High-humidity storage chamber

Abstract

Provided is a storage chamber comprising a first space and a second space in communication with each other via a communication mechanism for mixing air in the first space and air in the second space at an arbitrarily defined mixing ratio, which comprises: a cooling device that is disposed in the second space and cools a second temperature t2 of the second space lower than a first temperature t1 of the first space; and a control device that controls the cooling device. When the air in the first space and the air in the second space are mixed through the communication mechanism, the air in the first space and the air in the second space are mixed at a mixing ratio that is closer to the side where water vapor-containing air partially supersaturated by causing low-temperature, low-absolute-humidity air to cool high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air does not generate fog or frost in the mixed air in a range of a threshold where the water vapor-containing air generates or does not generate fog or frost in the mixed air.

Description

High humidity storage

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a storage facility, a refrigerated goods transport vehicle equipped with the storage facility, and a logistics system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a refrigerator that can prevent excessive drying and promote aging of meat and fish foods while suppressing the growth of putrefactive bacteria. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment for storing meat or fish foods, a cooler, a heater, and an evaporator. The refrigerator also includes an airflow supply unit that circulates gas at a temperature of -2°C to 5°C and an average relative humidity of 60% to 80% within the storage compartment, and a unit that irradiates light in a wavelength range of 370 nm to 420 nm at a rate of 5 μW / cm onto the food stored in the storage compartment. ２ More than 20μW / cm ２ and a first light source that emits light at the following intensity:

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a refrigerator capable of appropriately storing a variety of foods that are sensitive to humidity. The refrigerator comprises an insulated box made up of an inner box, an outer box, and insulating material filled between the inner and outer boxes, and is divided into low-humidity, medium-humidity, and high-humidity storage compartments, which are independently cooled by a cooling device. The refrigerator controls the temperatures of the low-humidity, medium-humidity, and high-humidity compartments to be higher than the refrigeration temperature, and also controls the humidity of the low-humidity, medium-humidity, and high-humidity compartments to different levels.

[0004] JP 2020-094717 A JP 2015-098963 A

[0005] However, when cooling the inside of a refrigerator by spraying water inside the refrigerator using ultrasonic humidification or the like, there is a problem in that water droplets adhere to food stored in the refrigerator, reducing its commercial value.

[0006] The refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 also has a configuration in which humidified air generated by an evaporator is blown into a storage compartment, where it mixes with the air inside the storage compartment, increasing the humidity in the storage compartment. Because the blown air into the storage compartment rapidly cools the mixed air, the supersaturated water vapor in the storage compartment may frost on the cooling fins or cause water droplets to adhere to the stored food. Furthermore, the relative humidity decreases while the cooler is operating, causing significant humidity fluctuations, making it difficult to maintain a constant relative humidity within a narrow range. Furthermore, double-walled high-humidity storage cabinets inevitably experience condensation and frost on the inner walls, and keeping the doors closed for extended periods of time prevents outside air from entering, resulting in condensation and frost on the cold walls, reducing the relative humidity.

[0007] The temperatures of the low-humidity, medium-humidity, and high-humidity compartments described in Patent Document 2 are controlled to refrigeration temperatures or higher (10-15°C), making them unsuitable for long-term food storage due to bacterial growth. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not include a humidifying means, so high relative humidity is achieved by essentially taking in and cooling outside air when the door is open. If the frequency of door opening and closing decreases and the supply of high absolute humidity air from outside the refrigerator is cut off, the humidity in the low-humidity, medium-humidity, and high-humidity compartments will decrease. Furthermore, maintaining a stable relative humidity is difficult because it depends not only on the frequency of door opening and closing, but also on the amount of water vapor in the outside air depending on the season and installation location.

[0008] Furthermore, in the past, due to fluctuations in the temperature inside the storage facility, saturated humidity preservation could only be achieved by forced humidification, such as spray humidification, making it difficult to store stored items at saturated humidity in low temperature ranges without worrying about water droplet contamination.

[0009] Humidification and cooling are in a trade-off relationship. In particular, in low-temperature regions, the amount of saturated water vapor is small, so even a small amount of frost on cooling means such as cooling fins or refrigerant pipes will significantly reduce the relative humidity. If the interior of the storage unit is humidified using a forced humidifier such as a sprayer, a high relative humidity can be achieved at low temperatures, but in environments with a relative humidity of 90% or more, the sprayed water droplets will remain suspended in the air for a long time without evaporating, causing the stored items to become soiled with water droplets and frost.

[0010] In this regard, conventional direct cooling methods, which use a cooler installed inside the storage facility, or indirect cooling methods, which cool the storage facility walls from the outside, cannot achieve high relative humidity because frost and condensation form on the cooling fins and walls.With conventional methods, the average relative humidity in a storage facility at around 0°C was limited to 95 to 96%.

[0011] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems. By mixing air from space A, which has a higher temperature (e.g., +10°C) and a high absolute humidity (e.g., 95% rH), with air from space B, which has an average humidity of 95% rH at -2°C, it is possible to achieve a relative humidity of 97% or higher at an internal temperature of 0°C. It is also possible to shut off communication when the relative humidity sensor value is 99%, or open communication when the value is 96%.

[0012] Conversely to the direct and indirect cooling methods, the low-temperature, high-humidity air in space B may be mixed with the high-temperature, high-humidity air in space A. The mixing method may involve finding the limit of the mixing ratio at which the air from both spaces does not form fog or frost in a mixing duct.

[0013] Furthermore, when the absolute humidity outside the refrigerator is higher than the absolute humidity inside the refrigerator, such as in summer, outside air may be taken in.

[0014] That is, the storage facility of this embodiment comprises a first space and a second space, which are interconnected via a communication mechanism that mixes the air from the first space and the air from the second space at an arbitrary mixing ratio, and is equipped with a cooling device installed in the second space that cools the second temperature t2 of the second space to a temperature lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space, and a control device that controls the cooling device, and when the air from the first space and the air from the second space are mixed via the communication mechanism, the water vapor-containing air that has become partially supersaturated by cooling the high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air with the low-temperature, low-absolute-humidity air is mixed at a mixing ratio that is close to the boundary between whether or not fog or frost will occur in the mixed air, but is on the non-generating side.

[0015] In another aspect, the storage facility of this embodiment is a storage facility having a first space and a second space inside, the first space and the second space being capable of communicating with each other via a communication mechanism, and the second space being provided with a cooling device that cools the second space temperature to a designated temperature lower than the first space temperature, and by mixing the air at the first space temperature with the air cooled to the designated temperature of the second space in the communication mechanism, the generation of fog and frost can be suppressed by mixing the partially supersaturated air at an appropriate mixing ratio in a mixer.

[0016] According to the above storage facility, when the humidified first space air and the second space air cooled in the second space are mixed in the communication mechanism, the first space air is mixed with the cooler second space air, and if the absolute humidity of the first space air exceeds the saturated relative humidity of the second space temperature, the communication mechanism is closed to stop communication, thereby preventing contamination of products stored in the second space with water droplets and frost.

[0017] In the storage facility of this embodiment, the first space may be installed vertically above the second space.

[0018] The storage cabinet of this embodiment may include a first temperature detection unit, a first humidity detection unit, and a first cooling device in the first space, and a second temperature detection unit, a second humidity detection unit, and a second cooling device in the second space. Here, the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit may be referred to as a first temperature t1, the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit may be referred to as a second temperature t2, the relative humidity detected by the first humidity detection unit may be referred to as a first relative humidity rh1, and the relative humidity detected by the second humidity detection unit may be referred to as a second relative humidity rh2.

