage chamber 71, thereby improving the hydration efficiency by mist. Can be made. Further, as described above, the spray unit 76 of a type that generates mist by vibration energy uses fine vibration energy to atomize water droplets. Therefore, a high voltage is not required when generating the fine mist, and the fine mist can be obtained at a low voltage. This is particularly effective when a combustible material such as gasoline is used for a transport vehicle engine in a transport container or the like. That is, even if a flammable substance leaks into the storage chamber 71, the spray part 76 does not generate a high voltage, so the risk of an explosion or the like is low, and the safety associated with the generation of mist is further increased.

  In the present embodiment, the particle diameter of the mist is adjusted by using the metal mesh 81 for the ultrasonic element 80 in the spray unit 76, but a metal plate 82 facing the metal mesh 81 is provided, and the power source By applying a high voltage between the metal mesh 81 and the metal plate 82 by 83, the particle diameter of the mist can be adjusted by making the particle diameter of the mist finer. In this case, it is possible to electrostatically add to the mist particles as the mist is refined. Thereby, the fine mist to which a negative charge is added adheres to the positively charged inner wall surface, vegetables, fruit surfaces, etc., and the mist enters the fine holes on the inner wall surface, vegetables, and fruit surfaces. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the effect of lifting and removing harmful substances attached to the surface of vegetables.

(Embodiment 2)
In the storage according to the present invention, a storage container used for storing crops after harvesting is used as a box. Thereby, harmful substances can be removed or lifted before shipping the food stored in the storage room. In addition, harmful substances can be removed or lifted using the storage time.

  FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the storage case according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The storage 90 in the present embodiment includes a box 63 and a mist spraying device 61. The box 63 is a storage container and is used for storing the crop after harvesting. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The box 63 is used for storing food after harvesting crops such as vegetables and fruits stored in the storage room 71. By providing the mist spraying device 61 in the storage chamber 71 in such a box 63, mist is sprayed on the crops stored in the storage chamber 71 using the time stored in the storage chamber 71. Is done. This makes it possible to perform pretreatment for facilitating the removal of residual agricultural chemicals so that consumers can live with a safe diet. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to remove the agricultural chemicals in a storage state before being sold at the store, and it is possible to provide vegetables with higher safety to consumers.

  The preferred liquid for atomization, the charging effect on the mist, the effect of providing the temperature adjusting function, and the like are the same as in the first embodiment.

  Next, an example in which the storage of the present invention is applied to a refrigerator together with the third to tenth embodiments will be described.

  The storage of the present invention has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for storing crops. The mist spraying device has a spraying section for spraying liquid into the storage chamber. The mist spraying device raises harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals attached to the crop surface by the generated mist. Or attach mist to harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals. As a result, the sprayed mist enters a fine recess on the surface of the crop, and the harmful substances of the agricultural chemical remaining in the recess are removed by the synergistic effect of the physical action and chemical action of the mist. For this reason, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are lifted by a small amount of water, or mist adheres to harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals. Therefore, it is easy to remove harmful substances.

  Moreover, the water storage tank which is a holding | maintenance part which hold | maintains the liquid is provided in the box of the storage of this invention. Thereby, since a fixed amount of stored water can be stored in advance, it becomes possible to supply water to the mist spraying device at an arbitrary timing. Thereby, mist can be sprayed stably to the farm products stored in the inside of the storage chamber.

  Moreover, the mist spraying apparatus of the storage of this invention has the water storage tank which is a supply part. The water is retained by the user supplying water into the water storage tank from the outside. As a result, the user can always replenish fresh water, and a certain amount of stored water can be stored in advance. Therefore, a sufficient amount of water can be replenished even when a large number of foods are stored in the storage chamber.

  Moreover, the holding | maintenance part of the storage of this invention hold | maintains the water extracted from the water | moisture content contained in the air in a storage chamber. The stored water retained in this way is retained in the water retention device. As a result, the user can replenish the food stored in the storage chamber without replenishing water from the outside, so that maintenance is not time-consuming.

  Moreover, the mist spraying part of the storage of the present invention has a spraying tip part which is a part from which mist is discharged, and at least the spraying tip part is provided in the storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to spray the mist particles directly to the storage room in which the crop is stored. In addition, the distance between the spray tip and the crop can be further reduced. Therefore, vaporization of mist particles can be prevented as compared with the case where mist is sprayed outside the storage chamber and then fed into the storage chamber. Moreover, the flow rate of mist in a floating state can be increased, and the adhesion rate of mist to the crop surface can be further increased.

  Moreover, the supply part in the mist spraying apparatus of the storage of this invention is provided in the division different from the division in which the spraying part is provided. That is, the supply unit is not affected by the position of the spray unit, and can be provided at any position that facilitates replenishment of water into the water storage tank and cleaning of the water storage tank. As a result, the user convenience is improved.

  Moreover, the spray part in this invention generate | occur | produces mist with a particle diameter of 0.003 micrometer-20 micrometers, and a mist penetrate | invades efficiently into the fine recessed part of the crop surface. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be lifted up to details.

  In addition, the amount of mist sprayed in the spray section in the present invention is 0.0007 to 0.14 g / h · L, so that a necessary amount for spraying harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals is sprayed. Thereby, the removal effect of harmful substances, such as an agricultural chemical, and preservability are compatible.

  Further, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention is made into an oxidatively decomposable mist, so that the mist has an oxidatively decomposing power and oxidatively decomposes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals to increase hydrophilicity. Therefore, the effect of raising harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals is improved.

  Further, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention is made into ozone mist, so that harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are strongly oxidized and decomposed, and the harmful substances can be changed into safe substances by decomposition.

  In addition, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention can be converted into a safe substance by decomposing harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals into an alkali by making the mist alkali-degradable by making the mist alkali-degradable. .

  Moreover, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention is a mist containing radicals, so that harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be decomposed and changed into safe substances by the strong oxidative degradation power of radicals.

  Moreover, the spraying part in this invention produces | generates mist by an electrostatic atomization system. In this method, fine mist is generated by splitting and subdividing water droplets using electrical energy such as high voltage, so that the generated mist is charged. Therefore, the mist adheres to the crops due to the positive and negative adsorption power of the charge, and the mist adheres more uniformly to the vegetable surface. Moreover, the adhesion rate of mist improves more compared with the mist of the type which is not charged. As a result, it becomes possible to remove the agricultural chemicals more effectively.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist spraying amount of the spraying part of the electrostatic atomization system in the present invention is 0.0007 to 0.007 g / h · L. The mist generated by the spraying part of the electrostatic atomization system is charged, and the adhesion rate of the mist to the crop is high. Therefore, compared with the case of spraying a mist of an uncharged type, an equivalent adhesion rate can be obtained and the removal of the agricultural chemical can be performed more effectively.

  Moreover, the spray part in this invention generate | occur | produces mist with a particle diameter of 0.003-0.5 micrometer. When an electrostatic atomization type spray unit is used, the charged charge energy becomes weaker as the particle diameter of the mist increases. However, by using the electrostatic atomization method within the above particle size range, it is possible to generate mist with a sufficient charge to increase the adhesion rate to vegetables, and the removal of agricultural chemicals by the electrostatic atomization method Can be performed more effectively.

  In the present invention, an ultrasonic atomization type spraying section can be used. When generating mist by such a spray part, a water droplet is refined | miniaturized using the vibration energy of a high frequency. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fine mist at a low voltage without requiring a high voltage when producing the fine mist. As a result, safety associated with mist generation can be further increased and energy saving can be achieved.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist spraying quantity of the spraying part of the ultrasonic atomization system in this invention shall be 0.014-0.14g / h * L. When an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit is used, water droplets are made finer using high-frequency vibration energy, so as the spray amount decreases, the generated vibration energy decreases and is given to the sprayed mist. Less kinetic energy. For this reason, the flying distance of mist tends to be small. However, by using the ultrasonic atomization method within the above spray amount range, it is possible to generate a mist having a diffusivity into the warehouse and having a flight distance reaching the vegetable surface. It is possible to more effectively remove the pesticide.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist particle diameter of the spraying part of the ultrasonic atomization system in this invention shall be 0.5-20 micrometers. When an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit is used, it is necessary to make water droplets finer by using high-frequency vibration energy as the particle diameter of the mist is reduced. Therefore, the higher the frequency, the greater the number of vibrations and the shorter the durable years of the ultrasonic atomization method. However, by using the ultrasonic atomization method within the above particle diameter range, sufficient durability can be obtained even in refrigerators that require long-term durability, especially among household appliances with an average service life of about 10 years. It is done. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the reliability of the removal of agricultural chemicals by the ultrasonic atomization method.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  6 and 7 are a side sectional view and a sectional view taken along line AA of the mist spraying device in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  In this refrigerator, the heat insulating box 110 is partitioned into a refrigerator compartment 112, a switching chamber 113, a vegetable compartment 114, and a freezer compartment 115 from above by a partition plate 111. An evaporator 102 is provided in the back of the freezer compartment 115. The evaporator 102 is connected by a pipe together with a compressor 104 provided in the machine room 103, a condenser 105 provided at the lower part of the refrigerator, and an expansion valve (not shown), and these compress and evaporate the refrigerant sealed inside. This constitutes a cooling device that cools the inside of the refrigerator. In the refrigerator compartment 112 and the vegetable compartment 114, the cold air generated by the evaporator 102 is cooled by being conveyed to each storage compartment via the air passage 229. The inside of the switching chamber 113 can be used by switching between being kept at the refrigeration temperature or being kept at the refrigeration temperature by being cooled by the evaporator 102 via a ventilation path (not shown). On the back surface of the vegetable compartment 114, a partition plate 111A for partitioning the air passage 229 and the vegetable compartment 114 is disposed. An air passage 229 is provided between the partition plate 111 </ b> A and the main body outer wall 202. The air path 229 carries, for example, cold air generated in the evaporator 102 to each storage chamber, or carries air exchanged from each storage chamber to the evaporator 102. That is, a vegetable room 114 which is a storage room for storing agricultural products is provided inside the heat insulation box 110 which is a box. The cooling device cools the inside of the vegetable compartment 114.

  The vegetable compartment 114 is constituted by a heat insulating wall 116, and the inside of the vegetable compartment 114 is kept at a humidity of about 90% RH or more (during food storage) and cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. A mist spraying device 120 is provided on the upper top surface of the vegetable compartment 114.

  The mist spraying device 120 includes a water storage tank 122 that stores the stored water 124, a spraying unit 123, and a blower unit 129 that blows the mist generated by the spraying unit 123 into the vegetable compartment 114. The spray part 123 is located inside the water tank 122. The spray unit 123 includes a capillary supply structure 133, a cathode 134 as a first electrode, an anode 135 as a second electrode, and a power source 128. One end of the capillary supply structure 133 is immersed in the stored water 124, and the other end forms a spray tip portion 132 in the water storage tank 122. That is, the spray tip 132 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114. The cathode 134 and the anode 135 are installed in a part of the water storage tank 122. The cathode 134 applies a negative high voltage to the stored water 124. The anode 135 faces the cathode 134. The power supply 128 applies a high voltage between the cathode 134 and the anode 135.

  About the mist spraying apparatus 120 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, defrost water is stored in the water storage tank 122 and becomes the stored water 124. That is, the water storage tank 122 is a holding part that extracts and holds moisture contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114.

  Next, the power supply 128 applies a high voltage between the cathode 134 and the anode 135. Then, a plurality of liquid yarns are drawn from the spray tip 132 by the electric field that exists between the spray tip 132 and the anode 135. The liquid yarn is further dispersed into charged droplets to form a fine mist of 0.1 μm or less. Moreover, since discharge is performed during electrostatic atomization, a small amount of ozone and radicals are generated at the same time when mist is generated. This ozone mixes immediately with the mist, producing a low concentration of ozone mist. A radical is a molecule having unpaired electrons and a strong oxidizing power.

  This ozone mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 by the blower 129. Since the sprayed ozone mist is electrostatically added, it is electrically attached to the surface of the agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits that are positively charged in the vegetable compartment 114 and the inner wall surface. And it penetrate | invades to the fine recessed part of the surface of agricultural products. Hazardous substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax are lifted by the internal pressure energy of mist. As a result, when the user rinses the crop with water, the pesticide is more easily removed than when the mist is not attached. Furthermore, harmful substances are oxidatively decomposed and removed by the oxidative decomposition action of ozone. Or the mist which penetrate | invaded into the electrically fine recessed part chemically reacts with a harmful substance. As a result, the hydrophilicity of the harmful substance is increased, and it is taken into the mist and decomposed.

  Moreover, even if it does not cause a chemical reaction with the harmful substance in this way, the harmful substance dissolves in the mist, for example, by simply attaching the mist to the harmful substance. Or the mist dissolves in the toxic substance and the toxic substance is diluted. As a result, the pesticide is more easily removed when the user wash the crop with water than when the mist is not attached. .

  As described above, the mist spraying device 120 generates fine mist by splitting and subdividing water droplets using electric energy. Thus, the mist spraying device 120 uses an electrostatic atomization system. Therefore, the generated mist is charged and adheres to the crops by the positive and negative adsorption power of the charge. Therefore, mist adheres uniformly to the crop surface. In addition, the adhesion rate to crops is improved as compared with mist that is not charged. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are effectively removed.

  Further, by electrostatically adding to the mist, water molecules in the mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, the oxidizing power of OH radicals enhances the ability to decompose harmful substances.

  The mist enters the fine holes of the heat insulating wall 116, and similarly, dirt and harmful substances inside the holes are lifted and decomposed and removed by ozone oxidation decomposition.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram comparing the pesticide removal performance of the mist spraying device 120 shown in FIG. 6 with conventional immersion specifications and water washing. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto are used and removed according to each specification. And the removal rate is computed by measuring the residual malathion density | concentration after a process by gas chromatography (GC).

  Next, each removal processing specification will be described. In the process A, the above-mentioned 10 cherry tomatoes are put in a basket and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In the process B, which corresponds to a process using a general food cleaning apparatus, 10 cherry tomatoes are immersed in 2 L of water containing 1 ppm of ozone for 1 hour, and bubbles are cleaned with ozone. In the process C, the mist spraying process is performed on 10 cherry tomatoes with the mist spraying device 120 for 12 hours. In the process D, 10 cherry tomatoes are placed in a basket after mist spraying for 12 hours and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In addition, the ozone gas density | concentration in the store | warehouse | chamber in the process C and the process D is about 0.03 ppm. Moreover, the particle diameter of the mist in the process C and the process D is 0.003 micrometer, and the spraying amount is 0.0007 g / h * L.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the removal rate in the treatment A is 20%, and it can be seen that 80% of the residual pesticide is not removed by water washing at home, and is taken into the human body. In the treatment B, 55% of the residual agricultural chemical is removed.

  On the other hand, the removal rate of the process C is 50%, and the agrochemical removal performance substantially equivalent to the process B is shown. Furthermore, the removal rate of process D is 70%. This is thought to be due to the adhesion of pesticides to the surface due to the physical action of the ultra fine mist, which is more easily removed. From the above results, the refrigerator having the mist spraying device 120 in the present embodiment has a pesticide removal performance substantially equivalent to that of a dedicated food washing machine.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agricultural chemical removal effect of the mist spraying device 120 and the water particle diameter of the mist in the present embodiment. The spraying time and spraying amount of mist are the same as the processes C and D in FIG.

  As is apparent from FIG. 9, the reason why the malathion removal rate is about 50% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.5 μm or less. Further, the reason why the malathion removal rate is about 70% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.1 μm or less. This is considered to be because the mist particle diameter becomes finer and the surface of the crop surface tends to enter into the irregularities. That is, it is considered that the finer the mist particle size, the more easily harmful substances adhere to the mist particles, or it becomes easier to incorporate harmful substances into the mist particles.

  Further, when the mist particle size is larger than 0.5 μm, the removal rate is reduced. This is presumably because, when the spraying portion 123 is an electrostatic atomization system, the charged energy of the charge becomes weaker as the particle diameter of the mist increases. Therefore, when applying the electrostatic atomization method, by controlling the particle diameter of the mist to 0.5 μm or less, a mist having a sufficient charge to increase the adhesion rate to the crop is generated.

  The reason why the malathion removal rate is about 50% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.003 μm or more. The reason why the malathion removal rate is about 70% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.005 μm or more. This is considered to be because when the water particle diameter is less than 0.003 μm, the particles are too small, the contact frequency with malathion decreases, and the removal effect decreases.

  Further, the removal rate is higher when the particle diameter is 0.005 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less than when the particle diameter of the mist exceeds 0.1 μm. This is probably because the number of radicals is large when the particle size is small. Therefore, it is considered that the reactivity with malathion increases and the removal rate increases.

  From the above results, in order to make the agrochemical removal rate 50% or more with the electrostatic atomization type mist spraying device 120, the mist particle diameter may be 0.003 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less, and the agrochemical removal rate is In order to make it 70% or more, the mist particle diameter may be 0.005 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less. In order to control the mist particle diameter in this way, in this experiment, the particle diameter was adjusted by changing the voltage applied to the mist spraying device 120. For example, the diameter and length of the capillary supply structure 133 were changed. The particle diameter can also be adjusted. This utilizes the fact that the particle size after being divided by the mist spraying device 120 is different even when the same energy is applied by changing the size of the cluster of water to be supplied. Therefore, when the target particle size is almost fixed, this method is effective because a mist of the target particle size can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect of the mist spraying device 120 and the mist spray amount in the present embodiment. The mist spraying time and the mist particle diameter are the same as those in the processes C and D of FIG. In this experiment, the volume of the vegetable room is 70 liters (L).

  As is clear from FIG. 10, in order to obtain a malathion removal rate of about 50%, the spray amount needs to be 0.0007 g / h · L or more, and the effect of removing agricultural chemicals increases as the spray amount increases. Yes.

  Also, if the spray amount exceeds 0.007 g / h · L, there is a pesticide removal effect, but the generated ozone concentration exceeds 0.03 ppm, so the technology in the current electrostatic atomization method can be applied to household refrigerators. Is difficult from the viewpoint of human safety. The ozone concentration of 0.03 ppm is a level that does not cause an ozone odor, and is an upper limit value of the ozone concentration that has an agrochemical decomposition effect without causing adverse effects such as tissue damage to vegetables. Thus, the appropriate range of the spray amount is 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.007 g / h · L or less. However, in the future, if the ozone concentration can be suppressed to 0.03 ppm or less even in the electrostatic atomization method and the spray amount exceeding 0.007 g / h · L, it is more advanced than the current technology. This spray amount can be enlarged. In addition, if ozone decomposing catalyst or ozone decomposing device is added to make ozone concentration 0.03ppm or less, even if it is 0.007g / h · L or more, ozone concentration is reduced by ozone decomposing catalyst or ozone decomposing device. If it can be reduced, the spray amount may be increased to, for example, 10 times 0.07 g / h · L. This upper limit expansion range depends on the ability of the added ozonolysis catalyst.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a refrigerator having a simple structure and a function of removing harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be obtained. Users can easily remove harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals by simply storing vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator.

  The mist spraying device 120 sprays mist into the vegetable compartment 114. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, and removes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals remaining in the recesses by a synergistic effect of physical action and chemical action. In this way, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed with a small amount of water.

  In addition, ozone and OH radicals generated at the same time as the fine mist reliably adhere to the vegetable surface. Thereby, the fine mist enters the fine recesses and removes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals remaining in the recesses by the synergistic effect of the physical action and the chemical action. In this way, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed and decomposed with a small amount of water.

  The mist spraying device 120 generates a mist having a particle size useful for removing agricultural chemicals on the surface of agricultural products. As a result, the mist efficiently penetrates into the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, and harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are removed to the details. Specifically, the particle diameter of the mist is preferably 0.003 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist spraying amount of the mist spraying device 120 is 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.07 g / h · L or less. As a result, the amount of spray necessary for the removal of harmful substances is ensured, the effect of removing harmful substances is exhibited, and the preservation of crops is also ensured.

  Moreover, the fine mist adheres to the crop surface using the potential difference between the fine mist and the crop. Therefore, mist adheres efficiently.

  In the above description, an example in which ozone-containing mist is generated by generating mist by an electrostatic atomization method is described. However, even when oxidatively decomposable mist other than ozone or alkali-decomposable mist is sprayed. Good. In this case as well as ozone water, the decomposition effect of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals on the crop surface is enhanced. Moreover, the effect which removes the stain | pollution | contamination which adheres in the store | warehouse | chamber, and the odor in a store | warehouse | chamber, and the effect of decomposition | disassembly increase.

  Moreover, the spray part 123 in this Embodiment produces | generates mist with an electrostatic atomization system. In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, a spray unit that electrostatically loads a mist that is miniaturized using an ultrasonic element and a metal mesh may be used. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained by using a spray unit that electrostatically loads the mist that is refined by increasing the frequency of the ultrasonic element.

  In the present embodiment, ozone gas generated by discharge is dissolved in the sprayed mist. In addition, the same effect can be obtained when the stored water is ozone water or functional water rich in reactivity. That is, the water storage tank 122 holds a liquid for generating mist and does not necessarily hold water.

  In the present embodiment, the holding unit that holds the stored water is the water storage tank 122, and the water storage tank 122 holds the stored water 124 that is defrost water. In addition to this, moisture contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 may be extracted and held using a hygroscopic agent as a holding portion. As the hygroscopic agent, for example, porous materials such as silica gel, zeolite, activated carbon and the like can be used. In this way, if defrosted water or the like can be used to secure the stored water without the user supplying the stored water from the outside, it is not necessary to replenish water from the outside and the usability is improved.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 12 and 13 are a longitudinal sectional view and a front view, respectively, in the vicinity of the mist spraying device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a view showing a longitudinal section and an amplitude waveform of the spray section of the mist spray device shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a control flowchart in the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pesticide removal effect by the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 12 and the water particle diameter of the mist. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect and the amount of mist sprayed by the mist spraying device shown in FIG.

  This refrigerator differs from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 in that a mist spraying device 302 is provided on the partition plate 111A, and an ozone generator 323 is provided on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG. A container 228 is installed in the vegetable compartment 114.

  A mist spraying device 302 having an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 is incorporated in the partition plate 111A. The partition plate 111A is mainly composed of a heat insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and its wall thickness is about 30 mm. However, on the back surface of the supply unit 304, the wall thickness is 5 mm to 10 mm.

  The supply unit 304 holds the stored water and supplies the stored water to the spray unit 301. The supply unit 304 includes a water collection plate 321, a heating unit 328, a blower unit 317, and a cover member 306. The water collecting plate 321 is installed inside the warehouse, and the heating unit 328 is disposed in contact with one surface of the water collecting plate 321. The heating unit 328 is, for example, a heater composed of nichrome wire. The air blower 317 is a box fan or the like, and is arranged inside the warehouse to send the air in the warehouse to the water collecting plate 321. The cover member 306 constitutes a circulation air passage 307.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the cover member 306 has a first circulation air passage opening (hereinafter referred to as an opening) 308 and a second circulation air passage opening (hereinafter referred to as an opening) 309 related to the circulation air passage 307. Is provided. Further, the water collection plate 321 is provided with a water collection plate temperature detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 327 for detecting the temperature of the surface of the water collection plate 321.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the spray unit 301 includes a horn 310 and a piezoelectric element 311. The horn 310 is formed in a substantially conical shape by cutting or the like, and the spray tip 310 </ b> A of the horn 310 is open at least in the vegetable compartment 114. A flange portion 312 is formed integrally with the horn 310 on the piezoelectric element 311 side. The horn 310 and the piezoelectric element 311 are fixedly bonded. Due to the shape of the horn 310, the vibration generated in the piezoelectric element 311 is amplified to have a maximum amplitude at the spray tip 310A.

  The spray part 301 is attached to a connection part 305 that is an attachment member on the refrigerator side via a flange part 312. Or it is directly attached to the refrigerator. At this time, the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration is set to be a node of the amplitude at the flange portion 312. That is, when the piezoelectric element 311 is driven, each part shown in FIG. 14 vibrates.

  By connecting the flange portion 312 which is a node of vibration propagating in this way to the connection portion 305, it is possible to prevent the vibration when generating ultrasonic waves from being transmitted to the refrigerator main body. Therefore, noise caused by vibrations of refrigerator parts, shelves provided in the cabinet, and the like is reduced. That is, noise and vibration of a refrigerator provided with a mist spraying device 302 of a type that generates mist by vibration energy is suppressed.

  The horn 310 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity. For example, it is comprised with metals, such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. In particular, it is preferably made of a material mainly composed of aluminum from the viewpoint of light weight, high thermal conductivity, and amplitude amplification performance during ultrasonic transmission. In order to extend the life, it is preferable to use a material mainly composed of stainless steel.

  As described above, the dimensions of the horn 310 are set so that the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration becomes the amplitude node at the flange portion 312 and the abdominal portion of the amplitude at the spray tip portion 310 </ b> A that is the tip of the horn 310. The dimension of the horn 310 is set so that the dimension between the flange portion 312 and the spray tip portion 310A is a quarter wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration. Thus, after fixing the vibration node to the refrigerator main body, the position of the quarter wavelength of the frequency to be obtained therefrom is the abdomen of the amplitude. In this structure, compared with the case where there are a plurality of abdominal portions between the flange portion 312 and the spray tip portion 310A, vibration energy loss can be greatly reduced, and the power required for vibration can be suppressed. By designing the horn 310 in this way, low input and high output can be obtained, and the horn 310 can be downsized.

  In recent refrigerators for home use, there is a tendency that the user-friendliness is improved by increasing the internal capacity while maintaining the conventional external dimensions. In such a type of refrigerator, the heat insulating wall becomes thinner by increasing the heat insulation, and the device storage space on the back side is also more compact. Thus, by using the small horn 310 with a high output, a sufficient amount of generated mist can be obtained while preventing the mist spraying device 302 from extending into the cabinet, and the convenience of the refrigerator is improved.

  The length of the horn 310 is determined by the particle diameter of the generated mist, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 311, and the material of the horn 310. For example, when the mist particle diameter is about 10 μm, if the material of the horn 310 is aluminum and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 311 is about 270 kHz, the length of the horn 310 is about 6 mm. When the mist particle diameter is about 15 μm, if the material of the horn 310 is aluminum and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 311 is about 146 kHz, the length of the horn 310 is about 11 mm. A series of these theoretical calculation values is summarized in Table 1.

  Moreover, the refrigerator is equipped with a cooling device for cooling the inside. As described in the third embodiment, the cooling device includes the compressor 104, the condenser 105, a decompression device (not shown) such as an expansion valve and a capillary tube, the evaporator 102, and the like. In some cases, isobutane, which is a combustible refrigerant with a low global warming potential, is used as the refrigerant from the viewpoint of global environmental conservation.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement / effect | action is demonstrated below. In the refrigerator shown in FIG. 11, the vegetable compartment 114 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by ON / OFF operation such as cold air distribution and a heating unit, and generally has no internal temperature detection unit. There are many things. Further, the inside of the vegetable compartment 114 is highly humid due to the evaporation of moisture from food and the invasion of water vapor by opening and closing the door. In order to ensure a certain amount of cooling capacity, the partition plate 111A is configured to be thinner than other portions.

  Here, if the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, the water vapor in the vicinity of the water collecting plate 321 is condensed on the water collecting plate 321, and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the control unit 314 grasps the temperature state of the surface of the water collection plate 321 by the detection unit 327 installed on the water collection plate 321. And the control part 314 carries out ON / OFF control or Duty control of the ventilation part 317 and the heating part 328. As a result, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, and moisture contained in the high-humidity air sent from the interior by the blower 317 is condensed on the water collecting plate 321.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a vegetable room temperature detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 325, a vegetable room humidity detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 326, and the like may be provided in the vegetable room 114. In this configuration, the dew point temperature can be accurately determined according to a change in the internal environment by a predetermined calculation. Even when ice or frost is generated on the surface of the water collecting plate 321, the control unit 314 can drive the heating unit 328 to raise the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 to the melting temperature. Can do. Here, when the air blower 317 is operated, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 rises due to the influence of the air in the vegetable compartment 114, and decreases when the air blower 317 is stopped. When the wall thickness of the partition plate 111A on the back surface of the supply unit 304 exceeds 10 mm, the surface temperature of the water collection plate 321 becomes the dew point temperature or more even when the heating unit 328 is OFF when the air blowing unit 317 is in operation, and the amount of condensation cannot be adjusted. . On the other hand, when the wall thickness is less than 5 mm, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 is too low, so that the heating unit 328 is always in an ON state, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Therefore, the thickness of the partition plate 111A on the back surface of the water collecting plate 321 is preferably 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. As a result, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 can be controlled, and the energy consumed by the heating unit 328 is minimized.

  Moreover, in order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 114 with higher humidity. Therefore, when air is taken in by the blower 317, for example, humid air is taken in from the opening 309. And after dew condensation with the water collection board 321, air is discharged in the store | warehouse | chamber from the opening part 308, and the air in the vegetable compartment 114 is circulated. In this way, condensation is promoted.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the water collecting plate 321 gradually grow and flow downward without using power such as a pump due to its own weight, and collect in the water storage tank 313 near the spray unit 301. The water storage tank 313 is a holding unit that is provided in the heat insulating box 110 and holds a liquid. The collected condensed water is supplied to the tip of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303.

  The water supplied to the tip of the horn 310 is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 as a mist having a small particle diameter by the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 311. The horn 310 generates heat due to vibration in the vicinity of the spray tip 310A. However, since the horn 310 is a highly thermally conductive material, this heat is diffused throughout the horn 310.

  In addition, at least the spray tip 310A is provided in the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, mist particles are sprayed directly on the vegetable compartment 114 in which agricultural products such as vegetables are stored. That is, the distance between the spray tip 310A and the crop is short. This configuration prevents vaporization of mist particles and increases the flow rate in a floating state, for example, compared to a case where mist is sprayed outside the vegetable compartment 114 and then fed into the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, the adhesion rate of mist on the crop surface increases.

  The spray unit 301 uses a piezoelectric element 311 that utilizes an electrostrictive phenomenon caused by electric energy. The spray unit 301 can make water droplets fine using vibration energy of high frequency. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fine mist at a low voltage without requiring a high voltage when producing the fine mist. Therefore, safety associated with mist generation is increased and energy consumption is reduced. Moreover, since water particles are not decomposed by electrolysis or the like, they can be misted as they are without changing the water components. Therefore, even if functional water is supplied from the water storage tank or the like to the spray unit 301 instead of the supply unit 304, the type of atomizer that generates mist by vibration energy does not decompose water particles such as electrolysis. In some cases, mist can be produced without changing the water component. In this way, when it is a device that mists the water component as it is depending on how vibrational energy is applied, a function that adds some component compared to pure water, such as alkaline ion water or negative ion water, for example Even if water is used, it becomes possible to mist the component as it is, and any water according to the needs of the user can be supplied as mist.

  The spray unit 301 is not limited to using the piezoelectric vibrator 311. A magnetostrictive vibrator using a magnetostriction phenomenon caused by magnetic energy may be used as the vibrator. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In addition, the spray unit 301 generates mist by ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic waves is generally in a frequency band in which noise caused by vibration cannot be heard by human ears as a steady sound. Thus, by using a frequency of, for example, 20,000 Hz or more, even when applied to a household refrigerator, noise caused by vibration cannot be heard by human ears as a steady sound. Therefore, a refrigerator having a low-noise and high-quality mist spraying device 302 can be obtained.

  Next, the control by the control unit 314 will be described using the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 15 and the control flow diagram of FIG. In FIG. 15, information signals from detection units 325, 326, and 327 and a door opening / closing detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 330 are input to the control unit 314. The control unit 314 controls the spray unit 301, the heating unit 328, the compressor 104, the air blowing unit 317, and the ozone generator 323. The heating unit 328 adjusts the amount of water supplied to the spray unit 301. For example, the detection unit 325 detects the internal temperature as 5 ° C., the detection unit 326 detects the internal humidity as 90%, and the detection unit 327 detects the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 as 4 ° C. In this case, the control unit 314 determines ON / OFF of the spray unit 301 and the operation of the heating unit 328. That is, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 needs to be cooled below the dew point temperature. Therefore, for example, the control unit 314 turns off the heating unit 328 or reduces the input. And in order to reduce the temperature of cold air, the rotation speed of the compressor 104 is increased or the rotation speed of the blower 317 is decreased. The control unit 314 operates the spray unit 301 only when the detection unit 330 detects that the door is closed. This prevents mist leakage to the outside when the door is opened.

