Storage warehouse

Abstract

The invention provides a storage container capable of keeping the freshness of stored objects for a longer time. The housing is provided with an electrode member (52), an inverter circuit (110), a high-voltage transformation circuit (120), a second sensing circuit (151), and a control unit (140). The electrode member (52) forms an electric field inside the housing chamber on the basis of the application of voltage. The inverter circuit (110) converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage. The high-voltage transformation circuit (120) boosts the AC voltage generated by the inverter circuit (110) and applies the boosted AC voltage to the electrode member (52). A second sensing circuit (151) detects an AC voltage applied from the high voltage transformation circuit (120) to the electrode member (52). The control unit (140) controls the inverter circuit (110) such that the AC voltage detected by the second sensing circuit (151) becomes a target voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a storage room. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there was a storage box described in the following patent document 1. The storage box described in patent document 1 includes an electrode component arranged inside the storage box and a power source for applying voltage to the electrode component. The storage box is formed in a rectangular box shape. The electrode component is fixed to the inner surface of the bottom wall portion or the inner surface of the upper wall portion of the storage box, and an electrostatic field is formed inside the storage box based on the voltage applied from the power source. As a result, the freshness of storage items such as fresh food stored in the storage box can be maintained for a longer period of time compared to a case where an electrostatic field is not formed in the storage box.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-204428 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When the storage described in Patent Document 1 is used for transporting fresh food, for example, the longer the transport time is, the more likely the stored items will become corrupted. Therefore, there is a real need for a storage that can keep the stored items fresh for a longer period of time.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such actual conditions, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage cabinet capable of maintaining the freshness of stored items for a longer period of time.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] A storage cabinet that solves the above-mentioned problem comprises a storage cabinet body, a cooling unit, an electrode member, an inverter circuit, a transformer unit, a voltage detection unit, and a control unit. The storage cabinet body has a storage chamber inside. The cooling unit cools the inside of the storage chamber. The electrode member forms an electric field inside the storage chamber based on the application of voltage. The inverter circuit converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage. The transformer unit boosts the AC voltage generated by the inverter circuit and applies it to the electrode member. The frequency detection unit detects the AC voltage applied to the electrode member from the transformer unit. The control unit controls the inverter circuit in such a way that the AC voltage detected by the voltage detection unit becomes a target voltage.

[0011] According to this configuration, the intensity of the electric field formed in the storage room can be controlled to be constant, so the intensity of the electric field formed in the storage room can be controlled to be more appropriate. Therefore, the freshness of the stored items can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the storage box of the present invention, the freshness of the stored items can be kept longer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional structure of the container according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure along line II-II.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the container according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a container according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a container according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a container according to another embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a container according to another embodiment.

[0023] Description of Reference Numerals

[0024] S10: Storage room, 10: Container (storage), 20: Container body (storage body, second electrode component), 40: Cooling device (cooling unit), 52: Electrode component (first electrode component), 70: Food (storage items), 110: Inverter circuit, 120: High-voltage transformer circuit (transformer unit), 151: Second sensing circuit (frequency detection unit), 140: Control unit, 190: Temperature sensor (temperature detection unit), 200: Commercial power supply (power supply unit), 400: Current sensor (current detection unit). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the storage box will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same components are marked with the same reference numerals as much as possible in each of the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0026] <First embodiment>

[0027] First, the storage box according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a container 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure of the II-II line. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the direction indicated by arrow Z1 indicates the vertical direction upward, and the direction indicated by arrow Z2 indicates the vertical direction downward. In addition, the direction indicated by arrow X and the direction indicated by arrow Y indicate horizontal directions orthogonal to the vertical directions Z1 and Z2. The direction indicated by arrow X and the direction indicated by arrow Y are orthogonal to each other. Hereinafter, the direction indicated by arrow X is referred to as "width direction X", and the direction indicated by arrow Y is referred to as "depth direction Y". In the present embodiment, the container 10 is equivalent to a storage warehouse.

[0028] Figure 1 The container 10 shown has the function of cooling and storing food and the like. The container 10 can be used as a fixed container, and can also be used as a transport (mobile) container for transporting food in a cooled and stored state. As a fixed container, there can be cited a method of being set indoors in a food processing factory or building, etc., and a method of functioning as a warehouse by itself. As a transport container, in addition to a sea transport container loaded on a ship, there can also be cited a container loaded on a mobile body such as an airplane or a vehicle. Regardless of whether the container 10 is a fixed type or a transport type, it can be a cold storage, etc. In the present embodiment, the container 10 is equivalent to a storage warehouse.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the container 10 includes a container body 20 and a pair of door portions 30. In the present embodiment, the container body 20 corresponds to a storage body.

