Storage device

Abstract

To provide a storage device that can normally operates an electrostatic atomization device.SOLUTION: A storage device comprises: a storage box for storing articles; a refrigeration device including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a first air blowing part, and for generating cooling air; a cooling path for sending the cooling air made to flow by the first air blowing part, to the storage box; a functional substance generation device for generating a functional substance; and a functional substance path communicating with the functional substance generation device, and through which the functional substance is passed. The compressor, the condenser, and the functional substance generation device are arranged in a space thermally insulated from the storage box. The functional substance generation device is arranged adjacently to the compressor or the condenser. The functional substance path is connected to the cooling path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, refrigerators (see, for example, Patent Document 1) or lockers (see, for example, Patent Document 2) equipped with deodorizing devices have been known.

[0003] The refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerator main body and a machine room arranged on the refrigerator main body. A deodorizing device is arranged in the machine room. An intake pipe communicating with the interior of the refrigerator main body is connected to an intake port of the deodorizing device. An exhaust pipe communicating with a cool air duct is connected to an exhaust port of the deodorizing device. A blower fan, a cooler, and a defrosting heater are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the cool air duct. Openings communicating with the interior of the refrigerator are formed at the upper and lower ends of the cool air duct. A compressor, a condenser cooling fan, and a condenser are arranged in a line in the machine room. Of these three components, the compressor is arranged closest to the deodorizing device, and the condenser is arranged farthest from the deodorizing device.

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when the blower fan, compressor, and condenser cooling fan are driven, air cooled by the cooler flows into the refrigerator through the opening at the upper end of the cool air duct. A portion of the air inside the refrigerator is returned to the cool air duct through the opening at the lower end of the cool air duct. Meanwhile, the remaining air inside the refrigerator is drawn into the deodorizer through the intake pipe. Malodorous components in the air drawn into the deodorizer are broken down, and the air is returned to the refrigerator through the exhaust pipe. At this time, the deodorizer is heated by hot air generated by the exhaust heat of the compressor and condenser. By heating the deodorizer in this way, condensation is prevented from forming in the deodorizer even if air heated by the defrost heater enters the deodorizer through the refrigerator when the defrost heater is driven.

[0005] In the locker described in Patent Document 2, a space is formed behind the storage section. An airflow duct is arranged above the storage section. Inside the airflow duct, a fan, an ozone generator, an ozone decomposition device, and a heater are arranged in this order.

[0006] In the configuration of Patent Document 2, when the fan is driven, air in the storage compartment flows into the airflow duct through the intake port, passes through the ozone generator, ozone decomposition device, and heater, and is then discharged into the space. The air in the space is then discharged into the storage compartment through an outlet in the rear panel that separates the space from the storage compartment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-4578 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-239015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage device that allows a functional material production device to operate normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The storage device of the present disclosure comprises a storage cabinet for storing items, a refrigeration device including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a first blower unit and for generating cooled air, a cooling path for sending the cooled air circulated by the first blower unit into the storage cabinet, a functional material production device for producing a functional material, and a functional material path communicating with the functional material production device and for passing the functional material, wherein the compressor, the condenser, and the functional material production device are arranged in a space insulated from the storage cabinet, and the functional material production device is arranged adjacent to the compressor or the condenser, and the functional material path has a guide hole, which is formed so as to pass through a support member on which the compressor is arranged in the vertical direction, and the guide hole is connected to a rear flow path of the cooling path that guides the cooled air downward, The functional material is charged atomized water particles, and the functional material generating device is an electrostatic atomizer. .

[0010] The storage device of the present disclosure comprises a storage cabinet for storing items, a refrigeration device disposed above the storage cabinet, the refrigeration device including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a first blower unit, and for generating cooled air, a cooling path for sending the cooled air circulated by the first blower unit into the storage cabinet, and a functional material production device for generating a functional material, wherein the compressor and the condenser are disposed above the evaporator, and the functional material production device is provided on the upper stage and has a functional material path communicating with the functional material production device for passing the functional material, the functional material path having a guide hole, the guide hole being formed so as to pass through a support member on which the compressor is disposed in the vertical direction, and the guide hole being connected to a rear flow path that guides the cooled air downward in the cooling path through which the cooled air that has undergone heat exchange in the evaporator passes. The functional material is charged atomized water particles, and the functional material generating device is an electrostatic atomizer. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the storage device of the present disclosure, the functional material production device can be operated normally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Front view of a storage system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a storage system according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the arrangement of a refrigerator and an electrostatic atomizer according to an embodiment, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the arrangement of a refrigerator and an electrostatic atomizer according to an embodiment, as viewed from the right side. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a refrigerator, a cooler, and an electrostatic atomizer according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a storage system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage system in normal mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the control state of the refrigeration device and the electrostatic atomization device in a normal mode according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the operation of the storage system in a sterilization and deodorization mode according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the control state of the refrigeration device and the electrostatic atomization device in the sterilization and deodorization mode according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure] In recent years, functional substances have been used to purify a given space (for example, to make it free of at least one of bacteria and odors). A known device for producing such a functional substance is equipped with an application electrode, a Peltier element for cooling the application electrode, and a counter electrode disposed opposite the application electrode, and generates the functional substance from condensed water adhering to the application electrode by discharging electricity from the application electrode to the counter electrode.

