JP2014163621A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator that uniformly applies an electric field to an object to be frozen and can prevent quality deterioration of the object to be frozen with high efficiency and safety.
SOLUTION: A pair of electrode plates 21 for generating an electric field in the freezer compartment 5 and a control means 23 for applying an AC voltage to the pair of electrode plates 21 are provided, and the pair of electrode plates 21 includes at least one electrode. Convex portions 22b (22a) projecting from the plate 21b (21a) toward the other electrode plate 21a (21b) facing each other. Thereby, the intensity | strength of the electric field which generate | occur | produces around the convex part 22b can be raised, and the electric field in the center vicinity of the electrode plate 21 is strengthened by arrange | positioning the convex part 22b suitably, and it generate | occur | produces in the freezer compartment 5. The electric field can be made uniform.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator that stores food and the like in a storage room, and particularly relates to a refrigerator that freezes food and the like in an electric field.

  When freezing food such as fresh meat and fresh fish and other frozen objects, moisture freezes inside the frozen objects and the ice crystals become coarse, destroying the tissues (cells, etc.) of the frozen objects, There has been a problem that the quality of the object to be frozen deteriorates due to a change in taste, a spill of drip at the time of thawing, and the like.

  Conventionally, as a method for preventing quality deterioration of an object to be frozen due to coarsening of ice crystals inside the object to be frozen, a method of freezing the object to be frozen in an electric field or a magnetic field is known ( For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when cooling an object to be frozen, a supercooling step of applying an electric field to bring the object to be frozen into a supercooled state, and freezing that stops applying the electric field and freezes the object to be frozen. And a refrigerating method and apparatus for repeatedly executing the steps. In the refrigeration apparatus disclosed in this document, a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field are arranged on both sides (left and right) of the freezer compartment.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method and apparatus for rapidly freezing an object to be frozen using an electric field and ultrasonic waves. In the refrigerator disclosed in this document, the stainless steel rack itself in the freezer is used as a discharge electrode that generates an electric field by applying a high voltage. The inner wall of the freezer is an earth electrode that is electrically grounded.

JP 2007-259709 (page 4, FIG. 1) JP 2007-195493 (page 4-5, FIG. 1)

  However, if the shape and arrangement of the electrodes that generate the electric field are inappropriate, the electric field becomes non-uniform and the effect of maintaining the desired quality during freezing cannot be obtained.

  That is, if the electric field applied to the object to be frozen is not uniform, cell destruction due to freezing cannot be prevented in a portion where the electric field is weak, and the object to be frozen partially deteriorates in quality.

  For example, as in Patent Document 1, it has been found that in the method of arranging flat electrodes facing each other, the electric field strength in the peripheral edge portion of the electrode is strong and the electric field strength in the vicinity of the center of the electrode tends to be weak.

  In addition, as in the same document, the method of arranging both the left and right sides of the freezer compartment has a long distance between the electrodes and is easily affected by the exterior of the metal refrigerator, so it is difficult to generate an electric field efficiently and uniformly. It was.

  Similarly, in the method of using the rack and the inner wall of the refrigerator as an electrode as in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to generate an electric field uniformly in the storage space because the distance between the electrodes varies greatly depending on the location. .

  Further, if the voltage applied to the electrode is further increased in order to increase the electric field strength in a region where the electric field is weak, the electric field is unnecessarily increased in some regions, and the power consumption for generating the electric field increases and the refrigerator increases. The efficiency of will decrease.

  Moreover, in order to prevent the quality deterioration of the to-be-frozen thing by freezing, since it is necessary to apply a high voltage (for example, 1 kV-20 kV) to the electrode which generate | occur | produces an electric field, further raising the voltage to apply is a human body. This increases the risk of contact with the electrodes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a refrigerator that can uniformly apply an electric field to an object to be frozen and prevent the quality deterioration of the object to be frozen with high efficiency and safety. The purpose is to provide.

  The refrigerator of the present invention includes a freezer compartment for storing an object to be frozen, a pair of electrode plates that generate an electric field in the freezer compartment, and a control unit that applies an AC voltage to the pair of electrode plates, The electrode plate has a convex portion protruding from at least one electrode plate toward the other electrode plate facing the electrode plate.

