JP7692215B2 - Anteroom structure, storage facility and its control system - Google Patents

Description

Related to technology for humidity control in storage facilities.

Conventionally, constant temperature and high humidity storage cabinets (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "storage cabinets") have been used to store temperature-controlled items such as meat, fish, and vegetables in a fresh state. In order to prevent the temperature inside the freezer storage cabinet from rising significantly when stored items are taken in and out, a front room is provided near the entrance door of the low-temperature freezer storage cabinet, and doors are provided at the front room and the entrance of the front room to prevent a large amount of cold air from inside the storage cabinet from leaking directly to the outside when the door of the freezer storage cabinet is opened. By closing the entrance door of the front room and opening the storage cabinet door, the cold air from the storage cabinet enters the front room, and the room temperature of the front room can be kept halfway between the storage cabinet and the outside air, and large and sudden changes in the temperature inside the storage cabinet can be suppressed.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for humidifying air in a closed space with a water shower and sending the humidified air into a storage facility. In this document, the water shower is performed in a closed space separate from the storage facility, so it functions as a humidifying means for the storage facility, and since there is no door connecting to the outside, it is not structured to allow people and items to be taken in and out like the antechamber of a storage facility.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-94446

The humidification method used inside the storage facility is not a rapid humidification method like water boiling (steam), ultrasonic or water spraying. For example, water evaporation humidification methods slowly humidify the interior of the facility. Therefore, in dry regions, if the door of the storage facility is left open to the outside air for a long period of time, the water vapor inside the storage facility will leak out and the humidity inside the storage facility will drop rapidly, requiring a long time for the humidity inside the storage facility to recover, which will reduce the quality of stored items that need to be kept moist, such as the gonads of seafood, flower petals and vegetables.

Therefore, the present invention aims to prevent a sudden drop in humidity in the interior space of a storage facility that occurs when the door of the storage facility is opened and closed.

The system is characterized in that a humidifier is provided in an internal space that is connected to the internal space of the storage facility when the first door of the storage facility is open, and is connected to the external space when the second door of the front room structure is open.

When the second door is closed, the internal space of the antechamber structure is humidified, causing the first door to open, and even if the internal space of the storage facility is connected to the internal space, the difference in absolute humidity between the internal space of the antechamber structure and the internal space of the storage facility can be kept small. Therefore, in this state, a sudden drop in humidity in the internal space of the storage facility is suppressed. Usually, the temperature of the internal space of the antechamber structure is often intermediate between the temperature inside the storage facility and the outside air. For example, if the absolute humidity of both spaces is the same, the relative humidity inside the antechamber structure, which has a higher temperature, will be lower than the relative humidity inside the storage facility, but even if the air inside the antechamber structure enters the storage facility, if the absolute humidity is the same, the relative humidity will return to its original value when the temperature inside the storage facility returns to normal.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a second humidifier is provided in the interior space of the storage unit in addition to the first humidifier in the antechamber structure.

Even when the first door is open, the internal space of the storage cabinet is humidified, so that the difference in absolute humidity between the internal space of the antechamber structure and the internal space of the storage cabinet can be kept small. Therefore, in this state, a sudden drop in humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet is suppressed.

The anteroom structure of the present invention preferably includes a humidification control device that controls the operation of the first humidification device so that the absolute humidity of the internal space of the anteroom structure falls within the target absolute humidity range of the storage facility.

The air in the internal space of the anterior structure is humidified so that the absolute humidity in the internal space of the anterior structure falls within the target absolute humidity range of the storage cabinet. As a result, even when the first door is open and the internal space of the storage cabinet is connected to the internal space, if the absolute humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet falls within the target absolute humidity range, the difference in absolute humidity between the internal space of the anterior structure and the internal space of the storage cabinet can be further reduced. Therefore, in this state, a sudden decrease in humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet is further reduced.

The antechamber structure of the present invention preferably includes at least one of an alarm control device that controls the operation of an alarm device to issue an alarm when the absolute humidity in the internal space of at least one of the antechamber structure and the storage cabinet falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range, and a safety control device that controls the operation of a door drive device to maintain at least one of the first door and the second door of the storage cabinet in a closed state.

(1) If the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity, an alarm is issued.

