Container System

Abstract

To improve accuracy of determining whether the opening of a transport container is abnormally open.SOLUTION: A transport container (10) has a container body (11) and a freezer (20) connected to the container body (11). The freezer (20) has a cooling unit (20a) that cools the inside of the container body (11). The transport container (10) is provided with an opening (17), and an opening / closing part (18) that opens and closes the opening (17). A control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open, based on first information related to an operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is open.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a transport container, which is provided with a detection device that detects the presence or absence of a seal attached to the door of the transport container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2003 / 275467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is conceivable to determine whether an opening such as an inspection hatch is abnormally open (for example, unauthorized opening) in a transport container such as that described in Patent Document 1. However, simply detecting the opening of an opening makes it difficult to accurately determine whether the opening is abnormally open. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container system, the container system comprising: a transport container (10) having a container body (11) and a refrigeration device (20) connected to the container body (11); and a control unit (75), wherein the refrigeration device (20) has a cooling unit (20a) that cools the inside of the container body (11), the transport container (10) is provided with an opening (17) and an opening / closing unit (18) that opens and closes the opening (17), and the control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open, based on first information on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened.

[0006] In the first aspect, the opening (17) is often abnormally opened (e.g., improperly opened) without considering the operating state of the cooling unit (20a). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally opened or not based on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally opened.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a container system according to the first aspect, wherein the opening (17) is an inspection hatch (25) provided for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a).

[0008] In the second aspect, it is possible to determine whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open. Then, information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open is output based on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is open, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the container system of the second aspect, wherein the first information includes information indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a).

[0010] In the third aspect, the inspection hatch (25) is often abnormally opened without considering whether there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened based on whether there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the accuracy of determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened can be improved.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system according to the third aspect, wherein the cooling unit (20a) has an internal fan (45) for circulating air between the inside of the container body (11) and the refrigeration device (20), the inspection hatch (25) is an opening for exposing the internal fan (45), and an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a) is an abnormality in the internal fan (45).

[0012] In the fourth aspect, by outputting information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open or not, based on whether there is an abnormality in the interior blower (45) when the inspection hatch (25) is open, it is possible to accurately determine whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open or not.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the first information includes information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from a power source to the cooling unit (20a).

[0014] In the fifth aspect, the inspection hatch (25) is often abnormally opened without considering whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened based on whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the accuracy of determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened can be improved.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit (75) outputs the second information based on the first information when the opening (17) is opened and information for confirming whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required when the opening (17) is opened.

[0016] In the sixth aspect, the inspection hatch (25) is often abnormally open without considering whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required. Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open based not only on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened but also on whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the accuracy of determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open can be improved.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which, in the container system of the sixth aspect, the information for checking whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10) or information indicating a schedule for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a).

[0018] In the seventh aspect, it is possible to check whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required based on information indicating the location of the transport container (10) (specifically, whether the location of the transport container (10) is a location where maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is performed). Also, it is possible to check whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required based on a maintenance schedule for the cooling unit (20a).

[0019] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which, in the container system of the first aspect, the opening (17) is an entrance / exit (14) for putting in and taking out contents stored in the transport container (10), the first information includes information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from a power source to the cooling unit (20a), and the control unit (75) outputs second information based on the information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is open and information for confirming whether or not the contents need to be put in or taken out of the transport container (10) when the opening (17) is open.

[0020] In the eighth aspect, the abnormal opening of the entrance / exit (14) is often determined without considering whether or not power is supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) and whether or not it is necessary to put or take out items from the transport container (10). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether or not the entrance / exit (14) is abnormally open based on whether or not power is supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the entrance / exit (14) is open and whether or not it is necessary to put or take out items from the transport container (10) when the entrance / exit (14) is open, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not the entrance / exit (14) is abnormally open.

[0021] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which, in the container system of the eighth aspect, the information for confirming whether or not the contents of the transport container (10) need to be moved in or out includes information indicating the position of the transport container (10) or information indicating the schedule for moving in or out of the contents of the transport container (10).

[0022] In the ninth aspect, it is possible to check whether or not it is necessary to take in or out the contents of the transport container 10 based on information indicating the location of the transport container 10 (specifically, whether or not the location of the transport container 10 is a location where the contents are taken in or out). Also, it is possible to check whether or not it is necessary to take in or out the contents of the transport container 10 based on the schedule for taking in or out the contents.

[0023] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which the container system is any one of the second to seventh aspects and is provided with a detector (19) that detects the opening and closing of the inspection hatch (25) by the opening / closing unit (18), and the control unit (75) detects the opening of the inspection hatch (25) based on the detection result by the detector (19).

[0024] In the tenth aspect, the opening of the inspection hatch (25) can be appropriately detected.

[0025] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a container system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the inspection hatch (25) includes a first inspection hatch (25a) and a second inspection hatch (25b) aligned in a predetermined direction, and the opening / closing unit (18) includes a first closure plate (80a) capable of closing the first inspection hatch (25a), a second closure plate (80b) capable of closing the second inspection hatch (25b), a first locking unit (81) provided on the side of the first inspection hatch (25a) farther from the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction and capable of locking the first closure plate (80a), and a second locking unit (81) provided on the side of the second inspection hatch (25b) farther from the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction and capable of locking the second closure plate (80b). 2), and a central locking portion (83) that is provided between the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction and is capable of locking the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b), wherein the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are locked by the first locking portion (81), the second locking portion (82), and the central locking portion (83) while the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) are closed, and the detector (19) detects the opening of the inspection hatch (25) when the locking of the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) by the central locking portion (83) is released.

[0026] In the eleventh aspect, by monitoring the central locking portion (83), it is possible to detect the opening of both the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b).

[0027] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the first locking portion (81) has a first protruding portion (811) that protrudes from a wall portion of the transport container (10) and has a first locking hole (81 a) formed therein, and a first insertion portion (812) that protrudes from an edge portion of the first closure plate (80 a) that closes the first inspection hatch (25 a) on a side farther from the second inspection hatch (25 b) in the predetermined direction and is insertable into the first locking hole (81 a), and The second locking portion (82) has a second protruding portion (821) that protrudes from the wall of the transport container (10) and has a second locking hole (82a) formed therein, and a second insertion portion (822) that protrudes from an edge of the second closing plate (80b) that closes the second inspection hatch (25b) on the side farther from the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction and can be inserted into the second locking hole (82a), and when the second insertion portion (822) is inserted into the second locking hole (82a), The central locking portion (83) includes a third protruding portion (831) that protrudes from the wall of the transport container (10) and has a third locking hole (83a) formed therein, a fourth protruding portion (832) that protrudes from the edge of the first closing plate (80a) that closes the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction and is closer to the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction and has a fourth locking hole (83b) formed therein, and a fourth protruding portion (833) that protrudes from the edge of the second closing plate (80b) that closes the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction and has a fourth locking hole (83b) formed therein. The container system has a fifth protrusion (833) protruding from the edge portion closer to the first inspection hatch (25a) and having a fifth locking hole (83c) formed therein, and a locking rod (834) that can be inserted into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c), and the first closing plate (80a) and the second closing plate (80b) are locked by inserting the locking rod (834) into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c).

[0028] In the twelfth embodiment, by monitoring the locking rod (834), it is possible to detect the opening of both the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b).

[0029] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which, in the container system of any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the control unit (75) notifies the user that the opening of the opening (17) is abnormally open when the opening of the opening (17) is abnormally open.

[0030] In the thirteenth aspect, abnormal opening of the opening (17) can be notified.

[0031] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which, in the container system of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) based on a change in temperature or pressure inside the transport container (10).

[0032] In a fourteenth embodiment, the opening of the opening (17) can be detected based on a change in temperature or pressure within the shipping container (10).

[0033] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a container system in which, in the container system of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, an illuminance sensor (65) is provided that detects the illuminance inside the transport container (10), and the control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) based on a change in the illuminance inside the transport container (10) detected by the illuminance sensor (65).

