Heat-insulation container that can be assembled and folded

Abstract

To provide a heat-insulation container which is easy to carry in a folded state by holding a handle while being difficult to carry in an assembled state by holding the handle.SOLUTION: A heat-insulation container 10 includes a top panel 11, a first side panel 14, a second side panel, a third side panel 13, a fourth side panel 12, a bottom panel, and an outer bag 30 that covers at least the first side panel 14 and the second side panel. In an assembled state, the first side panel 14 and the second side panel face each other, and the third side panel 13 and the fourth side panel 12 face each other. Of the outer bag 30, handles 38 are provided respectively on the parts that cover the first side panel 14 and the second side panel, and in the folded state, the handles 38 respectively protrude laterally from the outer bag 30, and in the assembled state, the handles 38 are respectively positioned off toward the third side panel 13 from the center lines of the first side panel 14 and the second side panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to an insulating container that is collapsible and collapsible. [Background technology]

[0002] Insulated containers using insulating materials are mainly used for transporting goods while keeping them cool by means of transportation without a cooling function, such as refrigerated vehicles. In order to prevent radiant heat from sunlight or the like from reaching the inside of the insulated container, the cooling effect of the insulated container can be improved by covering the insulated container with a heat-shielding sheet that has the property of reflecting visible light and infrared rays. In addition, a foldable insulated container including an insulating panel is known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-287372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, some foldable insulated containers have handles attached to the sides for easy carrying. In other words, it would be convenient if the insulated container could be carried by holding the handle when folded. However, if a heavy object is placed inside the assembled insulated container, there is a risk that the bottom panel will shift or fall off due to the heavy object inside if the insulated container is lifted by holding the handle.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an insulating container that is easy to carry by holding the handle in a folded state, but is difficult to carry by holding the handle in an assembled state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The insulated container of this embodiment is an assemblable and foldable insulated container, comprising a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a bottom panel, and an outer bag covering at least the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein when the insulated container is assembled in an assembled state, the first side panel and the second side panel face each other, and the third side panel and the fourth side panel face each other, and handles are provided on portions of the outer bag covering the first side panel and the second side panel, and when the insulated container is folded in a folded state, the handles each protrude laterally from the outer bag, and in the assembled state, the handles are positioned offset toward the third side panel with respect to the center lines of the first side panel and the second side panel, respectively.

[0007] In the insulated container of this embodiment, each handle is attached to the outer bag at a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, and both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion may be positioned offset toward the third side panel relative to the center lines of the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0008] In the insulated container of this embodiment, in the assembled state, the distance between the center lines of the first and second side panels and the midpoint of the handle may be greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 40% of the width of the first and second side panels.

[0009] In the insulated container of this embodiment, in the folded state, the distance between the center lines of the first side panel and the second side panel and the midpoint of the handle may be greater than or equal to 0% and less than or equal to 35% of the width of the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0010] In the insulated container of this embodiment, the first side panel and the second side panel each include a fixed panel fixed to the third side panel and a movable panel movable relative to the fixed panel, and in the folded state, the bottom panel may be accommodated between the fixed panel of the first side panel and the fixed panel of the second side panel.

[0011] In the insulated container according to the present embodiment, the fourth side panel may be openable and closable like a double door.

[0012] In the insulated container according to the present embodiment, the overall height may be 600 mm or more and 1300 mm or less.

[0013] In the insulated container according to this embodiment, the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, the fourth side panel and the bottom panel may each be a rigid plate-like member.

[0014] In the insulated container according to this embodiment, the bottom panel may be foldable relative to the third side panel.

[0015] In the insulated container according to this embodiment, the inner surface of the fourth side panel may be provided with a mark line indicating an upper limit position at which the bottom panel can be kept airtight. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an insulated container that is easy to carry by holding the handle in the folded state, but is difficult to carry by holding the handle in the assembled state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an insulated container (in an assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2]1 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which each panel of an insulated container according to an embodiment has been removed. [Diagram 3] 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1) showing an insulated container (in an assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1) showing the heat-insulating container (in an assembled state) according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 1) showing an insulated container (in an assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat-insulating container (in a folded state) according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the insulated container (in a folded state) according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7) showing the heat-insulating container (in a folded state) according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7) showing the insulated container (in a folded state) according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of the outer bag of the heat-insulating container in an assembled state, as viewed from the front side. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of the outer bag of the heat-insulating container in an assembled state, seen from the rear side. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the outer bag of the thermal insulation container in an assembled state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a right side view showing a case where a user is about to lift the insulating container. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified insulating container. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing an outer bag of a thermal insulation container according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each of the figures shown below is a schematic illustration. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated to facilitate understanding. In addition, it is possible to carry out appropriate modifications within the scope of the technical idea. In each of the figures shown below, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values ​​such as dimensions of each member and the material names described in this specification are examples of an embodiment, and are not limited to these, and can be appropriately selected and used. In this specification, terms that specify shapes and geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and vertical, are intended to include substantially the same state in addition to their strict meanings.

[0019] In the following embodiments, the "X direction" refers to a direction parallel to the left and right sides of the insulated container when viewed from the front and parallel to the floor surface on which the insulated container is placed, and the "Y direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the X direction and parallel to the floor surface on which the insulated container is placed. The "Z direction" refers to a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The "front" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that faces the user when the contents are mainly put in and taken out of the insulated container, and the "back" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that faces the front. The "top surface" refers to a surface parallel to the floor surface that is on the upper side of the insulated container, and the "bottom surface" refers to a surface parallel to the floor surface that is on the lower side of the insulated container. The "right surface" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that is located on the right side of the insulated container when viewed from the front, and the "left surface" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that is located on the left side of the insulated container when viewed from the front. The "side surface" refers to a surface perpendicular to the top surface and the bottom surface.

