Freezer

Abstract

To improve visibility of a lower side of a conveyer belt for conveying a cooled object in a freezer.SOLUTION: A freezer according to one embodiment includes: a lower chamber positioned between an approach path portion and a return path portion of a conveyer belt for conveying a cooled object; and a lower cooled air ejection part for ejecting cooled air from the lower chamber. The lower chamber includes: a first lower chamber; and second lower chambers provided at a position deviated from each other from the first lower chamber in a convey direction of the conveyer belt. The first lower chamber and the second lower chamber have a tapered shape in which a fluid path cross-section area reduces from an upstream side to a downstream side of the first lower chamber and the second lower chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled, particularly food.

Background Art

[0002] As a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled, particularly food, there is known a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled placed on the forward path portion of a conveyor belt for conveyance by cold air ejected at least from below the forward path portion of the conveyor belt (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to eject cold air from below the forward path portion of the conveyor belt toward the conveyor belt, it is necessary to dispose a structure for ejecting cold air below the forward path portion of the conveyor belt. Therefore, the visibility of the return path portion of the conveyor belt and the floor surface below it is affected. Particularly in the case of a freezer for food, good visibility of the return path portion of the conveyor belt and the floor surface below it is important from a hygienic aspect.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to improve the visibility below a conveyor belt for conveying an object to be cooled in a freezer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The freezer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is A lower chamber located between the forward path portion and the return path portion of a conveyor belt for conveying an object to be cooled, A lower cold air ejection portion for ejecting cold air from the lower chamber, and is provided with, The lower chamber, A first lower chamber, A second lower chamber provided at a position shifted from the first lower chamber in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and includes, The first lower chamber and the second lower chamber have a tapered shape in which the flow path cross-sectional area decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first lower chamber and the second lower chamber.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the visibility below the conveyor belt for conveying an object to be cooled in the freezer can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure thereto, but are merely illustrative examples. For example, expressions representing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric", or "coaxial" not only strictly represent such arrangements, but also represent states of relative displacement with tolerances or at angles and distances such that the same function can be obtained. For example, expressions representing that things such as "identical", "equal", and "homogeneous" are in an equal state not only strictly represent an equal state, but also represent states in which there are tolerances or differences such that the same function can be obtained. For example, expressions representing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc. within a range where the same effect can be obtained. On the other hand, the expressions "comprising", "having", "including", or "possessing" a component are not exclusive expressions excluding the existence of other components.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a freezer according to an embodiment when viewed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction, and is a view corresponding to the arrow I-I view in FIG. 4 described later. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the freezer according to one embodiment when viewed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and corresponds to the view taken along the arrow II-II in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the freezer according to one embodiment when viewed from the side, and corresponds to the view taken along the arrow III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the freezer according to one embodiment when viewed from the side, and corresponds to the view taken along the arrow IV-IV in FIG. 1.

[0011] The freezer 1 according to one embodiment is a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled, particularly food. The freezer 1 includes a housing 10 that houses the main component devices of the freezer 1 therein, a belt conveyor 3 for conveying the object to be cooled 2, a heat exchanger 4 for cooling air, and a fan 5 for circulating the cooled air (cold air) CA (see FIG. 7A) cooled by the heat exchanger within the freezer. The freezer 1 according to one embodiment includes an upper chamber 11 and a lower chamber 13 capable of storing the cold air from the fan 5 therein, and a communication duct 15 that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 13. The freezer 1 according to one embodiment is installed, for example, on the floor surface 91 of a factory or the like of an operator who cools or freezes the object to be cooled 2 by the freezer 1. In addition, in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 9 described later, the description of the object to be cooled 2 is omitted.

[0012] The freezer 1 according to one embodiment includes at least one refrigeration unit section 6 including a heat exchanger 4, a fan 5, an upper chamber 11, a lower chamber 13, and a communication duct 15. In the freezer 1 described below, a plurality of refrigeration unit sections 6 are arranged within one housing 10 along the conveyance direction of the object to be cooled 2. In addition, in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 9 described later, two refrigeration unit sections 6 arranged along the conveyance direction of the object to be cooled 2 are shown. The freezer 1 according to one embodiment may include two refrigeration unit parts 6 arranged in the conveyance direction of the object to be cooled 2, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS. 5, 6, and 9 described later. It may also include one refrigeration unit part 6, or may include three or more refrigeration unit parts 6 arranged in the conveyance direction of the object to be cooled 2.

