JP3208239B2 - Constant temperature and humidity chamber - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used for performing processes such as freezing, refrigerated storage and fermentation of foods such as donut and bread dough while controlling the temperature and humidity in a refrigerator to predetermined values. Related to a constant temperature and humidity chamber.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a constant temperature / humidity storage chamber of this kind is used to store frozen or refrigerated donut or bread dough in accordance with a predetermined program, as shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-32435 filed previously by the applicant. Stored in that state and used to perform each step of preheating and fermentation (hereinafter referred to as “heater”), a cooler (evaporator) of cooling means, a humidifier, A heater and a heater are installed, and the cool air that has exchanged heat with the cooler is circulated and cooled in the refrigerator, or the interior of the refrigerator is heated by a heater to a predetermined temperature according to each of the above steps. (Set temperature), and in the preheating and fermentation steps, water in the humidifier is evaporated by a humidifier to control the humidity (set humidity) according to each step. .

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional humidity control, the blowing means is operated even when the humidity in the refrigerator rises higher than the set humidity. As a result, the load on the cooler increases and the refrigerant tends to be short,
Sufficient dehumidifying ability could not be obtained. In addition, since the moisture condensed in the cooler was transported again into the refrigerator by blowing air when the compressor was stopped, the interior of the refrigerator was humidified,
There was a problem that the differential of the humidity in the refrigerator generally became large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problem. In a constant-temperature and constant-humidity chamber used for cooling, preserving and fermenting foods, the humidity control performance in the chamber is controlled. The purpose is to improve.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermo-hygrostat (1) for cooling the inside (2C) of the chamber and a heating means (2) for heating the inside (2C) of the chamber. A heater (heater) 10, a humidifying unit (humidifier) 11 for humidifying the interior 2C, a blowing unit (cooling and circulating fan) 8 for circulating cool air having exchanged heat with the cooling unit to the interior 2C, A control unit (control device) 20 for controlling the inside of the refrigerator 2C to a predetermined temperature and humidity by controlling each unit based on the temperature and humidity of the refrigerator 2C; In addition, when it becomes necessary to dehumidify the inside of the refrigerator, the blowing means (cooling and circulating fan) 8 is stopped.

Further, the constant temperature and humidity chamber 1 according to the second aspect of the present invention
Cooling means (cooling device) 7 having a cooler 6 for cooling the interior 2C, and heating means (heating heater) for heating the interior 2C
10 and humidifying means (humidifier) 11 for humidifying the interior 2C
A blowing means (cooling and circulating fan) 8 for circulating the cool air having exchanged heat with the cooler 6 to the inside 2C of the refrigerator; A control means (control device) 20 for controlling the humidity to perform a process such as cooling and preservation of food and fermentation in the interior 2C; In addition to executing the control, when the humidity of the inside 2C rises to a predetermined high value equal to or higher than the set value, the blowing means (cooling / circulating fan) 8 is stopped.

[0007]

According to the constant temperature / humidity storage of the invention, the inside of the storage is provided.
When it becomes necessary to dehumidify the inside 2C of the refrigerator due to the humidity control of C, that is, when the humidity of the inside 2C rises higher than the set value, the cool air exchanged with the cooling means (cooler) 6 is cooled. Since the control means (control device) 20 stops the blowing means (cooling and circulating fan) 8 circulating in the interior 2C, the load on the cooling means (cooler) 6 is reduced, the temperature thereof is reduced, and the dehumidifying capacity is reduced. improves. Therefore, the humidity of the interior 2C can be quickly reduced at the time of dehumidification, and the water condensed in the cooling means (cooler) 6 is also prevented from being carried to the interior 2C. The humidity differential can be reduced, and the humidity control performance of the interior 2C can be significantly improved.

According to the constant temperature and humidity chamber 1 of the second aspect of the present invention, when the humidity in the chamber 2C rises to a predetermined high value equal to or higher than the set value, the cool air exchanged with the cooler 6 is also removed. Since the control means (control device) 20 stops the air blowing means (cooling and circulating fan) 8 circulating in the interior 2C, the load on the cooler 6 is reduced, the temperature is reduced, and the dehumidifying ability is improved.
Accordingly, similarly, the humidity of the inside 2C of the refrigerator can be rapidly reduced at the time of dehumidification, and the water condensed in the cooler 6 is also prevented from being carried to the inside 2C of the refrigerator. Reduce the differential, 2C in the warehouse
Can significantly improve the humidity control performance.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a thermo-hygrostat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a panel 23, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device 20 of the thermo-hygrostat 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in temperature and humidity in each step of the refrigerator 1, and FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of the cooling circulation fan 8.

