Defrosting device and defrosting system

Abstract

To suppress thawing unevenness in an object to be thawed.SOLUTION: There is provided a thawing device for thawing an object (2) to be thawed by making air flow into a space between objects (2) to be thawed which are arranged at an interval in a vertical direction, the thawing device comprises: a casing (11) in which a ventilation flue (30) communicated with a ventilation space (24) between the objects (2) to be thawed is formed; and a fan (12) for transporting air in the ventilation flue (30) and the ventilation space (24). The thawing device alternately executes first operation for flowing the air in the ventilation space (24) in a first direction, and second operation for flowing the air in the ventilation space (24) in a second direction being opposite to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thawing device and a thawing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, differential pressure cooling devices have been known that have a differential pressure chamber provided inside a refrigerator, freezer, or other storage compartment and efficiently cool a cooling object, such as processed food, placed inside the differential pressure chamber. The differential pressure cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a fan that creates a negative pressure in the differential pressure chamber and a differential pressure chamber into which cold air from inside the storage compartment is drawn. In this differential pressure cooling device, the cooling object is cooled by placing the cooling object so that it is exposed to the cold air drawn into the differential pressure chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-15431 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The differential pressure cooling device described in Patent Document 1 can be used as a thawing device to thaw frozen objects (items to be thawed), for example, frozen food, by making the temperature inside the refrigerator higher than that of the object.

[0005] In such thawing devices, the fan circulates the air inside the refrigerator in one direction. As the air passes around the items to be thawed, it exchanges heat with the items, thawing them. The air on the upstream side of the air flow is cooled by exchanging heat with the items. This cooled air then flows downstream and exchanges heat with the items. Because the temperature of the air reaching the downstream side is lower than that of the upstream side, the items on the downstream side are more difficult to thaw than the items on the upstream side. This creates a temperature difference between the air flowing upstream and downstream in the air flow, resulting in uneven thawing of the items.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress uneven thawing of an object to be thawed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect is a thawing device that thaws a plurality of objects to be thawed (2) by flowing air between the objects to be thawed (2) arranged at intervals above and below, and includes a casing (11) in which an air passage (30) is formed that communicates with a ventilation space (24) between the objects to be thawed (2), and a fan (12) that transports air through the ventilation passage (30) and the ventilation space (24), and alternately performs a first operation of flowing air in the ventilation space (24) in a first direction and a second operation of flowing air in the ventilation space (24) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0008] In the first aspect, the thawing device (10) alternately performs the first and second operations, causing air to flow alternately in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction in the ventilation space (24). This reduces the variation in thawing speed that occurs upstream and downstream of the first direction compared to when air flows only in the first direction in the ventilation space (24). As a result, uneven thawing of the object (2) to be thawed can be suppressed.

[0009] In the second mode, in the first mode, the fan (12) is arranged on one end side of the ventilation passage (30) in the casing (11), and the casing (11) has a blocking surface (11b) provided at the other end of the ventilation passage (30). In the first operation, air flows in the ventilation passage (30) from one end side to the other end side of the ventilation passage (30) and also flows in the first direction, that is, in a direction pushing air from the ventilation passage (30) to the ventilation space (24). In the second operation, air flows in the ventilation passage (30) from the other end side to one end side of the ventilation passage (30) and also flows in the second direction, that is, in a direction sucking air from the ventilation space (24) into the ventilation passage (30).

[0010] In the second mode, the air flowing from one end of the ventilation passage (30) to the other end in the first operation is pushed out of the ventilation passage (30) into the ventilation space (24). At this time, the air reaching the other end of the ventilation passage (30) hits the closed surface (11b) of the casing (11), so that the air flowing into the ventilation space (24) formed near the other end of the ventilation passage (30) has a higher wind speed than the air flowing through the ventilation space (24) formed near the one end. Therefore, in the first operation, the object (2) to be thawed located near the other end of the ventilation passage (30) is thawed faster than the object (2) to be thawed located near the one end.

[0011] On the other hand, in the second operation, the air drawn into the ventilation passage (30) from the ventilation space (24) flows from the other end to one end of the ventilation passage (30). At this time, the ventilation space (24) formed near one end of the ventilation passage (30) is closer to the fan (12), so the air flowing through the ventilation space (24) near one end of the ventilation passage (30) has a faster wind speed than the air flowing through the ventilation space (24) near the other end. Therefore, in the second operation, the object (2) to be thawed located near one end of the ventilation passage (30) is thawed faster than the object (2) to be thawed located near the other end.