[0034] In a fifteenth aspect, the opening of the opening (17) can be detected based on a change in the illumination intensity inside the shipping container (10). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a shipping container as seen from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the shipping container as seen from the rear side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section along the front-rear direction of the transport container. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a piping diagram illustrating the configuration of the cooling unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control system of the container system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the abnormal opening monitoring process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an abnormal opening monitoring process in the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an abnormal opening monitoring process in the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the abnormal opening monitoring process in the third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an opening / closing section in Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an opening / closing section in a fifth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a transport container according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the abnormal opening monitoring process in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the abnormal opening monitoring process in the first modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present invention, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0037] (Embodiment 1) 1 to 5 illustrate the configuration of a container system (1) of embodiment 1. In the following description, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" are based on the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the container system 1 includes a transport container 10. The transport container 10 has a container body 11 and a refrigeration unit 20 connected to the container body 11. For example, the transport container 10 is used for marine transportation. The transport container 10 is a refrigerated container that has a function of cooling the air inside it.

[0039] [Container body] The container body (11) is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box extending in the front-rear direction. For example, the container body (11) stores perishable goods such as food or plants. The refrigeration device (20) cools an internal space (12) inside the container body (11). Hereinafter, the internal space (12) may be referred to as the "internal space," and the space outside the container body (11) may be referred to as the "external space."

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, an opening 13 is formed in the front surface of the container body 11. The refrigeration unit 20 is attached to the container body 11 so as to close the opening 13 of the container body 11.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the rear surface of the container body 11 is provided with a doorway 14, a door 15, and a door open / close detector 16. The doorway 14 is an opening for loading and unloading items contained in the transport container 10. The door 15 opens and closes the doorway 14. The door open / close detector 16 detects whether the door 15 opens or closes the doorway 14. Note that the door open / close detector 16 can employ a well-known open / close detection technology. For example, the door open / close detector 16 may be a magnetic open / close sensor that detects whether the door is open or closed based on a change in magnetic force between two components.

[0042] [Refrigeration equipment] The refrigeration unit (20) has a casing (21). The casing (21) forms a lid for the opening (13) of the container body (11). The casing (21) has a casing main body (22) and a partition plate (23). The casing main body (22) separates the interior and exterior of the container body (11). The partition plate (23) is arranged on the back side (rear side) of the casing (21) so as to be located in the interior space (12).

[0043] <Casing body> 3, the casing body (22) has a flat plate portion (22a) and a recessed portion (22b). The flat plate portion (22a) is formed on the upper part of the casing body (22) so as to be substantially flush with the opening (13) of the casing (21).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, a first inspection hatch (25a) and a second inspection hatch (25b) are formed in the horizontally intermediate portion of the flat plate portion (22a). The first inspection hatch (25a) is opened and closed by a first closing plate (80a). The second inspection hatch (25b) is opened and closed by a second closing plate (80b). A ventilator (24) is provided to the left of the second inspection hatch (25b). The ventilator (24) ventilates the interior of the storage compartment.

[0045] Hereinafter, the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) will be collectively referred to as "inspection hatch (25)." The first closing plate (80a) and the second closing plate (80b) will be collectively referred to as "closing plate (80)." The inspection hatch (25) and the closing plate (80) will be described in detail later.

[0046] The recess (22b) is formed in the lower part of the casing (21). The recess (22b) is recessed rearward from the lower end of the flat plate portion (22a). An external storage space (26) is formed in front of the recess (22b). An internal storage space (27) is formed above the recess (22b) and between the flat plate portion (22a) and the partition plate (23). The lower end of the recess (22b) forms a bottom plate (22c). The bottom plate (22c) extends to both the left and right ends of the casing body (22).

[0047] The casing body (22) is formed by stacking an external casing (28), a heat insulating layer (29), and an internal casing (30) in the thickness direction (front-rear direction). The external casing (28) faces the outside of the refrigerator. The internal casing (30) faces the inside of the refrigerator. The heat insulating layer (29) is provided between the external casing (28) and the internal casing (30).

[0048] For example, the outer casing (28) is made of aluminum, the inner casing (30) is made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), and the heat insulating layer (29) is made of foamed resin.

[0049] The partition plate (23) is a plate-like member located behind the recess (22b). The partition plate (23) extends in the vertical direction with a predetermined distance from the rear surface of the recess (22b). An internal passage (31) through which internal air flows is formed between the casing body (22) and the partition plate (23). An inlet (32) is formed between the upper end of the partition plate (23) and the upper wall (11a) of the container body (11). The inlet (32) connects the internal space (12) with the inlet end of the internal passage (31). An outlet (33) is formed between the lower end of the partition plate (23) and the lower wall (11b) of the container body (11). The outlet (33) connects the internal space (12) with the outlet end of the internal passage (31).

[0050] <Cooling unit> The refrigeration system (20) also includes a cooling unit (20a). The cooling unit (20a) cools the interior (internal space (12)) of the container body (11). In this example, the cooling unit (20a) includes, as elements arranged outside the container body, a compressor (40), an external heat exchanger (41), and an external fan (42), and, as elements arranged inside the container body, an internal heat exchanger (44) and an internal fan (45).

[0051] The compressor (40), the external heat exchanger (41), and the external blower (42) are provided in the external storage space (26). The compressor (40) is installed on the bottom plate (22c) of the casing (21). The compressor (40) is disposed near the bottom of the external storage space (26). The compressor (40) is disposed near the right of the external storage space (26). An accumulator (54), not shown in FIG. 1, is also provided on the bottom plate (22c).

[0052] The external blower (42) is located near the upper part of the external storage space (26). In this example, the external blower (42) has a fan, such as a propeller fan, and a fan motor that drives the fan. As shown in Fig. 3, an external passage (43) through which outside air flows is formed behind the external blower (42).

[0053] The external heat exchanger (41) is provided in the external storage space (26) at a height position between the external fan (42) and the compressor (40). The external heat exchanger (41) is located in the external passage (43). For example, the external heat exchanger (41) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0054] The internal heat exchanger (44) and the internal fan (45) are provided in the internal storage space (27). The external heat exchanger (41) is supported by the casing (21) so as to extend across the casing body (22) and the partition plate (23). For example, the internal heat exchanger (44) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0055] The internal blower (45) is disposed upstream of the internal heat exchanger (44) in the internal passage (31). The internal blower (45) is located above the internal heat exchanger (44). In this example, the internal blower (45) has a fan, such as a propeller fan, and a fan motor that drives the fan. The internal blower (45) is provided to circulate air between the inside of the container body (11) (the internal space (12)) and the refrigeration unit (20).

[0056] As shown in Fig. 4, the cooling unit (20a) has a refrigerant circuit (50). The refrigerant circuit (50) is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (50) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant. In this example, the refrigerant circuit (50) has a compressor (40), an accumulator (54), an external heat exchanger (41), an expansion valve (51), a receiver (56), and an internal heat exchanger (44).

[0057] The compressor (40) compresses the drawn refrigerant and discharges the compressed refrigerant. A discharge pipe (52) is connected to a discharge portion of the compressor (40). A suction pipe (53) is connected to a suction portion of the compressor (40).

[0058] The accumulator (54) is provided in the suction pipe (53). The accumulator (54) is a container for storing liquid refrigerant.

[0059] The external heat exchanger (41) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the external air. The gas end of the external heat exchanger (41) communicates with the discharge pipe (52). The liquid end of the external heat exchanger (41) is connected to the liquid end of the internal heat exchanger (44) via a liquid pipe (55). The external heat exchanger (41) functions as a radiator (condenser) that radiates heat from the refrigerant to the air.

[0060] The expansion valve (51) is provided in the liquid pipe (55). The expansion valve (51) reduces the pressure of high-pressure refrigerant to low-pressure refrigerant. For example, the expansion valve (51) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

[0061] The receiver (56) is provided in the liquid pipe (55) between the external heat exchanger (41) and the expansion valve (51). The receiver (56) is a container for storing excess refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (50).

[0062] The internal heat exchanger (44) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the internal air. The gas end of the internal heat exchanger (44) communicates with the suction pipe (53). The internal heat exchanger (44) functions as an evaporator in which the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.

[0063] The refrigerant circuit (50) also includes a bypass pipe (57). An inflow end of the bypass pipe (57) communicates with the discharge pipe (52), and an outflow end of the bypass pipe (57) communicates with the liquid pipe (55). The bypass pipe (57) sends the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) to the internal heat exchanger (44), bypassing the external heat exchanger (41).