The constant temperature and humidity chamber 1 of the embodiment is a so-called dough conditioner that freezes or refrigerates and stores bread and donut dough according to a preset cooking procedure, and executes each step of preheating and fermentation (furo). Each of the outer case 1A and the inner case 2 is made of a heat insulating box, and a front opening 1B of the outer case 1A has an openable and closable door 1C.
Is provided. The inner box 2 is fixed to the outer box 1A at intervals 3 with respect to the upper, lower, and rear inner surfaces 1D excluding the opening 1B of the outer box 1A. The mouths 2A and 2B are provided. Further, in the interval 3, which is above the inner box 2, in the interval 3, a cooler 6 constituting a cooling device 7 as a cooling means and a cooling circulation fan 8 as a blowing means are provided. .

The vents 2A and 2B are for forming an air circulation path for temperature adjustment, and allow the air in the interior 2C of the inner box 2 to be discharged from the interior 2C to the ventilation opening 2B to the interval 3 to the ventilation opening 2A. A path that circulates along the normal path of the interior 2C is formed as a circulation path for cooling. Further, the cooling circulation fan 8 forcibly circulates cool air that has exchanged heat with the cooler 6 in this circulation path.

The cooling device 7 includes a cooler 6, a compressor, a condenser,
A well-known refrigerant circuit is constituted by a decompressor, an accumulator and the like, and these compressors and the like are shown as external components 7A. That is, a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, condensed in a condenser, decompressed in a decompressor, and then flows into a cooler 6 to evaporate, thereby exhibiting a cooling capacity.

The vents 2A and 2B have dampers 4A.
・ 4B is provided. The dampers 4A and 4B are driven by the actuators 4A1 and 4B1 to open and close the ventilation ports 2A and 2B, respectively. The dampers 4A and 4B are opened and vented during the cooling operation of the interior 2C in which the cooling circulation fan 8 operates. The ports 2A and 2B are opened, and are closed during the heating and humidifying operation of heating and humidifying the inside 2C of the refrigerator.
2B is closed.

The partition wall 9 is a thermally conductive member disposed at an interval 9A with respect to the bottom wall of the interior 2C. The interval 9A includes a heater 10 as a heating means and a humidifying means as a humidifying means. A vessel 11 and a humidifying / circulating fan 12 are provided. The heater 10 is for heating the interior 2C, and is energized when the interior 2C is heated, and the air (warm air) heated by the heater 10 is forcibly circulated to the interior 2C by the humidifying circulation fan 12. Is done. Also, the humidifier 11
Stores a predetermined amount of water supplied from a water supply unit 11A provided outside the outer box 1A in a receiving pan 11B, and heats the bottom surface of the receiving pan 11B with a humidifying heater 11C, thereby obtaining the receiving pan 1A.
The water in 1B is evaporated to humidify the interior 2C.

A temperature sensor 13 and a humidity sensor 14 are provided in the interior 2C. The temperature sensor 13 outputs an interior temperature signal 13A obtained by temperature / electrical conversion of the interior temperature. And outputs a humidity signal 14A obtained by converting the humidity into electricity. A temperature sensor 7B is provided in the external component 7A, and the temperature sensor 7B outputs a cooling temperature signal 7B1 obtained by converting the temperature of the condenser into a temperature / electric value.

A water tank (not shown) in the water supply section 11A is provided with a water level sensor 15 for detecting the amount of water stored therein, and outputs a water level signal 15A obtained by detecting the upper and lower positions of the water level with a float switch. I do. Water supply section 11A
Supplies water from an external water supply through the original water supply valve 15B. The water injection valve 16 is for injecting a required amount of water from the water supply unit 11A to the receiving pan 11B, and the receiving pan 11B is provided with a water discharge pipe 1D for overflow. A drain pipe 17 is provided in the bottom wall of the outer box 1A so as to penetrate therethrough.