[0012] The thawing device alternately performs the first and second operations, thereby reducing the variation in the thawing speed of the objects (2) located near one end and the other end of the ventilation passage (30), thereby further reducing uneven thawing of the objects (2).

[0013] A third aspect is the first or second aspect, in which the first operation and the second operation are switched over every predetermined time.

[0014] In the third aspect, the thawing device (10) switches between the first operation and the second operation at predetermined time intervals, thereby gradually and uniformly thawing a plurality of objects (2) to be thawed.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the casing (11) further has a branch passage (31) that connects the ventilation passage (30) with the ventilation space (24), and a damper (13) whose opening degree is changeable is arranged in the branch passage (31).

[0016] In the fourth aspect, the amount of air flowing through the branch passage (31) can be adjusted by the damper (13), thereby further reducing variations in the thawing speed of the object (2) to be thawed.

[0017] In a fifth aspect, the defrosting device of the fourth aspect further includes a temperature sensor (15) that measures the temperature of the object to be thawed (2), and a control unit (100) that adjusts the opening degree of the damper (13) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15).

[0018] In the fifth aspect, the control unit (100) adjusts the opening of the damper (13) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15), thereby further reducing variations in the thawing speed of the object to be thawed.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the thawing device further includes a temperature sensor (15) that measures the temperature of the object to be thawed (2), and a control unit (100) that adjusts the air volume of the fan (12) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15).

[0020] In the sixth aspect, the control unit (100) adjusts the air volume of the fan (12) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15), thereby further reducing variations in the thawing speed of the object to be thawed.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a carriage (20) on which the object to be thawed (2) is placed to form the ventilation space (24) is disposed in front of the casing (11), and air flow guides (14) are provided on the front side surface (11c) of the casing (11) and are disposed on the left and right sides of the carriage (20) to regulate the flow of air passing through the ventilation space (24), and the air flow guides (14) are configured in a bellows shape.

[0022] In the seventh aspect, the airflow guides (14) arranged on the left and right sides of the dolly (20) are configured in a bellows shape, so that the dolly (20) can be moved immediately by folding the airflow guides (14), thereby shortening the movement path of the dolly (20).

[0023] An eighth aspect is a thawing system including the thawing device (10) of any one of the first to seventh aspects and a temperature adjustment device (5) that adjusts the temperature of a thawing chamber (4) in which the thawing device (10) is installed.

[0024] In an eighth aspect, a thawing system (1) can be provided that includes a thawing device (10) and a temperature adjustment device (5). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a thawing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the carriage. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the defrosting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the defrosting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the defrosting device. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the airflow guide. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the decompression device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the defrosting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the first operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the second operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] <<Embodiment>> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0027] (1) Thawing system The thawing system (1) is a system for thawing an object (2) to be thawed. Here, the object (2) to be thawed refers to an object to be thawed by the thawing system (1), such as frozen food (meat, fish, etc.). In this embodiment, the object (2) to be thawed is chicken meat that has been frozen and placed in a bag. The temperature of the object (2) to be thawed in this embodiment is approximately -18°C.

[0028] The thawing system (1) of this embodiment is a differential pressure thawing system. As shown in FIG. 1, the thawing system (1) includes a thawing chamber structure (3), a unit cooler (5), a thawing device (10), and a cart (20). A thawing chamber (4) is formed inside the thawing chamber structure (3). The unit cooler (5) and the thawing device (10) are installed in the thawing chamber (4). A cart (20) is disposed in the thawing chamber (4). The cart (20) accommodates a plurality of objects (2) to be thawed.

[0029] The thawing chamber structure 3 is formed in a box shape. A door (not shown) is provided on one side of the thawing chamber structure 3. The door is used to insert and remove the cart 20 into the thawing chamber 4.

[0030] The unit cooler (5) corresponds to the temperature adjustment device of the present disclosure. The unit cooler (5) is attached to the ceiling surface of the thawing chamber structure (3). The unit cooler (5) adjusts the temperature of the thawing chamber (4). The temperature of the thawing chamber (4) is higher than the temperature of the object (2) to be thawed. In this embodiment, the temperature of the thawing chamber (4) is maintained at approximately 5°C by the unit cooler (5).

