Defrosting device

Abstract

To improve thawing ability.SOLUTION: A thawing device 100 comprises: a thawing chamber 28 which includes a steam inflow port 25 and a steam outflow port 26 and thaws an object to be thawed with stream; a circulation passage 3 which is connected to a steam blowout part 53, the steam inflow port 25, and the steam outflow port 26, is provided with the steam blowout part 53, and in which steam blown out from the blowout part 53 circulates between itself and the thawing chamber 28; and a separation mechanism 8 which separates water content from steam flowing from the outflow port 26 toward the blowout port 53 in the circulation passage 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a thawing device that performs thawing with steam.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a thawing device that thaws an object to be thawed with steam has been known. For example, the thawing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a discharging body that discharges steam, and thaws the object to be thawed in the thawing chamber by circulating the steam between the discharging body and the thawing chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the thawing device as described above, since the moisture generated in the thawing chamber can also circulate together with the steam, there is a problem that the thawing ability is reduced. That is, in the thawing chamber, the steam condenses, and the object to be thawed is thawed by the latent heat accompanying the condensation. Therefore, the circulating steam may also contain moisture generated by the condensation of the steam. Then, the more moisture is contained in the circulating steam, the less likely it is to contain the new steam discharged from the discharging body. As a result, the amount of steam flowing into the thawing chamber decreases, so the thawing ability decreases.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this application has been made in view of such circumstances, and the purpose thereof is to improve the thawing ability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed in this application includes a thawing chamber, a steam blowing section, a circulation flow path, and a separation mechanism. The thawing chamber has a steam inlet and an outlet, and thaws the object to be thawed with steam. The circulation flow path is connected to the inlet and the outlet, and is provided with the blowing section, and the steam blown out from the blowing section circulates between the thawing chambers. The separation mechanism separates moisture from the steam flowing from the outlet to the blowing section in the circulation flow path.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this application, the thawing ability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, its applications, or its uses.

[0010] The thawing device 100 of the present embodiment thaws the object to be thawed with the latent heat of steam. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the schematic configuration of the thawing device 100 with the cover removed. The thawing device 100 includes a thawing section 2, a circulation flow path 3, a fan 4, a steam supply mechanism 5, a cooling section 6, and a separation mechanism 8.

[0011] Specifically, the thawing device 100 includes a cabinet 1 in which the thawing section 2, the circulation flow path 3, the fan 4, the steam supply mechanism 5, and the separation mechanism 8 are housed.

[0012] The cabinet 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The cabinet 1 has a bottom plate 11 and a top plate 14 extending in the horizontal direction, a left side plate 12 and a right side plate 13 extending in the vertical direction, and a front panel and a back panel (not shown). The internal space of the cabinet 1 is partitioned in the left - right direction by a partition plate 15. That is, the internal space of the cabinet 1 is partitioned into a first chamber 16 and a second chamber 17 by the partition plate 15. The first chamber 16 is larger than the second chamber 17.

[0013] The thawing unit 2 is housed in the first chamber 16. The thawing unit 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The thawing unit 2 has a bottom plate 21 and a top plate 24 extending in the horizontal direction, a left side plate 22 and a right side plate 23 extending in the vertical direction, and a front panel and a back panel (not shown).

[0014] The thawing unit 2 has a plurality (seven in this embodiment) of thawing chambers 28. The internal space of the thawing unit 2 is partitioned into seven spaces in the up - down direction by a plurality (six in this embodiment) of partition plates 27. Each of these seven spaces constitutes a thawing chamber 28. That is, the internal space of the thawing unit 2 is partitioned into seven thawing chambers 28 in the up - down direction. Note that the number of the above - mentioned thawing chambers 28 is merely an example, and it may be one, or a plurality other than seven.

