incubator

Abstract

The temperature-controlled box (1) includes: a box body (6) that forms an internal space (6a) that houses a cargo (2); a heat carrier arrangement portion (8) that is arranged inside a wall (10) that constitutes the box body (6) and that provides a heat carrier (3); and a protrusion (60) that protrudes from an inner surface (13) of the wall (10) toward the internal space (6a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature control chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger constructed by enclosing a tray component containing internal fins with a cover component. An inlet and an outlet are provided on the surface of the cover component, allowing a heat carrier to flow in and out relative to the enclosed space. Temperature-controlled objects, such as electronic components, come into contact with the surface of the tray component. The heat carrier flows within the enclosed space, exchanging heat with the temperature-controlled object via solid-state heat transfer.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-103060. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve Even when the object to be conditioned is placed on the tray component, it is difficult to ensure complete contact between the object and the tray component. Therefore, heat exchange via solid-state heat transfer is not effectively carried out, and it may be impossible to maintain the object at the desired temperature.

[0005] The subject of this disclosure is to provide a temperature control chamber that facilitates temperature management of an object.

[0006] Methods for solving problems One aspect of this disclosure provides a temperature-controlled box comprising: a box body forming an internal space for containing goods; a heat carrier placement section disposed inside the wall constituting the box body, wherein a heat carrier is disposed; and a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the wall body into the internal space.

[0007] According to the above structure, the protrusion is heated or cooled by a heat carrier. The internal space is heated or cooled by the protrusion, thus achieving temperature regulation. The cargo, being housed within the temperature-regulated internal space, is managed at the desired temperature. Compared to the case without protrusions, the exposed area into the internal space is increased, and temperature regulation of the internal space by the protrusions is effectively achieved. Compared to the case where cargo is placed on the inner surface of a box wall without protrusions, temperature management of the cargo is easier.

[0008] Alternatively, the aforementioned protrusion may include a bottom protrusion protruding from the aforementioned inner surface of the bottom wall of the aforementioned housing, which is part of the aforementioned wall.

[0009] Based on the above structure, it is easy to manage the temperature of goods placed on the bottom protrusion.

[0010] Alternatively, the aforementioned bottom protrusion may include a support protrusion for carrying the aforementioned goods, and a low protrusion with a smaller protrusion than the aforementioned support protrusion.

[0011] According to the above structure, when the cargo is placed on the support protrusion, the low protrusion separates from the support protrusion, and all or almost all of the surface of the low protrusion is exposed in the internal space. Temperature regulation of the internal space is effectively achieved, facilitating temperature management of the cargo.

[0012] Alternatively, the aforementioned support protrusion may include a protrusion that protrudes from the aforementioned inner surface and a support portion disposed at the front end of the aforementioned protrusion and having a support surface for supporting the aforementioned goods, wherein the width of the aforementioned support surface is wider than the width of the aforementioned protrusion.

[0013] According to the above structure, the cargo is stably supported by a wider support surface.

[0014] Alternatively, the aforementioned wall may be a laminate of metal and thermal insulation material; the aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned protrusions may be made of the aforementioned metal material, and the aforementioned thermal insulation material may be laminated on the back side of the metal material opposite to the aforementioned inner surface.

[0015] Based on the above structure, heat transfer is easily facilitated from the heat carrier to the protrusion. Temperature regulation within the internal space is effectively achieved, making temperature management of goods easy.

[0016] Alternatively, the aforementioned heat carrier configuration section may have a heat carrier flow path for the aforementioned heat carrier to circulate; the aforementioned housing may be provided with an inlet for the aforementioned heat carrier to flow into the aforementioned heat carrier flow path and an outlet for the aforementioned heat carrier to flow out of the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

[0017] According to the above structure, the heat carrier placement section can be realized by allowing the heat carrier to flow in the heat carrier flow path formed inside the wall of the box.

[0018] Alternatively, the aforementioned wall may be a laminate of metal and thermal insulation material; the aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned protrusion may be made of the aforementioned metal material, and the aforementioned thermal insulation material may be laminated on the back side of the metal material opposite to the aforementioned inner surface; the aforementioned thermal insulation material may have a groove formed on the inner surface; the aforementioned heat carrier flow path may be formed by overlapping the aforementioned back side of the aforementioned metal material with the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned thermal insulation material, and the aforementioned groove may be closed by the aforementioned back side.

[0019] According to the above structure, by simply covering the groove formed in the insulation material with metal material, it is possible to simultaneously embed the heat carrier flow path inside the wall, expose the protrusion with high heat transfer efficiency in the internal space to effectively adjust the temperature of the internal space, and improve the insulation of the internal space and the heat carrier flow path.

[0020] Alternatively, the aforementioned insulation material may be composed of a foam made of multiple independent air bubbles and polymer materials. Furthermore, a coating may be provided on the inner surface of the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

[0021] Based on the above structure, it is possible to balance the heat insulation of the enclosure with the prevention of heat transfer fluid from penetrating into the insulation material.

[0022] Alternatively, a back protrusion protruding into the heat transfer fluid flow path may be provided on the aforementioned back side of the aforementioned metal material.

