High-humidity storage chamber

Abstract

A storage chamber including a first space and a second space, the first space and the second space communicating with each other via a communication mechanism that mixes air of the first space and air of the second space at a controllable mixing ratio, the storage chamber including: a cooling device that is installed in the second space and performs cooling such that a second temperature t2 of the second space is lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space; and a control device that controls the cooling device, wherein, when the air of the first space and the air of the second space are mixed via the communication mechanism, mixing is performed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in mixed air by water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a storage chamber, a refrigerated goods transport vehicle equipped with the storage chamber, and a physical distribution system.Background Art

[0002] As a refrigerator capable of promoting aging while suppressing excessive drying and suppressing growth of putrefactive bacteria for food including meat or fish, Patent Literature 1 discloses a refrigerator including a housing room that houses food including meat or fish, a cooler, a heater, and an evaporator, and including an air current supply unit that circulates, within the housing room, gas having an average relative humidity of 60% or more and 80% or less and a temperature of -2°C or more and 5°C or less, and a first light source that irradiates food housed in the housing room with light in a wavelength region of 370 nm or more and 420 nm or less at an intensity of 5 µW / cm 2< or more and 20 µW / cm 2< or less.

[0003] In addition, as a refrigerator capable of appropriately storing various foods that are sensitive to humidity, Patent Literature 2 discloses a refrigerator in which an insulation box body composed of an inner box, an outer box, and a heat insulating material filled between the inner box and the outer box is partitioned into storage rooms including a low-humidity room, a medium-humidity room, and a high-humidity room, the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room being independently cooled by a cooling device, temperatures of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room being controlled to be equal to or higher than a refrigeration temperature, and humidities of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room being controlled to be different humidities.Citation List Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-094717 Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-098963 Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0005] However, in a case where an interior of a chamber is cooled while water is sprayed into the chamber by ultrasonic humidification or the like, there has been a problem in that water droplets adhere to food or the like stored in the chamber, thereby reducing product value.

[0006] The refrigerator described in Patent Literature 1 employs a configuration in which humidified air generated by an evaporator is blown into a housing room, the humidified air and air in the housing room are mixed, and a humidity of the housing room is increased. Due to the air being blown into the housing room, air in which the humidified air and air in the housing room are mixed is rapidly cooled in the housing room, so that supersaturated water vapor may form frost on cooling fins in the housing room, or water droplets may adhere to housed food. During operation of the cooler, a relative humidity decreases and variation in humidity increases, so that it is difficult to keep the relative humidity constant within a narrow range. In a double-wall high-humidity storage chamber, water condensation and frost formation on inner wall surfaces are unavoidable, and furthermore, when a door is kept closed for a long time, intrusion of outside air is eliminated for a long time, so that water condensation and frost formation on low-temperature wall surfaces lower the relative humidity.

[0007] Since temperatures of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room described in Patent Literature 2 are controlled to be equal to or higher than a refrigeration temperature (10 to 15°C), it is not suitable for long-term storage of food due to bacterial growth. In addition, since Patent Literature 2 has no humidification means, humidification is substantially achieved by introducing outside air during opening of a door and cooling the outside air to achieve high relative humidity. When a frequency of opening and closing of the door decreases, if supply of high-absolute-humidity air from an outside of the chamber is interrupted, humidities of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room decrease. In addition, besides a frequency of opening and closing of the door, since an water vapor amount in outside air varies depending on a season and an installation place, it is difficult to maintain stable relative humidity.

[0008] Conventionally, since saturated-humidity storage cannot be achieved unless forced humidification such as spray humidification is performed due to variations in an internal temperature of the chamber, it has been difficult to perform saturated-humidity storage in a low-temperature range without concern about water droplet contamination of stored items.

[0009] Humidification and cooling are in a trade-off relation. In particular, in a low-temperature range, since a saturated water vapor amount is small, when slight frost formation occurs on cooling means such as cooling fins or refrigerant pipes, a relative humidity greatly decreases. Herein, when the interior of the chamber is forcibly humidified by a forced humidification device such as a sprayer, a high relative humidity can be achieved at a low temperature; however, in an environment with a relative humidity of 90% or more, sprayed water droplets remain suspended in the air without evaporating for a long time, so that stored items are contaminated with water droplets or frost.

[0010] In this regard, in a conventional direct cooling method in which a cooler is provided inside a chamber to perform cooling, or an indirect cooling method in which a wall surface of a storage chamber is cooled from the outside, frost formation or water condensation occurs on cooling fins or wall surfaces, so that a high relative humidity cannot be achieved. In the conventional methods, in a storage chamber around 0°C, an average relative humidity of 95 to 96% has been the limit.Solution to Problem

[0011] The present inventors have conducted intensive studies in order to solve the above-described problems. By mixing air of a space A having a higher temperature (for example, +10°C) and a high absolute humidity (for example, 95%rH) with air of a space B having an average humidity of 95%rH at -2°C, a relative humidity can be increased to 97% or more at an internal temperature of 0°C of the chamber. In addition, communication may be blocked when a value of a relative humidity sensor is 99%, or communication may be established when the value of the relative humidity sensor is 96%.

[0012] Contrary to the above-described direct cooling method and indirect cooling method, air of a low-temperature and high-humidity space B may be mixed into air of a high-temperature and high-humidity space A. As a mixing method, air of both spaces may be mixed in a mixing duct by finding a mixing ratio at a limit at which mist or rime is not generated.

[0013] Furthermore, when an absolute humidity of the outside of the chamber is higher than an absolute humidity of the interior of the chamber, such as in summer, outside air may be taken in.

[0014] That is, the storage chamber of the present embodiment includes a first space and a second space, the first space and the second space communicating with each other via a communication mechanism that mixes the air of the first space and the air of the second space at a controllable mixing ratio, and includes a cooling device that is installed in the second space and performs cooling such that a second temperature t2 of the second space is lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space, and a control device that controls the cooling device, wherein, when the air of the first space and the air of the second space are mixed via the communication mechanism, mixing is performed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in the mixed air by water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air.

[0015] As another aspect, the storage chamber of the present embodiment is a storage chamber that includes a first space and a second space therein, the first space and the second space being configured to be capable of communicating with each other via a communication mechanism, the second space being provided with a cooling device that cools a temperature of the second space to a specified temperature lower than a temperature of the first space, wherein, in the communication mechanism, air that is partially supersaturated due to air at the temperature of the first space being mixed with air cooled to the specified temperature of the second space is mixed at an appropriate mixing ratio in a mixer, thereby suppressing generation of mist or rime.

[0016] With the above-described storage chamber, when the humidified air of the first space and the air of the second space cooled in the second space are mixed in the communication mechanism, the air of the first space is mixed with the air of the second space having a lower temperature, and, in a case where an absolute humidity of the air of the first space exceeds a saturated relative humidity at the temperature of the second space, communication is stopped by closing the communication mechanism, thereby preventing products stored in the second space from being contaminated with water droplets and frost.

[0017] In the storage chamber of the present embodiment, the first space may be provided in an upper part of the second space in a vertical direction.

[0018] The storage chamber of the present embodiment may include, in the first space, a first temperature detection unit, a first humidity detection unit, and a first cooling device, and may include, in the second space, a second temperature detection unit, a second humidity detection unit, and a second cooling device. Herein, a temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit may be defined as a first temperature t1, a temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit may be defined as a second temperature t2, a relative humidity detected by the first humidity detection unit may be defined as a first relative humidity rh1, and a relative humidity detected by the second humidity detection unit may be defined as a second relative humidity rh2.

[0019] The control device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may control operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device so that the first temperature t1 becomes higher than the second temperature t2.

[0020] The storage chamber of the present embodiment includes a humidification device, and the control device may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that an absolute humidity ah1 of the first space becomes larger than a saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space. At this time, the control device may calculate the absolute humidity ah1, which is an absolute humidity of the first space, based on the first relative humidity rh1, calculate the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space based on the second temperature t2, and control operation of the humidification device such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space becomes larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space.

[0021] The control device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may open the communication mechanism while the cooling device of the second space is stopped, and may close the communication mechanism while the cooling device is in operation. Due to this, it is possible to avoid a reduction in cooling capacity caused by air being supplied during operation of the cooling device and frost being formed on the cooling device, and to suppress consumption of cooling energy by latent heat of solidification.

[0022] The humidification device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may be positioned in the first space and / or the second space.

[0023] As described above, by mixing the air of the first space and the air of the second space in the communication mechanism, water vapor that is partially supersaturated by being cooled by low-temperature air of the second space is diluted by unsaturated air of the second space at an appropriate mixing ratio, whereby the supersaturated state is eliminated and generation of mist or rime can be prevented.

[0024] In the above-described storage chamber, the first space is provided at an upper part of the second space, operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device is controlled such that the first temperature t1 becomes higher than the second temperature t2, and operation of the humidification device is controlled such that the absolute humidity ah1 becomes larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2.

[0025] The air of the first space, which has a higher humidity and a higher temperature, has a smaller specific gravity than the air of the second space, which has a lower humidity and a lower temperature. Therefore, by positioning the first space below the second space, ascending of the air of the first space and descending of the air of the second space are promoted, and convection of the air of the second space and thus humidification of the second space can be promoted via the communication mechanism.

[0026] The cooling device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a bare coil not provided with cooling fins. Due to this, a heat transfer area in which a cooling unit of the cooling device comes into contact with air can be reduced, and water condensation or frost formation on cooling fins can be prevented, so that a temperature can be lowered without decreasing a relative humidity.

[0027] The cooling device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a cooling coil. The cooling coil is part of a device used in a cooling process, and means a pipe made of metal through which a liquid or gas to be cooled flows to remove heat. The cooling device may include a cooling coil having a function as a heat exchanger with a space, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the cooling coil.

[0028] The storage chamber of the present embodiment may include, in the communication mechanism, an air blowing device that mixes or circulates the air of the first space and the air of the second space.

[0029] With the above-described storage chamber, by providing a device that forcibly mixes the air of the first space and the air of the second space, a low-temperature and high-humidity environment can be created in the second space even without conditions such as those exemplified above. The air of the first space may be blown into the second space by the air blowing device. Alternatively, the air of the second space may be blown into the first space.

[0030] The storage chamber of the present embodiment may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that the second temperature t2 is from -3 to +3°C and the second relative humidity rh2 of the second space is equal to or higher than 90%. The second temperature t2 may be an average temperature or may be a spot temperature for each measurement. The second relative humidity rh2 may be an average humidity or may be a spot humidity for each measurement. The average temperature or the average humidity may be an average value for one hour. In addition, the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a second humidity detection unit that detects the second relative humidity rh2.

[0031] With the above-described storage chamber, a state suitable for aging for long-term storage of fresh food can be maintained for a long period of time. In aging for long-term storage of fresh food, it is effective to store the food at a relative humidity around or higher than a water activity of the food to be stored. On the other hand, many fresh foods have a water activity of 0.85 to 0.98, and in high-humidity storage at a relative humidity of 90% or more, product value is lost due to growth of mold and bacteria at a normal refrigeration temperature. However, when the temperature is - 1°C to +3°C and the relative humidity is 90% or more, food can be stored in the second space without freezing, while suppressing growth of mold and bacteria at a low temperature and preventing drying by high humidity. In addition, by providing a control device that controls operation of the second humidity detection unit, operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device, and operation of the humidification device, conditions required for aging for long-term storage of fresh food can be constantly maintained.

[0032] Another aspect of the present embodiment is a refrigerated goods transport device equipped with the above-described storage chamber.

[0033] With the above-described refrigerated goods transport device, an object to be stored can be delivered while maintaining a storage state of the storage chamber.

[0034] Another aspect of the present embodiment is a delivery system that stores an object to be stored in a storage chamber, maintains a storage state of the storage chamber, and delivers the object to be stored using a refrigerated goods transport device.

[0035] With the above-described delivery system, an object to be stored can be delivered to a user while maintaining a storage state of the storage chamber.Advantageous Effect of Invention

[0036] Conventionally, since a low-temperature storage chamber is cooled by cooling equipment, variations occur in an internal temperature of the chamber, and, in order to always maintain the interior of the chamber at a saturated humidity, it is necessary to fill the storage chamber with mist-like water droplets by spray humidification or the like, which causes a problem in that stored items are contaminated by the water droplets, and it has been difficult to always store stored items at around the saturated humidity without contaminating the stored items with water droplets. However, according to the present embodiment, by mixing the air of the first space having a high water vapor content into the second space at an appropriate mixing ratio, a high-relative-humidity environment of the second space for storing foods that are sensitive to drying can be maintained without causing water condensation or frost formation on wall surfaces or foods.Brief Description of Drawings

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an upper plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side plan explanatory view of the storage chamber 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a storage chamber 2 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 3 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 4 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 5 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side plan explanatory view of a refrigerator car 6 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the refrigerator car 6 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of the refrigerator car 6 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of a storage chamber as an embodiment of the embodiment viewed from above. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing another example of an air mixer as an embodiment of the embodiment. Description of Embodiments

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described below. That is, the present embodiment can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. In addition, in the description of the drawings below, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar parts. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, proportions, or the like. Among the drawings, there may be portions in which dimensional relations or proportions differ from one another.1. Storage chamber

[0039] Figure 10A shows a schematic diagram of a storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment when viewed from above. As shown in Figure 10A, the storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment includes a first chamber 13a including a first space 10 and a second chamber 13b including a second space 20, the first space 10 and the second space 20 being in communication with each other via a communication mechanism 23 that mixes air of the first space 10 and air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio, includes a cooling device that is installed in the second space 20 and performs cooling such that a second temperature t2 of the second space 20 is lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space 10, and a control device 12 that controls the cooling device, wherein, when the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed via the communication mechanism 23, mixing is performed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in the mixed air by water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air.

[0040] When the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed via the communication mechanism 23, water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated may be generated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air. In the present embodiment, the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in the water vapor-containing air (mixed air). Due to this, the second space 20 can be humidified while suppressing water condensation or frost formation in a cooling device 20 of the second space 20.

[0041] The first space 10 is a space that supplies high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air to the second space 20, and may include a humidification device 28. The first space 10 may be provided at an upper part of the second space 20 in a vertical direction, may be provided at a lower part thereof in the vertical direction, or may be provided on a lateral side thereof in a horizontal direction. Among these, the first space 10 may be provided at the upper part of the second space 20 in the vertical direction. By providing the first space 10 at the upper part of the second space 20 in the vertical direction, natural convection is caused by weight or lightness of gas resulting from temperature and humidity, and high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air can be effectively supplied to the second space 20.

[0042] The storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment may include the humidification device 28 in the first space 10 and / or the second space 20. Among these, from a viewpoint of suppressing frost formation or water condensation in the second space 20, it is preferable that the first space 10 include the humidification device 28. Due to this, high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air can be stably generated in the first space 10.

[0043] The humidification device 28 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, for example, a steam type that heats and evaporates water, an ultrasonic type that supplies water into air in a fine mist form by ultrasonic vibration, and an evaporation type that sends air to an absorbent that has absorbed water to perform humidification by evaporation.

[0044] The second space 20 may be a space in which an object to be stored is stored, and is a space in which maintaining a low-temperature and high-humidity environment is desired. The object to be stored is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include foods such as agricultural products, livestock products, and marine products, flowers, and medical products.

[0045] From such a viewpoint, the second space 20 may include the cooling device 20, and the cooling device may perform cooling such that the second temperature t2 of the second space 20 is lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10. The cooling device may include a cooling coil through which a refrigerant passes. The cooling coil may include fins, or may be a bare coil not provided with cooling fins. A cooling coil or fins to be cooled by the refrigerant cool the interior of the storage chamber 1 by exchanging heat with gas in the storage chamber 1. Among these, a bare coil not provided with cooling fins is preferable. Accordingly, although a heat transfer area of the cooling device is reduced, occurrence of water condensation or frost formation on the cooling fins can be minimized, so that dehumidification from the second space 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, the temperature can be lowered while minimizing a decrease in relative humidity.