  According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the pair of electrode plates that generate an electric field in the freezer compartment has a protruding portion that protrudes from at least one of the electrode plates toward the other electrode plate that is opposed to the pair of electrode plates. The strength of the electric field can be increased. That is, since the distance between the convex portion and the other electrode plate facing each other is short, the electric field strength in the periphery is increased. Therefore, the electric field generated in the freezer compartment can be made uniform by suitably arranging the convex portions.

  Further, by providing a plurality of the convex portions, the electric field can be made uniform in a wider storage space.

  In addition, by forming the convex part in the vicinity of the center of the one electrode plate and in the vicinity of the periphery, the electric field strength in the vicinity of the center of the electrode plate that tends to weaken the electric field strength can be increased. A uniform electric field can be realized.

  In addition, by forming the protrusions with a high protrusion height near the center of the one electrode plate and a low protrusion height near the periphery, the electric field near the center of the electrode plate tends to be weakened. The strength can be increased, and the electric field strength across the electrode plates can be made uniform.

  Further, by forming the convex portion so as to extend linearly or curvedly along the surface of the one electrode plate, the electrode plate can be easily processed by, for example, extrusion molding or press molding. Thus, the electric field can be made uniform.

  Moreover, by forming the convex part into a needle shape, the convex part having a high protruding height can be easily processed by, for example, driving a needle pin or press molding.

  Further, by forming the convex portion by cutting and raising, the electrode plate can be processed efficiently by, for example, press molding or the like, and the electric field can be made uniform.

It is a front external view of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the electric field generator of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the structure of the upper stage freezer compartment of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the upper stage freezer compartment inside the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective exploded view which shows the assembly of the electrode plate of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the electrode plate of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows electric field generation control of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the other example of the electric field generation control of the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the electrode plate of the refrigerator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is (A) perspective drawing which shows the electrode plate of the refrigerator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention, (B) It is sectional drawing of a convex part. It is (A) perspective drawing which shows the electrode plate of the refrigerator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention, (B) It is sectional drawing of a convex part. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the structure of the upper stage freezer compartment vicinity of the refrigerator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the structure of the upper stage freezer compartment vicinity of the refrigerator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the refrigerator which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated in detail based on drawing.

  FIG. 1 is a front external view showing a schematic structure of the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side sectional view of the refrigerator 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a heat insulating box 2 as a main body, and forms a storage room for storing food and the like inside the heat insulating box 2. The interior of the storage room is divided into a plurality of storage rooms 3 to 7 according to storage temperature and usage. The uppermost stage is the refrigerator compartment 3, the lower left side is the ice making room 4, the right side is the upper freezer room 5, the lower stage is the lower stage freezer room 6, and the lowermost stage is the vegetable room 7.

  The front surface of the heat insulation box 2 is opened, and heat insulation doors 8 to 12 are provided in the opening portions corresponding to the storage chambers 3 to 7 so as to be freely opened and closed. The refrigerator compartment door 8 is supported by the heat insulation box 2 so that the upper and lower portions on the right side are rotatable. Moreover, the heat insulation doors 4-7 are supported by the heat insulation box 2 so that it can be pulled out in front of the refrigerator 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heat insulation box 2 which is the main body of the refrigerator 2 is disposed with a steel plate outer box 2a having an opening on the front surface and a gap inside the outer box 2a. And an inner box 2b made of synthetic resin having an opening and a heat insulating material 2c made of polyurethane foam filled and foamed in a gap between the outer box 2a and the inner box 2b. Each of the heat insulating doors 8 to 12 adopts the same heat insulating structure as that of the heat insulating box 2.

  The refrigerator compartment 3 and the ice making chamber 4 and the upper freezer compartment 5 located at the lower stage are partitioned by a heat insulating partition wall 36. The heat insulating partition wall 36 is a synthetic resin molded product, and the inside thereof is filled with a heat insulating material.