Next, the control flow will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, in step 21, the detection unit 327 detects the surface temperature t ° C. of the water collection plate 327. The control unit 314 determines that the pesticide removal is to be activated when t ° C. is within a predetermined range of t _A ° C. and t _B ° C., and the control proceeds to step 22. If t ° C is not in the range of t _A ° C and t _B ° C, control returns to step 21 and temperature detection and determination are repeated.

In step 22, the control unit 314 operates the spray unit 301 to spray mist into the vegetable compartment 114. Next, in step 23, if the integrated operating time _{T A} of the spray portion 301 is above _{T 1} to a predetermined, control unit 314 operates the ozone generator 323 at step 24, control passes to step 25. If T _A is less than T _{1, the} control unit 314 continues to determine the spray time in step 23.

In step 25, if the cumulative operation time _{T A} of the spray portion 301 is _{T 2} greater than or equal to a predetermined, control unit 314 stops the spray unit 301 at step 26 to end the mist spray. At the same time, the controller 314 also turns off the ozone generator 323 and the control proceeds to step 27. If T _A is less than T _{2, the} control unit 314 continues to determine the spray time in Step 25.

Then if the _{T 3} than the stopping time _{T B} of the spray unit 301 is predetermined in step 27, the control unit 314 _T A, the _{T B} returns to the initial value in step 28, it returns to step 21. If T _B is less than T _{3, the} control unit 314 subsequently determines the stop time of the spray unit 301 in step 27.

  Next, instead of the supply unit 304 and the water supply unit 303, a configuration for supplying a liquid such as water for causing the spray unit 301 to generate mist will be described. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the spraying part 301.

  In this configuration, a water storage tank 425B and a spray unit 301 are provided from the refrigerator door 400A side toward the interior partition inner surface to configure a mist spraying device 302A. The mist spraying device 302 </ b> A is fixed to a partition plate 111 </ b> B that constitutes the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The bottom surface of the water storage tank 425B is inclined, and a water supply adjustment unit 444 is provided at the bottom of the back surface.

  The operation and action of the mist spraying device configured as described above will be described. The water storage tank 425B is installed on the door 400A side of the vegetable compartment 114, that is, on the front side so that people can easily attach and detach it, and stores tap water, condensed water, and the like. Or you may inject | pour various functional water into the water storage tank 425B. The functional water is, for example, acidic water, alkaline water, or nutrient water containing vitamins. By spraying such functional water into the vegetable compartment 114, various new functions are added to the vegetable compartment 114. If it does in this way, the spraying part 301 can spray various functional water.

  The bottom surface of the water storage tank 425B is inclined toward the back of the refrigerator, and the injected water is devised to flow to the back side. A water supply adjustment unit 444 is provided on the bottom surface on the back side. The water supply adjustment unit 444 is composed of, for example, an on-off valve. The water supply adjustment unit 444 supplies water to the spray unit 301 only when it is open.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 17, the water storage tank 425B is provided on the door 400A side, and the spray unit 301 is provided on the back side of the water storage tank 425B. Since the bottom surface of the water storage tank 425B is inclined toward the spray unit 301, the water in the water storage tank 425B is efficiently used. In addition, an appropriate amount of water is supplied to the spray unit 301 by the water supply adjustment unit 444.

  Although the water storage tank 425B is fixed to the partition plate 111B, it may be detachable. This facilitates the exchange, addition, and cleaning of water and improves usability.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect of the mist spraying device 302 and the mist particle diameter. Also in this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes to which about 3 ppm of malathion is attached are used as in the third embodiment. After the mist generated by the mist spraying device 302 is continuously sprayed for 12 hours, the residual malathion concentration of cherry tomatoes is measured by GC, and the removal rate is calculated. The spray amount at this time is 0.03 g / h · L. As described above, the particle diameter of the mist is determined by the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 311 and the dimensions of the horn 310.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in order to make the malathion removal rate about 50%, it is necessary to control the particle diameter to 20 μm or less. Moreover, in order to make the malathion removal rate about 70%, it is necessary to control the particle diameter to 0.5 μm or less. This is because the general vegetable unevenness is 20 to 30 μm, and if it is 20 μm or more, it becomes difficult for the mist to enter the fine concave portion of the vegetable, and it becomes difficult for the harmful substances to adhere to the mist particles or to be taken into the mist particles. it is conceivable that. Moreover, since the mist with a particle diameter of 0.5 μm is higher in diffusibility than the mist with a particle diameter of 20 μm, the contact frequency between the mist and the agricultural chemical on the vegetable surface is increased, and the agricultural chemical removal rate is considered to be higher.

  From the above results, the mist particle size having performance of 50% or more of the agricultural chemical removal rate in the mist spraying apparatus that generates mist by the ultrasonic method is 20 μm or less, and the mist having performance of 70% or more of the agricultural chemical removal rate. The particle diameter is 0.5 μm or less.

  In addition, it is thought that a pesticide removal rate will improve more if a mist particle diameter is made smaller than 0.5 micrometer and made still smaller. In the spraying part 301, water droplets are refined using high-frequency vibration energy. Therefore, in the atomization part 301 of an ultrasonic atomization system, in order to make the particle diameter of mist small to less than 0.5 micrometer, it is necessary to make a vibration frequency high. However, as the vibration frequency is increased, the number of vibrations is increased and the durability of the spray unit 301 employing the current ultrasonic atomization method tends to be shortened. Refrigerators have a particularly long service life among household appliances, and the average service life is about 10 years, so that long-term durability is particularly required. Therefore, when the mist is generated using the ultrasonic atomization method in the current stage technique, the lower limit value of the mist particle diameter is preferably set to 0.5 μm.

  As mentioned above, it is preferable that the mist particle diameter using the spraying part 301 of an ultrasonic atomization system shall be the range of 0.5 micrometer or more and 20 micrometers or less. However, even if a mist having a particle diameter smaller than 0.5 μm is generated using an ultrasonic atomization method in the future, if it is an ultrasonic atomization method that can ensure long-term reliability, Furthermore, the lower limit of the mist particle diameter can be increased to, for example, about 1/10 of 0.05 μm.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pesticide removal effect of the mist spraying device 302 and the mist spray amount. In this experiment, a mist having a particle diameter of 10 μm is sprayed into a 70 L vegetable room 114. The spraying time is 12 hours as in the experiment of FIG. Further, the spray amount is controlled by changing the voltage applied to the spray unit 301 in this experiment. In addition to this, it is also possible to adjust the spray amount by changing the opening area of the spray tip 310A.

  As is clear from FIG. 19, the removal effect of malathion, which is an agricultural chemical, increases as the amount of mist spray increases. In order to make the malathion removal rate 50% or more, the spray amount needs to be controlled to 0.014 g / h · L or more. On the other hand, when the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, although there is an effect of removing agricultural chemicals, excess moisture adheres to the vegetable surface, causing water rot and reducing the quality of the vegetable. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of mist spraying using the ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 is in a range of 0.014 g / h · L to 0.14 g / h · L. However, even if the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, the spray amount may be increased if water rot can be prevented, for example, by shaking the vegetables and dropping excess water. Even in that case, from the viewpoint of maintaining the quality of the vegetables, the spray amount is preferably 0.5 g / h · L or less.

  As described above, the refrigerator that is a storage unit having a cooling device in the present embodiment has a vegetable compartment 114 that is a storage room formed by insulating the heat insulating box 110. The refrigerator also includes a mist spraying device 302 including an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 that sprays liquid mist. And in the refrigerator by this Embodiment which has the vegetable compartment 114, in order to convey low temperature cold air to each storage room which is comparatively low temperature, the air path 229 is utilized. And the water collection board 321 for supplying water to the spray part 301 is cooled by the heat conduction from the air path 229 side. By adjusting the temperature of the water collecting plate 321 below the dew point, moisture in the air is reliably generated, and water is supplied to the spray tip 310A of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303 or the like.

  Moreover, since the spray part 301 is an ultrasonic atomization system, if the supply of water is sufficient, the spray amount is sufficiently secured. Therefore, the spray amount can be adjusted by the ON / OFF operation, and the operation time in actual use is shortened, and the life reliability of the components is improved. In addition, pesticides and wax adhering to the crop surface can be lifted and removed with a very small amount of water, thus saving water.

  Moreover, since the spraying part 301 is an ultrasonic atomization system, ozone is not generated when mist is generated, and only OH radicals are generated. Therefore, it is not necessary to take measures against ozone in particular, and the component configuration and control contents are simplified. When ozone is used, an ozone generator 323 may be provided separately as in this embodiment.

  Moreover, the spray part 301 can spray various functional water by providing the water storage tank 425B which supplies a liquid to the spray part 301. FIG. The functional water is, for example, acidic water, alkaline water, or nutrient water containing vitamins. By spraying such functional water into the vegetable compartment 114, various new functions are added to the vegetable compartment 114.

  In addition, by setting the sprayed mist particle diameter to 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, the mist efficiently enters the fine recesses on the crop surface. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are removed to the details.

  Further, by setting the mist spray amount to 0.014 g / h · L or more and 0.14 g / h · L or less, harmful substances are efficiently removed and moisture of the crop is retained. Also, water rot of crops is prevented.

  In this embodiment, ozone gas generated by discharge is dissolved in the sprayed mist, but the same effect can be obtained even if the stored water is ozone or functional water rich in reactivity.

  In the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic atomization type spray unit 301 is used, a high voltage is not required when the mist is atomized. Therefore, when a flammable refrigerant such as isobutane or propane is used as the refrigerant of the cooling device, safety is maintained even if the refrigerant leaks from the cooling device, and it is special for the arrangement of the components of the cooling device. There is no need to devise. There is no need for special measures such as explosion protection. Therefore, applying the spray unit 301 of a type that generates mist by vibration energy to a refrigerator using a flammable refrigerant does not impair the safety of a household refrigerator.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, it is not necessary to supply water from the outside by providing the water collection board 321 in the vegetable compartment 114. Furthermore, the amount of condensation can be adjusted by providing the heating unit 328 and the air blowing unit 317. At the same time, the internal humidity can be adjusted by changing the temperature of the water collecting plate 321.

  The spray unit 301 includes a horn 310 formed in a substantially conical shape and a piezoelectric element 311. The piezoelectric element 311 is bonded to and integrated with one end surface of the horn 310. The mist spraying device 302 including such an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 is small and operates with a low input. Therefore, it can be arranged in the vegetable compartment 114. In recent years, mainstream refrigerators are designed to have a larger internal capacity while maintaining the same external dimensions. In this way, the user convenience is improved. Since the horn 310 is small, it can be applied to such a refrigerator, and the mist spraying device 302 can be arranged without extending into the cabinet. Therefore, the low-input and high-output mist spraying device 302 can be provided while minimizing the decrease in the internal volume. Thereby, the usability of the refrigerator can be improved while saving energy. Moreover, there are few installation restrictions of the mist spraying apparatus 302, and it can give a freedom degree to the design of a refrigerator. In addition, since the mist spraying device 302 has a low input, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed, and the control board can be reduced in size and cost.

  Moreover, since the emitted-heat amount of mist spraying apparatus 302 itself is suppressed, the temperature rise in the vegetable compartment 114 is suppressed. In addition, abnormal heat generation in the event of water shortage is also suppressed, so that the spray unit 301 has a long life and reliability is improved. Furthermore, since the inside of a refrigerator is a low temperature atmosphere, the temperature rise of the spray part 301 is suppressed. As a result, the spray unit 301 has a long life.

  Moreover, by providing the water supply unit 303, water is efficiently and stably supplied to the tip of the horn 310. Therefore, the spray part 301 always sprays stably, and mist is sprayed in the vegetable compartment 114. In addition, since water is stably supplied to the tip of the horn 310, water shortage at the tip of the horn 310 is prevented, and the spray unit 301 has a long life and reliability is improved.

  Further, the water supply unit 303 is provided in the vicinity of the supply unit 304. Therefore, water is supplied from the supply unit 304 to the tip of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303. Thereby, it sprays in the vegetable compartment 114 efficiently. Moreover, since the supply part 304 and the water supply part 303 are located in the vicinity, the path | route of the water from the supply part 304 to the front-end | tip of the horn 310 becomes compact and simple, and a design freedom improves.

  In addition, the supply unit 304 includes a water collecting plate 321 that condenses moisture in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 in order to collect water. The condensed water generated by the condensation is collected by the supply unit 30, and the collected condensed water is always stably supplied to the tip of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303. Therefore, mist is efficiently sprayed in the storage space.

  Further, since the horn 310 is made of a highly heat conductive material, heat generated at the tip of the horn 310 is diffused throughout the horn 310. Moreover, since the inside of a refrigerator is a low temperature atmosphere, the temperature rise of the spray part 301 is suppressed. As a result, the spray unit 301 has a long life and reliability is improved.

  Further, the tip of the horn 310 is disposed in the vicinity of the vibration abdomen, and the flange portion 312 provided on the bonded surface side of the piezoelectric element 311 is disposed in the vicinity of the vibration node. And the flange part 312 and the refrigerator main body are connected directly or indirectly. Therefore, the liquid replenished to the horn tip at the abdomen where the amplitude of vibration is large, that is, the tip of the horn 310 can be efficiently atomized. On the other hand, since the amplitude of the vibration node, that is, the flange portion 312 is small, vibration transmission to the refrigerator connected directly or indirectly is reduced.

  In addition, the piezoelectric element 311 vibrates in a mode in which the length between the spray tip 310A of the horn 310 and the flange 312 is ¼ wavelength. As a result, there is one vibration abdomen and node between the spray tip 310A that generates mist and the flange 312. Thus, since there are not a plurality of vibration abdominal portions and node portions, the horn 310 can be downsized. In addition, since energy dispersion and attenuation are reduced, efficiency is improved. Moreover, there are few installation restrictions of the small horn 310, a design freedom is obtained, and a storage space becomes large. Specifically, the length of the horn 310 can be 1 mm to 20 mm. Thus, if the horn 310 is made small, the design freedom of a refrigerator can be obtained and a storage space will become large.

  Further, by providing the cover member 306 around the mist spraying device 302, the user does not directly touch the inside of the mist spraying device 302. Therefore, safety is improved.

  In addition, although the horn 310 in the spray part 301 demonstrated the example formed in substantially cone shape, it is not limited to this. A similar effect can be obtained if the shape amplifies the amplitude of vibration at the tip. For example, a tapered shape from the piezoelectric element 311 side toward the tip can be formed into a substantially rectangular shape at the tip of the horn. In this structure, since the area which sprays mist becomes large compared with circular shape, a spraying range is expanded and a diffusivity improves.

(Embodiment 5)
In the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the mist spraying devices 120 and 302 in the third and fourth embodiments described above are used in combination. From the viewpoint of the mist particle size and the spray amount, the pesticide removal effect by such a composite type mist spraying device, the preservation effect of agricultural products stored in the vegetable compartment 114, and the antifouling effect of the wall surface in the vegetable compartment 114 explain.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the correlation between the mist particle size and the spray amount and the respective effects in the present embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a range in which each effect appears by changing the mist particle size and the spray amount in the electrostatic atomization method and the ultrasonic method while keeping the 70 L vegetable room at an ambient temperature of 5 ° C. Yes. By adjusting the capabilities of the mist spraying devices 120 and 302 according to the third and fourth embodiments, a range in which the appropriate values of the particle diameter and the spray amount overlap each other is covered. FIG. 20 shows that the mist particle size and the spray amount according to the third and fourth embodiments and the respective effects have appropriate ranges and are shifted from each other.

  First, I will explain the resuscitation of vegetables. In order to increase the moisture content of vegetables, the mist to be sprayed cannot physically enter the vegetables unless the particle diameter is smaller than the pore diameter in the state where the pores are maximally opened. The pores are on the surface of the vegetables and regulate moisture. Moreover, according to the result of the experiment, when the light is not irradiated, the moisture content restoration rate is high if the particle diameter of the mist is not more than the cell gap width. That is, mist actively enters from the cell gap, and the moisture content restoring effect of the vegetable is increased. Conversely, if the mist diameter becomes too small, the contact frequency between the mist and the pores decreases, and the resuscitation rate of the vegetables decreases.

  On the other hand, the amount of mist sprayed needs to be equal to or greater than the amount by which the relative humidity in the vegetable compartment 114 can be kept in equilibrium with the humidity inside the vegetable. However, if the amount of spray is too large, the quality of the vegetables will deteriorate due to water rot. The amount of spray needs to be less than the amount that does not cause such a situation.

  Further, a potential difference is generated between the electrostatically loaded mist and the vegetable, and the vegetable adhesion rate of the mist is increased. Therefore, in the case of the same particle size, the resuscitation rate of vegetables is higher when containing a large amount of electrostatically loaded mist even with a small spray amount.

  Next, the removal of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals on the vegetable surface will be described. In this experiment, malathion, which is a general vegetable pesticide, is attached to the vegetable surface and placed in an ozone mist atmosphere for 12 hours. On the other hand, the same amount of malathion is attached to the vegetable surface and placed in a normal vegetable room where there is no mist atmosphere for 12 hours. Each of these is put in a basket and washed with running water for 10 seconds, and the removal rate of malathion is displayed as an appropriate range of 50% or more compared to that placed in a normal vegetable room where there is no mist atmosphere.

  About the mist particle diameter, when it is the uneven | corrugated width of vegetables and it is a diffusible fine particle, an agrochemical removal effect is high. When the particle size is too small, the contact frequency with the pesticide decreases, and the removal rate decreases. On the other hand, as in the resuscitation of vegetables, the frequency of contact between the electrostatically loaded mist and the vegetables is high, so that the larger the proportion of the electrostatically loaded mist, the smaller the amount of spray that can be removed. In this case, it is not necessary to supply the mist to the inside of the vegetable as in the resuscitation of the vegetable, and the supply of the mist is limited to the vegetable surface. Therefore, the amount of spray required is less than vegetable resuscitation. Moreover, when spraying the same amount, there is almost no difference in the effect of removing agricultural chemicals depending on the particle size. The magnitude of the removal effect depends on the amount of substances having the ability to decompose, such as ozone and OH radicals, in the mist rather than the spray amount. The number of radicals increases as the mist generated by the electrostatic atomization method becomes finer. Therefore, the pesticide removal effect becomes higher when the mist containing a large amount of electrostatic load is included.

  Next, the antifouling effect in the refrigerator will be described. If the water particles of the mist are evenly attached to the wall surface in the refrigerator, it is possible to prevent the dirt substance from directly attaching to the wall surface in the refrigerator. The antifouling effect in the refrigerator cabinet means such an effect. In this way, when the dirt substance adheres to the wall surface in the warehouse via the water particles, for example, it is possible to easily remove the dirt simply by wiping the wall surface in the warehouse, and cleaning the refrigerator is very easy. It becomes.

  Regarding the confirmation of the antifouling effect, a dirt substance is sprayed on ABS resin which is a resin in a general refrigerator in a 70 L vegetable room 114 filled with a predetermined amount of mist with each particle size. After that, when the dirt is wiped off after a certain time, an appropriate range is a range in which no dirt substance remains.

  As shown in FIG. 20, fine particles having a particle diameter equal to or smaller than the uneven width of the internal resin and having diffusibility have a high antifouling effect. In addition, when the mist adheres to the inner wall surface of the container, the particle diameter that is visible as water droplets may cause dew condensation, which may cause the food quality to deteriorate. Therefore, the particle diameter of the mist to be sprayed needs to be a particle diameter at which the mist adhering to the wall surface becomes a water droplet at an invisible level. Moreover, the spraying amount is larger than the spraying amount for vegetable resuscitation and pesticide removal. This is because in order to exert the antifouling effect, it is necessary to uniformly adhere water particles to the wall surface and to spray a large amount of mist. When the mist is generated by the electrostatic atomization method, the number of radicals having a high oxidative degradation power increases as the particle diameter decreases, as in the effect of removing agricultural chemicals and the like. For this reason, it is considered that the oxidative decomposition ability of mist is increased, the frequency of contact with dirt is increased, and the effect of decomposing adhered dirt is enhanced. However, if the particle size is too small, the mist wall surface arrival rate is lowered, and the antifouling effect is lowered.

  As described above, various useful effects in the refrigerator can be obtained depending on the relationship between the particle diameter of the mist and the spray amount. That is, the convenience of the refrigerator is further improved by performing mist spraying that achieves a plurality of effects to be obtained.

  Next, an appropriate range of the mist particle diameter when the composite mist spraying apparatus is used will be described. FIG. 21A is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect and the water particle diameter of mist in the present embodiment. In this experiment as well, as in Embodiment 3, ten cherry tomatoes with about 3 ppm of malathion attached are used. After the mist generated by the mist spraying device is continuously sprayed for 24 hours, the residual malathion concentration of cherry tomatoes is measured by GC, and the removal rate is calculated. The spray amount at this time is 0.03 g / h · L.

  As is clear from FIG. 21A, in order to make the agrochemical removal rate 50% or more, the mist particle diameter needs to be 0.003 μm or more and 20 μm or less. Fine mist particles having a mist particle size that is less than the width of the unevenness of the crop and having a high diffusibility have a high pesticide removal effect. Therefore, the mist particle size is preferably 20 μm or less. If the particle size becomes too small and less than 0.003 μm, it is considered that the contact frequency with the pesticide decreases and the removal rate decreases.

  Next, an appropriate range of the mist particle diameter and the spray amount when the composite mist spraying apparatus is used will be described. FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a relationship between the agrochemical removal effect and the mist spray amount in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 21B is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal effect with respect to the spray amount of mist according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In this experiment, a mist having a particle diameter of 0.5 μm is sprayed into a 70 L vegetable room 114. The spraying time is 12 hours as in the experiment of FIG. 21A.

  As is clear from FIG. 21B, the removal effect of malathion, which is a pesticide, increases as the amount of mist spray increases. In order to make the malathion removal rate 50% or more, the spray amount needs to be controlled to 0.0007 g / h · L or more. This lower limit is the same as the value obtained when the mist is sprayed by the electrostatic atomization method. That is, the lower limit is determined by the electrostatic atomization method.

  On the other hand, when the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, although there is an effect of removing agricultural chemicals, excess moisture adheres to the vegetable surface, causing water rot and reducing the quality of the vegetable. However, even if the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, the spray amount may be increased if water rot can be prevented, for example, by shaking the vegetables and dropping excess water. Even in that case, from the viewpoint of maintaining the quality of the vegetables, the spray amount is preferably 0.5 g / h · L or less. Thus, the upper limit value is determined by the ultrasonic vibration method.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the mist spraying device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 23 also serves as a block diagram of the control system of the mist spraying device, and does not indicate the positions of the voltage application unit 409 and the control unit 414.

  The refrigerator shown in FIG. 22 is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 in the configuration of the spray section 431 provided on the partition plate 111B on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the mist spraying device 404 has an electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431. The outer shell of the spray unit 431 is configured by a cylindrical holder 405. An application electrode 406 is installed in the holder 405. The periphery of the application electrode 406 is covered with a water retention material 407. The water retaining material 407 holds condensed water, and the application electrode 406 is in a water-containing state up to the spherical tip. That is, the water retention material 407 is a holding unit that holds water supplied to the application electrode 406 constituting the mist spraying device 404. In the water retaining material 407, a plate-like counter electrode 408 having an opening at the center is disposed at the opening inside the holder 405. The counter electrode 408 is attached so as to maintain a constant distance from the tip of the application electrode 406. The negative electrode side of the voltage application unit 409 that generates a high voltage is electrically connected to the application electrode 406, and the positive electrode side is electrically connected to the counter electrode 408.

  The spray unit 431 is provided with a temperature detection unit 412 for detecting the tip temperature of the application electrode 406. The control unit 414 receives a signal from the temperature detection unit 412 and performs a predetermined calculation to operate the components. A heating unit 413 for controlling the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 is provided on the back surface of the application electrode 406.

  The partition plate 111 </ b> B is mainly made of a heat insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and its thickness is about 30 mm. On the back surface of the spray part 431, the partition plate 111 </ b> B has a thickness of 5 mm to 10 mm.

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

  As described in the fourth embodiment, the vegetable compartment 114 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by the distribution of cold air from the evaporator 102, and generally has no internal temperature detection unit. . The inside of the vegetable compartment 114 is highly humid due to transpiration from food and intrusion of water vapor by opening and closing the door.

  In this refrigerator, a switching room 113 and an ice making room (not shown) are provided on the vegetable room 114. The temperature in these storages is lower than the temperature in the vegetable compartment 114. The thickness of the partition plate 111 </ b> B where the spray unit 431 is installed needs to have a cooling capacity for cooling the application electrode 406. Therefore, the wall thickness of the location where the spray part 431 is provided is configured to be thinner than other portions. Here, if the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, water vapor in the vicinity of the application electrode 406 is condensed on the application electrode 406 and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the controller 414 grasps the state of the tip temperature by the temperature detector 412 installed near the application electrode 406. Then, the control unit 414 performs ON / OFF control or duty control on the heating unit 444 to adjust the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature. In this way, moisture contained in the high humidity air is condensed on the application electrode 406. Although not shown, if there is an internal temperature detector, an internal humidity detector, or the like, the control unit 414 accurately calculates the dew point temperature according to changes in the internal environment by a predetermined calculation. Can do. Even when ice or frost is attached to the tip of the application electrode 406, the control unit 414 causes the heating unit 444 to raise the temperature of the tip of the application electrode 406 to the melting temperature. Thus, in the spray part 431, water is appropriately generated by melting frost and ice.

  The application electrode 406 is covered with a water retention material 407. Therefore, the surface of the application electrode 406 is in a certain amount of water content. In this state, the application electrode 406 is set to the negative voltage side and the counter electrode 408 is set to the positive voltage side, and the voltage application unit 409 applies a high voltage (eg, 4.6 kV) between the electrodes. At this time, for example, corona discharge occurs between electrodes set at a distance of 3 mm. Thereby, the water on the application electrode 406 is atomized from the tip, and becomes a fine mist. This mist is charged and has a nano-level particle size of less than 1 μm that cannot be visually observed. Further, ozone, OH radicals, etc. are generated accompanying the generation of mist. The generated ozone is immediately mixed with the mist to become a low concentration ozone mist.

  The generated mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114. This mist has a negative charge. The crops stored in the vegetable compartment 114 usually have a positive charge. Therefore, mist tends to gather on the crop surface. The mist contains ozone and OH radicals. Therefore, mist oxidizes and decomposes harmful substances such as pesticides and wax that adhere to the crop surface.

  As described above, the refrigerator that is a storage unit having a cooling device in the present embodiment has a vegetable compartment 114 that is a storage room formed by insulating the heat insulating box 110. The refrigerator also includes a mist spraying device 404 including an electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431 that sprays liquid mist. The spray unit 431 includes an application electrode 406 for applying a voltage to water, a counter electrode 408 disposed at a position facing the application electrode 406, and a voltage application unit 409 for applying a voltage between the application electrode 406 and the counter electrode 408. And have.

  Then, the application electrode 406 is cooled by heat conduction using low-temperature cold air from another storage room having a relatively low temperature as a cooling source. In addition, the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 is adjusted to a temperature equal to or lower than the dew point by the heating unit 413. Thereby, moisture in the air is surely condensed on the tip of the application electrode 406. That is, the application electrode 406 functions as a water collection unit that extracts moisture from the air in the vegetable compartment 114.

  Further, the amount of dew condensation is adjusted by finely adjusting the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 by the heating unit 413 provided on the back surface of the application electrode 406. Further, even if ice or frost is generated at the tip of the application electrode 406, the heating unit 413 melts them to form water droplets, and water is reliably supplied into the spray unit 431.

  The collected water is supplied to the tip of the application electrode 406 by the water retention unit 407. The water is sprayed as fine mist on the vegetable compartment 114 by the application electrode 406, and reliably adheres to the crop surface. At that time, harmful substances on the surface of the crop are removed by ozone and OH radicals generated simultaneously with the generation of mist. In addition, the effects of deodorization and antifouling in the vegetable compartment 114 are enhanced.

  Further, it is difficult for the wind to flow directly through the water retaining material 407 itself. Therefore, drying of the water retention material 407 is prevented, and the water retention material 407 supplies sufficient water to the tip of the application electrode 406.

  Moreover, the sprayed mist is sprayed directly on the farm products in the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, the mist can be attached to the crop surface using the potential difference between the mist and the crop. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are efficiently removed with a small amount of water.

  Furthermore, the application electrode 406 which is a water collection part is installed so that it may be suspended from the upper part of the spray part 431. FIG. Therefore, the dew condensation water captured by the application electrode 406 naturally falls due to gravity and travels toward the tip. This makes it possible to supply water to the mist spraying device 404 at low cost without using a water supply unit such as a pump or capillary.

  Further, a water retaining material 407 is disposed around the application electrode 406. Thereby, the condensed water is held around the application electrode 406 and supplied to the application electrode 406 in a timely manner. Furthermore, since the water retaining material 407 is not vibrated, deterioration due to material shrinkage is prevented.

  Condensed water does not contain mineral components or impurities like tap water. For this reason, deterioration of the water retention material 407 and a decrease in water retention due to clogging are prevented.

  Although ozone is also generated when mist is generated, the ozone concentration in the vegetable compartment 114 is adjusted by ON / OFF operation of the mist spraying device 404. By appropriately adjusting the ozone concentration in this manner, deterioration such as yellowing of vegetables due to excessive ozone is prevented, and the sterilization and antibacterial action of the vegetable surface is enhanced.

  Next, a configuration for more reliably supplying a liquid such as water for generating mist to the spray unit 404 will be described. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another configuration in the vicinity of the spraying portion in the present embodiment.

  The partition plate 111B constituting the top of the vegetable compartment 114 is provided with a water storage tank 425 and a spray unit 431 in this order from the refrigerator door 400A side toward the interior partition inner surface. Supply water 426 is stored in the water storage tank 425. A cover member 501 having a hole is provided around the spraying portion 431 so that food and people cannot touch it. In this way, the mist spraying device 404A is configured.

  The water storage tank 425 is installed on the door 400 </ b> A side of the vegetable compartment 114, that is, on the front side so that people can easily attach and detach. The water storage tank 425 stores supply water 426 to be supplied to the spray unit 431. In addition, a water supply unit 441 and a water supply path 442 are provided to supply the supply water 426 to the spray unit 431. The water supply unit 441 is, for example, a gear pump, a piezoelectric pump, a capillary, or the like, and supplies water to the tip of the application electrode 406 of the spray unit 431 and the water retaining material 407 around it. Here, the amount of water supply is substantially equal to the amount sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114. Although not shown in FIG. 24, a control unit 414 and a voltage application unit 409 are provided as in FIG. The control unit 414 further controls the operation of the water supply unit 441.

  The operation and action of the mist spraying device 404A configured as described above will be described. For example, when it is determined that spraying is necessary for the vegetable compartment 114, the control unit 414 first operates the water supply unit 441 to supply water to the tip of the application electrode 406 using the water supply path 442. Necessity of spraying to the vegetable compartment 114 is performed by the controller 414 by a vegetable compartment humidity detector (not shown) that detects the humidity in the vegetable compartment 114. Alternatively, the user determines and transmits it to the control unit 414 by an operation switch (not shown) of the mist spraying device 404A. When water is supplied to the tip of the application electrode 406, the voltage application unit 409 applies a high voltage between the application electrode 406 and the counter electrode 408. Fine mist generated thereby is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114.

  The spray part 431 is embedded in a recess 420 provided in the partition plate 111B on the top surface. Moreover, the spraying part 431 is installed in the top | upper surface back part of the vegetable compartment 114, and the cover member 501 is installed in the circumference | surroundings. Thus, safety is ensured by preventing the user from touching the spray part 431. Further, the cover member 501 is arranged so that the bottom surface portion 501A is above the bottom surface 425A of the water storage tank 425. The cover member 501 configured in this manner does not affect the movable operation of the vegetable container 228 that can be moved back and forth by the drawer-type door 400A.

  In the container 228, vegetables that are agricultural products are stored. In particular, when green rape leaves and fruits are stored, these fruits and vegetables are usually stored in a slightly deflated state due to transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage. These fruits and vegetables are normally charged with a positive charge, and the sprayed fine mist with a negative charge tends to collect on the vegetable surface. Therefore, the sprayed mist adheres to the surface of fruits and vegetables at the same time as making the inside of the vegetable compartment 114 highly humid. Mist adheres electrically to the surface of the agricultural product thus charged and the inner wall surface of the warehouse. Furthermore, the mist penetrates into the fine recesses on the surface of the crops and raises harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax by its internal pressure energy.