[0015] Each of the plurality of thawing chambers 28 has a steam inlet 25 and an outlet 26. Specifically, a number of openings are formed in the left side plate 22 of the thawing unit 2. These a number of openings in the left side plate 22 serve as the inlets 25 of the respective thawing chambers 28. Also, a number of openings are formed in the right side plate 23 of the thawing unit 2. These a number of openings in the right side plate 23 serve as the outlets 26 of the respective thawing chambers 28. The inlet 25 is configured such that steam flows in horizontally, and the outlet 26 is configured such that steam flows out horizontally. That is, in the thawing chamber 28, steam passes horizontally (in the left - right direction of the cabinet 1). Each thawing chamber 28 thaws the object to be thawed with the passing steam.

[0016] The circulation passage 3 is connected to the inlet 25 and the outlet 26 of the thawing chamber 28, and is provided with a blowing portion 53 described later. It is a passage through which the steam blown out from the blowing portion 53 circulates between the thawing chamber 28. The circulation passage 3 is provided in the first chamber 16, similarly to the thawing portion 2.

[0017] More specifically, the circulation passage 3 has a horizontal passage 31, a left vertical passage 32, and a right vertical passage 33. The horizontal passage 31 is a passage extending in the horizontal direction and is formed between the top plate 14 of the cabinet 1 and the top plate 24 of the thawing portion 2. The left vertical passage 32 is a passage extending in the vertical direction and is formed between the partition plate 15 of the cabinet 1 and the left side plate 22 of the thawing portion 2. The right vertical passage 33 is a passage extending in the vertical direction and is formed between the right side plate 13 of the cabinet 1 and the right side plate 23 of the thawing portion 2.

[0018] The horizontal passage 31 is connected to the left vertical passage 32 and the right vertical passage 33. The left vertical passage 32 is connected to the horizontal passage 31 and the inlet 25 of the thawing chamber 28. The right vertical passage 33 is connected to the horizontal passage 31 and the outlet 26 of the thawing chamber 28. In the circulation passage 3, the steam flowing out from the outlet 26 flows in the order of the right vertical passage 33, the horizontal passage 31, and the left vertical passage 32, and flows into the thawing chamber 28 from the inlet 25. That is, the left vertical passage 32 is configured such that the steam flows vertically downward, and the right vertical passage 33 is configured such that the steam flows vertically upward. Thus, the steam circulates in the circulation passage 3.

[0019] The fan 4 circulates the steam as described above in the circulation passage 3. The fan 4 is provided in the right vertical passage 33. More specifically, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of fans 4 are provided. The two fans 4 are arranged in the vertical direction, that is, in the arrangement direction of the plurality of thawing chambers 28. The suction side of the fan 4 faces the outlet 26, and the blowing side of the fan 4 faces the right side plate 13 of the cabinet 1. The rotation speed of the fan 4 is configured to be variable.

[0020] The steam supply mechanism 5 generates steam and supplies it to the circulation channel 3. Specifically, the steam supply mechanism 5 includes a steam generator 51, a supply pipe 52, and a blowing portion 53.

[0021] The steam generator 51 generates steam. The steam generator 51 is housed in the second chamber 17 of the cabinet 1. For example, although not shown, the steam generator 51 has a water supply tank and a heating tank. In the steam generator 51, water is appropriately supplied from the water supply tank to the heating tank. Then, in the heating tank, the water supplied from the water supply tank is heated to generate steam.

[0022] The supply pipe 52 is connected to the steam generator 51. More specifically, one end (inflow end) of the supply pipe 52 is connected to the steam generator 51, and the other end (outflow end) of the supply pipe 52 is located in the first chamber 16 of the cabinet 1. That is, the supply pipe 52 penetrates the partition plate 15 and is arranged across the second chamber 17 and the first chamber 16.

[0023] The blowing portion 53 is connected to the other end of the supply pipe 52. The blowing portion 53 blows out the steam supplied from the steam generator 51 via the supply pipe 52. The blowing portion 53 is provided in the circulation channel 3 of the first chamber 16. More specifically, the blowing portion 53 is located at the connection portion between the horizontal channel 31 and the vertical channel 32 on the left side. In this way, in the steam supply mechanism 5, the steam generated by the steam generator 51 is supplied to the circulation channel 3.