  Further, the ice making chamber 4 and the upper freezing chamber 5 are partitioned by a partition wall (not shown in the drawing). Furthermore, the upper freezer compartment 5 and the lower freezer compartment 6 provided in the lower compartment are divided by a partition wall 37 in which a vent 28 through which cool air can flow is formed. The ice making chamber 4 and the lower freezing chamber 6 communicate with each other. The lower freezer compartment 6 and the vegetable compartment 7 are separated by a heat insulating partition wall 38.

  An upper electrode plate 21 a is provided above the upper freezer compartment 5, and a lower electrode plate 21 b is provided below the upper freezer compartment 5. The upper electrode plate 21 a and the lower electrode plate 21 b are for generating an electric field in the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5. Details will be described later.

  In addition, a supply air passage 15 through which the cooled air flows to the refrigerator compartment 3 is formed on the back surface and the top surface of the refrigerator compartment 3 inside the inner box 2b. Similarly, on the back side of the ice making chamber 4 and the upper freezing chamber 5, a supply air passage 14 partitioned by a synthetic resin partition member 40 is formed above the ice making chamber 4 and the upper freezing chamber 5. The supply air passages 16 partitioned by the partition members 41 (partition bodies) are respectively formed.

  On the further back side of the supply air passage 14 inside the inner box 2b, there is provided a cooling chamber 13 that is divided and formed by a partition member 39. An opening 13a connecting the cooling chamber 13 and the supply air passage 14 is formed in the partition member 39 above the cooling chamber 13, and a blower 32 for circulating air is disposed in the opening 13a. On the other hand, below the cooling chamber 13, an opening 13 b is formed for sucking the return cold air from the storage chamber into the cooling chamber 13.

  A cooler 33 (evaporator) for cooling the circulating air is disposed inside the cooling chamber 13. The cooler 33 is connected to the compressor 31, a radiator (not shown), and an expansion valve (capillary tube) (not shown) via a refrigerant pipe, and constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle circuit. It is. In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, isobutane (R600a) is used as the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle.

  Next, a basic cooling operation of the refrigerator 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, the air in the cooling chamber 13 is cooled by the cooler 33 of the above-described vapor compression refrigeration cycle circuit. The air cooled by the cooler 33 is discharged by the blower 32 from the opening 13 a of the cooling chamber 13 to the supply air passage 14.

  A part of the cooling air discharged to the supply air passage 14 is adjusted to an appropriate flow rate by an air passage switch 18 (for example, a motor damper), flows to the supply air passage 15, and is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 3. The Thereby, the food etc. which were stored in the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 can be cooled and preserve | saved at appropriate temperature.

  The cold air supplied to the inside of the refrigerator compartment 3 is supplied to the vegetable compartment 7 through a connection air passage (not shown). And the cold air which circulated through the vegetable compartment 7 returns to the inside of the cooling compartment 13 through the return air passage 17 and the opening 13b of the cooling compartment 13. Therefore, it is cooled again by the cooler 33.

  On the other hand, a part of the cooling air discharged to the supply air passage 14 is supplied to the lower freezing chamber 6, flows to the supply air passage 16, and is supplied to the ice making chamber 4 and the upper freezing chamber 5, respectively. . Then, the air inside the ice making chamber 4 flows to the communicating lower freezing chamber 6, and the air inside the upper freezing chamber 5 also flows to the lower freezing chamber 6 through the vent 28 formed in the partition wall 37.

  Then, the air inside the lower freezer compartment 6 flows through the lower part of the lower freezer compartment 6 and flows into the cooling chamber 13 through the opening 13 b of the cooling chamber 13.

  As described above, the vapor compression refrigeration cycle circuit, the blower 32, and the supply air passages 14 to 16 function as cooling means, and the air cooled by the cooler 33 circulates in the storage chamber to freeze and cool foods and the like. Saving is done.

  Next, the electric field generator 20 that generates an electric field in the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electric field generator 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electric field generation device 20 includes a pair of electrode plates 21, a control device 23, and a temperature detector 24.

  The electrode plates 21 a and 21 b generate an electric field in the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5, and are opposed to each other so as to sandwich the storage space above and below the upper freezer compartment 5. The electrode plates 21a and 21b are plate-like bodies made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, for example.