[0020] (Configuration of the insulated container) The configuration of the heat-insulating container according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the heat-insulating container 10 according to the present embodiment can be assembled and folded, and includes six panels 11 to 16. The panels 11 to 16 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when assembled, and include a top panel 11, a front panel 12, a back panel 13, a right panel 14, a left panel 15, and a bottom panel 16. The top panel 11, the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right panel 14, the left panel 15, and the bottom panel 16 each have a main surface (a pair of surfaces facing each other and the widest of the six surfaces constituting each panel) that is substantially rectangular or square. The main surfaces of the front panel 12 and the back panel 13 have substantially the same size, and the main surfaces of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 have substantially the same size. Each of the panels 11 to 16 is made of a rigid plate-like member so as not to flexibly deform during use.

[0022] The panels 11 to 16 are provided so as to be freely assembled and folded as a whole, and can be in an assembled state in which they are assembled into a box shape (FIGS. 1 to 5) and in a folded state in which they are folded up small (FIGS. 6 to 9).

[0023] When the insulated container 10 is in an assembled state, the top panel 11 and the bottom panel 16 face each other, the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 face each other, and the back panel 13 and the front panel 12 face each other. The bottom panel 16 is surrounded by the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15. The bottom panel 16 is foldable relative to the back panel 13. The right panel 14 and the left panel 15 each include a fixed panel (first right partial panel 14a, first left partial panel 15a) fixed to the back panel 13, and a movable panel (second right partial panel 14b and third right partial panel 14c, second left partial panel 15b and third left partial panel 15c) movable relative to the fixed panel. Furthermore, when the insulated container 10 is in a folded state (Figures 6 to 9), the bottom panel 16 is housed between the fixed panel of the right panel 14 (first right partial panel 14a) and the fixed panel of the left panel 15 (first left partial panel 15a).

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the panels 11-16 are housed in an outer bag 30. Handles 38 are provided on portions of the outer bag 30 that cover the right and left panels 14 and 15 (right and left covers 34 and 35). The handles 38 protrude laterally from the outer bag 30 in the folded state (Figs. 6 to 9). In the assembled state (Figs. 1 to 5), the handles 38 are positioned offset toward the rear panel 13 with respect to a first center line CL1 (see Fig. 12) of the right and left panels 14 and 15, respectively. The detailed configuration of the outer bag 30 will be described later.

[0025] In this embodiment, the right panel 14 corresponds to the first side panel, the left panel 15 corresponds to the second side panel, the back panel 13 corresponds to the third side panel, and the front panel 12 corresponds to the fourth side panel. Alternatively, the left panel 15 may correspond to the first side panel, the right panel 14 corresponds to the second side panel, the back panel 13 corresponds to the third side panel, and the front panel 12 corresponds to the fourth side panel. Hereinafter, the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15 are collectively referred to as side panels 12 to 15.

[0026] In the assembled state, the heat-insulating container 10 is surrounded by the six panels 11-16 to form a storage space 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape for storing a load. As described later, each of the six panels 11-16 includes a heat-insulating panel. Therefore, the storage space 20 is surrounded by a heat-insulating material, which limits the inflow and outflow of heat from the outside, and the heat insulation can be maintained. In addition, at least a part of the six panels 11-16 is provided so as to be movable relative to the other adjacent panels 11-16. This allows the heat-insulating container 10 to be changed from an assembled state in which the storage space 20 is formed to a folded state in which the storage space 20 is not formed, and from the folded state to an assembled state. Therefore, when the heat-insulating container 10 is not used, it is possible to store the heat-insulating container 10 in a smaller overall size than the assembled state by folding the panels 11-16. In addition, in the assembled state, the six panels 11 to 16 are each configured so that the periphery thereof is in close contact with any of the other panels 11 to 16, thereby ensuring that the storage space 20 is airtight.

[0027] Next, a further description will be given of the configuration of each of the panels 11 to 16. In the following, "the panels 11 to 16 (partial panels) are parallel (perpendicular) to a predetermined surface" means "the main surfaces of the panels 11 to 16 (partial panels) are parallel (perpendicular) to the predetermined surface".

[0028] (Top panel) The top panel 11 is a panel located on the top side (positive side in the Z direction) in the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5). In addition, in the assembled state, the top panel 11 is disposed above (positive side in the Z direction) the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15.

[0029] The top panel 11 is made of a single plate-like member and has an openable, foldable and foldable structure. The top panel 11 is attached to the back panel 13 via a top hinge member 21a (see FIG. 4) so ​​as to be freely foldable.

[0030] In the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5), the top panel 11 is disposed parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In the folded state (FIGS. 6 to 9), the top panel 11 rotates with respect to the rear panel 13 and is positioned on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) of the rear panel 13. At this time, the top panel 11 is disposed so as to hang down from the rear panel 13 and is disposed parallel to the rear panel 13. The top panel 11 is attached to a top cover 31 of an outer bag 30, which will be described later.

[0031] (Front Panel) The front panel 12 is a panel located on the front side (negative side in the Y direction) in the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5), and is disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). Moreover, the front panel 12 is disposed closer to the front side (negative side in the Y direction) than the rear panel 13, right panel 14, left panel 15, and bottom panel 16 in both the assembled state and the folded state.

[0032] The front panel 12 has a structure that can be opened and closed like a double door, and has a first front partial panel 12a located on the right panel 14 side and a second front partial panel 12b located on the left panel 15 side. The first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b are separable from each other and can be attached to each other.

[0033] In the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5), the first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b are both disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). In the folded state (FIGS. 6 to 9), the first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b move toward the rear panel 13 while maintaining a state in which they are both perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). The first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b are attached to the first front cover 32a and the second front cover 32b, respectively, of the outer bag 30 described later.