[0046] The cooling device 20 may include an outdoor unit that sends a refrigerant to the cooling coil. A refrigerant that is adjusted to have an arbitrary temperature by the outdoor unit circulates between the cooling coil and the outdoor unit, whereby the cooling coil may be adjusted to have an arbitrary temperature. Hereinafter, the cooling device 20 as described above is referred to as a low-dehumidification cooling device.

[0047] Alternatively, the cooling device 20 may be a dehumidification cooling device. The dehumidification cooling device includes a drain mechanism that discharges, to the outside of the second chamber 13b, water vapor that has fallen below a dew point on a surface of the cooling coil and has condensed. The drain mechanism is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a mechanism including a drain pan that collects water droplets dripping from the cooling coil and a drain hose that discharges water accumulated in the drain pan. That is, the dehumidification cooling device refers to a device having a mechanism that actively discharges condensed water vapor to the outside of the second chamber 13b.

[0048] Among these, the cooling device 20 is preferably a low-dehumidification cooling device. Due to this, humidity in the second space 20 can be maintained at a higher level.

[0049] Since the second space 20 is cooled as described above, as a trade-off, the second space 20 tends to be dehumidified, and the air therein tends to become low-temperature and low-relative-humidity air. In this regard, in the present embodiment, high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air supplied from the first space 10 is mixed with low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air that can be retained in the second space 20, thereby humidifying the second space 20.

[0050] At this time, if an excessive amount of moisture is supplied to the second space 20, water condensation or frost formation occurs in the cooling device, and performance of the cooling device decreases. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a mixing ratio of high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air and low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air is adjusted so as not to generate mist or rime. Accordingly, under the second temperature t2 of the second space 20, it becomes possible to humidify the second space 20 while suppressing occurrence of water condensation or frost formation in the cooling device.

[0051] Furthermore, in this manner, by performing cooling and humidification under conditions in which water condensation and frost formation are suppressed, a low-temperature and high-humidity environment in the second space 20 can be more stably maintained, and the object to be stored can be stored in a stable low-temperature and high-humidity environment.

[0052] The second space 20 (second chamber 13b) and the first space 10 (first chamber 13a) may be partitioned by a wall 21a and an intermediate door 21b, and the first chamber 13a may further include an outer door 22 that communicates with the outside. Although not particularly limited, the second chamber 13b may be entered after passing through the outer door 22, the first chamber 13a, and the intermediate door 21b. In this case, the first chamber 13a may be an antechamber for entering the second chamber 13b.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10A, the wall 21a that partitions the second chamber 13b and the first chamber 13a may include, as the communication mechanism 23, a first vent hole 23a and a second vent hole 23b. In Figure 10A, the first vent hole 23a is shown as mainly having a function of taking in air from the first space 10 into the second space 20, and the second vent hole 23b is shown as mainly having a function of exhausting air from the second space 20 to the first space 10; however, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, as long as it has a function of mixing the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio, the first vent hole 23a may have both an intake function and an exhaust function.

[0054] The communication mechanism 23 causes the first space 10 and the second space 20 to communicate with each other, and mixes the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio. More specifically, high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air that has flowed from the first space 10 into the second space 20 via the communication mechanism 23 is mixed with low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air within the second space 20, thereby generating water vapor-containing air (mixed air).

[0055] A form of the communication mechanism 23 is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include one or a plurality of small-diameter ducts provided in a wall of the storage chamber 1. A diameter of the small-diameter duct may preferably be equal to or larger than 0.1 cm, equal to or larger than 0.3 cm, equal to or larger than 0.5 cm, equal to or larger than 0.7 cm, or equal to or larger than 1.0 cm. In addition, the diameter of the small-diameter duct may preferably be equal to or smaller than 5 cm, equal to or smaller than 4 cm, equal to or smaller than 3 cm, equal to or smaller than 2 cm, or equal to or smaller than 1 cm. The small-diameter duct may be provided with an insect screen, a dustproof screen, or the like in order to prevent intrusion of foreign matter from the outside of the chamber. The communication mechanism 23 is not limited thereto, and may be a large-diameter duct having a diameter equal to or larger than 5 cm.

[0056] As described above, in addition to the communication mechanism 23 that mixes the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio, the second vent hole 23b may be provided to cause the first space 10 and the second space 20 to communicate with each other and to exhaust the air of the second space 20 to the first space 10. Accordingly, gas may be allowed to circulate between the first space 10 and the second space 20 by the first vent hole 23a and the second vent hole 23b. On the other hand, the second vent hole 23b may communicate with the outside of the second space 20. Due to this, gas may be supplied to the second space 20 from the first space 10 via the first vent hole 23a and discharged to the outside via the second vent hole 23b.

[0057] The control device 12 may control the cooling device to perform cooling such that the second temperature t2 of the second space 20 is lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10, and may also control the communication mechanism 23 to mix the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio. The control device 12 may adjust humidity contained in high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air by controlling the humidification device.

[0058] For example, the communication mechanism 23 may include a shutter 29 that controls a cross-sectional area of a flow path thereof, thereby adjusting a mixing ratio of the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20. The control unit described later may control the shutter 29 to control the cross-sectional area of the flow path. Furthermore, the control device 12 may open the communication mechanism 23 while the cooling device of the second space 20 is stopped, and may close the communication mechanism 23 while the cooling device is in operation. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a reduction in cooling capacity caused by air being supplied during operation of the cooling device and frost being formed on the cooling device, and to suppress consumption of cooling energy by latent heat of solidification.

[0059] In addition, the communication mechanism 23 may adjust a mixing ratio of the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 in conjunction with a control mechanism for a pressure difference between the first space 10 and the second space 20. Herein, the control mechanism for a pressure difference may be an exhaust mechanism and an intake mechanism provided in the first space 10 and the second space 20.

[0060] The communication mechanism 23 may further include an air blowing device (a first fan 24, a second fan 26) that mixes or circulates the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20. Due to this, the communication mechanism 23 can adjust a mixing ratio of the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 in conjunction with an air blowing mechanism that sends air from the first space 10 to the second space 20. An installation position of the air blowing mechanism is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include the first fan 24 on the first space 10 side and the second fan 26 on the second space 20 side.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10A, the communication mechanism 23 may include an air mixer 25 on the second space 20 side. Due to this, the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed in the air mixer 25, and mixed air can be supplied from the air mixer 25 to the second space 20. Specifically, the air of the first chamber 13a is sent to the second chamber 13b side via the first vent hole 23a by the first fan 24. The air of the first chamber 13a that has been sent in this manner flows into the air mixer 25 from the first vent hole 23a. On the other hand, on the second chamber 13b side, the air of the second chamber 13b is sent to the air mixer 25 by the second fan 26. In the air mixer 25, the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a are then mixed, and mixed gas thereof is sent to the second chamber 13b.

[0062] An amount of the air of the second chamber 13b supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the second fan 26. In addition, an amount of the air of the first chamber 13a supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the first fan 24. By adjusting air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, a mixing ratio of the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a can be adjusted, and a humidity and a temperature of the air discharged from the air mixer 25 can be arbitrarily adjusted. Due to this, even when the second chamber 13b is below the freezing point, the interior can be humidified without causing frost.

[0063] For example, when a difference in temperature and humidity between the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a is large, mist is generated when these airs are mixed, because the air of the first chamber 13a having high humidity is rapidly cooled. Such mist generated in this manner adheres to stored items and wall surfaces, thereby causing growth of mold or bacteria. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust a mixing ratio of the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a by adjusting air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 so as to prevent generation of mist. Specifically, by increasing an amount of the air of the second chamber 13b, for example, by setting the air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 to 1:5, a humidity difference and a temperature difference are adjusted, and generation of mist tends to be suppressed.

[0064] When the air of the first chamber 13a is taken in via the first vent hole 23a and the air mixer 25, air pressure of the second chamber 13b increases, and as a result, intake efficiency of the air of the first chamber 13a gradually decreases, thereby making it impossible to maintain a high-humidity environment. Therefore, the second vent hole 23b may be configured to send the air of the second chamber 13b into the first chamber 13a. Due to this, it is possible to avoid an increase in air pressure and to maintain intake efficiency of the air of the first chamber 13a by the air mixer 25, and thus maintain humidification efficiency. Furthermore, since the air of the second chamber 13b, which has a relatively low temperature, can be sent to the first chamber 13a by the second vent hole 23b, an operation load of a cooling device 11 of the first chamber 13a can be reduced.

[0065] Figure 10B shows another aspect of the air mixer 25. In the example shown in Figure 10B, the shutter 29 may be provided on the first chamber 13a side of the first vent hole 23a. By controlling a size of an opening by the shutter 29, an amount of the air of the first chamber 13a taken into the air mixer 25 and a mixing ratio with the air of the second chamber 13b can be adjusted. In addition, since the first fan 24 becomes unnecessary and only the second fan 26 is required, a device configuration can be made more space-saving and efficient. The shutter 29 may be a manual type or an electric type.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10B, the second fan 26 may be positioned downstream of the air mixer 25. Accordingly, rotation of the second fan 26 makes it possible to mix the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a more uniformly.

[0067] An internal structure of the air mixer 25 is not particularly limited as long as it is a cylindrical type as shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B; however, for example, it may have protrusions or fins. Due to this, turbulence is generated in the air mixer 25, and mixing of gas tends to be promoted. The internal structure of the air mixer 25 may be configured such that a flow path through which gas passes becomes narrower toward an outlet, or becomes wider toward the outlet. By configuring the internal structure of the air mixer 25 such that a cross-sectional area of the flow path through which gas passes becomes smaller toward the outlet, pressure applied to mixed gas increases, and mist tends to be less likely to be generated in the air mixer 25. By configuring the internal structure of the air mixer 25 such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which gas passes becomes larger toward the outlet, pressure applied to mixed gas decreases, and along with this, mixed air supplied from the air mixer 25 to the first chamber 13a becomes lower in temperature, so that humidification can be performed while suppressing an increase in temperature in the first chamber 13a.

[0068] In the present embodiment, a mixing ratio of the air of the first chamber 13a and the air of the second chamber 13b is adjusted so as to prevent generation of mist. From this viewpoint, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11, and may also appropriately adjust air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, or an opening / closing degree of the shutter 29.

[0069] Specifically, when a temperature of the gas after mixing falls below a dew point, moisture in the air condenses and mist is generated; therefore, the control device 12 adjusts the mixing ratio such that the temperature of the gas after mixing exceeds the dew point. At this time, based on information on a temperature and humidity of the air of the first chamber 13a and a temperature and humidity of the air of the second chamber 13b, the control device 12 may determine whether a temperature and humidity of the mixed gas exceed the dew point when the air of the first chamber 13a and the air of the second chamber 13b are mixed at a predetermined ratio. In a case where it falls below the dew point, a mixing ratio of the air of the first chamber 13a may be reduced by lowering the air blow amount of the first fan 24 or slightly closing the shutter 29, or a mixing ratio of the air of the second chamber 13b may be increased by increasing the air blow amount of the second fan 26.

[0070] A relative humidity sensor calibrated by a dew-point thermometer is provided in the second chamber 13b, and when an average relative humidity of an interior space of the chamber reaches 99% as measured by the humidity sensor, mixing by the air mixer and humidification by a humidifier are stopped. At the time when a value of the relative humidity sensor reaches a target average relative humidity in the chamber (for example, 98%rH), the shutter 29 is adjusted while visually checking generation of mist or rime from a window provided in the air mixer, and intake of the air of the first chamber or outside air is gradually reduced from a mixing ratio at which mist is generated. Thereafter, by fixing the shutter 29 at a position at which mist or rime is no longer generated, the air of the first chamber 13a or the outside air can be taken in while suppressing generation of mist.

[0071] Alternatively or in addition, operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device may be controlled such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space 10 is larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space 20. Specifically, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11 of the second chamber 13b and the humidification device 28 to adjust the temperature and humidity of the air of the first chamber 13a, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas not to fall below the dew point. Alternatively, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11 of the second chamber 13b to adjust the temperature and humidity of the air of the second chamber 13b, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas not to fall below the dew point.

[0072] By the control as described above, the control device 12 may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that the second temperature t2 is an arbitrary temperature within a temperature range of -3 to +3°C, and the second relative humidity rh2 is equal to or higher than 90%.

[0073] Hereinafter, specific aspects of the present embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, the communication mechanism refers to a portion that causes the first space 10 and the second space 20 to communicate with each other.(First embodiment)

[0074] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, a partition plate 102, a partition plate 104, and a partition plate 109 are arranged in a horizontal row with gaps of predetermined distances from a substantially central portion in an upper and lower direction of a side wall surface of the storage chamber 1, and wire meshes (not shown) are installed in a gap between the partition plate 102 and the partition plate 104 and a gap between the partition plate 104 and the partition plate 109. The storage chamber 1 is partitioned by the partition plates 102, 104, and 109 and the wire meshes described above such that an upper portion above these is defined as the first space 10, and a lower portion below these is defined as the second space 20.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the first space and the second space may each be a space defined by walls, and the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a first chamber including the first space and a second chamber including the second space, which may be separated from each other via a wall having an opening (communication mechanism). The wire meshes and the partition plates 102, 104, and 109 described above correspond to the communication mechanism in the present embodiment. An area in which the first space 10 and the second space 20 are in contact with each other in the communication mechanism can be adjusted depending on a volume ratio between the first space 10 and the second space 20. For example, an area in which the first space 10 and the second space 20 are in contact with each other, that is, an opening area of the communication mechanism, is preferably equivalent to 20% to 30% of a floor area inside the chamber.

[0076] As the communication mechanism in the present embodiment, in addition to the mechanism composed of the wire meshes and the partition plates, examples thereof include a lattice-shaped partition plate, a communication path that causes the first space and the second space to communicate with each other, a valve having a configuration in which the first space is the outside of the chamber and outside air is compressed by a compressor and blown into the second space by opening and closing of the valve, or a air blowing duct having a configuration in which the outside air is blown into the second space from the air blowing duct. In addition, as shown in a fourth embodiment to be described later, the communication mechanism may include a shielding unit that can be opened and closed manually or by control using a control device or the like in accordance with conditions such as a humidity inside the chamber.

[0077] The first space 10 includes a water storage tank 105, air blowing devices 106, 108, 111, and 113, and cooling devices 107 and 112. Water is stored in the water storage tank 105, and when air is blown to the water storage tank 105, air humidified by being in contact with the water is generated. The water storage tank 105 and the air blowing devices 106 and 111 are disposed on an upper part of the partition plate 104, the air blowing device 113 and the cooling device 112 are disposed on an upper part of the partition plate 102, and the air blowing device 108 and the cooling device 107 are disposed on an upper part of the partition plate 109. Due to the water storage tank 105, the cooling devices 107 and 112, and the air blowing devices 106, 108, 111, and 113 as described above, a cooled and humidified air current circulates in the first space 10.

[0078] In the wire meshes of the communication mechanism described above, the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed, and air convection due to a temperature difference may occur in the first space 10 and the second space 20. However, since the air current that is generated by the air blowing devices 106, 108, 111, and 113 has a higher wind speed than the convection, air convection due to a temperature difference occurs only in the second space 20.

[0079] In the second space 20, a cooling coil 103 is installed in an upper part of the second space 20 as part of the cooling device, and cools the second space 20.

[0080] The first space 10 may function as a supply source of humidity to the second space 20. From this viewpoint, the first temperature t1 of the first space 10 may be relatively higher than the second temperature t2 of the second space 20, and a first absolute humidity ah1 of the first space 10 may be relatively higher than a second absolute humidity ah2 of the second space 20. The first space 10 may communicate with the outside of the storage chamber 1.