When the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range of the storage, the operation of the alarm device is controlled to output an alarm, so that the operator or a person working inside the storage can recognize that the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range. As a result, when the first door is open, the operator or a person working inside the storage closes the first door. By maintaining the first door in a closed state, air is prevented from flowing from the internal space of the antechamber structure into the internal space of the storage, and it is possible to prevent the humidity in the internal space of the storage from decreasing further. In addition, when the second door is open, the operator or a person working inside the storage closes the second door. By maintaining the second door in a closed state, it is possible to prevent air from flowing from the external space into the internal space of the antechamber structure, and it is possible to prevent the humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure from decreasing further.

When the second door is kept closed and the first humidifier in the internal space of the antechamber structure is operating, the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure can be controlled to a target absolute humidity range.

When the first door is kept closed and the second humidifier in the interior space of the storage cabinet is operating, the absolute humidity in the interior space of the storage cabinet can be controlled to the target absolute humidity range for the storage cabinet.

(2) If the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity, an alarm is issued.

When the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range, the operation of the alarm device is controlled to output an alarm, allowing the operator or a person working inside the storehouse to recognize that the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber has fallen below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range. As a result, if the second door is open, the operator or a person working inside the storehouse closes the second door. By keeping the second door closed, air is prevented from flowing from the outside space into the internal space of the storage storehouse, and a further decrease in humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure can be prevented.

When the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range, the first safety control device controls the operation of the first door drive device so that the first door is maintained in a closed state, thereby preventing air from flowing from the internal space of the antechamber structure into the internal space of the storage facility and preventing a further decrease in humidity in the internal space of the storage facility.

For example, if the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range, the second safety control device controls the operation of the second door drive device so that the second door is maintained in a closed state, thereby preventing air from flowing from the external space into the internal space of the antechamber structure and preventing a further decrease in humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure.

For example, when the absolute humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range of the storage cabinet, the second alarm device is controlled to issue an alarm, so that the operator or a person working inside the storage cabinet can recognize that the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range. As a result, if the first door is open, the operator or a person working inside the storage cabinet closes the first door. By maintaining the first door in a closed state, air is prevented from flowing from the internal space of the antechamber structure into the internal space of the storage cabinet, and further humidity reduction in the internal space of the storage cabinet can be prevented. Also, if the second door is open, the operator or a person working inside the storage cabinet closes the second door. By maintaining the second door in a closed state, air is prevented from flowing from the external space into the internal space of the antechamber structure, and further humidity reduction in the internal space of the antechamber structure can be prevented.

For example, if the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range, the third safety control device controls the operation of the first door drive device so that the first door is maintained in a closed state, thereby preventing air from flowing from the internal space of the antechamber structure into the internal space of the storage facility and preventing a further decrease in humidity in the internal space of the storage facility.

For example, if the absolute humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure falls below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range, the fourth safety control device controls the operation of the second door drive device so that the second door is maintained in a closed state, thereby preventing air from flowing from the external space into the internal space of the antechamber structure and preventing a further decrease in humidity in the internal space of the antechamber structure.

A second aspect of the present invention is a storage system that includes the storage unit and an antechamber structure, and is provided with a sensor for measuring the absolute humidity of the storage unit.

The humidity in the interior space of the storage facility can be constantly controlled using a sensor that measures the absolute humidity in the storage facility.

In addition, for example, the sensor outputs to a first safety control device and a second safety control device that control the operation of the first door drive device and/or the operation of the second door drive device, and the humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet and the internal space of the antechamber structure can be constantly controlled by closing the first door and/or the second door. Note that the first safety control device and the second safety control device may be integrated. The control device of this embodiment is an integration of the first safety control device and the second safety control device.

By keeping the absolute humidity in the front room at or above the target humidity level inside the cabinet, it is possible to keep the humidity level inside the cabinet close to the target humidity level at all times.

FIG. 1 is a top plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a side plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a control drive according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a top plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a top plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a control drive according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a top plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a storage unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a control drive according to another embodiment of the present invention.

