JP2004008041A - Electric power unit and storage device / treating device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage device for applying a high electric voltage to a food material or the like to maintain the freshness of the food material and the like, and to provide an electric source unit used for the device for treating the food material, which solves the trouble of the electric source unit of type for sealing one electrode of a transformer to avoid a risk, in which a large transformer is needed, when a high voltage device is designed, because only an electric voltage of one half or less of the capacity is taken out. <P>SOLUTION: This electric source unit comprises an input portion 11 connected to an AC electric source, a step-up transformer 12 in which the primary coil 21 is connected to the input portion 11, and an output portion 14 connected to the secondary coil 12b of the transformer 12, wherein one electrode of the secondary coil 12b of the transformer 12 is connected to the output portion 14 through a capacitor 13, and the other electrode is connected to the primary coil 12a through a resistor 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage device and a food / water treatment device for maintaining the freshness of a food or the like that applies a high voltage minute current to a food, a power supply device used for a medical device or the like that applies a high voltage to a human body or a preserved organ, and the like. And a food processing apparatus using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Applying high voltage to foods such as vegetables, fruits, cereals, meats, and seafood to enhance the flavor and umami of the foods, prevent discoloration of frozen foods when thawing, and preserve foods for a long time It is widely known to enable and to process foodstuffs efficiently.
[0003]
However, since this type of conventional storage device and food processing device connect both poles on the secondary side of the transformer as an output unit to the device, there is a danger that the worker may be exposed to high voltage acting on the food. Yes, and it is easy to short-circuit and destroy the transformer.
[0004]
In order to avoid this, a power supply device of a type that blocks one pole on the secondary coil side of a transformer (see JP-A-10-276744, JP-A-2000-100636, etc.) has been proposed.
[0005]
FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram of the power supply device 50 disclosed in JP-A-2000-100636.
In this power supply device 50, a transformer 52 for boosting is installed in a casing 51 made of resin such as vinyl chloride. The primary coil 52a of the transformer 52 is connected to a plug 53 inserted into an outlet of a commercial AC power supply via a breaker 54, an indicator light 55, and a choke coil 56.
The secondary coil 52b of the transformer 52 has one pole connected to the output unit 57, and the other pole connected to one pole via a resistor 58 to short-circuit and close the pole.
The transformer 52 and the resistor 58 are embedded in an insulating resin material 59 such as an epoxy resin.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The power supply device of the type that blocks one pole that has been conventionally proposed can secure safety, but only a voltage of less than half of the capacity of the transformer 52 is taken out. There was a defect that the transformer became large.
For this reason, various food storages and food processing apparatuses using high voltage have been proposed and prototyped so far, but none of them has been put to practical use.
[0007]
Means for Solving the Problems, Functions and Effects
Accordingly, the present invention has been developed based on the power supply device shown in FIG.
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is connected to an AC power supply, a step-up transformer having a primary coil connected to the input unit, and an output unit connected to a secondary coil of the transformer. Wherein the secondary coil side of the transformer has one pole connected to the output section via a capacitor, and the other pole connected to the primary coil side via a resistor.
[0008]
If one of the secondary coil side poles of the transformer is connected to the output section and the other of the secondary side poles is connected to the primary side via a resistor as described above, the current flowing due to the capacitance of the capacitor is limited. Even if the output is short-circuited, the transformer can be prevented from being destroyed. Also, since it is connected to the primary side via a resistor, the output potential is stable and a voltage close to the capacity of the transformer can be taken out. It became possible to reduce the size.
[0009]
In the power supply device according to the second aspect, since the voltage regulator for controlling the output voltage is disposed between the input unit and the transformer, it is easy to obtain a required output voltage.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for storing foods and fresh flowers, wherein the power supply device according to the first or second aspect, a container forming a storage space, and the processing unit are electrically insulated from the container. And an electrode unit arranged in the space and connected to the output unit of the power supply device. Examples of the storage device include a food storage, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerated locker, and a flower arrangement showcase.
In this apparatus, discoloration and decay are suppressed by suppressing the propagation of various bacteria, and the shelf life of the food while maintaining the flavor and umami is prolonged. Even fresh flowers do not dry and lose their shape, and their color and luster persist.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for treating food and water, wherein the power supply device according to the first or second aspect, a container forming a processing space, and a state in which the container is electrically insulated from the container. And an electrode portion disposed in the processing space and connected to the output portion of the power supply device, and is suitable not only for simple storage but also for prevention of decay of cooking equipment and water.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for preventing oxidation of oil such as tempura, wherein the food processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect is a fryer, and an electrode portion is arranged at a bottom of an oil tank of the fryer.