[0081] The second space 20 may function as a space for storing an object to be stored. The second space 20 is cooled such that the second temperature t2 becomes lower than the first temperature t1 and humidified by the air supplied from the first space 10. Of water vapor contained in the air supplied from the first space 10, excess water vapor that becomes supersaturated is condensed on the cooling device as frost formation and / or water condensation. Accordingly, while achieving cooling and humidification of the second space 20, it is possible to prevent water droplets from adhering to stored items. Therefore, saturated-humidity storage in a low-temperature range can be achieved without concern about contamination caused by water droplets or the like.

[0082] Although the aspect in which the first space 10 is positioned above the second space 20 has been described above, the second space 20 may be positioned above the first space 10, or the first space 10 may be positioned on a side of the second space 20.(Humidity adjusting mechanism of first embodiment)

[0083] The first space 10 may include a first temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects the first temperature t1, and a first humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the first humidity rh1. In addition, the second space 20 may include a second temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects a second temperature t2, and a second humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the second humidity rh2.

[0084] A control device 110 is installed in the first space 10, the control device 110 being configured to control operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112 serving as first cooling devices and the cooling coil 103 serving as a second cooling device, and to control operation of the air blowing devices 106 and 108 for the water storage tank 105. In the present embodiment, the control device 110 is installed at a bottom portion of the water storage tank 105.

[0085] The control device 110 may control a cooling device such as the first cooling device or the second cooling device, may control a humidification device, and may control an air blowing device. Accordingly, the control device 110 may perform cooling such that the second temperature t2 of the second space is lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space, may perform cooling such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space is lower than the absolute humidity ah2 of the second space, or may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space becomes larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2.

[0086] In the present embodiment, operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112 and the cooling coil 103 may be controlled such that ON states and OFF states are switched simultaneously, or may be controlled such that, for example, the cooling devices 107 and 112 and the cooling coil 103 are each driven independently in accordance with behavior of temperature change of the storage chamber caused by factors such as a volume of the storage chamber.

[0087] The number of the cooling devices and the air blowing devices installed in the first space 10 may be one, or three or more, in accordance with behavior of temperature change of the storage chamber or the like.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the first temperature t1 is controlled to be 3 to 5°C, the second temperature t2 is controlled to be -3 to +3°C, the first relative humidity rh1 is controlled to be 87 to 97%RH, and the second relative humidity rh2 is controlled to be 90 to 100%RH, by the control device 110. At this time, the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space 10 at the first temperature t1 (3 to 5°C) is calculated to be 5.17 to 6.69 g / m 3< . The following table shows a temperature and a saturated water vapor amount in a low-temperature range. As shown in the following table, the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space at the second temperature t2 (-3 to +3°C) is calculated to be 4.69 to 5.02 g / m 3< . The storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment is controlled to be in a state in which the absolute humidity ah1 is constantly larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2, that is, to be in a state in which the first space 10 constantly contains a water vapor amount larger than the saturated water vapor amount of the second space 20. [Table 1]Temperature and saturated water vapor amount in low-temperature rangeTemperature (°C)Water vapor amount (g / m 3< )Temperature (°C)Water vapor amount (g / m 3< )-2.04.222.55.76-1.54.373.05.95-1.04.533.56.16-0.54.694.06.370.04.854.56.580.55.025.06.811.05.205.57.031.55.388.08.32.05.5610.09.4

[0089] During storage and transportation of fruits, vegetables, and the like, since they respire, it is difficult to completely block water vapor with packaging. In particular, a transportation time is long in maritime transportation, so that drying reduces product value especially in refrigerated transportation. Fruits with skins can withstand low humidity for a short period of time because they secrete oils and fats such as wax on their surfaces; however, when they are stored in a low-humidity environment for a long period of time, drying gradually progresses from a stem end part and the like, so that the fruits need to be stored at a relative humidity equal to or higher than a water activity of flesh of the fruits for long-term storage. In addition, many vegetables have a water activity of from 0.90 to 0.98 depending on types thereof, and in order to store the vegetables at a humidity equal to or higher than the water activity, it is desirable to keep a relative humidity constantly at a saturated humidity. By using the storage chamber according to the present embodiment, it is possible to construct a physical distribution system from a production area to a consumption area in which quality deterioration does not occur even during long-term storage at a low temperature and long-duration transportation. Furthermore, by performing long-term storage, open-field vegetables and the like can be sold even after a season has passed, and therefore, it is possible to provide significant benefits to both producers and consumers. In the second space, since there is an inflow of a low-speed air current of high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air from the first space during natural convection, moderate frost formation or water condensation (hereinafter referred to as "water adhesion") occurs on a bare coil surface having the lowest temperature in the second space, and supersaturated water vapor in the second space is substantially removed. The supersaturated portion that cannot be completely removed floats in the air as haze such as mist or rime in the chamber; however, by driving a blower installed in the second space, water adhesion to the bare coil can be promoted, and water adhesion to stored items can be prevented. At this time, a configuration may be employed in which a sensor that senses generation of haze is installed in the second space and driving of the blower is controlled. In addition, by intermittently or continuously introducing a small amount of outside air into the second space and periodically removing frost formed on the bare coil using a timer, it is possible to always maintain the interior of the chamber at a saturated humidity.(Second embodiment)

[0090] As shown in Figure 3, a storage chamber 2 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerator 201 and a low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 provided inside the refrigerator 201. The refrigerator 201 corresponds to the first space, and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 corresponds to the second space. Furthermore, a cold air blowoff port 202 and a humidification device 207 are provided inside the refrigerator 201.

[0091] The refrigerator 201 is cooled by the cold air blowoff port 202 such that a temperature of the refrigerator 201 becomes 8 to 10°C.

[0092] A humidification mechanism of the humidification device 207 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a heating device of an ultrasonic type, a hybrid type, a steam type, and the like. For example, although not shown, the humidification device 207 may include a filter containing water therein and an air blowing device that blows air to the filter, and may humidify the interior of the refrigerator 201 such that a relative humidity therein becomes 80%RH to 90%RH.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 3, the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 has an upper surface that is opened (open surface 204), and at the open surface 204, air in the refrigerator 201 and air in the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 are mixed, whereby air convection occurs due to a temperature difference in the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203. In the example shown in Figure 3, the open surface 204 corresponds to the communication mechanism. In the present embodiment, an area of the open surface 204 is 50% of a floor area of the refrigerator 201.

[0094] A cooling coil 205 is disposed on an upper part of the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203, and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 is cooled by the cooling coil 205 such that a temperature of the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 becomes -3 to +3°C.

[0095] Herein, an example of a configuration of the cooling device will be described. For example, a gaseous refrigerant is compressed in a compressor to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In a condenser, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent from the compressor is cooled and condensed into a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In an expansion valve, the medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser is depressurized to expand and decrease in temperature, thereby changing into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant. In the cooling coil 205, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the expansion valve evaporates to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and during this evaporation, evaporation heat is taken from surrounding air, and the surrounding air is cooled. The gaseous refrigerant that has evaporated to have a low temperature and a low pressure is sent to the compressor and is compressed again in the compressor.

[0096] Referring to the above table, a lower limit value of absolute humidity in the refrigerator 201 is 6.6 g / m 3< at 8°C and 80%, an upper limit value of a saturated water vapor amount at -3 to +3°C is 5.02 g / m 3< at 0.5°C, and the refrigerator 201 and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 are in a state in which the first space 10 constantly contains a water vapor amount larger than a saturated water vapor amount of the second space 20.

[0097] Raw tuna fillets can be stored in the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 at around 0°C in order to cause ATP to be consumed as much as possible for aging, whereas high-freshness raw fish such as natural sea breams and natural flounders can be stored in the refrigerator 201 at 9°C ± 1°C because quality improvement is achieved by delaying decomposition of ATP. Also in a case of such raw fish, since products deteriorate due to drying, they are preferably stored in a high-humidity state.(Third embodiment)

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, a storage chamber 3 of the present embodiment includes a second space 302, a communication mechanism 303, and a first space 301 in order from the top. The first space 301 includes a humidification device 304, and the first space 301 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. A cooling coil 305 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 302, and the second space 302 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes -3 to +3°C. The humidification device 304 is the same as the humidification device 207 of the second embodiment, and the cooling coil 305 is the same as the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0099] The communication mechanism 303 is a communication passage including an opening part 306 for the first space 301 and an opening part 307 for the second space 302, and an air blowing device 308 is disposed in an internal space of the communication passage. Wire meshes are provided at the opening part 306 and the opening part 307, and the first space 301, the second space 302, and the communication mechanism 303 may be partitioned by the wire meshes and wall portions of the storage chamber 3.

[0100] In addition, an air current is generated by the air blowing device 308 such that air in the internal space of the communication mechanism 303 is circulated. Due to the air current, at the opening part 306 and the opening part 307, humidified air of the first space 301 and part of cooled air of the second space 302 are mixed, thereby generating mixed air. When part of the mixed air flows out into the second space, the second space 302 is constantly humidified. Accordingly, the second space 302 can maintain a high-humidity state.

[0101] Since no cooling device is provided in the first space 301, the temperature of the first space 301 is not particularly controlled. Therefore, depending on a temperature condition and a humidification condition of the first space 301, there may be a case in which a water vapor amount exceeding a saturated water vapor amount at -3 to +3°C is supplied to the second space 302. In such a case, cooling is performed in the vicinity of the cooling coil 305 having the lowest temperature in the second space 302, frost formation occurs on the cooling coil 305, and contamination of products by water droplets can be suppressed. A drain pan (not shown) for receiving meltwater of frost and a drain of water condensation is provided below the cooling coil 305.

[0102] In the storage chamber of the third embodiment, a temperature adjustment device including a cooling device is not provided in the first space 301; however, depending on an overall size of the storage chamber of the present embodiment, a volume ratio between the first space and the second space, and an installation environment of the storage chamber of the present embodiment (for example, a case where the storage chamber is installed in a frigid zone in which an outside temperature is far below the freezing point, or a tropic zone in which an outside air temperature exceeds 30°C for a long period of time), there may be a case in which a temperature difference between the first space 301 and the second space 302 is large, whereby the effects of the present embodiment cannot be sufficiently obtained. In such a case, a temperature adjustment device that reduces a temperature difference between the first space 301 and the second space 302 may be appropriately installed in the first space 301.(Fourth embodiment)

[0103] As shown in Figure 5, a storage chamber 4 of the fourth embodiment includes a first space 401, a communication mechanism 403, and a second space 402 in order from the top. The first space 401 includes a humidification device 404, and the first space 401 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. Furthermore, a cooling device 405 is disposed in the first space 401, and the first space 401 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes 14 to 16°C. A cooling coil 406 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 402, and the second space 402 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes 8 to 12°C. The humidification device 404 has the same configuration as that of the humidification device 207 of the second embodiment, and a configuration of the cooling coil 406 is the same as that of the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0104] Humidified air of the first space 401 and part of cooled air of the second space 402 are mixed, thereby generating mixed air. When part of the mixed air flows out into the second space 402, the second space 402 is humidified. At this time, since a temperature of the second space 402 is controlled to be 8 to 12°C, in a case where a water vapor amount exceeding a saturated water vapor amount in that temperature range is supplied to the second space 402, water condensation, rather than frost formation, may occur on the cooling coil 406. As a result, the second space 402 can constantly maintain a high-humidity state. Since a water receiving tray (not shown) is disposed below the cooling coil 406 along the cooling coil 406, adhesion of the water condensation to products can be suppressed. Condensed water droplets are drained to the outside of the storage chamber 4 through a water path by the water receiving tray. In addition, for example, an air blowing device that generates airflow toward the cooling coil 406 may be disposed to prevent water condensation from occurring on the cooling coil 406.

[0105] Since a floor surface and wall surfaces of the second space 402 are also cooled to a low temperature, water condensation may occur on the floor surface and the wall surfaces. To prevent such water condensation, a roof device 407 is provided in the communication mechanism 403, the roof device 407 including a slide panel that partitions the first space 401 and the second space 402, a drive device (not shown) that drives opening and closing of the slide panel that opens and closes openings of the first space 401 and the second space 402, and an operation unit (not shown) of the drive device. In a case where air excessively flows from the first space 401 into the second space 402, the slide panel of the roof device 407 is controlled to close by the operation unit, thereby suppressing occurrence of water condensation on the floor surface and wall surfaces of the second space 402.

[0106] As described above, since quality improvement of high-freshness raw fish such as natural sea breams and natural flounders is achieved by delaying decomposition of ATP, the raw fish can be suitably stored in the second space 402 in which an internal temperature of 8 to 12°C and a high-humidity state are maintained.(Fifth embodiment)

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, a storage chamber 5 of a fifth embodiment includes a first space 501, a communication mechanism 503, and a second space 502 in order from the top. The first space 501 includes a humidification device 504, and the first space 501 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. Furthermore, a heating device 505 is disposed in the first space 501, and the first space 501 is heated such that a temperature thereof becomes 58 to 62°C. A cooling coil 506 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 502, and the second space 502 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes 53 to 57°C. The communication mechanism 503 has the same configuration as that of the communication mechanism 303 of the third embodiment.

[0108] The cooling coil 506 is a bare coil through which water at 45 to 50°C circulates, and a circulation path (not shown) is formed by a circulation pump (not shown) and a cooler (not shown) provided outside the storage chamber 5.

[0109] The humidification device 504 employs a configuration in which air is blown onto a sponge-like membrane that absorbs water to perform humidification.

[0110] Humidified air of the first space 501 and part of cooled air of the second space 502 are mixed, thereby generating mixed air. When part of the mixed air flows out into the second space 502, the second space 502 is humidified. At this time, since the temperature of the second space 502 is controlled to be 53 to 57°C, in a case where a water vapor amount exceeding a saturated water vapor amount in that temperature range is supplied to the second space 502, the water vapor is condensed, and fine water droplets float in the second space 502 (hereinafter referred to as mist).

[0111] A mist sensor module 507 is disposed inside the second space 502. The mist sensor module 507 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit arranged to face each other, causes the light emitting unit to emit an infrared laser toward the light receiving unit, counts the number of pulses blocked by mist, and detects the mist based on the number of counts. The mist sensor module 507 controls operation of a blower 508 provided in the second space 502, and when the mist sensor module 507 senses mist, the blower 508 blows air toward the cooling coil 506. Due to this, air in the second space 502 is cooled by the cooling coil 506, whereby water condensation occurs on the cooling coil 506 and generation of mist in the second space 502 is suppressed. Therefore, while a relative humidity of the second space 502 is maintained at 90% to 100%, water condensation on stored items can be prevented.(Sixth embodiment)

[0112] As an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a transport device equipped with the above-described storage chamber may be used. As shown in Figure 7, for example, a refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment includes a low-temperature and high-humidity system 601, a truck 602, and a cargo compartment 603 mounted on the truck 602. A configuration of the low-temperature and high-humidity system 601 is the same as that of the storage chamber 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a power supply mode of a cooling device 604 in the low-temperature and high-humidity system 601 will be described.

[0113] As shown in Figure 8, the cooling device 604 includes a first compressor 606 driven by a traveling engine 605 of the truck 602, a condenser 607, and an evaporator 608.

[0114] A first suction pipe 611 is connected between the first compressor 606 and the evaporator 608, a first discharge pipe 612 is connected between the first compressor 606 and the condenser 607, and a condensed liquid pipe 613 is connected between the condenser 607 and the evaporator 608. A configuration is made such that a refrigerant circulates among the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608.

[0115] The cooling device 604 further includes a motor 609 driven by a commercial power supply (not shown), and a second compressor 610 driven by the motor 609. A second suction pipe 614 is connected to an intermediate position p601 of the first suction pipe 611. A second discharge pipe 615 is connected to an intermediate position p602 of the first discharge pipe 612. A check valve 616 is provided in the first suction pipe 611 at a position between a connection portion p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611 and the first compressor 606, the check valve 616 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the evaporator 608 toward the first compressor 606.