[0030] The container body 20 is formed into a rectangular box shape having an opening at the front end 20a, which is the front end in the depth direction Y. A pair of door portions 30 are provided at the opening of the container body 20 to open and close the opening. The container body 20 and the door portions 30 are formed of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel, and are electrically grounded.

[0031] The space surrounded by the inner surfaces of the container body 20 and the door 30 forms a Figure 2The storage chamber S10 shown. The user of the container 10 can enter the storage chamber S10 from the door portion 30 and arrange the desired storage items 70 inside the storage chamber S10. The storage items 70 are fresh food or dairy products, noodles, etc. Fresh food is, for example, fish or shellfish, fruits such as strawberries or apples, vegetables such as cabbage or tomatoes, edible meat such as beef or pork, eggs, and processed foods thereof. Dairy products are milk or cheese, etc. Noodles are made from powders of grains such as wheat flour or buckwheat flour. In addition, the items stored in the container 10 are not limited to food, but may also be flowers or medicines, organs, etc. In the present embodiment, the case where the storage items 70 are fresh food is taken as an example for explanation.

[0032] A heat insulating material (not shown) is buried inside the container body 20 and the door 30. The heat insulating material suppresses heat transfer from the storage room S10 to the outside of the container 10, thereby improving the cooling performance of the container 10.

[0033] Below, we will Figure 2 Among the multiple outer wall portions of the container body 20 shown, the outer wall portion 201 arranged at the upper side Z1 in the vertical direction is called the "upper wall portion 201", the outer wall portion 202 arranged on the right side when viewed from the door portion 30 is called the "right wall portion 202", the outer wall portion 203 arranged on the left side when viewed from the door portion 30 is called the "left wall portion 203", the outer wall portion 204 arranged at the lower side Z2 in the vertical direction is called the "bottom wall portion 204", and the outer wall portion 205 located on the side opposite to the door portion 30 is called the "back wall portion 205".

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the container 10 further includes a cooling device 40 provided on the back wall portion 205 of the container body 20. The container 10 of this embodiment is a so-called refrigerated container (reefer container) in which the internal temperature can be adjusted by the cooling device 40.

[0035] The cooling device 40 is connected to a power source (not shown) provided inside or outside the container body 20, and is driven by power supply. The cooling device 40 cools the storage room S10 of the container body 20 to a preset set temperature or a target temperature set by the user of the container 10 by supplying cold air to the storage room S10. The target temperature is set to a negative temperature, for example. The cooling device 40 has an inlet 41 and an outlet 42 opened to the storage room S10 of the container body 20 on the back wall 205 of the container body 20. The inlet 41 is provided above the back wall 205 of the container body 20. The outlet 42 is provided below the back wall 205 of the container body 20. In the present embodiment, the cooling device 40 is equivalent to a cooling unit.

[0036] The container 10 further includes an electric field forming unit 50. The electric field forming unit 50 is disposed near the inner side of the upper wall 201 of the container body 20. The electric field forming unit 50 includes an insulating member 51 and an electrode member 52. The electric field forming unit 50 is driven by power supply and forms an electric field inside the storage chamber S10.

[0037] One end and the other end of the electric field forming part 50 in the width direction X are placed on the placing parts 61 and 62, respectively. The placing parts 61 and 62 are arranged above the right side wall 202 and the left side wall 203 of the container body 20, respectively, and extend in the depth direction Y. The type of the placing parts 61 and 62 is not particularly limited, and may be an insulating material (such as resin) having electrical insulation, or may be a conductive material such as iron or stainless steel. The placing part 61 has a portion 610 fixed to the right side wall 202 and a portion 611 on which one end of the electric field forming part 50 is placed. Similarly, the placing part 62 has a portion 620 fixed to the left side wall 203 and a portion 621 on which the other end of the electric field forming part 50 is placed. Both the placing parts 61 and 62 are configured as so-called L-shaped angled members whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the depth direction Y is L-shaped. Furthermore, the electric field forming unit 50 may be disposed in a form suspended from the upper wall portion 201 of the container body 20 via a resin block or a support column made of an insulating material.