[0034] The front panel 12 does not necessarily have to be made up of a plurality of partial panels (the first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b), and may be made up of a single plate-like member.

[0035] (Rear Panel) The rear panel 13 is a panel located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) in the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5). In both the assembled state and the folded state, the rear panel 13 is located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) relative to the right panel 14, the left panel 15, and the bottom panel 16.

[0036] The rear panel 13 is constructed from a single plate-like member and cannot be opened, closed, or folded. The rear panel 13 maintains a state perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) (parallel to the ZX plane) in both the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5) and the folded state (FIGS. 6 to 9). The rear panel 13 is attached to a rear cover 33 of the outer bag 30, which will be described later.

[0037] A pocket 41 capable of accommodating a cooling agent may be provided on the inner side of the rear panel 13. The pocket 41 is made of a flexible material such as cloth, and in the assembled state, protrudes toward the inner side of the rear panel 13 to form a space capable of accommodating the cooling agent. In this manner, by accommodating a cooling agent in the pocket 41 of the rear panel 13, cold air from the cooling agent descends and is sent to the load, improving the cooling performance of the storage space 20. On the other hand, when the bag is folded, the cooling agent in the pocket 41 is taken out, and then the pocket 41 is folded. This prevents the pocket 41 from interfering with the folding of the bottom panel 16 in the folded state. The pocket 41 may be provided on any of the panels 11 to 16.

[0038] (Right panel) The right panel 14 is a panel located to the right (positive side in the X direction) of the left panel 15 and the bottom panel 16 in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), and is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the rear panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane).

[0039] The right panel 14 has a structure that can be opened, closed, and folded, and includes a first right partial panel 14a located on the rear panel 13 side, a second right partial panel 14b located in the middle, and a third right partial panel 14c located on the front panel 12 side. Among them, the first right partial panel 14a is a fixed panel, and the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c are movable panels. The second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c (movable panels) are movable with respect to the first right partial panel 14a (fixed panel) and foldable with respect to the first right partial panel 14a (fixed panel). In addition, the movable panel is composed of multiple (two) partial panels (the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c) that are movable and foldable with respect to each other. The movable panel of the right panel 14 may be composed of three or more right partial panels.

[0040] The first right partial panel 14a is fixed to a side portion (positive side in the X direction) of the rear panel 13. The second right partial panel 14b is attached to the first right partial panel 14a in a rotatable and foldable manner via a first right hinge member 24a (see FIG. 3) located on the inner surface side (negative side in the X direction) of the first right partial panel 14a. The third right partial panel 14c is attached to the second right partial panel 14b in a rotatable and foldable manner via a second right hinge member 24b (see FIG. 3) located on the outer surface side (positive side in the X direction) of the second right partial panel 14b.

[0041] In the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5), the first right partial panel 14a, the second right partial panel 14b, and the third right partial panel 14c are all arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the rear panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (FIGS. 6 to 9), the first right partial panel 14a continues to be arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the rear panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane). In contrast, the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c are folded inwardly relative to the first right partial panel 14a. At this time, the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c are arranged between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12, and are each perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). It should be noted that the first right side partial panel 14a, the second right side partial panel 14b, and the third right side partial panel 14c are not directly attached to the outer bag 30, respectively.

[0042] (Left panel) The left panel 15 is a panel located to the left (negative X-direction side) of the right panel 14 and the bottom panel 16 in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), and is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the rear panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane).

[0043] The left panel 15 has a structure that can be opened, closed, and folded, and has a first left partial panel 15a located on the rear panel 13 side, a second left partial panel 15b located in the middle, and a third left partial panel 15c located on the front panel 12 side. Among them, the first left partial panel 15a is a fixed panel, and the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c are movable panels. The second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c (movable panels) are movable with respect to the first left partial panel 15a (fixed panel) and foldable with respect to the first left partial panel 15a (fixed panel). In addition, the movable panel is composed of multiple (two) partial panels (the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c) that are movable and foldable with respect to each other. The movable panel of the left panel 15 may be composed of three or more left partial panels.

[0044] The first left partial panel 15a is fixed to a side portion (negative side in the X direction) of the rear panel 13. The second left partial panel 15b is attached to the first left partial panel 15a so as to be rotatable and foldable via a first left hinge member 25a (see FIG. 3) located on the inner surface side (positive side in the X direction) of the first left partial panel 15a. The third left partial panel 15c is attached to the second left partial panel 15b so as to be rotatable and foldable via a second left hinge member 25b (see FIG. 3) located on the outer surface side (negative side in the X direction) of the second left partial panel 15b.

[0045] In the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5), the first left partial panel 15a, the second left partial panel 15b, and the third left partial panel 15c are all arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the rear panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (FIGS. 6 to 9), the first left partial panel 15a continues to be arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the rear panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane). In contrast, the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c are folded inwardly relative to the first left partial panel 15a. At this time, the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c are arranged between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12, and are each perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). It should be noted that the first left side partial panel 15a, the second left side partial panel 15b, and the third left side partial panel 15c are not directly attached to the outer bag 30, respectively.

[0046] (Bottom Panel) The bottom panel 16 is a panel located on the bottom side (negative side in the Z direction) in the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5). In addition, in the assembled state, the bottom panel 16 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15. That is, the four sides of the bottom panel 16 are in contact with the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15, respectively. The bottom panel 16 is composed of a single plate-like member, and has a structure that can be opened, closed, and folded by lifting it up. This bottom panel 16 is attached to the rear panel 13 via a bottom hinge member 26a (see FIG. 4) so ​​as to be freely foldable and rotatable.