[0031] The thawing device (10) generates a pressure difference between the space formed inside the thawing device (10) and the thawing chamber (4) to generate an air flow, and uses this air flow to flow between a plurality of objects to be thawed (2), thereby thawing the objects to be thawed (2). A plurality of thawing devices (10) are arranged inside the thawing chamber (4) of the thawing chamber structure (3). In this embodiment, a plurality of thawing devices (10) are arranged along each of two opposing side surfaces of the thawing chamber structure (3).

[0032] One thawing device (10) may be disposed in the thawing chamber (4). Alternatively, the thawing devices (10) may be disposed in an L-shape along each of two substantially perpendicular side surfaces of the thawing chamber structure (3). Furthermore, multiple thawing devices (10) do not necessarily have to be disposed along the side surfaces of the thawing chamber structure (3). Details of the thawing device (10) will be described later.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the cart (20) is a so-called shelf cart. The cart (20) is configured to be movable. The cart (20) has a frame body (21), wheels (22), and a mounting portion (23). The frame body (21) is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame body (21) is formed by combining rod-shaped members extending in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction. The cart (20) has four wheels (22). The wheels (22) are attached to the four corners of the lower end of the frame body (21).

[0034] The cart (20) has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) placement sections (23). The objects to be thawed (2) are placed on the placement sections (23). The placement sections (23) are formed in a flat plate shape. The placement sections (23) are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. Ventilation spaces (24) are formed between the placement sections (23). In other words, the objects to be thawed (2) placed on the placement sections (23) are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and ventilation spaces (24) are formed between the objects to be thawed (2).

[0035] (2) Details of the defrosting device The thawing device (10) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 7. In the following description, "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" refer to directions when the thawing device (10) is viewed from the front. The front of the thawing device (10) is the side on which an airflow guide (14), which will be described later, is provided.

[0036] The thawing device (10) includes a casing (11), a fan (12), a damper (13), an airflow guide (14), a temperature sensor (15), and a control unit (100).

[0037] (2-1) Casing As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the casing (11) is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction. The casing (11) is formed in a hollow box shape. The casing (11) has an upper plate (11a) and a lower plate (11b) that face each other in the vertical direction, a front plate (11c) and a rear plate (11d) that face each other in the front-rear direction, and a right plate (11e) and a left plate (11f) that face each other in the left-right direction. The upper plate (11a), the lower plate (11b), the front plate (11c), the rear plate (11d), the right plate (11e), and the left plate (11f) are formed in a generally flat plate shape.

[0038] The upper plate (11a) forms the upper surface of the casing (11). The lower plate (11b) forms the lower surface of the casing (11). The front plate (11c) forms the front side surface of the casing (11). The rear plate (11d) forms the rear side surface of the casing (11). The right side plate (11e) forms the right side surface of the casing (11). The left side plate (11f) forms the left side surface of the casing (11). The upper plate (11a) and the lower plate (11b) extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The front side plate (11c), the rear side plate (11d), the right side plate (11e), and the left side plate (11f) extend in a substantially vertical direction.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, an inspection door (16) is formed on the left side plate (11f) of the casing (11). The inspection door (16) is a door for inspecting the damper (13). When the inspection door (16) is opened, the damper (13) is exposed.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, a first opening (17) is formed in the front plate (11c) of the casing (11). The first opening (17) is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction. A dolly (20) is disposed in front of the first opening (17). In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the dolly (20) is disposed so that its front-rear direction coincides with the front-rear direction of the casing (11). As shown in FIG. 5, a second opening (18) is formed in the top plate (11a) of the casing (11).

[0041] An air passage (30) and a plurality of tributary channels (31) are formed inside the casing (11). Air from inside the thawing chamber (4) flows through the air passage (30) and each tributary channel (31). As shown in FIG. 3, the air passage (30) is a space extending vertically inside the casing (11). An upper end (one end) of the air passage (30) communicates with the second opening (18). A lower end (the other end) of the air passage (30) is closed by the lower surface (11b) of the casing (11). The lower surface (11b) of the casing (11) corresponds to the closed surface of the present disclosure.

[0042] Each tributary flow path (31) is a space extending in the front-rear direction. Each tributary flow path (31) is formed in front of the ventilation passage (30). As shown in FIG. 4, four tributary flow paths (31) are formed in the casing (11) of this embodiment. The front end of each tributary flow path (31) communicates with the first opening (17). The rear end of each tributary flow path (31) communicates with the ventilation passage (30).

[0043] 9, when the carriage (20) is disposed in front of the casing (11), the tributary flow path (31) connects the ventilation passage (30) to the ventilation space (24). In other words, the tributary flow path (31) connects the ventilation passage (30) to the ventilation space (24).