[0038] Next, an operation example of the container 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0039] In the container 10 of this embodiment, the cooling device 40 is connected via Figure 2 The air in the storage chamber S10 is sucked in through the suction port 41, and the sucked air is cooled and blown out from the blow port 42. In the container 10 of the present embodiment, the interior of the storage chamber S10 is cooled by the cold air blown out from the blow port 42, so that the food 70 stored in the storage chamber S10 is stored in a cooled state.

[0040] In addition, the electric field forming unit 50 forms an electric field in the storage chamber S10 by applying a predetermined high voltage to the electrode member 52. At this time, the high voltage applied to the electrode member 52 is, for example, an alternating (AC) voltage whose magnitude or direction changes periodically over time. The voltage applied to the electrode member 52 can be set to any magnitude, for example, a high voltage of several hundred V to several tens of thousands V. In the present embodiment, an AC voltage of 7 kV is applied to the electrode member 52.

[0041] By storing the food 70 in a cooled state in such an electric field environment, the freezing point of the food 70 can be lowered, so that even in a lower temperature environment, such as a negative temperature environment, the food 70 can be stored without freezing. Therefore, the freshness of the food 70 can be maintained for a longer period of time. Specifically, at least a portion of the food inside the food 70 is cooled to a state that is about to freeze (a chilled state) and maintained in this state. In addition, the so-called at least a portion of the food refers to at least a portion of a food or at least one of a plurality of foods. In addition, the state of being about to freeze includes, for example, a state such as a semi-frozen or semi-thawed state, or a state in which the surface is slightly hardened, or a state in which it is not completely frozen but is one step away from being completely frozen (the initial stage of thawing) such as a state in which it is depressed by 1 mm to 2 mm when pressed with a finger, etc.

[0042] Next, the circuit configuration of the container 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the container 10 includes a rectifier circuit 100, an inverter circuit 110, a high voltage transformer circuit 120, a power supply circuit 130, a control unit 140, a first sensing circuit 150, and a second sensing circuit 151. These elements are modularized into a control device 300, and are configured as follows. Figure 2 As shown by the dotted line in FIG.

[0044] The rectifier circuit 100 converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply 200 outside the container 10 into a DC voltage, and supplies the converted DC voltage to the inverter circuit 110. The AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply 200 to the rectifier circuit 100 is, for example, an AC voltage of any system of the 100 V system, the 200 V system, and the 440 V system. In the present embodiment, the commercial power supply 200 corresponds to the power supply unit.

[0045] The inverter circuit 110 converts the DC voltage supplied from the rectifier circuit 100 into an AC voltage, and supplies the converted AC voltage to the primary winding 121 of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120. The AC voltage supplied from the inverter circuit 110 to the primary winding 121 of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 is, for example, an AC voltage having an effective value of 100 V. A resistor 170 is provided in the middle of the wiring connecting the inverter circuit 110 and the high-voltage transformer circuit 120.

[0046] The high-voltage transformer circuit 120 has a primary winding 121 and a secondary winding 122. In the high-voltage transformer circuit 120, an AC voltage corresponding to the AC voltage supplied from the inverter circuit 110 to the primary winding 121 is induced in the secondary winding 122. In the secondary winding 122 of the present embodiment, an AC voltage is induced after the AC voltage supplied to the primary winding 121 is boosted, for example, an AC voltage with an effective value of 7 kV and a frequency of 120 Hz. A resistor 171 is provided in the middle of the wiring connecting the secondary winding 122 and the ground potential. The AC voltage induced in the secondary winding 122 of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 is supplied to the electrode member 52 via the wiring 180. Hereinafter, for convenience, the AC voltage and AC current supplied from the inverter circuit 110 to the primary winding 121 of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 are referred to as "input AC voltage" and "input AC current", respectively. In addition, the AC voltage and the AC current supplied from the secondary winding 122 of the high-voltage transformation circuit 120 to the electrode member 52 are respectively referred to as “output AC voltage” and “output AC current”.

[0047] The first sensing circuit 150 detects the magnitude of the input AC voltage and input AC current of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 . The first sensing circuit 150 outputs a detection signal including information on the magnitude of the input AC voltage and input AC current of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 to the control unit 140 .