  At least one of the electrode plates 21a and 21b is formed with convex portions 22a and 22b protruding toward the other electrode plate 21a and 21b facing each other. The protrusions 22a and 22b only need to be formed so that the distance from the opposing electrode plate is short, and are cylindrical, prismatic, conical, pyramidal, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, hemispherical, Various convex shapes can be employed. Details will be described later.

  The control device 23 is a control unit that applies an AC voltage to the pair of electrode plates 21. The control device 23 includes an AC power supply unit 23a that generates an alternating current of a high voltage (for example, 1 kV to 20 kV). Thereby, an AC voltage can be applied to the electrode plates 21 a and 21 b, and an electric field can be applied to the inside of the upper freezer compartment 5.

  The control device 23 is connected to a compressor 31, a blower 32, a drive motor for the air passage switch 18, an illumination 34, and other control devices, an internal temperature sensor 35, and the like. 1 cooling operation control may be performed.

  The temperature detector 24 detects the temperature of the object to be frozen X such as food stored in the upper freezer compartment 5. As the temperature detector 24, for example, an infrared temperature sensor or the like can be used. The control device 23 performs control to generate an electric field based on the temperature of the object X to be frozen detected by the temperature detector 24. Note that, instead of the method of measuring the temperature of the object X to be frozen, the temperature of the storage space may be detected by using a thermistor thermometer or the like to control the electric field generation.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4 thru | or FIG. 7, the structure of the upper stage freezer compartment 5 and the structure of electrode plate 21a, 21b are demonstrated in detail. FIG. 4 is a right side cross-sectional view (cross section taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1) showing a peripheral structure of the upper freezer compartment 5 of the refrigerator 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a synthetic resin storage container 42 for storing the article X to be frozen is provided inside the upper freezer compartment 5. The storage container 42 is integrated with the heat insulating door 10 and can be pulled out together with the heat insulating door 10 to the front of the upper freezer compartment 5.

  Above the upper freezer compartment 5, a supply air passage 16 is formed which is partitioned by a partition member 41 made of synthetic resin. The upper electrode plate 21 a is disposed inside the supply air passage 16 and is not exposed to the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5. Thereby, it can prevent that a human body etc. contact the upper electrode board 21a, ensuring a storage space widely.

  The lower electrode plate 21 b is disposed inside a synthetic resin partition wall 37 that partitions the upper freezer compartment 5 and the lower freezer compartment 6, and is not exposed to the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5. Thereby, it can prevent that a human body etc. contact the lower electrode plate 21b, and can improve the safety | security at the time of putting in / out the to-be-frozen object X. FIG.

  In addition, since the electrode plates 21a and 21b are opposed to each other so that the accommodation space of the upper freezer compartment 5 is sandwiched from above and below, the distance between the electrodes is shorter than when the electrodes are arranged on the left and right sides of the upper freezer compartment 5. can do. Thereby, an electric field can be efficiently generated in the freezer with a low applied voltage.

  Moreover, compared with the case where an electrode is arrange | positioned at the left and right of the upper stage freezer compartment 5, the distance of the outer case 2a of the refrigerator 1 and electrode plate 21a, 21b can be separated. Thereby, it can prevent that an electric field will be weakened by the outer box 2a made from a steel plate, and an electric field can be efficiently generated in storage space.

  Further, the upper electrode plate 21a and the lower electrode plate 21b may be divided into a plurality of pieces so that a voltage can be applied to each divided region. Thereby, an electric field can be generated only in a region where the object to be frozen X is arranged, and power for generating an electric field in other regions can be reduced. In addition, the detection of the to-be-frozen object X, ie, the detection of the region that generates the electric field, can be performed based on the temperature data detected by the temperature detector 24 (see FIG. 3). In addition, an object camera or the like can be provided to determine the object to be frozen X by image pattern recognition or the like.