[0013] (Belt conveyor 3) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the belt conveyor 3 includes a conveyor belt 17 for conveying the object to be cooled 2 and a drive motor (not shown) for driving the conveyor belt 17. The conveyor belt 17 is, for example, a mesh belt formed by knitting metal wire strips in a mesh shape and can place the object to be cooled 2 thereon. The conveyor belt 17 is driven by a drive motor (not shown) and can convey the object to be cooled 2 placed on the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 in the conveyance direction. In the following description, the conveyance direction of the object to be cooled 2 by the conveyor belt 17 is also referred to as the conveyance direction of the conveyor belt 17 or simply the conveyance direction.

[0014] (Heat exchanger 4) The heat exchanger 4 is a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant from a cooling device such as a refrigerator (not shown) and the air in the housing 10 passing through the heat exchanger 4. In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the heat exchanger 4 is arranged at a height interval from the upper chamber 11 above the upper chamber 11 described later.

[0015] (Fan 5) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the fan 5 is arranged above the upper chamber 11. In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, as described later, the cold air CA after cooling the object to be cooled 2 can pass through the outside of the fan casing 5b surrounding the fan blade 5a of the fan 5.

[0016] In FIGS. 1, 2, and FIGS. 7A to 8 described later, like the portions marked with the alphabetical symbol ie in FIG. 1, short straight lines extending in the normal direction of the opening surface are drawn on the inner edge of the opening at the opening of each component.

[0017] (Upper chamber 11) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the upper chamber 11 is a chamber located above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 and capable of storing cold air inside. When a plurality of refrigeration unit portions 6 are arranged in one housing 10 along the conveyance direction, the upper chamber 11 communicates with the upper chambers 11 of the refrigeration unit portions 6 adjacent to each other in the conveyance direction.

[0018] At the lower part of the upper chamber 11, an upper cold air ejection portion 21 for ejecting cold air from the upper chamber 11 toward the object to be cooled 2 placed on the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 is provided. The upper cold air ejection portion 21 includes a plurality of slit nozzles 23 arranged along the conveyance direction. The slit nozzle 23 is a nozzle for ejecting cold air having a slit-shaped opening extending in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 formed at the lower end. In the following description, the width direction of the conveyor belt 17, that is, the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction and the height direction of the conveyor belt 17, is also simply referred to as the width direction.

[0019] At the side portions in the width direction of the upper chamber 11, openings 31 and 32 for supplying the cold air CA in the upper chamber 11 to a communication duct 15 that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 13 are provided. The opening 31 is provided at one side portion in the width direction of the upper chamber 11, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, at the right side portion in FIG. 1. The opening 32 is provided at the other side portion in the width direction of the upper chamber 11, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, at the left side portion in FIG. 2.

[0020] (Lower chamber 13) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the lower chamber 13 is a chamber that is located between the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 and the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17 and can store cold air inside. In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the lower chamber 13 includes a first lower chamber 131 and a second lower chamber 132 that are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the transport direction and each extend in the width direction.

[0021] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, one first lower chamber 131 and one second lower chamber 132 are provided in one refrigeration unit section 6 respectively. The first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are arranged at intervals in the transport direction. Note that the first lower chamber 131 may include a plurality of chambers arranged in the transport direction instead of a single chamber. Similarly, the second lower chamber 132 may include a plurality of chambers arranged in the transport direction instead of a single chamber. In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of chambers arranged in the transport direction are arranged at intervals in the transport direction, and cold air CA flows from above into the space below the chambers between adjacent chambers in the transport direction. Further, the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 may include a plurality of air passages that penetrate the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 in the height direction. In this case, the cold air CA that has passed below the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 can flow into the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 by passing through the air passage. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lower chamber 131 is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the second lower chamber 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lower chamber 131 ejects cold air CA into the region on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 passing through the refrigeration unit section 6, and the second lower chamber 132 is configured to eject cold air CA into the region on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 passing through the refrigeration unit section 6.

[0022] Note that Fig. 1 is a view of a cross-section at the position in the conveyance direction where the first lower chamber 131 is located, as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction, and Fig. 2 is a view of a cross-section at the position in the conveyance direction where the second lower chamber 132 is located, as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction.

[0023] (First lower chamber 131) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the first lower chamber 131 is configured to be communicable with a first communication duct 151 which is disposed offset to one side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt 17 within a communication duct 15 as described later. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lower chamber 131 is configured to be communicable with a first communication duct 151 which is disposed offset to the right side in Fig. 1 with respect to the conveyor belt 17 within the communication duct 15. That is, the first lower chamber 131 has an opening 33 formed on the right side in Fig. 1. Cold air CA supplied from the upper chamber 11 as described later can flow into the first lower chamber 131 through the opening 33. That is, the right side (one side in the width direction) of the first lower chamber 131 in Fig. 1 is the upstream side 131U of the first lower chamber 131, and the left side (the other side in the width direction) of the first lower chamber 131 in Fig. 1 is the downstream side 131D of the first lower chamber 131.