  Further, by generating fine mist by the electrostatic atomization method, a small amount of ozone is generated at the same time as the mist is generated. This ozone is immediately mixed with the mist to produce a low concentration ozone mist. Further, by electrostatically adding to the mist, water molecules in the mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, the toxic radicals that float up are oxidatively decomposed and removed by the oxidative decomposition action of ozone. Alternatively, after the mist electrically enters a fine recess on the surface of the crop, ozone and OH radicals contained in the mist chemically react with residual agricultural chemicals and wax. Therefore, the hydrophilicity of residual agricultural chemicals and wax is increased, and it is taken into mist and decomposed and removed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water storage tank 425 is provided on the door 400A side on the partition plate 111B located on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114 of the refrigerator. That is, the water storage tank 425 is provided on the front side as viewed from the user. In particular, when the water storage tank 425 is detachable, it is easy to exchange, add, and clean water, improving usability. Moreover, since the spray part 431 is provided in the back | inner side rather than the water storage tank 425, a user is prevented from touching the spray part 431, especially the spray front-end | tip part 406A, and safety | security improves. Furthermore, the lower end 431 </ b> A of the spray unit 431 is disposed on the back side of the water storage tank 425 and above the bottom surface 425 </ b> A that is the lower end surface of the water storage tank 425. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to see the spray part 431, and the beauty in the vegetable compartment 114 is not impaired. Moreover, since it becomes difficult for a user to touch by the spray part 431, a user's safety increases more. Moreover, since the foodstuff and the person's contact with the spray part 431 are prevented, the fall of the reliability by external force is prevented.

  Moreover, in order to suppress the protrusion of the spray part 431 into the store | warehouse | chamber more, the spray part 431 is embedded in the recessed part 420 provided in the partition plate 111B. As a result, the spray section 431 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114 without reducing the internal volume and without affecting food storage.

  Furthermore, by providing the cover member 501 that covers the spray portion 431, it is further prevented that food or a person comes into contact.

  Further, even when the spray part 431 is covered with the cover member 501, the bottom surface part 501 </ b> A is disposed above the bottom surface 425 </ b> A of the water storage tank 425. This prevents a decrease in the internal volume, and further improves the beauty and safety of the vegetable compartment 114 provided with the spray unit 431.

  In addition, although the water storage tank 425 has been described as a detachable type, it is not limited to this. The water storage tank 425 may be a fixed type, and for example, tap water or stored water generated using moisture in the refrigerator may be automatically supplied. Even in this type of mist spraying device 404 </ b> A, it is preferable to dispose the spraying portion 431 on the back side of the water storage tank 425 as described above. As a result, the user is prevented from touching the spray part 431, and safety is increased. Furthermore, by arranging the spray part 431 behind the water storage tank 425 and above the bottom surface 425A of the water storage tank 425, it becomes difficult for the user to see the spray part 431. Therefore, the spray part 431 can be provided in the vegetable compartment 114 without impairing the beauty in the vegetable compartment 114. Moreover, since it becomes difficult for a user to touch the spraying part 431, the safety to a user increases. And since the foodstuff and the person's contact to the spray part 431 are prevented, the fall of the reliability by external force is prevented.

  Note that although the electrostatic atomization type spray unit 431 is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. You may use the spray part of another systems, such as an ultrasonic atomization system. Also in that case, the convenience and safety of the refrigerator are improved by making the arrangement relationship between the water storage tank 425 and the spray section the same as described above.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 24, air discharge between the application electrode 406 and the counter electrode 408 is suppressed by increasing the humidity around the application electrode 406. Therefore, the generated ozone concentration is reduced, and safety to the user is ensured even when applied to a household refrigerator or the like.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 24, the spray portion 431 is embedded in the recess 420 provided in the partition plate 111B, and the thickness of the partition plate 111B is thinner than the other portions. For this reason, the tip of the application electrode 406 is cooled, and dew condensation is facilitated. However, when a water storage tank 425 is provided and water is supplied to the application electrode 406 as shown in FIG. In that case, the temperature detection unit 412 and the heating unit 420 may not be provided.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 24, the electrostatic atomization type spray unit 431 is used. However, when the ultrasonic atomization type spray unit is used, the spray unit heats up particularly when the spray tip is dried. To do. For this reason, there is a concern about a decrease in reliability. Even when an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit is used as described above, by driving the spray unit after the operation of the water supply unit 441, drying of the spray tip is prevented, and the reliability of the mist spraying device is improved.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 25 is a front view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AA in the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  In the vegetable compartment 114, a container 228A for storing vegetables and fruits is arranged. A rail member 512 for holding the container 228A is provided on the outer shell of the refrigerator. The container 228A held by the rail member 512 moves back and forth in accordance with opening and closing of the door 400A. Furthermore, in the vegetable compartment 114, a specific container 228B partitioned from the container 228 in a substantially separate section is disposed. Only when the door 400A is closed, the lid 514 substantially seals the specific container 228B. The lid 514 is made of a light-transmitting material and has a hole in a part thereof. In FIG. 26, the container 228A is omitted. As shown in FIG. 26, the lid 514 is arranged so that the door 400A side is inside the specific container 228B and the back side in the warehouse is deeper than the specific container 228B.

  In the specific container 228B, a detachable water storage tank 425C is provided on the door 400A side, that is, on the front side. And the spraying part 431 is attached to the back side of the partition plate 11B. The basic configuration of the electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431 is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. A hole 517 that is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the spray part 431 is provided in the vicinity of the spray part 431 of the lid 514. With this configuration, the movement of the lid 514 is restricted with respect to the spray unit 431. The lid 514 moves as the door 400A opens and closes. When the door 400A is closed, the lid 514 substantially seals the specific container 228B. Further, when the door 400A is opened, it is detached from the specific container 228B and held on the main body side. Therefore, the upper surface of the specific container 228B is opened when the door 400A is opened.

  The container 228A is provided with a holding unit 515 for holding the specific container 228B. The holding part 515 holds the protrusion 516 provided in the specific container 228B. In FIG. 26, the specific container 228B is provided up to the inner side of the warehouse, but when the depth of the specific container 228B is sufficiently smaller than the depth of the container 228A, the holding unit 515 serves as a rail when the specific container 228B is pulled out. Function.

  The partition plate 111 </ b> B is provided with an irradiation unit 523 and a diffusion plate 524. The irradiation unit 523 irradiates the specific container 228B with light having a specific wavelength, and affects the crop in the specific container 228B. The diffuser plate 524 uniformly irradiates the inside of the specific container 228B and covers the irradiation unit 523 that is a light source. The irradiation unit 523 is installed on the projection surface above the specific container 228B, and irradiates light through the transparent lid 514 in the specific container 228B.

  Operation | movement / effect | action of the vegetable compartment 114 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. In recent years, the food stored in the vegetable compartment 114 is diverse. For example, beverages that do not require high humidity, such as plastic bottles, are also stored, and their uses vary widely. Among vegetables, leaf vegetables such as spinach prefer relatively low temperature and high humidity, but shiitake mushrooms do not like high humidity. Also, cereal grains such as potatoes prefer around 10 ° C. In the present embodiment, the specific container 228B is provided in the container 228A. This provides a space environment according to the preserved vegetables. Further, the specific container 228B and the lid 514 form a substantially closed space. Due to the evaporation of water from the water storage tank 425C, the inside of the specific container 228B is highly humid. Therefore, the space is suitable for storing leafy vegetables such as spinach.

  At least the spray tip 406A of the spray unit 431 is provided in the upper part of the internal space of the highly humidified specific container 228B. The spraying unit 431 and the water storage tank 425C constitute a mist spraying device that sprays mist by electrostatic atomization using water vapor in high humidity air. As described in the sixth embodiment, the spray unit 431 causes condensation using cooling from the back surface. Therefore, a recess 420A is provided in a portion of the partition plate 111B to which the spraying portion 431 is attached. With such a configuration, the spray unit 431 generates nanoscopic fine mist that has an electric charge and is not visible, and sprays it into the specific container 228B. As described above, the fine mist generated by the electrostatic atomization method has a charge at the time of generation, and at the same time generates a small amount of ozone, OH radicals, and the like. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, it has the oxidizing power of OH radicals. The mist penetrates into the fine recesses on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and raises harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax by its internal pressure energy. Then, oxidative decomposition is removed by the oxidative decomposition action of ozone. In some cases, the mist electrically enters fine concave portions on the surface of vegetables and fruits, chemically reacts with the residual pesticide and wax, increases the hydrophilicity of the residual pesticide and wax, and is taken into the mist for decomposition and removal.

  Thus, at least the spray tip 406A is provided in the specific container 228B. Therefore, the mist particles are sprayed directly on the specific container 228B in which the crop is stored. Thus, the distance between the spray tip 406A and the crop is short. Therefore, for example, vaporization of mist particles is prevented as compared with a case where mist is sprayed outside the specific container 228B and then fed into the specific container 228B. Moreover, since the flow rate of mist in a floating state increases, the adhesion rate of mist to the crop surface increases.

  In addition, the spray tip 406A is provided in the specific container 228B, and the water storage tank 425C is provided in a partition different from the partition in which the spray unit 431 is provided. That is, the water storage tank 425 </ b> C is a supply unit that is provided in a section of the heat insulating box 110 that is different from the spray tip 406 </ b> A and holds water and supplies water vapor to the spray unit 431. In this configuration, the arrangement position of the water storage tank 425C is not affected by the arrangement position of the spray unit 431. Therefore, the water storage tank 425C can be provided at an arbitrary position that facilitates replenishment of water into the water storage tank 425C and cleaning of the water storage tank 425C. In this way, user convenience is improved.

  Thus, the convenience of the user is improved by separating the arrangement of the spray section and the water storage tank. Such an effect can be obtained in the same manner by using, for example, an ultrasonic atomization type spray unit or other atomization methods other than the spray unit 431 as in the present embodiment.

  Moreover, the specific container 228B which is a division which sprays mist and the container 228A which does not perform mist spraying are arrange | positioned inside the same vegetable compartment 114. FIG. Thereby, the space environment according to preservation | save vegetables is provided. Since the user can use the function of the vegetable compartment 114 according to the use, the convenience of the refrigerator and the storage stability of the crop are greatly improved.

  The irradiation unit 523 is provided outside the specific container 228B that is sprayed with mist and becomes high humidity. Thereby, the periphery of the irradiation unit 523 does not become high humidity, and a decrease in reliability due to condensation on the irradiation unit 523 is prevented.

  25 and 26, the irradiation unit 523 is provided on the upper side of the specific container 228B. The lid 514 located between the irradiation unit 523 and the specific container 228B is made of a light transmissive material. The irradiation unit 523 may be provided at a position other than this. For example, the irradiation unit 523 may be provided on the side surface or the bottom surface of the specific container 228B. In such a case, at least the material of the specific container 228B positioned between the irradiation unit 523 and the space in the specific container 228B is formed of a light-transmitting material. Thereby, even if it arrange | positions other than the upper side of the specific container 228B, the irradiation part 523 can perform light irradiation to the vegetable in the specific container 228B.

  Next, the kind of irradiation part 523 and its effect are demonstrated. First, a case where the irradiation unit 523 emits blue light including a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 500 nm or less will be described. In this case, for example, the irradiation unit 523 is configured by a blue light emitting diode (LED). Thereby, the ecological activity of the crop vegetables in the specific container 228 </ b> B irradiated with light through the lid 514 is promoted by light stimulation. Specifically, pores are opened to absorb mist and water droplets on the surface. This increases the water content and weight of the crop and keeps it fresh.

  In addition, an LED having a wavelength including an ultraviolet region is used for the irradiation unit 523. In this case, the sprayed mist is sterilized and the food surface is also sterilized. Therefore, food safety is increased. By irradiating such light, the growth function of microorganisms attached to the wall surface of the specific container 228B and the surface of the food is inactivated. Therefore, discoloration of foods caused by microorganisms, rot odor, and net generation on the surface of stored products are delayed. That is, the hygiene inside the specific container 228B is maintained. Furthermore, since LED with small calorific value is used as a light source, the temperature rise in the vegetable compartment 114 is prevented, and the preservability of food is stabilized.

  Moreover, it is also possible to operate only the irradiation unit 523 without operating the spray unit 431 in the specific container 228B. For example, some mushrooms and fish contain many vitamin D precursors that are essential for bone and tooth growth. When preserving them, irradiation with ultraviolet light excites the molecule and converts it to vitamin D. Therefore, by providing a light source including ultraviolet light in the vegetable compartment 114, it is possible to increase the vitamin D content of a specific food in the vegetable compartment 114, for example, shirasuboshi, before storage. The food to be stored is not limited to agricultural crops, and the specific container 228B can be used as a space having a ripening function by storing the food for aging in this way.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the specific container 228B and the lid 514 for substantially sealing the space are provided in the vegetable compartment 114. A water storage tank 425C is provided on the front surface in the specific container 228B, and has an electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431 included in the mist spraying device above the back surface. As a result, mist is sprayed on the agricultural products stored in the specific container 228B, and harmful substances are lifted and decomposed. In addition, freshness can be improved more than humidification only for crops that prefer a high humidity environment. Thus, the optimal preservation | save environment can be provided according to the kind of vegetable in the vegetable compartment 114 inside.

  Further, the irradiation unit 523 irradiates light with a specific wavelength selected, and the spray unit 431 sprays an appropriate amount of fine mist that can pass through the pores. Thereby, the range of the preservation | save environment in the specific container 228B spreads further, and the space environment according to a user's needs and preservation | save vegetables can be provided.

  In addition, since the water storage tank 425C is provided in front of the specific container 228B, it is easy to use such as easy replenishment of water, replacement of water, addition, and cleaning. Moreover, since the spraying part 431 is installed in the upper part of the back where it is hard to touch, the safety is high. In addition, in the state where the door 400A is closed, the lid 514 covers the spray portion 431, so that it is not directly exposed to the cold air in the vegetable compartment 114, so that the safety is further increased.

  Further, since the irradiation unit 523 is installed outside the specific container 228B, the possibility of causing a wiring failure due to condensation is reduced, and reliability is improved. Further, the lid 514 is made of a light-transmitting material, so that the light emitted from the irradiation unit 523 can pass through the container.

  In the present embodiment, the specific container 228B is substantially a sealed space. Therefore, it is safe even when a flammable refrigerant such as isobutane or propane is used as the cooling device refrigerant for cooling the storage room such as the vegetable room 114. That is, even if the refrigerant leaks, the specific container 228B is almost sealed, so that the combustible concentration is not reached. Moreover, if the spraying part 431 is arrange | positioned at the upper part, safety | security will not be impaired especially when a combustible refrigerant | coolant whose specific gravity is heavier than air is used. This is because even if the refrigerant leaks, the leaked isobutane stays in the lower part.

  Note that the irradiation unit 523 may emit ultraviolet light in addition to emitting blue light. In this case, the sprayed mist can be sterilized and the surface of the food can be sterilized, and the safety of the food can be improved. Further, as in the embodiments described later, the decomposition of harmful substances attached to agricultural products is promoted.

  In the present embodiment, the specific container 228B is provided adjacent to the container 228A that does not perform mist spraying in the vegetable compartment 114. For example, the specific container 228B is an upper part of the container 228A that does not perform mist and vegetables In some cases, the chamber 114 is provided as a container about half the height of the chamber 114. In that case, when taking out the vegetables stored in the container 228A which does not perform mist, the specific container 228B located at the upper part can be slid backward, and the depth of the specific container 228B to be sprayed with mist is reduced. By avoiding the mist from accumulating at the bottom, the mist can be delivered to every corner of the vegetable. Moreover, when putting general vegetables in the vegetable compartment 114, the space above and below the vegetable compartment 114 can be used effectively with a two-stage container, increasing the storage capacity of the vegetable compartment 114, and improving the convenience for the user. It becomes possible to improve.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 27A is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27B is a partial front view showing an outline of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 27A.

  This refrigerator is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 according to the third embodiment in that it has a spray unit 76 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment instead of the spray unit 123. The spray unit 76 is provided on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. A water storage tank 72 </ b> A for supplying water to the spray unit 76 is provided on the back side in the refrigerator compartment 112. As shown in FIG. 27B, an ice making chamber 227 is provided next to the switching chamber 113. A water supply path 73 supplies water from the water storage tank 119 to the ice making room 227 and the vegetable room 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, water is sent from the ice-making water storage tank 72 </ b> A to the spray section 76 using the water supply path 73. Therefore, water can be supplied to the spray unit 76 without providing a dedicated tank. And since the water storage tank 72A is provided in the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a separate storage room from the vegetable compartment 114, it does not affect the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 114, and does not affect the food storage capacity. Moreover, the tank which a user needs to supply water from the outside becomes one for ice making and for mist spraying. Thereby, compared with the case where the water storage tank only for mist spraying is provided separately, the effort of the user's supply of stored water can be saved. Further, the possibility of running out of water in the water storage tank 72A is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, a water storage tank 72A is provided, and the stored water supplied from the outside is supplied to the spray section 76. In addition to this, water contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 may be extracted by some method and supplied to the spray unit 76. For example, the spray unit 76 may be disposed in the back of the vegetable compartment 114 and the supply unit 304 described in the fourth embodiment may be provided. Thus, if the defrost water of a refrigerator, the dew condensation water in a store | warehouse | chamber, etc. can be ensured, a user will not have the effort to supply stored water from the outside, and usability will improve more.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the water supply path 73 to the spray part 76 sucks up water from the water storage tank 72 </ b> A and then branches to supply water to both the ice making room 227 and the vegetable room 114. Therefore, water can be supplied to both chambers with a simple configuration with a small number of parts.

  In addition, after the water storage tank 72A for ice making is also used for mist spraying, independent water supply paths may be provided for the ice making room 227 and the vegetable room 114, respectively. In that case, it becomes possible to perform water replenishment at any time according to the respective required timing. For example, water can be supplied arbitrarily even when water supply is required simultaneously in both chambers.

  Moreover, even when the water storage tank 72A is also used for ice making, the water supply path 73 can be configured on the back side of the refrigerator by arranging the spray unit 76 on the back side of the top of the vegetable compartment 114. For example, even when the water supply path 73 is removed and cleaning is possible, the water supply path 73 is short and can be a simple vertical path. Since it is configured in this manner, the water supply path 73 is easy to clean and has high hygiene. Moreover, the spray part 76 is arrange | positioned in the back | inner side of the vegetable room 114 top surface, and the contact with the spray part 76 and the foodstuff stored in a store | warehouse | chamber is prevented. Therefore, the adhesion of the spray tip is prevented and the spraying capability of the spray tip is extended. Further, since the user cannot easily touch it, the safety to the user is improved.

  As in the sixth embodiment, providing a cover on the exposed portion of the spray section 76 into the vegetable compartment 114 further improves the effect of preventing adhesion of dirt and safety.

(Embodiment 9)
28 and 29 are a side cross-sectional view and a front cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a vegetable room in a refrigerator according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. 30 is a cross-sectional view of main parts showing a cross section AA in FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of main parts showing a cross section BB. FIG. 32 is a graph showing the particle size distribution ratio of the mist sprayed in the present embodiment.

  The heat insulation box 617 of the refrigerator is provided with a vegetable room 114 and storage rooms 619 and 620. The front opening of the vegetable compartment 114 is closed by a door 400A so that no outside air flows.

  A circulation duct 624 is provided on the back and bottom of the vegetable compartment 114. A circulation air passage 625 is formed between the circulation duct 624 and the heat insulating box 617. In the circulation air passage 625, a spray portion 626 for spraying mist is provided at a portion corresponding to the back surface of the vegetable compartment 114. A diffusion unit 627 is disposed above the spray unit 626. The spray unit 626 is, for example, any spray unit disclosed in the preceding embodiment. Or a common atomizer may be used. The diffusion unit 627 is a blower fan, for example. A plurality of discharge ports 628 are provided in the upper part of the vertical surface of the circulation duct 624. On the other hand, a plurality of suction ports 629 are provided on the bottom surface.

  Circulation air passage 625, circulation duct 624 constituting circulation air passage 625, discharge port 628 and suction port 629 provided in circulation duct 624, and diffusion portion 627 constitute mist circulation portion 630. The selection unit 631 that selects the particle diameter of the mist includes a diffusion unit 627 and a spray unit 626. The selection unit 631 is also a mist spraying device.

  A drain 632 that discharges excess water from the circulation air passage 625 to the outside of the heat insulation box 617 is provided below the spray unit 626. Temperature sensors 633 and 634 are provided on the top of the vegetable compartment 114 and the bottom of the circulation duct 624, respectively. A heater 638 for heating the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114 is provided at the bottom of the circulation duct 624.

  The door 400A is provided with a plate-like slide rail 635 extending into the vegetable compartment 114 in two pairs on the left and right sides, and a food storage container (hereinafter referred to as a container) 636 is placed thereon. With the slide rail 635, the door 400A is pulled out and opened in the horizontal direction. The discharge port 628 is at a position higher than the outer edge of the container 636 so that mist always enters the container 636. A plurality of vents 637 are provided on the bottom surface of the container 636.

  The operation and action of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described. Storage rooms 619 and 620 set in a temperature range lower than that of the vegetable compartment 114 are arranged above and below the vegetable compartment 114. The vegetable compartment 114 is naturally cooled by these storage compartments 619 and 620.

  When the door 400A is pulled out horizontally in the front direction and the crop is put in the container 636, when the door 400A is closed, the door opening detection unit (not shown) detects the closed state, and the spray unit 626 starts spraying mist. The sprayed mist rises upward by the diffusion unit 627 disposed above the spray unit 626, and is diffused and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 through the discharge port 628.

  What is necessary is just to use what sprays by atomizing water with an ultrasonic wave, for example for the spraying part 626. The particle diameter of the sprayed mist is distributed as shown in FIG. In order to diffuse the mist evenly in the vegetable compartment 114, for example, it is conceivable to make the mist staying time in the vegetable compartment 114 as long as possible. In this way, diffusion due to air circulation is reliably performed. In order to extend the mist's stay time in the vegetable compartment 114, it is necessary to make the mist particle diameter relatively small. As shown in FIG. 32, for example, when it is desired to obtain an effect, water particles having a predetermined particle diameter X or less corresponding to the effect may be taken out and diffused and sprayed. That is, for example, in order to remove harmful substances on the surface of agricultural products stored in the vegetable compartment 114, it is only necessary to selectively extract mist having a particle size of 0.003 μm to 20 μm as described in the fifth embodiment. .

  Of the mist sprayed by the spraying unit 626, particles having a particle diameter exceeding X fall downward due to their own weight. Then, relatively light particles having a particle diameter X or less rise by the diffusion portion 627. Thereby, it becomes possible to selectively take out mist particles having a certain particle diameter or less. The desired particle diameter X can be freely set, and can be adjusted by the operating degree of the spraying part 626, the operating degree of the diffusing part 627, and the distance between the spraying part 626 and the diffusing part 627. This operating degree refers to, for example, the vibration frequency when an ultrasonic vibration type spray device is used for the spray unit 626 and the fan rotation speed when a blower fan is used for the diffusion unit 627. Also, the mist exceeding the particle diameter X falling downward is discharged from the drain 632 to the outside of the vegetable compartment 114.

  Since the discharge port 628 is above the container 636, the mist sprayed in the vegetable compartment 114 pours from above the container 636, that is, from above the stored crop. The sprayed mist falls downward in the gap between the container 636 and the crop, or the gap between the crop and the crop. Here, the distance between the end portions of the plurality of discharge ports 628 is set to a size approximately equal to the lateral width of the container 636. For this reason, the distribution variation of the mist concentration in the lateral direction is suppressed.

  A plurality of ventilation holes 637 are provided on the bottom surface of the container 636. The mist in the container 636 escapes from the vent 637 to the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, the water in which the mist is condensed does not stay in the container 636, and water does not accumulate at the bottom. In the present embodiment, the vent 637 is provided on the bottom surface, but it may be provided on the side wall surface of the container 636 as well as the bottom surface.

  The mist that has passed through the vent 637 returns to the circulation air passage 625 from the suction port 629, and a part thereof is sprayed again into the vegetable compartment 114 by the diffusion unit 627. Some of the water droplets are large and are discharged from the drain 632 to the outside of the vegetable compartment 114. In order to efficiently perform this drainage, it is preferable that the lower part of the circulation air passage 625 is inclined toward the drain 632 as shown in FIG. Note that if the suction port 629 and the ventilation port 637 are provided at substantially the same position and communicate with each other, the resistance to circulation is low and the efficiency is high.

  In addition, in order to optimize and make the mist distribution in the container 636 the most uniform, the operating degree of the diffusion unit 627 is adjusted, and the positions and areas of the discharge port 628, the vent port 637, and the suction port 629 are adjusted. It is effective.

  In addition, it is necessary to supply water to the spray part 626 continuously. For this purpose, a water storage tank may be provided to replenish water periodically, or a water recovery structure for collecting and recovering moisture in the storage chamber may be constructed. These configurations are exemplified in the preceding embodiments. Furthermore, a water storage tank and a water recovery structure may be used in combination.

  When the door 400A is not opened or closed at night or the like, the degree of decrease in humidity is moderate, and the mist spraying may be stopped for a certain period of time. In this case, when it is determined by a door opening detection unit (not shown) that a certain time has elapsed since the door was closed, the operation of the spray unit 626 and the operation of the diffusion unit 627 are stopped. At the same time, the heater 638 provided in the circulation duct 624 is energized to heat the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114. The heating control of the heater 638 is controlled such that the temperature difference between the temperature sensor 633 provided on the top of the vegetable compartment 114 and the temperature sensor 634 provided at the bottom of the circulation duct 624 becomes a certain value. By these things, a temperature difference is made between the upper part and the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114, and natural convection of air is promoted. The heater 638 may be a heater that generates heat substantially uniformly over a wide range, and a linear heater or a sheet heater can be applied. Further, the method for providing the temperature difference is not limited to using the heater 638. The temperature of the storage chamber 19 may be controlled to be lower than the temperature of the storage chamber 20.

  As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes the heat insulating box 617, the fog part 626, and the diffusion part 627. The heat insulation box 617 has storage rooms 619 and 620 and a vegetable room 114 that are insulated. The spraying part 626 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114 and sprays mist. The diffusion unit 627 diffuses the sprayed mist. The spray unit 626 and the diffusion unit 627 constitute a mist spray device. The sprayed mist is diffused and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 by the diffusion unit 627, so that the mist concentration in the vegetable compartment 114 is made uniform. As a result, mist is efficiently supplied around the crops. This minimizes the amount of mist sprayed. Therefore, dew condensation can be prevented and harmful substances can be removed from crops at the same time.

  Further, a mist circulation unit 630 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114. Thereby, mist is further supplied to every corner in the vegetable compartment 114, and the spray amount of mist is reduced. The mist circulation unit 630 includes a circulation air passage 625, a circulation duct 624 that forms the circulation air passage 625, a discharge port 628 and a suction port 629 provided in the circulation duct 624, and a diffusion portion 627. . Therefore, adjustment of the amount of mist circulation and distribution becomes easy, and the amount of mist spraying is further reduced.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the discharge port 628 is provided at a position higher than the farm products stored in the vegetable compartment 114. Thus, the mist is always sprayed from above the crop, and the mist is supplied to the entire crop regardless of the amount of the crop. In addition, the suction port 629 is preferably provided below the crop housed in the vegetable compartment 114. This ensures that the mist is supplied to the bottom of the container 228C.

  In addition, the selection unit 631 selects a mist having a particle diameter equal to or less than a certain particle size from the mist sprayed by the spray unit 626. Thereby, the minute mist is selectively sprayed. Therefore, the mist stays in the vegetable compartment 114 for a long time and is dispersed and reliably supplied to the crop. The selection unit 631 is configured by providing a spray unit 626 below the diffusion unit 627. Thus, light particles having a certain particle diameter or less are selectively taken out of the sprayed mist and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114.

  Moreover, in the refrigerator of this Embodiment, the temperature difference is provided in the upper part and lower part of the vegetable compartment 114. FIG. Thereby, the natural convection of the air in the vegetable compartment 114 is promoted, and the sprayed mist easily diffuses into the vegetable compartment 114. At the same time, the spray unit 626 and the diffusion unit 627 can be temporarily stopped, and the reliability of the components is improved.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the vegetable compartment, and FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of a main part of the mist spraying apparatus. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the agrochemical removal performance of ozone water mist in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  This refrigerator is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 of Embodiment 3 in that a mist spraying device 21 is provided on the upper back of the vegetable compartment 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  The mist spraying device 21 has a water storage tank 22 that stores ozone water, a spray nozzle (hereinafter referred to as nozzle) 23 that sprays ozone water by an ejector system, and a water storage tank 72 that is a supply unit that supplies liquid to the water storage tank 22. The nozzle 23 constitutes a spray tip. The water storage tank 22 is a holding unit that is provided in the heat insulating box 110 and holds water which is liquid. An ozone water supply port 24 is provided in the upper part of the water storage tank 22. An ozone generator 25 that generates ozone by a high voltage method is provided in the vicinity of the vegetable compartment 114 and is connected to the ozone water path 27. The ozone water path 27 is provided with a water supply path 28 piped from a water storage tank 72. An annular electrode 29 for applying a high voltage and a power source 30 are provided near the tip of the nozzle 23. The nozzle 23, the electrode 29, and the power source 30 constitute a spray unit. Moreover, the water storage tank 72 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a division different from the vegetable compartment 114 which is the division in which the spraying front-end | tip part was provided of the heat insulation box 110. FIG.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 21 comprised as mentioned above are demonstrated. First, ozone gas is generated by the ozone generator 25. The water supplied from the water storage tank 72 via the water supply path 28 and the generated ozone gas are mixed to become ozone water. This ozone water is supplied and stored in the water storage tank 22 from the ozone water supply port 24 via the ozone water path 27. The ozone water in the water storage tank 22 is sprayed as a mist from the nozzle 23 into the vegetable compartment 114. At that time, a high voltage is applied from the power supply 30 to the annular electrode 29 provided in the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle 23. Thereby, the ozone water mist sprayed from the nozzle 23 is electrostatically added.

  FIG. 36 shows the removal effect of tomato-adhered pesticides by ozone water mist in this configuration. The experiment is performed by the following method. The cherry tomatoes to which malathion is attached to a concentration of 3 to 5 ppm are stored in the vegetable compartment 114. At that time, ozone water mist is sprayed for 12 hours by intermittent spraying spraying at intervals of 20 minutes for 10 seconds. The concentration of malathion remaining on the cherry tomato after such spraying treatment is measured by gas chromatography, and the removal rate is calculated. For comparison, the concentration of malathion is measured in the same manner for cherry tomatoes to which malathion is similarly attached and stored in a vegetable room without a mist spraying device.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the removal rate in the comparative experiment is 20%, whereas when the mist is sprayed, the removal rate is 40%, indicating about twice the removal effect.

  As described above, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 33 to 35, mist obtained by electrostatically adding ozone water generated by mixing ozone and water near the vegetable compartment 114 into the vegetable compartment 114 by the mist spraying device 21. Spray. Thereby, the sprayed fine mist adheres uniformly to the vegetable room 114 wall surface and the vegetable or fruit surface, and the mist enters the fine holes on the wall surface, vegetable or fruit surface. And since dirt and harmful substances inside the fine holes are lifted up, the effect of removing dirt and harmful substances is enhanced. In addition, it enhances the oxidative decomposition effect of harmful substances on the vegetable surface and improves the moisture retention of the vegetable.

  Further, by electrostatically adding to the ozone mist, water molecules in the ozone mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, the ability to sterilize, deodorize and decompose harmful substances is enhanced by the oxidizing power of OH radicals.

  The water storage tank 72 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a compartment different from the vegetable compartment 114 which is a compartment provided with the spray unit. In this configuration, the arrangement of the water storage tank 72 is not affected by the arrangement of the spray section. Therefore, the water storage tank 72 can be provided at an arbitrary position that facilitates replenishment of water into the water storage tank 72 and cleaning of the water storage tank 72. In this way, user convenience is improved. The same applies to the water storage tank 72A of the eighth embodiment.

  In the above configuration, ozone water is generated by mixing water and ozone in the ozone water path 27. In addition to this, an ozone generator may be provided in the vicinity of the mist spraying device 21 to generate ozone, which may be mixed with water in the nozzle 23 and sprayed as ozone water mist. Alternatively, the ozone generator 25 may be provided in the water tank 22. Such a configuration will be described. FIG. 37 is an essential part enlarged view of another mist spraying apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. An ozone generator 25 that generates ozone by a high voltage method is provided in a portion of the water storage tank 22. The other configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS.