  Here, it has been found that the electric field strength tends to be higher around the edges of the electrode plates 21a and 21b than near the center. Therefore, by dividing the electrode plates 21a and 21b into a plurality of pieces as described above, the electric field strength around the edge of each divided region (electrode plate) can be increased. That is, by dividing the electrode plates 21a and 21b, the electric field strength near the center of the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5 can be increased, and the electric field strength can be made uniform throughout the storage space. Thereby, the to-be-frozen thing can be frozen more efficiently.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside of the upper freezer compartment 5 of the refrigerator 1 as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 5 shows a state where the heat insulating door 10 (see FIG. 4) and the storage container 42 (see FIG. 4) are removed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a vent hole 28 is formed in the partition wall 37 constituting the bottom surface of the upper freezer compartment 5 so that air flows out from the upper freezer compartment 5. The vent hole 28 is disposed so as to surround the lower electrode plate 21 b disposed inside the partition wall 37. Thereby, air is dispersed and flows out from the upper freezer compartment 5 and flows uniformly into the lower freezer compartment 6. As a result, air can be prevented from staying inside the upper freezer compartment 5 and the lower freezer compartment 6, and the temperature distribution inside the storage space can be made uniform.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the assembly configuration of the electrode plates 21a and 21b. The upper electrode plate 21a and the lower electrode plate 21b can adopt substantially the same configuration except that the protruding directions of the convex portions 22a and 22b are upside down. Hereinafter, the lower electrode plate 21b will be described as a representative example.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode plate 21 b is fitted into a synthetic resin frame 27, and is further held between a synthetic resin upper case 25 and a synthetic resin lower case 26. Yes. The upper case 25, the lower case 26, and the frame 27 are joined to each other by, for example, an adhesive.

  The basic configuration of the case that covers the electrode plate 21b is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a configuration corresponding to the frame 27 is formed integrally with the upper case 25 or the lower case 26 and two components are combined as a whole may be employed.

  The plate thickness of the electrode plate 21b is, for example, about 1 to 2 mm, and the combined thickness of the protruding portion 22b is, for example, about 2 to 10 mm. The thickness of the frame 27 may be set to be approximately the same as the thickness of the electrode plate 21b. The thicknesses of the upper case 25 and the lower case 26 are each about 2 to 3 mm, for example. Further, the lower case 26 is formed with a wiring groove 26a for passing wiring to the connection portion 21x of the electrode plate 21b. A structure for taking out the wiring to the outside (for example, a groove or a hole) may be formed in the frame 27 portion.

  In this way, by covering the electrode plate 21b with the upper case 25, the lower case 26 and the frame 27 made of synthetic resin to form a plate-like assembly component, the insulation can be improved without hindering the generation of an electric field. , Safety can be further improved.

  In addition, by forming a plate-like assembly component that includes the electrode plate 21b therein, the electrode plate 21b can be easily handled when the refrigerator 1 is assembled. As a result, the assemblability of the refrigerator 1 is improved.

  Furthermore, corrosion of the electrode plate 21b can be prevented, and the durability and reliability of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

  Further, fixing holes 25c, 26c and 27c are formed in the edge portions (upper case 25, lower case 26 and frame 27 portions) of the parts assembled in a plate shape by covering the electrode plate 21b with synthetic resin, and screws or the like are formed. You may fix the said assembly component to the refrigerator 1 using. As a result, the electrode plates 21a and 21b can be firmly fixed to prevent dropping or the like.

  As described above, the upper electrode plate 21a is disposed inside the supply air passage 16 (see FIG. 4), and contact with a human body or the like can be prevented. Therefore, the upper electrode plate 21a may be attached as it is in the supply air passage 16 without being covered with the upper case 25, the lower case 26 and the frame 27 in this way.

  As for the lower electrode plate 21b, the vent hole 28 (see FIG. 5) is formed in the plate-like component that is covered and assembled with the upper case 25, the lower case 26, and the frame 27 as described above, and used as the partition wall 37. Can do. In addition, illustration of the vent hole 28 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

  The electrode plate 21b is formed with a convex portion 22b that protrudes toward the other opposing electrode plate (upward in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the convex part 22b is extended linearly, and the electrode plate 21b is formed in what is called a corrugated plate shape.

