Air conditioning units, refrigeration units and transport containers

Abstract

The air conditioning device includes a gas separation membrane (124) and a control unit (191). The air to be processed is supplied to the gas separation membrane (124). The control unit (191) causes the air conditioning device to perform a first action. The first action suppresses the performance of the gas separation membrane (124) from decreasing when the air conditioning device is stopped for a specified period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device, a refrigeration device and a transport container. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an air conditioning device for adjusting the composition of air in a box space. The air conditioning device includes a gas separation membrane. When the air to be processed flows through the gas separation membrane, a part of the components (e.g., oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the air to be processed will penetrate the gas separation membrane. In this way, the air with the adjusted composition is supplied to the box space.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-66169 Summary of the invention

[0006] -Technical problem to be solved by the invention-

[0007] If the air conditioning apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is stopped for a long period of time, the separation membrane shrinks and the pores of the separation membrane become smaller, resulting in a problem of degradation in the performance of the separation membrane.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the degradation of separation membrane performance due to shutdown of an air conditioning apparatus.

[0009] -Technical solutions to solve technical problems-

[0010] The first aspect relates to an air conditioning device that adjusts the composition of the air inside the box space 5, the air conditioning device includes a gas separation membrane 124 and a control unit 191, the processed air is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124, and the control unit 191 causes the air conditioning device to perform a first action, and the first action suppresses the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 from decreasing as the air conditioning device is stopped for a specified period of time.

[0011] It should be noted that the term “suppressing the performance degradation of the separation membrane” as used herein also means: when the performance of the separation membrane is degraded, restoring the performance of the separation membrane.

[0012] In the first aspect, the control unit 191 causes the air conditioning apparatus to execute the first operation, thereby suppressing a decrease in the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 when the air conditioning apparatus is stopped for a predetermined period of time.

[0013] According to a second aspect, in addition to the first aspect, a first operation includes a preliminary operation in which the air to be processed is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0014] In the second aspect, the preliminary operation is performed as the first operation to supply the air to be processed to the gas separation membrane 124. By passing the air to be processed through the gas separation membrane 124, the pores of the gas separation membrane 124 can be enlarged, and the performance degradation of the gas separation membrane 124 can be suppressed.

[0015] A third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the control unit 191 starts the preparatory operation after a predetermined time has passed since the air-conditioning apparatus stopped operating.

[0016] In the third aspect, the control unit 191 starts the preparatory operation after a predetermined time has passed since the air conditioning device stopped operating. This can avoid a situation where no processed air flows through the gas separation membrane 124 for a long time, thereby suppressing the performance degradation of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0017] A fourth aspect is the second aspect, wherein the control unit 191 starts the preparatory operation a predetermined time before the normal operation of the air-conditioning apparatus starts.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, the preliminary operation is started a predetermined time before the normal operation of the air conditioning apparatus, so that the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be suppressed from being degraded before the normal operation. This can suppress the situation where the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 cannot be fully exerted during the normal operation.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect, based on the third or fourth aspect, the air conditioning device includes an exhaust flow path 103 , and in the preparatory operation, the exhaust flow path 103 discharges the first air and the second air separated by the gas separation membrane 124 to the outer space 6 .

[0020] In the fifth aspect, during the preliminary operation, the first air and the second air that have passed through the gas separation membrane 124 are exhausted to the external space 6 via the exhaust flow path 103. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the composition of the air in the internal space 5 from changing due to the execution of the preliminary operation.

[0021] A sixth aspect is any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the air conditioning apparatus includes a heating unit 175 , and in the preliminary operation, the heating unit 175 heats the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0022] In the sixth aspect, in the preliminary operation, the air heated by the heating unit 175 is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. This can enhance the effect of recovering the performance of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0023] A seventh aspect is any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the air conditioning device includes a pressurizing unit 110 , and in the preliminary operation, the pressurizing unit 110 pressurizes the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0024] In the seventh aspect, in the preliminary operation, the air pressurized by the pressurizing unit 110 is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. This can enhance the effect of recovering the performance of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0025] In the eighth aspect, based on any one of the third to seventh aspects, the air conditioning device includes a dehumidification unit 111 , 113 , 130 , and in the preparatory operation, the dehumidification unit 111 , 113 , 130 reduces the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0026] In the eighth aspect, in the preliminary operation, the air whose moisture content has been reduced by the dehumidifiers 111, 113, 130 is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. Thus, in the preliminary operation, it is possible to suppress the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 from being degraded by the water molecules in the air.

[0027] According to a ninth aspect, based on any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first action includes an action for reminding a person to operate the air conditioning device.

[0028] In the ninth aspect, by performing an action for prompting a person to operate the air conditioner, the air conditioner 100 can be prevented from being stopped for a long time. As a result, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be prevented from being degraded when the air conditioner is stopped for a predetermined period of time.

[0029] In the tenth aspect, the control unit 191 outputs information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0030] In the tenth aspect, the user or the like can grasp the information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0031] The eleventh aspect relates to a refrigeration device including the air conditioning device (100) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects and a refrigerant circuit (30) for adjusting the internal temperature of the internal space (5).

[0032] The twelfth aspect relates to a transport container, which comprises the refrigeration device 10 of the eleventh aspect and a container body 2 provided with the refrigeration device 10 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container according to the embodiment as viewed from the front;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of a transport container according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 is a piping system diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a transport refrigeration device according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a transport container according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5 is a piping system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a gas separation module provided in an air conditioning device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water separation module provided in an air conditioning device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the first operation of the air conditioning device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 's picture;

[0041] Fig. 9 This is equivalent to showing the second operation of the air conditioning device of the embodiment. Figure 5 's picture;

[0042] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing the third operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 5 's picture;

[0043] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing the fourth operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 5 's picture;

[0044] Fig.12 This is equivalent to showing the fifth operation of the air conditioning device of the embodiment. Figure 5 's picture;

[0045] Fig.13 is a flowchart of control related to the start determination of the preliminary operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment;

[0046] Fig.14 is a flow chart of control related to the preparatory operation of the air conditioning device of Modification 1;

[0047] Fig.15 The air conditioning device of Modification Example 2 is equivalent to Figure 5 's picture;

[0048] Fig.16This is a diagram showing the preliminary operation of the air conditioning apparatus of Modification 2. Figure 5 's picture;

[0049] Fig.17 The air conditioning device of Modification 3 is equivalent to Figure 5 's picture;

[0050] Fig.18 is a flow chart of control related to the first operation of the air conditioning device of Modification 4;

[0051] Fig.19 is a flow chart of control related to the second operation of the air conditioning device of Modification 5;

[0052] Fig. 20 The air conditioning device of Modification Example 6 is equivalent to Figure 5 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various changes can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. The drawings are used to conceptually illustrate the present disclosure, so for easy understanding, the size, ratio or quantity may be exaggerated or simplified as needed.

[0054] (1) Overview of transport containers

[0055] The present disclosure is a transport container 1. The transport container 1 is a refrigerated container that can manage the temperature inside the container. The transport container 1 is used to transport fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Fresh food absorbs oxygen (O2) in the air and releases carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport container 1 includes a container body 2 and a transport refrigeration device 10 disposed in the container body 2. The transport container 1 is used for sea transportation. The transport container 1 is transported by a marine transport vehicle such as a ship. Figure 5 As shown, the transport container 1 includes an air conditioning device 100. The air conditioning device 100 adjusts the composition of the air in the container body 2.

[0057] (2) Container body

[0058] The container body 2 is a storage room for storing fresh food.

[0059] The container body 2 is formed in a hollow box shape. The container body 2 is formed to be long in the horizontal direction. An opening is formed at one end of the length direction of the container body 2. The opening of the container body 2 is sealed by the transport refrigeration device 10. A storage space 5 is formed inside the container body 2, and the storage space 5 is a space inside the box for storing transport objects.

[0060] (3) Transport Refrigeration Equipment

[0061] The transport refrigeration device 10 is installed at the opening of the container body 2. The transport refrigeration device 10 includes a casing 11 and a refrigerant circuit 30. The transport refrigeration device 10 adjusts the temperature of the air in the storage space 5 (the air in the box).

[0062] (3-1) Casing

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 11 includes a partition wall 12 and a partition plate 15 .

[0064] An in-tank flow path 20 is formed inside the partition wall 12. An outer chamber 25, which is a part of the outer space 6, is formed outside the partition wall 12. The in-tank flow path 20 and the outer chamber 25 are separated by the partition wall 12.

[0065] The partition wall 12 includes an outer wall 13 and an inner wall 14. The outer wall 13 is located outside the container body 2. The inner wall 14 is located inside the container body 2.

[0066] The outer wall 13 seals the opening of the container body 2. The outer wall 13 is installed on the peripheral edge of the opening of the container body 2. The lower part of the outer wall 13 bulges toward the inside of the container body 2. The outer chamber 25 is formed inside the bulging outer wall 13.

[0067] The box inner wall 14 faces the box outer wall 13. The box inner wall 14 has a shape extending along the box outer wall 13. Between the box inner wall 14 and the box outer wall 13, a heat insulating material 16 is provided.

[0068] The partition 15 is arranged at a position closer to the inner side of the container body 2 than the inner wall 14. An in-box flow path 20 is formed between the partition wall 12 and the partition 15. An inlet 21 is formed between the upper end of the partition 15 and the top plate of the container body 2. An outlet 22 is formed between the lower end of the partition 15 and the lower end of the partition wall 12. The in-box flow path 20 is formed to extend from the inlet 21 to the outlet 22.

[0069] (3-2) Components of the refrigerant circuit

[0070] The refrigerant circuit 30 has a refrigerant filled therein. The refrigerant circuit 30 performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 30 includes a compressor 31, an external heat exchanger 32, an expansion valve 33, an internal heat exchanger 51, and refrigerant pipes connecting them.