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

[0020] The storage cabinet of this embodiment may include a humidifier, and the control device may control the operation of the cooling device and / or the humidifier so that the absolute humidity ah1 in the first space is greater than the saturated water vapor amount w2 in the second space. In this case, the control device may calculate the absolute humidity ah1, which is the absolute humidity of the first space, based on the first relative humidity rh1, calculate the saturated water vapor amount w2 in the second space based on the second temperature t2, and control the operation of the humidifier so that the absolute humidity ah1 in the first space is greater than the saturated water vapor amount w2 in the second space.

[0021] The control device of the storage facility of this embodiment may open the communication mechanism when the cooling device in the second space is stopped and close the communication mechanism when the cooling device is operating. This prevents frost formation on the cooling device due to air being sent while the cooling device is operating, thereby reducing the cooling capacity and reducing the consumption of cooling energy for the latent heat of solidification.

[0022] The humidifying device of the storage cabinet of this embodiment may be located in the first space and / or the second space.

[0023] As a result, the air in the first space and the air in the second space are mixed in the communication mechanism, and the water vapor that has been cooled by the low-temperature air in the second space and become partially supersaturated is diluted by the unsaturated air in the second space at an appropriate mixing ratio, eliminating the supersaturation and preventing the generation of fog or frost.

[0024] In the above storage facility, the first space is installed above the second space, and the operation of at least one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device is controlled so that the first temperature t1 is higher than the second temperature t2, and the operation of the humidifying device is controlled so that the absolute humidity ah1 is greater than the saturated water vapor amount w2.

[0025] The air in the first space, which is high in humidity and temperature, has a lower specific gravity than the air in the second space, which is low in humidity and temperature. Therefore, by positioning the first space below the second space, the air in the first space rises and the air in the second space falls, and convection of the air in the second space and humidification of the second space can be promoted via the communication mechanism.

[0026] The cooling device of the storage cabinet of this embodiment may have a bare coil without cooling fins, which reduces the heat transfer area between the cooling unit of the cooling device and the air and prevents condensation and frost from forming on the cooling fins, allowing the temperature to be lowered without reducing the relative humidity.

[0027] The cooling device of the storage facility of this embodiment may have a cooling coil. The cooling coil is a part of the device used in the cooling process and refers to a metal tube through which a liquid or gas to be cooled passes and heat is removed. The cooling device may include a cooling coil that functions as a heat exchanger with the space, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the cooling coil.

[0028] The storage cabinet of this embodiment may include a blower in the communication mechanism that mixes or circulates the air in the first space and the air in the second space.

[0029] According to the above-described storage facility, by providing a device for forcibly mixing the air in the first space and the second space, a low-temperature, high-humidity environment can be created in the second space even under conditions other than those described in the previous example. The air in the first space may be blown into the second space by a blower. Alternatively, the air in the second space may be blown into the first space.

[0030] The storage cabinet of this embodiment may control the operation of the cooling device and / or humidifying device so that the second temperature t2 is -3 to +3°C and the second relative humidity rh2 in the second space is 90% or higher. The second temperature t2 may be the average temperature or the spot temperature for each measurement. The second relative humidity rh2 may be the average humidity or the spot humidity for each measurement. The average temperature or average humidity may be an average value over one hour. The storage cabinet of this embodiment may also be equipped with a second humidity detection unit that detects the second relative humidity rh2.

[0031] The above-described storage facility can maintain conditions suitable for long-term aging of fresh foods for extended periods. For long-term aging of fresh foods, it is effective to store them at a relative humidity close to or higher than the water activity of the food being stored. However, most fresh foods have a water activity of 0.85 to 0.98, and storage at high humidity levels of 90% or higher at normal refrigeration temperatures can result in mold and bacterial growth, destroying their commercial value. However, at temperatures between -1°C and +3°C and relative humidity levels of 90% or higher, food can be preserved without freezing, suppressing mold and bacterial growth at low temperatures in the second space, while preventing drying at high humidity. Furthermore, by providing a second humidity detector and a control device that controls the operation of at least one of the first and second cooling devices and the humidifier, the conditions necessary for long-term aging of fresh foods can be consistently maintained.

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

[0033] According to the above-described refrigerated transport device, the stored items can be delivered while maintaining the storage conditions of the storage facility.

[0034] Another aspect of this embodiment is a delivery system that stores items to be stored in a storage facility, maintains the storage facility in a preservation state, and delivers the items to be stored using a refrigerated transport device.

[0035] According to the above delivery system, the storage item can be delivered to the user while maintaining the storage condition in the storage facility.

[0036] Conventionally, low-temperature storage cabinets are cooled by a cooling device, which causes fluctuations in the temperature inside the cabinet, and in order to constantly maintain saturated humidity inside the cabinet, it is necessary to fill the cabinet with mist-like water droplets, such as spray humidification, but there is a problem that the water droplets can stain the stored items, making it difficult to always store the stored items at near-saturated humidity without staining them with water droplets.However, with this embodiment, by mixing first space air, which has a high water vapor content, into the second space at an appropriate mixture ratio, a high relative humidity environment can be maintained in the second space, where foods that do not like dryness can be stored, without condensation or frost on the walls or the food.

[0037] 1 is an explanatory top plan view of a storage cabinet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an explanatory side plan view of a storage cabinet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage cabinet 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory side plan view of a storage cabinet 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an explanatory side plan view of a storage cabinet 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an explanatory side plan view of a storage cabinet 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is an explanatory side plan view of a refrigerated car 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a refrigerated car 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a storage cabinet according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above; FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing another example of an air mixer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude various modifications and technical applications not explicitly stated below. In other words, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the spirit thereof. Furthermore, in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another may be included among the drawings.

[0039] 1. Storage Facility Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram of the storage facility 1 of this embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in Fig. 10A, the storage facility 1 of this embodiment includes a first chamber 13a having a first space 10 and a second chamber 13b having a second space 20. The first space 10 and the second space 20 are connected to each other via a communication mechanism 23 that mixes the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 at an arbitrary mixing ratio. The storage facility 1 also includes a cooling device installed in the second space 20 that cools the second temperature t2 of the second space 20 to a temperature lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10, and a control device 12 that controls the cooling device. When the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 are mixed via the communication mechanism 23, the water vapor-containing air becomes partially supersaturated due to the high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air being cooled by the low-temperature, low-absolute-humidity air, and the mixed air is mixed at a mixing ratio near the boundary between whether or not fog or frost will occur in the mixed air.

[0040] When the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 are mixed via the communication mechanism 23, the high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air is cooled by the low-temperature, low-absolute-humidity air, which can result in partially supersaturated water vapor-containing air. In this embodiment, the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 are mixed near the boundary between whether or not fog or frost will be generated in this water vapor-containing air (mixed air) so as to achieve a mixture ratio that does not generate fog or frost. This makes it possible to humidify the second space 20 while suppressing condensation and frost formation in the cooling device 20 of the second space 20.

[0041] The first space 10 is a space that supplies high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air to the second space 20, and may include a humidifier 28. The first space 10 may be installed vertically above the second space 20, vertically below the second space 20, or horizontally to the side of the second space 20. Among these, the first space 10 may be installed vertically above the second space 20. By installing the first space 10 vertically above the second space 20, natural convection occurs due to the weight and lightness of gas caused by temperature and humidity, and high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air can be effectively supplied to the second space 20.

[0042] The storage cabinet 1 of this embodiment may be provided with a humidifier 28 in the first space 10 and / or the second space 20. Among these, it is preferable to provide the humidifier 28 in the first space 10 from the viewpoint of suppressing frost formation and condensation in the second space 20. This allows high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air to be stably generated in the first space 10.

[0043] The humidifier 28 is not particularly limited, but examples include a steam type that heats and evaporates water, an ultrasonic type that uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn water into a fine mist and supply it into the air, and an evaporation type that blows air onto an absorbent that has absorbed water and humidifies it through evaporation.