[0047] In the assembled state (FIGS. 1 to 5), the bottom panel 16 is disposed parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (FIGS. 6 to 9), the bottom panel 16 is folded so as to overlap the inside (negative Y-direction side) of the back panel 13, and is positioned between the back panel 13 and the second right side partial panel 14b and the second left side partial panel 15b. That is, in the folded state, the bottom panel 16 is disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (XZ plane). The bottom panel 16 is not directly attached to the outer bag 30.

[0048] The above-mentioned top hinge member 21a, first right hinge member 24a, second right hinge member 24b, first left hinge member 25a, second left hinge member 25b and bottom hinge member 26a may each be made of a connecting member such as a foldable connecting cloth. By making each of the hinge members 21a, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a out of a connecting cloth in this manner, each panel (partial panel) can be easily assembled and folded.

[0049] As described above, Fig. 6 to Fig. 9 show the case where the panels 11 to 16 are in the folded state. As shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 9, in the folded state, each of the panels 11 to 16 is folded so that the overall thickness in the front-rear direction (Y direction) is thinner than in the assembled state (Figs. 1 to 5). Note that Fig. 6 to Fig. 9 show an example where the rear panel 13 is disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) (parallel to the ZX plane). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rear panel 13 may be located on the horizontal plane (XY plane), for example.

[0050] 6 to 9, in the folded state, the top panel 11, the back panel 13, the bottom panel 16, the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a, the second right partial panel 14b and the second left partial panel 15b, and the first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b are stacked in this order from the back side (positive side in the Y direction). In this case, the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a are fixed to the back panel 13. The bottom panel 16 is accommodated between the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a.

[0051] The thickness of each of the panels 11-16 is preferably 20 mm or less and 60 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less and 50 mm or less. By setting the thickness of each of the panels 11-16 within the above range, a certain degree of rigidity can be imparted to each of the panels 11-16, and workability during assembly of the insulated container 10 can be improved. In this embodiment, the panels 11-16 have the same thickness, but the panels 11-16 may have different thicknesses.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the width (length in the X direction) L1 of the heat-insulating container 10 is preferably 550 mm or more and 1100 mm or less, more preferably 700 mm or more and 850 mm or less. The width (length in the X direction) L2 of the back panel 13 and the bottom panel 16 is preferably 500 mm or more and 1000 mm or less, more preferably 600 mm or more and 750 mm or less. The width (length in the Y direction) L3 of the first right side partial panel 14a (first left side partial panel 15a) is preferably 25 mm or more and 70 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or more and 60 mm or less. The width (length in the Y direction) L4 of the second right side partial panel 14b (second left side partial panel 15b) is preferably 120 mm or more and 350 mm or less, more preferably 180 mm or more and 300 mm or less. The width (length in the Y direction) L5 of the third right side partial panel 14c (third left side partial panel 15c) is preferably 120 mm or more and 350 mm or less, and more preferably 180 mm or more and 300 mm or less. Note that the width L5 of the third right side partial panel 14c (third left side partial panel 15c) is preferably the same as the width L4 of the second right side partial panel 14b (second left side partial panel 15b) (L4=L5).

[0053] Additionally, it is preferable that the length L8 obtained by subtracting the thickness of the back panel 13 from the width (length in the Y direction) L3 of the first right partial panel 14a (first left partial panel 15a) is equal to or greater than the thickness (length in the Z direction) T1 (see FIG. 4) of the bottom panel 16 (L8≧T1). This makes it easier to store the bottom panel 16 between the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a in the folded state.

[0054] Furthermore, the width of the movable panel, i.e., the total width L7 (=L4+L5) of the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c (the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c), is preferably less than half the width (length in the X direction) L2 of the bottom panel 16 (L4+L5=L7≦L2 / 2). This prevents the movable panel of the right side panel 14 (the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c) and the movable panel of the left side panel 15 (the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c) from interfering with each other when folding the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. As a result, the insulated container 10 can be folded smaller, and the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c and the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c can be prevented from being scratched.

[0055] Furthermore, the width of the movable panel, i.e., the total width L7 (=L4+L5) of the second right side panel 14b and the third right side panel 14c (the second left side panel 15b and the third left side panel 15c), is preferably more than 1 / 3 of the width (length in the X direction) L2 of the bottom panel 16 (L4+L5=L7>L2 / 3). This makes it possible to prevent only one of the movable panels (the second right side panel 14b and the third right side panel 14c) and the movable panel (the second left side panel 15b and the third left side panel 15c) of the right side panel 14 from being folded and the other from being left unfolded when the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 are folded. This makes it possible to prevent a difference in thickness between the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 after the insulated container 10 is folded.

[0056] In addition, taking the above into consideration, it is more preferable that the width of the movable panel, i.e., the total width L7 of the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c (the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c), is more than 1 / 3 and not more than 1 / 2 of the width L2 of the bottom panel 16 (L2 / 3 <L4+L5=L7≦L2 / 2)。

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, in the assembled state, the height (length in the Z direction) H1 of the right panel 14 (left panel 15) is preferably 500 mm or more and 1200 mm or less, more preferably 700 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. Furthermore, the total height (length in the Z direction) H2 of the insulated container 10 is preferably 600 mm or more and 1300 mm or less, more preferably 800 mm or more and 1100 mm or less. According to this embodiment, the movable panels (second right partial panel 14b and third right partial panel 14c) of the right panel 14 and the movable panels (second left partial panel 15b and third left partial panel 15c) of the left panel 15 are foldable. Therefore, when assembling the insulated container 10, the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 can be expanded by pulling the movable panels of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 from the outside. As a result, even if the overall height H2 of the insulated container 10 is greater than the length of a human hand (for example, 600 mm or more), there is no need to insert one's hand from above the insulated container 10. Also, when assembling the insulated container 10, it is easy to make the right and left panels 14 and 15, particularly the bottom sides, perpendicular to the bottom panel 16.