[0116] A check valve 617 is provided in the first discharge pipe 612 at a position between the connection portion p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612 and the second compressor 610, the check valve 617 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the first compressor 606 toward the condenser 607. A check valve 618 is provided in the second suction pipe 614 at a position between the connection portion p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611 and the first compressor 606, the check valve 618 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the evaporator 608 toward the second compressor 610. A check valve 619 is provided in the second discharge pipe 615 at a position between the connection portion p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612 and the second compressor 610, the check valve 619 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the second compressor 610 toward the condenser 607.

[0117] A switching valve 620 is provided at the connection portion p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611, the switching valve 620 being configured to switch a flow of a refrigerant between a flow from the evaporator 608 to the first compressor 606 and a flow from the evaporator 608 to the second compressor 610. A switching valve 621 is provided at the connection portion p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612, the switching valve 621 being configured to switch a flow of a refrigerant between a flow from the first compressor 606 to the condenser 607 and a flow from the second compressor 610 to the condenser 607.

[0118] As shown in Figure 8, the cooling device 604 includes a crank pulley 622, an electromagnetic clutch 623 provided on a rotary shaft of the first compressor 606, a belt 624 provided between the crank pulley 622 and the electromagnetic clutch 623 and configured to transmit power of the traveling engine 605 to the first compressor 606, and a temperature sensor S601 provided in the cargo compartment 603 and configured to measure a temperature inside the cargo compartment 603. A member denoted by CL represents a control box, and SW601 represents a switch for opening and closing the electromagnetic clutch 623.

[0119] The control box CL and the switch SW601 are connected by a signal line L602, and when the switch SW601 is brought into an ON state in response to a signal from the control box CL, the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into a closed connection state, and in a case where the traveling engine 605 is being driven, the first compressor 606 is driven via the belt 624 and the electromagnetic clutch 623. When the switch SW601 is brought into an OFF state in response to a signal from the control box CL, the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into an open non-connection state, and even in a case where the traveling engine 605 is being driven, the first compressor 606 stops.

[0120] The control box CL and the temperature sensor S601 are connected by a signal line L601, and temperature information inside the cargo compartment 603 detected by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL.

[0121] As shown in Figure 8, supply of power to the motor 609 is started or stopped by the switch SW602. The control box CL and the switch SW602 are connected by a signal line L603, and the switch SW602 is switched between an ON state and an OFF state in response to a signal from the control box CL.

[0122] Next, a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the cooling device 604 will be described.

[0123] Figure 9 is an electric circuit diagram mainly showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit for operating the cooling device 604.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes a main battery 625 (vehicle battery), a belt 626, a direct-current alternator 627 that is driven via the belt 626 and charges the main battery 625, and an induction coil 629.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes an ignition switch 628, and the ignition switch 628 includes a power switch 628a for turning on the main battery 625 and a starter motor drive switch 628b for driving a starter motor (cell motor) 605a for a predetermined time. When the power switch 628a is brought into an ON state, an electric system Ea of the refrigerator car 6 and the control box CL are brought into an ON state.

[0126] In the refrigerator car 6, when the power switch 628a and the starter motor drive switch 628b are brought into an ON state, a starter motor (cell motor) 625a is driven for a predetermined time, and the traveling engine 605 is driven.

[0127] As shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes a switch SW603 for switching operation of the cooling device 604 between an operating state and a stopped state.

[0128] The switch SW603 is configured such that, when the switch SW603 is brought into an ON state, an energized state is established between a terminal g and a terminal h and between a terminal i and a terminal j, and when the switch SW603 is turned off, an electrical disconnection state is established between the terminal g and the terminal h and between the terminal i and the terminal j.

[0129] Each of members and devices such as pa and pb shown in Figure 9 represents a plug. When the plug pa and the plug pb of a commercial power supply PS are connected, the plug pa and the plug pb are electrically connected.

[0130] As shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes a switching relay R that switches an electrical connection between the main battery 625 (vehicle battery) and the commercial power supply PS and the motor 609 when the traveling engine 605 is stopped.

[0131] The refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is configured such that, when the power switch 628a and the starter motor drive switch 628b of the ignition switch 628 are brought into an ON state, the traveling engine 605 is driven by driving the starter motor (cell motor) 625a for a predetermined period of time.

[0132] In the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment, control is performed such that, when the ON state of the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is maintained, the electrical system Ea of the cooling device 604 and the control box CL are brought into an operating state. Therefore, a set temperature (Tth) inside the cargo compartment 603 can be set by the control box CL.

[0133] In addition, the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is configured such that, when the switch SW603 is brought into an ON state after the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is brought into an ON state, the induction coil 629 is brought into an energized state by power supplied from the direct-current alternator 627 driven by the traveling engine 605 to the induction coil 629, and an armature Ra of the switching relay R is brought into a state in which only a terminal a and a terminal b are in contact with each other. Accordingly, control is performed such that the electrical system Eb of the cooling device 604 is brought into an energized state, and the temperature sensor S601 is also brought into an operating state.

[0134] In the cooling device 604, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is traveling, the traveling engine 605 is being driven, and the switch SW603 is in the ON state, a temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T ≥ Tth), the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into a connected state by the switch SW601, thereby driving the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 so that the temperature in the cargo compartment 603 becomes the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0135] In the cooling device 604, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is traveling, the traveling engine 605 is being driven, and the switch SW603 is in the ON state, the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 becomes lower than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T < Tth), the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into an OFF state by the switch SW601, whereby the first compressor 606 is stopped, and the condenser 607 and the evaporator 608 are controlled to be in a stopped state.

[0136] In the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment, as described above, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is traveling and the cooling device 604 is being driven, the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 is substantially maintained at the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0137] On the other hand, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is in a stopped or parked state and the traveling engine 605 is stopped, power supply from the direct-current alternator 627 to the induction coil 629 is stopped.

[0138] In this case, in the switching relay R, the armature Ra of the switching relay R is brought into a state in which the terminal a and the terminal b are electrically non-contacted, and a terminal c and a terminal d, and a terminal e and a terminal f are in contact with each other.

[0139] The refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is controlled such that, in this state, when the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is brought into an ON state, the electrical system E of the refrigerator car 6 and the control box CL are brought into an operating state. As a result, the set temperature (Tth) inside the cargo compartment 603 can be set by the control box CL.

[0140] Next, when the switch SW603 is brought into an ON state and the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, the motor 609 is driven, the second compressor 610 is driven, the electrical system Eb of the cooling device 604 is brought into an energized state, and the temperature sensor S601 is brought into an operating state.

[0141] In the cooling device 604, even when the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked, if the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is in an ON state, the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, and the switch SW603 is in an ON state, the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T ≥ Tth), the switch SW602 is brought into an ON state, the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 are driven, and the temperature in the cargo compartment 603 is controlled to become the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0142] In the cooling device 604, even when the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked, in a case where the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is in an ON state, the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, and the switch SW603 is in an ON state, the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 becomes lower than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T < Tth), the switch SW602 is brought into an OFF state, the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 are stopped, and the temperature in the cargo compartment 603 is controlled to become the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0143] In the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment, as described above, even when the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked, the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 is substantially maintained at the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0144] Furthermore, when it is desired to stop the cooling device 604 while the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked (that is, while the traveling engine 605 is stopped), if the plug pa is disconnected from the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, power supply from the commercial power supply PS to the cooling device 604 and the motor 609 is cut off, so that the cooling device 604 stops.

[0145] In addition, when it is desired to stop the cooling device 604 while the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked (while the traveling engine 605 is stopped), by turning off the switch SW603, power supply from the commercial power supply PS to the cooling device 604 and the motor 609 is cut off even in a case where the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, so that the cooling device 604 stops.

[0146] When the traveling engine 605 is driven instead of the plug pa, a sub-battery 630 configured to be charged by the direct-current alternator 627 may be provided. In such a case, while the vehicle is stopped or parked (while the traveling engine 605 is stopped), and / or while the traveling engine 605 is stopped for a short time at an intersection or the like (during idling stop), the cooling device 604 is driven by the sub-battery, the second compressor 610, and the like, and the interior of the cargo compartment 603 is controlled to a predetermined temperature.

[0147] A power supply mode of the cooling device 604 is the same as a power supply mode of the humidification device (the air blowing devices 106 and 108 for the water storage tank 105 in the first embodiment) and the control device (the control device 110 in the first embodiment).(Seventh embodiment)

[0148] In a transport cool container or the like, when an object to be stored such as food is stored for a long period of time in the storage chamber 1 of the first embodiment, and is transported in the refrigerator car 6 of the sixth embodiment thereafter, the object to be stored can be stored and transported in a state in which a temperature and a humidity suitable for storage of the object to be stored are maintained.

[0149] For the purpose of suppressing a decrease in vessel strength and a decrease in quality of an article due to condensed water caused by high humidity, moisture on a surface and inside of the article, drip, and the like when the article is transported and stored while being maintained at a high humidity, and also enabling rapid precooling and accurate cold retention of the articles inside the vessel even in a state in which articles packaged in the vessel are densely stacked and accommodated in a cool container, a transport cool container may be used that includes a power generator as an auxiliary power source for cooling circuit operation and that maintains a temperature and a humidity suitable for storage of an object to be stored in an auxiliary manner.

[0150] The container may include a water-resistant paper vessel that has a ventilation hole penetrating therethrough for allowing cold air inside the container to flow thereinto and that packages an article to be cooled inside the container, and an absorbent sheet or the like provided inside the vessel to absorb and retain moisture generated inside the vessel.

[0151] As in a low-temperature and saturated-humidity storage chamber for home use and restaurant use, there may be cases where a sufficient space for the first space cannot be secured. In such a case, as a modification of the storage chamber of the present embodiment, an intake duct for taking outside air into the second space may be used as the first space, and alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which only the second space is provided as an internal space without providing the first space as an internal space, so that outside air having a high absolute humidity is taken into the second space. A configuration may be adopted such that air taken from an external space into an internal space is heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified in accordance with temperature conditions and humidity conditions of the external space.

[0152] The cooling device installed in the second space of the present embodiment is preferably a serpentine coil made of metal. The serpentine coil made of metal has a large surface area that comes into contact with air, thereby providing high frost formation efficiency and facilitating defrosting work.

[0153] The humidification device installed in the first space of the present embodiment may be controlled to stop a humidifying operation in a case where an amount of frost formation and / or water condensation of the cooling device in the second space is large. Specifically, in a case of the first embodiment, a mass sensor module is disposed on the cooling coil 103 to measure an amount of frost formation on the cooling coil 103. A configuration can be considered in which, in a case where the amount of frost formation exceeds a predetermined amount, driving of the air blowing device 106 and the air blowing device 111 is controlled to be stopped.

[0154] The storage chamber and the delivery system of an embodiment of the present invention can be used for long-term storage of agricultural products and for dry aging of meat, thereby suppressing deterioration in quality of food. For long-term storage of agricultural products without causing low-temperature injury, an internal temperature of 0 to 4°C and an internal relative humidity of 70 to 90% are suitable, and for dry aging of meat having a higher water activity than that of agricultural products, an internal temperature of 0 to 4°C and an internal relative humidity of 80 to 90% are suitable. With the delivery system of the present embodiment, a low-temperature and high-humidity state corresponding to food can be maintained both in a storage state and in a delivery state, thereby significantly contributing to long-term storage of agricultural products and dry aging of meat.Reference Signs List

[0155] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: storage chamber 6: refrigerator car 102, 104, 109: partition plate 105: water storage tank 106, 108, 111, 113: air blowing device 107, 112: cooling device 110: control device 201: refrigerator 202: cold air blowoff port 203: low-temperature and high-humidity box 204: open surface 10, 301, 401, 501: first space 20, 302, 402, 502: second space 303, 403, 503: communication mechanism 207, 304, 404, 504: humidification device 103, 205, 305, 406, 506: cooling coil 306, 307: opening part 308: air blowing device 405: cooling device 407: roof device 505: heating device 507: mist sensor module 601: low-temperature and high-humidity system 602: truck 603: cargo compartment 604: cooling device 605: traveling engine 606: first compressor 607: condenser 608: evaporator 609: motor 610: second compressor 611: first suction pipe 612: first discharge pipe 613: condensed liquid pipe 614: second suction pipe 615: second discharge pipe 616, 617, 618, 619: check valve p601, p602: connection portion 620, 621: switching valve 622: crank pulley 623: electromagnetic clutch 624, 626: belt 625: main battery 627: direct-current alternator 628: ignition switch 629: induction coil 630: sub-battery CL: control box R: switching relay Ra: armature S: temperature sensor PS: commercial power supply 11: cooling device 12: control device 13a: first storage chamber 13b: second storage chamber 20: second space 21a: wall 21b: intermediate door 22: outer door 23: first vent hole 24: first fan 25: air mixer 26: second fan 27: second vent hole 28: humidification device 29: shutter

Examples

first embodiment

(Humidity adjusting mechanism of first embodiment)

[0083]The first space 10 may include a first temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects the first temperature t1, and a first humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the first humidity rh1. In addition, the second space 20 may include a second temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects a second temperature t2, and a second humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the second humidity rh2.

[0084]A control device 110 is installed in the first space 10, the control device 110 being configured to control operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112 serving as first cooling devices and the cooling coil 103 serving as a second cooling device, and to control operation of the air blowing devices 106 and 108 for the water storage tank 105. In the present embodiment, the control device 110 is installed at a bottom portion of the water storage tank 105.

[0085]The control device 110 may control a cooling device su...

second embodiment

(Second embodiment)

[0090]As shown in Figure 3, a storage chamber 2 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerator 201 and a low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 provided inside the refrigerator 201. The refrigerator 201 corresponds to the first space, and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 corresponds to the second space. Furthermore, a cold air blowoff port 202 and a humidification device 207 are provided inside the refrigerator 201.

[0091] The refrigerator 201 is cooled by the cold air blowoff port 202 such that a temperature of the refrigerator 201 becomes 8 to 10°C.

[0092]A humidification mechanism of the humidification device 207 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a heating device of an ultrasonic type, a hybrid type, a steam type, and the like. For example, although not shown, the humidification device 207 may include a filter containing water therein and an air blowing device that blows air to the filter, and may humidify the interior o...

third embodiment

(Third embodiment)

[0098]As shown in Figure 4, a storage chamber 3 of the present embodiment includes a second space 302, a communication mechanism 303, and a first space 301 in order from the top. The first space 301 includes a humidification device 304, and the first space 301 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. A cooling coil 305 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 302, and the second space 302 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes -3 to +3°C. The humidification device 304 is the same as the humidification device 207 of the second embodiment, and the cooling coil 305 is the same as the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0099]The communication mechanism 303 is a communication passage including an opening part 306 for the first space 301 and an opening part 307 for the second space 302, and an air blowing device 308 is disposed in an internal space of the communication passage. Wire meshes are provided at the o...

Technical Field

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a storage chamber, a refrigerated goods transport vehicle equipped with the storage chamber, and a physical distribution system.Background Art

[0002] As a refrigerator capable of promoting aging while suppressing excessive drying and suppressing growth of putrefactive bacteria for food including meat or fish, Patent Literature 1 discloses a refrigerator including a housing room that houses food including meat or fish, a cooler, a heater, and an evaporator, and including an air current supply unit that circulates, within the housing room, gas having an average relative humidity of 60% or more and 80% or less and a temperature of -2°C or more and 5°C or less, and a first light source that irradiates food housed in the housing room with light in a wavelength region of 370 nm or more and 420 nm or less at an intensity of 5 µW / cm 2< or more and 20 µW / cm 2< or less.

[0003] In addition, as a refrigerator capable of appropriately storing various foods that are sensitive to humidity, Patent Literature 2 discloses a refrigerator in which an insulation box body composed of an inner box, an outer box, and a heat insulating material filled between the inner box and the outer box is partitioned into storage rooms including a low-humidity room, a medium-humidity room, and a high-humidity room, the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room being independently cooled by a cooling device, temperatures of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room being controlled to be equal to or higher than a refrigeration temperature, and humidities of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room being controlled to be different humidities.Citation List Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-094717 Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-098963 Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0005] However, in a case where an interior of a chamber is cooled while water is sprayed into the chamber by ultrasonic humidification or the like, there has been a problem in that water droplets adhere to food or the like stored in the chamber, thereby reducing product value.