[0023] According to the above structure, the contact area between the metal material and the heat carrier is increased, and heat transfer from the heat carrier to the protrusions on the inner surface is carried out efficiently. Temperature regulation of the internal space is effectively achieved, facilitating temperature management of goods.

[0024] Alternatively, the aforementioned heat carrier configuration section may have a heat carrier encapsulation body into which the aforementioned heat carrier is encapsulated.

[0025] According to the above structure, the heat carrier placement section can be realized by having a heat carrier sealant built into the wall of the box.

[0026] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, a temperature control chamber that allows for easy temperature management of an object can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the temperature control box according to the first embodiment, showing the state where the cover has been separated from the box body.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control chamber according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of the temperature control chamber according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control chamber according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom wall of the temperature control chamber according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom wall of the temperature control chamber according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a top view of the temperature control chamber according to the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom wall of the temperature control chamber according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a top view of the temperature control chamber according to the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control chamber according to the fifth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control chamber according to the sixth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control chamber according to the sixth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control box involved in the first variation.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control box involved in the second variation.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a anatomical view of the temperature control chamber involved in the third variation.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control box involved in the third variation.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a anatomical view of the temperature control chamber involved in the fourth variation.

[0044] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control box involved in the fourth variation.

[0045] Figure 19 This is a partial sectional view of the bottom wall of the temperature control chamber involved in the fifth variation. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements throughout the drawings, and repetition of detailed descriptions is omitted.

[0047] (First Embodiment) Reference Figure 1 The temperature-controlled box 1 according to the first embodiment houses the goods 2 and is transported together with the goods 2 while maintaining the goods 2 at a desired temperature. Examples of such goods 2 include fresh foods such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. Figure 1 In the illustration, cargo 2 is rectangular, but this is only for the sake of illustration; the shape of cargo 2 can also be irregular.

[0048] The temperature-controlled chamber 1 includes a housing 6 that forms an internal space 6a for containing cargo 2, and a lid 7 that closes the housing 6. Unless otherwise specified, the internal space 6a is filled with air. However, if the cargo 2 is fish or shellfish, the internal space 6a may also be filled with a fluid other than air, such as ice water, or this fluid may be appropriately replaced with air within the internal space 6a depending on the cargo 2. Hereinafter, "temperature of the internal space 6a" refers to the temperature of the fluid filling the internal space 6a.

[0049] The housing 6 has a wall 10 defining an internal space 6a and an upper opening 6b. The upper opening 6b opens the internal space 6a from the top. The wall 10 includes a bottom wall 11 and a peripheral wall 12 extending from the periphery of the bottom wall 11. The internal space 6a is defined by the inner surface 13 of the wall 10, and the upper opening 6b is defined by the upper end of the peripheral wall 12. A cover 7 closes the upper opening 6b in an openable manner.

[0050] For example, the box 6 is rectangular, and the bottom wall 11 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The peripheral wall 12 consists of four side walls: a pair of first side walls 12A that stand parallel to each of the pair of long edges of the bottom wall 11, and a pair of second side walls 12B that stand parallel to each of the pair of short edges of the bottom wall 11. Each side wall is rectangular in shape when viewed from the side.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The enclosure 6 is composed of an outer casing 20, an inner casing 30, and insulation material 40. The wall 10 of the enclosure 6 is a laminate of metal and insulation material 40. The insulation material 40 is disposed between the outer casing 20 and the inner casing 30. The outer casing 20 and the inner casing 30 are examples of the metal materials constituting the laminate, such as steel or aluminum alloy. The insulation material 40 is made of insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene foam. The outer casing 20, the inner casing 30, and the insulation material 40 all have the same shape as the enclosure 6, which is a rectangular box shape in this example.

[0052] The outer casing 20 has an outer bottom wall 21 and an outer peripheral wall 22. The outer bottom wall 21 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The outer peripheral wall 22 is composed of four outer walls: a pair of parallel first outer side walls 22A and a pair of parallel second outer side walls 22B that intersect the first outer side walls 22A perpendicularly.

[0053] The inner casing 30 has an inner bottom wall 31, an inner peripheral wall 32, and a flange 33. The inner bottom wall 31 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The inner peripheral wall 32 is composed of four inner side walls: a pair of parallel first inner side walls 32A and a pair of parallel second inner side walls 32B that intersect the first inner side walls 32A perpendicularly. The flange 33 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above and extends horizontally (i.e., parallel to the inner bottom wall 31) from the upper end of the inner peripheral wall 32 to the side opposite to the internal space 6a.

[0054] The outer surface 20a of the outer box 20 forms the outer surface of the entire box 6. The inner surface 30a of the inner box 30 forms the inner surface 13 of the entire box 6, defining the internal space 6a.

[0055] The thermal insulation material 40 is disposed in the space between the back surface 20b of the outer casing 20 (the side opposite to the outer surface 20a) and the back surface 30b of the inner casing 30 (the side opposite to the inner surface 30a). The thermal insulation material 40 has a bottom wall portion 41 sandwiched between the outer bottom wall 21 and the inner bottom wall 31, and a peripheral wall portion 42 sandwiched between the outer peripheral wall 22 and the inner peripheral wall 32 and erected from the bottom wall portion 41. The peripheral wall portion 42 has a rectangular window frame-shaped upper surface, which is covered by the flange 33 of the inner casing 30. The outer surface 40b of the thermal insulation material 40 overlaps with the back surface 20b of the outer casing 20, and the back surface 30b of the inner casing 30 overlaps with the inner surface 40a of the thermal insulation material 40.