[0024] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the first lower chamber 131 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases from the upstream side 131U to the downstream side 131D of the first lower chamber 131. More specifically, the first lower chamber 131 has a tapered shape formed such that the height position of the lower surface 131L of the first lower chamber 131 gradually increases from the upstream side 131U to the downstream side 131D of the first lower chamber 131, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow path. Thereby, the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17 and the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b when viewed from the downstream side 131D of the first lower chamber 131 along the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 is improved.

[0025] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, a lower cold air ejection part 25 for ejecting cold air toward the forward path part 17a of the conveyor belt 17 above the first lower chamber 131 is provided above the first lower chamber 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower cold air ejection part 25 includes a perforated plate 27 disposed above the first lower chamber 131 and having a plurality of through holes 28 penetrating in the plate thickness direction (height direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the perforated plate 27 is the top plate 29 of the first lower chamber 131. In the first lower chamber 131, the perforated plate 27 faces the lower surface of the forward path part 17a of the conveyor belt 17.

[0026] (Second lower chamber 132) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the second lower chamber 132 is configured to be communicable with a second communication duct 152 which is displaced to the other side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt 17 inside a communication duct 15 as will be described later. In the illustrated embodiment, the second lower chamber 132 is configured to be communicable with a second communication duct 152 which is displaced to the left side in FIG. 2 with respect to the conveyor belt 17 inside the communication duct 15. That is, the second lower chamber 132 has an opening 34 formed on the left side in FIG. 2. Cold air CA supplied from the upper chamber 11 as will be described later can flow into the second lower chamber 132 through the opening 34. That is, the left side (the other side in the width direction) of the second lower chamber 132 in FIG. 2 becomes the upstream side 132U of the second lower chamber 132, and the right side (one side in the width direction) of the second lower chamber 132 in FIG. 2 becomes the downstream side 132D of the second lower chamber 132.

[0027] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the second lower chamber 132 has a tapered shape in which the flow path cross-sectional area decreases from the upstream side 132U to the downstream side 132D of the second lower chamber 132. More specifically, the second lower chamber 132 has a tapered shape formed such that the height position of the lower surface 132L of the second lower chamber 132 gradually increases from the upstream side 132U to the downstream side 132D of the second lower chamber 132, thereby reducing the flow path cross-sectional area. As a result, the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17 and the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b when viewed from the downstream side 132D of the second lower chamber 132 along the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 is improved.

[0028] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, a lower cold air ejection portion 25 for ejecting cold air toward the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 above the second lower chamber 132 is provided above the second lower chamber 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower cold air ejection portion 25 includes a perforated plate 27 disposed above the second lower chamber 132 and having a plurality of through holes 28 penetrating in the plate thickness direction (height direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the perforated plate 27 is the top plate 29 of the second lower chamber 132. Also in the second lower chamber 132, the perforated plate 27 faces the lower surface of the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17.

[0029] (Communication duct 15) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the communication duct 15 that connects the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 13 is disposed offset to one side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt 17, and includes a first communication duct 151 that connects the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 13 and is disposed offset to the other side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt 17, and a second communication duct 152 that connects the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 13.

[0030] (First communication duct 151) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the first communication duct 151 is a communication duct 15 that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the first lower chamber 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the first communication duct 151 is disposed offset to the right side in FIG. 1 with respect to the conveyor belt 17.

[0031] The first communication duct 151 has an upper opening 35 that can face the opening 31 of the upper chamber 11 and a lower opening 36 that can face the opening 33 of the first lower chamber 131. As will be described later, the cold air CA in the upper chamber 11 can flow into the first communication duct 151 from the upper opening 35 of the first communication duct 151 through the opening 31 of the upper chamber 11. The cold air CA that has flowed into the first communication duct 151 flows downward in the first communication duct 151 and can flow into the first lower chamber 131 from the lower opening 36 through the opening 33 of the first lower chamber 131.

[0032] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the first communication duct 151 is configured to be movable in the conveying direction with respect to the upper chamber 11 and the first lower chamber 131. That is, the first communication duct 151 is configured to be movable between a first communication position P1a (see FIGS. 3 and 5) that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the first lower chamber 131 and a first offset position P1b (see FIG. 5) that is offset from the first communication position P1a in the conveying direction. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the first communication duct 151 on the upstream side in the conveying direction among the two illustrated first communication ducts 151 is located at the first offset position P1b and the first communication duct 151 on the downstream side in the conveying direction is located at the first communication position P1a. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which each of the two illustrated first communication ducts 151 is located at the first communication position P1a.