A case where a anteroom with a humidifying means is required in a storage unit will be described. In the high humidity environment of Honshu and south of Japan, it is easy to maintain a high humidity environment inside the storage unit by simply removing the frost from the heat transfer fins of the storage unit temperature controller. For example, in Table 2, when the outside temperature is 10°C and the relative humidity is 50% in winter, the relative humidity is 96% even if the temperature drops to 0°C at 4.7 g/ ^m3 . However, in dry areas where the relative humidity is 35% or less at 10°C, when outside air of 10°C enters a storage unit at 0°C, the relative humidity of the entering air becomes 70% or less, and water vapor escapes every time the door is opened and closed. Table 1 shows the temperature and relative humidity of the month with the lowest temperature in the past monthly average temperature and monthly average relative humidity of low-humidity cities in winter among major cities in the world. In addition, the "0°C converted humidity" is the relative humidity value when the relative humidity of the temperature is converted to absolute humidity (g/ ^m3 ) and the temperature is further set to 0°C. In terms of 0°C converted humidity, it is 70% in Tokyo, 48% in Sapporo, 53% in Seoul, 60% in Oslo, and about 36% in Beijing. The water activity, which indicates the activity of the surface water on the surface of the food, is an issue when it comes to drying food. The water activity can only be determined by measuring it at the actual temperature for each individual food, but since the water activity of fresh food is generally said to be 0.97 to 0.99, food drying cannot be prevented unless the relative humidity inside the storage is 97% RH or higher. However, since drying occurs when the free water in the food is removed, the taste and texture are often improved when the free water is removed to an appropriate extent. If the difference between the relative humidity and water activity is large, water evaporates rapidly from the surface of the food, and the food cannot be replenished from the inside in time, which disrupts the moisture balance of the food and reduces its value. Therefore, when storing food without a container, the humidity inside the storage should ideally be around 97 to 100% RH, but it must be at least 80% RH or higher.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a front chamber structure and its control system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First Embodiment

Figures 1 and 2 show a storage facility for whole raw bluefin tuna (hereafter referred to as "tuna") in a cold, dry region such as Hokkaido, as mentioned above.

In FIG. 1, a cooler 11 is installed at one end of the internal space 10 of the storage, and an evaporator 12 is installed at the other diagonal end. The cooler 11 adjusts the temperature inside the internal space 10 of the storage to -0.5 to +1°C. The evaporator 12 is an evaporator consisting of a blower that blows air on the water surface of the water tank and sends moist air into the storage, and humidifies the storage so that the absolute humidity of the internal space 10 of the storage falls within a first target absolute humidity range (for example, 3.9 to 4.9 g/m ³ at 0°C), which is a target value of the storage that corresponds to a relative humidity of 80 to 100% RH at each temperature. The first target absolute humidity range may be changed in various ways depending on the storage period of the stored items and the presence or absence of packaging. For example, the upper limit value of the first target absolute humidity range may be set to an absolute humidity that corresponds to a relative humidity of less than 100% RH at each temperature (for example, 97% RH, etc.). In addition, when food is packaged, for example, the lower limit of the first target absolute humidity range may be set to an absolute humidity equivalent to a relative humidity other than 80% RH at each temperature (e.g., 70% RH).

In FIG. 1, a first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 is installed in the interior space 10 of the storage facility. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 is installed on the ceiling of the interior space 10 of the storage facility, near a first door 14 described below. The first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 provides information on the temperature and humidity environment of the interior space 10 of the storage facility to a control device 50 described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first door 14 is installed so that the internal space 10 of the storage unit and the internal space 20 of the front room are in communication.

In FIG. 1, a steam humidifier 21 is installed in the internal space 20 of the front room structure. The steam humidifier 21 is a steam humidifier capable of rapid humidification compared to the evaporator 12, and humidifies so that the absolute humidity of the internal space 20 of the front room structure falls within a second target absolute humidity range (for example, 3.4 to 4.9 g/m 3 at 0° ^C. ), which is a target value of the front room structure corresponding to a relative humidity of 70 to 100% RH at each temperature. The second target absolute humidity range may be changed in various ways as long as it is equal to or greater than the intermediate value between the absolute humidity of the outside air and the absolute humidity inside the storage. For example, the upper limit value of the second target absolute humidity range may be set to an absolute humidity equivalent to a relative humidity of less than 100% RH at each temperature (for example, 95% RH or 98% RH). In addition, the lower limit of the second target absolute humidity range may be set to an absolute humidity equivalent to a relative humidity different from 70% RH at each temperature (for example, 60% RH or 80% RH) so long as it is equal to or higher than the intermediate value between the absolute humidity of the outside air and the absolute humidity inside the storage compartment. The upper limit and/or lower limit of the first target absolute humidity range and the upper limit and/or lower limit of the second target absolute humidity range may be the same or different.

From now on, the lower limit of the first target absolute humidity range will be the first target humidity, and the lower limit of the second target absolute humidity range will be the second target humidity.