[0006] The refrigerator described in Patent Literature 1 employs a configuration in which humidified air generated by an evaporator is blown into a housing room, the humidified air and air in the housing room are mixed, and a humidity of the housing room is increased. Due to the air being blown into the housing room, air in which the humidified air and air in the housing room are mixed is rapidly cooled in the housing room, so that supersaturated water vapor may form frost on cooling fins in the housing room, or water droplets may adhere to housed food. During operation of the cooler, a relative humidity decreases and variation in humidity increases, so that it is difficult to keep the relative humidity constant within a narrow range. In a double-wall high-humidity storage chamber, water condensation and frost formation on inner wall surfaces are unavoidable, and furthermore, when a door is kept closed for a long time, intrusion of outside air is eliminated for a long time, so that water condensation and frost formation on low-temperature wall surfaces lower the relative humidity.

[0007] Since temperatures of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room described in Patent Literature 2 are controlled to be equal to or higher than a refrigeration temperature (10 to 15°C), it is not suitable for long-term storage of food due to bacterial growth. In addition, since Patent Literature 2 has no humidification means, humidification is substantially achieved by introducing outside air during opening of a door and cooling the outside air to achieve high relative humidity. When a frequency of opening and closing of the door decreases, if supply of high-absolute-humidity air from an outside of the chamber is interrupted, humidities of the low-humidity room, the medium-humidity room, and the high-humidity room decrease. In addition, besides a frequency of opening and closing of the door, since an water vapor amount in outside air varies depending on a season and an installation place, it is difficult to maintain stable relative humidity.

[0008] Conventionally, since saturated-humidity storage cannot be achieved unless forced humidification such as spray humidification is performed due to variations in an internal temperature of the chamber, it has been difficult to perform saturated-humidity storage in a low-temperature range without concern about water droplet contamination of stored items.

[0009] Humidification and cooling are in a trade-off relation. In particular, in a low-temperature range, since a saturated water vapor amount is small, when slight frost formation occurs on cooling means such as cooling fins or refrigerant pipes, a relative humidity greatly decreases. Herein, when the interior of the chamber is forcibly humidified by a forced humidification device such as a sprayer, a high relative humidity can be achieved at a low temperature; however, in an environment with a relative humidity of 90% or more, sprayed water droplets remain suspended in the air without evaporating for a long time, so that stored items are contaminated with water droplets or frost.

[0010] In this regard, in a conventional direct cooling method in which a cooler is provided inside a chamber to perform cooling, or an indirect cooling method in which a wall surface of a storage chamber is cooled from the outside, frost formation or water condensation occurs on cooling fins or wall surfaces, so that a high relative humidity cannot be achieved. In the conventional methods, in a storage chamber around 0°C, an average relative humidity of 95 to 96% has been the limit.Solution to Problem

[0011] The present inventors have conducted intensive studies in order to solve the above-described problems. By mixing air of a space A having a higher temperature (for example, +10°C) and a high absolute humidity (for example, 95%rH) with air of a space B having an average humidity of 95%rH at -2°C, a relative humidity can be increased to 97% or more at an internal temperature of 0°C of the chamber. In addition, communication may be blocked when a value of a relative humidity sensor is 99%, or communication may be established when the value of the relative humidity sensor is 96%.

[0012] Contrary to the above-described direct cooling method and indirect cooling method, air of a low-temperature and high-humidity space B may be mixed into air of a high-temperature and high-humidity space A. As a mixing method, air of both spaces may be mixed in a mixing duct by finding a mixing ratio at a limit at which mist or rime is not generated.

[0013] Furthermore, when an absolute humidity of the outside of the chamber is higher than an absolute humidity of the interior of the chamber, such as in summer, outside air may be taken in.

[0014] That is, the storage chamber of the present embodiment includes a first space and a second space, the first space and the second space communicating with each other via a communication mechanism that mixes the air of the first space and the air of the second space at a controllable mixing ratio, and includes a cooling device that is installed in the second space and performs cooling such that a second temperature t2 of the second space is lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space, and a control device that controls the cooling device, wherein, when the air of the first space and the air of the second space are mixed via the communication mechanism, mixing is performed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in the mixed air by water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air.

[0015] As another aspect, the storage chamber of the present embodiment is a storage chamber that includes a first space and a second space therein, the first space and the second space being configured to be capable of communicating with each other via a communication mechanism, the second space being provided with a cooling device that cools a temperature of the second space to a specified temperature lower than a temperature of the first space, wherein, in the communication mechanism, air that is partially supersaturated due to air at the temperature of the first space being mixed with air cooled to the specified temperature of the second space is mixed at an appropriate mixing ratio in a mixer, thereby suppressing generation of mist or rime.

[0016] With the above-described storage chamber, when the humidified air of the first space and the air of the second space cooled in the second space are mixed in the communication mechanism, the air of the first space is mixed with the air of the second space having a lower temperature, and, in a case where an absolute humidity of the air of the first space exceeds a saturated relative humidity at the temperature of the second space, communication is stopped by closing the communication mechanism, thereby preventing products stored in the second space from being contaminated with water droplets and frost.

[0017] In the storage chamber of the present embodiment, the first space may be provided in an upper part of the second space in a vertical direction.

[0018] The storage chamber of the present embodiment may include, in the first space, a first temperature detection unit, a first humidity detection unit, and a first cooling device, and may include, in the second space, a second temperature detection unit, a second humidity detection unit, and a second cooling device. Herein, a temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit may be defined as a first temperature t1, a temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit may be defined as a second temperature t2, a relative humidity detected by the first humidity detection unit may be defined as a first relative humidity rh1, and a relative humidity detected by the second humidity detection unit may be defined as a second relative humidity rh2.

[0019] The control device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may control operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device so that the first temperature t1 becomes higher than the second temperature t2.

[0020] The storage chamber of the present embodiment includes a humidification device, and the control device may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that an absolute humidity ah1 of the first space becomes larger than a saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space. At this time, the control device may calculate the absolute humidity ah1, which is an absolute humidity of the first space, based on the first relative humidity rh1, calculate the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space based on the second temperature t2, and control operation of the humidification device such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space becomes larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space.

[0021] The control device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may open the communication mechanism while the cooling device of the second space is stopped, and may close the communication mechanism while the cooling device is in operation. Due to this, it is possible to avoid a reduction in cooling capacity caused by air being supplied during operation of the cooling device and frost being formed on the cooling device, and to suppress consumption of cooling energy by latent heat of solidification.

[0022] The humidification device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may be positioned in the first space and / or the second space.

[0023] As described above, by mixing the air of the first space and the air of the second space in the communication mechanism, water vapor that is partially supersaturated by being cooled by low-temperature air of the second space is diluted by unsaturated air of the second space at an appropriate mixing ratio, whereby the supersaturated state is eliminated and generation of mist or rime can be prevented.

[0024] In the above-described storage chamber, the first space is provided at an upper part of the second space, operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device is controlled such that the first temperature t1 becomes higher than the second temperature t2, and operation of the humidification device is controlled such that the absolute humidity ah1 becomes larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2.

[0025] The air of the first space, which has a higher humidity and a higher temperature, has a smaller specific gravity than the air of the second space, which has a lower humidity and a lower temperature. Therefore, by positioning the first space below the second space, ascending of the air of the first space and descending of the air of the second space are promoted, and convection of the air of the second space and thus humidification of the second space can be promoted via the communication mechanism.

[0026] The cooling device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a bare coil not provided with cooling fins. Due to this, a heat transfer area in which a cooling unit of the cooling device comes into contact with air can be reduced, and water condensation or frost formation on cooling fins can be prevented, so that a temperature can be lowered without decreasing a relative humidity.

[0027] The cooling device of the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a cooling coil. The cooling coil is part of a device used in a cooling process, and means a pipe made of metal through which a liquid or gas to be cooled flows to remove heat. The cooling device may include a cooling coil having a function as a heat exchanger with a space, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the cooling coil.

[0028] The storage chamber of the present embodiment may include, in the communication mechanism, an air blowing device that mixes or circulates the air of the first space and the air of the second space.

[0029] With the above-described storage chamber, by providing a device that forcibly mixes the air of the first space and the air of the second space, a low-temperature and high-humidity environment can be created in the second space even without conditions such as those exemplified above. The air of the first space may be blown into the second space by the air blowing device. Alternatively, the air of the second space may be blown into the first space.

[0030] The storage chamber of the present embodiment may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that the second temperature t2 is from -3 to +3°C and the second relative humidity rh2 of the second space is equal to or higher than 90%. The second temperature t2 may be an average temperature or may be a spot temperature for each measurement. The second relative humidity rh2 may be an average humidity or may be a spot humidity for each measurement. The average temperature or the average humidity may be an average value for one hour. In addition, the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a second humidity detection unit that detects the second relative humidity rh2.

[0031] With the above-described storage chamber, a state suitable for aging for long-term storage of fresh food can be maintained for a long period of time. In aging for long-term storage of fresh food, it is effective to store the food at a relative humidity around or higher than a water activity of the food to be stored. On the other hand, many fresh foods have a water activity of 0.85 to 0.98, and in high-humidity storage at a relative humidity of 90% or more, product value is lost due to growth of mold and bacteria at a normal refrigeration temperature. However, when the temperature is - 1°C to +3°C and the relative humidity is 90% or more, food can be stored in the second space without freezing, while suppressing growth of mold and bacteria at a low temperature and preventing drying by high humidity. In addition, by providing a control device that controls operation of the second humidity detection unit, operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device, and operation of the humidification device, conditions required for aging for long-term storage of fresh food can be constantly maintained.

[0032] Another aspect of the present embodiment is a refrigerated goods transport device equipped with the above-described storage chamber.

[0033] With the above-described refrigerated goods transport device, an object to be stored can be delivered while maintaining a storage state of the storage chamber.

[0034] Another aspect of the present embodiment is a delivery system that stores an object to be stored in a storage chamber, maintains a storage state of the storage chamber, and delivers the object to be stored using a refrigerated goods transport device.

[0035] With the above-described delivery system, an object to be stored can be delivered to a user while maintaining a storage state of the storage chamber.Advantageous Effect of Invention

[0036] Conventionally, since a low-temperature storage chamber is cooled by cooling equipment, variations occur in an internal temperature of the chamber, and, in order to always maintain the interior of the chamber at a saturated humidity, it is necessary to fill the storage chamber with mist-like water droplets by spray humidification or the like, which causes a problem in that stored items are contaminated by the water droplets, and it has been difficult to always store stored items at around the saturated humidity without contaminating the stored items with water droplets. However, according to the present embodiment, by mixing the air of the first space having a high water vapor content into the second space at an appropriate mixing ratio, a high-relative-humidity environment of the second space for storing foods that are sensitive to drying can be maintained without causing water condensation or frost formation on wall surfaces or foods.Brief Description of Drawings

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an upper plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side plan explanatory view of the storage chamber 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a storage chamber 2 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 3 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 4 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side plan explanatory view of a storage chamber 5 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side plan explanatory view of a refrigerator car 6 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the refrigerator car 6 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of the refrigerator car 6 as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of a storage chamber as an embodiment of the embodiment viewed from above. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing another example of an air mixer as an embodiment of the embodiment. Description of Embodiments

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described below. That is, the present embodiment can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. In addition, in the description of the drawings below, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar parts. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, proportions, or the like. Among the drawings, there may be portions in which dimensional relations or proportions differ from one another.1. Storage chamber

[0039] Figure 10A shows a schematic diagram of a storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment when viewed from above. As shown in Figure 10A, the storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment includes a first chamber 13a including a first space 10 and a second chamber 13b including a second space 20, the first space 10 and the second space 20 being in communication with each other via a communication mechanism 23 that mixes air of the first space 10 and air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio, includes a cooling device that is installed in the second space 20 and performs cooling such that a second temperature t2 of the second space 20 is lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space 10, and a control device 12 that controls the cooling device, wherein, when the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed via the communication mechanism 23, mixing is performed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in the mixed air by water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air.

[0040] When the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed via the communication mechanism 23, water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated may be generated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air. In the present embodiment, the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in the water vapor-containing air (mixed air). Due to this, the second space 20 can be humidified while suppressing water condensation or frost formation in a cooling device 20 of the second space 20.

[0041] The first space 10 is a space that supplies high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air to the second space 20, and may include a humidification device 28. The first space 10 may be provided at an upper part of the second space 20 in a vertical direction, may be provided at a lower part thereof in the vertical direction, or may be provided on a lateral side thereof in a horizontal direction. Among these, the first space 10 may be provided at the upper part of the second space 20 in the vertical direction. By providing the first space 10 at the upper part of the second space 20 in the vertical direction, natural convection is caused by weight or lightness of gas resulting from temperature and humidity, and high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air can be effectively supplied to the second space 20.

[0042] The storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment may include the humidification device 28 in the first space 10 and / or the second space 20. Among these, from a viewpoint of suppressing frost formation or water condensation in the second space 20, it is preferable that the first space 10 include the humidification device 28. Due to this, high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air can be stably generated in the first space 10.

[0043] The humidification device 28 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, for example, a steam type that heats and evaporates water, an ultrasonic type that supplies water into air in a fine mist form by ultrasonic vibration, and an evaporation type that sends air to an absorbent that has absorbed water to perform humidification by evaporation.

[0044] The second space 20 may be a space in which an object to be stored is stored, and is a space in which maintaining a low-temperature and high-humidity environment is desired. The object to be stored is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include foods such as agricultural products, livestock products, and marine products, flowers, and medical products.

[0045] From such a viewpoint, the second space 20 may include the cooling device 20, and the cooling device may perform cooling such that the second temperature t2 of the second space 20 is lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10. The cooling device may include a cooling coil through which a refrigerant passes. The cooling coil may include fins, or may be a bare coil not provided with cooling fins. A cooling coil or fins to be cooled by the refrigerant cool the interior of the storage chamber 1 by exchanging heat with gas in the storage chamber 1. Among these, a bare coil not provided with cooling fins is preferable. Accordingly, although a heat transfer area of the cooling device is reduced, occurrence of water condensation or frost formation on the cooling fins can be minimized, so that dehumidification from the second space 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, the temperature can be lowered while minimizing a decrease in relative humidity.

[0046] The cooling device 20 may include an outdoor unit that sends a refrigerant to the cooling coil. A refrigerant that is adjusted to have an arbitrary temperature by the outdoor unit circulates between the cooling coil and the outdoor unit, whereby the cooling coil may be adjusted to have an arbitrary temperature. Hereinafter, the cooling device 20 as described above is referred to as a low-dehumidification cooling device.

[0047] Alternatively, the cooling device 20 may be a dehumidification cooling device. The dehumidification cooling device includes a drain mechanism that discharges, to the outside of the second chamber 13b, water vapor that has fallen below a dew point on a surface of the cooling coil and has condensed. The drain mechanism is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a mechanism including a drain pan that collects water droplets dripping from the cooling coil and a drain hose that discharges water accumulated in the drain pan. That is, the dehumidification cooling device refers to a device having a mechanism that actively discharges condensed water vapor to the outside of the second chamber 13b.

[0048] Among these, the cooling device 20 is preferably a low-dehumidification cooling device. Due to this, humidity in the second space 20 can be maintained at a higher level.

[0049] Since the second space 20 is cooled as described above, as a trade-off, the second space 20 tends to be dehumidified, and the air therein tends to become low-temperature and low-relative-humidity air. In this regard, in the present embodiment, high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air supplied from the first space 10 is mixed with low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air that can be retained in the second space 20, thereby humidifying the second space 20.