[0064] The refrigerant circuit (50) is provided with a first valve (58) and a second valve (59). The first valve (58) is provided between the discharge side of the compressor (40) and the gas end of the external heat exchanger (41), and downstream of the connection portion of the bypass pipe (57). The second valve (59) is provided in the bypass pipe (57). For example, the first valve (58) and the second valve (59) are formed by solenoid on-off valves. The first valve (58) and the second valve (59) may be flow rate control valves whose opening degrees are adjustable.

[0065] [Inspection hatch, blocking plate, and detector] As shown in FIG. 1, the transport container (10) is provided with an inspection hatch (25), a closing plate (80), and a detector (19).

[0066] The inspection hatch (25) is an opening provided for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a). In this example, the inspection hatch (25) is an opening that exposes the internal fan (45). By opening the inspection hatch (25), a worker can perform maintenance on the internal fan (45) through the inspection hatch (25).

[0067] The closing plate (80) opens and closes the inspection hatch (25). In this example, the closing plate (80) is attached to the inspection hatch (25) so as to cover the inspection hatch (25) and is screwed to the wall of the transport container (10) (specifically, the front wall of the casing (21) of the refrigeration unit (20)). This closes the inspection hatch (25). When the closing plate (80) is unscrewed and removed from the inspection hatch (25), the inspection hatch (25) opens.

[0068] The detector 19 detects whether the inspection hatch 25 is opened or closed by the closing plate 80. Known open / close detection technology can be used for the detector 19. For example, the detector 19 may be a magnetic open / close sensor.

[0069] In the container system 1 of the first embodiment, the inspection hatch 25 is the opening 17 that is the target of the abnormal opening monitoring process described below. The closure plate 80 is the opening / closing unit 18 that opens and closes the opening 17. The detector 19 detects the opening and closing of the opening 17 by the opening / closing unit 18.

[0070] [Various sensors] The transport container (10) is provided with various sensors for detecting various physical quantities in various parts of the transport container (10). Examples of such sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Examples of the physical quantities detected by such sensors include the pressure and temperature of the high-pressure side (high-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit (50), the pressure and temperature of the low-pressure side (low-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit (50), the temperature of the outside air sucked into the external heat exchanger (41), the temperature of the outside air blown out from the external heat exchanger (41), the temperature of the inside air sucked into the internal heat exchanger (44), the temperature of the inside air blown out from the internal heat exchanger (44), etc.

[0071] 3, in this example, the transport container (10) is provided with an intake temperature sensor (61) and an outlet temperature sensor (62). The intake temperature sensor (61) is provided at the inlet (32) and detects the temperature of the internal air sucked into the internal heat exchanger (44). The outlet temperature sensor (62) is provided at the outlet (33) and detects the temperature of the internal air blown out from the internal heat exchanger (44).

[0072] [Electrical equipment box] As shown in Fig. 1, an electrical component box (70) is provided in the casing (21). The electrical component box (70) accommodates electrical components such as a control board, a power supply circuit board, a power supply terminal, and other electronic devices. The electrical component box (70) is provided in the middle of the casing (21) in the vertical direction.

[0073] 5, the container system (1) includes, in addition to the transport container (10), a power supply unit (71), a communication unit (72), a memory unit (73), a notification unit (74), and a control unit (75). For example, the power supply unit (71), the communication unit (72), the memory unit (73), the notification unit (74), and the control unit (75) are housed in an electrical component box (70).

[0074] A power source is connected to the power supply unit (71), and power is supplied from the power source to the power supply unit (71). The power source is provided outside the transport container (10). For example, the power source is a power supply facility inside the transport container (10) of a box-shaped ship. The power supply unit (71) supplies power supplied from the power source to each component of the transport container (10). For example, the power supply unit (71) includes a power conversion unit that converts the power supplied from the power source into desired power, and a power control unit that controls the power conversion unit. By monitoring the power supply unit (71), it is possible to check whether power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). The power supply unit (71) may also be configured to transmit information indicating whether power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) to the control unit (75).

[0075] The communication unit 72 transmits and receives various information and data. The communication unit 72 is a communication interface provided for communication between the control unit 75 and devices external to the container system 1. For example, the communication unit 72 includes a modem. Examples of devices external to the container system 1 include portable communication terminals such as smartphones and tablets, and stationary communication terminals such as server devices.

[0076] The storage unit 73 stores various types of information and data. In this example, the storage unit 73 stores information used for controlling the container system 1 (e.g., set values ​​such as thresholds), information obtained by various sensors (e.g., measured values), information and data input from outside the container system 1, etc. For example, the storage unit 73 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), etc.

[0077] The notification unit 74 notifies various types of information in response to control by the control unit 75. Examples of the notification unit 74 include a display that displays an image showing the information to be notified, a speaker that outputs a sound showing the information to be notified, a lamp that outputs a notification light corresponding to the information to be notified, and a buzzer that outputs a notification sound corresponding to the information to be notified.

[0078] The control unit 75 performs various processes. Specifically, the control unit 75 acquires information and data from each unit of the container system 1 and performs various processes based on the information and data. The processes performed by the control unit 75 will be described in detail later.

[0079] For example, the control unit (75) includes a processor, a memory, an input / output interface, etc. The memory is electrically connected to the processor and stores programs and data for operating the processor. The processor executes the programs to realize various functions of the control unit (75). The control unit (75) also includes components for control (e.g., electric circuits, electronic circuits, etc.).

[0080] [Abnormal opening] Next, an abnormal opening of the opening (17) will be described. An abnormal opening is an opening that is different from the intended purpose. Examples of abnormal opening include unauthorized opening for a purpose other than the intended purpose, and unintentional opening due to an accident. Such abnormal opening is often performed without considering the operating state of the cooling unit (20a).

[0081] The inspection hatch (25) is usually opened in consideration of whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a). For example, if there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a), the inspection hatch (25) is opened to perform maintenance (inspection) of the cooling unit (20a). On the other hand, the inspection hatch (25) is often opened in the event of an abnormality without consideration of whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a).

[0082] [Processing by the control unit] Next, the processing performed by the control unit (75) will be described. In this example, the control unit (75) performs an operation control process, a status monitoring process, a power supply monitoring process, an abnormal open monitoring process, etc. For example, the status monitoring process and the power supply monitoring process are repeatedly performed (e.g., periodically).

[0083] [Operation control processing] In the operation control process, the control unit (75) controls the operation of the cooling unit (20a). Specifically, the control unit (75) controls the cooling unit (20a) so that the temperature of the air in the internal space (12) becomes a set temperature (a predetermined target temperature). For example, the control unit (75) controls the start / stop and rotation speed of the compressor (40), the start / stop and rotation speed of the external fan (42), the start / stop and rotation speed of the internal fan (45), the opening degree of the expansion valve (51), and the opening / closing of the first valve (58) and the second valve (59).

[0084] [Status monitoring process] In the condition monitoring process, the control unit (75) monitors the condition of each part of the cooling unit (20a). The control unit (75) then determines whether or not each part of the cooling unit (20a) is abnormal. For example, when the condition of the internal fan (45) satisfies a predetermined abnormality condition, the control unit (75) determines that the internal fan (45) is abnormal. Note that a well-known abnormality determination technique can be used to determine whether or not each part of the cooling unit (20a), such as the internal fan (45), is abnormal.

[0085] Examples of abnormalities in the internal fan (45) include breakage of the fan included in the internal fan (45), locking of the fan motor included in the internal fan (45) (stop of rotation due to a malfunction, etc.), etc. Examples of abnormalities in the components of the cooling unit (20a) include breakage, malfunction, deterioration, malfunction, etc.

[0086] The control unit (75) also associates the “determination result of the presence or absence of an abnormality in each part of the cooling unit (20a)” obtained in the state monitoring process with a time (or date and time, the same applies hereinafter), and stores the result in the storage unit (73). For example, the control unit (75) stores information in the storage unit (73) that associates the “determination result indicating that a component (e.g., the internal fan (45)) of the cooling unit (20a) is abnormal” with the “time at which the determination result was obtained.”

[0087] [Power supply monitoring process] In the power supply monitoring process, the control unit (75) monitors the state of the power supply unit (71). The control unit (75) then determines whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) via the power supply unit (71). For example, when the power (voltage) output from the power supply unit (71) to the cooling unit (20a) exceeds a threshold, the control unit (75) determines that power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) via the power supply unit (71).