[0044] The second space 20 may be a space where storage objects are stored, and is a space where it is desired to maintain a low-temperature, high-humidity environment. The storage objects include, but are not limited to, food such as agricultural products, livestock products, and marine products, flowers, and medical products.

[0045] From this perspective, the second space 20 may include a cooling device 20, and the cooling device may cool the second space 20 to a second temperature t2 lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10. The cooling device may include a cooling coil through which a refrigerant passes. The cooling coil may have fins, or it may be a bare coil without cooling fins. The cooling coil or fins cooled by the refrigerant cool the inside of the storage cabinet 1 by exchanging heat with the gas in the storage cabinet 1. Among these, a bare coil without cooling fins is preferred. This reduces the heat transfer area of ​​the cooling device, but minimizes condensation and frost on the cooling fins, thereby suppressing dehumidification from the second space 20. Therefore, the temperature can be lowered while minimizing the decrease in relative humidity.

[0046] The cooling device 20 may have an outdoor unit that sends refrigerant to a cooling coil. The refrigerant, adjusted to a desired temperature by the outdoor unit, circulates between the cooling coil and the outdoor unit, thereby adjusting the cooling coil to a desired temperature. Note that hereinafter, such a cooling device 20 is referred to as a low-humidification cooling device.

[0047] Alternatively, the cooling device 20 may be a dehumidifying cooling device. The dehumidifying cooling device has a drain mechanism that discharges water vapor that condenses on the surface of the cooling coil when the temperature drops below the dew point, out of the second chamber 13b. The drain mechanism is not particularly limited, but examples include a drain pan that collects water droplets that drip from the cooling coil and a drain hose that discharges water accumulated in the drain pan. In other words, a dehumidifying cooling device is one that has a mechanism that actively discharges condensed water vapor out of the second chamber 13b.

[0048] Among these, it is preferable that the cooling device 20 be a low-dehumidification cooling device, which allows the humidity in the second space 20 to be maintained at a higher level.

[0049] As described above, the second space 20 is cooled, and as a trade-off, the air therein is easily dehumidified and tends to have a low temperature and relative humidity. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the high temperature and high absolute humidity air supplied from the first space 10 is mixed with the low temperature and low absolute humidity air that may be held in the second space 20, and the air is humidified.

[0050] Furthermore, if too much moisture is supplied to the second space 20, condensation or frost will form on the cooling device, reducing the performance of the cooling device. In contrast, in this embodiment, the mixing ratio of high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air and low-temperature, low-absolute-humidity air is adjusted to prevent fog or frost from forming. This makes it possible to humidify the second space 20 at the second temperature t2 in the second space 20 while suppressing condensation or frost from forming on the cooling device.

[0051] Furthermore, by cooling and humidifying under conditions that suppress condensation and frost formation, it is possible to maintain a more stable low-temperature, high-humidity environment in the second space 20, and the stored items can be stored in a stable low-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0052] The second space 20 (second chamber 13b) and the first space 10 (first chamber 13a) may be separated by a wall 21a and a middle door 21b, and the first chamber 13a may further have an outer door 22 that leads to the outside. Although not particularly limited, to enter the second chamber 13b, one may pass through the outer door 22, the first chamber 13a, and the middle door 21b. In this case, the first chamber 13a may be a anteroom for entering the second chamber 13b.

[0053] 10A , the wall 21a separating the first chamber 13a from the second chamber 13b may have a first vent 23a and a second vent 23b as the communication mechanism 23. In FIG. 10A , the first vent 23a is shown as having a main function of taking in air from the first space 10 to the second space 20, and the second vent 23b is shown as having a main function of exhausting air from the second space 20 to the first space 10, but this is not limiting. In other words, the first vent 23a may have both an intake and exhaust function as long as it has a function of mixing the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 at an arbitrary mixing ratio.

[0054] The communication mechanism 23 interconnects the first space 10 and the second space 20, and mixes the air in the first space 10 with the air in the second space 20 at an arbitrary mixing ratio. More specifically, high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air that flows from the first space 10 into the second space 20 via the communication mechanism 23 is mixed with low-temperature, low-absolute-humidity air in the second space 20, generating water vapor-containing air (mixed air).

[0055] The form of the communication mechanism 23 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one or more small-diameter ducts provided on the wall of the storage facility 1. The diameter of the small-diameter duct is preferably 0.1 cm or more, 0.3 cm or more, 0.5 cm or more, 0.7 cm or more, or 1.0 cm or more. The diameter of the small-diameter duct is preferably 5 cm or less, 4 cm or less, 3 cm or less, 2 cm or less, or 1 cm or less. The small-diameter duct may be provided with an insect screen, dust screen, or the like to prevent the intrusion of artifacts from outside the storage facility. However, the communication mechanism 23 may also be a large-diameter duct of 5 cm or more.

[0056] Furthermore, in addition to the communication mechanism 23 that mixes the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 at an arbitrary mixing ratio as described above, a second air vent 23b that mutually connects the first space 10 and the second space 20 and exhausts the air in the second space 20 to the first space 10 may be provided. This may enable gas to circulate between the first space 10 and the second space 20 via the first air vent 23a and the second air vent 23b. On the other hand, the second air vent 23b may be connected to the outside of the second space 20. This may allow gas to be supplied to the second space 20 from the first space 10 via the first air vent 23a and exhausted to the outside via the second air vent 23b.

[0057] The control device 12 may control the cooling device to cool the second temperature t2 of the second space 20 to a temperature lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space 10, and may also control the communication mechanism 23 to mix the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 at any mixing ratio. The control device 12 may also control the humidifier to adjust the humidity contained in the high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air.

[0058] For example, the communication mechanism 23 may have a shutter 29 that controls the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, thereby adjusting the mixing ratio of the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20. A control unit, which will be described later, may control the shutter 29 to control the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Furthermore, the control device 12 may open the communication mechanism 23 when the cooling device in the second space 20 is stopped, and close the communication mechanism 23 when the cooling device is operating. This prevents a decrease in cooling capacity due to frost formation on the cooling device caused by air being sent while the cooling device is operating, and suppresses the consumption of cooling energy for latent heat of solidification.

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

[0060] Furthermore, the communication mechanism 23 may include a blower (first fan 24, second fan 26) that mixes or circulates the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20. This allows the communication mechanism 23 to adjust the mixing ratio of the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 in conjunction with the blower mechanism that sends air from the first space 10 to the second space 20. The installation location of the blower mechanism is not particularly limited, and examples include the first fan 24 on the first space 10 side and the second fan 26 on the second space 20 side.

[0061] 10A , the communication mechanism 23 may have an air mixer 25 on the second space 20 side. This allows the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 to be mixed in the air mixer 25, and the mixed air can be supplied from the air mixer 25 to the second space 20. Specifically, the air in the first chamber 13a is sent to the second chamber 13b side through the first vent 23a by the first fan 24. The air sent into the first chamber 13a in this manner flows into the air mixer 25 through the first vent 23a. Meanwhile, on the second chamber 13b side, the air in the second chamber 13b is sent to the air mixer 25 by the second fan 26. Then, in the air mixer 25, the air in the second chamber 13b and the air in the first chamber 13a are mixed, and the mixed air is sent to the second chamber 13b.

[0062] The amount of air from the second chamber 13b supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the second fan 26. The amount of air from the first chamber 13a supplied to the air mixer 25 can be adjusted by the first fan 24. By adjusting the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26, the mixing ratio of the air from the second chamber 13b and the air from the first chamber 13a can be adjusted, and the humidity and temperature of the air released from the air mixer 25 can be adjusted as desired. This also makes it possible to humidify the inside of the second chamber 13b without causing frost, even if the temperature in the second chamber 13b is below freezing.