[0056] Detailed illustrations are omitted, but in this embodiment, the outer casing 20 is constructed by bending a single sheet of aluminum alloy. The inner casing 30 is constructed similarly. The insulation material 40 is formed into a rectangular box shape by combining multiple rectangular plates made of insulation material. However, the inner casing 30 may also be constructed from extruded material such as aluminum alloy. The same applies to other embodiments (e.g., embodiments 2 to 4).

[0057] Additionally, the cover 7 has a fitting portion 7a that is tightly fitted to the upper end of the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 32 of the inner box 30, and a mounting portion 7b disposed above the fitting portion 7a and tightly fitted to the upper surface of the flange 33 of the inner box 30. The cover 7 is constructed by covering the heat-insulating material with a metal sheet. By fitting the fitting portion 7a and mounting portion 7b tightly fitting to the inner box 30, the internal space 6a of the box 6 is insulated from external air. In the example shown, the cover 7 can be detachably installed relative to the box 6, but the cover 7 can also be hinged to the box 6.

[0058] The temperature control chamber 1 also includes a heat carrier placement section 8 disposed inside the wall 10 constituting the chamber body 6 and in which a heat carrier 3 is provided. The heat carrier 3 is a fluid used for heat exchange with the fluid filling the internal space 6a, and is used for cooling, heating, or maintaining the internal space 6a. That is, the heat carrier 3 can be either a heat carrier for heating or a refrigerant for cooling. The heat carrier 3 can be either a gas or a liquid. When the heat carrier 3 is a liquid, the main component of the heat carrier 3 can be water, a liquid other than water such as ethylene glycol, or an aqueous solution containing a solute such as ammonia. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the heat carrier 3 is a liquid for cooling the internal space 6a.

[0059] In this embodiment, the heat carrier placement section 8 has a heat carrier flow path 50 for the heat carrier 3 to flow through. The heat carrier flow path 50 is formed inside the wall 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, the heat carrier flow path 50, which is the heat carrier placement section 8, is provided in the bottom wall 11, which is part of the wall 10. The housing 6 is provided with an inlet 52 for the heat carrier 3 to flow into the heat carrier flow path 50 and an outlet 53 for the heat carrier 3 to flow out of the heat carrier flow path 50.

[0061] The heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is formed by a groove 51 formed on the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40 and closed by the back surface 30b of the inner casing 30. The heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is defined by the insulation material 40. When the heat transfer fluid 3 is, for example, a gas such as air or carbon dioxide, or a liquid such as water or a polyethylene glycol aqueous solution, the insulation material 40 is preferably formed of a foam composed of multiple independent air bubbles and a polymer material. This prevents the heat transfer fluid 3 from penetrating into the interior of the insulation material 40. Alternatively, a membrane may be provided on the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. The membrane may be formed, for example, of polyethylene or polypropylene film. This membrane prevents the heat transfer fluid 3 from penetrating into the insulation material 40.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, a groove 51 extends meanderingly along the inner surface 40a of the bottom wall portion 41 in a manner that encompasses the entire inner surface 40a of the bottom wall portion 41. The groove 51 has multiple (seven in the example) transverse portions 51a extending parallel to the extension direction along the edge of the bottom wall portion 41, and connecting portions 51b connecting the ends of adjacent transverse portions 51a to each other. The back surface 30b of the inner bottom wall 31 overlaps with the inner surface 40a of the bottom wall portion 41, and the groove 51 is closed by the back surface 30b, thereby arranging a serpentine heat transfer fluid flow path 50 inside the bottom wall 11.

[0063] The inlet 52 opens at the bottom surface of one end of the groove 51, and the outlet 53 opens at the bottom surface of the other end of the groove 51. Additionally, a cooling mechanism (not shown) for pressurizing and cooling the heat carrier 3 is provided outside the housing 6; the inlet 52 and outlet 53 are connected to the cooling mechanism. The heat carrier is cooled by the cooling mechanism, flows into the heat carrier flow path 50 through the inlet 52, heats up during its flow through the heat carrier flow path 50, and flows out of the heat carrier flow path 50 through the outlet 53, returning to the cooling mechanism.

[0064] Reference Figures 1-4 The temperature control chamber 1 also has a protrusion 60 protruding from the inner surface 13 of the wall 10 of the chamber 6 into the internal space 6a. The inner surface 13 of the wall 10 is formed by the innermost inner box 30 constituting the wall 10, and the inner box 30 is made of metal. The protrusion 60 is made of the same metal as the inner box 30, and in this example, it is made of aluminum alloy. The protrusion 60 is solid. The protrusion 60 can also be integrally formed in the inner box 30, or it can be welded to the inner box 30 by means of welding or other joining methods.