The control device 20 comprises a microcomputer (CPU) 21. As shown in FIG. 3, a processing memory 21A comprising a ROM, a data memory 21B comprising a RAM, and a clock circuit 21C comprising a clock IC.
And an input / output port 21D including a buffer memory of a shift register, an A / D conversion circuit, and a D / A conversion circuit. Actuators 4A1, 4 of dampers 4A, 4B to be controlled by the microcomputer 21
A2, cooling circulation fan 8, heating heater 10, humidification heater 11C, humidification circulation fan 12, main water supply valve 15B,
The water injection valve 16 is connected to the input / output port 21D. Output signals of the temperature sensor 7B, the internal temperature sensor 13, the water level sensor 15, and the internal humidity sensor 14 to be input are input to the input / output D. Is done. Further, panel 23
Are also connected to the input / output port 21D.

The processing memory 21A stores the processing procedure of the arithmetic processing and the control processing, that is, the processing program, the data memory 21B stores the input data and the data of the processing result, and the time counting circuit 21C stores the history. In addition to counting the year and date, the timer counts a set point in time and a point in time after the set point in time. I / O port 21D
Is for A / D converting an input signal from an input target and inputting it to the microcomputer 21, and D / A converting and outputting a control output for the control target. In these controls, the control target operated by electric power is controlled via a control relay for each control target.

The panel 23 is used for performing a setting operation for inputting a cooking procedure to the microcomputer 21 and displaying a setting state, a processing state, and the like. As shown in FIG. Groups are arranged. That is, the squares in the figure are operation switches, and each operation switch is for performing the operation or setting operation of the character written on each surface or in the vicinity thereof, and the circle is for the constant temperature and humidity chamber 1. An LED or an LCD that indicates an operation state.

At the upper left of the panel 23, a numerical value display section 23A is formed, and the set time, the current time, and the temperature and humidity of the interior 2C are displayed by numerals as shown by thick lines.
The panel 23 is provided with an independent operation / display unit 23B, and by selectively operating each operation switch, it is possible to independently execute each cooking step of thawing and heating (fermentation). Furthermore, the independent operation / display unit 2
By selecting a plurality of operation switches of 3B, the process of thawing and the stove can be executed continuously.

On the panel 23, the set temperature, set humidity, airflow circulating conditions and other dates and times in each operation step can be set by each operation switch of the setting operation / display section 23C. Further, by operating each of the operation switches A and B of the driving operation / display unit 23D in the middle stage, the operation is performed under two types of operation conditions of the preset process A and process B without setting the conditions each time. be able to. Then, the current operation status of the thermo-hygrostat 1 (process being executed) is displayed on the process display section 23F.

Next, the operation of the thermo-hygrostat 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. For example, preserve frozen bread dough in that state, and thaw and preheat
Assuming that the food is to be propelled (fermented), the internal temperature and humidity of the freezing process, the thawing process, the preheating process, and the propelling process are set in the microcomputer 21 of the control device 20 by the operation switches from the panel 23. You. In addition, in the case of refrigerated dough, the freezing and thawing processes are directly used as the refrigeration process.

The microcomputer 21 controls the operation of the compressor and the cooling circulation fan 8 based on the internal temperature signal 13A from the internal temperature sensor 13 at first. The operation of the compressor causes the cooler 6 to perform a cooling action, and the low-temperature and low-humidity cool air cooled by the cooler 6 flows into the interior 2C through the ventilation opening 2B through the space 3 to cool the interior 2C. (Note that the dampers 4A and 4B are open.) Therefore, the interior 2C is maintained at a set temperature of, for example, −20 ° C.

When the dough is stored in the storage 2C in this state, the dough is stored at a freezing temperature of -20.degree. At a preset time, the microcomputer 21
Ends the freezing step and then moves to the thawing step. In the thawing process, the microcomputer 21 starts the thawing of the dough by causing the heater 10 to generate heat and operating the humidifying circulation fan 12 based on the signal of the internal temperature sensor 13. This thawing step is performed at a set temperature of, for example, + 5 ° C. for a predetermined time. The microcomputer 21 causes the humidifying heater 11C to generate heat and
1 humidifies the interior 2C at a set humidity of, for example, 65%.

When the thawing of the dough is completed after a lapse of a predetermined time, the microcomputer 21 proceeds to a preheating step. In this preheating step, the microcomputer 21 also causes the heater 10 to generate heat based on the signal of the internal temperature sensor 13 and
, The preheating of the dough is performed at a set temperature of, for example, + 25 ° C., and the humidifying heater 11C generates heat to humidify the inside 2C by the humidifier 11 to, for example, a set humidity of 80%. This preheating step is performed for a predetermined time.