[0063] For example, if there is a large difference in temperature and humidity between the air in the second chamber 13b and the air in the first chamber 13a, when they are mixed, the high-humidity air in the first chamber 13a is rapidly cooled, resulting in fog. This fog may adhere to stored items or wall surfaces and become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 to adjust the mixing ratio of the air in the second chamber 13b to the air in the first chamber 13a to prevent fog from forming. Specifically, increasing the amount of air in the second chamber 13b—for example, by setting the airflow rates of the first fan 24 and the second fan 26 at a ratio of 1:5—can adjust the humidity and temperature differences and tend to suppress fog formation.

[0064] Furthermore, when air is taken in from the first chamber 13a through the first vent 23a and the air mixer 25, the air pressure in the second chamber 13b increases, which results in a gradual decrease in the air intake efficiency of the first chamber 13a, making it impossible to maintain a high-humidity environment. Therefore, the air from the second chamber 13b may be sent to the first chamber 13a through the second vent 23b. This avoids an increase in air pressure and maintains the air intake efficiency of the air mixer 25 for the first chamber 13a, and thus the humidification efficiency. Furthermore, since the second vent 23b allows the relatively low-temperature air from the second chamber 13b to be sent to the first chamber 13a, the operating load of the cooling device 11 for the first chamber 13a can be reduced.

[0065] FIG. 10B shows another embodiment of the air mixer 25. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, a shutter 29 may be provided on the first chamber 13a side of the first air vent 23a. By controlling the size of the opening with the shutter 29, it is possible to adjust the amount of air from the first chamber 13a taken into the air mixer 25 and the mixing ratio with the air from the second chamber 13b. Furthermore, the first fan 24 is no longer necessary, and only the second fan 26 is required, thereby enabling a more space-saving and efficient device configuration. The shutter 29 may be manual or electrically operated.

[0066] 10B, the second fan 26 may be located downstream of the air mixer 25. This allows the rotation of the second fan 26 to mix the air in the second chamber 13b and the air in the first chamber 13a more homogeneously.

[0067] The internal structure of the air mixer 25 is not particularly limited as long as it is cylindrical as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , but may include, for example, protrusions or fins. This tends to generate turbulence within the air mixer 25 and promote gas mixing. The internal structure of the air mixer 25 may be configured so that the flow path through which the gas passes narrows or widens toward the outlet. By configuring the internal structure of the air mixer 25 so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the gas passes narrows toward the outlet, the pressure applied to the mixed gas increases, and mist tends to be less likely to occur within the air mixer 25. By configuring the internal structure of the air mixer 25 so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the gas passes widens toward the outlet, the pressure applied to the mixed gas decreases, and the mixed air supplied from the air mixer 25 to the first chamber 13a becomes cooler, allowing humidification while suppressing a temperature increase within the first chamber 13a.

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

[0069] Specifically, if the temperature of the mixed gas falls below the dew point, moisture in the air condenses and fog forms, so the control device 12 adjusts the mixing ratio so that the temperature of the mixed gas exceeds the dew point. At this time, the control device 12 may determine, based on information on the temperature and humidity of the air in the first chamber 13a and the temperature and humidity of the air in the second chamber 13b, whether the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas exceed the dew point when the air in the first chamber 13a and the air in the second chamber 13b are mixed at a predetermined ratio. If the temperature and humidity of the mixed gas are below the dew point, the control device 12 may reduce the airflow rate of the first fan 24 or slightly close the shutter 29 to reduce the airflow rate of the first chamber 13a, or increase the airflow rate of the second fan 26 to increase the airflow rate of the second chamber 13b.

[0070] In addition, a relative humidity sensor calibrated with a dew point thermometer is provided in the second compartment 13b, and mixing by the air mixer and humidification by the humidifier are stopped when the humidity sensor indicates that the average relative humidity in the refrigerator space reaches 99%. When the relative humidity sensor value reaches the target average relative humidity in the refrigerator (for example, 98% rH), the shutter 29 is adjusted while visually checking for fog or mist generation through a window in the air mixer, and the intake of first compartment air and outside air is gradually reduced from the mixing ratio at which fog occurs, and the shutter 29 is fixed at a position where fog or mist no longer occurs, allowing air to be taken into the first compartment 13a and outside air while suppressing the generation of fog.

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

[0072] By the above-described control, the control device 12 may control the operation of the cooling device and / or the humidifying device so that the second temperature t2 is any temperature in the temperature range of -3 to +3°C and the second relative humidity rh2 is 90% or higher.

[0073] Specific aspects of this embodiment will be described below. In the following embodiments, the communication mechanism refers to a portion that communicates the first space 10 and the second space 20.

[0074] 1 and 2, partition plates 102, 104, and 109 are arranged in a row at a predetermined distance from approximately the center of the side wall surface of storage 1 in the vertical direction, and wire mesh (not shown) is installed in the gaps between partition plates 102 and 104 and between partition plates 104 and 109. By partition plates 102, 104, and 109 and the wire mesh, the storage 1 is divided into a first space 10 above them and a second space 20 below them.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first space and the second space may each be a space separated by a wall, and the storage cabinet of this embodiment may include a first chamber having the first space and a second chamber having the second space, which may be separated by a wall (communication mechanism) having an opening. The wire mesh and partition plates 102, 104, and 109 correspond to the communication mechanism in this embodiment. The contact area between the first space 10 and the second space 20 in the communication mechanism can be adjusted by the volume ratio between the first space 10 and the second space 20. For example, the contact area between the first space 10 and the second space 20, i.e., the opening area of ​​the communication mechanism, preferably corresponds to 20 to 30% of the floor area of ​​the storage cabinet.

[0076] In addition to the communication mechanism in this embodiment, in addition to the one composed of a wire mesh and a partition plate, examples include a lattice-shaped partition plate, a communication path connecting the first space and the second space, a valve configured to compress outside air using a compressor when the first space is outside the refrigerator and blow air into the second space by opening and closing the valve, or an air duct configured to blow outside air from the air duct into the second space. Furthermore, as shown in a fourth embodiment described below, the communication mechanism may have a shielding portion that can be opened and closed manually or controlled by a control device or the like depending on conditions such as the humidity inside the refrigerator.

[0077] The first space 10 is equipped with a water tank 105, air blowers 106, 108, 111, and 113, and cooling devices 107 and 112. Water is stored in the water tank 105, and when air is blown into the water tank 105, it comes into contact with the water and generates humidified air. The water tank 105 and air blowers 106 and 111 are arranged above the partition plate 104, the air blower 113 and cooling device 112 are arranged above the partition plate 102, and the air blower 108 and cooling device 107 are arranged above the partition plate 109. The water tank 105, cooling devices 107 and 112, and air blowers 106, 108, 111, and 113 circulate cooled and humidified air in the first space 10.

[0078] In the wire mesh of the communication mechanism, the air in the first space 10 and the air in the second space 20 mix, and air convection due to the temperature difference can occur in the first space 10 and the second space 20. However, the airflow generated by the air blowers 106, 108, 111, and 113 has a higher wind speed than the convection, so air convection due to the temperature difference occurs only in the second space 20.

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

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

[0081] The second space 20 may function as a space for preserving the storage items. In the second space 20, the second space 20 is cooled so that the second temperature t2 is lower than the first temperature t1, and is humidified by the air supplied from the first space 10. The excess water vapor contained in the air supplied from the first space 10, which becomes supersaturated, is condensed in the cooling device as frost and / or condensation. This prevents water droplets from adhering to the storage items while achieving cooling and humidification of the second space 20. Therefore, saturated humidity storage at a low temperature can be achieved without concern for contamination by water droplets, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above describes an embodiment in which the first space 10 is located above the second space 20, the second space 20 may be located above the first space 10, or the first space 10 may be located on the side of the second space 20.