Since the oil can be prevented from being oxidized, the oil can be used for a long time, which contributes to cost reduction. In addition, the frying time can be shortened and the cooking operation can be performed at a high rate, the absorption of oil into the material can be suppressed, and the generation of odor and smoke of oil can be suppressed. Applying a voltage suppresses the oxidation of oil and enables long-term use.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, description will be made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings.
In FIG. 1, a power supply device 10 supplies a single-phase commercial AC power to a plug 11 inserted into an outlet of the commercial AC power supply, and from a receiving plug 11 to a primary coil 12a of a transformer 12 for boosting. Since the plug 11 functions as an input portion of the AC power of the power supply device 10, the input portion of the AC power may be a general terminal portion.
[0014]
The secondary coil 12 b of the transformer 12 has one pole connected to the output unit 14 via the capacitor 13. The other pole of the secondary coil 12b is connected to the primary coil 12a via the resistor 15. The transformer 12, the capacitor 13 and the resistor 15 are buried in an electrically insulating resin material 16 such as epoxy resin to be insulated.
[0015]
Disposed between the plug 11 and the transformer 12 are a breaker 17 for interrupting overcurrent and ensuring safety, and an indicator light 18 illuminated while the power supply device 10 is operating. Although not shown, the components other than the plug 11 serving as the input unit, the indicator lamp 18 and the output unit 14 are housed in a case formed of an insulating material.
[0016]
FIG. 2 has substantially the same configuration as that of FIG. An additional configuration is that a voltage regulator 19 for adjusting the voltage input to the primary coil 12a of the transformer 12 of the power supply device 10 is arranged on the primary coil 12a side of the transformer 12. Thereby, the value of the voltage level at the output unit 14 is adjusted as needed.
Although not shown, it is desirable to arrange a voltmeter for checking the amount of adjustment by the voltage regulator 19 in parallel on the output side of the voltage regulator 19. As the voltage regulator 19, a slidac or a variable resistor as shown in the figure can be used.
Although not shown, a manually operated switch for controlling the power supply 10 is disposed between the plug 11 and the breaker 17 as necessary.
[0017]
The output unit 14 is connected to storage units to be described later and electrode units 22 and 28 of the processing apparatus. The output unit 14 may be an outlet provided in a case or a plug provided at a distal end of an electric wire cord extending from the case or a distal end thereof.
[0018]
When the power supply device 10 is in the ON state, the AC voltage input to the plug 11 is boosted in the transformer 12 to a predetermined value different depending on the food material to be stored and processed. As a result, a high voltage is obtained at the output unit 14, and the high-voltage minute current acts on foodstuffs and the like stored in the container of the storage / processing device.
[0019]
If the conventional example is of a type in which one pole of the secondary coil side of the transformer is closed (FIG. 6), half of the voltage is applied to both ends of the resistor, and one of them is taken out as an output, so that the voltage is less than half the capacity of the transformer. In this invention, only about 90% of the capacity of the transformer 12 can be taken out. Therefore, the size of the transformer 12 can be reduced to extract the same voltage.
[0020]
In the power supply device 10, the switch for manual operation is omitted, and the relay is normally operated to close the normally open contact so that a predetermined high voltage is output to the output unit 14. By adopting a control circuit for interrupting the operation of the relay and opening the normally open contact when a sensing signal is output due to the opening of the door or the approach of a person, a high voltage can not be obtained at the output unit 14. Good.
[0021]
FIG. 3 shows a food storage device 20, which includes the power supply device 10 described above and a box-shaped container 21. The container 21 is made of an electrically insulating material such as a synthetic resin.
[0022]
An electrode section 22 made of a metal material such as stainless steel is arranged in the container 21. The electrode portion 22 is formed by bending a metal plate into a U-shape, is opened upward, and is housed in the container 21. The electrode part 22 is assembled to the container 21 by a screw member or the like.
[0023]
The opening of the container 21 is openably closed by the lid 24. The lid 24 has a reflection plate 25 for reflecting radio waves inside. The electrode unit 22 is connected to the power supply device 10 via a relay 26 attached to a side wall of the container 21.
[0024]
At the time of use, a predetermined high voltage is applied to the electrode unit 22 in a state where ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, cereals, meat, fish and shellfish are placed on the electrode unit 22 and the inside of the container 21 is closed by the lid 24. In addition, the high voltage minute current always acts on the food material in the container 21.
[0025]
As a result, the flavor and umami of the foodstuffs are increased, the odor transfer between the foodstuffs is reduced, the propagation of various bacteria is suppressed, the freshness of the foodstuffs is maintained for a long time, and various advantages such as the improvement of the sugar content of the foodstuffs, especially fruits, etc. Is generated.