[0071] The compressor 31 is arranged in the lower part of the outer chamber 25. The outer heat exchanger 32 is arranged in the upper part of the outer chamber 25. The outer heat exchanger 32 is a fin-tube heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air outside the box. The shape of the outer heat exchanger 32 is a cylindrical shape that is approximately rectangular. The inner heat exchanger 51 is arranged in the inner flow path 20. The inner heat exchanger 51 is a fin-tube heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air inside the box.

[0072] (3-3) External fan and internal fan

[0073] The transport refrigeration device 10 includes an external fan 34. The external fan 34 is a propeller fan. The external fan 34 is arranged in the external chamber 25. The external fan 34 is arranged inside the external heat exchanger 32 formed in a cylindrical shape. The external fan 34 delivers external air to the external heat exchanger 32.

[0074] The transport refrigeration device 10 includes two in-box fans 35. The in-box fans 35 are propeller fans. The in-box fans 35 are arranged in the in-box flow path 20. The in-box fans 35 are arranged above the in-box heat exchanger 51. The in-box fans 35 deliver the in-box air to the in-box heat exchanger 51.

[0075] (3-4) Heater

[0076] The transport refrigeration device 10 includes a heater 52. The heater 52 is arranged below the in-box heat exchanger 51. The heater 52 is used to melt frost attached to the in-box heat exchanger 51.

[0077] (3-5) Electronic component box

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport refrigeration device 10 has an electronic component box 36. The electronic component box 36 is arranged in the upper part of the outer chamber 25. Inside the electronic component box 36, electronic components such as a frequency conversion board and a control board are stored.

[0079] (3-6) Configuration of the refrigerant circuit

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant circuit 30 has a compressor 31, an external heat exchanger 32, an expansion valve 33, and an internal heat exchanger 51 as main components. The expansion valve 33 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

[0081] The refrigerant circuit 30 includes a discharge pipe 41 and a suction pipe 42. One end of the discharge pipe 41 is connected to the discharge portion of the compressor 31. The other end of the discharge pipe 41 is connected to the gas end of the external heat exchanger 32. One end of the suction pipe 42 is connected to the suction portion of the compressor 31. The other end of the suction pipe 42 is connected to the gas end of the internal heat exchanger 51.

[0082] The refrigerant circuit 30 includes a liquid pipe 43 , a liquid receiver 44 , a cooling heat exchanger 45 , a first on-off valve 46 , a communication pipe 47 , a second on-off valve 48 , an injection pipe 49 , and an injection valve 50 .

[0083] One end of the liquid pipe 43 is connected to the liquid end of the external heat exchanger 32. The other end of the liquid pipe 43 is connected to the liquid end of the internal heat exchanger 51. The liquid receiver 44 is provided on the liquid pipe 43. The liquid receiver 44 is a container for storing refrigerant.

[0084] The cooling heat exchanger 45 has a first flow path 45a and a second flow path 45b. The cooling heat exchanger 45 exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the first flow path 45a and the refrigerant in the second flow path 45b. The cooling heat exchanger 45 is, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The first flow path 45a is a part of the liquid pipe 43. The second flow path 45b is a part of the injection pipe 49. The cooling heat exchanger 45 cools the refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe 43.

[0085] The first on-off valve 46 is provided at a portion of the liquid pipe 43 between the liquid reservoir 44 and the first flow path 45a. The first on-off valve 46 is an on-off solenoid valve.

[0086] The connecting pipe 47 connects the high-pressure pipe and the low-pressure pipe of the refrigerant circuit 30. One end of the connecting pipe 47 is connected to the discharge pipe 41. The other end of the connecting pipe 47 is connected to a portion of the liquid pipe 43 between the expansion valve 33 and the internal heat exchanger 51.

[0087] The second on-off valve 48 is provided on the communication pipe 47. The second on-off valve 48 is an on-off solenoid valve.

[0088] The injection pipe 49 introduces the refrigerant into the medium pressure portion of the compressor 31. One end of the injection pipe 49 is connected to the portion of the liquid pipe 43 located between the liquid receiver 44 and the first flow path 45a. The other end of the injection pipe 49 is connected to the medium pressure portion of the compressor 31. The pressure of the medium pressure portion, i.e., the intermediate pressure, is higher than the suction pressure of the compressor 31 and lower than the discharge pressure thereof.

[0089] The injection valve 50 is provided at a portion of the injection pipe 49 on the upstream side of the second flow path 45b. The injection valve 50 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

[0090] (3-7) First Control Unit

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, the transport refrigeration device 10 includes a first control unit 90. The first control unit 90 includes a display unit 91, an operation unit 92 and a first control unit 93.

[0092] The display unit 91 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 91 displays information related to the operation of the transport refrigeration device 10 and the air-conditioning device 100 .

[0093] The operation unit 92 is composed of operation buttons. The operation unit 92 may also be a touch screen that also serves as the display unit 91, that is, a liquid crystal panel. A person operates the transport refrigeration device 10 through the operation unit 92. A person sets the operating conditions of the transport refrigeration device 10 through the operation unit 92.

[0094] The first control unit 93 includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electrical circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

[0095] The first control unit 93 controls the external fan 34, the internal fan 35, the heater 52, and the refrigerant circuit 30. Specifically, the first control unit 93 controls the external fan 34, the internal fan 35, the heater 52, and the compressor 31. The first control unit 93 controls the rotation speed of the external fan 34, the rotation speed of the internal fan 35, and the rotation speed (operating frequency) of the compressor 31. The first control unit 93 controls the opening of the expansion valve 33, the first on-off valve 46, the second on-off valve 48, and the injection valve 50.

[0096] (3-8) Operation of transport refrigeration equipment

[0097] The basic operation of the transport refrigeration device 10 is described below. When the transport refrigeration device 10 is in operation, the first control unit 93 operates the compressor 31, the external fan 34, and the internal fan 35. The first control unit 93 opens the first on-off valve 46 and closes the second on-off valve 48. The first control unit 93 adjusts the opening of the expansion valve 33. The first control unit 93 adjusts the opening of the injection valve 50.

[0098] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 31 flows through the external heat exchanger 32. In the external heat exchanger 32, the refrigerant dissipates heat to the air outside the box and condenses. The condensed refrigerant passes through the liquid receiver 44. A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the liquid receiver 44 flows in the first flow path 45a of the cooling heat exchanger 45. The remaining portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the liquid receiver 44 flows in the injection pipe 49 and is decompressed to the intermediate pressure in the injection valve 50. The decompressed refrigerant is introduced into the intermediate pressure portion of the compressor 31.

[0099] In the cooling heat exchanger 45, the refrigerant in the second flow path 45b absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the first flow path 45a and evaporates. Thus, the refrigerant in the first flow path 45a is cooled. In other words, the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant flowing in the first flow path 45a increases.

[0100] The refrigerant cooled in the cooling heat exchanger 45 is decompressed to a low pressure in the expansion valve 33. The decompressed refrigerant flows through the in-box heat exchanger 51. In the in-box heat exchanger 51, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the box and evaporates. As a result, the in-box heat exchanger 51 cools the air in the box. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 31 and compressed again.

[0101] The air in the container body 2 circulates between the storage space 5 and the in-box flow path 20. In the in-box flow path 20, the air in the box is cooled by the in-box heat exchanger 51. In this way, the air in the storage space 5 can be cooled and adjusted to a predetermined temperature.

[0102] (4) Air conditioning device

[0103] The transport refrigeration system (10) of the present embodiment includes an air-conditioning device (100).

[0104] The air conditioning device 100 is installed in the transport refrigeration device 10 for so-called CA (Controlled Atmosphere) transportation. The air conditioning device 100 adjusts the composition of the air in the storage space 5 of the transport container 1 so as to be different from the composition of the atmosphere.

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioning device 100 includes an air flow path A, and the processed air is introduced into the air flow path A. The processed air includes air outside the box and air inside the box. The air flow path A can be composed of a hard pipe, a soft pipe, or a combination of a hard pipe and a soft pipe.

[0106] In the air flow path A, an air pump 110, a gas separation module 120, and a sensor unit 140 are provided. The air pump 110 conveys the air in the air flow path A. The gas separation module 120 adjusts the composition of the air. The gas separation module 120 separates the processed air into the first air and the second air. The sensor unit 140 measures the composition of the air.

[0107] (4-1) Air flow path

[0108] The air flow path A includes an inflow flow path 101 , an air supply flow path 102 , an exhaust flow path 103 , an in-box exhaust flow path 104 , a bypass flow path 105 , and a sensor flow path 106 .

[0109] The inflow passage 101 is a passage for sending the processed air to the gas separation module 120. The inflow passage 101 includes a first inflow passage 101a, a second inflow passage 101b, and an inflow main passage 101c.

[0110] The first inflow path 101a is a flow path for introducing the air outside the box into the air flow path A. The inlet end of the first inflow path 101a opens in the space outside the box 6. A first air filter F1 is provided in the first inflow path 101a. The first air filter F1 captures dust and salt contained in the air outside the box. The first air filter F1 is composed of, for example, a membrane filter.

[0111] The second inlet path 101b is a path for introducing the air in the box into the air path A. The inlet end of the second inlet path 101b opens in the storage space 5. A second air filter F2 is provided in the second inlet path 101b. The second air filter F2 captures dust and the like contained in the air in the box. The second air filter F2 is composed of a membrane filter, for example. A first water separator 111 is provided in the second inlet path 101b.