[0033] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, by configuring the first communication duct 151 to be movable in the conveying direction, a region hidden by the first communication duct 151 located at the first communication position P1a becomes visible. Note that the difference in the positions in the conveyance direction between the first communication position P1a and the first offset position P1b may be relatively small, but from the viewpoint of making the area hidden by the first communication duct visible, it is better for the difference in the positions to be relatively large. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, when the first communication duct 151 moves to the first offset position P1b, the entire opening 31 of the upper chamber 11 and the entire opening 33 of the first lower chamber 131 become visible from the width direction.

[0034] Note that at the first communication position P1a, the upper opening 35 of the first communication duct 151 faces the opening 31 of the upper chamber 11, and the lower opening 36 of the first communication duct 151 faces the opening 33 of the first lower chamber 131. During the operation of the freezer 1, the first communication duct 151 is arranged at the first communication position P1a and is pressed and fixed in the width direction so that there is no gap between the upper opening 35 of the first communication duct 151 and the opening 31 of the upper chamber 11, and so that there is no gap between the lower opening 36 of the first communication duct 151 and the opening 33 of the first lower chamber 131.

[0035] The first offset position P1b may be a position shifted from the first communication position P1a to the downstream side in the conveyance direction, which is the direction from the first lower chamber 131 to the second lower chamber 132 of the same refrigeration unit section 6 in the conveyance direction. Note that the first offset position P1b may be a position shifted from the first communication position P1a to the upstream side in the conveyance direction, which is the direction opposite to the direction from the first lower chamber 131 to the second lower chamber 132 of the same refrigeration unit section 6 in the conveyance direction.

[0036] The first communication duct 151 may be configured to be movable in the conveyance direction, guided by, for example, a guide rail (not shown) extending in the conveyance direction.

[0037] (Second communication duct 152) In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the second communication duct 152 is a communication duct 15 that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the second lower chamber 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the second communication duct 152 is disposed offset to the left side in FIG. 2 with respect to the conveyor belt 17.

[0038] The second communication duct 152 has an upper opening 37 that can face the opening 32 of the upper chamber 11 and a lower opening 38 that can face the opening 34 of the second lower chamber 132. As will be described later, the cold air CA in the upper chamber 11 can flow into the second communication duct 152 from the upper opening 37 of the second communication duct 152 through the opening 32 of the upper chamber 11. The cold air CA that has flowed into the second communication duct 152 flows downward in the second communication duct 152 and can flow into the second lower chamber 132 from the lower opening 38 through the opening 34 of the second lower chamber 132.

[0039] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, the second communication duct 152 is configured to be movable in the transport direction with respect to the upper chamber 11 and the second lower chamber 132. That is, the second communication duct 152 is configured to be movable between a second communication position P2a (see FIGS. 4 and 6) that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the second lower chamber 132 and a second offset position P2b (see FIG. 6) that is offset in the transport direction from the second communication position P2a. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the second communication duct 152 on the upstream side in the transport direction among the two illustrated second communication ducts 152 is located at the second offset position P2b and the second communication duct 152 on the downstream side in the transport direction is located at the second communication position P2a. Note that FIG. 4 shows a state in which each of the two illustrated second communication ducts 152 is located at the second communication position P2a.

[0040] In the freezer 1 according to one embodiment, by configuring the second communication duct 152 to be movable in the transport direction, a region that was hidden by the second communication duct 152 located at the second communication position P2a becomes visible. Note that the difference in the positions in the conveyance direction between the second communication position P2a and the second offset position P2b may be relatively small, but from the viewpoint of making the area hidden by the second communication duct visible, it is better for the difference in the positions to be relatively large. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, when the second communication duct 152 moves to the second offset position P2b, the entire opening 32 of the upper chamber 11 and the entire opening 34 of the second lower chamber 132 become visible from the width direction.

[0041] Note that at the second communication position P2a, the upper opening 37 of the second communication duct 152 faces the opening 32 of the upper chamber 11, and the lower opening 38 of the second communication duct 152 faces the opening 34 of the second lower chamber 132. During the operation of the freezer 1, the second communication duct 152 is arranged at the second communication position P2a and is pressed in the width direction so that there is no gap between the upper opening 37 of the second communication duct 152 and the opening 32 of the upper chamber 11, and so that there is no gap between the lower opening 38 of the second communication duct 152 and the opening 34 of the second lower chamber 132, and is fixed.

[0042] The second offset position P2b may be a position shifted from the second communication position P2a to the upstream side in the conveyance direction, which is the direction from the second lower chamber 132 to the first lower chamber 131 of the same refrigeration unit portion 6 in the conveyance direction. Note that the second offset position P2b may be a position shifted from the second communication position P2a to the downstream side in the conveyance direction, which is the direction opposite to the direction from the second lower chamber 132 to the first lower chamber 131 of the same refrigeration unit portion 6 in the conveyance direction.