Then, after a preheating step for a predetermined time, the microcomputer 21 proceeds to a proofing (fermentation) step. In this hoiling process, the microcomputer 2
1 also causes the heater 10 to generate heat based on the signal of the internal temperature sensor 13 and operates the humidifying and circulating fan 12 to promote fermentation by yeast in the dough at a set temperature of, for example, + 40 ° C. Then, the humidifying heater 11C generates heat, and the humidifier 11 humidifies the interior 2C to, for example, a set humidity of 60%. After the propelling step is performed for a predetermined time, the propelling is performed to take out the dough from the interior 2C.

The microcomputer 21 controls the operation of the compressor of the cooling device 7 and the cooling circulation fan 8 in each of the above-described thawing, preheating and heating steps to prevent the temperature from rising excessively. The control of the temperature and humidity of the interior 2C is performed together with the humidification heater 11C.

Next, the operation control of the cooling circulation fan 8 in the temperature / humidity control by the microcomputer 21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The microcomputer 21 determines in step S1 whether the current operation process is any of thawing, preheating, and proofing. If not, the process proceeds to step S14, and determines whether the process is a freezing or refrigeration process. If it is the freezing / refrigeration process in step S14, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, ie, it is not any process, the process proceeds to step S10 to clear the cooling humidity flag.

On the other hand, if the current operation process is any of thawing, preheating, and proofing, that is, if the humidifier 11 is humidifying the interior 2C, the process proceeds to step S2, where the cooling humidity is adjusted. It is determined whether the flag is ON. Assuming that the cooling humidity flag has been reset in step S2, the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S9, and based on the signal from the in-compartment humidity sensor 14,
It is determined whether or not the in-compartment humidity is lower than the set humidity in each of the steps -0.5%. If the humidity is lower than the set humidity -0.5%, the process proceeds to step S4, in which the cooling humidity flag is set (ON). .

Then, it is determined in step S5 whether or not the cooling circulation fan 8 is ON (operating) based on a cooling air circulation fan flag described later.
To determine whether the internal temperature is lower than the set temperature in each step +1.2 deg based on the signal from the internal temperature sensor 13, and if it is higher, the process proceeds to step S7 to set the cooling circulation fan flag. After setting, the cooling circulation fan 8 is operated in step S8. Conversely, in the above case, the process proceeds to step S12, the cooling circulation fan flag is cleared, and the cooling circulation fan 8 is stopped in step S13.

If the cooling circulation fan 8 is stopped in step S5, the process proceeds to step S11, and based on a signal from the internal temperature sensor 13, the internal temperature is set to a value higher than the set temperature in each of the above steps by +1.4 deg. Judge whether it is high or not,
If it is higher, the process proceeds to step S7, where the cooling circulation fan flag is set, and the cooling circulation fan 8 is operated in step S8. Conversely, in the following cases, the process proceeds to step S12, in which the cooling circulation fan flag is cleared, and step S13 is performed.
Then, the cooling circulation fan 8 is stopped. Then, when it reaches step S2 again, the cooling humidity flag is turned on this time.
Then, the process proceeds to step S3 to determine whether the humidity of the interior 2C is higher than the set humidity + 0.5%, and if not, the process proceeds to step S4.

As described above, in each of the thawing, preheating, and heating steps, the humidity of the interior 2C rises and the set humidity +0.5
%, And when the humidity is lower than the set humidity -0.5%, that is, when it is not necessary to dehumidify the inside 2C, the microcomputer 21 sets the cooling circulation fan 8 to the temperature of the inside 2C. By performing ON-OFF control based on this, cool air is circulated through the inside 2C of the refrigerator.

However, when the humidity of the interior 2C rises and becomes higher than the set humidity + 0.5%, the microcomputer 21 proceeds from step S3 to step S10 to clear the cooling humidity flag and to execute step S12. Then, the cooling circulation fan flag is cleared, and the cooling circulation fan 8 is stopped in step S13 (naturally, the heat generation of the humidification heater 11C is stopped). This is performed irrespective of the temperature of the inside 2C. Since the amount of heat exchange between the cooler 6 and the air is reduced by stopping the cooling circulation fan 8, the load on the cooler 6 is reduced and the cooler 6 Temperature goes down. This makes it easy for moisture in the air circulating in the cooler 6 to circulate in the interior 2C and the space 3 to condense, and the humidity of the interior 2C rapidly decreases.