[0065] The protrusion 60 includes a bottom protrusion 61 that protrudes from the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 11 (i.e., the inner surface 30a of the inner bottom wall 31). In this embodiment, the protrusion 60 is provided only in the bottom wall 11, but it may also be provided in the wall 10 other than the bottom wall 11 (see other embodiments described later).

[0066] On the bottom wall 11 (inner bottom wall 31), a plurality of (e.g., seven) bottom protrusions 61 are provided. As a simple example, the plurality of bottom protrusions 61 are protrusions extending parallel to each other. Each bottom protrusion 61 extends along the extending direction of the edge of the bottom wall portion 41 and is parallel to the transverse portion 51a. The plurality of bottom protrusions 61 are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction orthogonal to their own extending direction or the extending direction of the transverse portion 51a. In this embodiment, each bottom protrusion 61 overlaps with the transverse portion 51a in a top view (i.e., viewed in the thickness direction of the wall 10 on which the protrusion 60 is provided).

[0067] The bottom protrusion 61 includes a support protrusion 62 for carrying goods and a low protrusion 63 whose protrusion is smaller than that of the support protrusion 62. In this embodiment, two support protrusions 62 are arranged at both ends of the arrangement direction of the plurality of bottom protrusions 61. One or more (e.g., five) low protrusions 63 are arranged between the two support protrusions 62.

[0068] Reference Figure 5 The low protrusion 63 has an I-shaped cross-section and protrudes upward from the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 11. The support protrusion 62 has a protrusion 62a that also protrudes from the inner surface 13, similar to the low protrusion 63, and a support portion 62b provided at the front end of the protrusion 62a. The upper surface of the support portion 62b is the support surface 62c that supports the cargo 2.

[0069] The support protrusion 62 has a T-shaped cross-section. The width of the support surface 62c is wider than the width of the protrusion 62a. The support portion 62b protrudes relative to the protrusion 62a in two directions orthogonal to the extending direction of the support protrusion 62. The protrusion amount of the support protrusion 62 can be defined as the distance from the inner surface 13 to the support surface 62c. The protrusion amounts of the two support protrusions 62 are equal. The protrusion amounts of the plurality of low protrusions 63 may also be equal or different, but the front end of each low protrusion 63 is located below the support surface 62c.

[0070] When goods 2 are stored in such a temperature-controlled box 1, goods 2 are contained within the internal space 6a of the box body 6 through the open upper opening 6b. Goods 2 are supported by the support surfaces 62c of the support protrusions 62. Goods 2 are stably supported by the two support protrusions 62, which have wider support surfaces 62c. With goods 2 supported by the support protrusions 62, the lower protrusion 63 can move away from goods 2. As a simple example, if the bottom surface of goods 2 is flat as shown in the figure, the front end of the lower protrusion 63 moves away from the bottom surface of goods 2 in the vertical direction by the difference in the protrusion of the support protrusion 62 and the lower protrusion 63.

[0071] Regarding the support protrusion 62, the surface of the protrusion 62a is exposed in the internal space 6a. Regarding the low protrusion 63, its entire surface is exposed in the internal space 6a. The portion of the inner surface 13 without the protrusion 60 is exposed in the internal space 6a. Here, in the embodiment where the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 11 does not have the protrusion 60, the cargo 2 is supported by the inner surface 13. According to this embodiment, compared to this embodiment, the exposed area of ​​the bottom wall 11 and its integrated portion (i.e., the protrusion 60) into the internal space 6a is significantly increased.

[0072] Next, the upper opening 6b is closed by the cover 7, sealing the internal space 6a. The inlet 52 and outlet 53 are connected to the cooling mechanism, and the heat carrier 3 flows from the inlet 52 to the outlet 53 in the heat carrier flow path 50. The protrusion 60 is cooled by the heat carrier 3 through solid heat transfer via the inner bottom wall 31 of the inner casing 30. Since the protrusion 60 overlaps with the heat carrier flow path when viewed from above, it is easily cooled by the heat carrier 3.

[0073] The protrusions 60, together with the portions of the inner surface 13 without protrusions 60, cool the internal space 6a, thereby adjusting the temperature of the internal space 6a to a desired low temperature. Because the bottom wall 11 and its associated portions have a large exposed area into the internal space 6a, the temperature adjustment of the internal space 6a is effectively achieved. The cargo 2 is housed within this temperature-adjusted internal space 6a. Therefore, the cargo 2 can be maintained at the desired temperature.

[0074] As described above, in the embodiment where the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 11 does not have a protrusion 60, the cargo 2 is placed on the inner surface 13. Since the cargo 2 is not in complete contact with the inner surface 13 but only in partial contact, it is difficult to efficiently cool the cargo 2 via solid-state heat transfer. On the other hand, since the cargo 2 is close to and covers the inner surface 13, convective heat transfer does not occur effectively between the inner surface 13 and the internal space 6a. Therefore, it is difficult to manage the temperature of the internal space 6a using the heat carrier 3. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the presence of the protrusion 60 makes it easy to manage the temperature of the internal space 6a and thus the cargo 2.