In FIG. 1, a second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 is installed in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, it is installed on the ceiling of the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure near the second door 23 described later.

In FIG. 1, a second door 23 is installed so that the external space communicates with the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure.

Tuna is sensitive to drying, and its quality deteriorates rapidly when in a dry state. Food drying and moisture absorption depend on the water activity of the food's surface, but since water activity varies depending on whether the skin is on or off, the part of the food, and the storage temperature, it is impossible to obtain an accurate water activity value without actually measuring it. In experiments, it was found that by keeping the inside of a storage facility at around 0°C and a relative humidity of around 97% RH, the surface of tuna can be dried appropriately, allowing it to be stored in ideal conditions.

Since using a water spray humidifier in the interior space 10 of the storage facility could result in contamination due to water droplets adhering to the products, an evaporative humidifier 12 is installed and the interior space of the storage facility is humidified until it approaches the saturated humidity level. If the temperature is constant, evaporation is no longer possible once the saturated humidity level is reached, preventing supersaturation. If the temperature slowly drops and supersaturation occurs, the airflow inside the facility causes water vapor to condense on the water surface, preventing supersaturation.

However, because the evaporation rate of the evaporative humidifier 12 is slow, if the humidity in the internal space 10 of the storage facility suddenly and significantly drops, it takes a long time to recover. It is necessary to prevent drying out due to the opening of the first door 14 and the second door 23, which is the cause of a significant drop in humidity and an increase in temperature in the internal space 10 of the storage facility.

Although not shown, the antechamber structure of this embodiment includes a first door drive device 31 and a second door drive device 32. This is also true for the second and third embodiments described below.

Although not shown, the antechamber structure of this embodiment includes a first door opening/closing detection device 41 and a second door opening/closing detection device 42. This is also true for the second and third embodiments described below.

Furthermore, the first door drive device 31 and the second door drive device 32 are controlled by a control device 50 (corresponding to the storage system of the invention; not shown), which is an electronic unit composed of a microcomputer or the like. The same applies to the second and third embodiments described below.

The storage system of the first embodiment will be described in detail using the flowchart in Figure 3.

That is, the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 determines whether the humidity in the internal space of the storage facility is equal to or higher than the first target humidity (Figure 3/STEP 101).

If it is determined in STEP 101 that the humidity in the internal space of the storage facility is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 3/STEP 101...NO), the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 sends a first humidity signal to the control device 50.

If it is determined in STEP 101 that the humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 3/STEP 101...NO), the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines whether the first door 14 is closed (FIG. 3/STEP 103).

If it is determined in STEP 103 that the first door 14 is not closed (FIG. 3/STEP 103...NO), the first door open/close detection device 41 sends a first door open signal to the control device 50.

The control device 50 receives the first humidity signal and the first door open signal and sends a first drive signal to the first door drive device 31, which drives the first door drive device 31 (FIG. 3/STEP 105). When the first door drive device 31 drives, the first door 14 moves to close the entrance to the storage unit.

The first door opening/closing detection device 41 uses a first optical sensor module 60 that irradiates light onto the first door 14. The first optical sensor module 60 measures the distance between the first door 14 and the optical sensor module 60, and determines that the first door 14 is closed when the distance falls below a predetermined distance. In addition to the optical sensor module, known sensor modules that can detect the opening and closing of the first door 14, such as a current sensor module, a camera sensor module, and a proximity sensor module, can also be used. The same applies to the second door opening/closing detection device 42 described below.

When the processing of STEP 101...NO, STEP 103...NO, and STEP 105 is repeated, the distance between the first optical sensor module 60 and the first door 14 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance, so the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines that the first door 14 is closed.

When the first optical sensor module 61 determines that the first door 14 is closed, the evaporator 12 in the interior space 10 of the storage facility is constantly operating, so that the water vapor generated by the evaporator remains in the interior space 10 of the storage facility, and the humidity in the interior space 10 of the storage facility becomes equal to or higher than the first target value.

In STEP 101 above, if the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 determines that the humidity is equal to or greater than the first target humidity (FIG. 3/STEP 101...YES), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines whether the humidity is equal to or greater than the second target humidity (FIG. 3/STEP 107).

If the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines that the humidity is not equal to or greater than the second target humidity (FIG. 3/STEP 107...NO), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 sends a second humidity signal to the control device 50.