Then, the humidity of the interior 2C is set to a value equal to the set humidity minus 0.0.
When it is lower than 5%, the microcomputer 21 proceeds from step S9 to step S4, and shifts to the above-described ON-OFF control based on the temperature of the inside 2C of the refrigerator.

As described above, the microcomputer 21 stops the cooling circulation fan 8 and improves the dehumidifying ability of the cooler 6 when the humidity of the interior 2C rises to a higher value than the set humidity. The humidity of the inside 2C can be quickly reduced. In addition, since the cooling circulation fan 8 is stopped, the inconvenience that the water once condensed in the cooler 6 is transported again to the inside 2C of the refrigerator is suppressed. As a result, the humidity differential of the interior 2C is reduced, and the humidity control performance of the interior 2C is significantly improved.
The fermentation of the dough can be smoothly and satisfactorily achieved.

[0036]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is necessary to dehumidify the inside of the refrigerator for controlling the humidity in the refrigerator, that is, the humidity in the refrigerator rises above the set value. In such a case, the control means stops the blowing means for circulating the cool air exchanged with the cooling means into the refrigerator, so that the load on the cooling means is reduced, the temperature thereof is reduced, and the dehumidifying ability is improved. Therefore, it becomes possible to quickly reduce the humidity in the refrigerator at the time of dehumidification, and since the water condensed in the cooling means is also suppressed from being carried into the refrigerator, the differential of the humidity in the refrigerator is reduced as a whole, The humidity control performance in the refrigerator can be remarkably improved.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, when the humidity in the refrigerator rises to a predetermined high value which is equal to or higher than the set value, the air blowing means for circulating the cool air exchanged with the cooler into the refrigerator is provided. Since the control means is stopped, the load on the cooler is reduced,
The temperature is reduced and the dehumidification capacity is improved. Accordingly, the humidity in the refrigerator can be rapidly reduced during dehumidification, and the moisture condensed in the cooler is also prevented from being carried into the refrigerator, so that the differential of the humidity in the refrigerator is reduced as a whole. In addition, the humidity control performance in the refrigerator can be significantly improved, and fermentation of foods such as bread dough can be smoothly and satisfactorily achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a thermo-hygrostat showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a panel of the thermo-hygrostat of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a control device for a constant temperature and humidity chamber according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing changes in temperature and humidity in each step of the constant temperature and humidity chamber of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of a cooling and circulating fan of the thermo-hygrostat of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Constant temperature / humidity storage 2C Interior 6 Cooler 8 Cooling circulation fan 11 Humidifier 13 Interior temperature sensor 14 Interior humidity sensor 20 Controller 21 Microcomputer

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-123094 (JP, A) JP-A-3-27979 (JP, A) JP-A-5-96185 (JP, A) JP-A-4-24448 (JP) , A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A21C 13/00 F25D 11/00 101 F25D 17/06 312 F25D 23/00 302

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A cooling unit for cooling the inside of the refrigerator, a heating unit for heating the inside of the refrigerator, a humidifying unit for humidifying the inside of the refrigerator, and cooling air exchanged with the cooling unit. A constant-temperature and constant-humidity air conditioner, comprising: a blower that circulates in the refrigerator; and a controller that controls the inside of the refrigerator to a predetermined temperature and humidity by controlling the respective units based on the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator. In the refrigerator, the control means stops the air blowing means when it becomes necessary to dehumidify the inside of the refrigerator for controlling the humidity in the refrigerator. 2. A cooling means provided with a cooler for cooling the inside of a refrigerator, a heating means for heating the inside of the refrigerator, a humidifying means for humidifying the inside of the refrigerator, and a cooler which has exchanged heat with the cooler. And a control means for controlling the respective means based on the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator to control the inside of the refrigerator to a predetermined temperature and humidity, and cooling and storing the food in the refrigerator. And, in a constant temperature and humidity chamber that performs processes such as fermentation, the control unit executes humidity control in the chamber in the fermentation step, and the humidity in the chamber has increased to a predetermined high value equal to or higher than a set value. In this case, the constant-temperature and constant-humidity chamber stops the blowing means.