  The operation | movement and effect | action are demonstrated below about the mist spraying apparatus of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above. First, water is supplied from the water storage tank 72 and supplied from the water supply port 31 into the water storage tank 22 and stored. Next, a high voltage is applied to the ozone generator 25, and dissolved oxygen in water is dissociated into oxygen atoms by collision with electrons. The oxygen atoms combine with dissolved oxygen molecules to generate ozone and react with water molecules to simultaneously generate OH radicals. The generated ozone is dissolved in the stored water to generate ozone water. The ozone water thus generated is sprayed as mist from the nozzle 23 into the vegetable compartment 114. At that time, a high voltage is applied from the power source 30 to the annular electrode 29 provided in the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle 23, and the ozone water mist sprayed from the nozzle 23 is electrostatically added.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 37, the ozone generator 25 that generates ozone by the discharge method is immersed in the stored water in the water tank 22. Thereby, the dissolved oxygen in the stored water in the water tank 22 is dissociated to generate ozone and OH radicals. Since the raw material oxygen is dissolved in water, the amount of ozone produced is much smaller than that in air discharge, so the generated ozone is dissolved in the stored water. In this simple structure that does not require special materials, it is possible to generate and spray ozone water containing low-concentration ozone that is safe for the human body and that does not smell of ozone, and OH radicals that have higher oxidizing power than ozone. it can.

  Next, still another mist spraying apparatus in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a main part of another mist spraying device for a refrigerator according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

  The mist spraying device 21 includes a water storage tank 22, a stored water supply unit 40, a capillary supply structure 42, and an electrode 43. The water storage tank 22 stores functional water or water such as ozone water or acidic water. The stored water supply unit 40 supplies stored water to the water storage tank 22. One end of the capillary supply structure 42 is located in the water storage tank 22, and the other end is formed as a spray tip 41 in the vegetable compartment 114. The electrode 43 is connected to the water tank 22 and applies a high voltage to the water stored in the water tank 22.

  The operation | movement and effect | action are demonstrated below about the mist spraying apparatus 21 comprised as mentioned above. First, functional water or water is supplied from the stored water supply unit 40 and stored in the water tank 22. Next, when a high voltage is applied to the electrode 43 in the water storage tank 22, a plurality of liquid yarns are drawn from the spray tip 41 by an electric field that exists between the spray tip 41 and its surroundings. Further, it is dispersed in charged droplets to become mist and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114.

  As described above, in the configuration shown in FIG. 38, the high voltage is directly applied to the stored water in the water storage tank 22, and the electrostatically added stored water is sprayed. Thereby, the electrostatic addition rate of mist increases, the refinement | miniaturization of mist and the adhesion rate to the food surface improve.

  Moreover, the time for which the mist stays in the atmosphere becomes longer by making the functional water finer. This increases the chance of contact of the functional water fine mist with the floating bacteria in the warehouse and the diffused odor substance in the warehouse, and the sterilization and deodorizing performance is enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, water is supplied from the water storage tank 72. In addition to this, if the drain water of the refrigerator is used and the drain water is supplied into the water storage tank, it is possible to save the trouble of putting water into the water storage tank 72.

  Next, the example which applied the storage of this invention to the refrigerator with Embodiment 11 is demonstrated.

  The storage of this invention has a decomposition part in addition to a box and a mist spraying apparatus. The mist spraying device generates mist and raises harmful substances such as residual pesticides adhering to the vegetable surface stored in the storage room inside the box. The decomposition unit decomposes the floating harmful substances. In this configuration, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the vegetables and fruits, and the pesticides and harmful substances remaining in the recesses are physically lifted by a small amount of water. And since the decomposition part oxidizes and decomposes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals that have been lifted, food safety is improved.

  Moreover, the storage of this invention has a box, a mist spraying device, and a decomposition | disassembly part, and a mist spraying device sprays oxidatively decomposable mist. This oxidatively degradable mist decomposes harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals attached to the vegetable surface. The decomposition unit decomposes the decomposition products generated in this way and harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals that are unreacted with the oxidatively degradable mist. Thereby, decomposition products and unreacted harmful substances can be rendered harmless, and safety is improved.

  Moreover, the decomposition | disassembly part in the storage of this invention irradiates the crop in a storage with an ultraviolet-ray. Thereby, harmful substances, such as a residual agricultural chemical, can be made harmless, without having a bad influence on vegetables. In addition, the disassembly unit is configured with a simple configuration. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the disassembly effect can be realized in a small space.

  Moreover, the decomposition | disassembly part in the storage of this invention irradiates the ultraviolet-ray whose wavelength is 220 to 400 nm. Thereby, the oxidative decomposition rate is improved.

  Further, the storage of the present invention further includes a control unit, and the control unit operates the disassembly unit after the mist spraying device is operated. Thereby, energy is used only for harmful substances, such as an agricultural chemical from which the mist sprayed from the mist spraying device peeled off, and unreacted substances. Therefore, the decomposition efficiency is improved. In particular, when the mist spraying device generates oxidatively decomposable mist, the decomposition part decomposes unreacted substances that could not be oxidatively decomposed by the oxidatively decomposable mist. Therefore, the oxidative decomposition efficiency as a storage is improved.

  The storage of the present invention further includes a door that covers the opening of the storage chamber, a detection unit that detects opening and closing of the door, and a control unit. The control unit stops the operation of the disassembly unit when the detection unit detects the opening of the door. Thereby, when the door is opened, a person is prevented from directly seeing the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and safety is improved.

  The storage of the present invention further has a switch for operating the disassembly unit. Thereby, since the disassembling unit can be operated only when it is recognized that a person has operated, safety is improved.

  In the storage of the present invention, a light shielding plate is provided around the disassembly unit. As a result, the person only irradiates the crops in the storage room with ultraviolet rays without directly seeing the ultraviolet rays. Therefore, safety is improved.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 39 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 40 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  The refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 in the third embodiment in that a decomposition unit 121 is provided together with the mist spraying device 120 on the upper top surface of the vegetable compartment 114, and the wall surface is deteriorated by ultraviolet rays. It is a point made of a strong material. The material resistant to ultraviolet deterioration is stainless steel or a resin material resistant to ultraviolet deterioration. The decomposition unit 121 is an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of around 250 nm. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 40, the control part 106 which controls operation | movement with the mist spraying apparatus 120 and the decomposition | disassembly part 121 is provided. Since the configuration other than this is the same as the configuration shown in FIGS.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 120 and decomposition | disassembly part 121 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above are demonstrated. First, water is stored in the water storage tank 122. The stored water 124 at this time is defrosted water. Next, when the power supply 128 applies a negative high voltage to the cathode 134 in the water storage tank 122, a plurality of liquid yarns are drawn from the spray tip 132 by the electric field that exists between the spray tip 132 and the anode 135. Furthermore, it is dispersed in charged droplets to become mist. This mist is sent into the vegetable compartment 114 by the blower 129. In this way, during the electrostatic atomization, since the discharge is performed and the mist is electrostatically added, the mist is electrically attached to the surface of vegetables and fruits that are positively charged in the vegetable compartment 114. And it penetrates to the fine concave part of the surface of vegetables and fruits, and toxic substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax are lifted by the internal pressure energy of the fine mist. The ultraviolet rays irradiated from the decomposition unit 121 decompose and remove harmful substances by the decomposition action. Further, by electrostatically adding to the mist, water molecules in the mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone generated by discharge, the oxidizing power of OH radicals enhances the decomposition performance of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram comparing the pesticide removal performance in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 with conventional immersion specifications and water washing. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto are used and removed according to each specification. And the removal rate is computed by measuring the residual malathion density | concentration after a process by gas chromatography (GC).

Next, each removal processing specification will be described. In the process A, the above-mentioned 10 cherry tomatoes are put in a basket and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In the treatment B, 10 cherry tomatoes are immersed in water containing 1 ppm of ozone for 1 hour. This process corresponds to a process using a general food washing apparatus. In the process C, the mist spraying process is performed on 10 cherry tomatoes with the mist spraying device 120 for 12 hours. In the process E, 10 cherry tomatoes are irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 250 nm and 1600 μW / cm ² for 1 hour by the decomposition unit 121 after mist spraying for 12 hours. In addition, the ozone gas density | concentration in the store | warehouse | chamber in the process C and the process E is about 0.03 ppm.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the removal rate in the treatment A is 20%, and it can be seen that 80% of the residual pesticide is not removed by water washing at home, and is taken into the human body. In the treatment B, 55% of the residual agricultural chemical is removed.

  On the other hand, the removal rate of the process C is 50%, and the agrochemical removal performance substantially equivalent to the process B is shown. On the other hand, the removal rate of process E is 70%. This is thought to be because the attached pesticides were lifted by the physical action of the ultrafine mist and decomposed by ultraviolet rays. From the above results, the refrigerator having the mist spraying device 120 and the decomposition unit 121 in the present embodiment has a pesticide removal performance higher than that of a dedicated machine for food washing.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram comparing the amount of malathion remaining in water washed with water after removing the pesticide in the mist spraying device 120 of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  Also in this experiment, 10 cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto are removed in the same manner as described above. Then, tap water is collected for 10 seconds at the time of final treatment, and the malathion concentration in the tap water is measured by GC. From this result and the result of FIG. 41, the ratio of the amount of malathion contained in tap water is calculated with respect to the amount of malathion removed by each treatment.

Next, each removal processing specification will be described. In the process A, the above-mentioned 10 cherry tomatoes are put in a basket and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In the treatment B ′, 10 cherry tomatoes are immersed in water containing 1 ppm of ozone for 1 hour. Then, it is washed in running water for about 10 seconds with running water. This process corresponds to a process using a general food washing apparatus. In the process C ′, 10 cherry tomatoes are subjected to the mist spraying process for 12 hours by the mist spraying device 120. Then, it is washed in running water for about 10 seconds with running water. In process E ', the peak wavelength 250nm by decomposition unit 121 10 mini tomatoes after 12 hours the mist sprayed is irradiated for one hour with ultraviolet rays of 1600μW / cm ^2. Then, it is washed in running water for about 10 seconds with running water. In addition, the ozone gas concentration in the cabinet in process C ′ and process E ′ is about 0.03 ppm.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the amount of malathion in tap water in treatment A is 100% of the amount of malathion removed. That is, malathion is not decomposed by tap water washing. Further, the amount of malathion in tap water in the treatment B is about 20% of the amount of malathion removed.

  On the other hand, the amount of malathion in tap water in treatment C ′ is 20% of the amount of malathion removed. As described above, the mist spraying device 120 and the dedicated device have the same decomposition performance with respect to the malathion decomposition ability. And in process E ', although the removal rate is 70%, the amount of malathion in tap water is below the detection limit. This is considered to be because malathion removed by ultraviolet rays is decomposed almost 100%. Thus, the refrigerator having the mist spraying device 120 and the decomposition unit 121 can remove agricultural chemicals such as vegetables and has the ability to decompose the removed agricultural chemicals.

  As described above, the refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 includes the mist spraying device 120 and the decomposition unit 121. The mist spraying device 120 has a water storage tank 122 and a spraying part 123 that sprays the stored water 124. The refrigerator according to this embodiment has such a simple structure and functions to remove and decompose harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals. Therefore, consumers can easily remove harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals simply by storing vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator.

  In the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, ultra fine mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the vegetables and fruits, and removes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals remaining in the recesses by physical action. This harmful substance is decomposed by ultraviolet rays. That is, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed and decomposed with a small amount of water.

  Further, in the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, the electrostatic atomizing spray unit 123 is used, but the invention is not limited thereto. When an ultrasonic element is used for the spraying part, a large amount of spraying can be generated as compared with the electrostatic atomization method. Therefore, it is particularly effective when it is necessary to increase the spray amount. Moreover, even if other spraying methods are used, if it is possible to generate the above-described ultrafine mist, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed and decomposed according to the characteristics of each device.

  In the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, defrosted water is stored in the water storage tank 122, and the stored water 124 is secured without the user supplying the stored water from the outside. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a refrigerator that does not require the trouble of replenishing moisture from the outside and has improved usability. In addition to this, water may be supplied from the outside using a water storage tank or the like. With such a configuration, maintenance of the water storage tank is easy and a large amount of mist can be sprayed.

  Moreover, it is not limited to using the water storage tank 122 for the holding | maintenance part holding the stored water 124. FIG. You may extract and hold | maintain the water | moisture content contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 using the moisture absorbent (For example, porous materials, such as a silica gel, a zeolite, activated carbon, etc.) as a water retention apparatus.

  Furthermore, by providing a dew generation part that condenses moisture contained in the air in the storage chamber by forcing a temperature difference in a part of the storage chamber, the necessary amount of stored water is provided at any time In addition, since the necessary spray amount can be ensured by controlling the dew condensation part even in the spray amount, there is no need for external water replenishment, A necessary amount of stored water can be supplied when needed. Hereinafter, an example of a refrigerator having an ultrasonic element and a water storage tank will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a side sectional view of another refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 44 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. The refrigerator shown in FIG. 43 includes a spray unit 74 including an ultrasonic element 80, a water storage tank 72 that supplies water to the spray unit 74 via a water supply path 73, and a decomposition unit 200. The structure of the spray part 74 is the same as that of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 in Embodiment 1. FIG. The spray unit 74, the water supply path 73, and the water storage tank 72 constitute a mist spraying device 61. Also, as shown in FIG. 44, a control unit 107 that controls the operation of the mist spraying device 61 and the decomposition unit 200 is provided. Since the other configuration is the same as that of FIG. 39, detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given with reference to FIGS.

  The spray unit 74 and the decomposition unit 200 are provided on the top top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The decomposition unit 200 is an ultraviolet LED that emits ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of about 380 nm.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 61 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above and the decomposition | disassembly part 200 are demonstrated. First, the water stored in the water storage tank 72 is supplied into the water storage tank 75 via the water supply path 73.

  Next, the operation of the spray unit 74 is started. The stored water 84 is atomized by the ultrasonic element 80 which is the spray unit 74. At that time, the high-speed expansion of the microbubbles generated by the ultrasonic element 80 and the compression fracture phenomenon decompose water molecules, and an oxidatively decomposable mist containing OH radicals is produced. Of the oxidatively decomposable mist, only fine mist having a predetermined particle diameter or less is sprayed from the metal mesh 81 by the electric field between the metal mesh 81 and the metal plate 82. In this way, the spray portion 74 is filled with a mist having a predetermined particle size or less. The fine mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 by the blower 77. The sprayed fine mist adheres to the surfaces of vegetables and fruits in the vegetable compartment 114 and oxidizes and decomposes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals attached to the surfaces of the vegetables and the like. As described above, the control unit 107 energizes the ultrasonic element 80 and the power supply 83 of the mist spraying unit 61 and then energizes the decomposition unit 200 to irradiate ultraviolet rays. Thereby, the decomposition product oxidatively decomposed by the oxidative decomposable mist is completely rendered harmless without deteriorating the heat insulating wall 116.

  FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pesticide removal performance and the processing time in the refrigerator shown in FIG. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto were used and processed for 12 hours with the mist spraying device 61, and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays by changing the irradiation time with the decomposition unit 200. Thereafter, the malathion concentration is measured by GC, and the removal rate of malathion is calculated.

  As is clear from FIG. 45, it can be seen that 12 hours are required in order to exhibit the same performance as the one-hour processing of the disassembling unit 121 composed of the ultraviolet lamp in the configuration of FIG.

  As described above, the refrigerator shown in FIG. 43 includes the mist spraying device 61 and the decomposition unit 200. The mist spraying device 61 includes a water storage tank 72 and a spraying unit 74 that sprays the stored water 84. The decomposition unit 200 is composed of an ultraviolet LED. If the decomposition part 200 irradiates the crops with ultraviolet rays for a long time, oxidative degradation equivalent to that of an ultraviolet lamp can be obtained. Further, the heat insulating wall 116 is not deteriorated by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the material cost of the heat insulating wall 116 is reduced, and the heat insulating wall 116 has a long life. In addition, by setting the irradiation wavelength of the decomposition unit 200 in the vicinity of 350 nm, the influence of the ultraviolet rays on the human body can be made in a range that does not cause a problem.

  Next, the further preferable structure of the refrigerator provided with the decomposition | disassembly part is described. FIG. 46 is a side sectional view of still another refrigerator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. 47 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  The refrigerator shown in FIG. 46 is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 in that a door opening / closing detection unit (hereinafter referred to as detection unit) 330 is provided on the door 400A that covers the opening of the vegetable compartment 114, and the switch 403 opens the opening of the refrigerator compartment 112. This is a point provided on the cover door 400B. Another difference is that a light shielding plate 402 made of stainless steel is provided on the upper top surface of the vegetable compartment 114 so as to surround the disassembling part 121. As shown in FIG. 47, a control unit 108 is provided that controls the operation of the disassembly unit 121 and the mist spraying device 120 based on inputs from the detection unit 330 and the switch 403. The detection unit 330 detects opening / closing of the door 400A. The detection unit 330 includes, for example, a micro switch or a pressure sensor. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 120 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the decomposition | disassembly part 121, and the control part 108 are demonstrated. First, water is stored in the water storage tank 122. Hereinafter, the action of causing harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax to float from the crop surface in the vegetable compartment 114 by the mist generated by the mist spraying device 120 is the same as the description of the configuration of FIG.

  Next, when the user turns on the switch 403, the control unit 108 receives this and energizes the disassembling unit 121. By providing the switch 403 in this way, it can be operated only when the user recognizes that the disassembly unit 121 has been operated. Therefore, safety is improved. Furthermore, since it can be operated only when necessary by a person, it is possible to reduce the energy used as compared to when it is used in continuous operation, which leads to saving of electricity bills. Note that a series of operations from the start of operation of the mist spraying device 120 may be started by turning on the switch 403.

  Hereinafter, due to the action of the decomposition unit 121, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals that have risen are decomposed.

  The control unit 108 energizes the disassembly unit 121 only when the detection unit 330 detects the closed state of the door 400A. Thus, the user is prevented from touching the ultraviolet rays, and safety is improved. Furthermore, by providing the light shielding plate 402 around the disassembling unit 121, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from the disassembling unit 121 from being irradiated on the door 400A side. Therefore, when the user opens the door 400 </ b> A, ultraviolet rays are irradiated only to the stored items in the vegetable compartment 114 without directly seeing the ultraviolet rays. Thus, safety is improved. Furthermore, since the light shielding plate 402 does not disperse the energy of ultraviolet rays applied to the crops in the vegetable compartment 114, the decomposition efficiency of harmful substances is improved.

  In the above description, the switch 403 that operates the disassembling unit 121 is only switched ON / OFF. In addition to this, in addition to the ON / OFF switching function, a switch that allows the user to select the amount of ultraviolet light is preferable. In this case, since the user can select the necessary amount of ultraviolet light when necessary, the energy used is reduced.

  Further, the light shielding plate 402 may be made of metal or glass that is less deteriorated by ultraviolet rays, in addition to stainless steel. The heat insulating wall 116 may be made of stainless steel, or may be made of metal or glass that is hardly deteriorated by ultraviolet rays.

  In this Embodiment, the decomposition parts 121 and 200 are arrange | positioned at the top | upper surface of the vegetable compartment 114. FIG. In addition to this, if the container 228 in the vegetable compartment 114 is made transparent, the same effect can be obtained regardless of where it is placed in the vegetable compartment 114.

  In the present embodiment, the vegetable compartment 114 is arranged in the upper stage of the freezer compartment 115. In addition to this, if the vegetable compartment 114 is arranged at the lowermost stage, when the vegetable compartment 114 is used, the vegetable compartment 114 can be used more safely without ultraviolet rays directly entering the eyes of the user.

  The disassembling units 121 and 200 are energized after the operation of the mist spraying devices 120 and 61. The control units 106, 107, and 108 all control as such. Therefore, energy can be used only for the decomposition of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals and unreacted substances separated by the mist sprayed from the mist spraying devices 120 and 61, and the decomposition efficiency is improved.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the ultraviolet-ray which the decomposition parts 121 and 200 emit is a wavelength of 220 to 400 nm. Thereby, the oxidative degradation rate of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals is improved.

  Although various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the structures and features unique to each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as far as possible. In particular, the characteristics of the refrigerator in the third and subsequent embodiments may be applied to the container in the first and second embodiments. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  The storage according to the present invention can increase the safety of agricultural products under various conditions in distribution. In addition, a refrigerator to which this storage is applied has a simple structure and can improve the safety of crops at home and commercial facilities without impairing usability.

  The present invention relates to a storage having a mist spraying device for facilitating removal of mist by raising toxic substances such as agricultural chemicals adhering to agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, and a refrigerator using the same.

  In recent years, consumer concerns about food safety are high. According to some survey results, about 90% of consumers are particularly worried about residual pesticides in food. In response to this, in order to ensure the safety of pesticide residues, laws and regulations on the use of pesticides by farmers and laws and regulations on the residual amount of pesticides in food from the viewpoint of human health are being established. Still, there may be a test result that the pesticide residue exceeds the specified amount. Violated agricultural products are thus detected. Residual agricultural chemicals with a high violation rate are mainly agricultural chemicals used overseas for post-harvest purposes, and many of them are prohibited in Japan.

  In such a state of residual agricultural chemicals, there is a high need for an apparatus for removing residual agricultural chemicals in order for consumers to live with a safe diet. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-75050 discloses a food washing apparatus. This food washing apparatus has a function of removing harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals attached to vegetables and fruits. FIG. 48 shows such a conventional food washing apparatus.

  Usually, tap water is used for the cleaning liquid 2. A supply pipe 12 for supplying the cleaning liquid 2 is connected to the side wall of the cleaning tank 1, and a discharge pipe 13 for discharging the cleaning liquid is connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 1. The supply pipe 12 and the discharge pipe 13 are provided with electromagnetic valves 14 and 15.

  The bubble generating unit 3 that generates fine bubbles in the cleaning liquid 2 includes an ejector 6, a fluid pump 4, and a branching unit 9. The ejector 6 is provided with a suction tube 7 for sucking a gas that becomes fine bubbles. The fluid pump 4 conveys the cleaning liquid 2 and pressurizes the cleaning liquid 2 to dissolve the gas. The branch portion 9 returns the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1 to the ejector 6 again. The cleaning liquid 2 contains fine bubbles that are precipitated by dissolving the dissolved gas under reduced pressure. A transport pipe 5 that transports the cleaning liquid 2 connects the cleaning tank 1 and the ejector 6, and the ejector 6 and the fluid pump 4. The discharge pipe 8 connects the fluid pump 4 and the branch part 9 via the liquid reforming part 16. The return pipe 11 connects the branch portion 9 and the ejector 6.

  The liquid reformer 16 elutes contaminants adhering to food. The liquid reforming unit 16 is provided between the fluid pump 4 and the branching unit 9. In the liquid reforming unit 16, the cleaning liquid 2 is reformed so as to elute contaminants by contacting the cyclosilicate compound.

  The pollution decomposition unit 17 includes an ozone generator 18, a gas pump 19, and a solenoid valve 20. The ozone generator 18 generates ozone using high-pressure discharge. The gas pump 19 supplies the ozone generated by the ozone generator 18 to the cleaning tank 1. The electromagnetic valve 20 prevents the supply of ozone and the inflow of the cleaning liquid 2.

  The operation of the food washing apparatus configured as described above will be described below. When a cleaning start signal is issued from a control unit (not shown), the electromagnetic valve 14 is opened, and the cleaning liquid 2 is supplied from the supply pipe 12 to the cleaning tank 1. When the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1 reaches a predetermined amount, the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed and the supply is stopped.

  Next, the fluid pump 4 is operated, and the cleaning liquid 2 is transported to the ejector 6 through the transport pipe 5. The cleaning liquid 2 entrains air sucked from the suction pipe 7 provided in the ejector 6. The air entrained in the cleaning liquid 2 is pressurized by the fluid pump 4 and dissolved in the cleaning liquid 2.

  Thereafter, the cleaning liquid 2 is activated by the liquid reforming unit 16 through the discharge pipe 8. The cleaning liquid 2 is pressurized by the pressure reducing nozzle 10 and is ejected into the cleaning tank 1 in a state where fine bubbles are generated by the precipitation of dissolved air. In the decompression nozzle 10, in order to decompress the pressurized cleaning liquid 2, the pressure loss is increased and the ejection flow rate is decreased. Therefore, the excess cleaning liquid 2 is guided to the return pipe 11 and circulates in the bubble generation unit 3.

  On the other hand, simultaneously with the operation of the fluid pump 4, the pollution decomposing unit 17 is operated, and ozone is supplied to the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1. Agricultural crops such as vegetables and fruits placed in the washing tank 1 are washed with the washing liquid 2.

  In the above conventional configuration, agricultural products are immersed in a cleaning solution, and harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are removed by physical action and chemical action of fine bubbles containing ozone gas. Such a dedicated device requires the cleaning tank 1 and the drain pipe, and the structure is complicated and large. Moreover, in the said conventional structure, in order to immerse crops in the washing | cleaning liquid 2, a lot of water is required.

  The storage of the present invention has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for crops inside. The mist spraying device sprays liquid into the storage chamber to generate mist. The mist spraying device causes the harmful substances attached to the surface of the agricultural products stored in the storage room to rise by the mist, or causes the mists to adhere to the harmful substances attached to the surface of the agricultural products stored in the storage room. As described above, since it is possible to easily remove harmful substances with mist with a small amount of water in the vegetable storage room without using a dedicated cleaning device, the user can easily remove harmful substances. it can. Moreover, the refrigerator of this invention is comprised by adding a cooling device to the said storage, and using a heat insulation box as a box.

  The storage according to the present invention has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for crops inside. The mist spraying device generates mist by spraying liquid in the storage chamber, so that the mist lifts harmful substances of agricultural chemicals adhering to the surface of the crops stored in the storage chamber, or the mist is stored in the storage chamber. Adhere to the harmful substances of agricultural chemicals attached to the surface of the crops. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, and the harmful substances of the agricultural chemical remaining in the recesses are removed by the synergistic effect of the physical action and the chemical action. Or, by attaching mist to harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals, the harmful substances are lifted with a small amount of water to facilitate removal. Such a configuration can be applied to various forms for storing agricultural products such as a vegetable room of a refrigerator and a container in distribution.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to what makes the same structure of preceding embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
In the storage according to the present invention, a transport container used for transporting agricultural products is used as a box. Accordingly, harmful substances can be removed or lifted before the food stored in the storage room is delivered to the consumer.

  Generally, vegetables and fruits are transported to a market or a supermarket after harvesting, but the transport requires a long time. Using this time, mist is sprayed on vegetables and fruits stored in the storage room. Thereby, in order for a consumer to lead a diet with peace of mind, pretreatment for facilitating removal of residual agricultural chemicals can be performed.

  1 is a side sectional view of a storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a water replenishing section in the storage case shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the replenishing portion in the storage shown in FIG.

  The storage 70 is provided with a storage room 71 for storing crops in a box 60. In addition, the storage 70 has a mist spraying device 61 inside the storage chamber 71. The box 60 is a transport container and is mounted on the automobile 62 and used for transport. In addition, it may be transported by being mounted on an airplane or ship.

  The mist spraying device 61 includes a water storage tank 72, a water supply path 73, and a replenishment unit 74. A water supply path 73 supplies water from the water storage tank 72 to the replenishing unit 74. The replenishment unit 74 is provided on the upper top surface of the storage chamber 71. The replenishing unit 74 includes a water storage tank 75 that is a holding unit that stores water, a spraying unit 76, and a blower unit 77 that blows mist generated by the spraying unit 76 into the storage chamber 71.

  The spray unit 76 includes a metal mesh 81 and a metal plate 82 located at the bottom of the water storage tank 75, an ultrasonic element 80 provided outside, and a power source 83. The ultrasonic element 80 atomizes water by an ultrasonic method. The metal mesh 81 transmits only mist having a predetermined particle size or less. Further, the stored water 84 in the water tank 75 is supplied from the water supply path 73 and stored in the water tank 75. In addition, a temperature sensor 85 that detects the temperature in the storage is provided at one corner of the storage chamber 71.

  The operation and action of the storage configured as described above will be described. First, the water stored in the water storage tank 72 is supplied into the water storage tank 75 via the water supply path 73 and stored as the stored water 84. Next, the stored water 84 is atomized by the ultrasonic element 80. Of the generated mist, only fine mist having a predetermined particle diameter or less is sprayed from the metal mesh 81. Thus, the inside of the replenishment part 74 will be in the state filled with the mist below predetermined particle | grains. The fine mist in the replenishing part 74 is sprayed as a mist in the storage chamber 71 by the blowing part 77. The fine mist adheres to the surface of agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits in the storage chamber 71 and penetrates into fine concave portions on the surface of the agricultural products. Hazardous substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax are lifted by the internal pressure energy of this fine mist. In this way, by causing the harmful substances to rise, the harmful substances are more easily removed when the user has washed the vegetables with water than when the mist is not attached. In addition, when the mist is charged, it electrically enters a fine recess on the crop surface and chemically reacts with residual agricultural chemicals and wax. For this reason, the hydrophilic property of the harmful substance is increased, and it is taken into the mist and decomposed and removed. Further, even if the mist does not cause a chemical reaction with the harmful substance as described above, for example, the mist may only be attached to the harmful substance. As a result, the harmful substance is dissolved in the mist, or the mist is dissolved in the harmful substance to dilute the harmful substance. As a result, when the user rinses the vegetables with water, harmful substances are removed more easily than when the mist is not attached.

  Mist refers to water that has been finely divided into ultrafine particles, and its particle diameter is from several μm that is visible to several nm that is not visible, and has a liquid property.

  As described above, in the storage 70 of the present embodiment, an appropriate amount of fine mist that can enter the recesses of the cell gap is sprayed by the mist spraying device 61 with respect to the agricultural products being stored in the storage chamber 71. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, so that harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals attached to the surface of the crop stored in the storage chamber 71 are lifted up, or the mist is attached to the harmful substance. Thus, when the user rinses the vegetables with water, harmful substances are more easily removed than when the mist is not attached. In addition to the physical action of mist as described above, harmful substances remaining in the recesses, as well as ensuring that ozone and OH radicals generated simultaneously with the mist adhere to the vegetable surface, the physical action and chemical Due to the synergistic effect with the action, it becomes possible to remove harmful substances, and the harmful substances can be removed more effectively. By spraying even a small amount of water as a mist in this manner, harmful substances can be lifted or adhered to the harmful substances, and the removal of the harmful substances becomes easy.

  Vegetables and fruits are transported to markets and supermarkets after harvesting, but they require a long time for transportation. Using this time, mist is sprayed on the vegetables and fruits stored in the storage room 71. Thereby, in order for consumers to have a safe eating habit, pretreatment for facilitating the removal of residual pesticides can be performed.

  In addition, among the vegetables that are fruits and vegetables, green rape leaves and fruits are also stored in the storage room 71, and these fruits and vegetables are more likely to wither due to transpiration during transportation. However, since the box 60 is a transport container used for transportation, moisture evaporation during transportation of food stored in the storage room 71 and reduction of nutrient components are prevented, and the food is transported in a fresh state. . Furthermore, vegetable vegetables that could only be transported to a place where they can arrive without worrying about wilting until now can be transported for a long time.

  Moreover, in the above description, although it presupposes spraying tap water, it is not limited to this. If functional water such as ozone water, acidic water, or alkaline water is sprayed as the liquid to be sprayed, the functional water mist enters fine holes on the surface of vegetables and fruits. Therefore, the removal effect which raises the dirt inside fine pores and harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals, the oxidative decomposition effect of harmful substances, and the acid / alkali decomposition effect increase.

  Furthermore, the removal of the stain | pollution | contamination adhering in the storage chamber 71, the odor in the storage chamber 71 warehouse, and an acid and alkali decomposition | disassembly effect also increase. In particular, in this way, the spray unit 76 of the type that generates mist by vibrational energy makes water droplets finer by using high-frequency vibrational energy. In other words, an atomizer that generates mist by vibration energy does not perform electrolysis or the like decomposition on water particles, and thus may be able to mist without changing water components. In this way, when it is a device that mists the water component as it is depending on how vibrational energy is applied, for example, a function with some component added compared to pure water such as alkaline ion water or negative ion water Even if water is used, it becomes possible to mist the component as it is, and any water according to the needs of the user can be supplied as mist.

  If a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber 71 is provided, the temperature zone can be adjusted. When the temperature sensor 85 detects a temperature higher than a preset temperature, the cooling device is operated. By doing so, the freshness of the crops can be maintained in the refrigerated temperature zone at high temperatures such as in summer.