[0058] Additionally, it is preferable that the depth (length in the Y direction) L6 (see FIG. 3) of the bottom panel 16 is equal to or less than the height (length in the Z direction) H1 (see FIG. 4) of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 (L6≦H1). This prevents the bottom panel 16 from protruding from the upper end of the right panel 14 (left panel 15) in the folded state, making it easier to store the panels 11 to 16.

[0059] The "height" of each of the panels 11-16 refers to the length of each of the panels 11-16 in the direction from the bottom panel 16 to the top panel 11. The "width" of each of the panels 11-16 refers to the length in a direction parallel to the main surface of each of the panels 11-16 and perpendicular to the height direction of each of the panels 11-16. The "thickness" of each of the panels 11-16 refers to the length in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of each of the panels 11-16.

[0060] (Internal structure of the panel) Next, the structure of each of the panels 11 to 16 will be further described.

[0061] Each of the panels 11 to 16 is composed of a heat insulating panel having heat insulating properties as described above. The heat insulating material used in such a heat insulating panel may be any material that exhibits the desired heat insulating properties, and examples of such heat insulating materials include fiber-based heat insulating materials such as glass wool, rock wool, cellulose fiber, and insulation board, natural material-based heat insulating materials such as wool and carbonized cork, polyethylene foams such as extruded expanded polystyrene and bead-processed polystyrene, polyurethane foams such as rigid urethane foam, polyethylene foams such as highly expanded polyethylene, foamed heat insulating materials such as phenol foam, and vacuum heat insulating materials.

[0062] As the heat insulating material, plastic board (hollow structure), polypropylene Plapearl (registered trademark of Kawakami Sangyo Co., Ltd.), polyethylene Twin Cone (registered trademark of Ube Exsymo Co., Ltd.) may be used. In this case, a hollow structure plastic board made of polypropylene or polyethylene can be used.

[0063] The vacuum insulation material may have a core material and an exterior material. The core material may be, for example, a porous material such as a powder of silica, a foam of urethane polymer, or a fiber material such as glass wool. The exterior material is a member that covers the outer periphery of the core material, and may be a flexible sheet in which a heat-sealed layer and a gas barrier layer are laminated in this order from the core material. The gas barrier layer may be a metal foil, a vapor deposition sheet in which a vapor deposition layer is formed on one side of a resin sheet, or the like. The metal foil may be, for example, aluminum. The vapor deposition layer may be, for example, aluminum, aluminum oxide, or silicon oxide. In addition, the foam insulation material may be disposed adjacent to at least the storage space 20 side of the vacuum insulation material. Furthermore, a heat-insulating outer envelope may be formed to surround the vacuum insulation material.

[0064] Moreover, the panels 11 to 16 may be made of a radio wave transparent non-metallic material. In this case, when an IC tag is placed inside the thermal insulation container 10, it becomes possible to read information of the IC tag from outside the thermal insulation container 10 by a reader via non-contact communication.

[0065] (Outer bag composition) As shown in FIG. 1, the entire outer surface of each of the panels 11 to 16 is covered with an outer bag 30 having thermal insulation properties.

[0066] The outer bag 30 has a top cover 31, a first front cover 32a, a second front cover 32b, a back cover 33, a right cover 34, a left cover 35, and a bottom cover 36. Of these, the top cover 31 is attached to the top panel 11. The first front cover 32a and the second front cover 32b are attached to the first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b, respectively. The first front cover 32a and the second front cover 32b may be detachable from each other by fasteners 42, 43 having hook-and-loop fasteners or the like. The back cover 33 is attached to the back panel 13. The right cover 34, the left cover 35, and the bottom cover 36 are not directly attached to the right panel 14, the left panel 15, and the bottom panel 16, respectively.

[0067] 1 to 5, the top cover 31 covers the top panel 11, the first front cover 32a covers the first front partial panel 12a, and the second front cover 32b covers the second front partial panel 12b. The back cover 33 covers the back panel 13, and the right cover 34 covers the right panel 14. The left cover 35 covers the left panel 15, and the bottom cover 36 covers the bottom panel 16. In this manner, in the assembled state, the insulated container 10 is entirely covered by the outer bag 30 having thermal insulation properties, so that heat transfer to the storage space 20 can be further suppressed.

[0068] 10 and 11 are perspective views showing the appearance of the outer bag 30 in an assembled state. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the top cover 31 has a top flap 44 having a hook-and-loop fastener or the like. The top flap 44 is detachably attached to a front side detachable portion 45 such as a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the first front cover 32a and the second front cover 32b. In this way, the top cover 31 is detachably attached to the first front cover 32a and the second front cover 32b. In addition, the right cover 34 and the left cover 35 have a right flap 46 and a left flap 47 having a hook-and-loop fastener or the like, respectively. The right flap 46 and the left flap 47 are detachably attached to a first top detachable portion 48 and a second top detachable portion 49 such as a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the top cover 31, respectively. In this way, the right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are detachably attached to the top cover 31, respectively.

[0069] The right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are each provided with a handle 38. The handle 38 is made of a strip-shaped, elongated member made of a flexible material such as cloth. The handle 38 is also firmly fixed to the right cover 34 and the left cover 35.

[0070] Next, the attachment position of the handle 38 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a right side view showing the outer bag 30 in the assembled state.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, in the assembled state, the pair of handles 38 are attached at positions shifted toward the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) with respect to the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14. The handles 38 have a first attachment portion 38a, a second attachment portion 38b, and a grip portion 38c located between the first attachment portion 38a and the second attachment portion 38b. The handles 38 are attached to the right cover 34 by the first attachment portion 38a and the second attachment portion 38b. In this case, the first attachment portion 38a is located on the front side (negative side in the Y direction), and the second attachment portion 38b is located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction). The handles 38 may be attached by sewing to the right cover 34 or by fixing to the right cover 34 with an adhesive or the like. The grip portion 38c is a portion that a user grips when carrying the insulated container 10, and is spaced apart from the right cover 34.