[0112] The inlet end of the inflow trunk 101c is connected to the outlet end of the first inflow path 101a and the outlet end of the second inflow path 101b. The outlet end of the inflow trunk 101c is connected to the first inlet end I1 of the gas separation module 120. In the inflow trunk 101c, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow, an air pump 110, a condensation circuit 112, a second water separator 113 and a water separation module 130 are provided.

[0113] The air supply path 102 is a path for delivering the air separated by the gas separation module 120 to the storage space 5. The air supply path 102 includes a first air supply path 102a, a second air supply path 102b, and an air supply trunk path 102c.

[0114] The first air supply path 102a is a flow path for delivering the first air separated by the gas separation module 120 to the storage space 5. The inlet end of the first air supply path 102a is connected to the first outlet end O1 of the gas separation module 120.

[0115] The second air supply path 102b is a flow path for delivering the second air separated by the gas separation module 120 to the storage space 5. The inlet end of the second air supply path 102b is connected to the second outlet end O2 of the gas separation module 120.

[0116] The inlet end of the air supply main passage 102c is connected to the outlet end of the first air supply passage 102a and the outlet end of the second air supply passage 102b. The outlet end of the air supply main passage 102c opens in the storage space 5. Strictly speaking, the outlet end of the air supply main passage 102c opens at a portion of the in-box flow path 20 of the transport refrigeration device 10 that is downstream of the in-box fan 35.

[0117] The exhaust flow path 103 is a flow path for discharging the air separated by the gas separation module 120 to the outer space 6. The air includes one or both of the first air and the second air. The exhaust flow path 103 includes a first exhaust path 103a, a second exhaust path 103b, and an exhaust main path 103c.

[0118] The first exhaust passage 103a is a passage for exhausting the first air to the space outside the box 6. The inlet end of the first exhaust passage 103a is connected to the first air supply passage 102a. The second exhaust passage 103b is a passage for exhausting the second air to the space outside the box 6. The inlet end of the second exhaust passage 103b is connected to the second air supply passage 102b. The inlet end of the exhaust main passage 103c is connected to the outlet end of the first exhaust passage 103a and the outlet end of the second exhaust passage 103b. The outlet end of the exhaust main passage 103c opens in the space outside the box 6.

[0119] The box inner exhaust passage 104 is a passage for exhausting the air in the storage space 5 to the box outer space 6. The inlet end of the box inner exhaust passage 104 is connected to the middle part of the second inlet passage 101b. Strictly speaking, the inlet end of the box inner exhaust passage 104 is connected to the first switching valve 151. The outlet end of the box inner exhaust passage 104 opens in the box outer space 6.

[0120] The bypass flow path 105 is connected to the inflow main path 101c so that air bypasses the gas separation module 120. The inlet end of the bypass flow path 105 is connected to the inflow main path 101c. Strictly speaking, the inlet end of the bypass flow path 105 is connected to the second switching valve 152. The outlet end of the bypass flow path 105 is connected to the first gas supply path 102a.

[0121] The sensor flow path 106 is a flow path for sending air to the sensor unit 140. The sensor flow path 106 includes a first sensor path 106a and a second sensor path 106b. The inlet end of the first sensor path 106a is connected to the first air supply path 102a. The outlet end of the first sensor path 106a is connected to the sensor unit 140. The inlet end of the second sensor path 106b is connected to the sensor unit 140. The outlet end of the second sensor path 106b opens in the storage space 5. Strictly speaking, the outlet end of the second sensor path 106b opens at a portion of the in-box flow path 20 of the transport refrigeration device 10 that is on the upstream side of the in-box fan 35.

[0122] (4-2) Air pump

[0123] The air pump 110 is an example of an air transport unit. The air pump 110 has an inlet and an outlet. The air pump 110 pressurizes the air sucked from the inlet and discharges the pressurized air from the outlet. The air pump 110 is an example of a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124.

[0124] (4-3-1) Configuration of Gas Separation Module

[0125] The gas separation module 120 separates the processed air into first air and second air having different compositions. Figure 6 As shown, the gas separation module 120 has a first housing 121, a first partition wall 122, a second partition wall 123, and a plurality of gas separation membranes 124. The first partition wall 122 and the second partition wall 123 are arranged inside the first housing 121. The plurality of gas separation membranes 124 are arranged between the first partition wall 122 and the second partition wall 123.

[0126] The first shell 121 is a cylindrical container with both ends closed. The first shell 121 extends along its axial direction. One axial end of the first shell 121 is connected to the first inlet end I1. The other axial end of the first shell 121 is connected to the first outlet end O1. The second outlet end O2 is connected to the peripheral wall of the first shell 121.

[0127] The first partition wall portion 122 is arranged near one end of the first housing 121. The second partition wall portion 123 is arranged near the other end of the first housing 121. The first partition wall portion 122 and the second partition wall portion 123 are partition members for axially partitioning the internal space of the first housing 121. The first partition wall portion 122 and the second partition wall portion 123 are provided in a manner of crossing the first housing 121.

[0128] A first introduction chamber 125, a first outlet chamber 126, and a second outlet chamber 127 are formed inside the first housing 121. The first introduction chamber 125 is formed between one end of the first housing 121 and the first partition wall 122. The first outlet chamber 126 is formed between the other end of the first housing 121 and the second partition wall 123. The second outlet chamber 127 is formed outside the plurality of gas separation membranes 124 in a space between the peripheral wall of the first housing 121, the first partition wall 122, and the second partition wall 123.

[0129] The gas separation membrane 124 is composed of a hollow fiber membrane made of resin. In other words, the gas separation membrane 124 is formed in a hollow fiber shape or a narrow and long tube shape. The outer diameter of one gas separation membrane 124 is less than 1 mm. The membrane thickness of each gas separation membrane 124 is substantially the same.

[0130] Each gas separation membrane 124 extends in the axial direction of the first shell 121 in a manner spanning between the first partition wall portion 122 and the second partition wall portion 123. One end (inlet end) of the gas separation membrane 124 passes through the first partition wall portion 122 and opens in the first introduction chamber 125. The other end (outlet end) of the gas separation membrane 124 passes through the second partition wall portion 123 and opens in the first outlet chamber 126. The first introduction chamber 125 and the first outlet chamber 126 are connected to each other through the gas separation membrane 124. The second outlet chamber 127 is not substantially connected to the first introduction chamber 125, the first outlet chamber 126, and the interior of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0131] The gas separation membrane 124 is a polymer non-porous membrane and separates the components contained in the mixed gas by utilizing the fact that molecules of different substances have different speeds of penetrating the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0132] The gas separation membrane 124 has a characteristic that the nitrogen permeation rate is lower than both the oxygen permeation rate and the carbon dioxide permeation rate. In other words, the gas separation membrane 124 has a characteristic that the nitrogen permeation rate is lower than both the oxygen permeation rate and the carbon dioxide permeation rate.

[0133] (4-3-2) Operation of the Gas Separation Module

[0134] The treated air flowing into the flow path 101 flows into the first inlet port I1 into the first inlet chamber 125. The air in the first inlet chamber 125 flows inside each gas separation membrane 124 toward the first outlet chamber 126. A part of the air inside the gas separation membrane 124 passes through the gas separation membrane 124 and moves to the second outlet chamber 127, and the remaining part flows to the first outlet chamber 126.

[0135] The nitrogen permeability of the gas separation membrane 124 is lower than that of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In other words, it is more difficult for nitrogen in the air to permeate the gas separation membrane 124 than oxygen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, as the air flowing inside the gas separation membrane 124 approaches the first outlet chamber 126, the nitrogen concentration increases, while the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration decrease. The oxygen and carbon dioxide contained in the air flowing through the gas separation membrane 124 permeate the gas separation membrane 124 and move to the second outlet chamber 127.

[0136] The nitrogen concentration in the air flowing out to the first outlet chamber 126 is higher than the nitrogen concentration in the air in the first inlet chamber 125. The oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in the air flowing out to the first outlet chamber 126 are lower than the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in the air in the first inlet chamber 125. The air in the first outlet chamber 126 is the first air. The first air flows to the first air supply path 102a through the first outlet port O1.

[0137] The nitrogen concentration in the air after flowing out to the second outlet chamber 127 is lower than the nitrogen concentration in the air in the first introduction chamber 125. The oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in the air after flowing out to the second outlet chamber 127 are higher than the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in the air in the first introduction chamber 125. The air in the second outlet chamber 127 is the second air. The second air flows to the second air supply path 102b through the second outlet port O2.

[0138] (4-4) First water separator, condensation circuit and second water separator

[0139] The first water separator 111 is provided on the downstream side of the second air filter F2 in the second inflow path 101b. The first water separator 111 removes liquid water contained in the air. Strictly speaking, the first water separator 111 is a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator that uses centrifugal force to remove liquid water contained in the air. The first water separator 111 is an example of a dehumidification unit that reduces the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124.

[0140] The condensation circuit 112 is arranged between the air pump 110 and the second water separator 113 in the inflow trunk line 101c. The condensation circuit 112 is composed of a heat transfer pipe arranged in the box space 5. When the air flows in the condensation circuit 112, the air is cooled by the box air. As a result, the moisture in the air in the condensation circuit 112 is condensed to generate condensed water.

[0141] The second water separator 113 is arranged between the condensation circuit 112 and the water separation module 130 in the inflow trunk line 101c. The second water separator 113 removes moisture contained in the air. Strictly speaking, the second water separator 113 is a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator that uses centrifugal force to remove liquid water contained in the air. The second water separator 113 is an example of a dehumidification unit that reduces the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124.

[0142] (4-5-1) Configuration of water separation module

[0143] The water separation module 130 is arranged at the upstream side of the gas separation membrane 124 in the inflow main channel 101c. The water separation module 130 removes moisture contained in the air. Strictly speaking, the water separation module 130 separates water molecules contained in the air. The water separation module 130 of this example is a membrane dryer made of sunsep (registered trademark).