[0044] (2-2) Fans The fan (12) transports air in the ventilation passage (30) and the branch passage (31) of the casing (11) and air in the ventilation space (24) of the carriage (20). The fan (12) is configured to be capable of rotating forward and in a reverse direction opposite to the forward rotation. The fan (12) is attached to the upper surface (11a) of the casing (11). In other words, the fan (12) is disposed at the upper end side (one end side) of the ventilation passage (30). The interior of the fan housing (H) that houses the fan (12) communicates with the ventilation passage (30) via the second opening (18) of the casing (11). In this embodiment, the fan (12) is a propeller fan. However, the fan (12) may be a fan other than a propeller fan.

[0045] The rotation speed of the motor (M) of the fan (12) is variable. The motor (M) is a DC fan motor whose rotation speed is adjusted by a control circuit. The fan (12) is configured so that its air volume is variable.

[0046] (2-3) Damper 3 and 4, the defrosting device (10) has a plurality of dampers (13) (four dampers in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the defrosting device (10) has first to fourth dampers (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d). The dampers (13) are configured so that their opening degrees can be changed.

[0047] The dampers (13) are housed inside the casing (11). The dampers (13) are arranged vertically along the left side plate (11f) of the casing (11). As shown in FIG. 4, each damper (13) is arranged on the left side of each tributary flow path (31). Each damper (13) is provided corresponding to each tributary flow path (31). By adjusting the opening degree of the damper (13), the amount of air flowing through the tributary flow path (31) corresponding to the damper (13) is adjusted. Note that the number of dampers (13) shown here is merely an example.

[0048] (2-4) Airflow guide As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the thawing device (10) has an airflow guide (14). The airflow guide (14) is provided on the front side surface (11c) of the casing (11). The airflow guide (14) is disposed around the first opening (17) of the casing (11).

[0049] The airflow guide (14) is intended to regulate the flow of air passing through a ventilation space (24) formed in the cart (20). The airflow guide (14) of this embodiment is configured to be disposed on the left, right, and upper sides of the cart (20). In other words, the airflow guide (14) is configured to surround the cart (20). The airflow guide (14) is formed in an inverted U-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction, and its lower portion is open.

[0050] The airflow guides (14) may be provided on the left and right sides of the cart (20), and may not be provided above the cart (20). A plurality of carts (20) may be arranged inside the airflow guide (14). In this case, the plurality of carts (20) may be arranged in the front-rear direction or in the left-right direction.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, the airflow guide (14) is configured in a bellows shape that is expandable in the front-rear direction. The airflow guide (14) can be changed between a first state in which it is folded toward the casing (11) and a second state in which it is stretched in a direction away from the casing (11).

[0052] (2-5) Temperature sensor As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the thawing device (10) has a plurality of temperature sensors (15) (four in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the thawing device (10) has first to fourth temperature sensors (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d). The temperature sensors (15) measure the temperature of the object to be thawed (2). Each temperature sensor (15) is provided at a position corresponding to each branch flow path (31) in the vertical direction. The number of temperature sensors (15) shown here is merely an example.

[0053] The temperature sensors (15) have a detection unit that detects the temperature and a display unit that displays the temperature detected by the detection unit. Each detection unit is inserted into the object to be thawed (2) placed on the placement unit (23) of the cart (20) corresponding to each branch flow path (31). The display units are arranged vertically side by side on the left side surface (11f) of the airflow guide (14).

[0054] (2-6) Control unit The decompression device (10) has a control unit (100). The control unit (100) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit (100) is connected to the fan (12), the first to fourth dampers (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), and the first to fourth temperature sensors (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to be able to exchange signals with them.

[0056] The control unit (100) receives the detection values ​​of the first to fourth temperature sensors (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d). The control unit (100) controls the fan (12) and the first to fourth dampers (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d). Specifically, the control unit (100) switches the rotation direction of the motor (M) of the fan (12). The control unit (100) also changes the rotation speed of the motor (M) of the fan (12). Based on the detection values ​​of the first to fourth temperature sensors (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), the control unit (100) adjusts the opening degrees of the first to fourth dampers (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) corresponding to the respective temperature sensors.

[0057] (3) Carriage in and out operation Next, the operation of loading and unloading the cart (20) into and out of the thawing chamber structure (3) will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 8. Here, the left diagram in Figure 6 shows a first state in which the accordion-shaped airflow guide (14) is folded, and the right diagram shows a second state in which the airflow guide (14) is extended. Note that when the cart (20) is not placed in the thawing chamber (4), the airflow guide (14) is in the first state.