[0072] In this embodiment, as described above, the handle 38 is attached at a position shifted toward the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) with respect to the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14 in the assembled state. Here, the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14 refers to a straight line that extends in the vertical direction (normal direction of the bottom cover 36, Z direction) and is at the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the right panel 14 in the assembled state. In this case, the handle 38 is located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) of the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14. Specifically, the midpoint CP of the handle 38 (a point located in the middle of the handle 38 in the longitudinal direction) is located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) of the first center line CL1. In addition, it is preferable that both the first mounting portion 38a and the second mounting portion 38b are located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) of the first center line CL1.

[0073] When the width (length in the Y direction) of the right panel 14 in the assembled state is L9, the distance L10 between the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14 and the midpoint CP of the handle 38 can be, for example, 8% to 45% of the width L9 of the right panel 14, but is preferably 10% to 40%, and more preferably 30% to 40%. In addition, the height H3 of the midpoint CP of the handle 38 from the bottom of the insulated container 10 is preferably 50% to 97%, and more preferably 60% to 97%, of the total height (length in the Z direction) H2 of the insulated container 10. By setting the position of the midpoint CP of the handle 38 within the above range, the balance of the insulated container 10 can be easily lost when the handle 38 is gripped in the assembled state, and the insulated container 10 can be made difficult to carry. Therefore, in the assembled state, it is difficult to lift the insulated container 10, and it is possible to prevent the bottom panel 16 from falling off due to the weight of the contents.

[0074] The length L11 of the handle 38 in the longitudinal direction (length in the Y direction) is preferably 50 mm or more and 300 mm or less, and more preferably 100 mm or more and 200 mm or less. The length L12 of the handle 38 in the lateral direction (length in the Z direction) is preferably 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less. By setting the size of the handle 38 within the above range, the insulated container 10 can be easily carried by holding the handle 38 in the folded state.

[0075] In this embodiment, the handle 38 of the right side cover 34 and the handle 38 of the left side cover 35 are preferably provided in positions that are linearly symmetrical. That is, the handle 38 of the right side cover 34 and the handle 38 of the left side cover 35 are provided in positions that overlap each other when viewed from the right side (the positive side in the X direction). However, this is not limited to the above, and the handle 38 of the right side cover 34 and the handle 38 of the left side cover 35 may be provided in asymmetrical positions.

[0076] 6 to 9, the top cover 31 covers the top panel 11, the first front cover 32a covers the first front partial panel 12a, the second front cover 32b covers the second front partial panel 12b, and the back cover 33 covers the back panel 13. Meanwhile, as described above, the right cover 34, the left cover 35, and the bottom cover 36 are not directly attached to the right panel 14, the left panel 15, and the bottom panel 16, respectively. Therefore, the right cover 34, the left cover 35, and the bottom cover 36 are folded around the right panel 14, the left panel 15, and the bottom panel 16, respectively.

[0077] Further, the right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are respectively attached with a fastener 37 such as a hook-and-loop fastener. The right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are removably fixed in the folded state by the fastener 37, and the insulated container 10 is held in the folded state (see Figs. 6 and 7). Furthermore, the top cover 31 is provided with a third top detachable part 51 (see Figs. 10 and 11) such as a hook-and-loop fastener. The third top detachable part 51 is removably attached to a rear detachable part 52 (see Fig. 11) provided on the rear cover 33. As a result, the top cover 31 is removably attached to the rear cover 33 in the folded state.

[0078] In the folded state, the top cover 31 is detachably attached integrally with the top panel 11 on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) of the rear panel 13 and the rear cover 33 (see FIG. 8). The right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are each partially folded inward and sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the third right partial panel 14c and the third left partial panel 15c (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). The bottom cover 36 is partially folded inward and sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the third right partial panel 14c and the third left partial panel 15c (see FIG. 8).

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6, in the folded state, the pair of handles 38 protrude laterally from the right cover 34 and the left cover 35 of the outer bag 30, respectively. In this folded state, the handles 38 are preferably located near the second center lines CL2 of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15. Here, the second center line CL2 of the right panel 14 refers to a straight line that extends in the vertical direction (Z direction) and is at the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the right panel 14 in the folded state. In this case, the midpoint CP of the handle 38 (the midpoint between the first mounting portion 38a and the second mounting portion 38b) may be located on the front side (negative side in the Y direction) of the second center line CL2, or on the back side (positive side in the Y direction). In addition, it is preferable that the first mounting portion 38a is located on the front side (negative side in the Y direction) of the second center line CL2, and the second mounting portion 38b is located on the back side (positive side in the Y direction) of the second center line CL2.

[0080] 6, when the width (length in the Y direction) of the right panel 14 in the folded state is L13, the distance L14 between the second center line CL2 of the right panel 14 and the midpoint CP of the handle 38 can be, for example, 0% to 48% of the width L13 of the right panel 14, preferably 0% to 35%, and more preferably 0% to 25%. By setting the position of the midpoint CP of the handle 38 within the above range, the insulated container 10 can be easily carried by gripping the handle 38 in the folded state.