[0075] The wall 10 is a laminate of metal and insulation material 40, with the inner surface 13 and protrusions 60 made of metal. The insulation material 40 is laminated on the back side 30b of the inner casing 30, opposite to the inner surface 30a, and has a groove 51 formed on the inner surface 40a. The heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is formed by overlapping the back side 30b with the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40 and closing the groove 51 with the back side 30b. In this way, by simply covering the groove 51 formed on the insulation material 40 with metal, it is possible to simultaneously embed the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 inside the wall 10, expose the highly heat-conducting protrusions 60 in the internal space 6a for effective temperature regulation of the internal space 6a, and improve the insulation of the internal space 6a and the heat transfer fluid flow path 50.

[0076] (Second Implementation) Next, refer to Figure 6 The temperature control chamber 1 involved in the second embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0077] In this embodiment, a back protrusion 70 protruding into the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is provided on the back surface 30b of the inner casing 30, which is made of metal. The heat transfer fluid flow path 50, like in the first embodiment, is constructed by closing the back surface 30b of the inner casing 30 with a groove 51 provided on the inner surface 40a of the insulation material. Therefore, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 into which the back protrusion 70 enters can be easily formed simply by overlapping the inner casing 30 with the insulation material 40 and the back casing 30 having the back protrusion 70.

[0078] Additionally, similar to the first embodiment, a protrusion 60 (bottom protrusion 61) protruding into the internal space 6a is provided in the inner casing 30. Like the protrusion 60, the back protrusion 70 is solid. The back protrusion 70 can be integrally formed with the inner casing 30, or it can be joined to the inner casing 30 by means of welding or other joining methods.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the presence of the back protrusion 70 increases the contact area between the inner casing 30 (which is made of metal) and the heat carrier 3. Heat transfer from the heat carrier 3 to the protrusion on the inner surface 13 via the back protrusion 70 is carried out efficiently. The temperature of the internal space 6a and thus the cargo 2 is easily managed. Furthermore, even if the water level of the heat carrier 3 in the heat carrier flow path 50 fluctuates due to changes in the supply of the heat carrier 3 or tilting of the temperature control box 1, temperature management can continue through heat transfer via the back protrusion 70. In other words, according to this embodiment, the presence of the back protrusion 70 allows for continued temperature management even if the heat carrier flow path 50 is not completely filled with the heat carrier 3.

[0080] (Third implementation) Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8The temperature control chamber 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0081] In this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is constructed by closing a groove 51 formed on the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. The fluid filling the internal space 6a is air. The heat transfer fluid 3 is cooling air, which flows through the heat transfer fluid flow path 50.

[0082] Reference Figure 7 The heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is comb-shaped instead of serpentine. The groove 51 has a common portion 51c extending in the arrangement direction of the bottom protrusions 61, and a plurality of individual portions 51d extending from the common portion 51c in the extending direction of the bottom protrusions 61. The inlet 52 opens into the common portion 51c. The outlet 53 (see, for example, reference...) Figure 4 The section ) is omitted, and instead, multiple air outlets 54 are provided in the housing 6. More than one air outlet 54 opens at the downstream end of each individual section 51d (the end farthest from the common section 51c).

[0083] The heat carrier 3, acting as the cooling air, is pressurized from the cooling mechanism outside the housing 6, flows into the heat carrier flow path 50 through the inlet 52, is distributed to multiple individual sections 51d, and is blown out into the internal space 6a through the outlet 54 of each individual section 51d. Through the flow of cooling air, the protrusions 60 are cooled, and through the cooled protrusions 60, the internal space 6a is cooled. Furthermore, the internal space 6a is directly temperature-regulated by the blown-out cooling air. Thus, the temperature of the internal space 6a is effectively adjusted, facilitating temperature management of the cargo 2.

[0084] (Fourth implementation) Next, refer to Figure 9 The temperature control chamber 1 involved in the fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0085] In this embodiment, similar to embodiments 1 to 3, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is formed by closing a groove 51 formed on the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. Unlike the embodiments described above, the groove 51 is a parallelogram shape when viewed from above, and is widely recessed into the inner surface 40a, encompassing approximately the entire inner surface 40a of the bottom wall portion 41. The heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is more of a reservoir shape than a channel. The inlet 52 and outlet 53 each have an opening at an acute angle to a set of diagonal portions 51e within the parallelogram.

[0086] Therefore, the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 11 can be cooled across the entire surface by means of the heat carrier 3. Since the inlet 52 and outlet 53 are arranged at acute angles, if the heat carrier 3 flows into the heat carrier flow path 50 through the inlet 52, the heat carrier 3 is guided by the oblique edge of the parallelogram and flows smoothly towards the outlet 53 within the heat carrier flow path 50. This prevents the heat carrier 3 from stagnating within the heat carrier flow path 50 and maintains a high level of heat exchange performance of the heat carrier arrangement section 8.

[0087] (Fifth implementation) Next, refer to Figure 10 The temperature control chamber 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first to fourth embodiments.

[0088] In this embodiment, the inner box 30 is not made of sheet metal but of extruded material. The inner box 30 is formed into a rectangular box shape by combining multiple rectangular panel-shaped extruded materials. As an example, the inner box 30 is composed of five extruded materials that respectively form an inner bottom wall 31 and four inner side walls (a pair of first inner side walls 32A and a pair of second inner side walls 32B). The five extruded materials are joined together by joining means such as welding.