  Moreover, when the storage chamber 71 becomes a high humidity of 90% or more, since the transpiration of vegetables is suppressed among the foods, the deterioration speed of the food stored in the storage chamber 71 becomes slow. Therefore, the water replenishment efficiency by mist improves. In order to obtain such an effect, by providing a humidity sensor in the storage chamber 71, the spray unit 76 is driven in accordance with the change in the air quality in the storage chamber 71, thereby improving the hydration efficiency by mist. Can be made. Further, as described above, the spray unit 76 of a type that generates mist by vibration energy uses fine vibration energy to atomize water droplets. Therefore, a high voltage is not required when generating the fine mist, and the fine mist can be obtained at a low voltage. This is particularly effective when a combustible material such as gasoline is used for a transport vehicle engine in a transport container or the like. That is, even if a flammable substance leaks into the storage chamber 71, the spray part 76 does not generate a high voltage, so the risk of an explosion or the like is low, and the safety associated with the generation of mist is further increased.

  In the present embodiment, the particle diameter of the mist is adjusted by using the metal mesh 81 for the ultrasonic element 80 in the spray unit 76, but a metal plate 82 facing the metal mesh 81 is provided, and the power source By applying a high voltage between the metal mesh 81 and the metal plate 82 by 83, the particle diameter of the mist can be adjusted by making the particle diameter of the mist finer. In this case, it is possible to electrostatically add to the mist particles as the mist is refined. Thereby, the fine mist to which a negative charge is added adheres to the positively charged inner wall surface, vegetables, fruit surfaces, etc., and the mist enters the fine holes on the inner wall surface, vegetables, and fruit surfaces. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the effect of lifting and removing harmful substances attached to the surface of vegetables.

(Embodiment 2)
In the storage according to the present invention, a storage container used for storing crops after harvesting is used as a box. Thereby, harmful substances can be removed or lifted before shipping the food stored in the storage room. In addition, harmful substances can be removed or lifted using the storage time.

  FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the storage case according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The storage 90 in the present embodiment includes a box 63 and a mist spraying device 61. The box 63 is a storage container and is used for storing the crop after harvesting. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The box 63 is used for storing food after harvesting crops such as vegetables and fruits stored in the storage room 71. By providing the mist spraying device 61 in the storage chamber 71 in such a box 63, mist is sprayed on the crops stored in the storage chamber 71 using the time stored in the storage chamber 71. Is done. This makes it possible to perform pretreatment for facilitating the removal of residual agricultural chemicals so that consumers can live with a safe diet. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to remove the agricultural chemicals in a storage state before being sold at the store, and it is possible to provide vegetables with higher safety to consumers.

  The preferred liquid for atomization, the charging effect on the mist, the effect of providing the temperature adjusting function, and the like are the same as in the first embodiment.

  Next, an example in which the storage of the present invention is applied to a refrigerator together with the third to tenth embodiments will be described.

  The storage of the present invention has a box and a mist spraying device. The box has a storage room for storing crops. The mist spraying device has a spraying section for spraying liquid into the storage chamber. The mist spraying device raises harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals attached to the crop surface by the generated mist. Or attach mist to harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals. As a result, the sprayed mist enters a fine recess on the surface of the crop, and the harmful substances of the agricultural chemical remaining in the recess are removed by the synergistic effect of the physical action and chemical action of the mist. For this reason, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are lifted by a small amount of water, or mist adheres to harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals. Therefore, it is easy to remove harmful substances.

  Moreover, the water storage tank which is a holding | maintenance part which hold | maintains the liquid is provided in the box of the storage of this invention. Thereby, since a fixed amount of stored water can be stored in advance, it becomes possible to supply water to the mist spraying device at an arbitrary timing. Thereby, mist can be sprayed stably to the farm products stored in the inside of the storage chamber.

  Moreover, the mist spraying apparatus of the storage of this invention has the water storage tank which is a supply part. The water is retained by the user supplying water into the water storage tank from the outside. As a result, the user can always replenish fresh water, and a certain amount of stored water can be stored in advance. Therefore, a sufficient amount of water can be replenished even when a large number of foods are stored in the storage chamber.

  Moreover, the holding | maintenance part of the storage of this invention hold | maintains the water extracted from the water | moisture content contained in the air in a storage chamber. The stored water retained in this way is retained in the water retention device. As a result, the user can replenish the food stored in the storage chamber without replenishing water from the outside, so that maintenance is not time-consuming.

  Moreover, the mist spraying part of the storage of the present invention has a spraying tip part which is a part from which mist is discharged, and at least the spraying tip part is provided in the storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to spray the mist particles directly to the storage room in which the crop is stored. In addition, the distance between the spray tip and the crop can be further reduced. Therefore, vaporization of mist particles can be prevented as compared with the case where mist is sprayed outside the storage chamber and then fed into the storage chamber. Moreover, the flow rate of mist in a floating state can be increased, and the adhesion rate of mist to the crop surface can be further increased.

  Moreover, the supply part in the mist spraying apparatus of the storage of this invention is provided in the division different from the division in which the spraying part is provided. That is, the supply unit is not affected by the position of the spray unit, and can be provided at any position that facilitates replenishment of water into the water storage tank and cleaning of the water storage tank. As a result, the user convenience is improved.

  Moreover, the spray part in this invention generate | occur | produces mist with a particle diameter of 0.003 micrometer-20 micrometers, and a mist penetrate | invades efficiently into the fine recessed part of the crop surface. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be lifted up to details.

  In addition, the amount of mist sprayed in the spray section in the present invention is 0.0007 to 0.14 g / h · L, so that a necessary amount for spraying harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals is sprayed. Thereby, the removal effect of harmful substances, such as an agricultural chemical, and preservability are compatible.

  Further, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention is made into an oxidatively decomposable mist, so that the mist has an oxidatively decomposing power and oxidatively decomposes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals to increase hydrophilicity. Therefore, the effect of raising harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals is improved.

  Further, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention is made into ozone mist, so that harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are strongly oxidized and decomposed, and the harmful substances can be changed into safe substances by decomposition.

  In addition, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention can be converted into a safe substance by decomposing harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals into an alkali by making the mist alkali-degradable by making the mist alkali-degradable. .

  Moreover, the mist generated by the mist spraying apparatus in the present invention is a mist containing radicals, so that harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be decomposed and changed into safe substances by the strong oxidative degradation power of radicals.

  Moreover, the spraying part in this invention produces | generates mist by an electrostatic atomization system. In this method, fine mist is generated by splitting and subdividing water droplets using electrical energy such as high voltage, so that the generated mist is charged. Therefore, the mist adheres to the crops due to the positive and negative adsorption power of the charge, and the mist adheres more uniformly to the vegetable surface. Moreover, the adhesion rate of mist improves more compared with the mist of the type which is not charged. As a result, it becomes possible to remove the agricultural chemicals more effectively.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist spraying quantity of the spraying part of the electrostatic atomization system in this invention shall be 0.0007-0.007g / h * L. The mist generated by the spraying part of the electrostatic atomization system is charged, and the adhesion rate of the mist to the crop is high. Therefore, compared with the case of spraying a mist of an uncharged type, an equivalent adhesion rate can be obtained and the removal of the agricultural chemical can be performed more effectively.

  Moreover, the spray part in this invention generate | occur | produces mist with a particle diameter of 0.003-0.5 micrometer. When an electrostatic atomization type spray unit is used, the charged charge energy becomes weaker as the particle diameter of the mist increases. However, by using the electrostatic atomization method within the above particle size range, it is possible to generate mist with a sufficient charge to increase the adhesion rate to vegetables, and the removal of agricultural chemicals by the electrostatic atomization method Can be performed more effectively.

  In the present invention, an ultrasonic atomization type spraying section can be used. When generating mist by such a spray part, a water droplet is refined | miniaturized using the vibration energy of a high frequency. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fine mist at a low voltage without requiring a high voltage when producing the fine mist. As a result, safety associated with mist generation can be further increased and energy saving can be achieved.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist spraying quantity of the spraying part of the ultrasonic atomization system in this invention shall be 0.014-0.14g / h * L. When an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit is used, water droplets are made finer using high-frequency vibration energy, so as the spray amount decreases, the generated vibration energy decreases and is given to the sprayed mist. Less kinetic energy. For this reason, the flying distance of mist tends to be small. However, by using the ultrasonic atomization method within the above spray amount range, it is possible to generate a mist having a diffusivity into the warehouse and having a flight distance reaching the vegetable surface. It is possible to more effectively remove the pesticide.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the mist particle diameter of the spraying part of the ultrasonic atomization system in this invention shall be 0.5-20 micrometers. When an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit is used, it is necessary to make water droplets finer by using high-frequency vibration energy as the particle diameter of the mist is reduced. Therefore, the higher the frequency, the greater the number of vibrations and the shorter the durable years of the ultrasonic atomization method. However, by using the ultrasonic atomization method within the above particle diameter range, sufficient durability can be obtained even in refrigerators that require long-term durability, especially among household appliances with an average service life of about 10 years. It is done. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the reliability of the removal of agricultural chemicals by the ultrasonic atomization method.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  6 and 7 are a side sectional view and a sectional view taken along line AA of the mist spraying device in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  In this refrigerator, the heat insulating box 110 is partitioned into a refrigerator compartment 112, a switching chamber 113, a vegetable compartment 114, and a freezer compartment 115 from above by a partition plate 111. An evaporator 102 is provided in the back of the freezer compartment 115. The evaporator 102 is connected by a pipe together with a compressor 104 provided in the machine room 103, a condenser 105 provided at the lower part of the refrigerator, and an expansion valve (not shown), and these compress and evaporate the refrigerant sealed inside. This constitutes a cooling device that cools the inside of the refrigerator. In the refrigerator compartment 112 and the vegetable compartment 114, the cold air generated by the evaporator 102 is cooled by being conveyed to each storage compartment via the air passage 229. The inside of the switching chamber 113 can be used by switching between being kept at the refrigeration temperature or being kept at the refrigeration temperature by being cooled by the evaporator 102 via a ventilation path (not shown). On the back surface of the vegetable compartment 114, a partition plate 111A for partitioning the air passage 229 and the vegetable compartment 114 is disposed. An air passage 229 is provided between the partition plate 111 </ b> A and the main body outer wall 202. The air path 229 carries, for example, cold air generated in the evaporator 102 to each storage chamber, or carries air exchanged from each storage chamber to the evaporator 102. That is, a vegetable room 114 which is a storage room for storing agricultural products is provided inside the heat insulation box 110 which is a box. The cooling device cools the inside of the vegetable compartment 114.

  The vegetable compartment 114 is constituted by a heat insulating wall 116, and the inside of the vegetable compartment 114 is kept at a humidity of about 90% RH or more (during food storage) and cooled to 4 to 6 ° C. A mist spraying device 120 is provided on the upper top surface of the vegetable compartment 114.

  The mist spraying device 120 includes a water storage tank 122 that stores the stored water 124, a spraying unit 123, and a blower unit 129 that blows the mist generated by the spraying unit 123 into the vegetable compartment 114. The spray part 123 is located inside the water tank 122. The spray unit 123 includes a capillary supply structure 133, a cathode 134 as a first electrode, an anode 135 as a second electrode, and a power source 128. One end of the capillary supply structure 133 is immersed in the stored water 124, and the other end forms a spray tip portion 132 in the water storage tank 122. That is, the spray tip 132 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114. The cathode 134 and the anode 135 are installed in a part of the water storage tank 122. The cathode 134 applies a negative high voltage to the stored water 124. The anode 135 faces the cathode 134. The power supply 128 applies a high voltage between the cathode 134 and the anode 135.

  About the mist spraying apparatus 120 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, defrost water is stored in the water storage tank 122 and becomes the stored water 124. That is, the water storage tank 122 is a holding part that extracts and holds moisture contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114.

  Next, the power supply 128 applies a high voltage between the cathode 134 and the anode 135. Then, a plurality of liquid yarns are drawn from the spray tip 132 by the electric field that exists between the spray tip 132 and the anode 135. The liquid yarn is further dispersed into charged droplets to form a fine mist of 0.1 μm or less. Moreover, since discharge is performed during electrostatic atomization, a small amount of ozone and radicals are generated at the same time when mist is generated. This ozone mixes immediately with the mist, producing a low concentration of ozone mist. A radical is a molecule having unpaired electrons and a strong oxidizing power.

  This ozone mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 by the blower 129. Since the sprayed ozone mist is electrostatically added, it is electrically attached to the surface of the agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits that are positively charged in the vegetable compartment 114 and the inner wall surface. And it penetrate | invades to the fine recessed part of the surface of agricultural products. Hazardous substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax are lifted by the internal pressure energy of mist. As a result, when the user rinses the crop with water, the pesticide is more easily removed than when the mist is not attached. Furthermore, harmful substances are oxidatively decomposed and removed by the oxidative decomposition action of ozone. Or the mist which penetrate | invaded into the electrically fine recessed part chemically reacts with a harmful substance. As a result, the hydrophilicity of the harmful substance is increased, and it is taken into the mist and decomposed.

  Moreover, even if it does not cause a chemical reaction with the harmful substance in this way, the harmful substance dissolves in the mist, for example, by simply attaching the mist to the harmful substance. Or the mist dissolves in the toxic substance and the toxic substance is diluted. As a result, the pesticide is more easily removed when the user wash the crop with water than when the mist is not attached. .

  As described above, the mist spraying device 120 generates fine mist by splitting and subdividing water droplets using electric energy. Thus, the mist spraying device 120 uses an electrostatic atomization system. Therefore, the generated mist is charged and adheres to the crops by the positive and negative adsorption power of the charge. Therefore, mist adheres uniformly to the crop surface. In addition, the adhesion rate to crops is improved as compared with mist that is not charged. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are effectively removed.

  Further, by electrostatically adding to the mist, water molecules in the mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, the oxidizing power of OH radicals enhances the ability to decompose harmful substances.

  The mist enters the fine holes of the heat insulating wall 116, and similarly, dirt and harmful substances inside the holes are lifted and decomposed and removed by ozone oxidation decomposition.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram comparing the pesticide removal performance of the mist spraying device 120 shown in FIG. 6 with conventional immersion specifications and water washing. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto are used and removed according to each specification. And the removal rate is computed by measuring the residual malathion density | concentration after a process by gas chromatography (GC).

  Next, each removal processing specification will be described. In the process A, the above-mentioned 10 cherry tomatoes are put in a basket and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In the process B, which corresponds to a process using a general food cleaning apparatus, 10 cherry tomatoes are immersed in 2 L of water containing 1 ppm of ozone for 1 hour, and bubbles are cleaned with ozone. In the process C, the mist spraying process is performed on 10 cherry tomatoes with the mist spraying device 120 for 12 hours. In the process D, 10 cherry tomatoes are placed in a basket after mist spraying for 12 hours and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In addition, the ozone gas density | concentration in the store | warehouse | chamber in the process C and the process D is about 0.03 ppm. Moreover, the particle diameter of the mist in the process C and the process D is 0.003 micrometer, and the spraying amount is 0.0007 g / h * L.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the removal rate in the treatment A is 20%, and it can be seen that 80% of the residual pesticide is not removed by water washing at home, and is taken into the human body. In the treatment B, 55% of the residual agricultural chemical is removed.

  On the other hand, the removal rate of the process C is 50%, and the agrochemical removal performance substantially equivalent to the process B is shown. Furthermore, the removal rate of process D is 70%. This is thought to be due to the adhesion of pesticides to the surface due to the physical action of the ultra fine mist, which is more easily removed. From the above results, the refrigerator having the mist spraying device 120 in the present embodiment has a pesticide removal performance substantially equivalent to that of a dedicated food washing machine.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agricultural chemical removal effect of the mist spraying device 120 and the water particle diameter of the mist in the present embodiment. The spraying time and spraying amount of mist are the same as the processes C and D in FIG.

  As is apparent from FIG. 9, the reason why the malathion removal rate is about 50% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.5 μm or less. Further, the reason why the malathion removal rate is about 70% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.1 μm or less. This is considered to be because the mist particle diameter becomes finer and the surface of the crop surface tends to enter into the irregularities. That is, it is considered that the finer the mist particle size, the more easily harmful substances adhere to the mist particles, or it becomes easier to incorporate harmful substances into the mist particles.

  Further, when the mist particle size is larger than 0.5 μm, the removal rate is reduced. This is presumably because, when the spraying portion 123 is an electrostatic atomization system, the charged energy of the charge becomes weaker as the particle diameter of the mist increases. Therefore, when applying the electrostatic atomization method, by controlling the particle diameter of the mist to 0.5 μm or less, a mist having a sufficient charge to increase the adhesion rate to the crop is generated.

  The reason why the malathion removal rate is about 50% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.003 μm or more. The reason why the malathion removal rate is about 70% is that the particle diameter of the mist is 0.005 μm or more. This is considered to be because when the water particle diameter is less than 0.003 μm, the particles are too small, the contact frequency with malathion decreases, and the removal effect decreases.

  Further, the removal rate is higher when the particle diameter is 0.005 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less than when the particle diameter of the mist exceeds 0.1 μm. This is probably because the number of radicals is large when the particle size is small. Therefore, it is considered that the reactivity with malathion increases and the removal rate increases.

  From the above results, in order to make the agrochemical removal rate 50% or more with the electrostatic atomization type mist spraying device 120, the mist particle diameter may be 0.003 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less, and the agrochemical removal rate is In order to make it 70% or more, the mist particle diameter may be 0.005 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less. In order to control the mist particle diameter in this way, in this experiment, the particle diameter was adjusted by changing the voltage applied to the mist spraying device 120. For example, the diameter and length of the capillary supply structure 133 were changed. The particle diameter can also be adjusted. This utilizes the fact that the particle size after being divided by the mist spraying device 120 is different even when the same energy is applied by changing the size of the cluster of water to be supplied. Therefore, when the target particle size is almost fixed, this method is effective because a mist of the target particle size can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect of the mist spraying device 120 and the mist spray amount in the present embodiment. The mist spraying time and the mist particle diameter are the same as those in the processes C and D of FIG. In this experiment, the volume of the vegetable room is 70 liters (L).

  As is clear from FIG. 10, in order to obtain a malathion removal rate of about 50%, the spray amount needs to be 0.0007 g / h · L or more, and the effect of removing agricultural chemicals increases as the spray amount increases. Yes.

  Also, if the spray amount exceeds 0.007 g / h · L, there is a pesticide removal effect, but the generated ozone concentration exceeds 0.03 ppm, so the technology in the current electrostatic atomization method can be applied to household refrigerators. Is difficult from the viewpoint of human safety. The ozone concentration of 0.03 ppm is a level that does not cause an ozone odor, and is an upper limit value of the ozone concentration that has an agrochemical decomposition effect without causing adverse effects such as tissue damage to vegetables. Thus, the appropriate range of the spray amount is 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.007 g / h · L or less. However, in the future, if the ozone concentration can be suppressed to 0.03 ppm or less even in the electrostatic atomization method and the spray amount exceeding 0.007 g / h · L, it is more advanced than the current technology. This spray amount can be enlarged. In addition, if ozone decomposing catalyst or ozone decomposing device is added to make ozone concentration 0.03ppm or less, even if it is 0.007g / h · L or more, ozone concentration is reduced by ozone decomposing catalyst or ozone decomposing device. If it can be reduced, the spray amount may be increased to, for example, 10 times 0.07 g / h · L. This upper limit expansion range depends on the ability of the added ozonolysis catalyst.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a refrigerator having a simple structure and a function of removing harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be obtained. Users can easily remove harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals by simply storing vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator.

  The mist spraying device 120 sprays mist into the vegetable compartment 114. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, and removes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals remaining in the recesses by a synergistic effect of physical action and chemical action. In this way, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed with a small amount of water.

  In addition, ozone and OH radicals generated at the same time as the fine mist reliably adhere to the vegetable surface. Thereby, the fine mist enters the fine recesses and removes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals remaining in the recesses by the synergistic effect of the physical action and the chemical action. In this way, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed and decomposed with a small amount of water.

  The mist spraying device 120 generates a mist having a particle size useful for removing agricultural chemicals on the surface of agricultural products. As a result, the mist efficiently penetrates into the fine recesses on the surface of the crop, and harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are removed to the details. Specifically, the particle diameter of the mist is preferably 0.003 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less.

  The mist spray amount of the mist spray device 120 is preferably 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.07 g / h · L or less. As a result, the amount of spray necessary for the removal of harmful substances is ensured, the effect of removing harmful substances is exhibited, and the preservation of crops is also ensured.

  Moreover, the fine mist adheres to the crop surface using the potential difference between the fine mist and the crop. Therefore, mist adheres efficiently.

  In the above description, an example in which ozone-containing mist is generated by generating mist by an electrostatic atomization method is described. However, even when oxidatively decomposable mist other than ozone or alkali-decomposable mist is sprayed. Good. In this case as well as ozone water, the decomposition effect of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals on the crop surface is enhanced. Moreover, the effect which removes the stain | pollution | contamination which adheres in the store | warehouse | chamber, and the odor in a store | warehouse | chamber, and the effect of decomposition | disassembly increase.

  Moreover, the spray part 123 in this Embodiment produces | generates mist with an electrostatic atomization system. In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, a spray unit that electrostatically loads a mist that is miniaturized using an ultrasonic element and a metal mesh may be used. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained by using a spray unit that electrostatically loads the mist that is refined by increasing the frequency of the ultrasonic element.

  In the present embodiment, ozone gas generated by discharge is dissolved in the sprayed mist. In addition, the same effect can be obtained when the stored water is ozone water or functional water rich in reactivity. That is, the water storage tank 122 holds a liquid for generating mist and does not necessarily hold water.

  In the present embodiment, the holding unit that holds the stored water is the water storage tank 122, and the water storage tank 122 holds the stored water 124 that is defrost water. In addition to this, moisture contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 may be extracted and held using a hygroscopic agent as a holding portion. As the hygroscopic agent, for example, porous materials such as silica gel, zeolite, activated carbon and the like can be used. In this way, if defrosted water or the like can be used to secure the stored water without the user supplying the stored water from the outside, it is not necessary to replenish water from the outside and the usability is improved.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 12 and 13 are a longitudinal sectional view and a front view, respectively, in the vicinity of the mist spraying device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a view showing a longitudinal section and an amplitude waveform of the spray section of the mist spray device shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a control flowchart in the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pesticide removal effect by the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 12 and the water particle diameter of the mist. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect and the amount of mist sprayed by the mist spraying device shown in FIG.

  This refrigerator differs from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 in that a mist spraying device 302 is provided on the partition plate 111A, and an ozone generator 323 is provided on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG. A container 228 is installed in the vegetable compartment 114.

  A mist spraying device 302 having an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 is incorporated in the partition plate 111A. The partition plate 111A is mainly composed of a heat insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and its wall thickness is about 30 mm. However, on the back surface of the supply unit 304, the wall thickness is 5 mm to 10 mm.

  The supply unit 304 holds the stored water and supplies the stored water to the spray unit 301. The supply unit 304 includes a water collection plate 321, a heating unit 328, a blower unit 317, and a cover member 306. The water collecting plate 321 is installed inside the warehouse, and the heating unit 328 is disposed in contact with one surface of the water collecting plate 321. The heating unit 328 is, for example, a heater composed of nichrome wire. The air blower 317 is a box fan or the like, and is arranged inside the warehouse to send the air in the warehouse to the water collecting plate 321. The cover member 306 constitutes a circulation air passage 307.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the cover member 306 has a first circulation air passage opening (hereinafter referred to as an opening) 308 and a second circulation air passage opening (hereinafter referred to as an opening) 309 related to the circulation air passage 307. Is provided. Further, the water collection plate 321 is provided with a water collection plate temperature detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 327 for detecting the temperature of the surface of the water collection plate 321.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the spray unit 301 includes a horn 310 and a piezoelectric element 311. The horn 310 is formed in a substantially conical shape by cutting or the like, and the spray tip 310 </ b> A of the horn 310 is open at least in the vegetable compartment 114. A flange portion 312 is formed integrally with the horn 310 on the piezoelectric element 311 side. The horn 310 and the piezoelectric element 311 are fixedly bonded. Due to the shape of the horn 310, the vibration generated in the piezoelectric element 311 is amplified to have a maximum amplitude at the spray tip 310A.

  The spray part 301 is attached to a connection part 305 that is an attachment member on the refrigerator side via a flange part 312. Or it is directly attached to the refrigerator. At this time, the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration is set to be a node of the amplitude at the flange portion 312. That is, when the piezoelectric element 311 is driven, each part shown in FIG. 14 vibrates.

  By connecting the flange portion 312 which is a node of vibration propagating in this way to the connection portion 305, it is possible to prevent the vibration when generating ultrasonic waves from being transmitted to the refrigerator main body. Therefore, noise caused by vibrations of refrigerator parts, shelves provided in the cabinet, and the like is reduced. That is, noise and vibration of a refrigerator provided with a mist spraying device 302 of a type that generates mist by vibration energy is suppressed.

  The horn 310 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity. For example, it is comprised with metals, such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. In particular, it is preferably made of a material mainly composed of aluminum from the viewpoint of light weight, high thermal conductivity, and amplitude amplification performance during ultrasonic transmission. In order to extend the life, it is preferable to use a material mainly composed of stainless steel.

  As described above, the dimensions of the horn 310 are set so that the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration becomes the amplitude node at the flange portion 312 and the abdominal portion of the amplitude at the spray tip portion 310 </ b> A that is the tip of the horn 310. The dimension of the horn 310 is set so that the dimension between the flange portion 312 and the spray tip portion 310A is a quarter wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration. Thus, after fixing the vibration node to the refrigerator main body, the position of the quarter wavelength of the frequency to be obtained therefrom is the abdomen of the amplitude. In this structure, compared with the case where there are a plurality of abdominal portions between the flange portion 312 and the spray tip portion 310A, vibration energy loss can be greatly reduced, and the power required for vibration can be suppressed. By designing the horn 310 in this way, low input and high output can be obtained, and the horn 310 can be downsized.

  In recent refrigerators for home use, there is a tendency that the user-friendliness is improved by increasing the internal capacity while maintaining the conventional external dimensions. In such a type of refrigerator, the heat insulating wall becomes thinner by increasing the heat insulation, and the device storage space on the back side is also more compact. Thus, by using the small horn 310 with a high output, a sufficient amount of generated mist can be obtained while preventing the mist spraying device 302 from extending into the cabinet, and the convenience of the refrigerator is improved.

  The length of the horn 310 is determined by the particle diameter of the generated mist, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 311, and the material of the horn 310. For example, when the mist particle diameter is about 10 μm, if the material of the horn 310 is aluminum and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 311 is about 270 kHz, the length of the horn 310 is about 6 mm. When the mist particle diameter is about 15 μm, if the material of the horn 310 is aluminum and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric element 311 is about 146 kHz, the length of the horn 310 is about 11 mm. A series of these theoretical calculation values is summarized in Table 1.

  Moreover, the refrigerator is equipped with a cooling device for cooling the inside. As described in the third embodiment, the cooling device includes the compressor 104, the condenser 105, a decompression device (not shown) such as an expansion valve and a capillary tube, the evaporator 102, and the like. In some cases, isobutane, which is a combustible refrigerant with a low global warming potential, is used as the refrigerant from the viewpoint of global environmental conservation.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement / effect | action is demonstrated below. In the refrigerator shown in FIG. 11, the vegetable compartment 114 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by ON / OFF operation such as cold air distribution and a heating unit, and generally has no internal temperature detection unit. There are many things. Further, the inside of the vegetable compartment 114 is highly humid due to the evaporation of moisture from food and the invasion of water vapor by opening and closing the door. In order to ensure a certain amount of cooling capacity, the partition plate 111A is configured to be thinner than other portions.

  Here, if the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, the water vapor in the vicinity of the water collecting plate 321 is condensed on the water collecting plate 321, and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the control unit 314 grasps the temperature state of the surface of the water collection plate 321 by the detection unit 327 installed on the water collection plate 321. And the control part 314 carries out ON / OFF control or Duty control of the ventilation part 317 and the heating part 328. As a result, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, and moisture contained in the high-humidity air sent from the interior by the blower 317 is condensed on the water collecting plate 321.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a vegetable room temperature detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 325, a vegetable room humidity detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 326, and the like may be provided in the vegetable room 114. In this configuration, the dew point temperature can be accurately determined according to a change in the internal environment by a predetermined calculation. Even when ice or frost is generated on the surface of the water collecting plate 321, the control unit 314 can drive the heating unit 328 to raise the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 to the melting temperature. Can do. Here, when the air blower 317 is operated, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 rises due to the influence of the air in the vegetable compartment 114, and decreases when the air blower 317 is stopped. When the wall thickness of the partition plate 111A on the back surface of the supply unit 304 exceeds 10 mm, the surface temperature of the water collection plate 321 becomes the dew point temperature or more even when the heating unit 328 is OFF when the air blowing unit 317 is in operation, and the amount of condensation cannot be adjusted. . On the other hand, when the wall thickness is less than 5 mm, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 is too low, so that the heating unit 328 is always in an ON state, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Therefore, the thickness of the partition plate 111A on the back surface of the water collecting plate 321 is preferably 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. As a result, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 can be controlled, and the energy consumed by the heating unit 328 is minimized.

  Moreover, in order to promote condensation, it is necessary to circulate the air in the vegetable compartment 114 with higher humidity. Therefore, when air is taken in by the blower 317, for example, humid air is taken in from the opening 309. And after dew condensation with the water collection board 321, air is discharged in the store | warehouse | chamber from the opening part 308, and the air in the vegetable compartment 114 is circulated. In this way, condensation is promoted.

  Water droplets condensed on the surface of the water collecting plate 321 gradually grow and flow downward without using power such as a pump due to its own weight, and collect in the water storage tank 313 near the spray unit 301. The water storage tank 313 is a holding unit that is provided in the heat insulating box 110 and holds a liquid. The collected condensed water is supplied to the tip of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303.

  The water supplied to the tip of the horn 310 is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 as a mist having a small particle diameter by the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 311. The horn 310 generates heat due to vibration in the vicinity of the spray tip 310A. However, since the horn 310 is a highly thermally conductive material, this heat is diffused throughout the horn 310.

  In addition, at least the spray tip 310A is provided in the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, mist particles are sprayed directly on the vegetable compartment 114 in which agricultural products such as vegetables are stored. That is, the distance between the spray tip 310A and the crop is short. This configuration prevents vaporization of mist particles and increases the flow rate in a floating state, for example, compared to a case where mist is sprayed outside the vegetable compartment 114 and then fed into the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, the adhesion rate of mist on the crop surface increases.

  The spray unit 301 uses a piezoelectric element 311 that utilizes an electrostrictive phenomenon caused by electric energy. The spray unit 301 can make water droplets fine using vibration energy of high frequency. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fine mist at a low voltage without requiring a high voltage when producing the fine mist. Therefore, safety associated with mist generation is increased and energy consumption is reduced. Moreover, since water particles are not decomposed by electrolysis or the like, they can be misted as they are without changing the water components. Therefore, even if functional water is supplied from the water storage tank or the like to the spray unit 301 instead of the supply unit 304, the type of atomizer that generates mist by vibration energy does not decompose water particles such as electrolysis. In some cases, mist can be produced without changing the water component. In this way, when it is a device that mists the water component as it is depending on how vibrational energy is applied, a function that adds some component compared to pure water, such as alkaline ion water or negative ion water, for example Even if water is used, it becomes possible to mist the component as it is, and any water according to the needs of the user can be supplied as mist.

  The spray unit 301 is not limited to using the piezoelectric vibrator 311. A magnetostrictive vibrator using a magnetostriction phenomenon caused by magnetic energy may be used as the vibrator. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In addition, the spray unit 301 generates mist by ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic waves is generally in a frequency band in which noise caused by vibration cannot be heard by human ears as a steady sound. Thus, by using a frequency of, for example, 20,000 Hz or more, even when applied to a household refrigerator, noise caused by vibration cannot be heard by human ears as a steady sound. Therefore, a refrigerator having a low-noise and high-quality mist spraying device 302 can be obtained.

  Next, the control by the control unit 314 will be described using the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 15 and the control flow diagram of FIG. In FIG. 15, information signals from detection units 325, 326, and 327 and a door opening / closing detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit) 330 are input to the control unit 314. The control unit 314 controls the spray unit 301, the heating unit 328, the compressor 104, the air blowing unit 317, and the ozone generator 323. The heating unit 328 adjusts the amount of water supplied to the spray unit 301. For example, the detection unit 325 detects the internal temperature as 5 ° C., the detection unit 326 detects the internal humidity as 90%, and the detection unit 327 detects the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 as 4 ° C. In this case, the control unit 314 determines ON / OFF of the spray unit 301 and the operation of the heating unit 328. That is, the surface temperature of the water collecting plate 321 needs to be cooled below the dew point temperature. Therefore, for example, the control unit 314 turns off the heating unit 328 or reduces the input. And in order to reduce the temperature of cold air, the rotation speed of the compressor 104 is increased or the rotation speed of the blower 317 is decreased. The control unit 314 operates the spray unit 301 only when the detection unit 330 detects that the door is closed. This prevents mist leakage to the outside when the door is opened.