[0014] It is conceivable to use the functional substance generation device described above in place of the deodorizing device described in Patent Document 1. However, since the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 is configured to prevent condensation on the deodorizing device, it is not possible to use a functional substance generation device that utilizes condensed water. It is also conceivable to use the functional substance generation device in place of the ozone generator described in Patent Document 2. However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the ozone generator is located upstream of the air flow generated by the fan relative to the heater. Therefore, when the temperature of the functional substance generation device drops as the temperature outside the storage cabinet drops, the application electrode does not condense and the functional substance is not generated. In the following embodiment, a storage device that can operate the functional substance generation device normally is described.

[0015] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0016] <Storage system configuration> First, the configuration of the storage system will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the storage system. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage system. FIG. 3 is a side view from the left side showing the relative positions of the refrigerator and electrostatic atomizer. FIG. 4 is a side view from the right side showing the relative positions of the refrigerator and electrostatic atomizer. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relative positions of the refrigerator, cooler, and electrostatic atomizer. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the storage system. Note that the front side is the side that a user of the storage system faces when putting items in or taking items out of the storage system, and the rear side is the opposite side to the front. Also, the right side, left side, upper side, and lower side are the right side, left side, upper side, and lower side as seen from the user when the user puts or takes items in or out of the storage system.

[0017] The storage system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed, for example, outdoors, in or around a train station, in or around a commercial facility such as a convenience store or supermarket, in or around a factory or office building, or in a residential area (specifically, near the entrance to an apartment building or detached house). The storage system 1 is used to indirectly deliver items purchased online or from an online supermarket between a delivery company or store and the purchaser. The items may be, for example, fresh food or frozen food. The storage system 1 stores the items at a refrigerated temperature (e.g., between -5°C and +10°C) or a freezer temperature (e.g., between -30°C and -20°C). The storage system 1 operates in a normal mode, which only controls the temperature of the storage cabinet 24 (see FIG. 2), described below, or in a sterilization and deodorization mode, which controls the temperature inside the storage cabinet 24 and also sterilizes and deodorizes.

[0018] First, the configuration of the storage system 1 as seen from the outside will be described. The storage system 1 includes a storage device 2. The storage device 2 includes a storage section 20. The storage section 20 stores items. The storage section 20 includes one outer box 21 and five outer doors 22. The outer box 21 is formed in the shape of a vertically long rectangular box with an opening on the front. The outer doors 22 open and close the opening on the front of the outer box 21. The outer doors 22 are arranged in a vertical line. The outer doors 22 are rotatably attached to the edge of the opening of the outer box 21 via hinges (not shown). A cover 23 is arranged on the top of the storage section 20. The cover 23 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with an opening on the bottom. Multiple air intake holes 231 are formed in the front panel of the cover 23. The air intake holes 231 are formed in the shape of slits and have the function of drawing air outside the storage device 2 (outside air) into the cover 23.

[0019] Next, the internal configuration of the storage device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage section 20 of the storage device 2 includes the outer box 21, outer door 22, and five storage cabinets 24 described above.

[0020] The outer box 21 includes a thermally insulated housing 211 having a thermally insulated structure. The thermally insulated housing 211 is composed of left and right side panels, a back panel, and a bottom panel, and is formed in a generally rectangular box shape with the front and top open. Exterior side panels 212 are fixed to the left and right side surfaces of the thermally insulated housing 211, respectively. The front ends of the exterior side panels 212 are located forward of the front end of the thermally insulated housing 211. A hinge that supports the outer door 22 is fixed to the front end of the right outer front panel. A front exterior member 213 is fixed to the upper and lower parts of the front ends of the pair of exterior side panels 212, and is arranged to bridge the pair of exterior side panels 212.

[0021] The five storage cabinets 24 are arranged in a vertical line inside the heat-insulating housing 211. Each storage cabinet 24 is arranged at approximately the same height as each outer door 22. Each storage cabinet 24 includes an inner box 241 and an inner door 242.

[0022] The inner box 241 has a heat transfer structure. The inner box 241 is formed in the shape of a square box with an opening on the front. Items are stored inside the inner box 241. The inner box 241 is arranged so that a rear flow path F1 is formed between it and the back plate portion of the heat-insulating housing 211. The rear flow path F1 is an example of a cooling path. The inner box 241 is arranged so that side flow paths (not shown) are formed between it and the left and right side plate portions of the heat-insulating housing 211. A plurality of rear slits 241A are formed in the back plate portion of the inner box 241. A plurality of side slits 241B are formed in the left and right side plate portions of the inner box 241.