In addition, when the second door 23 is open, the second door open/close detection device 42 sends a second open signal to the control device 50 (FIG. 3/STEP 109...NO). The control device 50 receives the second humidity signal and the second open signal and sends a second drive signal to the second door drive device 32, which drives the second door drive device 32 (FIG. 3/STEP 111). When the second door drive device 32 drives, the second door 23 moves to close the internal space 20 of the front room structure.

When STEP 101...YES, STEP 107...NO, STEP 109...NO, and STEP 111 are repeated, the distance between the second optical sensor module 62 and the second door 23 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance, so the second optical sensor module 62 determines that the second door 23 is closed.

When it is determined that the second door 23 is closed, the steam humidifier 21 is operating, and the water vapor generated by the steam humidifier 21 remains in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure, so that the humidity in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure becomes equal to or higher than the second target value.

Figure 4 shows a storage facility equipped with an alarm device 70 in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure of the tuna storage facility shown in Figure 1.

The storage system equipped with an alarm device 70 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3.

If it is determined in the judgment of STEP 101 described above that the humidity in the internal space 10 of the storage facility is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (see FIG. 3/STEP 101...NO), the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 sends a first humidity signal to the control device 50. The control device 50, which receives the first humidity signal, sends a first alarm signal to the alarm device 70. The alarm device 70, which receives the first alarm signal, outputs a first alarm so that an operator or a person working in the internal space 10 of the storage facility or the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure can recognize that the absolute humidity in the internal space 10 of the storage facility has fallen below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range.

In the above STEP 101, if the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 detects that the humidity is equal to or higher than the first target humidity (see FIG. 3/STEP 101...YES), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines whether the humidity is equal to or higher than the second target humidity (see FIG. 3/STEP 107). If the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines that the humidity is not equal to or higher than the second target humidity (see FIG. 3/STEP 107...NO), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 sends a second humidity signal to the control device 50. The control device 50, which receives the second humidity signal, sends a second alarm signal to the alarm device 70.

The alarm device 70 that receives the second alarm signal outputs a second alarm so that an operator or a person working in the internal space 10 of the storage facility or the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure can recognize that the absolute humidity in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure has fallen below the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range.
Second Embodiment

Figures 5 and 6 show rice storage facilities in cold, dry regions such as Hokkaido.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first temperature regulator 11 is provided at the end of the internal space 10 of the storage facility. The first temperature regulator 11 adjusts the air temperature in the internal space of the storage facility to be between -0.5°C and +1°C.

In FIG. 5, a first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 is installed in the internal space 10 of the storage facility. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, it is installed on the ceiling of the internal space 10 of the storage facility, near a first door 14 described below. The first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 provides information on the temperature and humidity environment of the internal space 10 of the storage facility to a control device 50 described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first door 14 is installed so that the interior space 10 and the interior space 20 of the storage unit are connected.

As shown in Fig. 5, a steam humidifier 21 is installed in the internal space 20 of the front chamber structure. The steam humidifier 21 is a steam humidifier that can humidify more quickly than the evaporator 12, and constantly humidifies the air so that the amount of water vapor in the air is 3.4 to 4.9 g/ ^m3 (second target absolute humidity range).

As shown in FIG. 5, a second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 is installed in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 is installed on the ceiling of the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure near the second door 24 described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second door 24 is installed to connect the external space to the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure.

Rice is unlikely to deteriorate in a short-term low-humidity environment. The first temperature regulator 11 installed in the internal space 10 of the storage unit needs to replenish water vapor by the amount of water discharged to the outside during dehumidification during cooling. The cooling of the first temperature regulator 11 is activated when the temperature of the internal space 10 of the storage unit rises due to the intrusion of heat from the surrounding insulation panels and the heat dissipation from the stored items, and when the first door 14 is opened to take stored items into or out of the storage unit. The spray-type humidifier 21 in the front room humidifies the internal space 20 of the front room to saturated humidity, so when the first door 14 is opened, water vapor is replenished from the internal space 20 of the front room. Since the first door 14 of a commercial refrigerator is frequently opened, water vapor is frequently supplied from the internal space 20 of the front room to the internal space 10 of the storage unit, and it is possible to prevent the internal space 10 of the storage unit from being in a low-humidity state for a long time.

There is no need to provide a humidifying means in the storage unit, so storage space can be maximized. In addition, the spray-type humidifier 21 in the internal space of the antechamber structure does not spray directly into the storage unit, so contamination of stored items by water droplets can be prevented.