Next, the control flow will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, in step 21, the detection unit 327 detects the surface temperature t ° C. of the water collection plate 327. The control unit 314 determines that the pesticide removal is to be activated when t ° C. is within a predetermined range of t _A ° C. and t _B ° C., and the control proceeds to step 22. If t ° C is not in the range of t _A ° C and t _B ° C, control returns to step 21 and temperature detection and determination are repeated.

In step 22, the control unit 314 operates the spray unit 301 to spray mist into the vegetable compartment 114. Next, in step 23, if the integrated operating time _{T A} of the spray portion 301 is above _{T 1} to a predetermined, control unit 314 operates the ozone generator 323 at step 24, control passes to step 25. If T _A is less than T _{1, the} control unit 314 continues to determine the spray time in step 23.

In step 25, if the cumulative operation time _{T A} of the spray portion 301 is _{T 2} greater than or equal to a predetermined, control unit 314 stops the spray unit 301 at step 26 to end the mist spray. At the same time, the controller 314 also turns off the ozone generator 323 and the control proceeds to step 27. If T _A is less than T _{2, the} control unit 314 continues to determine the spray time in Step 25.

Then if the _{T 3} than the stopping time _{T B} of the spray unit 301 is predetermined in step 27, the control unit 314 _T A, the _{T B} returns to the initial value in step 28, it returns to step 21. If T _B is less than T _{3, the} control unit 314 subsequently determines the stop time of the spray unit 301 in step 27.

  Next, instead of the supply unit 304 and the water supply unit 303, a configuration for supplying a liquid such as water for causing the spray unit 301 to generate mist will be described. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the spraying part 301.

  In this configuration, a water storage tank 425B and a spray unit 301 are provided from the refrigerator door 400A side toward the interior partition inner surface to configure a mist spraying device 302A. The mist spraying device 302 </ b> A is fixed to a partition plate 111 </ b> B that constitutes the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The bottom surface of the water storage tank 425B is inclined, and a water supply adjustment unit 444 is provided at the bottom of the back surface.

  The operation and action of the mist spraying device configured as described above will be described. The water storage tank 425B is installed on the door 400A side of the vegetable compartment 114, that is, on the front side so that people can easily attach and detach it, and stores tap water, condensed water, and the like. Or you may inject | pour various functional water into the water storage tank 425B. The functional water is, for example, acidic water, alkaline water, or nutrient water containing vitamins. By spraying such functional water into the vegetable compartment 114, various new functions are added to the vegetable compartment 114. If it does in this way, the spraying part 301 can spray various functional water.

  The bottom surface of the water storage tank 425B is inclined toward the back of the refrigerator, and the injected water is devised to flow to the back side. A water supply adjustment unit 444 is provided on the bottom surface on the back side. The water supply adjustment unit 444 is composed of, for example, an on-off valve. The water supply adjustment unit 444 supplies water to the spray unit 301 only when it is open.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 17, the water storage tank 425B is provided on the door 400A side, and the spray unit 301 is provided on the back side of the water storage tank 425B. Since the bottom surface of the water storage tank 425B is inclined toward the spray unit 301, the water in the water storage tank 425B is efficiently used. In addition, an appropriate amount of water is supplied to the spray unit 301 by the water supply adjustment unit 444.

  Although the water storage tank 425B is fixed to the partition plate 111B, it may be detachable. This facilitates the exchange, addition, and cleaning of water and improves usability.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect of the mist spraying device 302 and the mist particle diameter. Also in this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes to which about 3 ppm of malathion is attached are used as in the third embodiment. After the mist generated by the mist spraying device 302 is continuously sprayed for 12 hours, the residual malathion concentration of cherry tomatoes is measured by GC, and the removal rate is calculated. The spray amount at this time is 0.03 g / h · L. As described above, the particle diameter of the mist is determined by the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 311 and the dimensions of the horn 310.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in order to make the malathion removal rate about 50%, it is necessary to control the particle diameter to 20 μm or less. Moreover, in order to make the malathion removal rate about 70%, it is necessary to control the particle diameter to 0.5 μm or less. This is because the general vegetable unevenness is 20 to 30 μm, and if it is 20 μm or more, it becomes difficult for the mist to enter the fine concave portion of the vegetable, and it becomes difficult for the harmful substances to adhere to the mist particles or to be taken into the mist particles. it is conceivable that. Moreover, since the mist with a particle diameter of 0.5 μm is higher in diffusibility than the mist with a particle diameter of 20 μm, the contact frequency between the mist and the agricultural chemical on the vegetable surface is increased, and the agricultural chemical removal rate is considered to be higher.

  From the above results, the mist particle size having a performance of 50% or more of the agricultural chemical removal rate in the mist spraying apparatus that generates mist by the ultrasonic method is 20 μm or less, and the mist having the performance of 70% or more of the agricultural chemical removal rate. The particle diameter is 0.5 μm or less.

  In addition, it is thought that a pesticide removal rate will improve more if a mist particle diameter is made smaller than 0.5 micrometer and made still smaller. In the spraying part 301, water droplets are refined using high-frequency vibration energy. Therefore, in the atomization part 301 of an ultrasonic atomization system, in order to make the particle diameter of mist small to less than 0.5 micrometer, it is necessary to make a vibration frequency high. However, as the vibration frequency is increased, the number of vibrations is increased and the durability of the spray unit 301 employing the current ultrasonic atomization method tends to be shortened. Refrigerators have a particularly long service life among household appliances, and the average service life is about 10 years, so that long-term durability is particularly required. Therefore, when the mist is generated using the ultrasonic atomization method in the current stage technique, the lower limit value of the mist particle diameter is preferably set to 0.5 μm.

  As mentioned above, it is preferable that the mist particle diameter using the spraying part 301 of an ultrasonic atomization system shall be the range of 0.5 micrometer or more and 20 micrometers or less. However, even if a mist having a particle diameter smaller than 0.5 μm is generated using an ultrasonic atomization method in the future, if it is an ultrasonic atomization method that can ensure long-term reliability, Furthermore, the lower limit of the mist particle diameter can be increased to, for example, about 1/10 of 0.05 μm.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pesticide removal effect of the mist spraying device 302 and the mist spray amount. In this experiment, a mist having a particle diameter of 10 μm is sprayed into a 70 L vegetable room 114. The spraying time is 12 hours as in the experiment of FIG. Further, the spray amount is controlled by changing the voltage applied to the spray unit 301 in this experiment. In addition to this, it is also possible to adjust the spray amount by changing the opening area of the spray tip 310A.

  As is clear from FIG. 19, the removal effect of malathion, which is an agricultural chemical, increases as the amount of mist spray increases. In order to make the malathion removal rate 50% or more, the spray amount needs to be controlled to 0.014 g / h · L or more. On the other hand, when the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, although there is an effect of removing agricultural chemicals, excess moisture adheres to the vegetable surface, causing water rot and reducing the quality of the vegetable. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of mist spraying using the ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 is in a range of 0.014 g / h · L to 0.14 g / h · L. However, even if the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, the spray amount may be increased if water rot can be prevented, for example, by shaking the vegetables and dropping excess water. Even in that case, from the viewpoint of maintaining the quality of the vegetables, the spray amount is preferably 0.5 g / h · L or less.

  As described above, the refrigerator that is a storage unit having a cooling device in the present embodiment has a vegetable compartment 114 that is a storage room formed by insulating the heat insulating box 110. The refrigerator also includes a mist spraying device 302 including an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 that sprays liquid mist. And in the refrigerator by this Embodiment which has the vegetable compartment 114, in order to convey low temperature cold air to each storage room which is comparatively low temperature, the air path 229 is utilized. And the water collection board 321 for supplying water to the spray part 301 is cooled by the heat conduction from the air path 229 side. By adjusting the temperature of the water collecting plate 321 below the dew point, moisture in the air is reliably generated, and water is supplied to the spray tip 310A of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303 or the like.

  Moreover, since the spray part 301 is an ultrasonic atomization system, if the supply of water is sufficient, the spray amount is sufficiently secured. Therefore, the spray amount can be adjusted by the ON / OFF operation, and the operation time in actual use is shortened, and the life reliability of the components is improved. In addition, pesticides and wax adhering to the crop surface can be lifted and removed with a very small amount of water, thus saving water.

  Moreover, since the spraying part 301 is an ultrasonic atomization system, ozone is not generated when mist is generated, and only OH radicals are generated. Therefore, it is not necessary to take measures against ozone in particular, and the component configuration and control contents are simplified. When ozone is used, an ozone generator 323 may be provided separately as in this embodiment.

  Moreover, the spray part 301 can spray various functional water by providing the water storage tank 425B which supplies a liquid to the spray part 301. FIG. The functional water is, for example, acidic water, alkaline water, or nutrient water containing vitamins. By spraying such functional water into the vegetable compartment 114, various new functions are added to the vegetable compartment 114.

  In addition, by setting the sprayed mist particle diameter to 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, the mist efficiently enters the fine recesses on the crop surface. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are removed to the details.

  Further, by setting the mist spray amount to 0.014 g / h · L or more and 0.14 g / h · L or less, harmful substances are efficiently removed and moisture of the crop is retained. Also, water rot of crops is prevented.

  In this embodiment, ozone gas generated by discharge is dissolved in the sprayed mist, but the same effect can be obtained even if the stored water is ozone or functional water rich in reactivity.

  In the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic atomization type spray unit 301 is used, a high voltage is not required when the mist is atomized. Therefore, when a flammable refrigerant such as isobutane or propane is used as the refrigerant of the cooling device, safety is maintained even if the refrigerant leaks from the cooling device, and it is special for the arrangement of the components of the cooling device. There is no need to devise. There is no need for special measures such as explosion protection. Therefore, applying the spray unit 301 of a type that generates mist by vibration energy to a refrigerator using a flammable refrigerant does not impair the safety of a household refrigerator.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, it is not necessary to supply water from the outside by providing the water collection board 321 in the vegetable compartment 114. Furthermore, the amount of condensation can be adjusted by providing the heating unit 328 and the air blowing unit 317. At the same time, the internal humidity can be adjusted by changing the temperature of the water collecting plate 321.

  The spray unit 301 includes a horn 310 formed in a substantially conical shape and a piezoelectric element 311. The piezoelectric element 311 is bonded to and integrated with one end surface of the horn 310. The mist spraying device 302 including such an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit 301 is small and operates with a low input. Therefore, it can be arranged in the vegetable compartment 114. In recent years, mainstream refrigerators are designed to have a larger internal capacity while maintaining the same external dimensions. In this way, the user convenience is improved. Since the horn 310 is small, it can be applied to such a refrigerator, and the mist spraying device 302 can be arranged without extending into the cabinet. Therefore, the low-input and high-output mist spraying device 302 can be provided while minimizing the decrease in the internal volume. Thereby, the usability of the refrigerator can be improved while saving energy. Moreover, there are few installation restrictions of the mist spraying apparatus 302, and it can give a freedom degree to the design of a refrigerator. In addition, since the mist spraying device 302 has a low input, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed, and the control board can be reduced in size and cost.

  Moreover, since the emitted-heat amount of mist spraying apparatus 302 itself is suppressed, the temperature rise in the vegetable compartment 114 is suppressed. In addition, abnormal heat generation in the event of water shortage is also suppressed, so that the spray unit 301 has a long life and reliability is improved. Furthermore, since the inside of a refrigerator is a low temperature atmosphere, the temperature rise of the spray part 301 is suppressed. As a result, the spray unit 301 has a long life.

  Moreover, by providing the water supply unit 303, water is efficiently and stably supplied to the tip of the horn 310. Therefore, the spray part 301 always sprays stably, and mist is sprayed in the vegetable compartment 114. In addition, since water is stably supplied to the tip of the horn 310, water shortage at the tip of the horn 310 is prevented, and the spray unit 301 has a long life and reliability is improved.

  Further, the water supply unit 303 is provided in the vicinity of the supply unit 304. Therefore, water is supplied from the supply unit 304 to the tip of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303. Thereby, it sprays in the vegetable compartment 114 efficiently. Moreover, since the supply part 304 and the water supply part 303 are located in the vicinity, the path | route of the water from the supply part 304 to the front-end | tip of the horn 310 becomes compact and simple, and a design freedom improves.

  In addition, the supply unit 304 includes a water collecting plate 321 that condenses moisture in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 in order to collect water. The condensed water generated by the condensation is collected by the supply unit 30, and the collected condensed water is always stably supplied to the tip of the horn 310 by the water supply unit 303. Therefore, mist is efficiently sprayed in the storage space.

  Further, since the horn 310 is made of a highly heat conductive material, heat generated at the tip of the horn 310 is diffused throughout the horn 310. Moreover, since the inside of a refrigerator is a low temperature atmosphere, the temperature rise of the spray part 301 is suppressed. As a result, the spray unit 301 has a long life and reliability is improved.

  Further, the tip of the horn 310 is disposed in the vicinity of the vibration abdomen, and the flange portion 312 provided on the bonded surface side of the piezoelectric element 311 is disposed in the vicinity of the vibration node. And the flange part 312 and the refrigerator main body are connected directly or indirectly. Therefore, the liquid replenished to the horn tip at the abdomen where the amplitude of vibration is large, that is, the tip of the horn 310 can be efficiently atomized. On the other hand, since the amplitude of the vibration node, that is, the flange portion 312 is small, vibration transmission to the refrigerator connected directly or indirectly is reduced.

  In addition, the piezoelectric element 311 vibrates in a mode in which the length between the spray tip 310A of the horn 310 and the flange 312 is ¼ wavelength. As a result, there is one vibration abdomen and node between the spray tip 310A that generates mist and the flange 312. Thus, since there are not a plurality of vibration abdominal portions and node portions, the horn 310 can be downsized. In addition, since energy dispersion and attenuation are reduced, efficiency is improved. Moreover, there are few installation restrictions of the small horn 310, a design freedom is obtained, and a storage space becomes large. Specifically, the length of the horn 310 can be 1 mm to 20 mm. Thus, if the horn 310 is made small, the design freedom of a refrigerator can be obtained and a storage space will become large.

  Further, by providing the cover member 306 around the mist spraying device 302, the user does not directly touch the inside of the mist spraying device 302. Therefore, safety is improved.

  In addition, although the horn 310 in the spray part 301 demonstrated the example formed in substantially cone shape, it is not limited to this. A similar effect can be obtained if the shape amplifies the amplitude of vibration at the tip. For example, a tapered shape from the piezoelectric element 311 side toward the tip can be formed into a substantially rectangular shape at the tip of the horn. In this structure, since the area which sprays mist becomes large compared with circular shape, a spraying range is expanded and a diffusivity improves.

(Embodiment 5)
In the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the mist spraying devices 120 and 302 in the third and fourth embodiments described above are used in combination. From the viewpoint of the mist particle size and the spray amount, the pesticide removal effect by such a composite type mist spraying device, the preservation effect of agricultural products stored in the vegetable compartment 114, and the antifouling effect of the wall surface in the vegetable compartment 114 explain.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the correlation between the mist particle size and the spray amount and the respective effects in the present embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a range in which each effect appears by changing the mist particle size and the spray amount in the electrostatic atomization method and the ultrasonic method while keeping the 70 L vegetable room at an ambient temperature of 5 ° C. Yes. By adjusting the capabilities of the mist spraying devices 120 and 302 according to the third and fourth embodiments, a range in which the appropriate values of the particle diameter and the spray amount overlap each other is covered. FIG. 20 shows that the mist particle size and the spray amount according to the third and fourth embodiments and the respective effects have appropriate ranges and are shifted from each other.

  First, I will explain the resuscitation of vegetables. In order to increase the moisture content of vegetables, the mist to be sprayed cannot physically enter the vegetables unless the particle diameter is smaller than the pore diameter in the state where the pores are maximally opened. The pores are on the surface of the vegetables and regulate moisture. Moreover, according to the result of the experiment, when the light is not irradiated, the moisture content restoration rate is high if the particle diameter of the mist is not more than the cell gap width. That is, mist actively enters from the cell gap, and the moisture content restoring effect of the vegetable is increased. Conversely, if the mist diameter becomes too small, the contact frequency between the mist and the pores decreases, and the resuscitation rate of the vegetables decreases.

  On the other hand, the amount of mist sprayed needs to be equal to or greater than the amount by which the relative humidity in the vegetable compartment 114 can be kept in equilibrium with the humidity inside the vegetable. However, if the amount of spray is too large, the quality of the vegetables will deteriorate due to water rot. The amount of spray needs to be less than the amount that does not cause such a situation.

  Further, a potential difference is generated between the electrostatically loaded mist and the vegetable, and the vegetable adhesion rate of the mist is increased. Therefore, in the case of the same particle size, the resuscitation rate of vegetables is higher when containing a large amount of electrostatically loaded mist even with a small spray amount.

  Next, the removal of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals on the vegetable surface will be described. In this experiment, malathion, which is a general vegetable pesticide, is attached to the vegetable surface and placed in an ozone mist atmosphere for 12 hours. On the other hand, the same amount of malathion is attached to the vegetable surface and placed in a normal vegetable room where there is no mist atmosphere for 12 hours. Each of these is put in a basket and washed with running water for 10 seconds, and the removal rate of malathion is displayed as an appropriate range of 50% or more compared to that placed in a normal vegetable room where there is no mist atmosphere.

  About the mist particle diameter, when it is the uneven | corrugated width of vegetables and it is a diffusible fine particle, an agrochemical removal effect is high. When the particle size is too small, the contact frequency with the pesticide decreases, and the removal rate decreases. On the other hand, as in the resuscitation of vegetables, the frequency of contact between the electrostatically loaded mist and the vegetables is high, so that the larger the proportion of the electrostatically loaded mist, the smaller the amount of spray that can be removed. In this case, it is not necessary to supply the mist to the inside of the vegetable as in the resuscitation of the vegetable, and the supply of the mist is limited to the vegetable surface. Therefore, the amount of spray required is less than vegetable resuscitation. Moreover, when spraying the same amount, there is almost no difference in the effect of removing agricultural chemicals depending on the particle size. The magnitude of the removal effect depends on the amount of substances having the ability to decompose, such as ozone and OH radicals, in the mist rather than the spray amount. The number of radicals increases as the mist generated by the electrostatic atomization method becomes finer. Therefore, the pesticide removal effect becomes higher when the mist containing a large amount of electrostatic load is included.

  Next, the antifouling effect in the refrigerator will be described. If the water particles of the mist are evenly attached to the wall surface in the refrigerator, it is possible to prevent the dirt substance from directly attaching to the wall surface in the refrigerator. The antifouling effect in the refrigerator cabinet means such an effect. In this way, when the dirt substance adheres to the wall surface in the warehouse via the water particles, for example, it is possible to easily remove the dirt simply by wiping the wall surface in the warehouse, and cleaning the refrigerator is very easy. It becomes.

  Regarding the confirmation of the antifouling effect, a dirt substance is sprayed on ABS resin which is a resin in a general refrigerator in a 70 L vegetable room 114 filled with a predetermined amount of mist with each particle size. After that, when the dirt is wiped off after a certain time, an appropriate range is a range in which no dirt substance remains.

  As shown in FIG. 20, fine particles having a particle diameter equal to or smaller than the uneven width of the internal resin and having diffusibility have a high antifouling effect. In addition, when the mist adheres to the inner wall surface of the container, the particle diameter that is visible as water droplets may cause dew condensation, which may cause the food quality to deteriorate. Therefore, the particle diameter of the mist to be sprayed needs to be a particle diameter at which the mist adhering to the wall surface becomes a water droplet at an invisible level. Moreover, the spraying amount is larger than the spraying amount for vegetable resuscitation and pesticide removal. This is because in order to exert the antifouling effect, it is necessary to uniformly adhere water particles to the wall surface and to spray a large amount of mist. When the mist is generated by the electrostatic atomization method, the number of radicals having a high oxidative degradation power increases as the particle diameter decreases, as in the effect of removing agricultural chemicals and the like. For this reason, it is considered that the oxidative decomposition ability of mist is increased, the frequency of contact with dirt is increased, and the effect of decomposing adhered dirt is enhanced. However, if the particle size is too small, the mist wall surface arrival rate is lowered, and the antifouling effect is lowered.

  As described above, various useful effects in the refrigerator can be obtained depending on the relationship between the particle diameter of the mist and the spray amount. That is, the convenience of the refrigerator is further improved by performing mist spraying that achieves a plurality of effects to be obtained.

  Next, an appropriate range of the mist particle diameter when the composite mist spraying apparatus is used will be described. FIG. 21A is a diagram showing the relationship between the agrochemical removal effect and the water particle diameter of mist in the present embodiment. In this experiment as well, as in Embodiment 3, ten cherry tomatoes with about 3 ppm of malathion attached are used. After the mist generated by the mist spraying device is continuously sprayed for 24 hours, the residual malathion concentration of cherry tomatoes is measured by GC, and the removal rate is calculated. The spray amount at this time is 0.03 g / h · L.

  As is clear from FIG. 21A, in order to make the agrochemical removal rate 50% or more, the mist particle diameter needs to be 0.003 μm or more and 20 μm or less. Fine mist particles having a mist particle size that is less than the width of the unevenness of the crop and having a high diffusibility have a high pesticide removal effect. Therefore, the mist particle size is preferably 20 μm or less. If the particle size becomes too small and less than 0.003 μm, it is considered that the contact frequency with the pesticide decreases and the removal rate decreases.

  Next, an appropriate range of the mist particle diameter and the spray amount when the composite mist spraying apparatus is used will be described. FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a relationship between the agrochemical removal effect and the mist spray amount in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 21B is a diagram showing characteristics of the agrochemical removal effect with respect to the spray amount of mist according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In this experiment, a mist having a particle diameter of 0.5 μm is sprayed into a 70 L vegetable room 114. The spraying time is 12 hours as in the experiment of FIG. 21A.

  As is clear from FIG. 21B, the removal effect of malathion, which is a pesticide, increases as the amount of mist spray increases. In order to make the malathion removal rate 50% or more, the spray amount needs to be controlled to 0.0007 g / h · L or more. This lower limit is the same as the value obtained when the mist is sprayed by the electrostatic atomization method. That is, the lower limit is determined by the electrostatic atomization method.

  On the other hand, when the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, although there is an effect of removing agricultural chemicals, excess moisture adheres to the vegetable surface, causing water rot and reducing the quality of the vegetable. However, even if the spray amount exceeds 0.14 g / h · L, the spray amount may be increased if water rot can be prevented, for example, by shaking the vegetables and dropping excess water. Even in that case, from the viewpoint of maintaining the quality of the vegetables, the spray amount is preferably 0.5 g / h · L or less. Thus, the upper limit value is determined by the ultrasonic vibration method.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the mist spraying device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 23 also serves as a block diagram of the control system of the mist spraying device, and does not indicate the positions of the voltage application unit 409 and the control unit 414.

  The refrigerator shown in FIG. 22 is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 in the configuration of the spray section 431 provided on the partition plate 111B on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the mist spraying device 404 has an electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431. The outer shell of the spray unit 431 is configured by a cylindrical holder 405. An application electrode 406 is installed in the holder 405. The periphery of the application electrode 406 is covered with a water retention material 407. The water retaining material 407 holds condensed water, and the application electrode 406 is in a water-containing state up to the spherical tip. That is, the water retention material 407 is a holding unit that holds water supplied to the application electrode 406 constituting the mist spraying device 404. In the water retaining material 407, a plate-like counter electrode 408 having an opening at the center is disposed at the opening inside the holder 405. The counter electrode 408 is attached so as to maintain a constant distance from the tip of the application electrode 406. The negative electrode side of the voltage application unit 409 that generates a high voltage is electrically connected to the application electrode 406, and the positive electrode side is electrically connected to the counter electrode 408.

  The spray unit 431 is provided with a temperature detection unit 412 for detecting the tip temperature of the application electrode 406. The control unit 414 receives a signal from the temperature detection unit 412 and performs a predetermined calculation to operate the components. A heating unit 413 for controlling the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 is provided on the back surface of the application electrode 406.

  The partition plate 111 </ b> B is mainly made of a heat insulating material such as polystyrene foam, and its thickness is about 30 mm. On the back surface of the spray part 431, the partition plate 111 </ b> B has a thickness of 5 mm to 10 mm.

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

  As described in the fourth embodiment, the vegetable compartment 114 is adjusted to 4 ° C. to 6 ° C. by the distribution of cold air from the evaporator 102, and generally has no internal temperature detection unit. . The inside of the vegetable compartment 114 is highly humid due to transpiration from food and intrusion of water vapor by opening and closing the door.

  In this refrigerator, a switching room 113 and an ice making room (not shown) are provided on the vegetable room 114. The temperature in these storages is lower than the temperature in the vegetable compartment 114. The thickness of the partition plate 111 </ b> B where the spray unit 431 is installed needs to have a cooling capacity for cooling the application electrode 406. Therefore, the wall thickness of the location where the spray part 431 is provided is configured to be thinner than other portions. Here, if the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 is set to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, water vapor in the vicinity of the application electrode 406 is condensed on the application electrode 406 and water droplets are reliably generated. Specifically, the controller 414 grasps the state of the tip temperature by the temperature detector 412 installed near the application electrode 406. Then, the control unit 414 performs ON / OFF control or duty control on the heating unit 444 to adjust the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature. In this way, moisture contained in the high humidity air is condensed on the application electrode 406. Although not shown, if there is an internal temperature detector, an internal humidity detector, or the like, the control unit 414 accurately calculates the dew point temperature according to changes in the internal environment by a predetermined calculation. Can do. Even when ice or frost is attached to the tip of the application electrode 406, the control unit 414 causes the heating unit 444 to raise the temperature of the tip of the application electrode 406 to the melting temperature. Thus, in the spray part 431, water is appropriately generated by melting frost and ice.

  The application electrode 406 is covered with a water retention material 407. Therefore, the surface of the application electrode 406 is in a certain amount of water content. In this state, the application electrode 406 is set to the negative voltage side and the counter electrode 408 is set to the positive voltage side, and the voltage application unit 409 applies a high voltage (eg, 4.6 kV) between the electrodes. At this time, for example, corona discharge occurs between electrodes set at a distance of 3 mm. Thereby, the water on the application electrode 406 is atomized from the tip, and becomes a fine mist. This mist is charged and has a nano-level particle size of less than 1 μm that cannot be visually observed. Further, ozone, OH radicals, etc. are generated accompanying the generation of mist. The generated ozone is immediately mixed with the mist to become a low concentration ozone mist.

  The generated mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114. This mist has a negative charge. The crops stored in the vegetable compartment 114 usually have a positive charge. Therefore, mist tends to gather on the crop surface. The mist contains ozone and OH radicals. Therefore, mist oxidizes and decomposes harmful substances such as pesticides and wax that adhere to the crop surface.

  As described above, the refrigerator that is a storage unit having a cooling device in the present embodiment has a vegetable compartment 114 that is a storage room formed by insulating the heat insulating box 110. The refrigerator also includes a mist spraying device 404 including an electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431 that sprays liquid mist. The spray unit 431 includes an application electrode 406 for applying a voltage to water, a counter electrode 408 disposed at a position facing the application electrode 406, and a voltage application unit 409 for applying a voltage between the application electrode 406 and the counter electrode 408. And have.

  Then, the application electrode 406 is cooled by heat conduction using low-temperature cold air from another storage room having a relatively low temperature as a cooling source. In addition, the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 is adjusted to a temperature equal to or lower than the dew point by the heating unit 413. Thereby, moisture in the air is surely condensed on the tip of the application electrode 406. That is, the application electrode 406 functions as a water collection unit that extracts moisture from the air in the vegetable compartment 114.

  Further, the amount of dew condensation is adjusted by finely adjusting the tip temperature of the application electrode 406 by the heating unit 413 provided on the back surface of the application electrode 406. Further, even if ice or frost is generated at the tip of the application electrode 406, the heating unit 413 melts them to form water droplets, and water is reliably supplied into the spray unit 431.

  The collected water is supplied to the tip of the application electrode 406 by the water retention unit 407. The water is sprayed as fine mist on the vegetable compartment 114 by the application electrode 406, and reliably adheres to the crop surface. At that time, harmful substances on the surface of the crop are removed by ozone and OH radicals generated simultaneously with the generation of mist. In addition, the effects of deodorization and antifouling in the vegetable compartment 114 are enhanced.

  Further, it is difficult for the wind to flow directly through the water retaining material 407 itself. Therefore, drying of the water retention material 407 is prevented, and the water retention material 407 supplies sufficient water to the tip of the application electrode 406.

  Moreover, the sprayed mist is sprayed directly on the farm products in the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, the mist can be attached to the crop surface using the potential difference between the mist and the crop. Therefore, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals are efficiently removed with a small amount of water.

  Furthermore, the application electrode 406 which is a water collection part is installed so that it may be suspended from the upper part of the spray part 431. FIG. Therefore, the dew condensation water captured by the application electrode 406 naturally falls due to gravity and travels toward the tip. This makes it possible to supply water to the mist spraying device 404 at low cost without using a water supply unit such as a pump or capillary.

  Further, a water retaining material 407 is disposed around the application electrode 406. Thereby, the condensed water is held around the application electrode 406 and supplied to the application electrode 406 in a timely manner. Furthermore, since the water retaining material 407 is not vibrated, deterioration due to material shrinkage is prevented.

  Condensed water does not contain mineral components or impurities like tap water. For this reason, deterioration of the water retention material 407 and a decrease in water retention due to clogging are prevented.

  Although ozone is also generated when mist is generated, the ozone concentration in the vegetable compartment 114 is adjusted by ON / OFF operation of the mist spraying device 404. By appropriately adjusting the ozone concentration in this manner, deterioration such as yellowing of vegetables due to excessive ozone is prevented, and the sterilization and antibacterial action of the vegetable surface is enhanced.

  Next, a configuration for more reliably supplying a liquid such as water for generating mist to the spray unit 404 will be described. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another configuration in the vicinity of the spraying portion in the present embodiment.

  The partition plate 111B constituting the top of the vegetable compartment 114 is provided with a water storage tank 425 and a spray unit 431 in this order from the refrigerator door 400A side toward the interior partition inner surface. Supply water 426 is stored in the water storage tank 425. A cover member 501 having a hole is provided around the spraying portion 431 so that food and people cannot touch it. In this way, the mist spraying device 404A is configured.

  The water storage tank 425 is installed on the door 400 </ b> A side of the vegetable compartment 114, that is, on the front side so that people can easily attach and detach. The water storage tank 425 stores supply water 426 to be supplied to the spray unit 431. In addition, a water supply unit 441 and a water supply path 442 are provided to supply the supply water 426 to the spray unit 431. The water supply unit 441 is, for example, a gear pump, a piezoelectric pump, a capillary, or the like, and supplies water to the tip of the application electrode 406 of the spray unit 431 and the water retaining material 407 around it. Here, the amount of water supply is substantially equal to the amount sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114. Although not shown in FIG. 24, a control unit 414 and a voltage application unit 409 are provided as in FIG. The control unit 414 further controls the operation of the water supply unit 441.

  The operation and action of the mist spraying device 404A configured as described above will be described. For example, when it is determined that spraying is necessary for the vegetable compartment 114, the control unit 414 first operates the water supply unit 441 to supply water to the tip of the application electrode 406 using the water supply path 442. Necessity of spraying to the vegetable compartment 114 is performed by the controller 414 by a vegetable compartment humidity detector (not shown) that detects the humidity in the vegetable compartment 114. Alternatively, the user determines and transmits it to the control unit 414 by an operation switch (not shown) of the mist spraying device 404A. When water is supplied to the tip of the application electrode 406, the voltage application unit 409 applies a high voltage between the application electrode 406 and the counter electrode 408. Fine mist generated thereby is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114.

  The spray part 431 is embedded in a recess 420 provided in the partition plate 111B on the top surface. Moreover, the spraying part 431 is installed in the top | upper surface back part of the vegetable compartment 114, and the cover member 501 is installed in the circumference | surroundings. Thus, safety is ensured by preventing the user from touching the spray part 431. Further, the cover member 501 is arranged so that the bottom surface portion 501A is above the bottom surface 425A of the water storage tank 425. The cover member 501 configured in this manner does not affect the movable operation of the vegetable container 228 that can be moved back and forth by the drawer-type door 400A.