[0083] (Humidity Adjustment Mechanism of First Embodiment) The first space 10 may be provided with a first temperature detector (not shown) that detects a first temperature t1 and a first humidity detector (not shown) that detects a first humidity rh1. The second space 20 may be provided with a second temperature detector (not shown) that detects a second temperature t2 and a second humidity detector (not shown) that detects a second humidity rh2.

[0084] A control device 110 is installed in the first space 10. The control device 110 controls the operation of the cooling devices 107 and 112, which are the first cooling device, and the cooling coil 103, which is the second cooling device, and controls the operation of the air blowers 106 and 108 to the water tank 105. In this embodiment, the control device 110 is installed at the bottom of the water tank 105.

[0085] The control device 110 may control a cooling device such as the first cooling device or the second cooling device, a humidifier, or a blower, so that the control device 110 can cool the second temperature t2 of the second space to a value lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space, cool the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space to a value lower than the absolute humidity ah2 of the second space, or control the operation of the cooling device and / or the humidifier so that the absolute humidity ah1 of the first space is greater than the saturated water vapor amount w2.

[0086] In this embodiment, the operation of the cooling devices 107, 112 and the cooling coil 103 may be controlled so that they are simultaneously switched between on and off states, or the cooling devices 107, 112 and the cooling coil 103 may be controlled so that they are each operated independently, depending on the behavior of the temperature change in the storage facility due to factors such as the volume of the storage facility.

[0087] Furthermore, the cooling device and the air blowing device installed in the first space 10 may be one or three or more, depending on the behavior of the temperature change in the storage facility.

[0088] In this embodiment, the control device 110 controls the first temperature t1 to 3 to 5° C., the second temperature t2 to −3 to +3° C., the first relative humidity rh1 to 87 to 97% RH, and the second relative humidity rh2 to 90 to 100% RH. At this time, the absolute humidity ah1 in the first space 10 at the first temperature t1 (3 to 5° C.) is 5.17 to 6.69 g / m ３ The table below shows the temperature and saturated water vapor amount in the low temperature zone. As shown in the table below, the saturated water vapor amount w2 in the second space at the second temperature t2 (-3 to +3°C) is 4.69 to 5.02 g / m ３ The storage cabinet 1 of this embodiment is controlled to a state in which the absolute humidity ah1 is constantly greater than the saturated water vapor amount w2, that is, the first space 10 is constantly controlled to a state in which the amount of water vapor contained therein is greater than the saturated water vapor amount in the second space 20.

[0089]

[0090] Because fruits and vegetables breathe during storage and transport, it is difficult to completely block water vapor with packaging. In particular, the long transport times associated with sea transport can lead to drying, especially during refrigerated transport, which reduces their commercial value. Fruits with skin secrete oils such as wax on their surface and can tolerate low humidity for short periods. However, long-term storage in a low-humidity environment can cause gradual drying, especially from the stem. Therefore, for long-term storage, they must be stored at a relative humidity above the water activity of the pulp. Furthermore, depending on the type of vegetable, the water activity often ranges from 0.90 to 0.98. To preserve them at a water activity above that level, it is desirable to maintain the relative humidity at saturated humidity. Using the storage facility of this embodiment makes it possible to build a logistics system from production to consumption that ensures quality does not deteriorate even during long-term storage at low temperatures and long-term transport. Furthermore, long-term storage allows vegetables, such as those grown on farms, to be sold even after the season has passed, bringing great benefits to both producers and consumers. In the second space, high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity, low-velocity airflow from the first space flows in during natural convection. This causes moderate frost or condensation (hereinafter referred to as "water deposition") on the surface of the bare coil, which is the coldest in the second space, and almost all of the supersaturated water vapor in the second space is removed. Any remaining supersaturated water vapor floats in the air as mist or frost. Operating the fan installed in the second space promotes water deposition on the bare coil and prevents water deposition on stored items. A sensor that detects the formation of mist may be installed in the second space to control the operation of the fan. Alternatively, by intermittently or continuously drawing in small amounts of outside air into the second space and periodically defrosting the bare coil using a timer, saturated humidity can be maintained inside the storage unit.

[0091] 3, the storage cabinet 2 of this embodiment includes a refrigerator 201 and a low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 inside the refrigerator 201. The refrigerator 201 corresponds to a first space, and the low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 corresponds to a second space. Furthermore, the refrigerator 201 includes a cold air outlet 202 and a humidifier 207 inside.

[0092] The cold air outlet 202 cools the refrigerator 201 so that the temperature of the refrigerator 201 is 8 to 10°C.

[0093] The humidifying mechanism of humidifier 207 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include heating devices of an ultrasonic type, a hybrid type, a steam type, etc. For example, although not shown, humidifier 207 may be provided with a filter containing water therein and an air blower that blows air to the filter, and may humidify the interior of refrigerator 201 so that the relative humidity therein is 80% RH to 90% RH.

[0094] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the upper surface of low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 is open (open surface 204), and the air in refrigerator 201 and the air in low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 mix at open surface 204, causing air convection due to the temperature difference in low-temperature, high-humidity box 203. In the example shown in Fig. 3, open surface 204 corresponds to the communication mechanism. In this embodiment, the area of ​​open surface 204 is 50% of the floor area of ​​refrigerator 201.

[0095] A cooling coil 205 is disposed above the low-temperature, high-humidity box 203, and the cooling coil 205 cools the low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 so that the temperature of the low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 is between -3 and +3°C.

[0096] Here, an example of the cooling device configuration will be described. For example, a gas refrigerant is compressed in a compressor to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. In a condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant sent from the compressor is cooled and condensed into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In an expansion valve, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser is decompressed, expanding and lowering its temperature, changing into a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. In a cooling coil 205, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the expansion valve evaporates to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant. During this evaporation, the surrounding air is cooled by removing heat of evaporation from the surrounding air. The evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to a compressor, where it is compressed again.

[0097] Referring to the above table, the lower limit of absolute humidity in the refrigerator 201 is 6.6 g / m at 8°C and 80%. ３ The upper limit of the saturated water vapor content at -3 to +3°C is 5.02 g / m at 0.5°C. ３In the refrigerator 201 and the low-temperature, high-humidity box 203, the first space 10 is in a state in which the amount of water vapor contained therein is constantly greater than the saturated water vapor amount in the second space 20.

[0098] Fillets of raw tuna are stored at around 0°C in a low-temperature, high-humidity box 203 to consume as much ATP as possible and allow for maturation, while highly fresh raw fish such as wild sea bream and wild flounder can be stored in a refrigerator 201 at 9°C±1°C to improve quality by slowing down the decomposition of ATP. In the case of such raw fish, it is also preferable to store them in a high-humidity state, as drying will cause the product to deteriorate.

[0099] (Third Embodiment) As shown in Figure 4, the storage cabinet 3 of this embodiment includes, from top to bottom, a second space 302, a communication mechanism 303, and a first space 301. The first space 301 is provided with a humidifier 304, and the first space 301 is humidified to have a relative humidity of 80% RH to 90% RH. A cooling coil 305 is disposed above the second space 302, and the second space 302 is cooled to a temperature of -3 to +3°C. The humidifier 304 is similar to the humidifier 207 of the second embodiment, and the cooling coil 305 is similar to the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0100] The communication mechanism 303 is a communication passage having an opening 306 to the first space 301 and an opening 307 to the second space 302, and a blower 308 is disposed in the internal space of the communication passage. Wire meshes may be provided in the openings 306 and 307, and the first space 301, the second space 302, and the communication mechanism 303 may be partitioned by the wire meshes and the wall of the storage facility 3.

[0101] Additionally, air blower 308 generates an air current that circulates the air in the internal space of communication mechanism 303. This air current mixes the humidified air in first space 301 with a portion of the cooled air in second space 302 in open sections 306 and 307, generating mixed air. Part of this mixed air flows into second space 302, thereby constantly humidifying second space 302. This allows second space 302 to maintain a high humidity state.