  Thus, by forming the convex part 22b which protrudes toward the other electrode plate which opposes, in the convex part 22b part, since the distance with an opposing electrode plate can be shortened, the electric field strength of the circumference | surroundings can be strengthened. it can. As described above, since the electric field tends to be strong at the peripheral edge portion of the electrode plate 21b, the electric field near the center of the electrode plate 21b is strengthened by providing the convex portion 22b on the electrode plate 21b as in the present invention. And the electric field strength as a whole can be made uniform.

  In addition, it is preferable that the front-end | tip of the convex part 22b is a shape sharpened to the mountain. By sharpening the tip of the convex portion 22b, the electric field strength around the convex portion 22b can be increased efficiently, and a uniform electric field can be easily obtained as the entire electrode plate 21b.

  Further, by adopting the convex portion 22b extending linearly, the electrode plate 21b can be easily formed by extrusion molding or the like. Further, the convex portion 22b can be easily formed by press molding or the like. In addition, you may form the convex part 22b so that it may extend in the shape of a curve, or may be distributed in the shape of a point. Even in that case, it can be easily processed by press molding or the like.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of the arrangement of the convex portions 22b in the electrode plate 21b of the refrigerator 1, and FIG. 7B is an example in which the protruding height of the convex portions 22b is changed. It is explanatory drawing shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a large number of convex portions 22b may be formed near the center of the electrode plate 21b and a small number may be formed near the periphery. As a result, the electric field in the vicinity of the center of the electrode plate 21b can be strengthened, and the electric field strength can be made uniform throughout the electrode plate 21b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding height of the protrusion 22b may be high near the center of the electrode plate 21b and low near the periphery. With such a configuration, the electric field near the center of the electrode plate 21b can be strengthened, and the electric field can be made uniform.

  Further, it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of convex portions 22b. For example, a single convex shape that curves so that the vicinity of the center of the electrode plate 21b bulges toward the opposite electrode plate is formed. good.

  As described above, the convex portion 22b has a higher effect of strengthening the surrounding electric field when the tip is pointed in a mountain shape. Therefore, the electrode plate 21b can be arranged by appropriately changing the tip shape of the convex portion 22b. The overall electric field strength distribution can be adjusted.

  Next, with reference to FIG.8 and FIG.9, the freezing process of the to-be-frozen object X and the control which provides an electric field are demonstrated in detail. 8A and 8B are time charts showing electric field generation control of the refrigerator 1, and the lower part of each figure is the object X to be frozen detected by the temperature detector 24 (see FIG. 3). It is a graph which shows a temperature change. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the object to be frozen X starts to be frozen without being in a supercooled state, and FIG. 8B shows an example in which the object is frozen after being in a supercooled state.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the temperature of the object X detected by the temperature detector 24 is cooled to a predetermined start temperature T1 (time A), the control device 23 (see FIG. 3) A voltage is applied to the electrode plate 21 (see FIG. 3). As a result, an electric field is applied to the object X to be frozen. The start temperature T1 is slightly higher than the temperature at which freezing starts. By performing such control, it is possible to reduce power consumption without generating a useless electric field before the object to be frozen X starts to freeze. And when the to-be-frozen object X freezes, an electric field can be provided and the deterioration of the quality by freezing can be prevented.

  Next, when the temperature of the object to be frozen X reaches the freezing temperature T2 (time B), the control device 23 determines whether or not the temperature of the object to be frozen X maintains the predetermined holding time TM1 and the freezing temperature T2. To do. Here, the freezing temperature T2 is a reference value having a predetermined width that is set based on the temperature at which the object to be frozen X freezes.

  After the temperature of the object to be frozen X is held at the freezing temperature T2 until the holding time TM1 elapses (time C), when the temperature further decreases to a predetermined stop temperature T3 (time D), the control device 23 The voltage application to the pair of electrode plates 21 is stopped, and the generation of the electric field is stopped. The stop temperature T3 is a temperature lower than the freezing temperature T2 and is a temperature at which it can be determined that the freezing object X has been frozen. Thereby, useless electric field generation after freezing is completed can be eliminated, and power consumption can be reduced.