The storage system of the second embodiment will be explained in detail using the flowchart in Figure 7.

That is, the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 in the internal space 10 of the storage facility determines whether the humidity in the internal space of the storage facility is equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 7/STEP 201).

If it is determined in STEP 201 that the humidity in the internal space 10 of the storage facility is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 7/STEP 201...NO), the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 sends a first humidity signal to the control device 50.

If it is determined in STEP 201 that the humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 7/STEP 201...NO), the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines whether the first door 14 is open (FIG. 7/STEP 203).

If it is determined in STEP 203 that the first door 14 is not open (FIG. 7/STEP 203...NO), the first door open/close detection device 41 sends a first door closed signal to the control device 50.

The control device 50 receives the first humidity signal and the first door closing signal and sends a first drive signal to the first door drive device 31, which drives the first door drive device 31 (FIG. 7/STEP 205). When the first door drive device 31 drives, the first door 14 moves so that the entrance to the storage unit is closed.

When STEP 201...NO, STEP 203...NO, and STEP 205 are repeated, the distance between the first optical sensor module 61 and the first door 14 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance, and the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines that the first door 14 is open.

When the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines that the first door 14 is open, the evaporator 21 in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure is constantly operating, so the water vapor generated by the evaporator 21 moves into the internal space of the storage facility, the humidity in the internal space 10 of the storage facility becomes equal to or higher than the first target value, and the process proceeds to STEP 201...YES, which will be described later.

In STEP 201 above, if the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 detects that the humidity is equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 7/STEP 201...YES), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 23 determines whether the humidity is equal to or higher than the second target humidity (FIG. 7/STEP 207).

When the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines that the humidity is not equal to or greater than the second target humidity (FIG. 7/STEP 207...NO), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 sends a second humidity signal to the control device 50.

In addition, when the second door 23 is open, the second door open/close detection device 42 sends a second open signal to the control device 50 (FIG. 7/STEP 209...NO). The control device 50 receives the second humidity signal and the second open signal and sends a second drive signal to the second door drive device 32, which drives the second door drive device 32 (FIG. 7/STEP 211). When the second door drive device 32 drives, the second door moves to close the internal space 20 of the front room structure.

When STEP 201...YES, STEP 207...NO, STEP 209...NO, and STEP 211 are repeated, the distance between the second optical sensor module 61 and the second door 23 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance, and the second door opening/closing detection device 42 determines that the second door 23 is closed.

When it is determined that the second door 23 is closed, the steam humidifier 21 is operating, and the water vapor generated by the steam humidifier 21 remains in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure, so that the humidity in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure becomes equal to or higher than the second target value.
Third Embodiment

In FIG. 8, 10 indicates the internal space of the storage facility, and 20 indicates the internal space of the antechamber structure of the first embodiment.

In Fig. 8, a cooler 11 is installed at one end of the interior space 10 of the storage facility, and an evaporator 15 is installed at the other diagonal end. The cooler 11 adjusts the temperature inside the interior space 10 of the storage facility to -0.5°C to +1°C. The evaporator 15 is an evaporator consisting of a blower that blows air over the water surface of the water tank to send moist air into the storage facility, and humidifies the air in the interior space 10 of the storage facility so that the amount of water vapor in the air is 3.9 to 5.5 g/ ^m3 (first target absolute humidity range).

In FIG. 8, a first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 is installed in the interior space 10 of the storage facility. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, it is installed on the ceiling of the interior space 10 of the storage facility near a first door 14 described below. The first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 provides information on the temperature and humidity environment of the interior space 10 of the storage facility to a control device 50 described below.

In Figure 8, a first door 14 is installed at the center of the bottom edge of the interior space 10 of the storage cabinet, and is connected to the interior space of the front room.

In FIG. 8, a first temperature controller 15 is installed in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure near the second door described below.

8, a steam humidifier 21 is provided in the internal space 20 of the front room structure adjacent to the first temperature regulator 15. The steam humidifier 21 is a steam humidifier capable of rapid humidification compared to the evaporator 12, and humidifies the internal space 20 of the front room structure so that the amount of water vapor in the air is 3.4 to 4.9 g/ ^m3 or more (second target absolute humidity range).

In FIG. 8, a second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 is installed in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, it is installed on the ceiling of the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure near a second door 23 (described later).