[0048] The second sensing circuit 151 detects the magnitude of the output AC voltage and the output AC current of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120. The second sensing circuit 151 outputs a detection signal including information on the magnitude of the output AC voltage and the output AC current of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 to the control unit 140. In the present embodiment, the second sensing circuit 151 is equivalent to a voltage detection unit.

[0049] The power circuit 130 converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power source 200 into a DC voltage suitable for the operation of the control unit 140, and supplies the converted DC voltage to the control unit 140. The DC voltage supplied from the power circuit 130 to the control unit 140 is, for example, 24V.

[0050] The control unit 140 controls the inverter circuit 110 by driving it based on the DC voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 130. The control unit 140 may be configured by a combination of various logic circuits or by a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like.

[0051] The control unit 140 receives detection signals outputted from the first sensing circuit 150 and the second sensing circuit 151, respectively. The control unit 140 obtains the magnitudes of the input AC voltage and the input AC current of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 based on the detection signal of the first sensing circuit 150. In addition, the control unit 140 obtains the magnitudes of the output AC voltage and the output AC current of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 based on the detection signal of the second sensing circuit 151. The control unit 140 controls the inverter circuit 110 based on the information that can be obtained from the first sensing circuit 150 and the second sensing circuit 151, respectively.

[0052] Next, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 140 controls the inverter circuit 110 will be described.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 140 includes a target setting unit 141 , a voltage acquisition unit 142 , a subtraction unit 143 , and an inverter control unit 144 as its functional configuration.

[0054] The target setting unit 141 sets a target voltage Vs*, which is a target value of the magnitude of the output AC voltage, and a target frequency Fs*, which is a target value of the frequency of the output AC voltage. In the present embodiment, the target voltage Vs* is preset to, for example, 7 kV, and the target frequency Fs* is preset to, for example, 120 Hz. The target setting unit 141 outputs the set target voltage Vs* to the subtraction unit 143, and outputs the set target frequency Fs* to the inverter control unit 144.

[0055] The voltage acquisition unit 142 acquires information on the actual voltage Vs, which is the actual magnitude of the output AC voltage of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 , based on the detection signal of the second sensing circuit 151 . The voltage acquisition unit 142 outputs the acquired actual voltage Vs to the subtraction unit 143 .

[0056] The subtracting unit 143 calculates a deviation ΔVs (=Vs*−Vs) between the target voltage Vs* set by the target setting unit 141 and the actual voltage Vs acquired by the voltage acquiring unit 142 . The subtracting unit 143 outputs the calculated deviation ΔVs to the inverter control unit 144 .

[0057] The inverter control unit 144 controls the inverter circuit 110 based on the deviation ΔVs calculated by the subtraction unit 143 and the target frequency Fs* output from the target setting unit 141. Specifically, the inverter control unit 144 controls the inverter circuit 110 in such a way that the actual voltage Vs output from the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 becomes the target voltage Vs*. Thus, the magnitude of the output AC voltage of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 can be feedback-controlled to the target voltage Vs* based on the magnitude of the output AC voltage of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 detected by the second sensing circuit 151. In addition, the inverter control unit 144 controls the frequency of the voltage output from the inverter circuit 110 to the target frequency Fs*. Thus, the frequency of the output AC voltage of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 is controlled to the target frequency Fs*.

[0058] According to the container 10 of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0059] The container 10 of the present embodiment includes a container body 20, a cooling device 40, an electrode member 52, an inverter circuit 110, a high-voltage transformer circuit 120, a second sensing circuit 151, and a control unit 140. The container body 20 has a storage chamber S10 inside. The cooling device 40 cools the inside of the storage chamber S10. The electrode member 52 forms an electric field inside the storage chamber S10 based on the application of voltage. The inverter circuit 110 converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage. The high-voltage transformer circuit 120 boosts the AC voltage generated by the inverter circuit 110 and applies it to the electrode member 52. The second sensing circuit 151 detects the output AC voltage applied to the electrode member 52 from the high-voltage transformer circuit 120. The control unit 140 controls the inverter circuit 110 in such a way that the actual voltage Vs of the output AC voltage detected by the second sensing circuit 151 becomes the target voltage Vs*.