[0023] With this configuration, cooled air C generated by the refrigeration device 5, which will be described later, flows downward through the rear flow path F1 and enters the interior of the storage cabinet 24 through the rear slits 241A. After exchanging heat with the commodities inside the storage cabinet 24, the cooled air C flows out through the side slits 241B, rises through the side flow paths, and returns to the refrigeration device 5, which will be described later. The cooled air C that has returned to the refrigeration device 5 is cooled by the refrigeration device 5 and again flows into the rear flow path F1. In other words, the inside of the storage cabinet 24 is cooled by the circulation of the cooled air C inside the insulated casing 211.

[0024] The inner door 242 opens and closes the opening on the front of the inner box 241. The inner door 242 is rotatably attached to the edge of the opening of the inner box 241 via a hinge (not shown). The hinge connecting the inner box 241 and the inner door 242 may be a hinge with a spring that biases the inner door 242 in the closing direction.

[0025] The storage unit 20 is provided with a locking / unlocking mechanism (not shown) that can independently lock and unlock the five outer doors 22. On the other hand, the storage unit 20 is not provided with a mechanism for locking and unlocking the inner door 242. Therefore, a user of the storage system 1 (e.g., a store clerk or a product purchaser) can put products in and take products out of the storage unit 24 by locking and unlocking the outer door 22 located in front of the storage unit 24 they are using.

[0026] Next, a more detailed configuration of the interior of storage device 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5. A plurality of exhaust holes 232 are formed in the back plate of cover 23 of storage device 2. Exhaust holes 232 are formed in positions substantially opposite intake holes 231. Exhaust holes 232 are formed in the shape of slits and have the function of discharging air inside cover 23 to the outside of cover 23.

[0027] Inside the cover 23, a refrigeration device 5 and an electrostatic atomization device 6 are arranged.

[0028] The refrigeration device 5 generates cooled air C and introduces the generated cooled air C into the storage 24 to cool items in the storage 24. The refrigeration device 5 includes a compressor 51, a condenser 52, a condensation fan 53, a throttle unit (not shown), an evaporator 54, and a cooling fan 55. The condensation fan 53 is an example of a second blower. The cooling fan 55 is an example of a first blower.

[0029] The compressor 51, the condenser 52, and the condensation fan 53 constitute a refrigerator. The compressor 51, the condenser 52, and the condensation fan 53 are arranged on the upper surface of the refrigerator support member 25, which closes the opening on the bottom surface of the cover 23. The space enclosed by the cover 23 and the refrigerator support member 25 is insulated from each storage cabinet 24 and constitutes a machine room in which the refrigerator is placed. The condenser 52 is arranged in a position facing the intake hole 231 of the cover 23. The condensation fan 53 is arranged behind the condenser 52. The compressor 51 is arranged behind the condensation fan 53 and in a position substantially facing the exhaust hole 232. In this way, the intake hole 231, the condenser 52, the condensation fan 53, the compressor 51, and the exhaust hole 232 are arranged in a line in the front-to-rear direction.

[0030] The compressor 51 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 51 is configured to generate heat when driven. The compressor 51 compresses a refrigerant and sends it to the condenser 52. The condenser 52 exchanges heat between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 51 and the air surrounding the condenser 52, and sends the cooled refrigerant after the heat exchange to a throttle section. The condenser fan 53 takes in outside air A1 into the cover 23 through the intake hole 231 and drives the taken-in outside air A1 to pass through the condenser 52 and the condenser fan 53 and send it to the compressor 51. The outside air A1 taken in by the condenser fan 53 promotes heat exchange in the condenser 52. The outside air (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as heated air A2) heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser 52 is used for heat exchange with the compressor 51, which is generating heat. Due to the heat exchange in the compressor 51, the temperature of the compressor 51 decreases, while the temperature of the heated air A2 further increases. The heated air A2, whose temperature has further increased, is discharged to the outside of the cover 23 through the exhaust hole 232.

[0031] The throttle portion, the evaporator 54, and the cooling fan 55 constitute a cooler. The throttle portion, the evaporator 54, and the cooling fan 55 are arranged on the cooler support member 26. The cooler support member 26 is located in an upper portion within the heat-insulating housing 211 of the storage device 2, and is fixed so as to be located below the refrigerator support member 25. The cooling fan 55 is arranged in the center in the front-to-rear direction within the heat-insulating housing 211. The evaporator 54 is arranged behind the cooling fan 55 and forward of the upper end of the rear flow path F1. It can also be said that the compressor 51 and the condenser 52 are arranged above the evaporator 54.

[0032] The throttling section is, for example, an electric expansion valve. The throttling section throttles the refrigerant cooled in the condenser 52 and sends it to the evaporator 54. The cooling fan 55 is driven to send the air returned via the side flow path to the evaporator 54. The evaporator 54 exchanges heat between the refrigerant throttled by the throttling section and the air from the cooling fan 55, and returns the refrigerant after heat exchange to the compressor 51. The cooled air C generated by the heat exchange in the evaporator 54 is sent to each storage cabinet 24 via the rear flow path F1 and is used to cool the items in each storage cabinet 24.