[0058] When the dolly (20) is brought into the thawing chamber structure (3), first, the dolly (20) carrying the object (2) to be thawed is brought into the thawing chamber (4) through the door of the thawing chamber structure (3). Next, the dolly (20) is moved from the side of the thawing device (10) to the front of the first opening (17) of the casing (11). Thereafter, the orientation of the dolly (20) is adjusted so that the front-rear direction of the dolly (20) coincides with the front-rear direction of the casing (11). As a result, the ventilation space (24) of the dolly (20) communicates with the ventilation passage (30) of the casing (11) via the first opening (17) and the branch passage (31). Next, the airflow guide (14) is extended forward to the second state. As a result, the periphery of the dolly (20) is covered by the airflow guide (14), and the dolly (20) is positioned within the airflow guide (14), as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0059] When the carriage (20) is removed from the thawing chamber structure (3), the reverse operation to that for the carriage in is performed. Specifically, after the airflow guide (14) is changed from the second state to the first state, the carriage (20) is moved from a position in front of the casing (11) to the door of the thawing chamber structure (3) and removed from the thawing chamber (4).

[0060] However, when placing a cart in a thawing device having a flat airflow guide, the airflow guide cannot be folded, so the cart is placed inside the airflow guide by pushing it into the airflow guide through an opening formed in front of the airflow guide. In other words, in this case, the cart must be moved while avoiding the airflow guide, which makes the cart's movement path longer.

[0061] In contrast, in this embodiment, the air flow guide (14) is configured in a bellows shape, so that by folding the air flow guide (14), the cart (20) can be moved immediately without having to be pulled out from inside the air flow guide (14), thereby shortening the movement path of the cart (20).

[0062] (4) Operation of the defrosting device Next, the operation of the thawing device (10) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 8, in step ST1, the control section (100) fully opens all of the dampers (13). Next, the control section (100) performs steps ST2 and ST6, respectively.

[0064] In step ST2, the control unit (100) executes a first operation. Here, the first operation is an operation of causing air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a first direction. The first direction is a direction in which air is pushed out from the ventilation passage (30) into the ventilation space (24). In this embodiment, the first direction is a direction from the rear to the front of the cart (20).

[0065] Specifically, in the first operation, the control unit (100) rotates the fan (12) in the forward direction (for example, clockwise). When the fan (12) rotates in the forward direction, the air in the thawing chamber (4), which has a higher temperature than the object (2) to be thawed, is pushed out by the fan (12) and flows from the upper end (one end) of the ventilation passage (30) to the lower end (the other end), as shown in Fig. 9 .

[0066] The air flowing into the ventilation passage (30) is divided into the branch passages (31) and flows into each ventilation space (24) of the carriage (20) through the first openings (17) of the casing (11). The air flowing into the ventilation space (24) is cooled by the objects to be thawed (2) as it flows in the first direction between the objects to be thawed (2). The air that has been cooled by passing through the ventilation space (24) flows into the thawing chamber (4). In this way, heat is exchanged between the air passing through the ventilation space (24) and the objects to be thawed (2), thereby thawing the objects to be thawed (2).

[0067] In step ST3, the control unit (100) determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first operation was performed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST3), the control unit (100) causes the second operation to be performed in step ST4.

[0068] Here, the second operation is an operation of causing the air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second direction is a direction in which air is drawn from the ventilation space (24) into the ventilation passage (30). In this embodiment, the second direction is a direction from the front to the rear of the cart (20).

[0069] Specifically, in the second operation, the control unit (100) rotates the fan (12) in the reverse direction (for example, counterclockwise). When the fan (12) rotates in the reverse direction, air in the ventilation passage (30) is sucked into the fan (12) and flows from the lower end (other end) of the ventilation passage (30) to the upper end (one end) thereof, as shown in FIG.

[0070] As the fan (12) rotates, air in the thawing chamber (4), which is at a higher temperature than the objects (2), is drawn into each ventilation space (24) of the cart (20). The air that flows into each ventilation space (24) is cooled by the objects (2) as it flows in the second direction between the objects (2). The air that has been cooled by passing through the ventilation space (24) flows into the ventilation passage (30) via the first opening (17) and each branch passage (31). The air that flows into the ventilation passage (30) flows into the thawing chamber (4) via the second opening (18) and the fan (12). In this way, heat is exchanged between the air passing through the ventilation space (24) and the objects (2), thereby thawing the objects (2). In this way, the control unit (100) alternately executes the first operation and the second operation.