[0102] Because no cooling device is provided in the first space 301, the temperature of the first space 301 is not particularly controlled. Therefore, depending on the temperature and humidification conditions in the first space 301, an amount of water vapor exceeding the saturated water vapor amount at -3 to +3°C may be supplied to the second space 302. In such cases, cooling occurs near the cooling coil 305, which has the lowest temperature in the second space 302, preventing frost from forming on the cooling coil 305 and causing contamination of products by water droplets. A drain pan (not shown) is provided below the cooling coil 305 to receive melted frost and drain condensation.

[0103] In the storage facility of the third embodiment, the first space 301 is not provided with a temperature control device including a cooling device, but depending on the overall size of the storage facility of this embodiment, the volume ratio between the first space and the second space, and the installation environment of the storage facility of this embodiment (for example, when the storage facility is installed in a cold region where the outside temperature is well below freezing, or in a tropical region where the outside temperature exceeds 30°C for a long period of time), the temperature difference between the first space 301 and the second space 302 may be large and the effects of this embodiment may not be fully achieved. In such cases, a temperature control device that reduces the temperature difference between the first space 301 and the second space 302 may be installed in the first space 301 as appropriate.

[0104] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 5 , the storage cabinet 4 of the fourth embodiment includes, from top to bottom, a first space 401, a communication mechanism 403, and a second space 402. The first space 401 is provided with a humidifier 404, and the first space 401 is humidified to a relative humidity of 80% RH to 90% RH. Furthermore, a cooling device 405 is disposed in the first space 401, and the first space 401 is cooled to a temperature of 14 to 16°C. A cooling coil 406 is disposed above the second space 402, and the second space 402 is cooled to a temperature of 8 to 12°C. The humidifier 404 has a configuration similar to that of the humidifier 207 of the second embodiment, and the cooling coil 406 has a configuration similar to that of the cooling coil 205 of the second embodiment.

[0105] The humidified air in the first space 401 is mixed with a portion of the cooled air in the second space 402 to generate mixed air. A portion of this mixed air flows into the second space 402, humidifying the second space. Because the temperature of the second space 402 is controlled between 8 and 12°C, if an amount of water vapor exceeding the saturated water vapor amount in that temperature range is supplied to the second space 402, condensation rather than frost may occur on the cooling coil 406. This allows the second space 402 to maintain a constantly high humidity state. A water tray (not shown) is disposed below and along the cooling coil 406, preventing condensation from adhering to the products. The water tray allows condensed water droplets to be drained to the outside of the storage cabinet 4 via the water path. For example, a blower that generates air toward the cooling coil 406 may be disposed to prevent condensation from forming on the cooling coil 406.

[0106] Since the floor and wall surfaces of the second space 402 also become cold, condensation may occur on these floor and wall surfaces. To prevent this, the communication mechanism 403 is provided with a roof device 407 having a sliding panel that separates the first space 401 and the second space 402, a drive device (not shown) that drives the sliding panel to open and close, opening and closing the openings between the first space 401 and the second space 402, and an operation unit (not shown) for the drive device. If excessive air flows from the first space 401 into the second space 402, the operation unit controls the sliding panel of the roof device 407 to close, thereby preventing condensation from occurring on the floor and wall surfaces of the second space 402.

[0107] As described above, the quality of highly fresh raw fish such as wild sea bream and wild flounder can be improved by slowing down the decomposition of ATP, so they can be suitably stored in the second space 402, where the temperature inside the storage is maintained at 8 to 12°C and high humidity.

[0108] Fifth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 6 , a storage cabinet 5 according to the fifth embodiment includes, from top to bottom, a first space 501, a communication mechanism 503, and a second space 502. The first space 501 is provided with a humidifier 504, which humidifies the first space 501 to a relative humidity of 80% RH to 90% RH. Furthermore, a heating device 505 is disposed in the first space 501, which heats the first space 501 to a temperature of 58 to 62°C. A cooling coil 506 is disposed above the second space 502, which cools the second space 502 to a temperature of 53 to 57°C. The communication mechanism 503 has the same configuration as the communication mechanism 303 of the third embodiment.

[0109] The cooling coil 506 is a bare coil through which water at 45 to 50°C circulates, and a circulation path (not shown) is formed by a circulation pump (not shown) and a cooler (not shown) installed outside the storage facility 5.

[0110] The humidifying device 504 is configured to humidify air by blowing air through a sponge-like film that absorbs water.

[0111] The humidified air in the first space 501 is mixed with a portion of the cooled air in the second space 502 to generate mixed air. A portion of the mixed air flows into the second space 502, thereby humidifying the second space 502. At this time, since the temperature of the second space 502 is controlled to 53 to 57°C, if an amount of water vapor exceeding the saturated water vapor amount in that temperature range is supplied to the second space 502, the water vapor condenses and fine water droplets float in the second space 502 (hereinafter referred to as mist).

[0112] A fog sensor module 507 is disposed inside the second space 502. The fog sensor module 507 has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit disposed opposite each other. The light-emitting unit irradiates an infrared laser beam toward the light-receiving unit, counts the number of pulses blocked by fog, and detects fog based on the count. The fog sensor module 507 controls the operation of a blower 508 disposed in the second space 502. When the fog sensor module 507 detects fog, the blower 508 blows air toward the cooling coil 506. This causes the cooling coil 506 to cool the air in the second space 502, causing condensation to form on the cooling coil 506 and suppressing the generation of fog in the second space 502. Therefore, condensation on stored items can be prevented while maintaining a relative humidity of 90 to 100% in the second space 502.

[0113] Sixth Embodiment An embodiment of this embodiment may be, for example, a transportation device equipped with the above-described storage facility. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, a refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment includes a low-temperature, high-humidity system 601, a truck 602, and a luggage compartment 603 mounted on the truck 602. The configuration of the low-temperature, high-humidity system 601 is the same as that of the storage facility 1 of the first embodiment of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the power transmission form of the cooling device 604 in the low-temperature, high-humidity system 601 will be described.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 8, the cooling device 604 includes a first compressor 606 driven by a driving engine 605 of the truck 602 , a condenser 607 , and an evaporator 608 .

[0115] A first intake pipe 611 is connected between the first compressor 606 and the evaporator 608, a first discharge pipe 612 is connected between the first compressor 606 and the condenser 607, and a condensate pipe 613 is connected between the condenser 607 and the evaporator 608. A refrigerant is circulated between the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608.

[0116] The cooling device 604 further includes a motor 609 driven by a commercial power source (not shown), and a second compressor 610 driven by the motor 609. The second suction pipe 614 is connected to a position p601 midway through the first suction pipe 611. The second discharge pipe 615 is connected to a position p602 midway through the first discharge pipe 612. The first suction pipe 611 is provided with a check valve 616 between the first compressor 606 and the junction p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611. The check valve 616 allows the refrigerant to flow from the evaporator 608 to the first compressor 606.

[0117] The first discharge pipe 612 is provided with a check valve 617 between the second compressor 610 and a connection p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612, for allowing the refrigerant to flow in the direction from the first compressor 606 to the condenser 607. The second suction pipe 614 is provided with a check valve 618 between the first compressor 606 and a connection p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611, for allowing the refrigerant to flow in the direction from the evaporator 608 to the second compressor 610. The second discharge pipe 615 is provided with a check valve 619 between the second compressor 610 and a connection p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612, for allowing the refrigerant to flow in the direction from the second compressor 610 to the condenser 607.

[0118] A switching valve 620 is provided at a connection p601 between the second suction pipe 614 and the first suction pipe 611, for switching the flow of refrigerant between the evaporator 608 to the first compressor 606 and the evaporator 608 to the second compressor 610. A switching valve 621 is provided at a connection p602 between the second discharge pipe 615 and the first discharge pipe 612, for switching the flow of refrigerant between the first compressor 606 to the condenser 607 and the second compressor 610 to the condenser 607.