[0033] The electrostatic atomizer 6 generates nano-sized charged fine particle water particles M, and introduces the generated charged fine particle water particles M into the storage compartment 24 to create a predetermined state inside the storage compartment 24. Examples of effects obtained by using the charged fine particle water particles M include sterilization, deodorization, deactivation of allergens, and preservation of food freshness. The electrostatic atomizer 6 is an example of a functional substance generator, and the charged fine particle water particles M is an example of a functional substance.

[0034] The electrostatic atomizer 6 is disposed on the upper surface of the refrigerator support member 25, i.e., in the machine room. It can also be said that the electrostatic atomizer 6 is disposed above the evaporator 54. The electrostatic atomizer 6 is disposed downstream of the air flow generated by the condenser fan 53 relative to the compressor 51, i.e., rearward of the compressor 51. The electrostatic atomizer 6 includes a case 63 that houses a charged fine particle water generator 61 and a fan 62 (see FIG. 6 ). The height of the case 63 is lower than the height of the compressor 51. The case 63 has an air intake hole (not shown) for drawing external air into the case 63. A charged fine particle water path 64 is disposed in a portion of the case 63 where no air intake hole is formed, for guiding the charged fine particle water M to the rear flow path F1. The charged fine particle water path 64 is an example of a functional substance path.

[0035] The charged fine particle water generator 61 includes an application electrode, a counter electrode, and a Peltier element, none of which are shown. The application electrode is connected to the negative electrode of a high-voltage power supply 65 (see FIG. 6). The counter electrode is formed in a disk shape and is arranged to face the application electrode. The counter electrode is connected to the positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply 65. The Peltier element is an example of a condensation water generator, and is connected to a Peltier power supply 66 (see FIG. 6).

[0036] In the electrostatic atomizer 6 configured as described above, when generating the charged fine water particles M, the Peltier power supply 66 is first driven to energize the Peltier element. This energization of the Peltier element cools the application electrode to a temperature below the dew point, and water vapor in the air outside the case 63, which has been drawn into the case 63 through the air intake hole, condenses on the application electrode. When condensation occurs on the application electrode, the high-voltage power supply 65 is driven to apply a high voltage between the application electrode and the counter electrode. This application of high voltage causes a discharge from the application electrode to the counter electrode. When the application electrode discharges, the water vapor (condensed water) condensed on the application electrode is atomized, generating the charged fine water particles M containing OH radicals.

[0037] As described above, when the electrostatic atomizer 6 generates the charged fine particle water particles M, it is necessary to cause condensation to form on the application electrode. When the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 is low, the temperature of the air taken into the case 63 through the air intake hole becomes low, making it difficult to cause condensation to form normally. In this embodiment, the electrostatic atomizer 6 is configured to generate the charged fine particle water particles M when the temperature around the application electrode, i.e., the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 taken into the case 63 through the air intake hole, is +5°C or higher. In other words, the electrostatic atomizer 6 is configured to operate normally when the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 is equal to or higher than the minimum operating temperature.

[0038] The fan 62 is driven to discharge the charged minute water particle M generated by the charged minute water particle generator 61 through the charged minute water particle path 64 to the rear flow path F1.

[0039] The outlet of the charged particulate water path 64 is formed behind the evaporator 54, that is, downstream of the evaporator 54 in the air flow generated by the cooling fan 55. By guiding the charged particulate water M downstream of the evaporator 54 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the charged particulate water M from adhering to the evaporator 54 and reducing the amount of charged particulate water M flowing into the storage compartment 24. This prevents a decrease in the sterilization and deodorization effects within the storage compartment 24. The charged particulate water path 64 includes a guide hole 641 and a connecting portion 642.

[0040] The guide hole 641 is formed to vertically penetrate the refrigerator support member 25 in which the refrigerator is disposed. An upper opening of the guide hole 641 is formed to the left rear of the compressor 51 in a plan view. A lower opening of the guide hole 641 (the outlet of the charged particulate water path 64) is formed rearward of the evaporator 54 and near the upper end of the rear flow path F1. The connecting portion 642 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 642 is fixed so as to connect the periphery of the upper opening of the guide hole 641 to the periphery of an opening (not shown) in the case 63 for discharging the charged particulate water M. As described above, the lower opening of the guide hole 641 is located near the upper end of the rear flow path F1, and the guide direction of the charged particulate water M by the guide hole 641 and the rear flow path F1 is aligned downward, thereby allowing the charged particulate water M to smoothly flow into each storage compartment 24.

[0041] An ambient temperature detector 27 (see FIG. 6) is disposed near the electrostatic atomizer 6 inside the storage device 2. The ambient temperature detector 27 detects the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result.