[0043] The second communication duct 152 may be configured to be movable in the conveyance direction, guided by, for example, a guide rail (not shown) extending in the conveyance direction.

[0044] (Regarding the flow of cold air CA in the freezer 1) FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining the flow of cold air CA in a cross section corresponding to the arrow I-I view in FIG. 4. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the flow of the cold air CA in a cross section corresponding to the I-I arrow view in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the cold air CA in a cross section corresponding to the II-II arrow view in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the cold air CA in a cross section corresponding to the III-III arrow view in FIG. 1.

[0045] The cold air CA cooled by the heat exchanger 4 flows into the space in the housing 10 above the heat exchanger 4 as shown by the arrow a, is sucked into the fan 5 as shown by the arrow b, and is ejected into the upper chamber 11 as shown by the arrow c and spreads in the upper chamber 11. A part of the cold air CA in the upper chamber 11 is ejected from the plurality of slit nozzles 23 of the upper cold air ejection part 21 as shown by the arrows d1 and d2 to cool the object to be cooled 2. Most of the cold air CA ejected from the plurality of slit nozzles 23 of the upper cold air ejection part 21 hits the object to be cooled 2 as shown by the arrow d1, changes its direction in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17, and flows outward in the width direction between the plurality of slit nozzles 23 arranged in the conveying direction. A part of the cold air CA ejected from the plurality of slit nozzles 23 of the upper cold air ejection part 21 passes through the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 and flows downward below the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17, and while flowing toward the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 between the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, changes its direction in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 and flows outward in the width direction.

[0046] In addition, when the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are not a single chamber but include a plurality of chambers arranged in the conveying direction as described above, the cold air CA that has flowed downward below the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 flows from the gap between the adjacent chambers in the conveying direction toward the space below the chambers. Further, when the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are provided with a plurality of air passages that penetrate the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 in the height direction, the cold air CA that has passed downward through the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 flows into the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 by passing through the air passages.

[0047] A part of the cold air CA in the upper chamber 11 flows into the first communication duct 151 from the upper opening 35 of the first communication duct 151 through the opening 31 of the upper chamber 11 as shown by the arrow e in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The cold air CA that has flowed into the first communication duct 151 flows downward in the first communication duct 151 and flows into the first lower chamber 131 from the lower opening 36 through the opening 33 of the first lower chamber 131 as shown by the arrow f. The cold air CA that has flowed into the first lower chamber 131 flows in the first lower chamber 131 from the upstream to the downstream of the first lower chamber 131 (from the right side to the left side in FIGS. 7A and 7B) and is ejected from the through holes 28 of the porous plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection portion 25.

[0048] Most of the cold air CA ejected from the through holes 28 of the porous plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection portion 25 hits the object to be cooled 2 and changes the flow direction downward, and flows from between the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 adjacent to each other in the transport direction toward the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132, changing the direction in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 and flowing outward in the width direction.

[0049] In addition, as described above, when the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are not single chambers but are provided with a plurality of chambers arranged in the transport direction, the cold air CA that has hit the object to be cooled 2 and changed the flow direction downward flows from the gap between the adjacent chambers in the transport direction toward the space below the chambers. In addition, when the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are provided with a plurality of air passages that penetrate the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 in the height direction, the cold air CA that hits the object to be cooled 2 and changes the flow direction downward flows into the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 by passing through the air passages.

[0050] A part of the cold air CA ejected from the through holes 28 of the perforated plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection part 25 passes through the forward path part 17a of the conveyor belt 17 as shown by the arrow g2, flows above the forward path part 17a of the conveyor belt 17, and cools the object to be cooled 2. Then, as shown by the arrow g2, the direction is changed in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 above the forward path part 17a of the conveyor belt 17 and flows outward in the width direction between the plurality of slit nozzles 23 arranged in the conveyance direction.

[0051] A part of the cold air CA in the upper chamber 11 flows into the second communication duct 152 from the upper opening 37 of the second communication duct 152 through the opening 32 of the upper chamber 11 as shown by the arrow h in FIG. 8. The cold air CA that has flowed into the second communication duct 152 flows downward in the second communication duct 152 and flows into the second lower chamber 132 from the lower opening 38 through the opening 34 of the second lower chamber 132 as shown by the arrow i. The cold air CA that has flowed into the second lower chamber 132 flows in the second lower chamber 132 from the upstream to the downstream of the second lower chamber 132 (from the left side to the right side in the illustration of FIG. 8) and is ejected from the through holes 28 of the perforated plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection part 25.