[0119] 8, the cooling device 604 includes a crank pulley 622, an electromagnetic clutch 623 provided on the rotary shaft of the first compressor 606, a belt 624 provided between the crank pulley 622 and the electromagnetic clutch 623 and transmitting the power of the traveling engine 605 to the first compressor 606, and a temperature sensor S601 provided inside the luggage compartment 603 and measuring the temperature inside the luggage compartment 603. The member indicated by CL denotes a control box, and SW601 denotes a switch for opening and closing the electromagnetic clutch 623.

[0120] The control box CL and the switch SW601 are connected by a signal line L602, and when the switch SW601 is turned on by a signal from the control box CL, the electromagnetic clutch 623 is closed and connected, and when the traveling engine 605 is running, the first compressor 606 is driven via the belt 624 and the electromagnetic clutch 623. When the switch SW601 is turned off by a signal from the control box CL, the electromagnetic clutch 623 is opened and disconnected, and the first compressor 606 stops even when the traveling engine 605 is running.

[0121] The control box CL and the temperature sensor S601 are connected by a signal line L601, and temperature information in the luggage compartment 603 detected by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL.

[0122] 8, a switch SW602 is used to supply or stop power to a motor 609. A signal line L603 connects the control box CL and the switch SW602, and the switch SW602 is switched between an on state and an off state by a signal from the control box CL.

[0123] Next, the schematic configuration of the electric circuit of the cooling device 604 will be described.

[0124] FIG. 9 is an electrical circuit diagram that illustrates the general configuration of an electrical circuit for operating the cooling device 604. As shown in FIG.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9, the cooling device 604 includes a main battery 625 (vehicle battery), a belt 626, a DC alternator 627 driven via the belt 626 to charge the main battery 625, and an induction coil 629.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the cooling device 604 is equipped with an ignition switch 628. The ignition switch 628 includes a power switch 628a that turns on the main battery 625, and a starter motor drive switch 628b that drives the starter motor (cell motor) 605a for a predetermined time. When the power switch 628a is turned on, the electrical system Ea and control box CL of the refrigerated car 6 are turned on.

[0127] In addition, in this refrigerated car 6, when the power switch 628a and the starting motor drive switch 628b are turned on, the starting motor (starter motor (cell motor)) 625a is driven for a predetermined time, and the driving engine 605 is driven.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 9, the cooling device 604 includes a switch SW603 for switching the operation of the cooling device 604 between an operating state and a stopped state.

[0129] When switch SW603 is turned on, switch SW603 is configured to electrically connect terminals g and h and terminals i and j, and when switch SW603 is turned off, terminals g and h and terminals i and j are electrically disconnected.

[0130] 9 indicate plugs. When the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, the plug pa and the plug pb are electrically connected.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 9, the cooling device 604 is also provided with a switching relay R that switches the electrical connection between the main battery 625 (vehicle battery) and the commercial power supply PS and motor 609 when the driving engine 605 is stopped.

[0132] In the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment, when the power switch 628a and the starting motor drive switch 628b of the ignition switch 628 are turned on, the starting motor (starter motor (cell motor)) 625a is driven for a predetermined period of time, thereby driving the driving engine 605.

[0133] Furthermore, in the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment, when the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is kept on, the electrical system Ea of the cooling device 604 and the control box CL are controlled to be in an operating state. Therefore, the set temperature (Tth) in the luggage compartment 603 can be set by the control box CL.

[0134] In addition, in the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment, when the switch SW603 is turned on after the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is turned on, the induction coil 629 is energized by the power transmitted from the DC alternator 627 driven by the running engine 605 to the induction coil 629, and the contact Ra of the changeover relay R is in contact only between terminals a and b. As a result, the electrical system Eb of the cooling device 604 is energized, and the temperature sensor S601 is controlled to be in an operating state.

[0135] In this cooling device 604, when the refrigerated car 6 is running, the driving engine 605 is running, and the switch SW603 is on, a temperature signal (T) of the inside of the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is sent to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) of the inside of the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and if the temperature (T) of the inside of the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T≧Tth), the switch SW601 connects the electromagnetic clutch 623, thereby driving the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608, so that the temperature in the luggage compartment 603 becomes the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0136] In addition, in this cooling device 604, when the refrigerated car 6 is running, the driving engine 605 is running, and the switch SW603 is on, a temperature signal (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is sent to the control box CL via the signal line L601. The control box CL compares the temperature signal (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and when the temperature (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 becomes less than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T<Tth), the switch SW601 turns off the electromagnetic clutch 623, stopping the first compressor 606 and controlling the condenser 607 and evaporator 608 to be stopped.

[0137] In the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment, when the refrigerated car 6 is running and the cooling device 604 is operating as described above, the temperature (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 is substantially maintained at the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0138] On the other hand, when the refrigerated car 6 is stopped or parked and the driving engine 605 is stopped, the power transmission from the DC alternator 627 to the induction coil 629 is stopped.

[0139] In this case, the intercept Ra of the changeover relay R is in an electrically non-contact state between terminals a and b, and is in contact between terminals c and d and between terminals e and f.

[0140] In the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment, when the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is turned on in this state, the electrical system E and the control box CL of the refrigerated car 6 are controlled to be in an operational state. This allows the control box CL to set the set temperature (Tth) in the luggage compartment 603.

[0141] Next, when the switch SW603 is turned on and the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, the motor 609 is driven, the second compressor 610 is driven, the electrical system Eb of the cooling device 604 is energized, and the temperature sensor S601 is activated.

[0142] In this cooling device 604, even if the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment is stopped or parked, if the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is in the on state, the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, and the switch SW603 is in the on state, a temperature signal (T) in the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is sent to the control box CL via the signal line L601, and the control box CL detects the temperature in the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601. The temperature signal (T) is compared with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and if the temperature (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T≧Tth), the switch SW602 is turned on, the first compressor 606, the condenser 607 and the evaporator 608 are driven, and the temperature inside the luggage compartment 603 is controlled to the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0143] In addition, in this cooling device 604, even when the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment is stopped or parked, if the power switch 628a of the ignition switch 628 is in the on state, the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, and the switch SW603 is in the on state, a temperature signal (T) in the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 is transmitted to the control box CL via the signal line L601, and the control box CL receives the temperature signal (T) in the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601. The temperature signal (T) is compared with the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, and when the temperature (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 measured by the temperature sensor S601 becomes less than the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL (T<Tth), the switch SW602 is turned off, the first compressor 606, the condenser 607, and the evaporator 608 are stopped, and the temperature inside the luggage compartment 603 is controlled to become the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL.

[0144] In the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment, as described above, the temperature (T) inside the luggage compartment 603 is substantially maintained at the set temperature (Tth) set by the control box CL, even when the refrigerated car 6 of this embodiment is stopped or parked.

[0145] Furthermore, when it is desired to stop the cooling device 604 while the refrigerated truck 6 of this embodiment is stopped or parked (i.e., while the driving engine 605 is stopped), by disconnecting the plug pa from the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, the power supply from the commercial power supply PS to the cooling device 604 and the motor 609 is cut off, and the cooling device 604 is stopped.

[0146] Furthermore, when it is desired to stop the cooling device 604 while the refrigerated vehicle 6 of this embodiment is stopped or parked (while the driving engine 605 is stopped), by turning off the switch SW603, even if the plug pa is connected to the plug pb of the commercial power supply PS, the power transmission from the commercial power supply PS to the cooling device 604 and the motor 609 is cut off, and the cooling device 604 is stopped.