[0144] like Figure 7As shown, the water separation module 130 has a second housing 131, a third partition wall 132, a fourth partition wall 133, and a plurality of water separation membranes 134. The third partition wall 132 and the fourth partition wall 133 are arranged inside the second housing 131. The plurality of water separation membranes 134 are arranged between the third partition wall 132 and the fourth partition wall 133.

[0145] The second shell 131 is a cylindrical container with both ends closed. The second shell 131 extends along its axial direction. One axial end of the second shell 131 is connected to the second inlet end I2. The other axial end of the second shell 131 is connected to the third outlet end O3. The third inlet end I3 and the fourth outlet end O4 are connected to the peripheral wall of the second shell 131. The third inlet end I3 is located at a position of the peripheral wall of the second shell 131 close to the other end of the second shell 131. The fourth outlet end O4 is located at a position of the peripheral wall of the second shell 131 close to one end of the second shell 131.

[0146] like Figure 5 As shown, the second inlet port I2 is connected to a portion of the inflow trunk 101c that is upstream of the water separation module 130. The third outlet port O3 is connected to a portion of the inflow trunk 101c that is upstream of the gas separation module 120.

[0147] The air flow path A includes an introduction path 107 and a water supply path 108 . The introduction path 107 and the water supply path 108 are connected to the water separation module 130 .

[0148] The introduction path 107 is a flow path for supplying relatively low humidity air to the water separation module 130. The inlet end of the introduction path 107 is connected to the air supply trunk 102c. The outlet end of the introduction path 107 is connected to the third inlet end I3 of the water separation module 130.

[0149] The water supply path 108 is a flow path for sending air including water separated by the water separation module 130 to the storage space 5. The inlet end of the water supply path 108 is connected to the fourth outlet end O4 of the water separation module 130. The outlet end of the water supply path 108 is connected to the portion of the air supply trunk 102c on the downstream side of the inlet end of the introduction path 107. Strictly speaking, the outlet end of the water supply path 108 is connected to the portion on the downstream side of the fifth switching valve 155.

[0150] A second introduction chamber 135, a third outlet chamber 136, and a fourth outlet chamber 137 are formed inside the second housing 131. The second introduction chamber 135 is formed between one end of the second housing 131 and the third partition wall 132. The third outlet chamber 136 is formed between the other end of the second housing 131 and the fourth partition wall 133. The fourth outlet chamber 137 is formed outside the plurality of water separation membranes 134 in a space between the peripheral wall of the second housing 131, the third partition wall 132, and the fourth partition wall 133.

[0151] Each water separation membrane 134 extends in the axial direction of the second shell 131 in a manner spanning between the third partition wall portion 132 and the fourth partition wall portion 133. One end (inlet end) of the water separation membrane 134 passes through the third partition wall portion 132 and opens in the second introduction chamber 135. The other end (outlet end) of the water separation membrane 134 passes through the fourth partition wall portion 133 and opens in the third outlet chamber 136. The second introduction chamber 135 and the third outlet chamber 136 are connected to each other through the water separation membrane 134. The fourth outlet chamber 137 is not substantially connected to the second introduction chamber 135, the third outlet chamber 136, and the interior of the water separation membrane 134.

[0152] The water separation membrane 134 is composed of a hollow fiber membrane made of resin. In other words, the water separation membrane 134 is formed in a hollow fiber shape or a slender tube shape. The water separation membrane 134 is formed of a fluorine-based ion exchange resin. The water separation membrane 134 has the property of allowing water molecules in the air to pass through.

[0153] The water separation module 130 including the water separation membrane 134 is an example of a dehumidification unit that reduces the water content in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 .

[0154] (4-5-2) Operation of the water separation module

[0155] The treated air flowing into the flow path 101 flows into the second introduction chamber 135 through the second inlet port I2. The air in the second introduction chamber 135 flows toward the third outlet chamber 136 inside each water separation membrane 134. The air in the air supply trunk 102c flows into the fourth outlet chamber 137 from the third inlet port I3.

[0156] The water molecules in the air inside the water separation membrane 134 pass through the water separation membrane 134 and move to the fourth outlet chamber 137. In this way, the water molecules that have passed through the water separation membrane 134 are given to the air flowing in the fourth outlet chamber 137. The air inside the water separation membrane 134 is dehumidified by losing water molecules and flows to the third outlet chamber 136. The air in the third outlet chamber 136 flows to the inflow trunk 101c through the third outlet port O3 and is supplied to the gas separation module 120.

[0157] The air humidified in the fourth outlet chamber 137 flows to the water supply path 108 through the fourth outlet port O4. The air in the water supply path 108 flows to the air supply trunk path 102c and is sent to the storage space 5.

[0158] (4-6) Sensor unit

[0159] The sensor unit 140 includes an oxygen sensor 141 , a carbon dioxide sensor 142 , and a sensor housing 143 .

[0160] The oxygen sensor 141 is a zirconia current sensor that measures the oxygen concentration in a mixed gas such as air. The carbon dioxide sensor 142 is a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor that measures the carbon dioxide concentration in a mixed gas such as air. The oxygen sensor 141 and the carbon dioxide sensor 142 are housed in a sensor housing 143.

[0161] The sensor housing 143 is a box-shaped member. The sensor housing 143 includes a third air filter F3. The third air filter F3 is a membrane filter for capturing dust and the like contained in the air in the box. The third air filter F3 filters the air in the box that flows into the sensor housing 143.

[0162] (4-7) Flow path switching mechanism

[0163] A flow path switching mechanism for changing the air flow direction is provided in the air flow path A. The flow path switching mechanism includes a first switching valve 151, a second switching valve 152, a third switching valve 153, a fourth switching valve 154, and a fifth switching valve 155. The switching valves 151, 152, 153, 154, and 155 are composed of three-way valves.

[0164] The first switching valve 151 is provided at the connection portion between the second inflow path 101b and the exhaust path 104 inside the box. The first switching valve 151 switches between a first state in which the air inside the box is supplied to the gas separation module 120 and a second state in which the air inside the box is exhausted to the space outside the box 6. Specifically, the first switching valve 151 in the first state connects the storage space 5 with the inflow main path 101c and isolates the storage space 5 from the space outside the box 6. The second switching valve 152 in the second state isolates the storage space 5 from the inflow main path 101c and connects the storage space 5 with the space outside the box 6.

[0165] The second switching valve 152 is provided at the connection portion between the inflow main passage 101c and the bypass passage 105. In other words, the second switching valve 152 is provided at a position on the upstream side of the gas separation membrane 124 of the inflow main passage 101c. The second switching valve 152 switches between a first state in which the air in the inflow passage 101 is supplied to the gas separation module 120 and a second state in which the air in the inflow passage 101 bypasses the gas separation module 120. Specifically, the second switching valve 152 in the first state connects the inflow main passage 101c with the gas separation membrane 124 and blocks the inflow main passage 101c from the bypass passage 105. The second switching valve 152 in the second state blocks the inflow main passage 101c from the gas separation membrane 124 and connects the inflow main passage 101c with the bypass passage 105.

[0166] The third switching valve 153 is provided at the connection portion between the first air supply path 102a and the first exhaust path 103a. In other words, the third switching valve 153 is provided at a portion of the first air supply path 102a between the connection portion of the sensor flow path 106 and the outlet end of the first air supply path 102a. The third switching valve 153 switches between a first state in which the air in the first air supply path 102a is supplied to the storage space 5 and a second state in which the air in the first air supply path 102a is exhausted to the box outer space 6. Specifically, the third switching valve 153 in the first state connects the first air supply path 102a with the storage space 5 and isolates the first air supply path 102a from the first exhaust path 103a. The third switching valve 153 in the second state isolates the first air supply path 102a from the storage space 5 and connects the first air supply path 102a with the first exhaust path 103a.

[0167] The fourth switching valve 154 is provided at the connection portion between the second air supply path 102b and the second exhaust path 103b. In other words, the fourth switching valve 154 is provided at the portion of the second air supply path 102b between the second outlet end O2 of the gas separation module 120 and the outlet end of the second air supply path 102b. The fourth switching valve 154 switches between a first state in which the air in the second air supply path 102b is supplied to the storage space 5 and a second state in which the air in the second air supply path 102b is discharged to the outer space 6 of the box. Specifically, the fourth switching valve 154 in the first state connects the second air supply path 102b with the storage space 5 and isolates the second air supply path 102b from the second exhaust path 103b. The fourth switching valve 154 in the second state isolates the second air supply path 102b from the storage space 5 and connects the second air supply path 102b with the second exhaust path 103b.

[0168] The fifth switching valve 155 is provided at the connection portion between the air supply main path 102c and the introduction path 107. In other words, the fifth switching valve 155 is provided at a portion of the air supply main path 102c that is upstream of the water supply path 108. The fifth switching valve 155 switches between a first state in which the air in the air supply path 102 is supplied to the storage space 5 without passing through the water separation module 130, and a second state in which the air in the air supply path 102 is supplied to the storage space 5 through the water separation module 130. Specifically, the fifth switching valve 155 in the first state connects the air supply main path 102c with the introduction path 107, and isolates the air supply main path 102c from the storage space 5. The fifth switching valve 155 in the second state isolates the air supply main path 102c from the introduction path 107, and connects the air supply main path 102c with the storage space 5.

[0169] The flow path switching mechanism includes an air switch valve 156 provided in the air flow path A. The air switch valve 156 is provided on the first sensor path 106a. The air switch valve 156 is constituted by, for example, a solenoid valve, and opens and closes the sensor flow path 106.