  FIG. 8B shows an example where the object to be frozen X is in a supercooled state during freezing. That is, even if the temperature of the object X to be frozen first reaches the freezing temperature T2 (time B), the temperature is further lowered and a supercooling state is caused without causing a phase change. In the supercooled state between time B and time B2, the temperature of the object to be frozen X does not maintain the substantially constant freezing temperature T2, so even if the temperature of the object to be frozen X decreases to the stop temperature T3 (time DX) The control device 23 does not stop applying the electric field.

  Then, after being released from the supercooled state and starting to freeze (time B2), after holding the freezing temperature T2 for a predetermined holding time TM1 (time C2) and then cooled to the stop temperature T3 (time D), the control device 23 Stop generating the electric field.

  In this way, by determining whether or not to hold the freezing temperature T2 for a predetermined holding time TM1 and stopping the generation of the electric field, it is possible to freeze the object X regardless of whether or not the object to be frozen X is in a supercooled state. An electric field can be appropriately applied in the process to prevent quality deterioration.

  In addition, regarding the holding time TM1 as a reference for determination, a heat capacity may be estimated by calculation from the speed of the temperature decrease of the object to be frozen X before freezing, and a suitable target value may be obtained.

  FIG. 9 shows another control example in which the electric field generation control is further simplified. 9A and 9B are time charts showing other examples of electric field generation control of the refrigerator 1, and the lower part of each figure shows the object detected by the temperature detector 24 (see FIG. 3). It is a graph which shows the temperature change of the frozen material. FIG. 9A is an example in which the object to be frozen X starts to be frozen without being in a supercooled state, and FIG. 9B shows an example in which the object is frozen after being in a supercooled state.

  In this control example, the control device 23 (see FIG. 3), when the temperature of the object X detected by the temperature detector 24 reaches a predetermined start temperature T1 (time A), the control device 23 (see FIG. 3) exchanges AC with the pair of electrode plates 21. A voltage is applied to generate an electric field. Then, after the object to be frozen X reaches the freezing temperature T2 (time B), when a predetermined holding time TM2 has elapsed (time D2), the generation of the electric field is stopped.

  Here, the holding time TM2 is set in consideration of the time estimated to complete the freezing of the object X to be frozen, and the speed of the temperature decrease of the object X before reaching the freezing temperature T2 is set. It may be determined by calculation based on this.

  Thus, according to this control example, the electric field can be appropriately generated in the process of freezing the object X to be frozen, and the quality of the object X can be maintained by simple control.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 thru | or FIG. 14, the refrigerator which concerns on the 2nd thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention is demonstrated in detail. 10 to 14, components having the same or similar functions and effects as those of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an electrode plate 21b (21a) of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the electrode plate 21 b according to this embodiment has a convex portion 22 b formed in a needle shape. That is, the convex portion 22b protrudes in a needle shape toward the other electrode plate facing (upward in FIG. 10).

  Since the convex portion 22b having such a shape can also enhance the electric field around the convex portion 22b, the electric field can be made uniform by appropriately arranging the convex portion 22b. In particular, in this embodiment, since the protruding height of the convex portion 22b can be increased and the tip area can be reduced, the electric field in the vicinity of the convex portion 22b can be efficiently increased.

  In addition, by appropriately setting the arrangement of the convex portions 22b, it is also possible to apply an electric field to the pinpoint aiming at a predetermined portion.

  The needle-like convex portion 22b can be easily formed by driving a needle-like (pin-like) member into the substrate portion of the electrode plate 21b. Further, when the protruding height is relatively low, it can be easily molded by press molding or the like.

  FIG. 11 (A) is a perspective view schematically showing the electrode plate 21b (21a) of the refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 (B) shows the projection 22b (22a). It is a fragmentary sectional view (the EE line section shown in the figure (A)).

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the electrode plate 21b according to the present embodiment, the convex portion 22b is formed by cutting and raising. That is, by press molding or the like, press punching and press bending are performed on the flat base material to be the electrode plate 21b to form the convex portion 22b. Also in this case, sharpening the tip of the convex portion 22b in a mountain shape has a higher effect of strengthening the surrounding electric field, and an effect of making the electric field uniform is easy to obtain.