[0050] At this time, if an excessive amount of moisture is supplied to the second space 20, water condensation or frost formation occurs in the cooling device, and performance of the cooling device decreases. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a mixing ratio of high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air and low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air is adjusted so as not to generate mist or rime. Accordingly, under the second temperature t2 of the second space 20, it becomes possible to humidify the second space 20 while suppressing occurrence of water condensation or frost formation in the cooling device.

[0051] Furthermore, in this manner, by performing cooling and humidification under conditions in which water condensation and frost formation are suppressed, a low-temperature and high-humidity environment in the second space 20 can be more stably maintained, and the object to be stored can be stored in a stable low-temperature and high-humidity environment.

[0052] The second space 20 (second chamber 13b) and the first space 10 (first chamber 13a) may be partitioned by a wall 21a and an intermediate door 21b, and the first chamber 13a may further include an outer door 22 that communicates with the outside. Although not particularly limited, the second chamber 13b may be entered after passing through the outer door 22, the first chamber 13a, and the intermediate door 21b. In this case, the first chamber 13a may be an antechamber for entering the second chamber 13b.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10A, the wall 21a that partitions the second chamber 13b and the first chamber 13a may include, as the communication mechanism 23, a first vent hole 23a and a second vent hole 23b. In Figure 10A, the first vent hole 23a is shown as mainly having a function of taking in air from the first space 10 into the second space 20, and the second vent hole 23b is shown as mainly having a function of exhausting air from the second space 20 to the first space 10; however, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, as long as it has a function of mixing the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio, the first vent hole 23a may have both an intake function and an exhaust function.

[0054] The communication mechanism 23 causes the first space 10 and the second space 20 to communicate with each other, and mixes the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio. More specifically, high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air that has flowed from the first space 10 into the second space 20 via the communication mechanism 23 is mixed with low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air within the second space 20, thereby generating water vapor-containing air (mixed air).

[0055] A form of the communication mechanism 23 is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include one or a plurality of small-diameter ducts provided in a wall of the storage chamber 1. A diameter of the small-diameter duct may preferably be equal to or larger than 0.1 cm, equal to or larger than 0.3 cm, equal to or larger than 0.5 cm, equal to or larger than 0.7 cm, or equal to or larger than 1.0 cm. In addition, the diameter of the small-diameter duct may preferably be equal to or smaller than 5 cm, equal to or smaller than 4 cm, equal to or smaller than 3 cm, equal to or smaller than 2 cm, or equal to or smaller than 1 cm. The small-diameter duct may be provided with an insect screen, a dustproof screen, or the like in order to prevent intrusion of foreign matter from the outside of the chamber. The communication mechanism 23 is not limited thereto, and may be a large-diameter duct having a diameter equal to or larger than 5 cm.

[0056] As described above, in addition to the communication mechanism 23 that mixes the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio, the second vent hole 23b may be provided to cause the first space 10 and the second space 20 to communicate with each other and to exhaust the air of the second space 20 to the first space 10. Accordingly, gas may be allowed to circulate between the first space 10 and the second space 20 by the first vent hole 23a and the second vent hole 23b. On the other hand, the second vent hole 23b may communicate with the outside of the second space 20. Due to this, gas may be supplied to the second space 20 from the first space 10 via the first vent hole 23a and discharged to the outside via the second vent hole 23b.

[0057] The control device 12 may control the cooling device to perform cooling such that the second temperature t2 of the second space 20 is lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10, and may also control the communication mechanism 23 to mix the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 at a controllable mixing ratio. The control device 12 may adjust humidity contained in high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air by controlling the humidification device.

[0058] For example, the communication mechanism 23 may include a shutter 29 that controls a cross-sectional area of a flow path thereof, thereby adjusting a mixing ratio of the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20. The control unit described later may control the shutter 29 to control the cross-sectional area of the flow path. Furthermore, the control device 12 may open the communication mechanism 23 while the cooling device of the second space 20 is stopped, and may close the communication mechanism 23 while the cooling device is in operation. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a reduction in cooling capacity caused by air being supplied during operation of the cooling device and frost being formed on the cooling device, and to suppress consumption of cooling energy by latent heat of solidification.

[0059] In addition, the communication mechanism 23 may adjust a mixing ratio of the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 in conjunction with a control mechanism for a pressure difference between the first space 10 and the second space 20. Herein, the control mechanism for a pressure difference may be an exhaust mechanism and an intake mechanism provided in the first space 10 and the second space 20.

[0060] The communication mechanism 23 may further include an air blowing device (a first fan 24, a second fan 26) that mixes or circulates the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20. Due to this, the communication mechanism 23 can adjust a mixing ratio of the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 in conjunction with an air blowing mechanism that sends air from the first space 10 to the second space 20. An installation position of the air blowing mechanism is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include the first fan 24 on the first space 10 side and the second fan 26 on the second space 20 side.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10A, the communication mechanism 23 may include an air mixer 25 on the second space 20 side. Due to this, the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed in the air mixer 25, and mixed air can be supplied from the air mixer 25 to the second space 20. Specifically, the air of the first chamber 13a is sent to the second chamber 13b side via the first vent hole 23a by the first fan 24. The air of the first chamber 13a that has been sent in this manner flows into the air mixer 25 from the first vent hole 23a. On the other hand, on the second chamber 13b side, the air of the second chamber 13b is sent to the air mixer 25 by the second fan 26. In the air mixer 25, the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a are then mixed, and mixed gas thereof is sent to the second chamber 13b.

[0062] An amount of the air of the second chamber 13b supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the second fan 26. In addition, an amount of the air of the first chamber 13a supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the first fan 24. By adjusting air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, a mixing ratio of the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a can be adjusted, and a humidity and a temperature of the air discharged from the air mixer 25 can be arbitrarily adjusted. Due to this, even when the second chamber 13b is below the freezing point, the interior can be humidified without causing frost.

[0063] For example, when a difference in temperature and humidity between the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a is large, mist is generated when these airs are mixed, because the air of the first chamber 13a having high humidity is rapidly cooled. Such mist generated in this manner adheres to stored items and wall surfaces, thereby causing growth of mold or bacteria. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust a mixing ratio of the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a by adjusting air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 so as to prevent generation of mist. Specifically, by increasing an amount of the air of the second chamber 13b, for example, by setting the air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 to 1:5, a humidity difference and a temperature difference are adjusted, and generation of mist tends to be suppressed.

[0064] When the air of the first chamber 13a is taken in via the first vent hole 23a and the air mixer 25, air pressure of the second chamber 13b increases, and as a result, intake efficiency of the air of the first chamber 13a gradually decreases, thereby making it impossible to maintain a high-humidity environment. Therefore, the second vent hole 23b may be configured to send the air of the second chamber 13b into the first chamber 13a. Due to this, it is possible to avoid an increase in air pressure and to maintain intake efficiency of the air of the first chamber 13a by the air mixer 25, and thus maintain humidification efficiency. Furthermore, since the air of the second chamber 13b, which has a relatively low temperature, can be sent to the first chamber 13a by the second vent hole 23b, an operation load of a cooling device 11 of the first chamber 13a can be reduced.

[0065] Figure 10B shows another aspect of the air mixer 25. In the example shown in Figure 10B, the shutter 29 may be provided on the first chamber 13a side of the first vent hole 23a. By controlling a size of an opening by the shutter 29, an amount of the air of the first chamber 13a taken into the air mixer 25 and a mixing ratio with the air of the second chamber 13b can be adjusted. In addition, since the first fan 24 becomes unnecessary and only the second fan 26 is required, a device configuration can be made more space-saving and efficient. The shutter 29 may be a manual type or an electric type.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10B, the second fan 26 may be positioned downstream of the air mixer 25. Accordingly, rotation of the second fan 26 makes it possible to mix the air of the second chamber 13b and the air of the first chamber 13a more uniformly.

[0067] An internal structure of the air mixer 25 is not particularly limited as long as it is a cylindrical type as shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B; however, for example, it may have protrusions or fins. Due to this, turbulence is generated in the air mixer 25, and mixing of gas tends to be promoted. The internal structure of the air mixer 25 may be configured such that a flow path through which gas passes becomes narrower toward an outlet, or becomes wider toward the outlet. By configuring the internal structure of the air mixer 25 such that a cross-sectional area of the flow path through which gas passes becomes smaller toward the outlet, pressure applied to mixed gas increases, and mist tends to be less likely to be generated in the air mixer 25. By configuring the internal structure of the air mixer 25 such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which gas passes becomes larger toward the outlet, pressure applied to mixed gas decreases, and along with this, mixed air supplied from the air mixer 25 to the first chamber 13a becomes lower in temperature, so that humidification can be performed while suppressing an increase in temperature in the first chamber 13a.

[0068] In the present embodiment, a mixing ratio of the air of the first chamber 13a and the air of the second chamber 13b is adjusted so as to prevent generation of mist. From this viewpoint, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11, and may also appropriately adjust air blow amounts of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, or an opening / closing degree of the shutter 29.

[0069] Specifically, when a temperature of the gas after mixing falls below a dew point, moisture in the air condenses and mist is generated; therefore, the control device 12 adjusts the mixing ratio such that the temperature of the gas after mixing exceeds the dew point. At this time, based on information on a temperature and humidity of the air of the first chamber 13a and a temperature and humidity of the air of the second chamber 13b, the control device 12 may determine whether a temperature and humidity of the mixed gas exceed the dew point when the air of the first chamber 13a and the air of the second chamber 13b are mixed at a predetermined ratio. In a case where it falls below the dew point, a mixing ratio of the air of the first chamber 13a may be reduced by lowering the air blow amount of the first fan 24 or slightly closing the shutter 29, or a mixing ratio of the air of the second chamber 13b may be increased by increasing the air blow amount of the second fan 26.

[0070] A relative humidity sensor calibrated by a dew-point thermometer is provided in the second chamber 13b, and when an average relative humidity of an interior space of the chamber reaches 99% as measured by the humidity sensor, mixing by the air mixer and humidification by a humidifier are stopped. At the time when a value of the relative humidity sensor reaches a target average relative humidity in the chamber (for example, 98%rH), the shutter 29 is adjusted while visually checking generation of mist or rime from a window provided in the air mixer, and intake of the air of the first chamber or outside air is gradually reduced from a mixing ratio at which mist is generated. Thereafter, by fixing the shutter 29 at a position at which mist or rime is no longer generated, the air of the first chamber 13a or the outside air can be taken in while suppressing generation of mist.

[0071] Alternatively or in addition, operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device may be controlled such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space 10 is larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space 20. Specifically, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11 of the second chamber 13b and the humidification device 28 to adjust the temperature and humidity of the air of the first chamber 13a, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas not to fall below the dew point. Alternatively, the control device 12 may control the cooling device 11 of the second chamber 13b to adjust the temperature and humidity of the air of the second chamber 13b, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas not to fall below the dew point.

[0072] By the control as described above, the control device 12 may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that the second temperature t2 is an arbitrary temperature within a temperature range of -3 to +3°C, and the second relative humidity rh2 is equal to or higher than 90%.

[0073] Hereinafter, specific aspects of the present embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, the communication mechanism refers to a portion that causes the first space 10 and the second space 20 to communicate with each other.(First embodiment)

[0074] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, a partition plate 102, a partition plate 104, and a partition plate 109 are arranged in a horizontal row with gaps of predetermined distances from a substantially central portion in an upper and lower direction of a side wall surface of the storage chamber 1, and wire meshes (not shown) are installed in a gap between the partition plate 102 and the partition plate 104 and a gap between the partition plate 104 and the partition plate 109. The storage chamber 1 is partitioned by the partition plates 102, 104, and 109 and the wire meshes described above such that an upper portion above these is defined as the first space 10, and a lower portion below these is defined as the second space 20.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the first space and the second space may each be a space defined by walls, and the storage chamber of the present embodiment may include a first chamber including the first space and a second chamber including the second space, which may be separated from each other via a wall having an opening (communication mechanism). The wire meshes and the partition plates 102, 104, and 109 described above correspond to the communication mechanism in the present embodiment. An area in which the first space 10 and the second space 20 are in contact with each other in the communication mechanism can be adjusted depending on a volume ratio between the first space 10 and the second space 20. For example, an area in which the first space 10 and the second space 20 are in contact with each other, that is, an opening area of the communication mechanism, is preferably equivalent to 20% to 30% of a floor area inside the chamber.

[0076] As the communication mechanism in the present embodiment, in addition to the mechanism composed of the wire meshes and the partition plates, examples thereof include a lattice-shaped partition plate, a communication path that causes the first space and the second space to communicate with each other, a valve having a configuration in which the first space is the outside of the chamber and outside air is compressed by a compressor and blown into the second space by opening and closing of the valve, or a air blowing duct having a configuration in which the outside air is blown into the second space from the air blowing duct. In addition, as shown in a fourth embodiment to be described later, the communication mechanism may include a shielding unit that can be opened and closed manually or by control using a control device or the like in accordance with conditions such as a humidity inside the chamber.

[0077] The first space 10 includes a water storage tank 105, air blowing devices 106, 108, 111, and 113, and cooling devices 107 and 112. Water is stored in the water storage tank 105, and when air is blown to the water storage tank 105, air humidified by being in contact with the water is generated. The water storage tank 105 and the air blowing devices 106 and 111 are disposed on an upper part of the partition plate 104, the air blowing device 113 and the cooling device 112 are disposed on an upper part of the partition plate 102, and the air blowing device 108 and the cooling device 107 are disposed on an upper part of the partition plate 109. Due to the water storage tank 105, the cooling devices 107 and 112, and the air blowing devices 106, 108, 111, and 113 as described above, a cooled and humidified air current circulates in the first space 10.

[0078] In the wire meshes of the communication mechanism described above, the air of the first space 10 and the air of the second space 20 are mixed, and air convection due to a temperature difference may occur in the first space 10 and the second space 20. However, since the air current that is generated by the air blowing devices 106, 108, 111, and 113 has a higher wind speed than the convection, air convection due to a temperature difference occurs only in the second space 20.

[0079] In the second space 20, a cooling coil 103 is installed in an upper part of the second space 20 as part of the cooling device, and cools the second space 20.

[0080] The first space 10 may function as a supply source of humidity to the second space 20. From this viewpoint, the first temperature t1 of the first space 10 may be relatively higher than the second temperature t2 of the second space 20, and a first absolute humidity ah1 of the first space 10 may be relatively higher than a second absolute humidity ah2 of the second space 20. The first space 10 may communicate with the outside of the storage chamber 1.

[0081] The second space 20 may function as a space for storing an object to be stored. The second space 20 is cooled such that the second temperature t2 becomes lower than the first temperature t1 and humidified by the air supplied from the first space 10. Of water vapor contained in the air supplied from the first space 10, excess water vapor that becomes supersaturated is condensed on the cooling device as frost formation and / or water condensation. Accordingly, while achieving cooling and humidification of the second space 20, it is possible to prevent water droplets from adhering to stored items. Therefore, saturated-humidity storage in a low-temperature range can be achieved without concern about contamination caused by water droplets or the like.

[0082] Although the aspect in which the first space 10 is positioned above the second space 20 has been described above, the second space 20 may be positioned above the first space 10, or the first space 10 may be positioned on a side of the second space 20.(Humidity adjusting mechanism of first embodiment)

[0083] The first space 10 may include a first temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects the first temperature t1, and a first humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the first humidity rh1. In addition, the second space 20 may include a second temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects a second temperature t2, and a second humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the second humidity rh2.

[0084] A control device 110 is installed in the first space 10, the control device 110 being configured to control operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112 serving as first cooling devices and the cooling coil 103 serving as a second cooling device, and to control operation of the air blowing devices 106 and 108 for the water storage tank 105. In the present embodiment, the control device 110 is installed at a bottom portion of the water storage tank 105.