[0088] The control unit (75) also associates the “determination result of whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)” obtained in the power supply monitoring process with time and stores the result in the storage unit (73). For example, the control unit (75) stores information in the storage unit (73) that associates the “determination result indicating whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)” with the “time at which the determination result was obtained.”

[0089] [Abnormal Open Monitoring Processing] In the abnormal open monitoring process, when the control unit (75) detects that the opening (17) is open, it outputs information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open, based on information about the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened. Hereinafter, the information about the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) will be referred to as “first information,” and the information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open will be referred to as “second information.”

[0090] In this example, the opening (17) is an inspection hatch (25). The first information includes information indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a). The abnormality in the cooling unit (20a) is an abnormality in the internal fan (45). The control unit (75) outputs information for determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open, based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the internal fan (45) when the inspection hatch (25) is open. The information for determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open is an example of second information.

[0091] In this example, the control unit (75) detects the opening of the inspection hatch (25) based on the detection result of the detector (19). Furthermore, when the opening of the opening (17) is abnormally open, the control unit (75) notifies the user that the opening (17) is abnormally open.

[0092] [Flow of abnormal opening monitoring process] Next, the abnormal open monitoring process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The control unit (75) repeatedly performs the following process.

[0093] <Step (S11)> The control unit (75) determines whether the inspection hatch (25) is open. When the inspection hatch (25) is open, the process of step (S12) is performed. In this example, the control unit (75) detects that the inspection hatch (25) is open based on the detection result of the detector (19).

[0094] <Step (S12)> When it is detected in step (S11) that the inspection hatch (25) is open, the control unit (75) determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the internal fan (45). If there is no abnormality in the internal fan (45) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the process of step (S13) is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0095] In this example, the control unit (75) detects an abnormality in the indoor fan (45) based on the "determination result of whether or not there is an abnormality in the indoor fan (45)" obtained by the state monitoring process. Specifically, the control unit (75) determines that the indoor fan (45) is abnormal if the determination result obtained by the state monitoring process indicates that "the indoor fan (45) is abnormal," and otherwise determines that the indoor fan (45) is not abnormal.

[0096] For example, the control unit (75) acquires information corresponding to the time immediately before the time when it was detected in step (S11) that the inspection hatch (25) is open from the information stored in the storage unit (73) (information linking the “determination result indicating that a component (e.g., the internal fan (45)) of the cooling unit (20a) is abnormal” with the “time when the determination result was obtained”), and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the internal fan (45) based on the determination result indicated in the information. Alternatively, when it is detected in step (S11) that the inspection hatch (25) is open, the control unit (75) performs a state monitoring process and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the internal fan (45) based on the determination result obtained by the state monitoring process.

[0097] <Step (S13)> If the internal fan (45) is not abnormal when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the control unit (75) determines that the opening of the inspection hatch (25) detected in step (S11) is “abnormally open.”

[0098] <Step (S14)> Next, the control unit (75) issues a notification that the opening of the inspection hatch (25) detected in step (S11) is “abnormally open.” In this example, the control unit (75) controls the notification unit (74) to cause the notification unit (74) to notify that the opening of the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open. In other words, the control unit (75) outputs, via the notification unit (74), information indicating that the opening of the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open. The information indicating that the opening of the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open is an example of second information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open.

[0099] [Effects of the First Embodiment] As described above, the container system (1) of the first embodiment includes a transport container (10) having a container body (11) and a refrigeration device (20) connected to the container body (11), and a control unit (75). The refrigeration device (20) has a cooling unit (20a) that cools the interior of the container body (11). The transport container (10) is provided with an opening (17) and an opening / closing unit (18) that opens and closes the opening (17). The control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open, based on first information related to the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is open.

[0100] As described above, the opening (17) is usually opened in consideration of the operating state of the cooling unit (20a). On the other hand, the opening (17) is often abnormally opened (e.g., improperly opened) without consideration of the operating state of the cooling unit (20a). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally opened or not based on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally opened.

[0101] In the container system (1) of the first embodiment, the opening (17) is an inspection hatch (25) provided for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a).

[0102] The above configuration makes it possible to determine whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open. Then, by outputting information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open based on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is open, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open.

[0103] In the container system (1) of the first embodiment, the first information includes information indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a).

[0104] As described above, the inspection hatch (25) is usually opened in many cases, taking into consideration whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a). On the other hand, the inspection hatch (25) is often opened abnormally without considering whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the accuracy of determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened can be improved.

[0105] In the container system (1) of the first embodiment, the cooling unit (20a) includes an internal fan (45) for circulating air between the inside of the container body (11) and the refrigeration unit (20). The inspection hatch (25) is an opening for exposing the internal fan (45). An abnormality in the cooling unit (20a) is an abnormality in the internal fan (45).

[0106] In the above configuration, by outputting information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open or not based on whether there is an abnormality in the interior blower (45) when the inspection hatch (25) is open, it is possible to accurately determine whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open or not.

[0107] The container system (1) of the first embodiment also includes a detector (19) that detects whether the inspection hatch (25) is opened or closed by the opening / closing unit (18). The control unit (75) detects whether the inspection hatch (25) is opened based on the detection result of the detector (19). With the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately detect whether the inspection hatch (25) is opened.

[0108] Furthermore, in the container system of the first embodiment, when the opening of the opening (17) (the inspection hatch (25)) is abnormally open, the control unit (75) notifies the user that the opening of the opening (17) is abnormally open. With the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the opening (17) is abnormally open.

[0109] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 1) The container system (1) of the first modified example of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the first embodiment in the abnormal opening monitoring process. The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first modified example of the first embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0110] In the first modification of the first embodiment, the first information includes information indicating whether or not the power source is supplying power to the cooling unit (20a).

[0111] [Abnormal opening] Note that the inspection hatch (25) is usually opened while taking into consideration whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). For example, when performing maintenance (inspection) of the cooling unit (20a), the inspection hatch (25) is opened while power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) to operate the cooling unit (20a). On the other hand, the inspection hatch (25) is often opened in an emergency without considering whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a).

[0112] [Abnormal Open Monitoring Processing] In the abnormal opening monitoring process of the first modification of the first embodiment, the control unit (75) outputs information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open, based on “whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)” when the inspection hatch (25) is opened.

[0113] [Flow of abnormal opening monitoring process] Next, the flow of the abnormal open monitoring process of the first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The control unit (75) repeatedly performs the following process. Note that in the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 7, steps (S21, S23, S24) are similar to steps (S11, S13, S14) shown in Fig. 6, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In other words, in the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 7, step (S22) is performed instead of step (S12) shown in Fig. 6.

[0114] <Step (S22)> When it is detected in step (S21) that the inspection hatch (25) is open, the control unit (75) determines whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). If power is not being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is open, the process of step (S23) is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0115] In this example, the control unit (75) determines whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) based on the “determination result of whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)" obtained by the power supply monitoring process. Specifically, when the determination result obtained by the power supply monitoring process indicates that “power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a),” the control unit (75) determines that power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a), and when this determination result does not indicate this, the control unit (75) determines that power is not being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a).

[0116] For example, the control unit (75) acquires information corresponding to the time immediately before the time when it was detected in step (S21) that the inspection hatch (25) is open from the information stored in the storage unit (73) (information linking the “determination result indicating whether or not there is power supply from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)” with the “time when the determination result was obtained”), and determines whether or not there is power supply from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) based on the determination result indicated in the information. Alternatively, when it is detected in step (S21) that the inspection hatch (25) is open, the control unit (75) performs a power supply monitoring process and determines whether or not there is power supply from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) based on the determination result obtained by the power supply monitoring process.

[0117] [Effects of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1] The container system (1) of the first modified example of the first embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0118] In the container system (1) of the first modification of the first embodiment, the first information on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) includes information indicating whether or not the power source is supplying power to the cooling unit (20a).

[0119] As described above, the inspection hatch (25) is usually opened while taking into consideration whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). On the other hand, the inspection hatch (25) is often abnormally opened without considering whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened based on whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the accuracy of determining whether or not the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally opened can be improved.

[0120] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) The container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the first embodiment in the abnormal opening monitoring process. The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0121] [Abnormal opening] The inspection hatch (25) is usually opened in consideration of whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required. For example, the inspection hatch (25) is opened when maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required. On the other hand, the inspection hatch (25) is often opened in an emergency without consideration of whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required.