[0170] (4-8) Check valve

[0171] In the air flow path A, a first check valve 157 and a second check valve 158 are provided.

[0172] The first check valve 157 is provided on the first gas supply path 102a. Specifically, the first check valve 157 is provided at a portion of the first gas supply path 102a between the first outlet end O1 of the gas separation module 120 and the connection portion of the bypass flow path 105. The first check valve 157 allows air to flow from the first outlet end O1 of the gas separation module 120 toward the outlet end of the first gas supply path 102a, and prohibits air from flowing in the reverse direction.

[0173] The second check valve 158 is provided on the second gas supply path 102b. Specifically, the second check valve 158 is provided at a portion of the second gas supply path 102b between the second outlet end O2 of the gas separation module 120 and the connection portion of the second gas exhaust path 103b. The second check valve 158 allows air to flow from the second outlet end O2 of the gas separation module 120 toward the outlet end of the second gas supply path 102b, and prohibits air from flowing in the reverse direction.

[0174] (4-9) Pressure sensor

[0175] A first pressure sensor 161 , a second pressure sensor 162 , and a third pressure sensor 163 are provided in the air flow path A. The pressure sensors 161 , 162 , and 163 detect the pressure of the air.

[0176] The first pressure sensor 161 is provided at a portion of the inflow passage 101 on the downstream side of the water separation module 130. Specifically, the first pressure sensor 161 is provided at a portion of the inflow main passage 101c between the first outlet end O1 of the water separation module 130 and the second switching valve 152. The first pressure sensor 161 detects the pressure inside the water separation module 130. Specifically, the first pressure sensor 161 detects the internal pressure of the third outlet chamber 136 or the water separation membrane 134.

[0177] The second pressure sensor 162 is provided at a portion of the first gas supply path 102a that is on the downstream side of the gas separation module 120. Specifically, the second pressure sensor 162 is provided at a portion of the first gas supply path 102a that is located between the first outlet end O1 of the gas separation module 120 and the third switching valve 153. The second pressure sensor 162 detects the pressure inside the gas separation module 120. Specifically, the second pressure sensor 162 detects the pressure of the first outlet chamber 126 or the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0178] The third pressure sensor 163 is provided at a portion of the second gas supply path 102b that is downstream of the gas separation module 120. Specifically, the third pressure sensor 163 is provided at a portion of the second gas supply path 102b that is located between the second outlet end O2 of the gas separation module 120 and the fourth switching valve 154. The third pressure sensor 163 detects the pressure of the second outlet chamber 127 of the gas separation module 120.

[0179] (4-10) Pressure regulating valve

[0180] A first pressure regulating valve 171 and a second pressure regulating valve 172 are provided in the air flow path A. The pressure regulating valves 171 and 172 are examples of a pressure regulating unit that regulates the air pressure.

[0181] The first pressure regulating valve 171 is provided at a portion of the inflow path 101 that is on the downstream side of the water separation module 130. Specifically, the first pressure regulating valve 171 is provided at a portion of the inflow main path 101c that is located between the first pressure sensor 161 and the second switching valve 152. The first pressure regulating valve 171 regulates the pressure inside the water separation module 130. Specifically, the first pressure regulating valve 171 regulates the pressure of the third outlet chamber 136 of the water separation module 130 or the internal pressure of the water separation membrane 134. For example, the opening of the first pressure regulating valve 171 may also be regulated according to the detection pressure of the first pressure sensor 161. The first pressure regulating valve 171 regulates the pressure inside the water separation module 130, and dehumidification in the water separation module 130 can be appropriately performed.

[0182] The second pressure regulating valve 172 is provided in a portion of the first gas supply path 102a that is on the downstream side of the gas separation module 120. Specifically, the second pressure regulating valve 172 is provided in a portion of the first gas supply path 102a that is located between the second pressure sensor 162 and the third switching valve 153. The second pressure regulating valve 172 regulates the pressure inside the gas separation module 120. Specifically, the second pressure regulating valve 172 regulates the pressure of the first outlet chamber 125 of the gas separation module 120 or the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124. For example, the opening of the second pressure regulating valve 172 may also be regulated according to the detected pressure of the second pressure sensor 162. The second pressure regulating valve 172 regulates the pressure inside the gas separation module 120, and separation in the gas separation module 120 can be appropriately performed.

[0183] (4-11) Second Control Unit

[0184] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioning device 100 includes a second control unit 190. The second control unit 190 is connected to the first control unit 90 via a communication line W. The communication line W is used to send and receive signals and information between the first control unit 90 and the second control unit 190. The communication line W adopts a wired communication method, but a wireless communication method can also be adopted.

[0185] The second control unit 190 includes a second control unit 191. The second control unit 191 is an example of a control unit of the present disclosure.

[0186] The second control unit 191 includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electrical circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

[0187] The second control unit 191 receives signals detected by the first pressure sensor 161, the second pressure sensor 162, and the third pressure sensor 163. The second control unit 191 controls the air pump 110, the flow path switching mechanism, and the pressure regulating valves 171 and 172. Specifically, the second control unit 191 controls the operation of the air pump 110. The second control unit 191 switches each switching valve 151, 152, 153, 154, and 155 between the first state and the second state. The second control unit 191 opens and closes the air switch valve 156. The second control unit 191 adjusts the opening of the pressure regulating valves 171 and 172.

[0188] (4-12) Operation of air conditioning device

[0189] The operation of the air conditioning device 100 is described below. The operation of the air conditioning device 100 includes the first to fifth operations described below. In this example, in the first to fifth operations, the second control unit 191 sets the fifth switching valve 155 to the first state. Therefore, in the above operation, the water separation module 130 removes moisture from the air.

[0190] (4-12-1) First Operation

[0191] The first operation is an operation in which both the external air and the internal air are used as the processed air, the first air is supplied to the storage space 5, and the second air is discharged to the external space 6. The first operation is performed to reduce the oxygen concentration of the internal air in the storage space 5.

[0192] like Figure 8 As shown, in the first operation, the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the first state, the second switching valve 152 to the first state, the third switching valve 153 to the first state, the fourth switching valve 154 to the second state, the fifth switching valve 155 to the first state, and the air switch valve 156 to the closed state.

[0193] In the first operation, the air inside the box flowing in the second inlet path 101b flows through the first water separator 111. The first water separator 111 separates water (liquid) from the air inside the box. The air after passing through the first water separator 111 and the air outside the box flowing in the first inlet path 101a flow into the inlet main path 101c and are mixed, and then are sucked into the air pump 110 as processed air. The air pump 110 pressurizes the sucked air and ejects it. The air ejected from the air pump 110 is cooled by the condensation circuit 112 and flows through the second water separator 113. The second water separator 113 separates the water condensed during the time when the processed air passes through the condensation circuit 112 from the processed air.

[0194] The air passing through the second water separator 113 is dehumidified by passing through the water separation membrane 134 of the water separation module 130. The processed air dehumidified in the water separation module 130 flows into the gas separation module 120. In the gas separation module 120, the processed air is separated into first air and second air.

[0195] The first air having a lower oxygen concentration than the treated air flows through the first air supply path 102a and the introduction path 107 in sequence, and then flows through the third outlet chamber 136 of the water separation module 130. In the third outlet chamber 136, the water molecules that have passed through the water separation membrane 134 are given to the first air. The first air humidified in the water separation module 130 flows through the water supply path 108 and the air supply trunk path 102c in sequence, and then is supplied to the box space 5.

[0196] The second air having a higher oxygen concentration than the processed air sequentially flows through the second air supply path 102 b , the second exhaust path 103 b , and the exhaust main path 103 c , and is exhausted to the external space 6 .

[0197] In the first operation, the flow rate of the external air flowing into the first inflow path 101a after passing through the first air filter F1 is greater than the flow rate of the second air discharged to the external space 6. As a result, the air pressure of the storage space 5 is higher than the air pressure (i.e., atmospheric pressure) outside the transport container 1. In this way, the storage space 5 is kept at a positive pressure.

[0198] (4-12-2) Second Operation

[0199] The second operation is an operation in which the first air is supplied to the box interior space 5 and the second air is discharged to the box exterior space 6 using the box exterior air as the processed air. The second operation is performed to reduce the oxygen concentration of the box interior air in the storage space 5.

[0200] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the second operation, the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the second state, the second switching valve 152 to the first state, the third switching valve 153 to the first state, the fourth switching valve 154 to the second state, the fifth switching valve 155 to the first state, and the air switch valve 156 to the closed state.

[0201] The air outside the box flowing in the first inlet path 101a is pressurized by the air pump 110 and passes through the condensation circuit 112 and the second water separator 113. The air after passing through the second water separator 113 flows through the water separation membrane 134 of the water separation module 130 and is dehumidified. The treated air dehumidified in the water separation module 130 flows into the gas separation module 120. In the gas separation module 120, the treated air is separated into the first air and the second air. After being humidified in the water separation module 130, the first air having a lower oxygen concentration than the treated air flows through the water supply path 108 and the air supply trunk path 102c in sequence, and is supplied to the space 5 inside the box.

[0202] The second air having a higher oxygen concentration than the processed air sequentially flows through the second air supply path 102 b , the second exhaust path 103 b , and the exhaust main path 103 c , and is then discharged to the external space 6 .

[0203] In the second operation, the storage space 5 is kept at a positive pressure. Therefore, the air in the box space 5 flows through the second inlet passage 101b and the box inner exhaust passage 104 and is discharged to the box outer space 6. As a result, the air in the storage space 5 is gradually replaced by the first air.