[0060] According to this configuration, the intensity of the electric field formed in the storage chamber S10 can be controlled to be constant, so the intensity of the electric field formed in the storage chamber S10 can be controlled to be more appropriate. For example, when the container 10 of the present embodiment is used as a transport container, although it is considered that the power conditions may be different depending on the country or the transport mode, the intensity of the electric field formed in the storage chamber S10 can be controlled to be more appropriate regardless of such conditions. In addition, among the power conditions depending on the country, there are, for example, the power conditions at the place of shipment or the power conditions at the place of receipt. In addition, in the transport mode, there are power conditions when the moving body of the transport container 10 is an MG chassis (i.e., a chassis with an electric generator (MG: Motor Generator)), or when the moving body is a ship. Since the intensity of the electric field formed in the storage chamber S10 can be controlled to be more appropriate, the freshness of the food 70 can be maintained for a longer time.

[0061] In addition, in the container 10 of the present embodiment, the control unit 140 further controls the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrode member 52 to be the target frequency Fs*.

[0062] According to this configuration, for example, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrode member 52 can be controlled to a frequency (for example, 120 Hz) higher than the commercial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz), so that an electric field of such a frequency band can be formed in the storage chamber S10. As a result, the water molecules contained in the food 70 generate spins, so that the food 70 can generate frictional heat. Therefore, freezing of the food 70 can be effectively avoided. In addition, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrode member 52 can be any frequency higher than the commercial frequency, for example, it can be set to a frequency of 60 Hz to 1,000 Hz. Moreover, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrode member 52 can also be set to a frequency of the same degree as the commercial frequency, a frequency lower than the commercial frequency, or a frequency greater than 1,0000 Hz.

[0063] Furthermore, if the structure of the container 10 of this embodiment is adopted, the high voltage transformer circuit 120 and the like can be connected to the Figure 2 Since the control device 300 shown is also built in the container 10 , the configuration of the container 10 can be simplified compared to, for example, a case where a transformer or the like is provided outside the container 10 .

[0064] (Variation Example)

[0065] Next, a modification of the container 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0066] When the target frequency Fs* is fixed to a constant value, for example, the bacteria and the like contained in the food 70 may increase because the bacteria and the like contained in the food 70 are resistant to the electric field environment.

[0067] Therefore, instead of fixing the target frequency Fs* to a constant value, the target setting unit 141 of this modification periodically varies the target frequency Fs*. For example, the target setting unit 141 periodically varies the target frequency Fs* within a range of 60 Hz to, for example, 120 Hz. According to this configuration, the frequency of the electric field inside the storage chamber S10 can be varied at a predetermined period, so it is less likely that the bacteria contained in the food 70 are resistant to the predetermined frequency. Therefore, the increase of bacteria in the food 70 can be avoided. Similarly, the target setting unit 141 can also periodically vary the target voltage Vs*.

[0068] <Second embodiment>

[0069] Next, a container 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the container 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] In the container 10 as in the first embodiment, for example, when the temperature of the storage chamber S10 is set to a limit temperature at which the food 70 does not freeze in order to improve the freshness retention effect of the food 70, the temperature of the food 70 may change due to external factors, causing the food 70 to become frozen or nearly frozen. The external factors include the outside temperature or the number of days for transportation, the amount of load inside the storage chamber S10, etc. For example, the longer the transportation days, the easier it is for the food 70 to freeze. If the food 70 becomes frozen or nearly frozen, there may be problems when selling the food 70.

[0071] Furthermore, when the temperature of the storage chamber S10 is set high to avoid freezing of the food 70, even if the food 70 can be transported without freezing and spoiling, the number of bacteria contained in the food 70 may increase, resulting in a shortened shelf life.

[0072] On the other hand, according to the experiment of the inventors, it was confirmed that the larger the electric field applied to food 70 is and the higher the frequency of the electric field is, the less likely food 70 is to be frozen even at a lower temperature.

[0073] In view of the above, if the set temperature of the storage chamber S10 is set low and the frequency of the electric field in the storage chamber S10 is increased when the possibility of freezing of the food 70 increases due to external factors, the food 70 can be more appropriately transported. Therefore, the container 10 of this embodiment changes the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrode member 52 based on the temperature of the storage chamber S10.

[0074] Next, the specific structure of the container 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the container 10 of this embodiment further includes a temperature sensor 190. The temperature sensor 190 detects the internal temperature of the storage room S10 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected temperature. The detection signal of the temperature sensor 190 is taken into the target setting unit 141 of the control unit 140. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 190 is equivalent to a temperature detection unit.