[0052] Most of the cold air CA ejected from the through holes 28 of the perforated plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection part 25 hits the object to be cooled 2 and changes the flow direction downward, and flows from between the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 adjacent to each other in the conveyance direction toward the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132, while changing the direction in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 and flowing outward in the width direction.

[0053] In addition, when the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 include a plurality of chambers arranged in the conveyance direction instead of a single chamber as described above, the cold air CA whose flow direction is changed downward when hitting the object to be cooled 2 flows from the gap between the adjacent chambers in the conveyance direction toward the space below the chambers. Further, when the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 include a plurality of air passages penetrating the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 in the height direction, the cold air CA whose flow direction is changed downward when hitting the object to be cooled 2 flows into the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 by passing through the air passages.

[0054] A part of the cold air CA ejected from the through holes 28 of the porous plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection portion 25 passes through the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 as shown by the arrow j2 and cools the object to be cooled 2 while flowing above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17. Then, as shown by the arrow j2, it changes its direction in the width direction above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 and flows outward in the width direction between the plurality of slit nozzles 23 arranged in the conveyance direction.

[0055] As shown by the arrow d2 in FIG. 7A, the arrow g1 in FIG. 7B, and the arrow j1 in FIG. 8, the cold air CA flowing into the space below the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 flows toward one side in the width direction (the right side in the drawings of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8) as shown by the arrow k, or toward the other side in the width direction (the left side in the drawings of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8) as shown by the arrow l, and then flows upward along the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0056] As shown by the arrow g2 in Fig. 7B, the cold air CA that is ejected from the through holes 28 of the perforated plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection part 25 above the first lower chamber 131, flows above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 while cooling the object 2 to be cooled, and then flows from between the plurality of slit nozzles 23 arranged in the conveyance direction, as shown by the arrow m, toward one side in the width direction (the right side in the illustration of Fig. 8), or, as shown by the arrow n, toward the other side in the width direction (the left side in the illustrations of Figs. 7A and 7B), and then flows upward along the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0057] Similarly, as shown by the arrow j2 in Fig. 8, the cold air CA that is ejected from the through holes 28 of the perforated plate 27 of the lower cold air ejection part 25 above the second lower chamber 132, flows above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17 while cooling the object 2 to be cooled, and then flows from between the plurality of slit nozzles 23 arranged in the conveyance direction, as shown by the arrow m, toward one side in the width direction (the right side in the illustration of Fig. 8), or, as shown by the arrow n, toward the other side in the width direction (the left side in the illustrations of Figs. 7A and 7B), and then flows upward along the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0058] The cold air CA that has flowed upward along the inner surface of the housing 10 as shown by the arrows k and m flows into the space 51 between the heat exchanger 4 and the upper chamber 11 through the opening 39 that communicates with the space 51 between the heat exchanger 4 and the upper chamber 11, as shown by the arrow o. The cold air CA that has flowed into the space 51 between the heat exchanger 4 and the upper chamber 11 from the opening 39 passes outside the fan casing 5b and flows into the lower part of the heat exchanger 4, as shown by the arrow p.

[0059] The cold air CA that has flowed upward along the inner surface of the housing 10 as shown by the arrows l and n flows into the space 51 between the heat exchanger 4 and the upper chamber 11 through the opening 41 that communicates with the space 51 between the heat exchanger 4 and the upper chamber 11, as shown by the arrow q, and then flows into the lower part of the heat exchanger 4.

[0060] The cold air CA that has flowed into the lower part of the heat exchanger 4 flows into the heat exchanger 4 and is cooled, as shown by the arrow r.

[0061] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes forms obtained by modifying the above-described embodiments and forms obtained by appropriately combining these forms.

[0062] The content described in each of the above embodiments is understood as follows, for example. (1) The freezer 1 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lower chamber 13 located between the forward path portion 17a and the return path portion 17b of a conveyor belt 17 for conveying an object to be cooled 2, and a lower cold air ejection portion 25 for ejecting cold air CA from the lower chamber 13. The lower chamber 13 includes a first lower chamber 131 and a second lower chamber 132 provided at positions shifted from the first lower chamber 131 in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 17. The first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 have a tapered shape in which the flow path cross-sectional area decreases from the upstream sides 131U, 132U to the downstream sides 131D, 132D of the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132.