[0122] [Abnormal Open Monitoring Processing] In the abnormal opening monitoring process of the second modification of the first embodiment, the control unit (75) outputs second information based on the first information (information on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a)) when the opening (17) is opened and the “information for checking whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required” when the opening (17) is opened.

[0123] In the second modification of the first embodiment, the information for checking whether the cooling unit (20a) needs maintenance includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10).

[0124] [Flow of abnormal opening monitoring process] Next, the flow of the abnormal open monitoring process according to the second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The control unit (75) repeatedly performs the following process. Note that in the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 8, steps (S31, S32, S34, S35) are similar to steps (S11, S12, S13, S14) shown in Fig. 6, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In other words, in the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 8, step (S33) is performed in addition to steps (S11 to S14) shown in Fig. 6.

[0125] <Step (S33)> If it is determined in step (S32) that the internal fan (45) is not abnormal, the control unit (75) determines whether the location of the transport container (10) is “a location where maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is performed (maintenance location).” If the location of the transport container (10) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened is not the maintenance location, the process of step (S34) is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0126] In this example, the control unit 75 acquires location information indicating the location (latitude and inclination) of the transport container 10 from a global positioning system (GPS). Maintenance location information indicating a representative location (latitude and inclination) of the maintenance location is stored in advance in the storage unit 73. The control unit 75 then determines that the location of the transport container 10 is a maintenance location if the location of the transport container 10 is within a "predetermined range with the representative location of the maintenance location indicated in the maintenance location information as a reference (e.g., center)," and otherwise determines that the location of the transport container 10 is not a maintenance location.

[0127] [Effects of Modification 2 of Embodiment 1] The container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0128] In addition, in the container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment, the control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open or not, based on first information when the opening (17) (inspection hatch (25)) is opened and information for confirming whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required when the opening (17) is opened.

[0129] As described above, the inspection hatch (25) is usually opened in consideration of whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required. On the other hand, the inspection hatch (25) is often opened abnormally without consideration of whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required. Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open based not only on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened but also on whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required when the inspection hatch (25) is opened, the accuracy of determining whether the inspection hatch (25) is abnormally open can be improved.

[0130] Furthermore, in the container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment, the information for checking whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10). In the above configuration, whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required can be checked based on the information indicating the location of the transport container (10) (specifically, whether or not the location of the transport container (10) is a location where maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is performed).

[0131] (Modification 3 of Embodiment 1) The container system (1) of the third modification of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment in the information for checking whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required. The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the third modification of the first embodiment are similar to those of the container system (1) of the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0132] In the third modification of the first embodiment, the information for checking whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required includes information indicating a schedule for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a).

[0133] [Flow of abnormal opening monitoring process] Next, the flow of the abnormal open monitoring process according to the third modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The control unit (75) repeatedly performs the following process. In the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 9, steps (S41, S42, S44, S45) are the same as steps (S31, S32, S34, S35) shown in Fig. 8, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In other words, in the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 9, step (S43) is performed instead of step (S33) shown in Fig. 8.

[0134] <Step (S43)> If it is determined in step (S42) that the internal fan (45) is not abnormal, the control unit (75) determines whether it is time for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) (maintenance time). If the date and time (date and time) when the inspection hatch (25) is opened is not within the maintenance time, the process of step (S44) is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0135] In this example, the control unit (75) acquires the date and time when the inspection hatch (25) is opened. Information indicating the scheduled maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is stored in advance in the storage unit (73). This information indicates the period and time zone of the maintenance period (the period and time zone during which maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) should be performed). If the date and time when the inspection hatch (25) is opened falls within the period and time zone of the maintenance period, the control unit (75) determines that the date and time when the inspection hatch (25) is opened falls within the maintenance period; otherwise, the control unit (75) determines that the date and time when the inspection hatch (25) is opened does not fall within the maintenance period.

[0136] [Effects of Modification 3 of Embodiment 1] The container system (1) according to the third modification of the first embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the container system (1) according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0137] In the container system (1) of the third modification of the first embodiment, the information for checking whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required includes information indicating a schedule for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a). In the above configuration, it is possible to check whether or not maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required based on the schedule for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a).

[0138] (Fourth Modification of First Embodiment) The container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the first embodiment in the configuration of the opening / closing part (18) and the process for detecting the opening of the opening (17) (opening detection process). The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0139] Fig. 10 illustrates the configuration of the opening / closing section (18) in Variation 4 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 10, the inspection hatch (25) includes a first inspection hatch (25a) and a second inspection hatch (25b) that are aligned in a predetermined direction. In this example, the predetermined direction is the left-right direction. The first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0140] In the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the open-close portion (18) includes a first closure plate (80a), a second closure plate (80b), a first locking portion (81), a second locking portion (82), and a central locking portion (83). The first closure plate (80a) is configured to be able to close the first inspection hatch (25a). The second closure plate (80b) is configured to be able to close the second inspection hatch (25b).

[0141] The first locking portion (81) is provided on the side of the first inspection hatch (25a) farther from the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction (in this example, to the right of the first inspection hatch (25a)), and is configured to be able to lock the first closure plate (80a). The second locking portion (82) is provided on the side of the second inspection hatch (25b) farther from the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction (in this example, to the left of the second inspection hatch (25b)), and is configured to be able to lock the second closure plate (80b).

[0142] The central locking portion (83) is provided between the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) in a predetermined direction, and is configured to be able to lock the first closing plate (80a) and the second closing plate (80b).

[0143] The first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are locked to the first locking portion (81), the second locking portion (82), and the central locking portion (83) while closing the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b). When the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are released from locking by the first locking portion (81), the second locking portion (82), and the central locking portion (83), the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) can be opened.

[0144] [Details of the first locking part] The first locking portion (81) has a first protrusion (811) provided on the wall of the transport container (10) and a first insertion portion (812) provided on the first closure plate (80a).

[0145] The first protrusion (811) protrudes from the wall of the transport container (10). The first protrusion (811) is provided with a first locking hole (81a). In this example, the first protrusion (811) is provided on the front surface of the casing (21) of the refrigeration unit (20) to the right of the first inspection hatch (25a), and protrudes forward. The first locking hole (81a) penetrates the first protrusion (811) in the left-right direction. The cross section of the first locking hole (81a) perpendicular to the penetration direction is an elongated rectangle extending in the up-down direction.

[0146] The first insertion portion (812) protrudes from an edge portion of the first closure plate (80a) that closes the first inspection hatch (25a) on the side farther from the second inspection hatch (25b) in a predetermined direction. The first insertion portion (812) is configured to be insertable into the first locking hole (81a). In this example, the first insertion portion (812) is provided on the right edge portion of the first closure plate (80a) and protrudes to the right. The cross section of the first insertion portion (812) perpendicular to the protruding direction is an elongated rectangle extending in the vertical direction.

[0147] The first locking portion (81) locks the first closure plate (80a) when the first insertion portion (812) is inserted into the first locking hole (81a). The first locking portion (81) releases the lock on the first closure plate (80a) when the first insertion portion (812) is removed from the first locking hole (81a).

[0148] [Details of the second locking portion] The second locking portion (82) has a second protrusion (821) provided on the wall of the transport container (10) and a second insertion portion (822) provided on the second closure plate (80b).

[0149] The second protrusion (821) protrudes from the wall of the transport container (10). The second protrusion (821) is provided with a second locking hole (82a). In this example, the second protrusion (821) is provided on the front surface of the casing (21) of the refrigeration unit (20) to the left of the second inspection hatch (25b), and protrudes forward. The second locking hole (82a) penetrates the second protrusion (821) in the left-right direction. The cross section of the second locking hole (82a) perpendicular to the penetration direction is an elongated rectangle extending in the up-down direction.

[0150] The second insertion portion (822) protrudes from the edge of the second closure plate (80b) that closes the second inspection hatch (25b) on the side farther from the first inspection hatch (25a) in a predetermined direction. The second insertion portion (822) is configured to be insertable into the second locking hole (82a). In this example, the second insertion portion (822) is provided on the left edge of the second closure plate (80b) and protrudes leftward. The cross section of the second insertion portion (822) perpendicular to the protruding direction is an elongated rectangle extending in the vertical direction.