[0024] The cooling portion 6 is, for example, a cooling heat exchanger that cools the steam in the circulation channel 3. For example, the cooling portion 6 constitutes a part of a refrigeration device (not shown) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. More specifically, the cooling portion 6 is provided in the horizontal channel 31. The cooling portion 6 is provided on the upstream side (right side in FIG. 1) of the blowing portion 53.

[0025] The separation mechanism 8 separates moisture from the steam flowing from the outlet 26 toward the blowing portion 53 in the circulation channel 3. That is, the separation mechanism 8 separates the moisture contained in the steam until the steam flowing out from the outlet 26 flows to the blowing portion 53.

[0026] Specifically, the separation mechanism 8 has a collision plate 81 on which moisture in the steam adheres due to the collision of the steam. The collision plate 81 is provided in a portion from the outlet 26 to the blowing portion 53 in the circulation flow path 3. More specifically, the collision plate 81 is provided so as to face the outlet in the right vertical flow path 33. Further, the collision plate 81 is inclined toward the outlet 26 side as it goes vertically upward.

[0027] Furthermore, a plurality of collision plates 81 are arranged in the vertical direction in the vertical flow path 33. The plurality of collision plates 81 are attached to the inner surface of the right side plate 13 of the cabinet 1. That is, the proximal ends of the plurality of collision plates 81 are fixed to the right side plate 13, and the distal ends extend so as to be separated from the right side plate 13 as they go vertically upward. And the fan 4 is provided between the outlet 26 and the collision plate 81. That is, the blowing side of the fan 4 faces the collision plate 81.

[0028] The thawing device 100 also includes a plurality of wind direction plates 7. The plurality of wind direction plates 7 are provided in the left vertical flow path 32. The plurality of wind direction plates 7 are arranged in the vertical direction. The wind direction plate 7 is of a variable type. The wind direction plate 7 is configured to change the amount of steam flowing into each thawing chamber 28 by changing the rotation angle.

[0029] The thawing device 100 also includes a control unit 9. The control unit 9 is configured to control the rotation speed of the fan 4, the blowing amount of steam from the blowing portion 53, the cooling capacity of the cooling portion 6, and the rotation angle of the wind direction plate 7.

[0030] 〈Operation〉 The operation of the thawing device 100 configured as described above will be described. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, the steam blown out from the blowing section 53 circulates between the plurality of thawing chambers 28 by the fan 4. Specifically, the steam blown out from the blowing section 53 flows into the left vertical flow path 32, flows into each thawing chamber 28 from the inlet 25, and flows out from the outlet 26. In this way, as the steam passes through the thawing chamber 28, the object to be thawed is thawed by the latent heat of the steam in the thawing chamber 28. At that time, moisture is generated by the condensation of the steam and flows out from the outlet 26 together with the steam.

[0031] Also, in the thawing chamber 28, the steam circulates due to the suction operation of the fan 4 provided on the outlet 26 side. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the fan is provided on the inlet 25 side of the thawing chamber 28 and the steam circulates through the thawing chamber 28 by the blowing operation of the fan, the wind speed (air volume) of the steam in the thawing chamber 28 can be made uniform. Therefore, uneven thawing of the object to be thawed caused by uneven wind speed of the steam can be suppressed. At this time, by appropriately controlling the rotation angle of the wind direction plate 7 by the control unit 9, the wind speed (air volume) of the steam in the thawing chamber 28 can be made uniform with high precision.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the main part of the thawing device 100. The steam flows out from the thawing chamber 28 toward the right side plate 13. Therefore, the steam flowing out from the outlet 26 collides with the collision plate 81 as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2. When the steam collides with the collision plate 81, the moisture contained in the steam adheres to the collision plate 81. Further, since the steam is blown out toward the collision plate 81 (right side plate 13) by the fan 4, the steam collides more strongly with the collision plate 81. Therefore, the moisture contained in the steam adheres more to the collision plate 81.