[0204] (4-12-3) The third operation

[0205] The third operation is an operation in which both the air outside the box and the air inside the box are used as the processed air, the first air is discharged outside the box and the second air is supplied inside the box. The third operation is performed to increase the oxygen concentration of the air inside the storage space 5.

[0206] like Fig.10 As shown, in the third operation, the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the first state, the second switching valve 152 to the first state, the third switching valve 153 to the second state, the fourth switching valve 154 to the first state, the fifth switching valve 155 to the first state, and the air switch valve 156 to the closed state.

[0207] In the third operation, the air (processed air) formed by mixing the air outside the box flowing in the first inlet path 101a and the air inside the box flowing in the second inlet path 101b is pressurized by the air pump 110 and then passes through the condensation circuit 112 and the second water separator 113. The air after passing through the second water separator 113 flows through the water separation membrane 134 of the water separation module 130 and is dehumidified. The processed air dehumidified in the water separation module 130 flows into the gas separation module 120. In the gas separation module 120, the processed air is separated into the first air and the second air. The first air having a lower oxygen concentration than the processed air flows through the first air supply path 102a, the first exhaust path 103a and the exhaust main path 103c in sequence, and is discharged to the space 6 outside the box.

[0208] The second air having a higher oxygen concentration than the treated air flows through the second air supply path 102b and the introduction path 107 in sequence, and then flows in the third outlet chamber 136 of the water separation module 130. In the third outlet chamber 136, the water molecules that have passed through the water separation membrane 134 are given to the second air. The second air humidified in the water separation module 130 flows through the water supply path 108 and the air supply trunk path 102c in sequence, and then is supplied to the box space 5.

[0209] In the third operation, the storage space 5 is maintained at a positive pressure.

[0210] (4-12-4) Fourth Operation

[0211] The fourth operation is an operation in which the first air is discharged to the outside of the box and the second air is supplied to the inside of the box using the air outside the box as the processed air. The fourth operation is performed to increase the oxygen concentration of the air inside the storage space 5 .

[0212] like Fig.11As shown, in the fourth operation, the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the second state, the second switching valve 152 to the first state, the third switching valve 153 to the second state, the fourth switching valve 154 to the first state, the fifth switching valve 155 to the first state, and the air switch valve 156 to the closed state.

[0213] The air outside the box (processed air) flowing in the first inlet path 101a is pressurized by the air pump 110 and passes through the condensation circuit 112 and the second water separator 113. The air after passing through the second water separator 113 flows through the water separation membrane 134 of the water separation module 130 and is dehumidified. The processed air dehumidified in the water separation module 130 flows into the gas separation module 120. In the gas separation module 120, the processed air is separated into the first air and the second air. After being humidified in the water separation module 130, the second air having a higher oxygen concentration than the processed air flows through the water supply path 108 and the air supply trunk path 102c in sequence, and is supplied to the space 5 inside the box.

[0214] The first air having a lower oxygen concentration than the processed air sequentially flows through the second air supply path 102 b , the second exhaust path 103 b , and the exhaust main path 103 c , and is then discharged to the external space 6 .

[0215] In the fourth operation, the storage space 5 maintains a positive pressure. Therefore, the air in the box space 5 flows through the second inlet path 101b and the box inside exhaust path 104 and is discharged to the box outside space 6. As a result, the air in the storage space 5 is gradually replaced by the second air.

[0216] (4-12-5) Fifth Operation

[0217] The fifth operation is an operation for directly supplying the air outside the box to the inside of the box. The fifth operation is performed to increase the oxygen concentration of the air inside the storage space 5.

[0218] like Fig.12 As shown, in the fifth operation, the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the second state, sets the second switching valve 152 to the second state, sets the third switching valve 153 to the first state, sets the fourth switching valve 154 to the second state, sets the fifth switching valve 155 to the first state, and sets the air switch valve 156 to the closed state.

[0219] The air outside the box flowing in the first inlet path 101a is pressurized by the air pump 110 and then passes through the condensation circuit 112 and the second water separator 113. The air after passing through the second water separator 113 flows through the water separation membrane 134 of the water separation module 130 and is dehumidified. The air dehumidified in the water separation module 130 flows through the bypass flow path 105, thereby bypassing the gas separation module 120. The air flowing out of the bypass flow path 105 flows through the first air supply path 102a and the inlet path 107 in sequence, and then flows in the third outlet chamber 136 of the water separation module 130. In the third outlet chamber 136, the water molecules that have penetrated the water separation membrane 134 are given to the air. The air humidified in the water separation module 130 flows through the water supply path 108 and the air supply trunk path 102c in sequence, and is supplied to the box space 5.

[0220] In the fifth operation, the storage space 5 maintains a positive pressure. Therefore, the air in the box space 5 flows through the second inlet path 101b and the box inside exhaust path 104 and is discharged to the box outside space 6. As a result, the air in the storage space 5 is gradually replaced by the box outside air.

[0221] (5-1) Performance degradation of gas separation membranes

[0222] If the air conditioning device 100 is stopped for a long time, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 of the gas separation module 120 will decrease. Specifically, the gas separation membrane 124 has many micropores for separating gases. When the gas separation module 120 is not used for a long time as the air conditioning device 100 stops operating, the gas separation membrane 124 will shrink and the size of the micropores will become smaller. As a result, there is the following problem: the oxygen permeability and carbon dioxide permeability of the gas separation membrane 124 are reduced, and the gas separation performance of the air conditioning device 100 is reduced.

[0223] (5-2) Judgment on the start of preparatory operation

[0224] The air conditioning device 100 of this embodiment performs a first action to solve the above-mentioned problem. Specifically, the second control unit 191 performs the first action, and the first action suppresses the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 from decreasing when the air conditioning device 100 stops for a specified period of time. The first action of this embodiment includes a preparatory operation, in which the processed air is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. The second control unit 191 starts the preparatory operation after a specified period of time has passed since the air conditioning device 100 stops operating.

[0225] Refer to the following Fig.13 The control related to the preparatory operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0226] In step ST1, after the second control unit 191 receives the operation instruction of normal operation, in step ST2, the second control unit 191 controls the air conditioning device 100 to perform normal operation. Here, the normal operation is an operation in which the gas separation module 120 separates the processed air, including the first operation, the second operation, the third operation and the fourth operation. The purpose of the normal operation is to adjust the composition of the air in the storage space 5.

[0227] When the second control unit 191 receives the normal operation stop instruction in step ST3 , the second control unit 191 stops the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 in step ST4 .

[0228] In step ST5, a predetermined time T1 has passed since the air conditioning device 100 stopped operating, and in step ST6, the second control unit 191 executes the preparatory operation. The operation mentioned here includes normal operation and preparatory operation. The predetermined time T1 is set in consideration of the fact that the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 decreases when the air conditioning device 100 stops operating or the gas separation membrane 124 is not used. The predetermined time T1 is set, for example, to several days to several tens of days.

[0229] If the stop condition of the preparatory operation is satisfied in step ST7, the second control unit 191 stops the preparatory operation in step ST8. The stop condition of the preparatory operation in this example is that a predetermined time T2 has passed since the start of the preparatory operation.

[0230] (5-3) Preparatory operation

[0231] The preparatory operation is an operation for supplying the processed air to the gas separation membrane 124. The preparatory operation is an operation performed for the purpose of suppressing the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 from decreasing due to the air conditioning device 100 being stopped for a specified period of time. Therefore, the air conditioning device 100 in the preparatory operation can also perform the same actions as the first operation, the second operation, the third operation, and the fourth operation described above. The preparatory operation of this embodiment is different from the normal operation described above in that the preparatory operation is not performed based on an operation instruction issued by a user or the like.

[0232] In the preparatory operation, for example, the same operation as the first operation is performed (see Figure 8 ), the treated air flows through the gas separation module 120. In the gas separation module 120, the treated air after flowing into the first introduction chamber 125 flows through each gas separation membrane 124. When the treated air flows inside the gas separation membrane 124, the gas separation membrane 124 expands and the size of each micropore increases. In this way, the separation performance of the gas separation membrane 124 for oxygen and carbon dioxide is restored.

[0233] The air pump 110 constitutes a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. Specifically, the air pump 110 pressurizes the processed air so that the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 in the preliminary operation is greater than the internal pressure P1 of the gas separation membrane 124 in the above-mentioned normal operation. The air pump 110 pressurizes the processed air so that the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 does not exceed its withstand pressure P2. The internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 can be adjusted by the second pressure regulating valve 172. Specifically, the second control unit 191 controls the opening of the second pressure regulating valve 172 so that the detection pressure of the second pressure sensor 162 is greater than P1 and less than P2. The internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 during the preliminary operation is maintained at 700 [kPa], for example.

[0234] As described above, by pressurizing the air to be processed supplied to the gas separation membrane 124, the gas separation membrane 124 is easily expanded and the size of the micropores is easily enlarged. As a result, the performance recovery effect of the gas separation membrane 124 is improved.

[0235] The air conditioning device 100 has a first water separation membrane 134, a second water separation membrane 134 and a water separation module 130 as a dehumidification unit. The dehumidification unit reduces the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. Here, if the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 adheres to the gas separation membrane 124, the moisture sometimes blocks the micropores, resulting in a decrease in the separation performance of the gas separation membrane 124. In contrast, by using the first water separation membrane 134, the second water separation membrane 134 and the water separation module 130 as a dehumidification unit to dehumidify the air, it is possible to suppress the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 caused by the attachment of moisture to the gas separation membrane 124. It should be noted that the dehumidification unit can be any one or both of the first water separator 111, the second water separator 113 and the water separation module 130, or it can be a dehumidification unit of other forms.

[0236] As described above, the second control unit 191 continues the preparatory operation for the predetermined time T2. The predetermined time T2 is set to 24 hours, for example. By continuing the preparatory operation for the predetermined time T2, the size of the pores of the gas separation membrane 124 can be sufficiently enlarged.