[0071] In step ST5, the control unit (100) determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation was performed. Here, the predetermined time in step ST5 is the same as the predetermined time in step ST3. In other words, the control unit (100) switches between the first operation and the second operation every predetermined time. In this embodiment, the predetermined time is 3 minutes.

[0072] If the predetermined time has elapsed in step ST5 (YES in step ST5), the process returns to step ST2. In this manner, the control unit (100) repeats steps ST2 to ST5, thereby preventing uneven thawing of the object to be thawed (2).

[0073] Next, the operation of the control unit (100) to execute step ST6 after step ST1 is completed will be described. In step ST6, the control unit (100) acquires the detected values ​​of the first to fourth temperature sensors (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d). In step ST7, if the detected values ​​of all the temperature sensors (15) have reached the predetermined thawing temperature (YES in step ST7), the control unit (100) stops the rotation of the fan (12). By stopping the fan (12) in this manner, excessive thawing of the object to be thawed (2) can be prevented. In this embodiment, the predetermined thawing temperature is 0°C.

[0074] In step ST7, if the detected values ​​of all the temperature sensors (15) have not reached the predetermined defrosting temperature (NO in step ST7), the opening of the damper (13) corresponding to each temperature sensor (15) is adjusted in step ST8.

[0075] Specifically, when the detected value of each temperature sensor (15) is higher than a predetermined temperature, the opening of the corresponding damper (13) is reduced. This reduces the amount of air flowing through the branch channel (31) corresponding to the damper (13) whose opening is reduced. As a result, the amount of air flowing near the objects (2) to be thawed that are higher than the predetermined temperature is reduced, thereby reducing the variation in the thawing speed among the objects (2) to be thawed placed on the cart (20). When the adjustment of the opening of the damper (13) is completed in step ST8, the process returns to step ST6.

[0076] In conventional thawing devices, air flows only in one direction in the ventilation passage and ventilation space. In such conventional thawing devices, the air upstream of the ventilation space in the air flow direction is cooled by heat exchange with the items to be thawed. This cooled air flows downstream and continues to exchange heat with the items to be thawed (2) downstream. As a result, items located downstream of the ventilation space in the air flow direction thaw more slowly than items located upstream, resulting in a problem of uneven thawing depending on the location of the items.

[0077] In contrast, in the operation of the thawing device (10) of this embodiment, the control unit (100) alternately executes the first operation and the second operation. As a result, in the ventilation space (24), air flows in a first direction, and then in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This reduces the variation in thawing speed that occurs between the object to be thawed located upstream and the object to be thawed located downstream in the first direction. As a result, uneven thawing of the object to be thawed (2) can be suppressed.

[0078] 9, when the control unit (100) executes the first operation in the thawing device (10) of this embodiment, the air pushed out by the fan (12) flows downward through the ventilation passage (30) and is divided into the branch passages (31). When the air reaches the lower end of the ventilation passage (30), it hits the lower surface (11b) of the casing (11) and then flows into the lowest branch passage (31).

[0079] Therefore, the velocity of the air flowing through the lowest tributary flow path (31) and its corresponding ventilation space (24) is the fastest among all the tributary flow paths (31) and all the ventilation spaces (24). The air flowing through each tributary flow path (31) and each ventilation path (30) slows down as it moves toward the upper tier. In this way, a difference occurs in the velocity of the air flowing between the ventilation spaces (24) on the upper tier side of the cart (20) and the ventilation spaces (24) on the lower tier side, so that in the first operation, the objects to be thawed (2) arranged on the lower tier side of the cart (20) are thawed faster than the objects to be thawed arranged on the upper tier side.

[0080] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the thawing device (10) of this embodiment, when the control unit (100) executes the second operation, as the fan (12) rotates, air is sucked from the ventilation space (24) of the cart (20) and flows into the ventilation passage (30) through each branch passage (31), and then flows upward through the ventilation passage (30).

[0081] At this time, since the uppermost ventilation space (24) of the cart (20) is closest to the fan (12), the speed of the air flowing through the uppermost ventilation space (24) and its corresponding tributary flow path (31) is the fastest among all the ventilation spaces (24) and ventilation passages (30). The air flowing through each tributary flow path (31) and each ventilation passage (30) slows down as it moves downward. In this way, a difference occurs in the speed of the air flowing between the ventilation spaces (24) on the upper side of the cart (20) and the ventilation spaces (24) on the lower side, so that in the second operation, the objects to be thawed (2) arranged on the upper side of the cart (20) are thawed faster than the objects to be thawed arranged on the lower side.