[0042] An internal temperature detection unit 28 (see FIG. 6) is disposed near the cooler support member 26 inside the storage device 2. The internal temperature detection unit 28 detects the temperature of air flowing through the side flow path, for example, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. The temperature of the air flowing through the side flow path is approximately the same as the temperature inside the storage 24. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the internal temperature detection unit 28 may be referred to as the internal temperature.

[0043] Next, the control system of the storage system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the storage system 1 further includes a unit control device 3. The unit control device 3 is disposed in a control unit (not shown) located, for example, to the side of the storage device 2. The unit control device 3 includes an operation unit 31, a memory unit 32, and an internal state control device 33.

[0044] The operation unit 31 is configured, for example, by a touch panel. The operation unit 31 is configured to be able to send and receive various signals to and from the internal state control device 33. The operation unit 31 outputs a signal corresponding to an input operation of the operation unit 31 to the internal state control device 33. Examples of input operations include setting the temperature of the refrigeration device 5, setting the operation mode of the storage system 1, and locking / unlocking the outer door 22 of the storage device 2.

[0045] The storage unit 32 is configured with a memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 32 is configured to be able to send and receive information to and from the internal state control device 33. The storage unit 32 stores various types of information required for controlling the internal state control device 33.

[0046] The internal state control device 33 is an example of a control device. The internal state control device 33 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the functions of the internal state control device 33 are realized by the CPU executing an internal state control program stored in the memory unit 32. The internal state control device 33 is configured to be able to send and receive various signals between the ambient temperature detection unit 27, the internal temperature detection unit 28, the compressor 51, the condenser fan 53, the cooling fan 55, the fan 62, the high-voltage power supply 65, and the Peltier power supply 66. The internal state control device 33 includes a locking / unlocking control unit, a cooling control unit 331, a charged minute water particle generation control unit 332, and a heating control unit 333, all of which are not shown.

[0047] The locking / unlocking control unit locks or unlocks a specified outer door 22 by controlling the locking / unlocking mechanism based on an input operation using the operation unit 31 to instruct locking or unlocking of the specified outer door 22.

[0048] When the temperature inside the storage cabinet 24 is equal to or higher than a cooling start temperature (for example, +2°C), which is equal to or higher than the set cooling temperature, the cooling control unit 331 performs cooling control to cool the inside of the storage cabinet 24 by driving the compressor 51, the condenser fan 53, and the cooling fan 55. The cooling start temperature is set, for example, to a temperature higher than the set cooling temperature (refrigeration temperature or freezing temperature) of the storage system 1. When the temperature inside the storage cabinet 24 is lower than a cooling end temperature (for example, 0°C), which is lower than the set cooling temperature, the cooling control unit 331 ends the cooling control by stopping the compressor 51, the condenser fan 53, and the cooling fan 55. The cooling end temperature is set, for example, to a temperature lower than the set cooling temperature (refrigeration temperature or freezing temperature) of the storage system 1 (a temperature 2°C lower than the set cooling temperature).

[0049] The charged minute particle water generation control unit 332 controls the fan 62, the high voltage power supply 65, and the Peltier power supply 66 to perform sterilization and deodorization control for sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the storage 24.

[0050] When the temperature inside the storage compartment 24 is below the cooling end temperature, the heating control unit 333 performs heating control to heat the electrostatic atomization device 6 by driving the compressor 51 and the condensation fan 53 while stopping the cooling fan 55 when the temperature inside the storage compartment 24 needs to be sterilized and deodorized with the charged fine particle water M and the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is below the minimum operating temperature. If the temperature inside the storage compartment 24 falls below the cooling end temperature or the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 rises to or exceeds the heating end temperature during heating control, the heating control unit 333 stops the compressor 51, the condensation fan 53, and the cooling fan 55 and ends the heating control. The heating end temperature is set to a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum operating temperature of the electrostatic atomization device 6 (e.g., +5°C). For example, when the cooling setting temperature is a refrigeration temperature, the heating end temperature may be the same as or lower than the cooling end temperature.

[0051] <Storage system operation> Next, we will explain the operation of the storage system 1. As described above, the storage system 1 operates in either the normal mode or the sterilization and deodorization mode.

[0052] (Normal mode) First, the operation of the storage system 1 in normal mode will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage system in normal mode. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the control state of the refrigeration device and the electrostatic atomization device in normal mode.

[0053] For example, the manager of the storage system 1 performs an input operation to instruct operation in the normal mode using the operation unit 31. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the charge-charged minute water particle generation control unit 332 of the internal state control device 33 receives the instruction to operate in the normal mode, it turns off the electrostatic atomizer 6 so that the charge-charged minute water particle M is not generated (step S1).

[0054] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the cooling control unit 331 of the internal state control device 33 determines whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature based on the temperature detection result from the internal temperature detection unit 28 (step S2).