[0063] According to the configuration of (1) above, since the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 have the above-described tapered shape, the volume occupied by the regions on the downstream sides 131D, 132D of the respective chambers 131, 132 decreases, and the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17 and the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b when viewed from the downstream sides 131D, 132D of the respective chambers 131, 132 along the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 is improved. Further, according to the configuration of (1) above, since the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the conveying direction, the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 do not overlap in the vertical direction (height direction), and thus the lower surfaces 131L, 132L of the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are located relatively above. Thereby, the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17 and the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b is improved. According to the configuration of (1) above, since the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 have the tapered shape described above, it is possible to reduce the non-uniformity of the wind speed of the cold air CA ejected from the lower cold air ejection part 25 in the width direction, and improve the cooling efficiency of the freezer 1.

[0064] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above, the upstream side 131U of the first lower chamber 131 may be arranged on one side in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 with respect to the conveyor belt 17. The upstream side 132U of the second lower chamber 132 may be arranged on the other side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt 17.

[0065] According to the configuration of (2) above, the visibility from both sides in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 is improved, and a supply path for cold air to the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 can be secured.

[0066] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above, an upper chamber 11 located above the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17, a first communication duct 151 which is displaced to one side in the width direction of the conveyor belt 17 with respect to the conveyor belt 17 and communicates the upper chamber 11 with the first lower chamber 131, and a second communication duct 152 which is displaced to the other side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt 17 and communicates the upper chamber 11 with the second lower chamber 132 may be further provided.

[0067] According to the configuration of (3) above, it is possible to secure a supply path for cold air to the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 without inhibiting the visibility secured by the configuration (1) or the configuration (2) above, and it is also possible to secure the visibility of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 17 and the vicinity of the conveyor belt 17 including the lower cold air ejection part 25 and the like.

[0068] (4) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of (1) to (3) above, the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 may have a tapered shape formed such that the height positions of the lower surfaces 131L and 132L of the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 gradually increase from the upstream sides 131U, 132U toward the downstream sides 131D, 132D, thereby reducing the flow path cross-sectional area.

[0069] According to the configuration of (4) above, when viewed from the downstream sides 131D, 132D of the lower chambers 131, 132 along the width direction of the conveyor belt 17, the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17, the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b, etc. is improved.

[0070] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (4) above, the lower cold air ejection portion 25 may include a perforated plate 27 provided with a plurality of through holes 28 penetrating in the plate thickness direction and disposed above the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132, respectively.

[0071] According to the configuration of (5) above, since the lower surfaces 131L, 132L of the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are positioned above compared to the case where the lower cold air ejection portion 25 includes a nozzle extending in the height direction, the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17, the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b, etc. is improved.

[0072] (6) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (5) above, the perforated plate 27 may be the top plate 29 of each of the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132.

[0073] According to the configuration of (6) above, since the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 can be disposed close to the forward path portion 17a of the conveyor belt 17, the lower surfaces 131L, 132L of the first lower chamber 131 and the second lower chamber 132 are positioned relatively above, and the visibility of the return path portion 17b of the conveyor belt 17, the floor surface 49 of the freezer 1 below the return path portion 17b, etc. is improved.

[0074] (7) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (3) above, the first communication duct 151 may be movable between a first communication position P1a that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the first lower chamber 131, and a first offset position P1b that is displaced from the first communication position P1a in the conveyance direction. The second communication duct 152 may be movable between a second communication position P2a that communicates the upper chamber 11 and the second lower chamber 132, and a second offset position P2b that is displaced from the second communication position P2a in the conveyance direction.

[0075] According to the configuration of (7) above, by moving the first communication duct 151 and the second communication duct 152 in the conveyance direction, the regions hidden by the first communication duct 151 and the second communication duct 152 become visible.

[0076] (8) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (7) above, the first offset position P1b may be a position displaced from the first communication position P1a in the direction from the first lower chamber 131 toward the second lower chamber 132 in the conveyance direction. The second offset position P2b may be a position displaced from the second communication position P2a in the direction from the second lower chamber 132 toward the first lower chamber 131 in the conveyance direction.

[0077] According to the configuration of (8) above, since the first offset position P1b overlaps with the arrangement position of the second lower chamber 132 in the conveyance direction, it is easy to secure the region necessary for moving the first communication duct 151 from the first communication position P1a. According to the configuration of (8) above, since the second offset position P2b overlaps with the arrangement position of the first lower chamber 131 in the conveyance direction, it is easy to secure the region necessary for moving the second communication duct 152 from the second communication position P2a. If the first offset position P1b is a position displaced from the first communication position P1a in the direction opposite to the above-described direction, the region necessary for moving the first communication duct 151 from the first communication position P1a must be secured on the side opposite to the second lower chamber 132 across the first lower chamber 131, and there is a possibility that the freezer 1 becomes unnecessarily long in the conveyance direction. Similarly, if the second offset position P2b is a position shifted from the second communication position P2a in the direction opposite to the direction described above, an area necessary to move the second communication duct 152 from the second communication position P2a has to be secured on the side opposite to the first lower chamber 131 with the second lower chamber 132 interposed therebetween, and there is a risk that the freezer 1 becomes unnecessarily long in the conveyance direction. According to the configuration of (8) above, it contributes to suppressing the size of the freezer 1 in the conveyance direction.