[0151] The second locking portion (82) locks the second closure plate (80b) when the second insertion portion (822) is inserted into the second locking hole (82a). The second locking portion (82) releases the lock on the second closure plate (80b) when the second insertion portion (822) is removed from the second locking hole (82a).

[0152] [Details of the central locking part] The central locking portion (83) has a third protrusion (831) provided on the wall of the transport container (10), a fourth protrusion (832) provided on the first closure plate (80a), a fifth protrusion (833) provided on the second closure plate (80b), and a locking rod (834).

[0153] The third protrusion (831) protrudes from the wall of the transport container (10). The third protrusion (831) is provided with a third locking hole (83a). In this example, the third protrusion (831) is provided on the front surface of the casing (21) of the refrigeration unit (20) between the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b), and protrudes forward. The third locking hole (83a) penetrates the third protrusion (831) in the left-right direction. The cross section of the third locking hole (83a) perpendicular to the penetration direction is circular.

[0154] The fourth protrusion (832) protrudes from an edge of the first closure plate (80a) that closes the first inspection hatch (25a) on a side closer to the second inspection hatch (25b) in a predetermined direction. A fourth locking hole (83b) is provided in the fourth protrusion (832). In this example, the fourth protrusion (832) is provided on the left edge of the first closure plate (80a) and protrudes forward. The fourth locking hole (83b) penetrates the fourth protrusion (832) in the left-right direction. The cross section of the fourth locking hole (83b) perpendicular to the penetration direction is circular.

[0155] The fifth protrusion (833) protrudes from an edge of the second closure plate (80b) that closes the second inspection hatch (25b) on a side closer to the first inspection hatch (25a) in a predetermined direction. A fifth locking hole (83c) is provided in the fifth protrusion (833). In this example, the fifth protrusion (833) is provided on the right edge of the second closure plate (80b) and protrudes forward. The fifth locking hole (83c) penetrates the fifth protrusion (833) in the left-right direction. The cross section of the fifth locking hole (83c) perpendicular to the penetration direction is circular.

[0156] The locking rod (834) is configured to be insertable into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c). In this example, the cross section of the locking rod (834) perpendicular to the extension direction is circular. An L-shaped locking piece (835) is connected to one end of the locking rod (834).

[0157] The central locking portion (83) locks the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) by inserting the locking rod (834) into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c). The central locking portion (83) releases the lock of the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) by removing the locking rod (834) from the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c).

[0158] For example, the first protrusion 811, the second protrusion 821, and the third protrusion 831 are made of aluminum material and are welded to the wall of the transport container 10. The first closure plate 80a, the first insert 812, and the fourth protrusion 832 are made of aluminum material, and the first insert 812 and the fourth protrusion 832 are welded to the first closure plate 80a. The second closure plate 80b, the second insert 822, and the fifth protrusion 833 are made of aluminum material, and the second insert 822 and the fifth protrusion 833 are welded to the second closure plate 80b.

[0159] [Open detection process] In the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the detector (19) detects that the inspection hatch (25) is open when the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are released from the engagement of the central locking portion (83). Specifically, the detector (19) detects that the inspection hatch (25) is open when the locking rod (834) of the central locking portion (83) is removed. In this example, the state in which the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are released from the engagement of the central locking portion (83) (the state in which the locking rod (834) is removed) is considered to be the "open state of the inspection hatch (25)."

[0160] [Effects of Modification 4 of Embodiment 1] The container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0161] In the container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the inspection hatch (25) includes a first inspection hatch (25a) and a second inspection hatch (25b) aligned in a predetermined direction. The opening / closing unit (18) includes a first closure plate (80a), a second closure plate (80b), a first locking portion (81), a second locking portion (82), and a central locking portion (83) capable of locking the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b). The detector (19) detects the opening of the inspection hatch (25) when the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are released from locking by the central locking portion (83).

[0162] In the above configuration, by monitoring the central locking portion (83), it is possible to detect whether both the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) are open.

[0163] In the container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the central locking portion (83) includes a third protrusion (831) having a third locking hole (83a), a fourth protrusion (832) having a fourth locking hole (83b), a fifth protrusion (833) having a fifth locking hole (83c), and a locking rod (834). The central locking portion (83) locks the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) by inserting the locking rod (834) into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c).

[0164] In the above configuration, by monitoring the locking rod (834) of the central locking portion (83), it is possible to detect whether both the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) are open.

[0165] (Fifth Modification of First Embodiment) The container system (1) of the fifth modification of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment in the configuration of the central locking portion (83). The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the fifth modification of the first embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0166] FIG. 11 illustrates the configuration of the opening / closing part (18) in Variation 5 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the third locking hole (83a) passes through the third protrusion (831) in the vertical direction. The fourth locking hole (83b) passes through the fourth protrusion (832) in the vertical direction. The fifth locking hole (83c) passes through the fifth protrusion (833) in the vertical direction. The other configurations of the opening / closing part (18) in Variation 4 of Embodiment 1 are similar to the configurations of the opening / closing part (18) in Variation 4 of Embodiment 1.

[0167] [Effects of Modification 5 of Embodiment 1] The container system (1) according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the container system (1) according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0168] (Modification 6 of Embodiment 1) The container system (1) of the sixth modified example of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the first embodiment in the process for detecting the opening of the opening (17) (opening detection process). The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the sixth modified example of the first embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0169] [Illumination inside a shipping container] When the surroundings of the transport container 10 are brighter than the interior of the transport container 10, opening and closing the opening 17 (in this example, the inspection hatch 25) changes the illuminance inside the transport container 10. For example, when the opening 17 is opened, the illuminance inside the transport container 10 increases. On the other hand, when the opening 17 is closed, the illuminance inside the transport container 10 decreases.

[0170] [Illuminance sensor] 12, the container system (1) according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment includes an illuminance sensor (65). The illuminance sensor (65) detects the illuminance inside the transport container (10).

[0171] [Open detection process] In the sixth modification of the first embodiment, the control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) based on a change in the illuminance inside the transport container (10) detected by the illuminance sensor (65). Specifically, the control unit (75) determines that the opening (17) is open when the illuminance inside the transport container (10) detected by the illuminance sensor (65) increases and exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the control unit (75) determines that the opening (17) is closed when the illuminance inside the transport container (10) detected by the illuminance sensor (65) decreases and no longer exceeds the threshold.

[0172] [Effects of Modification 6 of Embodiment 1] In the container system (1) of the sixth modification of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the container system (1) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0173] The container system (1) of the sixth modification of the first embodiment also includes an illuminance sensor (65) that detects the illuminance inside the transport container (10). The control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) (the inspection hatch (25) in this example) based on the change in the illuminance inside the transport container (10) detected by the illuminance sensor (65).

[0174] As described above, when the surroundings of the transport container 10 are brighter than the interior of the transport container 10, the illuminance inside the transport container 10 changes when the opening 17 is opened or closed. Therefore, the opening of the opening 17 (inspection hatch 25 in this example) can be detected based on the change in illuminance inside the transport container 10.

[0175] (Seventh Modification of the First Embodiment) The container system (1) of the seventh modification of the first embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the first embodiment in the process for detecting the opening of the opening (17). The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the seventh modification of the first embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0176] [Temperature and pressure inside the shipping container] When the opening 17 (inspection hatch 25 in this example) is opened or closed while the cooling unit 20a is operating, the temperature and pressure inside the transport container 10 (specifically, the air in the interior space 12) change. For example, when the opening 17 is opened while the cooling unit 20a is operating, the temperature inside the transport container 10 increases, and when the opening 17 is closed, the temperature inside the transport container 10 decreases. Furthermore, when the opening 17 is opened while the cooling unit 20a is operating, the pressure inside the transport container 10 increases, and when the opening 17 is closed, the pressure inside the transport container 10 decreases.

[0177] Furthermore, the change in temperature or pressure inside the transport container (10) in response to the opening of the inspection hatch (25) differs from the change in temperature or pressure inside the transport container (10) in response to the opening of the entrance / exit (14). Specifically, the rate of increase in the temperature of the interior air at the outlet (33) (amount of increase per unit time) is greater when the inspection hatch (25) is open than when the entrance / exit (14) is open. The same is true for the rate of increase in the pressure of the interior air at the outlet (33).