[0089] The extruded material constituting the inner bottom wall 31 has a width direction ( Figure 10 Multiple hollow portions 55 are arranged in a row on the left-right side of the paper. The multiple hollow portions 55 are arranged in a length direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. Figure 10 The heat carriers extend parallel to each other in the orthogonal direction of the paper. Heat carrier 3 is supplied to each hollow portion 55, and the heat carrier flow path 50 is formed by the hollow portion 55. The extruded material constituting each inner sidewall also has a hollow portion. In this embodiment, the heat carrier flow path 50, which serves as a heat carrier placement section, is provided not only in the bottom wall 11 but also in the wall outside the bottom wall 11, i.e., the peripheral wall 12.

[0090] A bottom protrusion 61 is provided on the inner surface 30a of the inner bottom wall 31, similar to that in the first to fourth embodiments. The bottom protrusion 61 extends in the extrusion direction of the extruded material (i.e., the same direction as the extension direction of the hollow portion 55) and is integrally formed simultaneously during the extrusion molding of the extruded material.

[0091] In addition to the bottom protrusion 61, the protrusion 60 also includes a side protrusion 66 that protrudes from the inner surface 30a of the inner peripheral wall 32 (inner sidewall) into the inner space 6a. In this embodiment, a plurality of side protrusions 66 are provided on each inner sidewall. On each inner sidewall, the plurality of side protrusions 66 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction that is the arrangement direction of the hollow portion 55, and extend along the extension direction of the hollow portion 55.

[0092] Furthermore, the wall 10 of the housing 6 is constructed similarly to that in the first to fourth embodiments by stacking the inner housing 30, the insulation material 40, and the outer housing 20 in this order from the internal space 6a side. In this embodiment, since a hollow portion 55 constituting the heat carrier flow path 50 is formed in the inner housing 30, the groove 51 is omitted from the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40 (see, for example, [reference]). Figure 1 ).

[0093] In this embodiment, when forming the components of the inner casing 30, a hollow portion 55 constituting the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 and a necessary protrusion 60 are formed. Therefore, the productivity of the temperature-controlled chamber 1 is increased. Furthermore, by also providing a heat transfer fluid placement portion 8 on the peripheral wall 12, the temperature of the internal space 6a and thus the cargo 2 is easily managed. The presence of the side protrusion 66 further facilitates the management of the temperature of the internal space 6a and thus the cargo 2.

[0094] (Sixth implementation) Next, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The temperature control chamber 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first to fifth embodiments.

[0095] In this embodiment, the heat carrier placement section 8 replaces the heat carrier flow path 50 (for example, refer to...). Figure 4 The heat carrier enclosure 56 contains the heat carrier 3. A preferred example of such a heat carrier enclosure 56 is a coolant pack containing the coolant 3 within a resin box or package. Any known coolant can be used, for example, obtained by mixing a highly absorbent resin (e.g., sodium polyacrylate) with water.

[0096] The heat carrier seal 56 is sandwiched between the back surface 30b of the inner casing 30 and the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. Thus, the heat carrier seal 56 is internally integrated into the wall 10 of the casing 6, realizing the heat carrier placement section 8. The casing 6, equipped with the heat carrier seal 56, is cooled before containing the cargo 2. As a result, the heat carrier seal 56 is frozen, achieving a state where it can perform its cooling function. Then, the cargo 2 is contained within the casing 6. The internal space 6a is cooled by the cooling energy of the heat carrier seal 56, thereby managing the temperature of the cargo 2.

[0097] (Variation example) The implementation method has been described so far, but the above structure can be appropriately modified within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This refers to the temperature control chamber 1 involved in the first and second modifications, respectively. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, when the extruded material is applied to the inner bottom wall 31, the extruded material may also integrally have a back protrusion 70 that protrudes into the hollow portion 55 that functions as a heat carrier flow path 50.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the support protrusions with higher height are located at both ends of the plurality of bottom protrusions 61, while the low protrusions with lower height are located in between; however, this is only one example. The bottom protrusions 61 may also all be of the same height. In this case, the bottom protrusions 61 may also be as follows: Figure 13 The cross-section is I-shaped as shown, or it can be like... Figure 14 The cross-section is T-shaped as shown. Detailed illustrations are omitted, but one or more protrusions can be configured as support protrusions at locations other than the two ends.

[0100] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This refers to the temperature control chamber 1 involved in the third modification. As shown, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 can also be provided in the cover 7. In this case, the fitting portion 7a of the cover 7 can also be formed of extruded material. When the cover 7 closes the chamber 6, the lower surface of the fitting portion 7a defines the internal space 6a. The extruded material constituting the fitting portion 7a can also integrally have an upper protrusion 67 protruding from the lower surface.

[0101] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This refers to the temperature control box 1 involved in the fourth modification. In this modification, a heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is also provided in the cover 7, and the fitting portion 7a and the inner bottom wall 31 are formed of extruded material. On the other hand, in this modification, the extruded material constituting the fitting portion 7a and the inner bottom wall 31 does not have a hollow portion 55 (see, for example, [reference]). Figure 10 and Figure 15 ).