[0085] The control device 110 may control a cooling device such as the first cooling device or the second cooling device, may control a humidification device, and may control an air blowing device. Accordingly, the control device 110 may perform cooling such that the second temperature t2 of the second space is lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space, may perform cooling such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space is lower than the absolute humidity ah2 of the second space, or may control operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device such that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space becomes larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2.

[0086] In the present embodiment, operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112 and the cooling coil 103 may be controlled such that ON states and OFF states are switched simultaneously, or may be controlled such that, for example, the cooling devices 107 and 112 and the cooling coil 103 are each driven independently in accordance with behavior of temperature change of the storage chamber caused by factors such as a volume of the storage chamber.

[0087] The number of the cooling devices and the air blowing devices installed in the first space 10 may be one, or three or more, in accordance with behavior of temperature change of the storage chamber or the like.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the first temperature t1 is controlled to be 3 to 5°C, the second temperature t2 is controlled to be -3 to +3°C, the first relative humidity rh1 is controlled to be 87 to 97%RH, and the second relative humidity rh2 is controlled to be 90 to 100%RH, by the control device 110. At this time, the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space 10 at the first temperature t1 (3 to 5°C) is calculated to be 5.17 to 6.69 g / m 3< . The following table shows a temperature and a saturated water vapor amount in a low-temperature range. As shown in the following table, the saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space at the second temperature t2 (-3 to +3°C) is calculated to be 4.69 to 5.02 g / m 3< . The storage chamber 1 of the present embodiment is controlled to be in a state in which the absolute humidity ah1 is constantly larger than the saturated water vapor amount w2, that is, to be in a state in which the first space 10 constantly contains a water vapor amount larger than the saturated water vapor amount of the second space 20. [Table 1]Temperature and saturated water vapor amount in low-temperature rangeTemperature (°C)Water vapor amount (g / m 3< )Temperature (°C)Water vapor amount (g / m 3< )-2.04.222.55.76-1.54.373.05.95-1.04.533.56.16-0.54.694.06.370.04.854.56.580.55.025.06.811.05.205.57.031.55.388.08.32.05.5610.09.4

[0089] During storage and transportation of fruits, vegetables, and the like, since they respire, it is difficult to completely block water vapor with packaging. In particular, a transportation time is long in maritime transportation, so that drying reduces product value especially in refrigerated transportation. Fruits with skins can withstand low humidity for a short period of time because they secrete oils and fats such as wax on their surfaces; however, when they are stored in a low-humidity environment for a long period of time, drying gradually progresses from a stem end part and the like, so that the fruits need to be stored at a relative humidity equal to or higher than a water activity of flesh of the fruits for long-term storage. In addition, many vegetables have a water activity of from 0.90 to 0.98 depending on types thereof, and in order to store the vegetables at a humidity equal to or higher than the water activity, it is desirable to keep a relative humidity constantly at a saturated humidity. By using the storage chamber according to the present embodiment, it is possible to construct a physical distribution system from a production area to a consumption area in which quality deterioration does not occur even during long-term storage at a low temperature and long-duration transportation. Furthermore, by performing long-term storage, open-field vegetables and the like can be sold even after a season has passed, and therefore, it is possible to provide significant benefits to both producers and consumers. In the second space, since there is an inflow of a low-speed air current of high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air from the first space during natural convection, moderate frost formation or water condensation (hereinafter referred to as "water adhesion") occurs on a bare coil surface having the lowest temperature in the second space, and supersaturated water vapor in the second space is substantially removed. The supersaturated portion that cannot be completely removed floats in the air as haze such as mist or rime in the chamber; however, by driving a blower installed in the second space, water adhesion to the bare coil can be promoted, and water adhesion to stored items can be prevented. At this time, a configuration may be employed in which a sensor that senses generation of haze is installed in the second space and driving of the blower is controlled. In addition, by intermittently or continuously introducing a small amount of outside air into the second space and periodically removing frost formed on the bare coil using a timer, it is possible to always maintain the interior of the chamber at a saturated humidity.(Second embodiment)

[0090] As shown in Figure 3, a storage chamber 2 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerator 201 and a low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 provided inside the refrigerator 201. The refrigerator 201 corresponds to the first space, and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 corresponds to the second space. Furthermore, a cold air blowoff port 202 and a humidification device 207 are provided inside the refrigerator 201.

[0091] The refrigerator 201 is cooled by the cold air blowoff port 202 such that a temperature of the refrigerator 201 becomes 8 to 10°C.

[0092] A humidification mechanism of the humidification device 207 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a heating device of an ultrasonic type, a hybrid type, a steam type, and the like. For example, although not shown, the humidification device 207 may include a filter containing water therein and an air blowing device that blows air to the filter, and may humidify the interior of the refrigerator 201 such that a relative humidity therein becomes 80%RH to 90%RH.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 3, the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 has an upper surface that is opened (open surface 204), and at the open surface 204, air in the refrigerator 201 and air in the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 are mixed, whereby air convection occurs due to a temperature difference in the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203. In the example shown in Figure 3, the open surface 204 corresponds to the communication mechanism. In the present embodiment, an area of the open surface 204 is 50% of a floor area of the refrigerator 201.

[0094] A cooling coil 205 is disposed on an upper part of the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203, and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 is cooled by the cooling coil 205 such that a temperature of the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 becomes -3 to +3°C.

[0095] Herein, an example of a configuration of the cooling device will be described. For example, a gaseous refrigerant is compressed in a compressor to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In a condenser, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent from the compressor is cooled and condensed into a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In an expansion valve, the medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser is depressurized to expand and decrease in temperature, thereby changing into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant. In the cooling coil 205, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the expansion valve evaporates to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and during this evaporation, evaporation heat is taken from surrounding air, and the surrounding air is cooled. The gaseous refrigerant that has evaporated to have a low temperature and a low pressure is sent to the compressor and is compressed again in the compressor.

[0096] Referring to the above table, a lower limit value of absolute humidity in the refrigerator 201 is 6.6 g / m 3< at 8°C and 80%, an upper limit value of a saturated water vapor amount at -3 to +3°C is 5.02 g / m 3< at 0.5°C, and the refrigerator 201 and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 are in a state in which the first space 10 constantly contains a water vapor amount larger than a saturated water vapor amount of the second space 20.

[0097] Raw tuna fillets can be stored in the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 at around 0°C in order to cause ATP to be consumed as much as possible for aging, whereas high-freshness raw fish such as natural sea breams and natural flounders can be stored in the refrigerator 201 at 9°C ± 1°C because quality improvement is achieved by delaying decomposition of ATP. Also in a case of such raw fish, since products deteriorate due to drying, they are preferably stored in a high-humidity state.(Third embodiment)

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, a storage chamber 3 of the present embodiment includes a second space 302, a communication mechanism 303, and a first space 301 in order from the top. The first space 301 includes a humidification device 304, and the first space 301 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. A cooling coil 305 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 302, and the second space 302 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes -3 to +3°C. The humidification device 304 is the same as the humidification device 207 of the second embodiment, and the cooling coil 305 is the same as the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0099] The communication mechanism 303 is a communication passage including an opening part 306 for the first space 301 and an opening part 307 for the second space 302, and an air blowing device 308 is disposed in an internal space of the communication passage. Wire meshes are provided at the opening part 306 and the opening part 307, and the first space 301, the second space 302, and the communication mechanism 303 may be partitioned by the wire meshes and wall portions of the storage chamber 3.

[0100] In addition, an air current is generated by the air blowing device 308 such that air in the internal space of the communication mechanism 303 is circulated. Due to the air current, at the opening part 306 and the opening part 307, humidified air of the first space 301 and part of cooled air of the second space 302 are mixed, thereby generating mixed air. When part of the mixed air flows out into the second space, the second space 302 is constantly humidified. Accordingly, the second space 302 can maintain a high-humidity state.

[0101] Since no cooling device is provided in the first space 301, the temperature of the first space 301 is not particularly controlled. Therefore, depending on a temperature condition and a humidification condition of the first space 301, there may be a case in which a water vapor amount exceeding a saturated water vapor amount at -3 to +3°C is supplied to the second space 302. In such a case, cooling is performed in the vicinity of the cooling coil 305 having the lowest temperature in the second space 302, frost formation occurs on the cooling coil 305, and contamination of products by water droplets can be suppressed. A drain pan (not shown) for receiving meltwater of frost and a drain of water condensation is provided below the cooling coil 305.

[0102] In the storage chamber of the third embodiment, a temperature adjustment device including a cooling device is not provided in the first space 301; however, depending on an overall size of the storage chamber of the present embodiment, a volume ratio between the first space and the second space, and an installation environment of the storage chamber of the present embodiment (for example, a case where the storage chamber is installed in a frigid zone in which an outside temperature is far below the freezing point, or a tropic zone in which an outside air temperature exceeds 30°C for a long period of time), there may be a case in which a temperature difference between the first space 301 and the second space 302 is large, whereby the effects of the present embodiment cannot be sufficiently obtained. In such a case, a temperature adjustment device that reduces a temperature difference between the first space 301 and the second space 302 may be appropriately installed in the first space 301.(Fourth embodiment)

[0103] As shown in Figure 5, a storage chamber 4 of the fourth embodiment includes a first space 401, a communication mechanism 403, and a second space 402 in order from the top. The first space 401 includes a humidification device 404, and the first space 401 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. Furthermore, a cooling device 405 is disposed in the first space 401, and the first space 401 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes 14 to 16°C. A cooling coil 406 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 402, and the second space 402 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes 8 to 12°C. The humidification device 404 has the same configuration as that of the humidification device 207 of the second embodiment, and a configuration of the cooling coil 406 is the same as that of the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0104] Humidified air of the first space 401 and part of cooled air of the second space 402 are mixed, thereby generating mixed air. When part of the mixed air flows out into the second space 402, the second space 402 is humidified. At this time, since a temperature of the second space 402 is controlled to be 8 to 12°C, in a case where a water vapor amount exceeding a saturated water vapor amount in that temperature range is supplied to the second space 402, water condensation, rather than frost formation, may occur on the cooling coil 406. As a result, the second space 402 can constantly maintain a high-humidity state. Since a water receiving tray (not shown) is disposed below the cooling coil 406 along the cooling coil 406, adhesion of the water condensation to products can be suppressed. Condensed water droplets are drained to the outside of the storage chamber 4 through a water path by the water receiving tray. In addition, for example, an air blowing device that generates airflow toward the cooling coil 406 may be disposed to prevent water condensation from occurring on the cooling coil 406.

[0105] Since a floor surface and wall surfaces of the second space 402 are also cooled to a low temperature, water condensation may occur on the floor surface and the wall surfaces. To prevent such water condensation, a roof device 407 is provided in the communication mechanism 403, the roof device 407 including a slide panel that partitions the first space 401 and the second space 402, a drive device (not shown) that drives opening and closing of the slide panel that opens and closes openings of the first space 401 and the second space 402, and an operation unit (not shown) of the drive device. In a case where air excessively flows from the first space 401 into the second space 402, the slide panel of the roof device 407 is controlled to close by the operation unit, thereby suppressing occurrence of water condensation on the floor surface and wall surfaces of the second space 402.

[0106] As described above, since quality improvement of high-freshness raw fish such as natural sea breams and natural flounders is achieved by delaying decomposition of ATP, the raw fish can be suitably stored in the second space 402 in which an internal temperature of 8 to 12°C and a high-humidity state are maintained.(Fifth embodiment)

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, a storage chamber 5 of a fifth embodiment includes a first space 501, a communication mechanism 503, and a second space 502 in order from the top. The first space 501 includes a humidification device 504, and the first space 501 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. Furthermore, a heating device 505 is disposed in the first space 501, and the first space 501 is heated such that a temperature thereof becomes 58 to 62°C. A cooling coil 506 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 502, and the second space 502 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes 53 to 57°C. The communication mechanism 503 has the same configuration as that of the communication mechanism 303 of the third embodiment.

[0108] The cooling coil 506 is a bare coil through which water at 45 to 50°C circulates, and a circulation path (not shown) is formed by a circulation pump (not shown) and a cooler (not shown) provided outside the storage chamber 5.

[0109] The humidification device 504 employs a configuration in which air is blown onto a sponge-like membrane that absorbs water to perform humidification.

[0110] Humidified air of the first space 501 and part of cooled air of the second space 502 are mixed, thereby generating mixed air. When part of the mixed air flows out into the second space 502, the second space 502 is humidified. At this time, since the temperature of the second space 502 is controlled to be 53 to 57°C, in a case where a water vapor amount exceeding a saturated water vapor amount in that temperature range is supplied to the second space 502, the water vapor is condensed, and fine water droplets float in the second space 502 (hereinafter referred to as mist).

[0111] A mist sensor module 507 is disposed inside the second space 502. The mist sensor module 507 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit arranged to face each other, causes the light emitting unit to emit an infrared laser toward the light receiving unit, counts the number of pulses blocked by mist, and detects the mist based on the number of counts. The mist sensor module 507 controls operation of a blower 508 provided in the second space 502, and when the mist sensor module 507 senses mist, the blower 508 blows air toward the cooling coil 506. Due to this, air in the second space 502 is cooled by the cooling coil 506, whereby water condensation occurs on the cooling coil 506 and generation of mist in the second space 502 is suppressed. Therefore, while a relative humidity of the second space 502 is maintained at 90% to 100%, water condensation on stored items can be prevented.(Sixth embodiment)

[0112] As an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a transport device equipped with the above-described storage chamber may be used. As shown in Figure 7, for example, a refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment includes a low-temperature and high-humidity system 601, a truck 602, and a cargo compartment 603 mounted on the truck 602. A configuration of the low-temperature and high-humidity system 601 is the same as that of the storage chamber 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a power supply mode of a cooling device 604 in the low-temperature and high-humidity system 601 will be described.

[0113] As shown in Figure 8, the cooling device 604 includes a first compressor 606 driven by a traveling engine 605 of the truck 602, a condenser 607, and an evaporator 608.

[0114] A first suction pipe 611 is connected between the first compressor 606 and the evaporator 608, a first discharge pipe 612 is connected between the first compressor 606 and the condenser 607, and a condensed liquid pipe 613 is connected between the condenser 607 and the evaporator 608. A configuration is made such that a refrigerant circulates among the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608.

[0115] The cooling device 604 further includes a motor 609 driven by a commercial power supply (not shown), and a second compressor 610 driven by the motor 609. A second suction pipe 614 is connected to an intermediate position p601 of the first suction pipe 611. A second discharge pipe 615 is connected to an intermediate position p602 of the first discharge pipe 612. A check valve 616 is provided in the first suction pipe 611 at a position between a connection portion p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611 and the first compressor 606, the check valve 616 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the evaporator 608 toward the first compressor 606.

[0116] A check valve 617 is provided in the first discharge pipe 612 at a position between the connection portion p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612 and the second compressor 610, the check valve 617 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the first compressor 606 toward the condenser 607. A check valve 618 is provided in the second suction pipe 614 at a position between the connection portion p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611 and the first compressor 606, the check valve 618 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the evaporator 608 toward the second compressor 610. A check valve 619 is provided in the second discharge pipe 615 at a position between the connection portion p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612 and the second compressor 610, the check valve 619 allowing a refrigerant to flow from the second compressor 610 toward the condenser 607.

[0117] A switching valve 620 is provided at the connection portion p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611, the switching valve 620 being configured to switch a flow of a refrigerant between a flow from the evaporator 608 to the first compressor 606 and a flow from the evaporator 608 to the second compressor 610. A switching valve 621 is provided at the connection portion p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612, the switching valve 621 being configured to switch a flow of a refrigerant between a flow from the first compressor 606 to the condenser 607 and a flow from the second compressor 610 to the condenser 607.

[0118] As shown in Figure 8, the cooling device 604 includes a crank pulley 622, an electromagnetic clutch 623 provided on a rotary shaft of the first compressor 606, a belt 624 provided between the crank pulley 622 and the electromagnetic clutch 623 and configured to transmit power of the traveling engine 605 to the first compressor 606, and a temperature sensor S601 provided in the cargo compartment 603 and configured to measure a temperature inside the cargo compartment 603. A member denoted by CL represents a control box, and SW601 represents a switch for opening and closing the electromagnetic clutch 623.