[0178] In this example, the temperature of the inside air at the outlet (33) is detected by a discharge temperature sensor (62) provided at the outlet (33). Alternatively, a discharge pressure sensor may be provided instead of (or in addition to) the discharge temperature sensor (62). The discharge pressure sensor (not shown) is provided at the outlet (33) and detects the pressure of the inside air at the outlet (33). The discharge temperature sensor (62) is an example of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the transport container (10). The discharge pressure sensor is an example of a temperature sensor that detects the pressure inside the transport container (10).

[0179] [Open detection process] In the seventh modification of the first embodiment, the control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) (the inspection hatch (25) in this example) based on a change in the temperature or pressure inside the transport container (10). In this example, the control unit (75) determines that the inspection hatch (25) is opened when the temperature of the inside air detected by the discharge temperature sensor (62) increases and becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, and the rate of increase in the temperature of the inside air detected by the discharge temperature sensor (62) exceeds the predetermined rate.

[0180] [Effects of Modification 7 of Embodiment 1] In the container system (1) of the seventh modification of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the container system (1) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0181] In addition, in the container system (1) of the seventh modification of the first embodiment, the control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) (in this example, the inspection hatch (25)) based on a change in temperature or pressure inside the transport container (10).

[0182] As described above, when the opening 17 (inspection hatch 25 in this example) is opened or closed while the cooling unit 20a is operating, the temperature and pressure inside the transport container 10 (specifically, the air in the interior space 12) change. Therefore, the opening of the opening 17 can be detected based on the change in the temperature or pressure inside the transport container 10.

[0183] (Embodiment 2) The container system (1) of the second embodiment differs from the container system (1) of the first embodiment in the opening (17) that is the target of the abnormal opening monitoring process and the abnormal opening monitoring process. The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the second embodiment are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of the first embodiment.

[0184] In the second embodiment, the opening (17) that is the target of the abnormal open monitoring process is the entrance / exit (14). The first information on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) includes information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a).

[0185] [Abnormal Open Monitoring Processing] In the abnormal opening monitoring process of the second embodiment, the control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether the entrance / exit (14) is abnormally opened, based on “information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)” when the opening (17) is opened and “information for confirming whether or not it is necessary to put in or take out contents from the transport container (10)” when the opening (17) is opened.

[0186] In the second embodiment, the information for checking whether or not it is necessary to take in or out the contents of the transport container (10) includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10).

[0187] [Flow of abnormal opening monitoring process] Next, the flow of the abnormal opening monitoring process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The control unit (75) repeatedly performs the following process.

[0188] <Step (S51)> The control unit 75 determines whether the entrance 14 is open. When the entrance 14 is open, the process of step S52 is performed. In this example, the control unit 75 detects that the entrance 14 is open based on the detection result of the door open / close detector 16.

[0189] <Step (S52)> When it is detected in step S51 that the entrance (14) is open, the control unit (75) determines whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a). If power is not being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the entrance (14) is open, the process of step S53 is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0190] In this example, the control unit (75) determines whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) based on the “determination result of whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)” obtained by the power supply monitoring process. The process of step (S52) is the same as the process of step (S22) shown in Fig. 7, and corresponds to the process of step (S22) where the “inspection hatch (25)” is replaced with the “entrance / exit (14).”

[0191] <Step (S53)> When it is determined in step (S52) that "there is no power supply from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)," the control unit (75) determines whether the location of the transport container (10) is "a location where contents are loaded and unloaded (loading and unloading location)." If the location of the transport container (10) when the entrance / exit (14) is opened is not a loading and unloading location, the process of step (S54) is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0192] The processing of step (S53) is the same as the processing of step (S33) shown in Figure 8, and corresponds to the processing in which the "inspection hatch (25)" and "maintenance location" in step (S33) are replaced with "entrance / exit (14)" and "loading / unloading location."

[0193] <Step (S54)> If it is determined in step (S52) that "there is no power supply from the power source to the cooling unit (20a)" and if it is determined in step (S53) that "the transport container (10) is not located at the loading / unloading location," the control unit (75) determines that the opening of the entrance / exit (14) detected in step (S51) is "abnormally open."

[0194] <Step (S55)> Next, the control unit (75) issues a notification that the opening of the entrance / exit (14) detected in step (S51) is “abnormally open.” In this example, the control unit (75) controls the notification unit (74) to issue a notification that the opening of the entrance / exit (14) is abnormally open.

[0195] The processing in step (S55) is the same as the processing in step (S14) shown in FIG. 6, and corresponds to the processing in step (S14) where "inspection hatch (25)" is replaced with "entrance / exit (14)."

[0196] [Effects of the Second Embodiment] As described above, in the container system (1) of the second embodiment, the opening (17) is the entrance / exit (14) for putting in and taking out the contents stored in the transport container (10). The first information on the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) includes information indicating whether or not the power source is supplying power to the cooling unit (20a). The control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether or not the opening (17) (entrance / exit (14)) is abnormally open, based on the information indicating whether or not the power source is supplying power to the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) (entrance / exit (14)) is open and information for confirming whether or not it is necessary to put in or take out the contents of the transport container (10) when the opening (17) (entrance / exit (14)) is open.

[0197] The opening of the entrance / exit 14 is usually performed taking into consideration whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit 20a and whether or not it is necessary to take in or out items from the transport container 10. For example, when it is necessary to take in or out items from the transport container 10, the entrance / exit 14 is opened while power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit 20a to operate the cooling unit 20a. On the other hand, the abnormal opening of the entrance / exit 14 is often performed without considering whether or not power is being supplied from the power source to the cooling unit 20a and whether or not it is necessary to take in or out items from the transport container 10.

[0198] Therefore, by outputting information for determining whether the entrance / exit (14) is abnormally open or not based on whether or not power is supplied from the power source to the cooling unit (20a) when the entrance / exit (14) is open and whether or not it is necessary to put in or take out contents from the transport container (10) when the entrance / exit (14) is open, the accuracy of determining whether the entrance / exit (14) is abnormally open can be improved.

[0199] In the container system (1) of the second embodiment, the information for checking whether or not it is necessary to take in or out the contents of the transport container (10) includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10).

[0200] In the above configuration, it is possible to confirm whether or not it is necessary to take in or out the contents of the transport container (10) based on information indicating the location of the transport container (10) (specifically, whether or not the location of the transport container (10) is a place where the contents are taken in or out).

[0201] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 2) The container system (1) of Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 differs from the container system (1) of Embodiment 2 in the abnormal opening monitoring process. The other configurations and processes of the container system (1) of Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 are similar to the configurations and processes of the container system (1) of Embodiment 2.

[0202] In the first modification of the second embodiment, the information for checking whether or not it is necessary to take in or out the contents of the transport container (10) includes information indicating the schedule for taking in or out the contents of the transport container (10).

[0203] [Flow of abnormal opening monitoring process] Next, the flow of the abnormal open monitoring process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The control unit (75) repeatedly performs the following process. In the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 14, steps (S61, S62, S64, S65) are similar to steps (S51, S52, S53, S54) shown in Fig. 13, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In other words, in the abnormal open monitoring process shown in Fig. 14, step (S63) is performed in addition to steps (S51 to S54) shown in Fig. 13.

[0204] <Step (S63)> If it is determined in step S62 that "there is no power supply from the power source to the cooling unit 20a," the control unit 75 determines whether it is time to load or unload the contents of the transport container 10. If the time when the entrance 14 is opened is not within the loading or unloading period, the process of step S64 is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0205] The processing of step (S63) is the same as the processing of step (S43) shown in Figure 9, and corresponds to the processing in which the "inspection hatch (25)" and "maintenance time" in step (S43) are replaced with "entrance / exit (14)" and "time for loading / unloading."

[0206] [Effects of Modification 1 of Embodiment 2] In the container system (1) of the first modified example of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the container system (1) of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0207] In the container system (1) of the first modified example of the second embodiment, the information for checking whether or not it is necessary to take in or take out the contents of the transport container (10) includes information indicating a schedule for taking in or take out the contents of the transport container (10). In the above configuration, it is possible to check whether or not it is necessary to take in or take out the contents of the transport container (10) based on the schedule for taking in or take out the contents.

[0208] (Other embodiments) In the above description, the following configuration may be adopted.