[0055] If the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is not equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2: NO), it again determines whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S2). On the other hand, if the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2: YES), it starts cooling control (step S3). In the cooling control start process of step S3, as shown in FIG. 8, the cooling control unit 331 starts driving (turns on) the compressor 51, condenser fan 53, and cooling fan 55 of the refrigeration device 5. At this time, the cooling control unit 331 drives the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condenser fan 53 at normal rotation speeds. By driving these components of the refrigeration device 5, cooled air C circulates among the rear flow path F1, the storage compartment 24, the side flow paths, the cooling fan 55, and the evaporator 54, thereby cooling the interior of the storage compartment 24.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the cooling control unit 331 determines whether or not the inside temperature is lower than the cooling end temperature based on the temperature detection result by the inside temperature detection unit 28 (step S4).

[0057] If the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is not below the cooling end temperature (step S4: NO), it again determines whether the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S4). On the other hand, if the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature (step S4: YES), it ends the cooling control (step S5). In the process of ending the cooling control in step S5, as shown in FIG. 8, the cooling control unit 331 stops (turns off) the compressor 51, condenser fan 53, and cooling fan 55 of the refrigeration device 5. By stopping the operation of these components of the refrigeration device 5, the circulation of the cooled air C stops, and the interior of the storage cabinet 24 is no longer cooled.

[0058] 7, after performing the process of step S5, the cooling control unit 331 again determines whether the temperature inside the storage compartment is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S2). The cooling control unit 331 repeats the processes of steps S2 to S5 until it receives an input operation using the operation unit 31 to end the normal mode or to turn off the power of the storage system 1.

[0059] (Sterilization and deodorization mode) Next, the operation of the storage system 1 in the sterilization and deodorization mode will be described. Note that the explanation of the same processes as in the normal mode will be simplified. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage system in the sterilization and deodorization mode. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the control state of the refrigeration device and the electrostatic atomization device in the sterilization and deodorization mode.

[0060] For example, an administrator of the storage system 1 uses the operation unit 31 to input an instruction to operate in the sterilization and deodorization mode. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , upon receiving the instruction to operate in the sterilization and deodorization mode, the charged fine particle water generation control unit 332 turns on the electrostatic atomizer 6 so as to generate charged fine particle water M (step S11). After the process of step S11 is performed, the charged fine particle water generator 61 of the electrostatic atomizer 6 generates the charged fine particle water M. The fan 62 of the electrostatic atomizer 6 flows the generated charged fine particle water M downstream of the evaporator 54 through the charged fine particle water path 64.

[0061] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, the cooling control unit 331 determines whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2). If the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2: YES), it starts cooling control (step S3). When the cooling air C flows into the rear flow path F1 due to the cooling control, the charged minute water particles M that have flowed to the rear side of the evaporator 54 also flow into the storage compartment 24 via the rear flow path F1 together with the cooling air C. As a result, the inside of the storage compartment 24 is sterilized and deodorized by the charged minute water particles M.

[0062] Furthermore, when the compressor 51 and condenser fan 53 are driven, outside air A1 is drawn into the cover 23 and heated through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser 52 and the compressor 51, becoming heated air A2. This heated air A2 is then discharged to the outside of the cover 23 through the exhaust hole 232. At this time, the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is maintained at +5°C or higher by the heated air A2. Therefore, while cooling control is being performed, the electrostatic atomization device 6 can continue to operate normally.

[0063] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the cooling control unit 331 determines whether the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature (step S4). If the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is not below the cooling end temperature (step S4: NO), after a predetermined time has elapsed, the cooling control unit 331 again determines whether the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature (step S4). On the other hand, if the cooling control unit 331 determines that the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature (step S4: YES), the cooling control ends (step S5). By the cooling control end process in step S5, as shown in FIG. 10, the compressor 51, condenser fan 53, and cooling fan 55 of the refrigeration device 5 stop, so that the circulation of the cooling air C stops and the interior of the storage compartment 24 is no longer cooled. At this time, although the cooling fan 55 is stopped, the fan 62 is still driven, so the charged particulate water M continues to flow into the storage compartment 24 via the rear flow path F1. As a result, the interior of the storage compartment 24 continues to be sterilized and deodorized.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, after the process of step S5 is performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the cooling control unit 331 again determines whether the temperature inside the refrigerator is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2).

[0065] On the other hand, if the cooling control unit 331 determines that the temperature inside the cabinet is not equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2: NO), the heating control unit 333 determines whether the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is lower than the minimum operating temperature of the electrostatic atomization device 6 based on the temperature detection result of the ambient temperature detection unit 27 (step S12).

[0066] If the heating control unit 333 determines that the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is not below the minimum operating temperature (step S12: NO), it determines whether the temperature inside the storage compartment is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2). On the other hand, if the heating control unit 333 determines that the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is below the minimum operating temperature (step S12: YES), it starts heating control (step S13). The processing of step S13 is performed when the area around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is not heated by the heated air A2 heated by heat exchange with the compressor 51, that is, when cooling control is not being performed because cooling inside the storage compartment 24 is not necessary.