[0076] The target setting unit 141 obtains information about the internal temperature of the storage room S10 based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 190, and sets the target frequency Fs* based on the obtained internal temperature of the storage room S10. Specifically, the target setting unit 141 calculates the target frequency Fs* from the internal temperature of the storage room S10 by using a mapping or a calculation formula that represents the relationship between the internal temperature of the storage room and the target frequency Fs*. The mapping or calculation formula used by the target setting unit 141 is created so that the lower the internal temperature of the storage room, the higher the target frequency Fs*.

[0077] According to the container 10 of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0078] The control unit 140 changes the target frequency Fs* based on the internal temperature of the container 10 detected by the temperature sensor 190. According to this configuration, even if the temperature of the storage chamber S10 changes due to external factors, the actual frequency of the electric field formed inside the storage chamber S10 can be set to an appropriate frequency corresponding to the temperature of the storage chamber S10 at that time. Therefore, the freshness of the food 70 can be maintained in a more appropriate state.

[0079] <Third Embodiment>

[0080] Next, a container 10 according to a third embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the container 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, in the container 10 of the present embodiment, a current sensor 400 is provided between the resistor 171 and the container body 20. The current sensor 400 detects the current flowing through the resistor 171. In the present embodiment, the current sensor 400 corresponds to a current detection unit.

[0082] The current sensor 400 flows with a current corresponding to the presence or absence of food 70 in the storage chamber S10. Specifically, when there is food 70 such as fresh food in the storage chamber S10, a weak current flows in the food 70 because the food 70 is placed in an electric field environment. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, when the food 70 is arranged in contact with the bottom wall 204 of the container body 20, the food 70 is arranged to be sandwiched between the one electrode member 52 and the other electrode member, that is, the bottom wall 204 of the container body 20. Figure 6The single-point dashed line area Ae shown schematically shows the electric field area formed between the electrode member 52 and the container body 20. In the present embodiment, the container body 20 is equivalent to the second electrode member. Since the food 70 acts as a dielectric between the electrode member 52 and the container body 20, the current value detected by the current sensor 400 changes. Specifically, the current flowing through the current sensor 400 becomes larger when the food 70 is present compared to the case where there is no food 70 in the storage chamber S10. In addition, the larger the overall volume of the food 70 present in the storage chamber S10, the larger the current flowing through the current sensor 400.

[0083] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the larger the current detected by the current sensor 400, the stronger the electric field formed in the storage chamber S10. Specifically, the value of the current flowing through the current sensor 400 when an electric field of a target strength is formed in the storage chamber S10 is measured in advance by experiments, etc., and the measured value of the current is pre-stored in the storage device of the control unit 140 as the target current value I*. The inverter control unit 144 obtains information on the current value I flowing through the current sensor 400 based on the detection signal of the current sensor 400. The inverter control unit 144 controls the inverter circuit 110 based on the current value I detected by the current sensor 400. For example, when the current value I detected by the current sensor 400 is greater than the target current value I*, the inverter control unit 144 controls the inverter circuit 110 in such a manner that the greater the deviation (II*) between the current value I and the target current value I*, the greater the AC voltage applied to the primary winding 121 of the high-voltage transformer circuit 120, that is, the stronger the electric field formed in the storage chamber S10.

[0084] According to the container 10 of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0085] The container 10 further includes: a container body 20 as a second electrode member, which is arranged to be in contact with the food 70; and a current sensor 400, which detects the current flowing through the container body 20. The control unit 140 controls the inverter circuit 110 based on the current detected by the current sensor 400. According to this configuration, since the AC voltage applied from the inverter circuit 110 to the electrode member 52 is controlled according to the presence or absence of the food 70 and the entire volume of the food 70, etc., a more appropriate electric field can be applied to the food 70. Therefore, the freshness of the food 70 can be maintained in a more appropriate state.

[0086] <Fourth embodiment>

[0087] Next, a container 10 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the container 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] The target setting unit 141 of the present embodiment has a first target voltage Vs1* and a second target voltage Vs2* as the target voltage Vs*, and has a first target frequency Fs1* and a second target frequency Fs2* as the target frequency Fs*. The first target voltage Vs1* and the first target frequency Fs1* are respectively set to a voltage and a frequency suitable for keeping the food 70 and the like stored in the storage chamber S10 in a cooled state. The second target voltage Vs2* and the second target frequency Fs2* are respectively set to a voltage and a frequency suitable for thawing the food 70 and the like. The target setting unit 141 sets the target voltage Vs* to any one of the first target voltage Vs1* and the second target voltage Vs2*, and sets the target frequency Fs* to any one of the first target frequency Fs1* and the second target frequency Fs*2, for example, based on the user's operation of the operation panel provided on the container 10.