[0209] In the abnormal opening monitoring process, the control unit 75 may transmit (output) second information for determining whether the opening 17 is abnormally open to a device external to the container system 1 via the communication unit 72. Such an external device (not shown) is used by the manager of the transport container 10. With this configuration, the manager can be notified of whether the opening 17 of the transport container 10 is abnormally open. For example, the second information may be information that links the "determination result indicating that the opening of the opening 17 is abnormally open" with the "time when the opening 17 was opened."

[0210] The second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open may be information in which the “time when the opening (17) is opened” is linked to “information about the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) at that time.” The determination of whether the opening (17) is abnormally open may be made by the control unit (75) or by a device (not shown) that receives the second information output from the control unit (75).

[0211] For example, a control unit (not shown) of a device used by the manager of the transport container 10 may determine whether the opening 17 is abnormally open based on the second information output from the control unit 75. Alternatively, the control unit of the device may display the second information output from the control unit 75 on a display unit (not shown) of the device. The manager of the transport container 10 may determine whether the opening 17 is abnormally open based on the second information displayed on the display unit of the device.

[0212] The control unit 75 may be provided inside the transport container 10 or outside the transport container 10. The control unit 75 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The multiple processors may be arranged together in a single housing or may be arranged in different housings. Similarly, the storage unit 73 may be configured with a single memory or multiple memories.

[0213] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which they are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

[0214] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the above-described embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0215] As described above, the present disclosure is useful as a container system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 1. Container System 10. Shipping Containers 11 Container body 12 Interior space 13 Aperture 14 Entrance / exit 15 Doors 16 Door opening / closing detector 17 Aperture 18 Opening and Closing Section 19 Detector 20 Refrigeration equipment 20a Cooling Unit 25 Inspection hatch 25a First Inspection Hatch 25b Second inspection hatch 40 Compressor 41 External heat exchanger 42 External blower 44 Internal heat exchanger 45 In-facility fan 50 Refrigerant circuit 61 Intake temperature sensor 62 Air outlet temperature sensor 70 Electrical equipment box 71 Power supply section 72 Communications Department 73 Memory section 74 Information Department 75 Control Unit 80 Occlusion plate 80a 1st closure plate 80b 2nd occlusion plate 81 First locking part 811 1st protrusion 812 First insertion part 81a First locking hole 82 Second locking part 821 Second protrusion 822 Second insertion part 82a Second locking hole 83 Central locking part 831 Third protrusion 832 4th protrusion 833 5th protrusion 834 Locking rod 83a Third locking hole 83b 4th locking hole 83c 5th locking hole

Claims

1. a transport container (10) having a container body (11) and a refrigeration unit (20) connected to the container body (11); a control unit (75), the refrigeration device (20) has a cooling unit (20a) that cools the inside of the container body (11); The transport container (10) is provided with an opening (17) and an opening / closing part (18) for opening and closing the opening (17), The control section (75) outputs second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open or not, based on first information relating to the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened. Container system.

2. A transport container (10) having a container body (11) and a refrigeration device (20) connected to the container body (11); a control unit (75), the refrigeration device (20) has a cooling unit (20a) that cools the inside of the container body (11); The transport container (10) is provided with an opening (17) and an opening / closing part (18) for opening and closing the opening (17), the control unit (75) outputs second information for determining whether the opening (17) is abnormally open, based on first information relating to the operating state of the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened; The opening (17) is an inspection opening (25) provided for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a). Container system.

3. The container system of claim 2, The first information includes information indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the cooling unit (20a). Container system.

4. The container system of claim 3, The cooling unit (20a) has an internal fan (45) for circulating air between the inside of the container body (11) and the refrigeration device (20), The inspection hatch (25) is an opening for exposing the internal fan (45), The abnormality in the cooling unit (20a) is an abnormality in the internal fan (45). Container system.

5. The container system of claim 2, The first information includes information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from a power source to the cooling unit (20a). Container system.

6. The container system of claim 2, The control unit (75) outputs the second information based on the first information when the opening (17) is opened and information for confirming whether maintenance of the cooling unit (20a) is required when the opening (17) is opened. Container system.

7. 7. The container system of claim 6, The information for checking whether the cooling unit (20a) needs maintenance includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10) or information indicating a schedule for maintenance of the cooling unit (20a). Container system.

8. The container system of claim 1, The opening (17) is an entrance / exit (14) for putting in and taking out items contained in the transport container (10), the first information includes information indicating whether or not power is being supplied from a power source to the cooling unit (20a); The control unit (75) outputs second information based on information indicating whether or not the power source is supplying power to the cooling unit (20a) when the opening (17) is opened and information for confirming whether or not the contents of the transport container (10) need to be taken in or out when the opening (17) is opened. Container system.

9. The container system of claim 8, The information for confirming whether or not the contents of the transport container (10) need to be taken in or out includes information indicating the location of the transport container (10) or information indicating the schedule for taking in or out the contents of the transport container (10). Container system.

10. In any one of claims 2 to 7, the container system a detector (19) for detecting opening and closing of the inspection hatch (25) by the opening / closing unit (18); The control unit (75) detects the opening of the inspection hatch (25) based on the detection result of the detector (19). Container system.

11. The container system of claim 10, The inspection hatch (25) includes a first inspection hatch (25a) and a second inspection hatch (25b) arranged in a predetermined direction, The opening / closing portion (18) a first closing plate (80a) capable of closing the first inspection hatch (25a); a second closing plate (80b) capable of closing the second inspection hatch (25b); a first locking portion (81) that is provided on a side of the first inspection hatch (25a) farther from the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction and that is capable of locking the first closure plate (80a); a second locking portion (82) that is provided on a side of the second inspection hatch (25b) farther from the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction and that is capable of locking the second closure plate (80b); a central locking portion (83) that is provided between the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction and that is capable of locking the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b), the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are engaged with the first locking portion (81), the second locking portion (82), and the central locking portion (83) while closing the first inspection hatch (25a) and the second inspection hatch (25b), The detector (19) detects the opening of the inspection hatch (25) when the first closure plate (80a) and the second closure plate (80b) are released from the engagement of the central engagement portion (83). Container system.

12. The container system of claim 11, The first locking portion (81) a first protrusion (811) protruding from a wall of the transport container (10) and having a first locking hole (81a); a first insertion portion (812) that protrudes from an edge portion of the first closing plate (80a) that closes the first inspection opening (25a) on a side farther from the second inspection opening (25b) in the predetermined direction and that is insertable into the first locking hole (81a); The first insertion portion (812) is inserted into the first locking hole (81a) to lock the first closure plate (80a), The second locking portion (82) a second protruding portion (821) protruding from the wall of the transport container (10) and having a second locking hole (82a); a second insertion portion (822) that protrudes from an edge portion of the second closure plate (80b) that closes the second inspection hatch (25b) on a side farther from the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction and that is insertable into the second locking hole (82a); The second insertion portion (822) is inserted into the second locking hole (82a) to lock the second closure plate (80b), The central locking portion (83) is a third protruding portion (831) protruding from the wall of the transport container (10) and provided with a third locking hole (83a); a fourth protrusion (832) that protrudes from an edge of the first closure plate (80a) that closes the first inspection hatch (25a) in the predetermined direction, the edge being closer to the second inspection hatch (25b), and that is provided with a fourth locking hole (83b); a fifth protrusion (833) that protrudes from an edge of the second closure plate (80b) that closes the second inspection hatch (25b) in the predetermined direction, the edge being closer to the first inspection hatch (25a), and that is provided with a fifth locking hole (83c); a locking rod (834) that can be inserted into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c); The first closing plate (80a) and the second closing plate (80b) are locked by inserting the locking rod (834) into the third locking hole (83a), the fourth locking hole (83b), and the fifth locking hole (83c). Container system.

13. In any one of claims 1 to 9, the container system When the opening of the opening (17) is abnormally open, the control unit (75) notifies the user that the opening of the opening (17) is abnormally open. Container system.

14. In any one of claims 1 to 9, the container system The control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) based on a change in temperature or pressure inside the transport container (10). Container system.

15. In any one of claims 1 to 9, the container system an illuminance sensor (65) for detecting illuminance inside the transport container (10); The control unit (75) detects the opening of the opening (17) based on a change in illuminance inside the transport container (10) detected by the illuminance sensor (65). Container system.

Images