[0067] In the heating control start process of step S13, as shown in FIG. 10, the heating control unit 333 stops driving the cooling fan 55 of the refrigeration device 5, while driving the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condenser fan 53 at a rotation speed slower than the rotation speed during cooling control.

[0068] During heating control, the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condenser fan 53 are driven. The outside air A1 is heated by heat exchange between the refrigerant in the condenser 52 and the compressor 51, and is discharged as heated air A2 through the exhaust hole 232. The heated air A2 heats the area around the electrostatic atomizer 6 to +5°C or higher. Therefore, even when the cooling control is stopped and the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 drops below the minimum operating temperature due to a drop in the outside air temperature, the electrostatic atomizer 6 can operate normally. In particular, in this embodiment, the electrostatic atomizer 6 is disposed behind the compressor 51. Therefore, the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 can be increased compared to when the electrostatic atomizer 6 is disposed between the condenser 52 and the compressor 51. During heating control, although the cooling fan 55 is stopped, the fan 62 is driven, and the charged fine water particles M flow into the storage compartment 24 via the rear flow path F1. As a result, the interior of the storage compartment 24 is disinfected and deodorized.

[0069] Furthermore, during heating control, the rotor of the compressor 51 is driven, so the refrigerant circulates through the refrigeration device 5, and the evaporator 54 continues to generate cooled air C. However, because the cooling fan 55 is stopped, the amount of cooled air C flowing into the storage compartment 24 is less than during cooling control. Therefore, the rate at which the temperature inside the storage compartment 24 drops is slower than during cooling control. Therefore, the electrostatic atomization device 6 can operate normally while preventing the inside of the storage compartment 24 from becoming too cold.

[0070] In particular, in this embodiment, the rotor of the compressor 51 rotates at a slower speed than during cooling control, so the amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration device 5 is less than during cooling control. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator 54 is higher than during cooling control. The temperature of the cooled air C generated by the evaporator 54 is also higher than during cooling control. Therefore, the rate at which the temperature inside the storage compartment 24 drops is even slower than during cooling control. This further prevents the inside of the storage compartment 24 from becoming too cold, allowing the electrostatic atomization device 6 to operate normally.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, after performing the process of step S13, the heating control unit 333 determines whether the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than the cooling end temperature (step S14).

[0072] If the heating control unit 333 determines that the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature (step S14: YES), it terminates the heating control (step S15). On the other hand, if the heating control unit 333 determines that the internal temperature is not below the cooling end temperature (step S14: NO), it determines whether the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the heating end temperature (step S16). If the heating control unit 333 determines that the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the heating end temperature (step S16: YES), it terminates the heating control (step S15). In the termination process of the heating control in step S15, as shown in FIG. 10, the heating control unit 333 stops the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condenser fan 53 while keeping the cooling fan 55 of the refrigeration device 5 stopped. Stopping the drive of these components of the refrigeration device 5 stops the circulation of the cooling air C, and the interior of the storage cabinet 24 is no longer cooled. This prevents the temperature inside the storage cabinet 24 from dropping too low, causing problems such as frozen products.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, after the process of step S15 is performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the cooling control unit 331 determines whether the temperature inside the refrigerator is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature (step S2).

[0074] On the other hand, if the heating control unit 333 determines that the ambient temperature is not equal to or higher than the heating end temperature (step S16: NO), after a predetermined time has elapsed, it again determines whether the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than the cooling end temperature (step S14).The refrigerator state control device 33 repeats the processes of steps S2 to S5 and S12 to S16 until it receives an input operation using the operation unit 31 to end the sterilization and deodorization mode or an input operation to turn off the power to the storage system 1.

[0075] [Modification of the embodiment] It goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above embodiments and the modifications described below may be combined in any way as long as they function properly.

[0076] The electrostatic atomizer 6 only needs to be located downstream of the air flow formed by the condensation fan 53 relative to the condenser 52, and may be located between the condenser 52 and the compressor 51, or between the condenser 52 and the condensation fan 53. The charged particulate water path 64 only needs to guide the charged particulate water M downstream of the air flow formed by the cooling fan 55 relative to the evaporator 54, and may be located between the cooling fan 55 and the evaporator 54. The condensation fan 53 may be omitted.

[0077] A compressor heater may be attached to the compressor 51, and the heat generated by the compressor heater may be used to heat the area around the electrostatic atomization device 6. When using the compressor heater to heat the area around the electrostatic atomization device 6, if the internal state control device 33 determines that the temperature around the electrostatic atomization device 6 is below the minimum operating temperature while refrigeration control is not being performed, it may start heating the compressor 51 with the compressor heater and start driving only the condenser fan 53.

[0078] In the heating control, the internal state control device 33 drives both the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condensation fan 53 at a lower rotation speed than in the cooling control. However, it is also possible to drive only one of the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condensation fan 53 at a lower rotation speed, or to drive both the rotor of the compressor 51 and the condensation fan 53 at the same rotation speed as in the cooling control.

[0079] The internal state control device 33 terminates the heating control when it determines that the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, but may also terminate the heating control after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating control even if the internal temperature is above the cooling end temperature.