  In the container 228, vegetables that are agricultural products are stored. In particular, when green rape leaves and fruits are stored, these fruits and vegetables are usually stored in a slightly deflated state due to transpiration at the time of purchase return or transpiration during storage. These fruits and vegetables are normally charged with a positive charge, and the sprayed fine mist with a negative charge tends to collect on the vegetable surface. Therefore, the sprayed mist adheres to the surface of fruits and vegetables at the same time as making the inside of the vegetable compartment 114 highly humid. Mist adheres electrically to the surface of the agricultural product thus charged and the inner wall surface of the warehouse. Furthermore, the mist penetrates into the fine recesses on the surface of the crops and raises harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax by its internal pressure energy.

  Further, by generating fine mist by the electrostatic atomization method, a small amount of ozone is generated at the same time as the mist is generated. This ozone is immediately mixed with the mist to produce a low concentration ozone mist. Further, by electrostatically adding to the mist, water molecules in the mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, the toxic radicals that float up are oxidatively decomposed and removed by the oxidative decomposition action of ozone. Alternatively, after the mist electrically enters a fine recess on the surface of the crop, ozone and OH radicals contained in the mist chemically react with residual agricultural chemicals and wax. Therefore, the hydrophilicity of residual agricultural chemicals and wax is increased, and it is taken into mist and decomposed and removed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water storage tank 425 is provided on the door 400A side on the partition plate 111B located on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114 of the refrigerator. That is, the water storage tank 425 is provided on the front side as viewed from the user. In particular, when the water storage tank 425 is detachable, it is easy to exchange, add, and clean water, improving usability. Moreover, since the spray part 431 is provided in the back | inner side rather than the water storage tank 425, a user is prevented from touching the spray part 431, especially the spray front-end | tip part 406A, and safety | security improves. Furthermore, the lower end 431 </ b> A of the spray unit 431 is disposed on the back side of the water storage tank 425 and above the bottom surface 425 </ b> A that is the lower end surface of the water storage tank 425. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to see the spray part 431, and the beauty in the vegetable compartment 114 is not impaired. Moreover, since it becomes difficult for a user to touch by the spray part 431, a user's safety increases more. Moreover, since the foodstuff and the person's contact with the spray part 431 are prevented, the fall of the reliability by external force is prevented.

  Moreover, in order to suppress the protrusion of the spray part 431 into the store | warehouse | chamber more, the spray part 431 is embedded in the recessed part 420 provided in the partition plate 111B. As a result, the spray section 431 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114 without reducing the internal volume and without affecting food storage.

  Furthermore, by providing the cover member 501 that covers the spray portion 431, it is further prevented that food or a person comes into contact.

  Further, even when the spray part 431 is covered with the cover member 501, the bottom surface part 501 </ b> A is disposed above the bottom surface 425 </ b> A of the water storage tank 425. This prevents a decrease in the internal volume, and further improves the beauty and safety of the vegetable compartment 114 provided with the spray unit 431.

  In addition, although the water storage tank 425 has been described as a detachable type, it is not limited to this. The water storage tank 425 may be a fixed type, and for example, tap water or stored water generated using moisture in the refrigerator may be automatically supplied. Even in this type of mist spraying device 404 </ b> A, it is preferable to dispose the spraying portion 431 on the back side of the water storage tank 425 as described above. As a result, the user is prevented from touching the spray part 431, and safety is increased. Furthermore, by arranging the spray part 431 behind the water storage tank 425 and above the bottom surface 425A of the water storage tank 425, it becomes difficult for the user to see the spray part 431. Therefore, the spray part 431 can be provided in the vegetable compartment 114 without impairing the beauty in the vegetable compartment 114. Moreover, since it becomes difficult for a user to touch the spraying part 431, the safety to a user increases. And since the foodstuff and the person's contact to the spray part 431 are prevented, the fall of the reliability by external force is prevented.

  Note that although the electrostatic atomization type spray unit 431 is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. You may use the spray part of another systems, such as an ultrasonic atomization system. Also in that case, the convenience and safety of the refrigerator are improved by making the arrangement relationship between the water storage tank 425 and the spray section the same as described above.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 24, air discharge between the application electrode 406 and the counter electrode 408 is suppressed by increasing the humidity around the application electrode 406. Therefore, the generated ozone concentration is reduced, and safety to the user is ensured even when applied to a household refrigerator or the like.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 24, the spray portion 431 is embedded in the recess 420 provided in the partition plate 111B, and the thickness of the partition plate 111B is thinner than the other portions. For this reason, the tip of the application electrode 406 is cooled, and dew condensation is facilitated. However, when a water storage tank 425 is provided and water is supplied to the application electrode 406 as shown in FIG. In that case, the temperature detection unit 412 and the heating unit 420 may not be provided.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 24, the electrostatic atomization type spray unit 431 is used. However, when the ultrasonic atomization type spray unit is used, the spray unit heats up particularly when the spray tip is dried. To do. For this reason, there is a concern about a decrease in reliability. Even when an ultrasonic atomizing spray unit is used as described above, by driving the spray unit after the operation of the water supply unit 441, drying of the spray tip is prevented, and the reliability of the mist spraying device is improved.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 25 is a front view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AA in the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  In the vegetable compartment 114, a container 228A for storing vegetables and fruits is arranged. A rail member 512 for holding the container 228A is provided on the outer shell of the refrigerator. The container 228A held by the rail member 512 moves back and forth in accordance with opening and closing of the door 400A. Furthermore, in the vegetable compartment 114, a specific container 228B partitioned from the container 228 in a substantially separate section is disposed. Only when the door 400A is closed, the lid 514 substantially seals the specific container 228B. The lid 514 is made of a light-transmitting material and has a hole in a part thereof. In FIG. 26, the container 228A is omitted. As shown in FIG. 26, the lid 514 is arranged so that the door 400A side is inside the specific container 228B and the back side in the warehouse is deeper than the specific container 228B.

  In the specific container 228B, a detachable water storage tank 425C is provided on the door 400A side, that is, on the front side. And the spraying part 431 is attached to the back side of the partition plate 11B. The basic configuration of the electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431 is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. A hole 517 that is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the spray part 431 is provided in the vicinity of the spray part 431 of the lid 514. With this configuration, the movement of the lid 514 is restricted with respect to the spray unit 431. The lid 514 moves as the door 400A opens and closes. When the door 400A is closed, the lid 514 substantially seals the specific container 228B. Further, when the door 400A is opened, it is detached from the specific container 228B and held on the main body side. Therefore, the upper surface of the specific container 228B is opened when the door 400A is opened.

  The container 228A is provided with a holding unit 515 for holding the specific container 228B. The holding part 515 holds the protrusion 516 provided in the specific container 228B. In FIG. 26, the specific container 228B is provided up to the inner side of the warehouse, but when the depth of the specific container 228B is sufficiently smaller than the depth of the container 228A, the holding unit 515 serves as a rail when the specific container 228B is pulled out. Function.

  The partition plate 111 </ b> B is provided with an irradiation unit 523 and a diffusion plate 524. The irradiation unit 523 irradiates the specific container 228B with light having a specific wavelength, and affects the crop in the specific container 228B. The diffuser plate 524 uniformly irradiates the inside of the specific container 228B and covers the irradiation unit 523 that is a light source. The irradiation unit 523 is installed on the projection surface above the specific container 228B, and irradiates light through the transparent lid 514 in the specific container 228B.

  Operation | movement / effect | action of the vegetable compartment 114 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. In recent years, the food stored in the vegetable compartment 114 is diverse. For example, beverages that do not require high humidity, such as plastic bottles, are also stored, and their uses vary widely. Among vegetables, leaf vegetables such as spinach prefer relatively low temperature and high humidity, but shiitake mushrooms do not like high humidity. Also, cereal grains such as potatoes prefer around 10 ° C. In the present embodiment, the specific container 228B is provided in the container 228A. This provides a space environment according to the preserved vegetables. Further, the specific container 228B and the lid 514 form a substantially closed space. Due to the evaporation of water from the water storage tank 425C, the inside of the specific container 228B is highly humid. Therefore, the space is suitable for storing leafy vegetables such as spinach.

  At least the spray tip 406A of the spray unit 431 is provided in the upper part of the internal space of the highly humidified specific container 228B. The spraying unit 431 and the water storage tank 425C constitute a mist spraying device that sprays mist by electrostatic atomization using water vapor in high humidity air. As described in the sixth embodiment, the spray unit 431 causes condensation using cooling from the back surface. Therefore, a recess 420A is provided in a portion of the partition plate 111B to which the spraying portion 431 is attached. With such a configuration, the spray unit 431 generates nanoscopic fine mist that has an electric charge and is not visible, and sprays it into the specific container 228B. As described above, the fine mist generated by the electrostatic atomization method has a charge at the time of generation, and at the same time generates a small amount of ozone, OH radicals, and the like. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, it has the oxidizing power of OH radicals. The mist penetrates into the fine recesses on the surface of vegetables and fruits, and raises harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax by its internal pressure energy. Then, oxidative decomposition is removed by the oxidative decomposition action of ozone. In some cases, the mist electrically enters fine concave portions on the surface of vegetables and fruits, chemically reacts with the residual pesticide and wax, increases the hydrophilicity of the residual pesticide and wax, and is taken into the mist for decomposition and removal.

  Thus, at least the spray tip 406A is provided in the specific container 228B. Therefore, the mist particles are sprayed directly on the specific container 228B in which the crop is stored. Thus, the distance between the spray tip 406A and the crop is short. Therefore, for example, vaporization of mist particles is prevented as compared with a case where mist is sprayed outside the specific container 228B and then fed into the specific container 228B. Moreover, since the flow rate of mist in a floating state increases, the adhesion rate of mist to the crop surface increases.

  In addition, the spray tip 406A is provided in the specific container 228B, and the water storage tank 425C is provided in a partition different from the partition in which the spray unit 431 is provided. That is, the water storage tank 425 </ b> C is a supply unit that is provided in a section of the heat insulating box 110 that is different from the spray tip 406 </ b> A and holds water and supplies water vapor to the spray unit 431. In this configuration, the arrangement position of the water storage tank 425C is not affected by the arrangement position of the spray unit 431. Therefore, the water storage tank 425C can be provided at an arbitrary position that facilitates replenishment of water into the water storage tank 425C and cleaning of the water storage tank 425C. In this way, user convenience is improved.

  Thus, the convenience of the user is improved by separating the arrangement of the spray section and the water storage tank. Such an effect can be obtained in the same manner by using, for example, an ultrasonic atomization type spray unit or other atomization methods other than the spray unit 431 as in the present embodiment.

  Moreover, the specific container 228B which is a division which sprays mist and the container 228A which does not perform mist spraying are arrange | positioned inside the same vegetable compartment 114. FIG. Thereby, the space environment according to preservation | save vegetables is provided. Since the user can use the function of the vegetable compartment 114 according to the use, the convenience of the refrigerator and the storage stability of the crop are greatly improved.

  The irradiation unit 523 is provided outside the specific container 228B that is sprayed with mist and becomes high humidity. Thereby, the periphery of the irradiation unit 523 does not become high humidity, and a decrease in reliability due to condensation on the irradiation unit 523 is prevented.

  25 and 26, the irradiation unit 523 is provided on the upper side of the specific container 228B. The lid 514 located between the irradiation unit 523 and the specific container 228B is made of a light transmissive material. The irradiation unit 523 may be provided at a position other than this. For example, the irradiation unit 523 may be provided on the side surface or the bottom surface of the specific container 228B. In such a case, at least the material of the specific container 228B positioned between the irradiation unit 523 and the space in the specific container 228B is formed of a light-transmitting material. Thereby, even if it arrange | positions other than the upper side of the specific container 228B, the irradiation part 523 can perform light irradiation to the vegetable in the specific container 228B.

  Next, the kind of irradiation part 523 and its effect are demonstrated. First, a case where the irradiation unit 523 emits blue light including a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 500 nm or less will be described. In this case, for example, the irradiation unit 523 is configured by a blue light emitting diode (LED). Thereby, the ecological activity of the crop vegetables in the specific container 228 </ b> B irradiated with light through the lid 514 is promoted by light stimulation. Specifically, pores are opened to absorb mist and water droplets on the surface. This increases the water content and weight of the crop and keeps it fresh.

  In addition, an LED having a wavelength including an ultraviolet region is used for the irradiation unit 523. In this case, the sprayed mist is sterilized and the food surface is also sterilized. Therefore, food safety is increased. By irradiating such light, the growth function of microorganisms attached to the wall surface of the specific container 228B and the surface of the food is inactivated. Therefore, discoloration of foods caused by microorganisms, rot odor, and net generation on the surface of stored products are delayed. That is, the hygiene inside the specific container 228B is maintained. Furthermore, since LED with small calorific value is used as a light source, the temperature rise in the vegetable compartment 114 is prevented, and the preservability of food is stabilized.

  Moreover, it is also possible to operate only the irradiation unit 523 without operating the spray unit 431 in the specific container 228B. For example, some mushrooms and fish contain many vitamin D precursors that are essential for bone and tooth growth. When preserving them, irradiation with ultraviolet light excites the molecule and converts it to vitamin D. Therefore, by providing a light source including ultraviolet light in the vegetable compartment 114, it is possible to increase the vitamin D content of a specific food in the vegetable compartment 114, for example, shirasuboshi, before storage. The food to be stored is not limited to agricultural crops, and the specific container 228B can be used as a space having a ripening function by storing the food for aging in this way.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the specific container 228B and the lid 514 for substantially sealing the space are provided in the vegetable compartment 114. A water storage tank 425C is provided on the front surface in the specific container 228B, and has an electrostatic atomizing spray unit 431 included in the mist spraying device above the back surface. As a result, mist is sprayed on the agricultural products stored in the specific container 228B, and harmful substances are lifted and decomposed. In addition, freshness can be improved more than humidification only for crops that prefer a high humidity environment. Thus, the optimal preservation | save environment can be provided according to the kind of vegetable in the vegetable compartment 114 inside.

  Further, the irradiation unit 523 irradiates light with a specific wavelength selected, and the spray unit 431 sprays an appropriate amount of fine mist that can pass through the pores. Thereby, the range of the preservation | save environment in the specific container 228B spreads further, and the space environment according to a user's needs and preservation | save vegetables can be provided.

  In addition, since the water storage tank 425C is provided in front of the specific container 228B, it is easy to use such as easy replenishment of water, replacement of water, addition, and cleaning. Moreover, since the spraying part 431 is installed in the upper part of the back where it is hard to touch, the safety is high. In addition, in the state where the door 400A is closed, the lid 514 covers the spray portion 431, so that it is not directly exposed to the cold air in the vegetable compartment 114, so that the safety is further increased.

  Further, since the irradiation unit 523 is installed outside the specific container 228B, the possibility of causing a wiring failure due to condensation is reduced, and reliability is improved. Further, the lid 514 is made of a light-transmitting material, so that the light emitted from the irradiation unit 523 can pass through the container.

  In the present embodiment, the specific container 228B is substantially a sealed space. Therefore, it is safe even when a flammable refrigerant such as isobutane or propane is used as the cooling device refrigerant for cooling the storage room such as the vegetable room 114. That is, even if the refrigerant leaks, the specific container 228B is almost sealed, so that the combustible concentration is not reached. Moreover, if the spraying part 431 is arrange | positioned at the upper part, safety | security will not be impaired especially when a combustible refrigerant | coolant whose specific gravity is heavier than air is used. This is because even if the refrigerant leaks, the leaked isobutane stays in the lower part.

  Note that the irradiation unit 523 may emit ultraviolet light in addition to emitting blue light. In this case, the sprayed mist can be sterilized and the surface of the food can be sterilized, and the safety of the food can be improved. Further, as in the embodiments described later, the decomposition of harmful substances attached to agricultural products is promoted.

  In the present embodiment, the specific container 228B is provided adjacent to the container 228A that does not perform mist spraying in the vegetable compartment 114. For example, the specific container 228B is an upper part of the container 228A that does not perform mist and vegetables In some cases, the chamber 114 is provided as a container about half the height of the chamber 114. In that case, when taking out the vegetables stored in the container 228A which does not perform mist, the specific container 228B located at the upper part can be slid backward, and the depth of the specific container 228B to be sprayed with mist is reduced. By avoiding the mist from accumulating at the bottom, the mist can be delivered to every corner of the vegetable. Moreover, when putting general vegetables in the vegetable compartment 114, the space above and below the vegetable compartment 114 can be used effectively with a two-stage container, increasing the storage capacity of the vegetable compartment 114, and improving the convenience for the user. It becomes possible to improve.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 27A is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27B is a partial front view showing an outline of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 27A.

  This refrigerator is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 according to the third embodiment in that it has a spray unit 76 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment instead of the spray unit 123. The spray unit 76 is provided on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. A water storage tank 72 </ b> A for supplying water to the spray unit 76 is provided on the back side in the refrigerator compartment 112. As shown in FIG. 27B, an ice making chamber 227 is provided next to the switching chamber 113. A water supply path 73 supplies water from the water storage tank 119 to the ice making room 227 and the vegetable room 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  In the refrigerator configured as described above, water is sent from the ice-making water storage tank 72 </ b> A to the spray section 76 using the water supply path 73. Therefore, water can be supplied to the spray unit 76 without providing a dedicated tank. And since the water storage tank 72A is provided in the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a separate storage room from the vegetable compartment 114, it does not affect the internal volume of the vegetable compartment 114, and does not affect the food storage capacity. Moreover, the tank which a user needs to supply water from the outside becomes one for ice making and for mist spraying. Thereby, compared with the case where the water storage tank only for mist spraying is provided separately, the effort of the user's supply of stored water can be saved. Further, the possibility of running out of water in the water storage tank 72A is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, a water storage tank 72A is provided, and the stored water supplied from the outside is supplied to the spray section 76. In addition to this, water contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 may be extracted by some method and supplied to the spray unit 76. For example, the spray unit 76 may be disposed in the back of the vegetable compartment 114 and the supply unit 304 described in the fourth embodiment may be provided. Thus, if the defrost water of a refrigerator, the dew condensation water in a store | warehouse | chamber, etc. can be ensured, a user will not have the effort to supply stored water from the outside, and usability will improve more.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the water supply path 73 to the spray part 76 sucks up water from the water storage tank 72 </ b> A and then branches to supply water to both the ice making room 227 and the vegetable room 114. Therefore, water can be supplied to both chambers with a simple configuration with a small number of parts.

  In addition, after the water storage tank 72A for ice making is also used for mist spraying, independent water supply paths may be provided for the ice making room 227 and the vegetable room 114, respectively. In that case, it becomes possible to perform water replenishment at any time according to the respective required timing. For example, water can be supplied arbitrarily even when water supply is required simultaneously in both chambers.

  Moreover, even when the water storage tank 72A is also used for ice making, the water supply path 73 can be configured on the back side of the refrigerator by arranging the spray unit 76 on the back side of the top of the vegetable compartment 114. For example, even when the water supply path 73 is removed and cleaning is possible, the water supply path 73 is short and can be a simple vertical path. Since it is configured in this manner, the water supply path 73 is easy to clean and has high hygiene. Moreover, the spray part 76 is arrange | positioned in the back | inner side of the vegetable room 114 top surface, and the contact with the spray part 76 and the foodstuff stored in a store | warehouse | chamber is prevented. Therefore, the adhesion of the spray tip is prevented and the spraying capability of the spray tip is extended. Further, since the user cannot easily touch it, the safety to the user is improved.

  As in the sixth embodiment, providing a cover on the exposed portion of the spray section 76 into the vegetable compartment 114 further improves the effect of preventing adhesion of dirt and safety.

(Embodiment 9)
28 and 29 are a side cross-sectional view and a front cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a vegetable room in a refrigerator according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. 30 is a cross-sectional view of main parts showing a cross section AA in FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of main parts showing a cross section BB. FIG. 32 is a graph showing the particle size distribution ratio of the mist sprayed in the present embodiment.

  The heat insulation box 617 of the refrigerator is provided with a vegetable room 114 and storage rooms 619 and 620. The front opening of the vegetable compartment 114 is closed by a door 400A so that no outside air flows.

  A circulation duct 624 is provided on the back and bottom of the vegetable compartment 114. A circulation air passage 625 is formed between the circulation duct 624 and the heat insulating box 617. In the circulation air passage 625, a spray portion 626 for spraying mist is provided at a portion corresponding to the back surface of the vegetable compartment 114. A diffusion unit 627 is disposed above the spray unit 626. The spray unit 626 is, for example, any spray unit disclosed in the preceding embodiment. Or a common atomizer may be used. The diffusion unit 627 is a blower fan, for example. A plurality of discharge ports 628 are provided in the upper part of the vertical surface of the circulation duct 624. On the other hand, a plurality of suction ports 629 are provided on the bottom surface.

  Circulation air passage 625, circulation duct 624 constituting circulation air passage 625, discharge port 628 and suction port 629 provided in circulation duct 624, and diffusion portion 627 constitute mist circulation portion 630. The selection unit 631 that selects the particle diameter of the mist includes a diffusion unit 627 and a spray unit 626. The selection unit 631 is also a mist spraying device.

  A drain 632 that discharges excess water from the circulation air passage 625 to the outside of the heat insulation box 617 is provided below the spray unit 626. Temperature sensors 633 and 634 are provided on the top of the vegetable compartment 114 and the bottom of the circulation duct 624, respectively. A heater 638 for heating the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114 is provided at the bottom of the circulation duct 624.

  The door 400A is provided with a plate-like slide rail 635 extending into the vegetable compartment 114 in two pairs on the left and right sides, and a food storage container (hereinafter referred to as a container) 636 is placed thereon. With the slide rail 635, the door 400A is pulled out and opened in the horizontal direction. The discharge port 628 is at a position higher than the outer edge of the container 636 so that mist always enters the container 636. A plurality of vents 637 are provided on the bottom surface of the container 636.

  The operation and action of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described. Storage rooms 619 and 620 set in a temperature range lower than that of the vegetable compartment 114 are arranged above and below the vegetable compartment 114. The vegetable compartment 114 is naturally cooled by these storage compartments 619 and 620.

  When the door 400A is pulled out horizontally in the front direction and the crop is put in the container 636, when the door 400A is closed, the door opening detection unit (not shown) detects the closed state, and the spray unit 626 starts spraying mist. The sprayed mist rises upward by the diffusion unit 627 disposed above the spray unit 626, and is diffused and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 through the discharge port 628.

  What is necessary is just to use what sprays by atomizing water with an ultrasonic wave, for example for the spraying part 626. The particle diameter of the sprayed mist is distributed as shown in FIG. In order to diffuse the mist evenly in the vegetable compartment 114, for example, it is conceivable to make the mist staying time in the vegetable compartment 114 as long as possible. In this way, diffusion due to air circulation is reliably performed. In order to extend the mist's stay time in the vegetable compartment 114, it is necessary to make the mist particle diameter relatively small. As shown in FIG. 32, for example, when it is desired to obtain an effect, water particles having a predetermined particle diameter X or less corresponding to the effect may be taken out and diffused and sprayed. That is, for example, in order to remove harmful substances on the surface of agricultural products stored in the vegetable compartment 114, it is only necessary to selectively extract mist having a particle size of 0.003 μm to 20 μm as described in the fifth embodiment. .

  Of the mist sprayed by the spraying unit 626, particles having a particle diameter exceeding X fall downward due to their own weight. Then, relatively light particles having a particle diameter X or less rise by the diffusion portion 627. Thereby, it becomes possible to selectively take out mist particles having a certain particle diameter or less. The desired particle diameter X can be freely set, and can be adjusted by the operating degree of the spraying part 626, the operating degree of the diffusing part 627, and the distance between the spraying part 626 and the diffusing part 627. This operating degree refers to, for example, the vibration frequency when an ultrasonic vibration type spray device is used for the spray unit 626 and the fan rotation speed when a blower fan is used for the diffusion unit 627. Also, the mist exceeding the particle diameter X falling downward is discharged from the drain 632 to the outside of the vegetable compartment 114.

  Since the discharge port 628 is above the container 636, the mist sprayed in the vegetable compartment 114 pours from above the container 636, that is, from above the stored crop. The sprayed mist falls downward in the gap between the container 636 and the crop, or the gap between the crop and the crop. Here, the distance between the end portions of the plurality of discharge ports 628 is set to a size approximately equal to the lateral width of the container 636. For this reason, the distribution variation of the mist concentration in the lateral direction is suppressed.

  A plurality of ventilation holes 637 are provided on the bottom surface of the container 636. The mist in the container 636 escapes from the vent 637 to the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114. Therefore, the water in which the mist is condensed does not stay in the container 636, and water does not accumulate at the bottom. In the present embodiment, the vent 637 is provided on the bottom surface, but it may be provided on the side wall surface of the container 636 as well as the bottom surface.

  The mist that has passed through the vent 637 returns to the circulation air passage 625 from the suction port 629, and a part thereof is sprayed again into the vegetable compartment 114 by the diffusion unit 627. Some of the water droplets are large and are discharged from the drain 632 to the outside of the vegetable compartment 114. In order to efficiently perform this drainage, it is preferable that the lower part of the circulation air passage 625 is inclined toward the drain 632 as shown in FIG. Note that if the suction port 629 and the ventilation port 637 are provided at substantially the same position and communicate with each other, the resistance to circulation is low and the efficiency is high.

  In addition, in order to optimize and make the mist distribution in the container 636 the most uniform, the operating degree of the diffusion unit 627 is adjusted, and the positions and areas of the discharge port 628, the vent port 637, and the suction port 629 are adjusted. It is effective.

  In addition, it is necessary to supply water to the spray part 626 continuously. For this purpose, a water storage tank may be provided to replenish water periodically, or a water recovery structure for collecting and recovering moisture in the storage chamber may be constructed. These configurations are exemplified in the preceding embodiments. Furthermore, a water storage tank and a water recovery structure may be used in combination.

  When the door 400A is not opened or closed at night or the like, the degree of decrease in humidity is moderate, and the mist spraying may be stopped for a certain period of time. In this case, when it is determined by a door opening detection unit (not shown) that a certain time has elapsed since the door was closed, the operation of the spray unit 626 and the operation of the diffusion unit 627 are stopped. At the same time, the heater 638 provided in the circulation duct 624 is energized to heat the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114. The heating control of the heater 638 is controlled such that the temperature difference between the temperature sensor 633 provided on the top of the vegetable compartment 114 and the temperature sensor 634 provided at the bottom of the circulation duct 624 becomes a certain value. By these things, a temperature difference is made between the upper part and the lower part of the vegetable compartment 114, and natural convection of air is promoted. The heater 638 may be a heater that generates heat substantially uniformly over a wide range, and a linear heater or a sheet heater can be applied. Further, the method for providing the temperature difference is not limited to using the heater 638. The temperature of the storage chamber 19 may be controlled to be lower than the temperature of the storage chamber 20.

  As described above, the refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes the heat insulating box 617, the fog part 626, and the diffusion part 627. The heat insulation box 617 has storage rooms 619 and 620 and a vegetable room 114 that are insulated. The spraying part 626 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114 and sprays mist. The diffusion unit 627 diffuses the sprayed mist. The spray unit 626 and the diffusion unit 627 constitute a mist spray device. The sprayed mist is diffused and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 by the diffusion unit 627, so that the mist concentration in the vegetable compartment 114 is made uniform. As a result, mist is efficiently supplied around the crops. This minimizes the amount of mist sprayed. Therefore, dew condensation can be prevented and harmful substances can be removed from crops at the same time.

  Further, a mist circulation unit 630 is provided in the vegetable compartment 114. Thereby, mist is further supplied to every corner in the vegetable compartment 114, and the spray amount of mist is reduced. The mist circulation unit 630 includes a circulation air passage 625, a circulation duct 624 that forms the circulation air passage 625, a discharge port 628 and a suction port 629 provided in the circulation duct 624, and a diffusion portion 627. . Therefore, adjustment of the amount of mist circulation and distribution becomes easy, and the amount of mist spraying is further reduced.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the discharge port 628 is provided at a position higher than the farm products stored in the vegetable compartment 114. Thus, the mist is always sprayed from above the crop, and the mist is supplied to the entire crop regardless of the amount of the crop. In addition, the suction port 629 is preferably provided below the crop housed in the vegetable compartment 114. This ensures that the mist is supplied to the bottom of the container 228C.

  In addition, the selection unit 631 selects a mist having a particle diameter equal to or less than a certain particle size from the mist sprayed by the spray unit 626. Thereby, the minute mist is selectively sprayed. Therefore, the mist stays in the vegetable compartment 114 for a long time and is dispersed and reliably supplied to the crop. The selection unit 631 is configured by providing a spray unit 626 below the diffusion unit 627. Thus, light particles having a certain particle diameter or less are selectively taken out of the sprayed mist and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114.

  Moreover, in the refrigerator of this Embodiment, the temperature difference is provided in the upper part and lower part of the vegetable compartment 114. FIG. Thereby, the natural convection of the air in the vegetable compartment 114 is promoted, and the sprayed mist easily diffuses into the vegetable compartment 114. At the same time, the spray unit 626 and the diffusion unit 627 can be temporarily stopped, and the reliability of the components is improved.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the vegetable compartment, and FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of a main part of the mist spraying apparatus. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the agrochemical removal performance of ozone water mist in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  This refrigerator is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 of Embodiment 3 in that a mist spraying device 21 is provided on the upper back of the vegetable compartment 114. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  The mist spraying device 21 has a water storage tank 22 that stores ozone water, a spray nozzle (hereinafter referred to as nozzle) 23 that sprays ozone water by an ejector system, and a water storage tank 72 that is a supply unit that supplies liquid to the water storage tank 22. The nozzle 23 constitutes a spray tip. The water storage tank 22 is a holding unit that is provided in the heat insulating box 110 and holds water which is liquid. An ozone water supply port 24 is provided in the upper part of the water storage tank 22. An ozone generator 25 that generates ozone by a high voltage method is provided in the vicinity of the vegetable compartment 114 and is connected to the ozone water path 27. The ozone water path 27 is provided with a water supply path 28 piped from a water storage tank 72. An annular electrode 29 for applying a high voltage and a power source 30 are provided near the tip of the nozzle 23. The nozzle 23, the electrode 29, and the power source 30 constitute a spray unit. Moreover, the water storage tank 72 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a division different from the vegetable compartment 114 which is the division in which the spraying front-end | tip part was provided of the heat insulation box 110. FIG.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 21 comprised as mentioned above are demonstrated. First, ozone gas is generated by the ozone generator 25. The water supplied from the water storage tank 72 via the water supply path 28 and the generated ozone gas are mixed to become ozone water. This ozone water is supplied and stored in the water storage tank 22 from the ozone water supply port 24 via the ozone water path 27. The ozone water in the water storage tank 22 is sprayed as a mist from the nozzle 23 into the vegetable compartment 114. At that time, a high voltage is applied from the power supply 30 to the annular electrode 29 provided in the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle 23. Thereby, the ozone water mist sprayed from the nozzle 23 is electrostatically added.

  FIG. 36 shows the removal effect of tomato-adhered pesticides by ozone water mist in this configuration. The experiment is performed by the following method. The cherry tomatoes to which malathion is attached to a concentration of 3 to 5 ppm are stored in the vegetable compartment 114. At that time, ozone water mist is sprayed for 12 hours by intermittent spraying spraying at intervals of 20 minutes for 10 seconds. The concentration of malathion remaining on the cherry tomato after such spraying treatment is measured by gas chromatography, and the removal rate is calculated. For comparison, the concentration of malathion is measured in the same manner for cherry tomatoes to which malathion is similarly attached and stored in a vegetable room without a mist spraying device.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the removal rate in the comparative experiment is 20%, whereas when the mist is sprayed, the removal rate is 40%, indicating about twice the removal effect.

  As described above, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 33 to 35, mist obtained by electrostatically adding ozone water generated by mixing ozone and water near the vegetable compartment 114 into the vegetable compartment 114 by the mist spraying device 21. Spray. Thereby, the sprayed fine mist adheres uniformly to the vegetable room 114 wall surface and the vegetable or fruit surface, and the mist enters the fine holes on the wall surface, vegetable or fruit surface. And since dirt and harmful substances inside the fine holes are lifted up, the effect of removing dirt and harmful substances is enhanced. In addition, it enhances the oxidative decomposition effect of harmful substances on the vegetable surface and improves the moisture retention of the vegetable.

  Further, by electrostatically adding to the ozone mist, water molecules in the ozone mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone, the ability to sterilize, deodorize and decompose harmful substances is enhanced by the oxidizing power of OH radicals.

  The water storage tank 72 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 112 which is a compartment different from the vegetable compartment 114 which is a compartment provided with the spray unit. In this configuration, the arrangement of the water storage tank 72 is not affected by the arrangement of the spray section. Therefore, the water storage tank 72 can be provided at an arbitrary position that facilitates replenishment of water into the water storage tank 72 and cleaning of the water storage tank 72. In this way, user convenience is improved. The same applies to the water storage tank 72A of the eighth embodiment.