[0147] Instead of the plug pa, the vehicle may be provided with a secondary battery 630 that is configured to be charged by the DC alternator 627 when the driving engine 605 is running. In such a case, while the vehicle is stopped or parked (while the driving engine 605 is stopped) and / or while the driving engine 605 is stopped for a short time (during idling stop) at an intersection or the like, the secondary battery, second compressor 610, etc. drive the cooling device 604, and the temperature inside the luggage compartment 603 is maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0148] The power transmission mode of the cooling device 604 is the same as that of the humidifier (the air blowers 106 and 108 to the water tank 105 in the first embodiment) and the control device (the control device 110 in the first embodiment).

[0149] (Seventh embodiment) By storing tubular items such as food in a cool transport container or the like for a long period of time in the storage facility 1 of the first embodiment and then transporting them in the refrigerated vehicle 6 of the sixth embodiment, the tubular items can be stored and transported while maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity for storage.

[0150] In order to prevent a decrease in container strength and quality of the goods due to condensation, moisture on the surface and inside of the goods, dripping, etc. caused by high humidity when the goods are transported and stored at high humidity, and to enable quick pre-cooling and accurate cold storage of the goods inside the container even when the goods are densely packed inside the cool container, a transport cool container may be used that is equipped with a generator as an auxiliary power source for operating the cooling circuit and that auxiliary maintains the appropriate temperature and humidity for preserving the stored goods.

[0151] The container may comprise a waterproof paper container having a vent hole for allowing cold air to flow into the container and for packaging items to be cooled within the container, and a water-absorbent sheet or the like provided within the container to absorb and retain moisture generated within the container.

[0152] In some cases, such as in low-temperature saturated humidity storage cabinets for home use and restaurants, the first space may not be large enough. In such cases, as a modification of the storage cabinet of this embodiment, the first space may be an intake duct for taking in outside air into the second space. Alternatively, the first space may not be provided as an internal space, and only the second space may be used as the internal space, and high absolute humidity outside air may be taken into the second space. The storage cabinet may be configured to heat, cool, humidify, or dehumidify the air taken in from the external space to the internal space depending on the temperature and humidity conditions of the external space.

[0153] The cooling device installed in the second space in this embodiment is preferably a metal coil, which has a large surface area in contact with air, making frost formation efficient and easy to defrost.

[0154] In this embodiment, the humidifier installed in the first space may be controlled to stop humidifying operation when there is a large amount of frost and / or condensation on the cooling device in the second space. Specifically, in the first embodiment, a mass sensor module is disposed on the cooling coil 103 to measure the amount of frost on the cooling coil 103. A possible configuration is to control the operation of the air blowers 106 and 111 to stop when the amount of frost exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0155] The storage and delivery system according to this embodiment can be used for the long-term storage of agricultural produce and the dry-aging of meat, thereby suppressing deterioration of food quality. For the long-term storage of agricultural produce that is not susceptible to chilling damage, an internal temperature of 0 to 4°C and an internal relative humidity of 70 to 90% are suitable, while for the dry-aging of meat, which has a higher water activity than agricultural produce, an internal temperature of 0 to 4°C and an internal relative humidity of 80 to 90% are suitable. The delivery system according to this embodiment can maintain a low temperature and high humidity condition appropriate for the food both in storage and delivery states, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the long-term storage of agricultural produce and the dry-aging of meat.

[0156] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Storage shed 6: Refrigerated car 102, 104, 109: Partition plate 105: Water tank 106, 108, 111, 113: Blower 107, 112: Cooling device 110: Control device 201: Refrigerator 202: Cold air outlet 203: Low temperature and high humidity box 204: Open surface 10, 301, 401, 501: First space 20, 302, 402, 502: Second space 303, 403, 503: Communication mechanism 207, 304, 404, 504: Humidifier 103, 205, 305, 406, 506: Cooling coil 306, 307: Open section 308: Blower 405: Cooling device 407: Roof device 505: Heating device 507: Fog sensor module 601: Low temperature and high humidity system 602: Truck 603: Luggage compartment 604: Cooling device 605: Driving engine 606: First compressor 607: Condenser 608: Evaporator 609: Motor 610: Second compressor 611: First suction pipe 612: First discharge pipe 613: Condensate pipe 614: Second suction pipe 615: Second discharge pipe 616, 617, 618, 619: Check valves p601, p602: Connections 620, 621: Switching valve 622: Crank pulley 623: Electromagnetic clutch 624, 626: Belt 625: Main battery 627: DC alternator 628: Ignition switch 629: Induction coil 630: Secondary battery CL: Control box R: Changeover relay Ra: Intercept S: Temperature sensor PS: Commercial power supply 11: Cooling device 12: Control device 13a: First storage cabinet 13b: Second storage cabinet 20: Second space 21a: Wall 21b: Middle door 22: Outer door 23: First air vent 24: First fan 25: Air mixer 26: Second fan 27: Second air vent 28: Humidifier 29: Shutter

Claims

1. (Original claim 1+2) A storage facility having a first space and a second space, the first space and the second space are in communication with each other via a communication mechanism that mixes the first space air and the second space air at an arbitrary mixing ratio; a cooling device installed in the second space and configured to cool the second space to a second temperature t2 lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space; a control device that controls the cooling device, The first space is disposed vertically above the second space. When the air in the first space and the air in the second space are mixed through the communication mechanism, the water vapor-containing air that has been partially supersaturated by cooling the high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air with the low-temperature, relative-humidity air is mixed at a mixing ratio on the side that does not generate fog or frost in the mixed air, near the boundary between whether or not fog or frost will be generated. Storage.

2. (Original claim 1 + air mixer) A storage facility having a first space and a second space, the first space and the second space are in communication with each other via a communication mechanism that mixes the first space air and the second space air at an arbitrary mixing ratio; a cooling device installed in the second space and configured to cool the second space to a second temperature t2 lower than the first temperature t1 of the first space; a control device that controls the cooling device, the communication mechanism includes an air mixer into which air from the first space and air from the second space flow and which discharges mixed air into the second space, When the air in the first space and the air in the second space are mixed through the communication mechanism, the water vapor-containing air that has been partially supersaturated by cooling the high-temperature, high-absolute-humidity air with the low-temperature, relative-humidity air is mixed at a mixing ratio on the side that does not generate fog or frost in the mixed air, near the boundary between whether or not fog or frost will be generated. Storage.

3. Equipped with a humidifier, the control device controls the operation of the cooling device and / or the humidifying device so that the absolute humidity ah1 in the first space becomes greater than the saturated water vapor amount w2 in the second space. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control device opens the communication mechanism while the cooling device in the second space is stopped, and closes the communication mechanism while the cooling device is operating. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The humidifier is located in the first space and / or the second space. The storage facility according to claim 3.

6. The cooling device has a bare coil without cooling fins. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The communication mechanism includes a blower that mixes or circulates the air in the first space and the air in the second space. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Equipped with a humidifier, The control device controls the operation of the cooling device and / or the humidifying device so that the average temperature t2 of the second space is any temperature in a temperature range of −3 to +3° C. and the average relative humidity rh2 of the second space is 90% or more. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The air mixer is provided with a first fan that introduces air from the first space. The storage facility according to claim 2.

10. The air mixer is provided with a second fan that introduces air from the second space. The storage facility according to claim 2.

11. The air mixer is configured so that the flow path through which the mixed air passes narrows toward the outlet. The storage facility according to claim 2.

12. The air mixer has protrusions or fins as an internal structure. The storage facility according to claim 2.

13. A storage facility according to claim 1 or 2 is installed. Refrigerated goods transport equipment.

14. 3. A storage facility according to claim 1, wherein the storage object is stored in the storage facility and the storage state of the storage facility is maintained. The storage object is delivered using the refrigerated goods transport device according to claim 13. Delivery system.