[0102] Viewed from the inner bottom wall 31, the extruded material has a flat base. One side of this base forms the inner surface 30a of the inner casing or the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 11. The other side, which is its back side, forms the back side 30b of the inner casing 30, and is spaced apart from the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. The extruded material has a partition protrusion 75 protruding from the other side of the base (back side 30b). The heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is defined by the partition protrusion 75, the back side 30b of the inner casing 30 (the other side of the base), and the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. The extruded material also has a back side protrusion 70 protruding from the other side of the base between the partition protrusions 75. The back side protrusion 70 protrudes into the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 defined as described above. In the extruded material, a bottom protrusion 61 protruding from one side of the base (inner surface 30a) into the internal space 6a is integrally provided. As in the embodiments described above, the bottom protrusion 61 includes a support protrusion 62 and a low protrusion 63.

[0103] Such extruded material is also arranged in an upside-down position on the cover 7. Thus, a heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is also built into the cover 7. The cover 7 is provided with an upper protrusion 67 protruding downwards into the internal space 6a. The upper protrusion 67 also includes a support protrusion 68 with a relatively large protrusion and a T-shaped cross-section, and a lower protrusion 69 with a smaller protrusion than the support protrusion 68 and an I-shaped cross-section. The support protrusion 68 can support the goods 2 from above.

[0104] Figure 19 This refers to a portion of the temperature control chamber 1 involved in the fifth modification. In this modification, similar to the first and second embodiments, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 is constructed by closing a groove 51 formed on the inner surface 40a of the insulation material 40. In this modification, the groove 51 has a semi-circular cross-section.

[0105] To prevent the heat carrier 3 from penetrating, the insulation material 40 can be manufactured by molding, since it is composed of a foam formed from independent air bubbles and polymer materials. If the cross-section is semi-circular, demolding is easier, thus increasing the productivity of the insulation material 40 and the temperature control chamber 1.

[0106] Detailed illustrations are omitted, but pipe fittings can also be provided at the inlet 52 and outlet 53. The pipe fittings are preferably built into the wall of the container. When multiple temperature-controlled chambers 1 are housed in a single container, the gaps between the multiple temperature-controlled chambers 1 can be minimized, increasing the number of temperature-controlled chambers 1 that can be housed in the container. Multiple inlets and multiple outlets can also be provided. Therefore, appropriate inlets 52 and outlets 53 can be selected according to the configuration of the temperature-controlled chambers 1 within the container, simplifying the flow path structure within the container. In this case, it is preferable to provide check valves at each inlet 52 and each outlet 53. This prevents the heat transfer fluid from leaking out from unselected inlets 52 and outlets 53.

[0107] In the above embodiments, the protrusion 60 is a long strip, but the protrusion 60 can also be columnar or short columnar, or many protrusions 60 can be arranged in a matrix.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the temperature of the internal space 6a is managed to be relatively low (e.g., lower than the external gas) by the heat carrier 3. However, the temperature of the internal space 6a can also be managed to be higher than the external gas by the heat carrier 3.

[0109] In the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the heat carrier 3 may also be a gas. When the heat carrier 3 is a gas, the heat carrier 3 may not be blown out into the internal space 6a, or it may be discharged to the outside of the housing 6 through the outlet 53.

[0110] In the sixth embodiment, the heat carrier flow path 50 is omitted from the heat carrier configuration section 8, but both the heat carrier flow path 50 and the heat carrier seal 56 can be provided in a single temperature control box 1.

[0111] The outer casing 20 can also be omitted. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 can also be constructed by attaching a grooved metal plate to the inner casing 30. That is, the heat transfer fluid flow path 50 can also be constructed solely of metal; in this case, the insulation material 40 simply needs to be layered on the outside of the grooved metal plate.

[0112] This application is accompanied by a priority claim based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-029986, filed on February 29, 2024. Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-029986 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] This disclosure may include the following schemes.

[0114] (Option 1) A temperature-controlled box includes: a box body forming an internal space for containing goods; a heat carrier placement section disposed inside the wall constituting the box body, on which a heat carrier is disposed; and a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the wall into the internal space.

[0115] (Option 2) According to the temperature control box of Scheme 1, the aforementioned protrusion includes a bottom protrusion protruding from the aforementioned inner surface of the bottom wall of the aforementioned box body, which is part of the aforementioned wall.

[0116] (Option 3) According to the temperature control box described in Scheme 2, the aforementioned bottom protrusion includes a support protrusion for carrying the aforementioned goods and a low protrusion with a protrusion smaller than that of the aforementioned support protrusion.

[0117] (Option 4) According to the temperature control box of Scheme 3, the aforementioned support protrusion includes a protrusion protruding from the aforementioned inner surface and a support portion disposed at the front end of the aforementioned protrusion and having a support surface for supporting the aforementioned goods, wherein the width of the aforementioned support surface is wider than the width of the aforementioned protrusion.

[0118] (Option 5) According to any one of the embodiments 1 to 4, the aforementioned wall is a laminate of metal material and heat insulation material; the aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned protrusion are made of the aforementioned metal material, and the aforementioned heat insulation material is laminated on the back side of the metal material opposite to the aforementioned inner surface.