[0082] In this way, the control unit (100) of the thawing device (10) alternately executes the first operation and the second operation, thereby reducing the difference in thawing speed between the objects to be thawed (2) placed on the upper level of the cart (20) and the objects to be thawed placed on the lower level, thereby suppressing uneven thawing of the objects to be thawed (2).

[0083] (5) Features of the embodiment (5-1) The control unit (100) of the thawing device (10) alternately performs a first operation of causing air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a first direction and a second operation of causing air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0084] This reduces the variation in thawing speed that occurs on the upstream and downstream sides in the first direction compared to when air flows only in the first direction through the ventilation space (24), thereby preventing uneven thawing of the object (2) to be thawed.

[0085] (5-2) In the first operation, air flows downward through the ventilation passage (30) and also flows in a direction that pushes air out of the ventilation passage (30) into the ventilation space (24). In the second operation, air flows upward through the ventilation passage (30) and also flows in a direction that draws air from the ventilation space (24) into the ventilation passage (30).

[0086] In the first operation, the air that reaches the lower end of the ventilation passage (30) hits the lower surface (11b) of the casing (11), and therefore the air flows at a higher velocity in the ventilation space (24) formed near the lower end of the cart (20) than in the ventilation space (24) formed near the upper end. Therefore, in the first operation, the objects to be thawed (2) arranged near the lower tier of the cart (20) are thawed faster than the objects to be thawed (2) arranged near the upper tier.

[0087] On the other hand, in the second operation, the ventilation space (24) formed near the upper end of the cart (20) is closer to the fan (12), and therefore the air flowing through the ventilation space (24) near the upper end of the cart (20) has a higher wind speed than the air flowing through the ventilation space (24) near the lower end. Therefore, in the second operation, the objects to be thawed (2) arranged near the upper tier of the cart (20) are thawed faster than the objects to be thawed (2) arranged near the lower tier.

[0088] The control unit (100) of the thawing device (10) alternately executes the first and second operations, thereby reducing the variation in the thawing speed of the objects (2) placed on the upper and lower levels of the cart (20), thereby further reducing uneven thawing of the objects (2).

[0089] (5-3) The control unit (100) switches between the first operation and the second operation at predetermined time intervals.

[0090] This allows the thawing of multiple items 2 gradually and uniformly. In addition, the operator does not need to switch between operations, which reduces the time and effort required for the thawing process.

[0091] (5-4) The casing (11) has a branch passage (31) that connects the ventilation passage (30) with the ventilation space (24), and a damper (13) whose opening degree is changeable is arranged in the branch passage (31).

[0092] This allows the damper 13 to adjust the amount of air flowing through the branch passage 31. As a result, the variation in the thawing speed of the object 2 can be further reduced.

[0093] (5-5) The thawing device (10) includes a temperature sensor (15) for measuring the temperature of the object (2) to be thawed, and the control unit (100) adjusts the opening of the damper (13) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15).

[0094] As a result, the control unit (100) adjusts the opening of the damper (13) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15), thereby further reducing variations in the thawing speed of the object to be thawed.

[0095] (5-6) A carriage (20) on which the items to be thawed (2) are placed is disposed in front of the casing (11), forming a ventilation space (24). The thawing device (10) further includes airflow guides (14) provided on the front side surface (11c) of the casing (11) and disposed on the left and right sides of the carriage (20) to regulate the flow of air passing through the ventilation space (24). The airflow guides (14) are bellows-shaped.

[0096] This allows the carriage (20) to move immediately by folding the bellows-shaped airflow guide (14), thereby shortening the travel path of the carriage (20).

[0097] (5-7) The thawing system (1) includes a thawing device (10) and a unit cooler (5) that adjusts the temperature of a thawing chamber (4) in which the thawing device (10) is installed.

[0098] This makes it possible to provide a thawing system (1) including the thawing device (10) and the unit cooler (5).

[0099] (6) Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows: In the following description, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0100] (6-1) Variation 1 The control unit (100) may adjust the air volume of the fan (12) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15). Specifically, the control unit (100) controls the rotation speed of the motor (M) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15) so that the air volume of the fan (12) becomes a target air volume.