[0119] The control box CL and the switch SW601 are connected by a signal line L602, and when the switch SW601 is brought into an ON state in response to a signal from the control box CL, the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into a closed connection state, and in a case where the traveling engine 605 is being driven, the first compressor 606 is driven via the belt 624 and the electromagnetic clutch 623. When the switch SW601 is brought into an OFF state in response to a signal from the control box CL, the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into an open non-connection state, and even in a case where the traveling engine 605 is being driven, the first compressor 606 stops.

[0120] The control box CL and the temperature sensor S601 are connected by a signal line L601, and temperature information inside the cargo compartment 603 detected by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL.

[0121] As shown in Figure 8, supply of power to the motor 609 is started or stopped by the switch SW602. The control box CL and the switch SW602 are connected by a signal line L603, and the switch SW602 is switched between an ON state and an OFF state in response to a signal from the control box CL.

[0122] Next, a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the cooling device 604 will be described.

[0123] Figure 9 is an electric circuit diagram mainly showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit for operating the cooling device 604.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes a main battery 625 (vehicle battery), a belt 626, a direct-current alternator 627 that is driven via the belt 626 and charges the main battery 625, and an induction coil 629.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes an ignition switch 628, and the ignition switch 628 includes a power switch 628a for turning on the main battery 625 and a starter motor drive switch 628b for driving a starter motor (cell motor) 605a for a predetermined time. When the power switch 628a is brought into an ON state, an electric system Ea of the refrigerator car 6 and the control box CL are brought into an ON state.

[0126] In the refrigerator car 6, when the power switch 628a and the starter motor drive switch 628b are brought into an ON state, a starter motor (cell motor) 625a is driven for a predetermined time, and the traveling engine 605 is driven.

[0127] As shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes a switch SW603 for switching operation of the cooling device 604 between an operating state and a stopped state.

[0128] The switch SW603 is configured such that, when the switch SW603 is brought into an ON state, an energized state is established between a terminal g and a terminal h and between a terminal i and a terminal j, and when the switch SW603 is turned off, an electrical disconnection state is established between the terminal g and the terminal h and between the terminal i and the terminal j.

[0129] Each of members and devices such as pa and pb shown in Figure 9 represents a plug. When the plug pa and the plug pb of a commercial power supply PS are connected, the plug pa and the plug pb are electrically connected.

[0130] As shown in Figure 9, the cooling device 604 includes a switching relay R that switches an electrical connection between the main battery 625 (vehicle battery) and the commercial power supply PS and the motor 609 when the traveling engine 605 is stopped.

[0131] The refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is configured such that, when the power switch 628a and the starter motor drive switch 628b of the ignition switch 628 are brought into an ON state, the traveling engine 605 is driven by driving the starter motor (cell motor) 625a for a predetermined period of time.

[0132] In the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment, control is performed such that, when the ON state of the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is maintained, the electrical system Ea of the cooling device 604 and the control box CL are brought into an operating state. Therefore, a set temperature (Tth) inside the cargo compartment 603 can be set by the control box CL.

[0133] In addition, the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is configured such that, when the switch SW603 is brought into an ON state after the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is brought into an ON state, the induction coil 629 is brought into an energized state by power supplied from the direct-current alternator 627 driven by the traveling engine 605 to the induction coil 629, and an armature Ra of the switching relay R is brought into a state in which only a terminal a and a terminal b are in contact with each other. Accordingly, control is performed such that the electrical system Eb of the cooling device 604 is brought into an energized state, and the temperature sensor S601 is also brought into an operating state.

[0134] In the cooling device 604, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is traveling, the traveling engine 605 is being driven, and the switch SW603 is in the ON state, a temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T ≥ Tth), the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into a connected state by the switch SW601, thereby driving the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 so that the temperature in the cargo compartment 603 becomes the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0135] In the cooling device 604, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is traveling, the traveling engine 605 is being driven, and the switch SW603 is in the ON state, the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 becomes lower than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T < Tth), the electromagnetic clutch 623 is brought into an OFF state by the switch SW601, whereby the first compressor 606 is stopped, and the condenser 607 and the evaporator 608 are controlled to be in a stopped state.

[0136] In the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment, as described above, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is traveling and the cooling device 604 is being driven, the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 is substantially maintained at the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0137] On the other hand, in a case where the refrigerator car 6 is in a stopped or parked state and the traveling engine 605 is stopped, power supply from the direct-current alternator 627 to the induction coil 629 is stopped.

[0138] In this case, in the switching relay R, the armature Ra of the switching relay R is brought into a state in which the terminal a and the terminal b are electrically non-contacted, and a terminal c and a terminal d, and a terminal e and a terminal f are in contact with each other.

[0139] The refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is controlled such that, in this state, when the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is brought into an ON state, the electrical system E of the refrigerator car 6 and the control box CL are brought into an operating state. As a result, the set temperature (Tth) inside the cargo compartment 603 can be set by the control box CL.

[0140] Next, when the switch SW603 is brought into an ON state and the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, the motor 609 is driven, the second compressor 610 is driven, the electrical system Eb of the cooling device 604 is brought into an energized state, and the temperature sensor S601 is brought into an operating state.

[0141] In the cooling device 604, even when the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked, if the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is in an ON state, the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, and the switch SW603 is in an ON state, the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T ≥ Tth), the switch SW602 is brought into an ON state, the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 are driven, and the temperature in the cargo compartment 603 is controlled to become the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0142] In the cooling device 604, even when the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked, in a case where the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is in an ON state, the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, and the switch SW603 is in an ON state, the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and in a case where the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 becomes lower than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T < Tth), the switch SW602 is brought into an OFF state, the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 are stopped, and the temperature in the cargo compartment 603 is controlled to become the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0143] In the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment, as described above, even when the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked, the temperature (T) in the cargo compartment 603 is substantially maintained at the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0144] Furthermore, when it is desired to stop the cooling device 604 while the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked (that is, while the traveling engine 605 is stopped), if the plug pa is disconnected from the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, power supply from the commercial power supply PS to the cooling device 604 and the motor 609 is cut off, so that the cooling device 604 stops.

[0145] In addition, when it is desired to stop the cooling device 604 while the refrigerator car 6 of the present embodiment is stopped or parked (while the traveling engine 605 is stopped), by turning off the switch SW603, power supply from the commercial power supply PS to the cooling device 604 and the motor 609 is cut off even in a case where the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, so that the cooling device 604 stops.

[0146] When the traveling engine 605 is driven instead of the plug pa, a sub-battery 630 configured to be charged by the direct-current alternator 627 may be provided. In such a case, while the vehicle is stopped or parked (while the traveling engine 605 is stopped), and / or while the traveling engine 605 is stopped for a short time at an intersection or the like (during idling stop), the cooling device 604 is driven by the sub-battery, the second compressor 610, and the like, and the interior of the cargo compartment 603 is controlled to a predetermined temperature.

[0147] A power supply mode of the cooling device 604 is the same as a power supply mode of the humidification device (the air blowing devices 106 and 108 for the water storage tank 105 in the first embodiment) and the control device (the control device 110 in the first embodiment).(Seventh embodiment)

[0148] In a transport cool container or the like, when an object to be stored such as food is stored for a long period of time in the storage chamber 1 of the first embodiment, and is transported in the refrigerator car 6 of the sixth embodiment thereafter, the object to be stored can be stored and transported in a state in which a temperature and a humidity suitable for storage of the object to be stored are maintained.

[0149] For the purpose of suppressing a decrease in vessel strength and a decrease in quality of an article due to condensed water caused by high humidity, moisture on a surface and inside of the article, drip, and the like when the article is transported and stored while being maintained at a high humidity, and also enabling rapid precooling and accurate cold retention of the articles inside the vessel even in a state in which articles packaged in the vessel are densely stacked and accommodated in a cool container, a transport cool container may be used that includes a power generator as an auxiliary power source for cooling circuit operation and that maintains a temperature and a humidity suitable for storage of an object to be stored in an auxiliary manner.

[0150] The container may include a water-resistant paper vessel that has a ventilation hole penetrating therethrough for allowing cold air inside the container to flow thereinto and that packages an article to be cooled inside the container, and an absorbent sheet or the like provided inside the vessel to absorb and retain moisture generated inside the vessel.

[0151] As in a low-temperature and saturated-humidity storage chamber for home use and restaurant use, there may be cases where a sufficient space for the first space cannot be secured. In such a case, as a modification of the storage chamber of the present embodiment, an intake duct for taking outside air into the second space may be used as the first space, and alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which only the second space is provided as an internal space without providing the first space as an internal space, so that outside air having a high absolute humidity is taken into the second space. A configuration may be adopted such that air taken from an external space into an internal space is heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified in accordance with temperature conditions and humidity conditions of the external space.

[0152] The cooling device installed in the second space of the present embodiment is preferably a serpentine coil made of metal. The serpentine coil made of metal has a large surface area that comes into contact with air, thereby providing high frost formation efficiency and facilitating defrosting work.

[0153] The humidification device installed in the first space of the present embodiment may be controlled to stop a humidifying operation in a case where an amount of frost formation and / or water condensation of the cooling device in the second space is large. Specifically, in a case of the first embodiment, a mass sensor module is disposed on the cooling coil 103 to measure an amount of frost formation on the cooling coil 103. A configuration can be considered in which, in a case where the amount of frost formation exceeds a predetermined amount, driving of the air blowing device 106 and the air blowing device 111 is controlled to be stopped.

[0154] The storage chamber and the delivery system of an embodiment of the present invention can be used for long-term storage of agricultural products and for dry aging of meat, thereby suppressing deterioration in quality of food. For long-term storage of agricultural products without causing low-temperature injury, an internal temperature of 0 to 4°C and an internal relative humidity of 70 to 90% are suitable, and for dry aging of meat having a higher water activity than that of agricultural products, an internal temperature of 0 to 4°C and an internal relative humidity of 80 to 90% are suitable. With the delivery system of the present embodiment, a low-temperature and high-humidity state corresponding to food can be maintained both in a storage state and in a delivery state, thereby significantly contributing to long-term storage of agricultural products and dry aging of meat.Reference Signs List

[0155] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: storage chamber 6: refrigerator car 102, 104, 109: partition plate 105: water storage tank 106, 108, 111, 113: air blowing device 107, 112: cooling device 110: control device 201: refrigerator 202: cold air blowoff port 203: low-temperature and high-humidity box 204: open surface 10, 301, 401, 501: first space 20, 302, 402, 502: second space 303, 403, 503: communication mechanism 207, 304, 404, 504: humidification device 103, 205, 305, 406, 506: cooling coil 306, 307: opening part 308: air blowing device 405: cooling device 407: roof device 505: heating device 507: mist sensor module 601: low-temperature and high-humidity system 602: truck 603: cargo compartment 604: cooling device 605: traveling engine 606: first compressor 607: condenser 608: evaporator 609: motor 610: second compressor 611: first suction pipe 612: first discharge pipe 613: condensed liquid pipe 614: second suction pipe 615: second discharge pipe 616, 617, 618, 619: check valve p601, p602: connection portion 620, 621: switching valve 622: crank pulley 623: electromagnetic clutch 624, 626: belt 625: main battery 627: direct-current alternator 628: ignition switch 629: induction coil 630: sub-battery CL: control box R: switching relay Ra: armature S: temperature sensor PS: commercial power supply 11: cooling device 12: control device 13a: first storage chamber 13b: second storage chamber 20: second space 21a: wall 21b: intermediate door 22: outer door 23: first vent hole 24: first fan 25: air mixer 26: second fan 27: second vent hole 28: humidification device 29: shutter

Examples

first embodiment

(Humidity adjusting mechanism of first embodiment)

[0083]The first space 10 may include a first temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects the first temperature t1, and a first humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the first humidity rh1. In addition, the second space 20 may include a second temperature detection unit (not shown) that detects a second temperature t2, and a second humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the second humidity rh2.

[0084]A control device 110 is installed in the first space 10, the control device 110 being configured to control operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112 serving as first cooling devices and the cooling coil 103 serving as a second cooling device, and to control operation of the air blowing devices 106 and 108 for the water storage tank 105. In the present embodiment, the control device 110 is installed at a bottom portion of the water storage tank 105.

[0085]The control device 110 may control a cooling device su...

second embodiment

(Second embodiment)

[0090]As shown in Figure 3, a storage chamber 2 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerator 201 and a low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 provided inside the refrigerator 201. The refrigerator 201 corresponds to the first space, and the low-temperature and high-humidity box 203 corresponds to the second space. Furthermore, a cold air blowoff port 202 and a humidification device 207 are provided inside the refrigerator 201.

[0091] The refrigerator 201 is cooled by the cold air blowoff port 202 such that a temperature of the refrigerator 201 becomes 8 to 10°C.

[0092]A humidification mechanism of the humidification device 207 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a heating device of an ultrasonic type, a hybrid type, a steam type, and the like. For example, although not shown, the humidification device 207 may include a filter containing water therein and an air blowing device that blows air to the filter, and may humidify the interior o...

third embodiment

(Third embodiment)

[0098]As shown in Figure 4, a storage chamber 3 of the present embodiment includes a second space 302, a communication mechanism 303, and a first space 301 in order from the top. The first space 301 includes a humidification device 304, and the first space 301 is humidified such that a relative humidity thereof becomes 80%RH to 90%RH. A cooling coil 305 is disposed in an upper part of the second space 302, and the second space 302 is cooled such that a temperature thereof becomes -3 to +3°C. The humidification device 304 is the same as the humidification device 207 of the second embodiment, and the cooling coil 305 is the same as the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0099]The communication mechanism 303 is a communication passage including an opening part 306 for the first space 301 and an opening part 307 for the second space 302, and an air blowing device 308 is disposed in an internal space of the communication passage. Wire meshes are provided at the o...

Claims

1. A storage chamber including a first space and a second space, the first space and the second space communicating with each other via a communication mechanism that mixes air of the first space and air of the second space at a controllable mixing ratio, the storage chamber comprising: a cooling device that is installed in the second space and performs cooling such that a second temperature t2 of the second space is lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space; and a control device that controls the cooling device, wherein when the air of the first space and the air of the second space are mixed via the communication mechanism, mixing is performed at a mixing ratio at which mist or rime is not generated, near a boundary at which mist or rime is generated or not generated in mixed air by water vapor-containing air that is partially supersaturated due to high-temperature and high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by low-temperature and low-absolute-humidity air.

2. The storage chamber according to claim 1, wherein the first space is provided in an upper part in a vertical direction of the second space.

3. The storage chamber according to claim 1, comprising a humidification device, wherein the control device controls operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device so that an absolute humidity ah1 of the first space is larger than a saturated water vapor amount w2 of the second space.

4. The storage chamber according to claim 1, wherein the control device opens the communication mechanism while the cooling device of the second space is stopped, and closes the communication mechanism while the cooling device is in operation.

5. The storage chamber according to claim 3, wherein the humidification device is positioned in the first space and / or the second space.

6. The storage chamber according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device comprises a bare coil not provided with cooling fins.

7. The storage chamber according to claim 1, wherein the communication mechanism comprises an air blowing device that mixes or circulates the air of the first space and the air of the second space.

8. The storage chamber according to claim 1, comprising a humidification device, wherein the control device controls operation of the cooling device and / or the humidification device so that an average temperature t2 of the second space is an arbitrary temperature within a temperature range of -3 to +3°C, and an average relative humidity rh2 of the second space is equal to or higher than 90%.

9. A refrigerated goods transport device equipped with the storage chamber according to claim 1.

10. A delivery system, wherein an object to be stored is stored in the storage chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a storage state of the storage chamber is maintained, and the object to be stored is delivered by using the refrigerated goods transport device according to claim 9.

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