  By adopting the convex portions 22b having such a shape, the convex portions 22b having different arrangement intervals, tip shapes, protruding heights, and the like can be easily formed, and the electric field can be made uniform. .

  FIG. 12 (A) is a perspective view schematically showing the electrode plate 21b (21a) of the refrigerator 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 (B) shows the protrusion 22b (22a). It is a fragmentary sectional view (FF line section shown in the figure (A)).

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, also in the electrode plate 21b according to the present embodiment, the convex portion 22b is formed by cutting and raising. It is easier to obtain a uniform electric field if the tip of the convex portion 22b is pointed in a mountain shape. Various other shapes can be adopted as the convex portion 22b.

  FIG. 13 is a right side cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1) showing the peripheral structure of the upper freezer compartment 5 of the refrigerator 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, the upper electrode plate 21 a is disposed inside the heat insulating partition wall 36 above the upper freezer compartment 5. Thus, by arranging the upper electrode plate 21 a inside the heat insulating partition wall 36, it is possible to prevent the upper electrode plate 21 a from obstructing the flow of air in the supply air passage 16. Therefore, an electric field can be generated in the storage space of the upper freezer compartment 5 without increasing the pressure loss in the supply air passage 16. It is desirable that the upper electrode plate 21a be disposed in the vicinity of the lower surface of the heat insulating partition wall 36. Thereby, the strength of the electric field can be secured strongly.

  FIG. 14 is a right side cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1) showing the peripheral structure of the upper freezer compartment 5 of the refrigerator 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, the lower electrode plate 21 b is disposed on the bottom inner surface of the storage container 42. In this way, by placing the lower electrode plate 21b on the bottom inner surface of the storage container 42, the article X to be frozen can be directly placed on the upper surface of the lower electrode plate 21b. Thereby, while being able to provide an electric field to the to-be-frozen thing X efficiently, a heat-transfer effect can be improved. As a result, it is possible to improve the freezing speed while preventing the quality deterioration of the article X to be frozen.

  Here, by additionally using a conductive container that is housed so as to cover the entire object to be frozen X, the degree of supercooling can be increased in a good supercooled state. For example, by using a pan-like container made of aluminum or the like and a lid-like body that is also made of aluminum or the like and covers the upper portion of the container, the whole object to be frozen X is stored so as to be quickly and more quickly. Freezing can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the lower electrode plate 21b and the control device 23 (see FIG. 3) for applying an alternating voltage are provided with a connection portion 43 that can be electrically disconnected. The connection terminal 43a on the storage container 42 side and the connection terminal 43b on the upper freezer compartment 5 side are configured to be electrically connected when the storage container 42 is disposed at a predetermined position. Further, the connection terminals 43a and 43b are surrounded by an insulator for safety and have a structure in which water and objects are difficult to enter.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the storage container 42 is pulled out when the object to be frozen X is put in and taken out, the lower electrode plate 21b and the control device 23 are disconnected by the connecting portion 43, and the lower electrode plate 21b is moved to. Is turned off. Thereby, even if a human body etc. contact the lower electrode plate 21b, it is possible to prevent an accident such as an electric shock from occurring.

  As mentioned above, although the refrigerator which concerns on embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 3 Refrigerated room 4 Ice making room 5 Upper stage freezer room 6 Lower stage freezer room 7 Vegetable room 13 Cooling room 20 Electric field generator 21a Upper electrode plate 21b Lower electrode plate 22 Convex part 23 Control device 24 Temperature detector 33 Cooler X Freezing object

Claims (7)

A freezer compartment for storing the object to be frozen;
A pair of electrode plates for generating an electric field in the freezer compartment;
Control means for applying an alternating voltage to the pair of electrode plates,
The pair of electrode plates have a protrusion protruding from at least one electrode plate toward the other electrode plate facing each other.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the convex portions are provided.   3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is formed near the center of the one electrode plate and less near the periphery.   4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is formed to have a high protruding height near the center of the one electrode plate and a low protruding height near the periphery. 5.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex portion extends linearly or curvedly along the surface of the one electrode plate.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex portion is formed in a needle shape. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex portion is formed by cutting and raising.

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