[0101] In this case, if the detected value of any of the temperature sensors (15) is higher than a predetermined temperature, the rotation speed of the motor (M) is reduced to reduce the airflow of the fan (12). This adjusts the amount of air flowing into the ventilation space (24) of the cart (20), thereby further reducing the variation in the thawing speed of the items (2) to be thawed.

[0102] (6-2) Variation 2 The opening degrees of the dampers (13) of the defrosting device (10) may be manually adjusted by an operator.

[0103] (6-3) Variation 3 The thawing device (10) may not be provided with the tributary flow paths (31) and the dampers (13) corresponding to the tributary flow paths (31). In other words, each ventilation space (24) of the carriage (20) may communicate with the ventilation passage (30) only through the first openings (17) of the casing (11).

[0104] (6-4) Variation 4 The thawing device (10) does not necessarily have to have a temperature sensor (15). In this case, when a predetermined operating time has elapsed during the operation of the thawing device (10), the control unit (100) stops the rotation of the fan (12).

[0105] (6-5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, switching between the first operation and the second operation is performed by changing the rotation direction of the fan (12), but switching may be performed by means other than changing the rotation direction of the fan (12). For example, the thawing device (10) may have a switching device that switches the direction of air flow in the ventilation space (24).

[0106] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0107] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a defrosting device and a defrosting system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Defrosting System 2 Item to be thawed 4 Thawing chamber 5 Unit cooler (temperature control device) 10 Thawing device 11 Casing 11b Lower plate (lower surface, closed surface) 11c Front side plate (front side) 12 Fans 13 Damper 14 Airflow Guide 15 Temperature Sensor 20 carts 24 Ventilation space 30 Ventilation duct 31 Tributary channel 100 control section

Claims

1. A thawing device that thaws a plurality of objects (2) to be thawed by flowing air between the objects (2) arranged vertically at intervals, a casing (11) in which a ventilation passage (30) communicating with a ventilation space (24) between the objects to be thawed (2) is formed; a fan (12) that transports air through the ventilation passage (30) and the ventilation space (24); a first operation for causing the air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a first direction and a second operation for causing the air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction are alternately performed; The casing (11) has a closed surface (11b) provided at the other end of the ventilation passage (30), The fan (12) is disposed on one end side of the ventilation passage (30) in the casing (11) and pushes air toward the closed surface (11b); The ventilation passage (30) extends along the rotation axis direction of the fan (12), The plurality of ventilation spaces (24) are formed to be aligned in the direction in which the ventilation passage (30) extends, In the first action, air flows through the ventilation passage (30) from one end side to the other end side of the ventilation passage (30), and also flows in the first direction, that is, a direction in which air is pushed out from the ventilation passage (30) into the ventilation space (24), In the second operation, air flows in the ventilation passage (30) from the other end side to one end side of the ventilation passage (30), and also flows in the second direction, that is, in a direction in which air is drawn from the ventilation space (24) into the ventilation passage (30). Thawing device.

2. A thawing device that thaws a plurality of objects (2) to be thawed by flowing air between the objects (2) arranged vertically at intervals, a casing (11) in which a ventilation passage (30) communicating with a ventilation space (24) between the objects to be thawed (2) is formed; a fan (12) that transports air through the ventilation passage (30) and the ventilation space (24); a temperature sensor (15) for measuring the temperature of the object to be thawed (2); a control unit (100), The casing (11) has a branch passage (31) that connects the ventilation passage (30) and the ventilation space (24), a damper (13) whose opening degree is variable is disposed in the branch passage (31); a first operation for causing the air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a first direction and a second operation for causing the air in the ventilation space (24) to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction are alternately performed; The control unit (100) adjusts the degree of opening of the damper (13) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15). Thawing device.

3. The first operation and the second operation are switched over every predetermined time. The defrosting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a temperature sensor (15) for measuring the temperature of the object to be thawed (2); a control unit (100) that adjusts the air volume of the fan (12) based on the value detected by the temperature sensor (15). The thawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A carriage (20) on which the object to be thawed (2) is placed to form the ventilation space (24) is disposed in front of the casing (11), airflow guides (14) that are provided on a front side surface (11c) of the casing (11) and arranged on the left and right sides of the carriage (20) to regulate the flow of air passing through the ventilation space (24); The airflow guide (14) is configured in a bellows shape. The thawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A defrosting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a temperature control device (5) for controlling the temperature of the thawing chamber (4) in which the thawing device (10) is installed. Defrosting system.

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