[0119] (Option 6) According to any one of Schemes 1 to 5, the aforementioned heat carrier configuration section has a heat carrier flow path for the aforementioned heat carrier to circulate; the aforementioned housing is provided with an inlet for the aforementioned heat carrier to flow into the aforementioned heat carrier flow path and an outlet for the aforementioned heat carrier to flow out of the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

[0120] (Option 7) According to the temperature control box described in Scheme 6, the aforementioned wall is a laminate of metal material and heat insulation material; the aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned protrusion are made of the aforementioned metal material, and the aforementioned heat insulation material is laminated on the back side of the metal material opposite to the aforementioned inner surface; the aforementioned heat insulation material has a groove formed on the inner surface; the aforementioned heat carrier flow path is formed by overlapping the aforementioned back side of the aforementioned metal material with the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned heat insulation material, and the aforementioned groove is closed by the aforementioned back side.

[0121] (Option 8) According to the temperature control box described in Scheme 7, the aforementioned heat insulation material is composed of a foam made of multiple independent air bubbles and polymer materials, or a film is provided on the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

[0122] (Option 9) According to the temperature control box described in Scheme 7 or 8, a back protrusion protruding into the heat carrier flow path is provided on the back side of the aforementioned metal material.

[0123] (Option 10) According to any one of the embodiments 1 to 9, the aforementioned heat carrier configuration section has a heat carrier sealing body into which the aforementioned heat carrier is sealed.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1 Temperature control chamber 2 Goods 3. Heat transfer medium 6. Enclosure 6a Interior space 6b Open at the top 7. Cover 7a Fitting part 7b Mounting section 8. Heat transfer fluid configuration section 10 walls 11 bottom wall 12 Zhou Bi 12A First sidewall 12B Second sidewall 13 Inner Surface 20 outer box 20a Outer surface 20b Back 21. Outer bottom wall 22. Peripheral wall 22A First lateral wall 22B Second lateral wall 30 Inner Box 30a Inner Surface 30b Back 31 inner bottom wall 32 Inner peripheral wall 32A First inner wall 32B Second inner sidewall 33 Flange 40 Thermal insulation material 40a inner surface 40b Outer surface 41 Bottom wall 42. Perimeter wall 50 Heating medium flow path 51 slots 51a Transverse section 51b Connecting part 51c common parts 51d Separate Section 51e Diagonal 52 Inlet 53 Outlet 54. Blowout 55 Hollow Section 56 Heat transfer medium enclosed body 60 protrusions 61 Bottom protrusion 62 Support protrusions 62a Protrusion 62b Support section 62c support surface 63 Low protrusion 66 lateral protrusions 67. Protrusion 68 Support protrusions 69 Low protrusion 70. Protrusion on the back 75. Separating protrusion.

Claims

1. A temperature control chamber, characterized in that, have: The container forms the internal space for storing goods; A heat carrier placement section is disposed inside the wall constituting the aforementioned housing, and a heat carrier is provided thereon; and A protrusion that extends from the inner surface of the aforementioned wall into the aforementioned internal space.

2. The temperature control chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned protrusions include bottom protrusions that protrude from the aforementioned inner surface of the bottom wall of the aforementioned housing, which is part of the aforementioned wall.

3. The temperature control chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned bottom protrusion includes a support protrusion for carrying the aforementioned goods, and a low protrusion with a smaller protrusion than the aforementioned support protrusion.

4. The temperature control chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned support protrusion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the aforementioned inner surface and a support portion disposed at the front end of the aforementioned protrusion and having a support surface for supporting the aforementioned goods, wherein the width of the aforementioned support surface is wider than the width of the aforementioned protrusion.

5. The temperature control chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned wall is a laminate of metal and thermal insulation material; The aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned protrusion are made of the aforementioned metal material, and the aforementioned thermal insulation material is laminated on the back side of the metal material opposite to the aforementioned inner surface.

6. The temperature control chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned heat carrier arrangement section has a heat carrier flow path for the aforementioned heat carrier to circulate; The aforementioned housing is provided with an inlet for the aforementioned heat carrier to flow into the aforementioned heat carrier flow path and an outlet for the aforementioned heat carrier to flow out of the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

7. The temperature control chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned wall is a laminate of metal and thermal insulation material; The aforementioned inner surface and the aforementioned protrusion are made of the aforementioned metal material, and the aforementioned thermal insulation material is laminated on the back side of the metal material opposite to the aforementioned inner surface; The aforementioned thermal insulation material has grooves formed on its inner surface; The aforementioned heat carrier flow path is formed by overlapping the aforementioned back surface of the aforementioned metal material with the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned heat insulation material, and the aforementioned groove is closed by the aforementioned back surface.

8. The temperature control chamber according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned thermal insulation material is composed of multiple independent air bubbles and a foam made of polymer materials, or a film is provided on the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

9. The temperature control chamber according to claim 7, characterized in that, On the aforementioned back side of the aforementioned metal material, a back protrusion is provided that protrudes into the aforementioned heat carrier flow path.

10. The temperature control chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned heat carrier configuration section has a heat carrier encapsulation body into which the aforementioned heat carrier is encapsulated.

Images