[0080] The internal state control device 33 may determine the time or season during control of the storage system 1 based on the timing results of a timing unit (not shown), and switch between the normal mode and the sterilization and deodorization mode depending on the determination result. For example, the internal state control device 33 may be set to the normal mode at a time or season when the temperature is extremely unlikely to fall below the minimum operating temperature, and may be set to the sterilization and deodorization mode at a time or season when the temperature is likely to fall below the minimum operating temperature.

[0081] In the sterilization and deodorization mode, the electrostatic atomizer 6 is turned on before the heating control is started, but the electrostatic atomizer 6 may also be turned on simultaneously with the start of the heating control or after it is confirmed that the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 has reached or exceeded the minimum operating temperature due to the heating control.

[0082] In the sterilization and deodorization mode, the electrostatic atomizer 6 is turned on before the heating control is started, but the electrostatic atomizer 6 may also be turned on simultaneously with the start of the heating control or after it is confirmed that the temperature around the electrostatic atomizer 6 has reached or exceeded the minimum operating temperature due to the heating control.

[0083] Although the electrostatic atomizer 6 has produced the charged atomized water particle M having both sterilizing and deodorizing functions, the charged atomized water particle M may have only the sterilizing or deodorizing functions.

[0084] The storage system of the present disclosure may be a commercial or residential refrigerator or freezer. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The present disclosure is applicable to storage devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Storage System 2 Storage device 3 Unit Control Device 5. Refrigeration equipment 6. Electrostatic atomizer 20 Storage area 21 Outer box 22 Outer door 23 Cover 24 Storage 25 Refrigerator support member 26 Cooler support member 27 Ambient temperature detector 28 Internal temperature detection unit 31 Operation section 32 Storage section 33 Storage status control device 51 Compressor 52 Condenser 53 Condenser fan 54 Evaporator 55 Cooling fan 61 Charged atomized water generator 62 fans 63 cases 64 Electrostatically Charged Microparticle Water Path 65 High voltage power supply 66 Peltier power supply 211 Insulated housing 212 Exterior side plate 213 Front exterior member 231 Air intake 232 Exhaust vent 241 Inner box 241A Rear slit 241B Side slit 242 Inner door 331 Cooling control unit 332 Charged atomized water generation control unit 333 Heating control unit 641 Guide hole 642 Connecting part F1 rear flow passage

Claims

1. a storage room for storing items; a refrigeration device including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a first blower unit, and configured to generate cooled air; a cooling path that sends the cooling air blown by the first blower into the storage compartment; a functional material generating device for generating a functional material; a functional material path communicating with the functional material generation device and allowing the functional material to pass through; Equipped with the compressor, the condenser, and the functional material production device are disposed in a space insulated from the storage cabinet, the functional material production device is disposed adjacent to the compressor or the condenser, the functional material path includes a guide hole, the guide hole is formed to penetrate a support member on which the compressor is disposed in a vertical direction, and the guide hole is connected to a rear flow path of the cooling path that guides the cooling air downward; the functional substance is charged atomized water particle, The functional material generating device is an electrostatic atomizing device. Storage device.

2. a storage room for storing items; a refrigeration device disposed above the storage compartment, including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a first blower, and configured to generate cooled air; a cooling path that sends the cooling air blown by the first blower into the storage compartment; a functional material generating device for generating a functional material; Equipped with The compressor and the condenser are disposed above the evaporator, the functional material generating device is provided on the upper stage and has a functional material path communicating with the functional material generating device and allowing the functional material to pass through; the functional material path includes a guide hole, the guide hole is formed to penetrate a support member on which the compressor is disposed in a vertical direction, and the guide hole is connected to a rear flow path of the cooling path through which the cooling air that has undergone heat exchange in the evaporator passes, the rear flow path guiding the cooling air downward; the functional substance is charged atomized water particle, The functional material generating device is an electrostatic atomizing device. Storage device.

3. the functional material generating device includes an application electrode and a condensed water generating unit that generates condensed water on the application electrode, and generates the charged fine water particles by discharging electricity to the condensed water.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The refrigeration device further includes a second blower that takes in air from outside the storage compartment and generates an air flow that cools the condenser, the functional material generation device is disposed downstream of the condenser in the flow of air generated by the second blower. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. an outlet of the functional material path is formed downstream of the evaporator in the flow of air generated by the first blower; 5. The storage device according to claim 1.

6. The evaporator and the first blower are disposed above the storage compartment, the functional material generation device is disposed above the evaporator and the first blower, The cooling path is configured to send the cooling air from top to bottom, the functional material path is configured to pass the functional material from top to bottom, and the outlet is formed near an upper end of a portion of the cooling path through which the cooling air is sent from top to bottom. The storage device according to claim 5.

7. The compressor is equipped with a compressor heater, The functional material production device is arranged adjacent to the compressor.

7. The storage device according to claim 1.

Images