  In the above configuration, ozone water is generated by mixing water and ozone in the ozone water path 27. In addition to this, an ozone generator may be provided in the vicinity of the mist spraying device 21 to generate ozone, which may be mixed with water in the nozzle 23 and sprayed as ozone water mist. Alternatively, the ozone generator 25 may be provided in the water tank 22. Such a configuration will be described. FIG. 37 is an essential part enlarged view of another mist spraying apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. An ozone generator 25 that generates ozone by a high voltage method is provided in a portion of the water storage tank 22. The other configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS.

  The operation | movement and effect | action are demonstrated below about the mist spraying apparatus of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above. First, water is supplied from the water storage tank 72 and supplied from the water supply port 31 into the water storage tank 22 and stored. Next, a high voltage is applied to the ozone generator 25, and dissolved oxygen in water is dissociated into oxygen atoms by collision with electrons. The oxygen atoms combine with dissolved oxygen molecules to generate ozone and react with water molecules to simultaneously generate OH radicals. The generated ozone is dissolved in the stored water to generate ozone water. The ozone water thus generated is sprayed as mist from the nozzle 23 into the vegetable compartment 114. At that time, a high voltage is applied from the power source 30 to the annular electrode 29 provided in the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle 23, and the ozone water mist sprayed from the nozzle 23 is electrostatically added.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 37, the ozone generator 25 that generates ozone by the discharge method is immersed in the stored water in the water tank 22. Thereby, the dissolved oxygen in the stored water in the water tank 22 is dissociated to generate ozone and OH radicals. Since the raw material oxygen is dissolved in water, the amount of ozone produced is much smaller than that in air discharge, so the generated ozone is dissolved in the stored water. In this simple structure that does not require special materials, it is possible to generate and spray ozone water containing low-concentration ozone that is safe for the human body and that does not smell of ozone, and OH radicals that have higher oxidizing power than ozone. it can.

  Next, still another mist spraying apparatus in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a main part of another mist spraying device for a refrigerator according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

  The mist spraying device 21 includes a water storage tank 22, a stored water supply unit 40, a capillary supply structure 42, and an electrode 43. The water storage tank 22 stores functional water or water such as ozone water or acidic water. The stored water supply unit 40 supplies stored water to the water storage tank 22. One end of the capillary supply structure 42 is located in the water storage tank 22, and the other end is formed as a spray tip 41 in the vegetable compartment 114. The electrode 43 is connected to the water tank 22 and applies a high voltage to the water stored in the water tank 22.

  The operation | movement and effect | action are demonstrated below about the mist spraying apparatus 21 comprised as mentioned above. First, functional water or water is supplied from the stored water supply unit 40 and stored in the water tank 22. Next, when a high voltage is applied to the electrode 43 in the water storage tank 22, a plurality of liquid yarns are drawn from the spray tip 41 by an electric field that exists between the spray tip 41 and its surroundings. Further, it is dispersed in charged droplets to become mist and sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114.

  As described above, in the configuration shown in FIG. 38, the high voltage is directly applied to the stored water in the water storage tank 22, and the electrostatically added stored water is sprayed. Thereby, the electrostatic addition rate of mist increases, the refinement | miniaturization of mist and the adhesion rate to the food surface improve.

  Moreover, the time for which the mist stays in the atmosphere becomes longer by making the functional water finer. This increases the chance of contact of the functional water fine mist with the floating bacteria in the warehouse and the diffused odor substance in the warehouse, and the sterilization and deodorizing performance is enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, water is supplied from the water storage tank 72. In addition to this, if the drain water of the refrigerator is used and the drain water is supplied into the water storage tank, it is possible to save the trouble of putting water into the water storage tank 72.

  Next, the example which applied the storage of this invention to the refrigerator with Embodiment 11 is demonstrated.

  The storage of this invention has a decomposition part in addition to a box and a mist spraying apparatus. The mist spraying device generates mist and raises harmful substances such as residual pesticides adhering to the vegetable surface stored in the storage room inside the box. The decomposition unit decomposes the floating harmful substances. In this configuration, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the vegetables and fruits, and the pesticides and harmful substances remaining in the recesses are physically lifted by a small amount of water. And since the decomposition part oxidizes and decomposes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals that have been lifted, food safety is improved.

  Moreover, the storage of this invention has a box, a mist spraying device, and a decomposition | disassembly part, and a mist spraying device sprays oxidatively decomposable mist. This oxidatively degradable mist decomposes harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals attached to the vegetable surface. The decomposition unit decomposes the decomposition products generated in this way and harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals that are unreacted with the oxidatively degradable mist. Thereby, decomposition products and unreacted harmful substances can be rendered harmless, and safety is improved.

  Moreover, the decomposition | disassembly part in the storage of this invention irradiates the crop in a storage with an ultraviolet-ray. Thereby, harmful substances, such as a residual agricultural chemical, can be made harmless, without having a bad influence on vegetables. In addition, the disassembly unit is configured with a simple configuration. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the disassembly effect can be realized in a small space.

  Moreover, the decomposition | disassembly part in the storage of this invention irradiates the ultraviolet-ray whose wavelength is 220 to 400 nm. Thereby, the oxidative decomposition rate is improved.

  Further, the storage of the present invention further includes a control unit, and the control unit operates the disassembly unit after the mist spraying device is operated. Thereby, energy is used only for harmful substances, such as an agricultural chemical from which the mist sprayed from the mist spraying device peeled off, and unreacted substances. Therefore, the decomposition efficiency is improved. In particular, when the mist spraying device generates oxidatively decomposable mist, the decomposition part decomposes unreacted substances that could not be oxidatively decomposed by the oxidatively decomposable mist. Therefore, the oxidative decomposition efficiency as a storage is improved.

  The storage of the present invention further includes a door that covers the opening of the storage chamber, a detection unit that detects opening and closing of the door, and a control unit. The control unit stops the operation of the disassembly unit when the detection unit detects the opening of the door. Thereby, when the door is opened, a person is prevented from directly seeing the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and safety is improved.

  The storage of the present invention further has a switch for operating the disassembly unit. Thereby, since the disassembling unit can be operated only when it is recognized that a person has operated, safety is improved.

  In the storage of the present invention, a light shielding plate is provided around the disassembly unit. As a result, the person only irradiates the crops in the storage room with ultraviolet rays without directly seeing the ultraviolet rays. Therefore, safety is improved.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 39 is a side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 40 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  The refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 in the third embodiment in that a decomposition unit 121 is provided together with the mist spraying device 120 on the upper top surface of the vegetable compartment 114, and the wall surface is deteriorated by ultraviolet rays. It is a point made of a strong material. The material resistant to ultraviolet deterioration is stainless steel or a resin material resistant to ultraviolet deterioration. The decomposition unit 121 is an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of around 250 nm. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 40, the control part 106 which controls operation | movement with the mist spraying apparatus 120 and the decomposition | disassembly part 121 is provided. Since the configuration other than this is the same as the configuration shown in FIGS.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 120 and decomposition | disassembly part 121 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above are demonstrated. First, water is stored in the water storage tank 122. The stored water 124 at this time is defrosted water. Next, when the power supply 128 applies a negative high voltage to the cathode 134 in the water storage tank 122, a plurality of liquid yarns are drawn from the spray tip 132 by the electric field that exists between the spray tip 132 and the anode 135. Furthermore, it is dispersed in charged droplets to become mist. This mist is sent into the vegetable compartment 114 by the blower 129. In this way, during the electrostatic atomization, since the discharge is performed and the mist is electrostatically added, the mist is electrically attached to the surface of vegetables and fruits that are positively charged in the vegetable compartment 114. And it penetrates to the fine concave part of the surface of vegetables and fruits, and toxic substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax are lifted by the internal pressure energy of the fine mist. The ultraviolet rays irradiated from the decomposition unit 121 decompose and remove harmful substances by the decomposition action. Further, by electrostatically adding to the mist, water molecules in the mist are radicalized to generate OH radicals. Therefore, in addition to the oxidizing power of ozone generated by discharge, the oxidizing power of OH radicals enhances the decomposition performance of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram comparing the pesticide removal performance in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 with conventional immersion specifications and water washing. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto are used and removed according to each specification. And the removal rate is computed by measuring the residual malathion density | concentration after a process by gas chromatography (GC).

Next, each removal processing specification will be described. In the process A, the above-mentioned 10 cherry tomatoes are put in a basket and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In the treatment B, 10 cherry tomatoes are immersed in water containing 1 ppm of ozone for 1 hour. This process corresponds to a process using a general food washing apparatus. In the process C, the mist spraying process is performed on 10 cherry tomatoes with the mist spraying device 120 for 12 hours. In the process E, 10 cherry tomatoes are irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 250 nm and 1600 μW / cm ² for 1 hour by the decomposition unit 121 after mist spraying for 12 hours. In addition, the ozone gas density | concentration in the store | warehouse | chamber in the process C and the process E is about 0.03 ppm.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the removal rate in the treatment A is 20%, and it can be seen that 80% of the residual pesticide is not removed by water washing at home, and is taken into the human body. In the treatment B, 55% of the residual agricultural chemical is removed.

  On the other hand, the removal rate of the process C is 50%, and the agrochemical removal performance substantially equivalent to the process B is shown. On the other hand, the removal rate of process E is 70%. This is thought to be because the attached pesticides were lifted by the physical action of the ultrafine mist and decomposed by ultraviolet rays. From the above results, the refrigerator having the mist spraying device 120 and the decomposition unit 121 in the present embodiment has a pesticide removal performance higher than that of a dedicated machine for food washing.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram comparing the amount of malathion remaining in water washed with water after removing the pesticide in the mist spraying device 120 of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  Also in this experiment, 10 cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto are removed in the same manner as described above. Then, tap water is collected for 10 seconds at the time of final treatment, and the malathion concentration in the tap water is measured by GC. From this result and the result of FIG. 41, the ratio of the amount of malathion contained in tap water is calculated with respect to the amount of malathion removed by each treatment.

Next, each removal processing specification will be described. In the process A, the above-mentioned 10 cherry tomatoes are put in a basket and washed with running water for about 10 seconds. In the treatment B ′, 10 cherry tomatoes are immersed in water containing 1 ppm of ozone for 1 hour. Then, it is washed in running water for about 10 seconds with running water. This process corresponds to a process using a general food washing apparatus. In the process C ′, 10 cherry tomatoes are subjected to the mist spraying process for 12 hours by the mist spraying device 120. Then, it is washed in running water for about 10 seconds with running water. In process E ', the peak wavelength 250nm by decomposition unit 121 10 mini tomatoes after 12 hours the mist sprayed is irradiated for one hour with ultraviolet rays of 1600μW / cm ^2. Then, it is washed in running water for about 10 seconds with running water. In addition, the ozone gas concentration in the cabinet in process C ′ and process E ′ is about 0.03 ppm.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the amount of malathion in tap water in treatment A is 100% of the amount of malathion removed. That is, malathion is not decomposed by tap water washing. Further, the amount of malathion in tap water in the treatment B is about 20% of the amount of malathion removed.

  On the other hand, the amount of malathion in tap water in treatment C ′ is 20% of the amount of malathion removed. As described above, the mist spraying device 120 and the dedicated device have the same decomposition performance with respect to the malathion decomposition ability. And in process E ', although the removal rate is 70%, the amount of malathion in tap water is below the detection limit. This is considered to be because malathion removed by ultraviolet rays is decomposed almost 100%. Thus, the refrigerator having the mist spraying device 120 and the decomposition unit 121 can remove agricultural chemicals such as vegetables and has the ability to decompose the removed agricultural chemicals.

  As described above, the refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 includes the mist spraying device 120 and the decomposition unit 121. The mist spraying device 120 has a water storage tank 122 and a spraying part 123 that sprays the stored water 124. The refrigerator according to this embodiment has such a simple structure and functions to remove and decompose harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals. Therefore, consumers can easily remove harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals simply by storing vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator.

  In the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, ultra fine mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114. As a result, the sprayed mist enters the fine recesses on the surface of the vegetables and fruits, and removes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals remaining in the recesses by physical action. This harmful substance is decomposed by ultraviolet rays. That is, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed and decomposed with a small amount of water.

  Further, in the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, the electrostatic atomizing spray unit 123 is used, but the invention is not limited thereto. When an ultrasonic element is used for the spraying part, a large amount of spraying can be generated as compared with the electrostatic atomization method. Therefore, it is particularly effective when it is necessary to increase the spray amount. Moreover, even if other spraying methods are used, if it is possible to generate the above-described ultrafine mist, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals can be removed and decomposed according to the characteristics of each device.

  In the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, defrosted water is stored in the water storage tank 122, and the stored water 124 is secured without the user supplying the stored water from the outside. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a refrigerator that does not require the trouble of replenishing moisture from the outside and has improved usability. In addition to this, water may be supplied from the outside using a water storage tank or the like. With such a configuration, maintenance of the water storage tank is easy and a large amount of mist can be sprayed.

  Moreover, it is not limited to using the water storage tank 122 for the holding | maintenance part holding the stored water 124. FIG. You may extract and hold | maintain the water | moisture content contained in the air in the vegetable compartment 114 using the moisture absorbent (For example, porous materials, such as a silica gel, a zeolite, activated carbon, etc.) as a water retention apparatus.

  Furthermore, by providing a dew generation part that condenses moisture contained in the air in the storage chamber by forcing a temperature difference in a part of the storage chamber, the necessary amount of stored water is provided at any time In addition, since the necessary spray amount can be ensured by controlling the dew condensation part even in the spray amount, there is no need for external water replenishment, A necessary amount of stored water can be supplied when needed. Hereinafter, an example of a refrigerator having an ultrasonic element and a water storage tank will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a side sectional view of another refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 44 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. The refrigerator shown in FIG. 43 includes a spray unit 74 including an ultrasonic element 80, a water storage tank 72 that supplies water to the spray unit 74 via a water supply path 73, and a decomposition unit 200. The structure of the spray part 74 is the same as that of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 in Embodiment 1. FIG. The spray unit 74, the water supply path 73, and the water storage tank 72 constitute a mist spraying device 61. Also, as shown in FIG. 44, a control unit 107 that controls the operation of the mist spraying device 61 and the decomposition unit 200 is provided. Since the other configuration is the same as that of FIG. 39, detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given with reference to FIGS.

  The spray unit 74 and the decomposition unit 200 are provided on the top top surface of the vegetable compartment 114. The decomposition unit 200 is an ultraviolet LED that emits ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of about 380 nm.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 61 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above and the decomposition | disassembly part 200 are demonstrated. First, the water stored in the water storage tank 72 is supplied into the water storage tank 75 via the water supply path 73.

  Next, the operation of the spray unit 74 is started. The stored water 84 is atomized by the ultrasonic element 80 which is the spray unit 74. At that time, the high-speed expansion of the microbubbles generated by the ultrasonic element 80 and the compression fracture phenomenon decompose water molecules, and an oxidatively decomposable mist containing OH radicals is produced. Of the oxidatively decomposable mist, only fine mist having a predetermined particle diameter or less is sprayed from the metal mesh 81 by the electric field between the metal mesh 81 and the metal plate 82. In this way, the spray portion 74 is filled with a mist having a predetermined particle size or less. The fine mist is sprayed into the vegetable compartment 114 by the blower 77. The sprayed fine mist adheres to the surfaces of vegetables and fruits in the vegetable compartment 114 and oxidizes and decomposes harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals attached to the surfaces of the vegetables and the like. As described above, the control unit 107 energizes the ultrasonic element 80 and the power supply 83 of the mist spraying unit 61 and then energizes the decomposition unit 200 to irradiate ultraviolet rays. Thereby, the decomposition product oxidatively decomposed by the oxidative decomposable mist is completely rendered harmless without deteriorating the heat insulating wall 116.

  FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pesticide removal performance and the processing time in the refrigerator shown in FIG. In this experiment, ten cherry tomatoes each having about 3 ppm of malathion attached thereto were used and processed for 12 hours with the mist spraying device 61, and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays by changing the irradiation time with the decomposition unit 200. Thereafter, the malathion concentration is measured by GC, and the removal rate of malathion is calculated.

  As is clear from FIG. 45, it can be seen that 12 hours are required in order to exhibit the same performance as the one-hour processing of the disassembling unit 121 composed of the ultraviolet lamp in the configuration of FIG.

  As described above, the refrigerator shown in FIG. 43 includes the mist spraying device 61 and the decomposition unit 200. The mist spraying device 61 includes a water storage tank 72 and a spraying unit 74 that sprays the stored water 84. The decomposition unit 200 is composed of an ultraviolet LED. If the decomposition part 200 irradiates the crops with ultraviolet rays for a long time, oxidative degradation equivalent to that of an ultraviolet lamp can be obtained. Further, the heat insulating wall 116 is not deteriorated by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the material cost of the heat insulating wall 116 is reduced, and the heat insulating wall 116 has a long life. In addition, by setting the irradiation wavelength of the decomposition unit 200 in the vicinity of 350 nm, the influence of the ultraviolet rays on the human body can be made in a range that does not cause a problem.

  Next, the further preferable structure of the refrigerator provided with the decomposition | disassembly part is described. FIG. 46 is a side sectional view of still another refrigerator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. 47 is a block diagram of a control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG.

  The refrigerator shown in FIG. 46 is different from the refrigerator shown in FIG. 39 in that a door opening / closing detection unit (hereinafter referred to as detection unit) 330 is provided on the door 400A that covers the opening of the vegetable compartment 114, and the switch 403 opens the opening of the refrigerator compartment 112. This is a point provided on the cover door 400B. Another difference is that a light shielding plate 402 made of stainless steel is provided on the upper top surface of the vegetable compartment 114 so as to surround the disassembling part 121. As shown in FIG. 47, a control unit 108 is provided that controls the operation of the disassembly unit 121 and the mist spraying device 120 based on inputs from the detection unit 330 and the switch 403. The detection unit 330 detects opening / closing of the door 400A. The detection unit 330 includes, for example, a micro switch or a pressure sensor. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The operation | movement and effect | action of the mist spraying apparatus 120 of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the decomposition | disassembly part 121, and the control part 108 are demonstrated. First, water is stored in the water storage tank 122. Hereinafter, the action of causing harmful substances such as residual agricultural chemicals and wax to float from the crop surface in the vegetable compartment 114 by the mist generated by the mist spraying device 120 is the same as the description of the configuration of FIG.

  Next, when the user turns on the switch 403, the control unit 108 receives this and energizes the disassembling unit 121. By providing the switch 403 in this way, it can be operated only when the user recognizes that the disassembly unit 121 has been operated. Therefore, safety is improved. Furthermore, since it can be operated only when necessary by a person, it is possible to reduce the energy used as compared to when it is used in continuous operation, which leads to saving of electricity bills. Note that a series of operations from the start of operation of the mist spraying device 120 may be started by turning on the switch 403.

  Hereinafter, due to the action of the decomposition unit 121, harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals that have risen are decomposed.

  The control unit 108 energizes the disassembly unit 121 only when the detection unit 330 detects the closed state of the door 400A. Thus, the user is prevented from touching the ultraviolet rays, and safety is improved. Furthermore, by providing the light shielding plate 402 around the disassembling unit 121, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from the disassembling unit 121 from being irradiated on the door 400A side. Therefore, when the user opens the door 400 </ b> A, ultraviolet rays are irradiated only to the stored items in the vegetable compartment 114 without directly seeing the ultraviolet rays. Thus, safety is improved. Furthermore, since the light shielding plate 402 does not disperse the energy of ultraviolet rays applied to the crops in the vegetable compartment 114, the decomposition efficiency of harmful substances is improved.

  In the above description, the switch 403 that operates the disassembling unit 121 is only switched ON / OFF. In addition to this, in addition to the ON / OFF switching function, a switch that allows the user to select the amount of ultraviolet light is preferable. In this case, since the user can select the necessary amount of ultraviolet light when necessary, the energy used is reduced.

  Further, the light shielding plate 402 may be made of metal or glass that is less deteriorated by ultraviolet rays, in addition to stainless steel. The heat insulating wall 116 may be made of stainless steel, or may be made of metal or glass that is hardly deteriorated by ultraviolet rays.

  In this Embodiment, the decomposition parts 121 and 200 are arrange | positioned at the top | upper surface of the vegetable compartment 114. FIG. In addition to this, if the container 228 in the vegetable compartment 114 is made transparent, the same effect can be obtained regardless of where it is placed in the vegetable compartment 114.

  In the present embodiment, the vegetable compartment 114 is arranged in the upper stage of the freezer compartment 115. In addition to this, if the vegetable compartment 114 is arranged at the lowermost stage, when the vegetable compartment 114 is used, the vegetable compartment 114 can be used more safely without ultraviolet rays directly entering the eyes of the user.

  The disassembling units 121 and 200 are energized after the operation of the mist spraying devices 120 and 61. The control units 106, 107, and 108 all control as such. Therefore, energy can be used only for the decomposition of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals and unreacted substances separated by the mist sprayed from the mist spraying devices 120 and 61, and the decomposition efficiency is improved.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the ultraviolet-ray which the decomposition parts 121 and 200 emit is a wavelength of 220 to 400 nm. Thereby, the oxidative degradation rate of harmful substances such as agricultural chemicals is improved.

  Although various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the structures and features unique to each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as far as possible. In particular, the characteristics of the refrigerator in the third and subsequent embodiments may be applied to the container in the first and second embodiments. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  The storage according to the present invention can increase the safety of agricultural products under various conditions in distribution. In addition, a refrigerator to which this storage is applied has a simple structure and can improve the safety of crops at home and commercial facilities without impairing usability.

Side sectional view of storage in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Side sectional view of the replenishment part in the storage shown in FIG. Plan sectional drawing of the replenishment part in the storage shown in FIG. Side sectional view of storage in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Side sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Side sectional view of the mist spraying device in the refrigerator shown in FIG. AA line sectional view of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. The figure which shows the agrochemical removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which shows the characteristic with respect to the mist particle diameter of the agrochemical removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which shows the characteristic with respect to the amount of mist spraying of the pesticide removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. Side sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mist spraying apparatus of the refrigerator shown in FIG. The front view of the mist spraying device vicinity shown in FIG. The principal part longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. Functional block diagram of the mist spraying device shown in FIG. Control flow diagram of mist spraying device shown in FIG. Longitudinal sectional view of another mist spraying device in Embodiment 4 of the present invention The figure which shows the characteristic with respect to the mist particle diameter of the pesticide removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which shows the characteristic with respect to the amount of mist spraying of the pesticide removal performance of the mist spraying apparatus shown in FIG. Correlation diagram between mist particle size and spray amount and pesticide removal effect in Embodiment 5 of the present invention The figure which shows the characteristic with respect to the mist particle diameter of the pesticide removal performance in Embodiment 5 of this invention The figure which shows the characteristic with respect to the amount of mist spraying of the pesticide removal performance in Embodiment 5 of this invention Side sectional view of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the spray section of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Longitudinal sectional view of another mist spraying device in Embodiment 6 of the present invention Front view of the vicinity of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 7 of the present invention The longitudinal cross-sectional view in the AA line near the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Side sectional view of the refrigerator in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The partial front view which shows the outline of the refrigerator shown to FIG. 27A Side surface sectional drawing of vegetable compartment vicinity of the refrigerator in Embodiment 9 of this invention Front sectional view near the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a main part sectional view showing a section AA in FIG. FIG. 29 is a main part sectional view showing a section BB in FIG. The graph which shows the particle size distribution ratio of the mist sprayed in Embodiment 9 of this invention Side sectional view of the refrigerator according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Side sectional view of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. The principal part enlarged view of the mist spraying apparatus of the refrigerator shown in FIG. The figure which shows the agrochemical removal performance of the ozone water mist of the refrigerator shown in FIG. The principal part enlarged view of the other mist spraying apparatus of the refrigerator in Embodiment 10 of this invention. The principal part enlarged view of the further another mist spraying apparatus of the refrigerator in Embodiment 10 of this invention. Side sectional view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. Block diagram of the control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. The figure which shows the agrochemical removal performance by the mist spraying apparatus and decomposition | disassembly part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. The figure which shows the ratio of the agricultural chemical which remains in the wash water after the process by the mist spraying apparatus and decomposition | disassembly part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Side sectional view of another refrigerator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention Block diagram of the control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. The figure which shows the decomposition | disassembly performance by the irradiation time of the decomposition | disassembly part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Side sectional view of still another refrigerator according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. Block diagram of the control system in the refrigerator shown in FIG. Schematic configuration diagram of a conventional food cleaning device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cleaning tank 2 Cleaning liquid 3 Bubble generation part 4 Fluid pump 5 Conveyance pipe 6 Ejector 7 Suction pipe 8 Discharge pipe 9 Branch part 10 Pressure-reducing nozzle 11 Return pipe 12 Supply pipe 13 Discharge pipe 14, 15, 20 Electromagnetic valve 16 Liquid reforming part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Contamination decomposition part 18 Ozone generator 19 Gas pump 21 Mist spray apparatus 22 Water tank 23 Spray nozzle 24 Ozone water supply port 25 Ozone generator 27 Ozone water path 28 Water supply path 29 Electrode 30 Power supply 31 Water supply port 40 Reservoir supply Part 41 Spray tip 42 Capillary supply structure 43 Electrode 60, 63 Box 61 Mist spray device 62 Car 70, 90 Storage 71 Storage room 72, 72A Water storage tank 73 Water supply path 74 Supply part 76 Spray part 77 Blower part 80 Sonic element 81 Metal mesh 82 Metal plate 83 Power supply 84 Reserved water 85 Temperature sensor Substrate 102 Evaporator 103 Machine room 104 Compressor 105 Condenser 106, 107, 108 Control unit 110 Heat insulation box 111, 111A, 111B Partition plate 112 Refrigeration room 113 Switching room 114 Vegetable room 115 Freezer room 116 Heat insulation wall 120 Mist spraying device 121,200 Decomposing unit 122 Water storage tank 123 Spraying unit 124 Reserving water 128 Power supply 129 Blowing unit 132 Spraying tip unit 133 Capillary supply structure 134 Cathode 135 Anode 202 Outer wall 227 Ice making chamber 228, 228A Container 228B Specific container 229 Air channel 301 Spray unit 302, 302A Mist spraying device 303 Water supply unit 304 Supply unit 305 Connection unit 306 Cover member 307 Circulation air passage 308, 309 Circulation air passage opening 310 Horn 310A Spray tip 311 Piezoelectric element 312 Flange 313 Water tank 314 Control unit 317 Blow unit 321 Water collection plate 323 Ozone generator 325 Vegetable room temperature detection unit 326 Vegetable room humidity detection unit 327 Water collection plate temperature detection unit 328 Heating unit 330 Door open / close detection unit 350 Pore 351 Long diameter 352 Short diameter 400A , 400B Door 402 Light shielding plate 403 Switch 404, 404A Mist spraying device 405 Holder 406 Application electrode 406A Spray tip 407 Water retaining material 408 Counter electrode 409 Voltage application unit 412 Temperature detection unit 413 Heating unit 414 Control unit 420 Concave portion 425, 425B, 425C Water storage tank 425A Bottom surface 426 Supply water 431 Spray portion 431A Lower end 441 Water supply portion 442 Water supply path 444 Water supply adjustment portion 501 Cover member 501A Bottom portion 512 Rail member 514 Lid 515 Holding portion 516 Protrusion portion 52 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Irradiation part 524 Diffusion plate 617 Heat insulation box 619,620 Storage chamber 624 Circulation duct 625 Circulation air path 626 Spray part 627 Diffusion part 628 Discharge port 629 Suction port 630 Circulation part 631 Selection part 632 Drain 633, 634 Temperature sensor 635 Slide rail 636 Food container 637 Vent 638 Heater

Claims (40)

A box having a storage room for crops inside;
A mist spraying device for spraying liquid into the storage chamber to generate mist,
The mist spraying device does one of the following:
Storage.
A) The mist causes harmful substances attached to the surface of the crops stored in the storage room to rise.
B) The mist is attached to the harmful substance attached to the surface of the crop stored in the storage room. The storage according to claim 1, further comprising a holding portion that is provided in the box and holds the liquid. The holding unit holds stored water supplied from the outside,
The storage of Claim 2. The holding unit holds stored water extracted from moisture contained in the air in the storage chamber,
The storage of Claim 2. The mist spraying device has a spray tip for discharging mist,
The box body is provided in a section different from the spray tip, and further includes a supply unit that holds water and supplies water vapor to the mist spray device.
The storage of claim 4. The mist spraying device has a spray tip for discharging mist, and at least the spray tip is provided in the storage chamber.
The storage of claim 1. The container further includes a supply unit that is provided in a section different from the spray tip, and that holds the liquid and supplies the liquid to the mist spray device.
The storage of claim 6. The mist spraying device generates mist having a particle size of 0.003 μm or more and 20 μm or less,
The storage of claim 1. The mist spraying amount of the mist spraying device is 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.14 g / h · L or less,
The storage according to any one of claims 1 and 8. Further comprising a decomposition part for decomposing the harmful substances,
The storage of claim 1. The decomposition unit irradiates the harmful substance with ultraviolet rays;
The storage of claim 10. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light is 220 nm or more and 400 nm or less,
The storage of claim 11. A light-shielding plate provided around the disassembly unit;
The storage of claim 11. A control unit for operating the generating unit after the operation of the mist spraying device;
The storage of claim 10. A door covering the opening of the storage room;
A detector for detecting opening and closing of the door;
A control unit that stops the operation of the disassembly unit when the detection unit detects the opening of the door;
The storage of claim 10. A switch for operating the mist spraying device;
The storage of claim 10. The mist spraying device generates an oxidatively decomposable mist;
The storage of claim 1. A decomposition unit that decomposes at least one of a decomposition product generated by decomposing the harmful substance with the oxidatively degradable mist and an undecomposed harmful substance;
The storage of claim 17. The decomposition unit irradiates at least one of the decomposition product and the harmful substance with ultraviolet rays;
The storage according to claim 18. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light is 220 nm or more and 400 nm or less,
The storage according to claim 19. A light-shielding plate provided around the disassembly unit;
The storage according to claim 19. A control unit for operating the generating unit after the operation of the mist spraying device;
The storage according to claim 18. A door covering the opening of the storage room;
A detector for detecting opening and closing of the door;
A control unit that stops the operation of the disassembly unit when the detection unit detects the opening of the door;
The storage according to claim 18. A switch for operating the mist spraying device;
The storage according to claim 18. The mist spraying device generates ozone mist,
The storage of claim 1. A holding part that is provided in the box and holds the liquid;
An ozone generator that decomposes oxygen in the air to generate ozone;
A supply unit for supplying water to the holding unit,
Mixing ozone generated by the ozone generator and water supplied by the supply unit to generate ozone water;
The storage according to claim 25. A holding part that is provided in the box and holds the liquid;
An ozone generator provided in a section of the holding unit;
A supply unit for supplying water to the holding unit,
Producing ozone water by decomposing dissolved oxygen in water stored in the holding unit to generate ozone,
The storage according to claim 25. The mist spraying device generates an alkali-decomposable mist;
The storage of claim 1. The mist spraying device generates mist containing radicals,
The storage of claim 1. The mist spraying device has a spraying section that generates mist by electrostatic atomization.
The storage of claim 1. The spray part generates mist having a particle size of 0.003 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less,
Storage according to claim 30. The amount of mist sprayed in the spray section is 0.0007 g / h · L or more and 0.07 g / h · L or less,
The storage according to any one of claims 30 and 31. The mist spraying device has an ejector-type spray nozzle and an annular electrode provided near the tip of the spray nozzle. By applying a voltage to the electrode, particles sprayed from the spray nozzle Electrostatically added,
The storage of claim 30. A holding unit that is provided in the box and holds the liquid;
The mist spraying device
A capillary supply structure that forms a spray tip with one end located in the holding portion and the other end opened into the storage chamber;
A first electrode provided in the vicinity of the spray tip;
A second electrode provided opposite to the first electrode,
The water sprayed from the spray tip is electrostatically applied by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.
The storage of claim 30. The mist spraying device has a spraying section that generates mist by an ultrasonic atomization method,
The storage of claim 1. The spray part generates mist having a particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 0.20 μm or less,
The storage of claim 35. The amount of mist sprayed in the spray section is 0.014 g / h · L or more and 0.14 g / h · L or less,
The storage according to any one of claims 35 and 36. The box is a shipping container used for transportation,
The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 37. The box is a storage container used for storing the crop after harvesting,
The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 37. The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 37;
A cooling device for cooling the inside of the heat insulation box,
The box is a heat insulating box having a storage compartment partitioned by heat insulation,
refrigerator.

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