In FIG. 8, a second door 23 is installed at the bottom of the left side of the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure. The second door 23 is connected to the external space.

Figures 8 and 9 show a storage facility in which the internal space of the antechamber of the first embodiment is controlled to an intermediate temperature and humidity between the external space and the internal space of the storage facility. Tuna is stored in the internal space 10 of the storage facility, and the internal space 20 of the antechamber is used as a wine cellar for storing wine.

By arranging storage spaces with different temperatures and humidity adjacent to each other, locating the storage space with a larger difference from the outside air at the back as the internal space 10 of the storage facility, and locating the storage space with a smaller difference as the internal space 20 of the front room, the space of the internal space 20 of the front room can be utilized without being wasted. The internal space 20 of the front room structure is provided with a steam humidifier 21 and a temperature regulator 25 that can humidify relatively quickly, and the internal space 10 of the storage facility is provided with an evaporative humidifier 12 and a temperature regulator 15, so that the humidity of the internal space 20 of the front room structure, where the temperature and humidity change rapidly when the second door 23 is opened, is stabilized, and the tuna stored in the internal space 10 of the storage facility can be prevented from being contaminated by water droplets and condensation.

The storage system of the second embodiment will be described in detail using the flowchart in Figure 10.

That is, the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 determines whether the internal space of the storage facility is equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 10/STEP 301).

In STEP 301, if the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 determines that the internal space of the storage facility is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 10/STEP 301...NO), it sends a first humidity signal to the control device 50.

If it is determined in STEP 301 that the humidity in the internal space of the storage cabinet is not equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 10/STEP 301...NO), the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines whether the first door 14 is closed (FIG. 10/STEP 303).

If it is determined in STEP 303 that the first door 14 is closed (FIG. 10/STEP 303...NO), the first door open/close detection device 41 sends a first door open signal to the control device 50.

The control device 50 receives the first humidity signal and the first door open signal and sends a first drive signal to the first door drive device 31, which drives the first door drive device 31 (FIG. 10/STEP 305). When the first door drive device 31 drives, the first door 14 moves so that the entrance to the storage unit is closed.

When STEP 301...NO, STEP 303...NO and STEP 305 are repeated, the distance between the first optical sensor module and the first door 14 becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined distance, so the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines that the first door 14 is open.

When the first door opening/closing detection device 41 determines that the first door 14 is open, the evaporator 21 in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure is constantly operating, so the water vapor generated by the evaporator 21 moves into the internal space of the storage facility, the humidity in the internal space of the storage facility becomes equal to or higher than the first target value, and the process proceeds to STEP 301...YES, which will be described later.

If the process proceeds to YES in STEP 301, the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 determines whether the temperature is equal to or higher than the first target temperature (Figure 10/STEP 307).

If it is determined in STEP 307 that the temperature is not equal to or higher than the first target temperature (FIG. 10/STEP 307...NO), the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 sends a first temperature signal to the control device 50.

When the cooling machine 11 is started, it sends a cooling machine drive signal to the control device 50.

The control device 50 that receives the first temperature signal but does not receive the cooling machine drive signal determines that the cooling machine 11 is not started (FIG. 10/STEP 309) and sends a cooling machine start signal to the cooling machine 11.

The refrigerator 11 starts up when it receives the refrigerator start signal. (FIG. 10/STEP 311) When the refrigerator 11 starts up, the temperature inside the storage facility drops, so the process moves to STEP 307...YES.

If it is determined in STEP 307 above that the temperature of the internal space of the storage facility is equal to or higher than the first target humidity (FIG. 10/STEP 307...YES), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines whether it is equal to or lower than the second target humidity (FIG. 10/STEP 313).

When the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines that the humidity is not equal to or greater than the second target humidity (FIG. 10/STEP 313...NO), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 sends a second humidity signal to the control device 50.

In addition, when the second door 24 is open, the second door open/close detection device 42 sends a second open signal to the control device 50 (FIG. 10/STEP 315...NO). The control device 50 receives the second humidity signal and the second open signal and sends a second drive signal to the second door drive device 32, which drives the second door drive device 32 (FIG. 10/STEP 317). When the second door drive device 32 drives, the second door 23 moves to close the internal space 20 of the front room structure.

When STEP 201...YES, STEP 207...NO, STEP 209...NO, and STEP 211 are repeated, the distance between the second optical sensor module 61 and the second door 23 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance, and the second door opening/closing detection device 42 determines that the second door 23 is closed.