[0081] In this manner, the top panel 11, the first front partial panel 12a, the second front partial panel 12b, and the back panel 13 are each attached to the outer bag 30. The first right partial panel 14a is fixed to the back panel 13, the second right partial panel 14b is attached to the first right partial panel 14a via the first right hinge member 24a, and the third right partial panel 14c is attached to the second right partial panel 14b via the second right hinge member 24b. The first left partial panel 15a is fixed to the back panel 13, the second left partial panel 15b is attached to the first left partial panel 15a via the first left hinge member 25a, and the third left partial panel 15c is attached to the second left partial panel 15b via the second left hinge member 25b. The bottom panel 16 is attached to the back panel 13 via the bottom hinge member 26a. In this way, since all of the panels 11-16 are directly or indirectly attached to the outer bag 30, when the panels 11-16 are folded, each panel 11-16 will not fall off from the other panels 11-16. In this embodiment, it is sufficient that the outer bag 30 covers the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15, and it is not necessary for the outer bag 30 to cover all of the panels 11-16.

[0082] The outer bag 30 may be made of, for example, a heat-shielding sheet. The heat-shielding sheet may be a non-metallic member that is radio wave-transmissive, and may have sufficiently low visible light transmittance and sufficiently high infrared reflectance. As the heat-shielding sheet that constitutes the outer bag 30, for example, stretched or unstretched films or sheets of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, etc., polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polymethylpentene, etc., or sheets or nonwoven fabrics made of natural fabrics or woven fabrics made of synthetic resin fibers, etc., may be used. In addition, alloys or laminates of two or more of these materials may be used. These various resin films and sheets may be colored by printing or coating ink using non-metallic white pigments such as titanium oxide, barium sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, calcium carbonate, etc., in order to impart light-shielding properties and visible light and infrared reflectance, as necessary. In addition, there is no particular restriction on the thickness of the heat shielding sheet perpendicular to the sheet surface direction, but it can be set to, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less, taking into consideration the flexibility, durability, visible light and infrared transmittance, reflectance, etc. of the heat shielding sheet. In this way, when the heat shielding sheet is made of a non-metallic material that is radio wave transparent, if an IC tag is placed inside the thermally insulated container 10, it becomes possible to read the information of the IC tag from outside the thermally insulated container 10 by a reading device via non-contact communication.

[0083] (Disassembly and assembly of insulated containers) Next, the operation of disassembling and assembling the heat-insulating container 10 will be described.

[0084] (Disassembly of insulated container) First, the operation of disassembling the insulated container 10 in an assembled state (see Figs. 1 to 5) to obtain the insulated container 10 in a disassembled state (see Figs. 6 to 9) will be described.

[0085] First, assume that six panels 11-16 are assembled into a box shape to form the insulated container 10 as shown in Figures 1 to 5. At this time, a storage space 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed between each of the panels 11-16. Although not shown, food or other cargo may be stored in the storage space 20.

[0086] Next, the top flap 44 of the top cover 31 is peeled off from the front detachable portion 45, and the right flap 46 and the left flap 47 are peeled off from the first top detachable portion 48 and the second top detachable portion 49, respectively.

[0087] Next, the top panel 11 is rotated relative to the rear panel 13 and moved to the rear side of the rear panel 13 (the positive side in the Y direction). Additionally, the third top detachable portion 51 of the top cover 31 is attached to the rear detachable portion 52 (see FIG. 11 ) of the rear cover 33. At this time, the top panel 11 is arranged so as to hang down from the rear panel 13 and is arranged parallel to the rear panel 13.

[0088] Next, the bottom panel 16 is folded onto the rear panel 13 via the bottom hinge member 26a. At this time, the bottom panel 16 is folded so as to overlap the inside (negative side in the Y direction) of the rear panel 13. At this time, the bottom panel 16 is housed between the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a.

[0089] Next, the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c of the right panel 14 are folded via the first right hinge member 24a and the second right hinge member 24b, respectively. At this time, the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c are folded inward relative to the first right partial panel 14a. In addition, the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c are disposed between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12, and are each perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (ZX plane).

[0090] Similarly, the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c of the left panel 15 are folded via the first left hinge member 25a and the second left hinge member 25b, respectively. At this time, the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c are folded inward relative to the first left partial panel 15a. In addition, the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c are disposed between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12, and are each perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (ZX plane).

[0091] As described above, the bottom panel 16 is accommodated in advance between the first right side partial panel 14a and the first left side partial panel 15a. Therefore, when folding the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c of the right side panel 14 (the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c of the left side panel 15), there is no risk of the folded bottom panel 16 interfering with the second right side partial panel 14b (the second left side partial panel 15b), and the second right side partial panel 14b (the second left side partial panel 15b) can be folded smoothly.

[0092] Thereafter, the front panel 12 is translated in the positive Y direction relative to the rear panel 13, and the front panel 12 is brought closer to the third right partial panel 14c and the third left partial panel 15c. At this time, the right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are each partially folded inward and sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the third right partial panel 14c and the third left partial panel 15c (see FIG. 7). Also, the bottom cover 36 is partially folded inward and sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the third right partial panel 14c and the third left partial panel 15c (see FIG. 8).

[0093] In this way, the six panels 11-16 of the insulated container 10 are in the folded state as a whole as shown in Figures 6 to 9. Finally, the right side cover 34 and the left side cover 35 of the outer bag 30 may be fixed in the folded state by the attachment / detachment device 37. As described above, when the insulated container 10 is not in use, the panels 11-16 can be folded to make the overall volume as small as possible for storage and transportation.

[0094] In this folded state, the pair of handles 38 are not sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the third right side partial panel 14c and the third left side partial panel 15c, but protrude laterally from the right side cover 34 and the left side cover 35 of the outer bag 30, respectively. Therefore, by gripping the pair of handles 38, the user can easily carry the insulated container 10 in the folded state.

[0095] (Assembling the insulated container) The insulated container 10 can be assembled by performing the above-mentioned disassembly method in the reverse order. That is, after first removing the attachment / detachment tool 37, the front panel 12 is translated in the negative Y direction relative to the rear panel 13, and the front panel 12 is separated from the third right side panel 14c and the third left side panel 15c.