[0089] According to the container 10 of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0090] According to the container 10 of the present embodiment, by setting the target voltage Vs* to the first target voltage Vs1* and the target frequency Fs* to the first target frequency Fs1*, the food 70 and the like can be more appropriately stored in a cooled state. In addition, by setting the target voltage Vs* to the second target voltage Vs2* and the target frequency Fs* to the second target frequency Fs2*, the food 70 and the like can be thawed.

[0091] <Other embodiments>

[0092] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples described above.

[0093] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the inverter circuit 110 may also be incorporated into the control unit 140 .

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, a voltage divider circuit 500 may be provided between the wiring 180 and the second sensing circuit 151, and the AC voltage applied from the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 to the electrode member 52 may be stepped down by the voltage divider circuit 500 and input to the second sensing circuit 151. Thus, the second sensing circuit 151 can detect with an AC voltage lower than the AC voltage actually applied to the second electrode member 52.

[0095] In the container 10 of each embodiment, on the basis of the frequency of the output AC voltage applied from the high-voltage transformer circuit 120 to the electrode component 52 being further detected by the second sensing circuit 151, the frequency of the AC voltage output from the inverter circuit 110 can be feedback controlled based on the frequency of the output AC voltage detected by the second sensing circuit 151.

[0096] like Fig. 9 As shown, the high voltage transformer circuit 120 may also be covered by the insulating member 600. According to this structure, for example, it is possible to prevent the low voltage components from being deteriorated due to the leakage of electromagnetic waves generated when the high voltage transformer circuit 120 is operated to the low voltage components arranged around the high voltage transformer circuit 120.

[0097] As long as the solutions in which those skilled in the art have appropriately applied design changes to the above-mentioned specific examples have the characteristics of the present disclosure, they are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. The various elements and their configurations, conditions, shapes, etc. possessed by the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to the exemplified contents and can be appropriately changed. As long as the various elements possessed by the aforementioned specific examples do not cause technical contradictions, the combination can be appropriately changed. In addition, in the present disclosure, for example, one "process", "step", "part", "body", "chamber", "device", "machine", "device", "unit", "mechanism", "system" and part or all of their functions or structures can also be realized by two or more of them, or two or more of them can also be realized by one.

Claims

1. A storage room, characterized in that: have: A storage cabinet body having a storage room inside; a cooling unit that cools the interior of the storage chamber; an electrode member that forms an electric field inside the storage chamber based on application of voltage; an inverter circuit that converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage; a voltage conversion unit that increases the AC voltage generated by the inverter circuit and applies the voltage to the electrode member; a voltage detection section that detects the AC voltage applied from the voltage transformation section to the electrode member; and A control unit controls the inverter circuit so that the AC voltage detected by the voltage detection unit becomes a target voltage.

2. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: The control section also controls the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrode member to be a target frequency.

3. The storage room according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the internal temperature of the storage compartment, The control unit changes the target frequency based on the internal temperature of the storage box detected by the temperature detection unit.

4. The storage room according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit periodically changes the target frequency.

5. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit periodically changes the target voltage.

6. The storage room according to claim 1, wherein: When the electrode member is a first electrode member and the article stored in the storage chamber is a storage object, the method further comprises: A second electrode member configured to be in contact with the storage object; and a current detection unit for detecting a current flowing through the second electrode member, The control unit controls the inverter circuit based on the current detected by the current detection unit.

7. The storage room according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit controls the inverter circuit so that the electric field becomes stronger as the current value detected by the current detection unit becomes larger.

8. The storage cabinet according to claim 2, wherein: When the items stored in the storage chamber are set as storage objects, The target frequency includes at least one of a first target frequency used when the stored object is kept in a cooled state and a second target frequency used when the stored object is thawed.

9. The storage cabinet according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the internal temperature of the storage compartment, The control unit sets the target frequency so that the target frequency becomes higher as the internal temperature of the storage box detected by the temperature detection unit becomes lower.

10. The storage cabinet according to claim 1, wherein: The transformer is surrounded by insulating material.

11. The storage cabinet according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the inverter circuit such that the AC voltage detected by the voltage detection unit becomes the target voltage regardless of an AC voltage applied from a power supply unit to the inverter circuit.

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