[0237] (6) Features of the embodiments

[0238] (6-1)

[0239] The air conditioning device 100 of the above embodiment includes the second control unit 191, and the second control unit 191 executes the first action in which the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is suppressed from being reduced when the air conditioning device 100 is stopped for a predetermined period. Therefore, even when the gas separation membrane 124 shrinks and its performance is reduced, the first action can be used to suppress the performance reduction of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0240] (6-2)

[0241] The first operation includes a preparatory operation of supplying the treated air to the gas separation membrane 124. In the preparatory operation, the treated air is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124, so that the gas separation membrane 124 can be expanded, thereby increasing the size of its micropores. As a result, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be easily and quickly restored.

[0242] (6-3)

[0243] The second control unit 191 starts the preparatory operation after a predetermined time has passed since the air conditioning apparatus 100 was stopped. Therefore, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be reliably restored in accordance with the timing when the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 decreases due to the stop of the air conditioning apparatus 100.

[0244] (6-4)

[0245] The air conditioning device 100 includes an air pump 110, and in the preparatory operation, the air pump 110 pressurizes the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. This makes it easy to expand the gas separation membrane 124, so that the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be quickly and reliably restored.

[0246] (6-5)

[0247] The air conditioning device 100 includes the dehumidifiers 111, 113, 130, and in the preliminary operation, the dehumidifiers 111, 113, 130 reduce the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. This can prevent the moisture from clogging the pores of the gas separation membrane 124, thereby preventing the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 from being degraded.

[0248] (7) Modifications of the Embodiments

[0249] The above-mentioned embodiment may also adopt the following modified examples. It should be noted that, in the following description, the differences from the embodiment are described in principle.

[0250] (7-1) Modification 1

[0251] The second control unit 191 of the first modification starts the preparatory operation a predetermined time before starting the normal operation. Fig.14To illustrate the control.

[0252] In step ST11, the second control unit 191 determines the start time of normal operation. The second control unit 191 can also estimate the start time of normal operation. In this case, the second control unit 191 estimates the start time of normal operation based on the transportation route of the transport container 1, for example. For example, by setting a GPS (Global Positioning System) on the transport container 1 or a ship that transports the transport container 1, the second control unit 191 can obtain the transportation route of the transport container 1. The second control unit 191 determines that the transport container 1 has arrived at the port, for example, based on the GPS, and estimates the start time of normal operation according to this moment. This is because after the transport container 1 arrives at the port, the next batch of fresh food will be transported to the container body 2, so the air in the storage space 5 needs to be cooled and the composition of the air needs to be adjusted.

[0253] It should be noted that the start time of the normal operation may also be an input value determined in advance by the user. In this case, the user determines the start time of the normal operation using the operation unit 92. The second control unit 191 determines the time input through the operation unit 92 as the start time of the normal operation.

[0254] In step ST12, the second control unit 191 determines the start time of the preparatory operation. The start time of the preparatory operation is a time obtained by subtracting the execution time of the preparatory operation (for example, T2 described above) from the start time of the normal operation.

[0255] In step ST13, the second control unit 191 causes the air conditioning apparatus 100 to perform a preliminary operation from the start time obtained in step ST12. As a result, similarly to the above embodiment, the processed air is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. Therefore, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be restored.

[0256] After the preparatory operation is completed, in step ST14, the second control unit 191 causes the air conditioning device 100 to perform normal operation. Specifically, in normal operation, for example, the first operation, the second operation, the third operation, or the fourth operation is performed. Before the normal operation is about to be performed, the preparatory operation is performed, and the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is restored. Therefore, in normal operation, the gas separation performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be fully utilized.

[0257] It should be noted that, in variant example 1, the preparatory operation and the normal operation may also be performed continuously. In this case, the preparatory operation preferably performs the same actions as the normal operation. Specifically, in normal operation, the second control unit 191 causes the air conditioning device 100 to perform the first operation. In this case, in the preparatory operation, the second control unit 191 also causes the air conditioning device 100 to perform the first operation to restore the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. Strictly speaking, after the execution time of the first operation as the preparatory operation has passed, the second control unit 191 causes the air conditioning device 100 to continuously perform the first operation as the normal operation. In this way, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 can be fully utilized from the start of the normal operation without stopping the operation of the air conditioning device 100.

[0258] (7-2) Modification 2

[0259] like Fig.15 As shown, the air conditioning device 100 involved in Modification 2 does not have the water separation module 130, the introduction path 107, the water supply path 108 and the fifth switching valve 155 involved in the embodiment. The air conditioning device 100 of Modification 2 performs the first operation, the second operation, the third operation, the fourth operation and the fifth operation as in the embodiment. In Modification 2, the air in the air supply trunk 102c does not pass through the introduction path 107 and the water supply path 108, but is directly sent to the storage space 5, which is different from the embodiment.

[0260] like Fig.16 As shown, in the preparatory operation of the air conditioning device 100 of Modification 2, the first air and the second air separated by the gas separation module 120 are discharged to the outer space 6. In other words, the exhaust flow path 103 of Modification 2 discharges the first air and the second air separated by the gas separation membrane 124 to the outer space 6.

[0261] Specifically, in the preparatory operation, the second control unit 191 sets the third switching valve 153 to the second state and the fourth switching valve 154 to the second state. The second control unit 191, for example, sets the second switching valve 152 to the first state and sets the air switch valve 156 to the closed state. For example, the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the first state. The second control unit 191 may also set the first switching valve 151 to the second state.

[0262] In the preparatory operation, the air dehumidified by the first water separator 111 is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 of the gas separation module 120. In this way, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is restored. The first air separated by the gas separation module 120 flows through the first gas supply path 102a and the first exhaust path 103a in sequence, and then flows to the exhaust main path 103c. The second air separated by the gas separation module 120 flows through the second gas supply path 102b and the second exhaust path 103b in sequence, and then flows to the exhaust main path 103c. The air merged in the exhaust main path 103c is discharged to the outer space 6. In the preparatory operation, when the second control unit 191 sets the first switching valve 151 to the first state, the air dehumidified by the second water separator 113 is also supplied to the gas separation membrane 124 of the gas separation module 120. In this way, the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is restored.

[0263] As described above, in Modification 2, during the preparatory operation, the first air and the second air separated by the gas separation membrane 124 are discharged to the outer space 6. In other words, during the preparatory operation, the first air and the second air are not supplied to the inner space of the box, that is, the storage space 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the composition of the air in the storage space 5 from changing due to the execution of the preparatory operation.

[0264] In the air flow path A of the modification 2, the second inflow path 101b can also be omitted, and the storage space 5 is not connected to the inflow path 101, but the storage space 5 is connected to the space outside the box 6 through the exhaust path 104 inside the box. In this case, a switch valve is provided on the exhaust path 104 inside the box. By setting the switch state of the switch valve by the second control unit 191, it is possible to switch whether the air inside the box of the storage space 5 is discharged to the space outside the box 6. In the preparatory operation, if the switch valve is set to the closed state by the second control unit 191, the air inside the box will not be discharged to the space outside the box 6 through the exhaust path 104 inside the box. Therefore, it is possible to suppress changes in the composition of the air in the box space, that is, the storage space 5. Moreover, it is possible to suppress changes in the pressure in the storage space 5.

[0265] (7-3) Modification 3

[0266] like Fig.17 As shown, in the air conditioning device 100 of the modification 3, a heating unit 175 is provided in the air flow path A. In the preparatory operation, the heating unit 175 heats the air supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. The heating unit 175 of this example is composed of an electric heater. The heating unit 175 is provided on the inflow trunk 101c. Specifically, the heating unit 175 is provided between the water separation module 130 and the gas separation module 120.

[0267] In the preliminary operation of Modification 3, the processed air heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating unit 175 is supplied to the gas separation membrane 124. By heating the processed air, the components in the air can improve the recovery performance of the gas separation membrane 124. It can be inferred that the reason is that the higher the temperature of the air, the greater the diffusion coefficient of the gas in the gas separation membrane 124; and the higher the temperature of the air, the lower the relative humidity in the air.

[0268] It should be noted that the heating unit 175 may also be a device provided in the refrigeration device 10 and heating the air using exhaust heat. The device may include a compressor 31, for example.

[0269] (7-4) Modification 4

[0270] The second control unit 191 of the modification 4 performs an operation for prompting a person to operate the air conditioning device 100 as a first operation. Fig.18 The control related to this action is described in detail.

[0271] In step ST21, the second control unit 191 determines whether the first condition indicating that the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 has been degraded is satisfied. Here, the first condition includes, for example, that a predetermined time has passed since the air conditioning device 100 stopped operating, and that the gas separation membrane 124 has not been used for a predetermined time or longer. If the above conditions are satisfied, the size of the micropores of the gas separation membrane 124 will become smaller.

[0272] If the first condition is satisfied in step ST21, the second control unit 191 outputs a first signal for prompting a person to operate the air conditioning device 100 in step S22. The first signal output from the second control unit 191 is input to the first control unit 93 of the first control unit 90 via the communication line W.

[0273] The first control unit 93 that receives the first signal controls the display unit 91 to remind the person to operate the air conditioning device 100. Strictly speaking, the first control unit 93 that receives the first signal controls the display unit 91 to remind the person to operate the air conditioning device 100 normally. The display unit 91 is an example of a first notification unit that sends a notification to a person to remind the person to operate the air conditioning device 100. In step S23, the display unit 91 reminds the person to operate the air conditioning device 100 normally through text, graphics, symbols, signs, etc. After the person confirms the display unit 91, he operates the operation unit 92 to make the air conditioning device 100 perform normal operation.