[0078] (9) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of (3), (7), or (8) above, the cold air CA introduced into the upper chamber 11 may be able to flow into the first lower chamber 131 via the first communication duct 151 and may also be able to flow into the second lower chamber 132 via the second communication duct 152.

[0079] When the belt conveyor 3 for conveyance is arranged below the freezer 1 so as to be close to the floor surface 91 of the freezer arrangement location and the belt conveyor 3 for conveyance is arranged to facilitate inspection etc. of the belt conveyor 3 for conveyance, components such as the heat exchanger 4 for generating the cold air CA and the fan 5 for cold air circulation are arranged above the belt conveyor 3. In such a case, according to the configuration of (9) above, it becomes easier to secure a route through which the cold air CA flows, so that each component can be efficiently arranged inside the freezer 1 (inside the housing 10), contributing to simplification of the configuration of the freezer 1, cost reduction, miniaturization of the freezer 1, etc.

[0080] (10) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (9) above, it is preferable to include an upper cold air ejection part 21 for ejecting cold air from the upper chamber 11.

[0081] According to the configuration of (10) above, the object to be cooled 2 can be cooled more efficiently.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0082] 1 Freezer 2 Object to be cooled 3 Belt conveyor 4 Heat exchanger 5 Fan 5a Fan blade 5b Fan casing 6 Refrigeration unit section 10 Housing 11 Upper chamber 13 Lower chamber 15 Communication duct 17 Conveyor belt 17a Outward path section 17b Return path section 21 Upper cold air ejection section 23 Slit nozzle 25 Lower cold air ejection section 27 Perforated plate 28 Through hole 29 Ceiling 31 Opening 32 Opening 33 Opening 34 Opening 35 Upper opening 36 Lower opening 37 Upper opening 38 Lower opening 39 Opening 41 Opening 49 Floor 51 Space 91 Floor 131 First lower chamber 131L Bottom surface 132 Second lower chamber 132L Bottom surface 151 First communication duct 152 Second communication duct

Claims

1. A lower chamber located between the forward path portion and the return path portion of a conveyor belt for conveying an object to be cooled, A lower cold air ejection portion for ejecting cold air from the lower chamber, Comprising, The lower chamber, A first lower chamber, A second lower chamber provided at a position shifted from the first lower chamber in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, Including, The first lower chamber and the second lower chamber have a tapered shape in which the flow path cross-sectional area decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side thereof, Freezer.

2. The upstream side of the first lower chamber is disposed on one side in the width direction of the conveyor belt with respect to the conveyor belt, The upstream side of the second lower chamber is disposed on the other side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt, The freezer according to claim 1.

3. An upper chamber located above the forward path portion of the conveyor belt, A first communication duct disposed offset in one side in the width direction of the conveyor belt with respect to the conveyor belt and communicating the upper chamber and the first lower chamber, A second communication duct disposed offset in the other side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor belt and communicating the upper chamber and the second lower chamber, Further comprising, The freezer according to claim 2.

4. The first lower chamber and the second lower chamber have a tapered shape formed such that the flow path cross-sectional area decreases as the height positions of the lower surfaces of the first lower chamber and the second lower chamber gradually increase from the upstream side to the downstream side, The freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The lower cold air ejection portion is respectively disposed on the upper portions of the first lower chamber and the second lower chamber and includes a perforated plate provided with a plurality of through holes penetrating in the plate thickness direction, The freezer according to claim 4.

6. The perforated plate is the top plate of each of the first lower chamber and the second lower chamber, The freezer according to claim 5.

7. The first communication duct is movable between a first communication position communicating the upper chamber and the first lower chamber and a first offset position offset from the first communication position in the conveying direction, The second communication duct is movable between a second communication position that communicates the upper chamber and the second lower chamber, and a second offset position that is displaced from the second communication position in the conveying direction. The freezer according to claim 3.

8. The first offset position is a position displaced from the first communication position in a direction from the first lower chamber toward the second lower chamber in the conveying direction. The second offset position is a position displaced from the second communication position in a direction from the second lower chamber toward the first lower chamber in the conveying direction. The freezer according to claim 7.

9. The cold air introduced into the upper chamber can flow into the first lower chamber through the first communication duct and can also flow into the second lower chamber through the second communication duct. The freezer according to any one of claims 3, 7, or 8.

10. An upper cold air ejection part for ejecting the cold air from the upper chamber is provided. The freezer according to claim 9.

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