[0033] When the moisture contained in the steam adheres to the collision plate 81, the moisture is separated from the steam. The steam from which the moisture has been thus separated flows upward as indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 2. Here, a plurality of collision plates 81 are provided in the vertical direction, and moreover, since they are inclined toward the outlet 26 side as they go vertically upward, the steam can collide with the collision plates 81 even when flowing upward. Also by this, the moisture in the steam adheres to the collision plates 81 and is separated. The moisture adhering to the collision plates 81 flows down along the collision plates 81 and then flows down along the right side plate 13.

[0034] The steam from which the moisture has been separated flows into the horizontal flow path 31 and is appropriately cooled in the cooling section 6. The steam that has passed through the cooling section 6 flows to the blowing section 53. Since the steam that has flowed to the blowing section 53 has had the moisture separated, it becomes easier to circulate together with the new steam blown out from the blowing section 53 by that amount. Then, the amount of steam flowing into the thawing chamber 28 substantially increases, and the thawing ability is improved.

[0035] Also, in the above-described thawing device 100, the wind speed of the steam can be arbitrarily controlled in each of the plurality of thawing chambers 28 by changing the rotation speed of each of the plurality of fans 4 or changing the rotation angle of each of the plurality of wind direction plates 7. Therefore, for example, even if there are a plurality of types of objects to be thawed having different thawing characteristics, they can be thawed simultaneously by arranging them in separate thawing chambers 28.

[0036] As described above, the thawing device 100 of the above embodiment includes a thawing chamber 28, a steam blowing section 53, a circulation flow path 3, and a separation mechanism 8. The thawing chamber 28 has a steam inlet 25 and an outlet 26, and thaws the object to be thawed with steam. The circulation flow path 3 is connected to the inlet 25 and the outlet 26, and is provided with a blowing section 53, and the steam blown out from the blowing section 53 circulates between the thawing chamber 28. The separation mechanism 8 separates moisture from the steam flowing from the outlet 26 toward the blowing section 53 in the circulation flow path 3.

[0037] According to the above configuration, in the thawing chamber 28, the object to be thawed is thawed by the latent heat of steam. The steam flowing out from the outlet 26 contains moisture generated by the condensation of steam in the thawing chamber 28. Before this moisture-containing steam flows to the blowing portion 53, the moisture is separated by the separation mechanism 8. Therefore, the steam from which the moisture has been separated is more likely to circulate together with the new steam blown out from the blowing portion 53. As a result, the amount of steam flowing into the thawing chamber 28 substantially increases, so that the thawing ability can be improved.

[0038] Further, in the thawing device 100 of the above embodiment, the separation mechanism 8 is provided in a portion from the outlet 26 to the blowing portion 53 in the circulation flow path 3, and has a collision plate 81 on which moisture in the steam adheres due to the collision of the steam.

[0039] According to the above configuration, when the steam collides with the collision plate 81, the moisture in the steam adheres to the collision plate 81, so that the moisture can be separated from the steam. Therefore, the moisture in the steam can be separated with a simple configuration.

[0040] Further, in the thawing device 100 of the above embodiment, the outlet 26 is configured such that steam flows out in the horizontal direction. The circulation flow path 3 is connected to the outlet 26 and is located upstream of the blowing portion 53, and has a vertical flow path 33 extending in the vertical direction. The collision plate 81 is provided so as to face the outlet 26 in the vertical flow path 33.

[0041] According to the above configuration, since the collision plate 81 faces the outlet 26 in the vertical flow path 33, the steam flowing out from the outlet 26 can be effectively collided with the collision plate 81. Therefore, the moisture in the steam can be made to adhere to the collision plate 81.

[0042] Further, in the thawing device 100 of the above embodiment, the vertical flow path 33 is configured such that steam flows upward in the vertical direction. The collision plate 81 is inclined toward the outlet 26 side as it goes upward in the vertical direction.

[0043] According to the above configuration, since the collision plate 81 is inclined toward the outlet 26 side as it goes vertically upward, it becomes difficult for the moisture adhering to the collision plate 81 to be carried along by the vapor that tries to flow vertically upward after colliding with the collision plate 81. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the moisture adhering to the collision plate 81 from flowing vertically upward together with the vapor.