[0274] In the normal operation of Modified Example 4, for example, the first operation, the second operation, the third operation, or the fourth operation is performed. In addition, in the normal operation of Modified Example 4, the fifth operation may also be performed. Alternatively, in the operation of Modified Example 4, the same operation as the preparatory operation described in Modified Example 2 may also be performed. Alternatively, in the operation of Modified Example 4, the same operation as the preparatory operation described in Modified Example 3 may also be performed.

[0275] The first notification unit may be a light emitting unit such as an LED that uses light to remind that the air conditioner 100 is operating normally. The first notification unit may be a sound generating unit that uses sound to remind that the air conditioner 100 is operating normally.

[0276] The first notification unit such as the display unit 91 may also be provided in the second control unit 190. In this case, when the first condition is satisfied in step ST21, the display unit 91 of the air conditioning device 100 reminds the user to operate the air conditioning device 100 normally.

[0277] (7-5) Modification 5

[0278] The second control unit 191 of Modification 5 outputs information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. Fig.19 The control related to this action is described in detail. Fig.19 The control is added to the air conditioning apparatus 100 of the above-described embodiment. In other words, the air conditioning apparatus 100 of Modification 5 performs an operation (second operation) of outputting information on the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 in addition to the first operation.

[0279] In step ST31, the second control unit 191 causes the air conditioning apparatus 100 to perform a preliminary operation. In step ST32, the second control unit 191 estimates information on the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. Specifically, the second control unit 191 estimates the time required until the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is restored.

[0280] The second control unit 191 stores data indicating the relationship between the speed change of the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 and the elapsed time of the preparatory operation. Immediately after the preparatory operation begins, the diameter of the micropores of the gas separation membrane 124 is relatively small, and in contrast, the diameter of the micropores gradually increases as the preparatory operation is performed. As the preparatory operation proceeds, the micropores become large enough, and the speed of change of the diameter of the micropores decreases. Therefore, the amount of decrease in the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 is relatively large immediately after the preparatory operation begins, and then gradually decreases. In other words, immediately after the preparatory operation begins, the speed of decrease in the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 is relatively large, and then the speed of decrease gradually decreases. Therefore, if the speed of decrease in the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124 at a certain moment is known, it is possible to estimate how long it will take for the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 to recover.

[0281] Specifically, in step ST32, the second control unit 191 obtains the decreasing speed of the pressure detection value of the second pressure sensor 162 at a predetermined time after the start of the preliminary operation. The second control unit 191 estimates the time required for the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 to recover and the time of the performance recovery based on the decreasing speed and the above data. It should be noted that, in step ST32, when obtaining the decreasing speed of the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane 124, the second control unit 191 basically does not adjust the opening of the second pressure regulating valve 172.

[0282] In step ST33, the second control unit 191 outputs information related to the estimated time and moment as information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. The second control unit 191 outputs the information to the first control unit 93 of the first control unit 90. The first control unit 93 that receives the information controls the display unit 91 to notify the person of the time and moment. The display unit 91 is an example of a second notification unit that notifies the person of information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. In step ST34, the display unit 91 displays the time required until the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is restored and the moment when the performance is restored through text, graphics, symbols, signs, etc. In this way, people can know the time required until the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is restored and the moment when the performance is restored through the display unit 91. Therefore, the reliability of the air conditioning device 100 can be guaranteed.

[0283] The second notification unit may be a light emitting unit that uses light to notify a person of information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. The second notification unit may be a sound generating unit that uses sound or the like to notify a person of information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0284] A second notification unit such as the display unit 91 may be provided in the second control unit 190. In this case, in step ST27, the display unit 91 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 notifies the person of information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0285] In this example, the information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 is the time required for the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 to recover and the recovery time, but the information may also be the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 itself or the degree of decline in the performance of the gas separation membrane 124.

[0286] (7-6) Modification 6

[0287] exist Fig. 20 In the air conditioning device 100 of the modified example 6 shown, the fifth switching valve 155 involved in the embodiment is omitted. In the modified example 6, the air supplied to the box must flow through the introduction path 107 and the water supply path 108, and then be sent to the storage space 5. In other words, in the modified example 6, the introduction path 107 and the water supply path 108 constitute a part of the air supply main path 102c.

[0288] (8) Reference example

[0289] The air conditioning device 100 in the reference example does not perform the first action involved in the embodiment and variants 1 to 4. In other words, the air conditioning device 100 in the reference example does not perform an action to suppress the performance of the gas separation membrane 124 from decreasing as the air conditioning device 100 stops for a predetermined period of time. The air conditioning device 100 in the reference example performs the second action involved in variant 5. In this way, a person can obtain information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane 124. Therefore, the reliability of the air conditioning device 100 can be ensured.

[0290] (9) Other Implementation Methods

[0291] The pressurizing unit may be a device other than the air pump 110 , and may be a compressor for compressing air or a fan for conveying air.

[0292] In the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the fifth switching valve 155 may be omitted.

[0293] The air conditioning device 100, the transport refrigeration device 10 or the transport container may also have a rechargeable auxiliary power supply such as a battery. The auxiliary power supply is configured to supply power to the air conditioning device. When the power supply of the air conditioning device 100 is disconnected and the air conditioning device 100 is stopped, power can be supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the air conditioning device 100. In this way, even when the air conditioning device 100 is stopped, the air conditioning device 100 can reliably perform the preparatory operation.

[0294] The transport container 1 can also be used for land transportation. In this case, the transport container 1 is transported by a land transportation tool such as a vehicle. Specifically, the transport container 1 is loaded on a trailer.

[0295] The air conditioning device 100 can also be used to adjust the composition of the air in a fixed warehouse. For example, the air conditioning device 100 can also be installed in a warehouse for storing fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. In this case, a storage space 5 is formed in the warehouse as an internal space for storing the storage objects.

[0296] The above embodiments and variations are described, but it should be understood that various changes can be made to the methods and specific circumstances without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements in the above embodiments, variations, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined or replaced.

[0297] The words "first", "second", "third", etc. mentioned above are only used to distinguish sentences containing the above words, and do not limit the number and order of the sentences.

[0298] - Industrial Applicability -

[0299] In summary, the present disclosure is useful for air conditioning devices, refrigeration devices, and shipping containers.

[0300] - Explanation of symbols -

[0301] 1 Shipping container

[0302] 2 Container body

[0303] 5. Space inside the box

[0304] 6 Space outside the box

[0305] 10 Refrigeration unit

[0306] 30 Refrigerant circuit

[0307] 100 Air conditioning unit

[0308] 103 Exhaust flow path

[0309] 110 Air pump (pressurizing part)

[0310] 111 First water separator (dehumidification unit)

[0311] 113 Second water separator (dehumidification unit)

[0312] 124 Gas separation membrane

[0313] 130 Water separation module (dehumidification unit)

[0314] 175 Heating unit

[0315] 191 Control Department

Claims

1. An air conditioning device for adjusting the composition of air in a box space (5), characterized in that: The air conditioning device includes a gas separation membrane (124) and a control unit (191). The air to be processed is supplied to the interior of the gas separation membrane (124). The control unit (191) causes the air conditioning device to perform a first action. The first operation includes a preparatory operation in which the air to be processed is supplied to the gas separation membrane (124). The air conditioning device includes a pressurizing unit (110). In the preparatory operation, the pressurizing unit (110) pressurizes the air supplied to the gas separation membrane (124). The pressurizing unit (110) is configured to pressurize the air supplied to the gas separation membrane (124) so ​​that the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane (124) during the preliminary operation is higher than the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane (124) during the normal operation of the air conditioning device.

2. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (191) starts the preparatory operation when a predetermined time has passed since the air conditioning device stopped operating. The predetermined time is set in consideration of the fact that the performance of the gas separation membrane decreases when the air conditioning apparatus is stopped or the gas separation membrane is not used.

3. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (191) starts the preparatory operation a predetermined time before the air conditioning apparatus starts the normal operation.

4. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air conditioning device includes an exhaust flow path (103). In the preparatory operation, the exhaust flow path (103) discharges the first air and the second air separated by the gas separation membrane (124) to the space outside the box (6).

5. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air conditioning device includes a heating unit (175), and in the preliminary operation, the heating unit (175) heats air supplied to the gas separation membrane (124).

6. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air conditioning device includes a dehumidifier, and in the preliminary operation, the dehumidifier reduces the moisture in the air supplied to the gas separation membrane (124).

7. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first action includes an action for reminding a person to operate the air conditioning device.

8. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The control unit (191) outputs information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane (124).

9. An air conditioning device for adjusting the composition of air in a box space (5), characterized in that: The air conditioning device includes a gas separation membrane (124) and a control unit (191). The air to be processed is supplied to the interior of the gas separation membrane (124). The control unit (191) causes the air conditioning device to perform a first action. The control unit (191) outputs information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane (124). The first operation includes a preparatory operation in which the air to be processed is supplied to the gas separation membrane (124). The air conditioning device includes a pressurizing unit (110). In the preparatory operation, the pressurizing unit (110) pressurizes the air supplied to the gas separation membrane (124). During the preparatory operation, the control unit (191) estimates the time required for the performance of the gas separation membrane (124) to be restored or the moment when the performance is restored based on the speed of decrease of the internal pressure of the gas separation membrane (124), and outputs the estimated time or moment as information related to the performance of the gas separation membrane (124).

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that: The refrigeration device comprises the air conditioning device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a refrigerant circuit (30) for adjusting the internal temperature of the box space (5).

11. A transport container, characterized in that: The transport container comprises the refrigeration device (10) according to claim 10 and a container body (2) provided with the refrigeration device (10).

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