When it is determined that the second door 24 is closed, the steam humidifier 21 is operating, and the water vapor generated by the steam humidifier 21 remains in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure, so that the humidity in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure becomes equal to or higher than the second target value (FIG. 10/STEP 313...YES).

If, in STEP 313 above, the humidity in the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure becomes equal to or greater than the second target value (FIG. 10/STEP 313...YES), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 determines whether it is within the second target temperature range (FIG. 10/STEP 317).

If it is determined in STEP 317 that the temperature is not within the second target temperature range (FIG. 10/STEP 317...NO), the second temperature and humidity sensor module 22 sends a second temperature signal to the control device 50.

When the second temperature regulator 25 is activated, it sends a temperature regulator drive signal to the control device 50.

The control device 50, which receives the first temperature signal but does not receive the cooling machine drive signal, determines that the cooling machine 11 is not running (FIG. 10/STEP 319...NO) and sends a temperature regulator start signal to the second temperature regulator 25.

The second temperature regulator 25 starts up when it receives the temperature regulator start signal. (FIG. 10/STEP 321) When the second temperature regulator 25 starts up, the temperature of the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure is adjusted to within the second target temperature range.

In the internal space 20 of the antechamber structure, valuable wooden musical instruments, paintings, cloth and paper cultural assets, etc. can be stored.

The vestibule structure of the present invention may have only the alarm device 70 installed in the internal space 20, or may also have a first door drive device 40 and/or a second door drive device 41. The vestibule structure of the present invention may have only the first door drive device 40, or may also have a second door drive device 41. The vestibule structure of the present invention may have only the second door drive device 41.

The alarm device 70 outputs an alarm so that an operator or a person working inside the storehouse can recognize the situation inside the storehouse using their five senses. The alarm output may be any known device, such as a device that turns a relay on/off, a device that notifies by sound using a buzzer, a device that notifies remotely via communication, a device that notifies by a lamp, a device that notifies by vibration or smell, etc. Note that while the alarm device 70 of this embodiment outputs a first alarm and a second alarm, it may instead be equipped with a first alarm device that outputs a first alarm and a second alarm device that outputs a second alarm.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the first temperature and humidity sensor module 13 judges the temperature and humidity of the internal space 10 of the storage facility and sends various signals to the control device 50 according to the judgment results, but this is not limited to this. For example, a temperature and humidity sensor provided in the internal space of the storage facility measures the temperature and humidity of the storage facility and sends the measurement results to the control unit. The control unit that receives the measurement results may judge whether the temperature and humidity of the internal space of the storage facility is within a target temperature range and/or a target absolute humidity range. Furthermore, this is not limited to this, and other sensor modules, such as a temperature and humidity sensor module for the internal space of the anteroom structure, may also be configured in a similar manner.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the first target absolute humidity range and the second target absolute humidity range are 3.4 to 4.9 g/ ^m3 of water vapor in the air, but the target absolute humidity range in the control system of the present invention is not limited to this. The target absolute humidity range may be determined according to the temperature inside the storage cabinet.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Storage cabinet 2 Front room structure 10 Internal space of storage cabinet 11 Cooling unit 12 Evaporative humidifier 13 First temperature and humidity sensor module 14 First door 15 First temperature regulator 20 Internal space of front room structure 21 Steam humidifier 22 Second temperature and humidity sensor module 23 Second door 25 Second temperature regulator 31 First door drive device 32 Second door drive device 41 First door opening/closing detection device 42 Second door opening/closing detection device 50 Control device 60 First optical sensor module 70 Alarm device

Claims (3)

a first humidifying device is provided in an internal space of the front room structure that is in communication with an internal space of the storage cabinet via a first door;
The first humidifying device humidifies the internal space of the front room structure to a target absolute humidity of the internal space of the storage facility or higher. When the absolute humidity of the internal space of at least one of the front room structure and the storage cabinet becomes lower than the lower limit of the target absolute humidity range,
an alarm control device that controls the operation of the alarm device to issue an alarm;
a safety control device that controls the operation of a door drive device so that at least one of the first door of the storage facility and a second door that communicates with an external space and an internal space of the antechamber structure is maintained in a closed state;
The vestibule structure and storage facility according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one of the following: The storage facility;
The front chamber structure according to claim 1 or 2 ,
In a storage system comprising:
A storage system comprising a sensor for measuring the absolute humidity of the storage facility.

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