[0026]
FIG. 4 schematically shows the food storage device 20 as a refrigerator R, in which an insulating material 27 is disposed on the entire inner wall of the refrigerator R main body, and metal electrodes constituting a plurality of steps from the standing plate at the back of the refrigerator R to the front surface. It comprises a portion 28 and an electrically insulating net shelf 29 mounted on a plurality of stages.
In this manner, the food storage device 20 may be a refrigerator R, a freezer, a freezer refrigerator, a refrigerated locker, or the like.
[0027]
The present invention is not limited to the food storage device 20, and may be applied to a flower arrangement showcase of a flower arrangement shop. In this case, the color and luster of the stored fresh flowers are long-lasting and long-term storage is possible, so that the amount of discarded due to unsale is reduced.
[0028]
FIG. 5 shows a combination of a power supply device 10 and a fryer 30 as a food processing device, and an oil tank 31 of the fryer 30 is a container forming a processing space.
The oil tank 31 is made of a stainless steel plate and is grounded by a ground wire 32. Although not shown, equipment such as oil heating equipment using gas or electricity, and a setting device for adjusting oil temperature are provided.
[0029]
The discharge plate, that is, the electrode portion 33 is made of a metal such as a stainless steel plate, and is formed as a rectangular plate having a large number of through holes 33a. The electrode portion 33 is attached to a block-shaped spacer 34 made of an electrically insulating material disposed at four corners of the oil tank 31 by tightening with screws 35.
[0030]
At the time of use, the electrode portion 33 is disposed at the bottom of the oil tank 31 as described above, a suitable amount of frying oil is charged, the frying oil is heated by a heater provided in the fryer 30, and the electrode portion 33 is connected by a connecting wire. It is connected to the output unit 14 of the power supply device 10.
[0031]
When the temperature of the oil rises to a predetermined temperature, appropriate ingredients for tempura or fry, which are made from vegetables, meat, fish and shellfish, are put into the oil tank 31 of the fryer 30. During cooking, the power supply device 10 is kept on and a predetermined high voltage is applied to the electrode unit 33, so that a high voltage minute current acts on the oil and the food therein.
[0032]
As a result, the amount of consumption of oil, oxidation and deterioration of oil, and the like are suppressed, and the usable period of oil is extended. Changes in fried foods due to the superiority of oil and the transfer of odors between fried foods are reduced, freshness of fried foods is maintained for a long time, flavor and umami are improved, oil smoke and oily smell are reduced, and fried foods are cooked at low temperature. Can provide various advantages in frying oil, frying, frying time and working environment.
[0033]
Although not shown as a food processing device, when applied to a frozen food thawing device, release of moisture from the frozen food is suppressed, and discoloration is prevented.
In addition, when used in a water treatment device as a food material, it suppresses the growth of various bacteria, thereby preventing water decay and enabling long-term storage.
[0034]
As described above, the food storage and the food processing apparatus using the power supply device 10 have an increased flavor and umami of the food, prevent discoloration of the frozen food upon thawing, and enable long-term storage of the food. In addition, foods can be processed efficiently without impairing the flavor and umami.
[0035]
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applied not only to a power supply device for a food storage and processing device, but also to a power supply device for another device such as a power supply device for a medical device such as a treatment device for a human body, an animal, or a storage device for an organ. be able to.
[0036]
For example, when the power supply device 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used for a medical treatment device, a target object such as a human body is not easily affected by a high voltage and is safe. When the power supply device 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used for a medical device for preserving an organ or the like, the preservation period becomes long.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an electric circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a power supply device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the power supply device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the food storage device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing a refrigerator as a food storage device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a flyer as a food processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a conventional power supply device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Power supply 11 Plug (input part)
12 Transformer 12a Primary coil 12b Secondary coil 13 Capacitor 14 Output unit 15 Resistor 16 Resin material 17 Breaker 18 Indicator light 19 Voltage regulator

Claims (5)

An input unit connected to an AC power supply, a booster transformer having a primary coil connected to the input unit, and an output unit connected to a secondary coil of the transformer; A power supply device in which one side of the coil is connected to the output section via a capacitor and the other side is connected to the primary coil side via a resistor. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein a voltage regulator for controlling an output voltage is disposed between the input unit and the transformer. 3. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, a container forming a storage space, and disposed in the processing space in a state of being electrically insulated from the container and connected to an output unit of the power supply device. A storage device for food and fresh flowers, including an electrode part. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, a container forming a processing space, and disposed in the processing space so as to be electrically insulated from the container and connected to an output unit of the power supply device. An apparatus for treating food and water, including an electrode unit. 5. An apparatus for preventing oxidation of oil, wherein the food processing apparatus according to claim 4 is a fryer, and an electrode portion is arranged at a bottom of an oil tank of the fryer.

Images