[0044] Further, in the thawing device 100 of the above embodiment, a plurality of collision plates 81 are arranged vertically in the vertical flow path 33.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the vapor can also collide with the collision plate 81 when flowing upward through the vertical flow path 33. Also by this, the moisture in the vapor can be made to adhere to the collision plate 81 and separated.

[0046] Further, the thawing device 100 of the above embodiment further includes a fan 4 that circulates the vapor in the circulation flow path 3. And the fan 4 is provided between the outlet 26 and the collision plate 81 in the vertical flow path 33.

[0047] According to the above configuration, since the vapor is blown out toward the collision plate 81 (right side plate 13) by the fan 4, the vapor can be made to collide more strongly with the collision plate 81. Therefore, the moisture contained in the vapor can be made to adhere to the collision plate 81. Thus, the separation efficiency of the moisture can be enhanced by utilizing the fan 4 for circulating the vapor.

[0048] (Other Embodiments) The technology disclosed in the present application may be configured as follows in the above embodiment.

[0049] For example, instead of the collision plate 81 described above, the separation mechanism 8 may be provided with a perforated plate 82 as shown in FIG. 3. The perforated plate 82 is a plate member provided with a large number of small holes. The perforated plate 82 is provided, for example, at the connection portion between the vertical flow path 33 and the horizontal flow path 31. In this case, the vapor flowing out from the outlet 26 into the vertical flow path 33 passes through the perforated plate 82 and flows into the horizontal flow path 31. When the vapor passes through the perforated plate 82, the moisture contained in the vapor adheres to the perforated plate 82. Thereby, the moisture in the vapor can be separated. Also in this case, similar to the above-described embodiment, the thawing ability can be improved.

[0050] Further, as the collision plate 81 of the above embodiment, a perforated plate having a large number of holes may be used. In that case, the adhesion efficiency of moisture can be improved.

[0051] Further, the collision plate 81 of the above embodiment may be formed such that the collision surface is uneven. Thereby, the adhesion efficiency of moisture can be improved.

[0052] Further, in the above embodiment, the right side plate 13 of the cabinet 1 may be also used as a collision plate.

[0053] Further, the number of fans 4 may be one, or may be a plurality other than two. Also, the number of wind direction plates 7 may be one, or may be omitted.

Industrial Applicability

[0054] The technology disclosed in the present application is useful for a thawing device that performs thawing with steam.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0055] 100 Thawing device 3 Circulation flow path 4 Fan 8 Separation mechanism 28 Thawing chamber 33 Vertical flow path 53 Blowing portion 81 Collision plate 82 porous plate

Claims

1. a thawing chamber having a steam inlet and a steam outlet for thawing an object to be thawed with steam; A steam outlet; a circulation flow path connected to the inlet and the outlet and provided with the blowing section, in which the steam blown out from the blowing section circulates between the inlet and the thawing chamber; a cooling section provided upstream of the blowing section in the circulation flow path and configured to cool the steam; a separation mechanism that separates moisture from the steam flowing in the circulation flow path from the outlet toward the blowout portion, The separation mechanism is provided in a portion of the circulation flow path from the outlet to the cooling section, and has an impingement plate on which moisture in the steam adheres when the steam impinges. A defrosting device characterized by:

2. 2. The defrosting device according to claim 1, The outlet is configured to allow steam to exit horizontally; The circulation flow path is connected to the outlet and is located upstream of the blowing portion, and has a vertical flow path extending in a vertical direction, The collision plate is provided in the vertical flow path so as to face the outlet. A defrosting device characterized by:

3. The defrosting device according to claim 2, The vertical flow path is configured so that steam flows vertically upward, The collision plate is inclined toward the outlet as it moves vertically upward. A defrosting device characterized by:

4. The defrosting device according to claim 3, The collision plate is arranged in a plurality of vertical directions in the vertical flow path. A defrosting device characterized by:

5. The defrosting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The collision plate is a porous plate having a large number of holes formed therein. A defrosting device characterized by:

6. The defrosting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Further comprising a fan for circulating steam in the circulation flow path, The fan is provided between the outlet and the collision plate in the vertical flow path. A defrosting device characterized by:

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