[0096] Next, the second right partial panel 14b and the third right partial panel 14c of the right panel 14 (the second left partial panel 15b and the third left partial panel 15c of the left panel 15) are unfolded and assembled so that they are positioned parallel to the YZ plane. At this time, the right cover 34 and the left cover 35 are each spread outward and approximately parallel to the YZ plane. In addition, the bottom cover 36 is spread outward and approximately parallel to the XY plane.

[0097] Next, the bottom panel 16 is rotated toward the horizontal plane (XY plane). At this time, the bottom panel 16 is arranged so as to be parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and surrounded by the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15.

[0098] Thereafter, the third top surface detachable portion 51 of the top cover 31 is peeled off from the rear surface detachable portion 52 of the rear cover 33, and the top panel 11 is rotated relative to the rear panel 13 and placed above the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15. At this time, the top panel 11 is placed parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In addition, the top flap 44 of the top cover 31 is attached to the front side detachable portion 45, and the right flap 46 and the left flap 47 are attached to the first top surface detachable portion 48 and the second top surface detachable portion 49, respectively. In this way, the six panels 11 to 16 of the insulated container 10 are in the assembled state as shown in Figs. 1 to 5 as a whole.

[0099] Thereafter, the attachments 42, 43 are removed, and the front partial panels 12a, 12b are opened like double doors, thereby storing contents in the storage space 20, and the front partial panels 12a, 12b are closed.

[0100] After the contents are placed in the insulated container 10 in this manner, it is conceivable that the user will attempt to carry the insulated container 10 using the pair of handles 38. However, if the user were to lift the insulated container 10 in this state, there is a risk that the weight of the contents would cause the bottom panel 16 to shift from the panels 11-14 or the bottom panel 16 to fall off.

[0101] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the pair of handles 38 are attached at positions shifted toward the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) with respect to the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15, respectively. That is, the positions of the pair of handles 38 are far away from the position of the center of gravity of the insulated container 10 containing the contents. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, even if a user tries to carry the insulated container 10 by holding the pair of handles 38, the balance is poor and it is practically difficult to carry the insulated container 10 straight. As a result, the insulated container 10 is prevented from being lifted, and it is possible to prevent the bottom panel 16 from shifting from the panels 11 to 14, which would reduce the insulation of the storage space 20, or the bottom panel 16 from falling off and causing the panels 11 to 16 to be inadvertently separated.

[0102] On the other hand, when the insulated container 10 is in a folded state, the pair of handles 38 protrude laterally from the right side cover 34 and the left side cover 35 of the outer bag 30, respectively. This allows the user to hold the handles 38 and stably transport the insulated container 10 in the folded state.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the panels 11-16 can be in an assembled state in which they are assembled into a box shape, or in a folded state in which they are folded up small. By putting the panels 11-16 in the assembled state, a storage space 20 capable of storing an object and having a high airtightness can be formed inside the panels 11-16. On the other hand, when the insulated container 10 is not in use, the panels 11-16 can be put in the folded state to store the insulated container 10 in a compact manner.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the assembled state, the bottom panel 16 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right panel 14, and the left panel 15 (the side panels 12 to 15). This can improve the thermal insulation of the storage space 20. Furthermore, in the assembled state, the side panels 12 to 15 are sandwiched between the outer bag 30 and the outer periphery of the bottom panel 16, so that the side panels 12 to 15 can be stably held.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the first right side partial panel 14a and the first left side partial panel 15a are fixed to the rear panel 13, and in the folded state, the bottom panel 16 is accommodated between the first right side partial panel 14a and the first left side partial panel 15a. This prevents the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c (movable panels) and the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c (movable panels) from becoming difficult to fold due to the bottom panel 16, which is folded before the side panels 12 to 15, becoming an obstacle while the insulated container 10 is moving from the assembled state to the folded state. As a result, the insulated container 10 can be folded smoothly, and the insulated container 10 in the folded state can be made compact.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the movable panels of the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 are each composed of a plurality of partial panels (the second right side partial panel 14b and the third right side partial panel 14c, the second left side partial panel 15b and the third left side partial panel 15c) that are movable and foldable relative to each other. As a result, even if the overall height H2 of the insulated container 10 is particularly high and exceeds the length of a human hand, it is not necessary to insert a hand from above the insulated container 10 when assembling the insulated container 10. As a result, it is possible to easily arrange the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15, particularly the bottom side, vertically to the bottom panel 16.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the top panel 11 is foldably attached to the rear panel 13 via the top hinge member 21a. As a result, when folding the insulated container 10, the top panel 11 can be fitted around the outside of the rear panel 13, so that the top panel 11 does not interfere with folding the other panels 12 to 16.

[0108] According to this embodiment, each of the panels 11 to 16 is a rigid plate-like member. As a result, the panels 11 to 16 do not flexibly deform, so that the insulating container 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape when assembled, and the storage space 20 can be reliably formed.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each of the panels 11 to 16 is covered with the outer bag 30. This can further improve the airtightness of the storage space 20, and can prevent the thermal insulation of the insulated container 10 from decreasing.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multiple panels 11-16 include a top panel 11, a front panel 12, a rear panel 13, a right panel 14, a left panel 15, and a bottom panel 16. As a result, the storage space 20 is covered from all directions by the panels 11-16, so that the items loaded in the storage space 20 can be protected from all directions.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the front panel 12 includes a plurality of foldable front partial panels 12a, 12b, and can be opened and closed like a double door. Thus, by folding the front partial panels 12a, 12b, the front side of the insulated container 10 is opened, and it becomes easy to take out the load from the storage space 20 or to store it in the storage space 20.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the bottom panel 16 is foldable relative to the rear panel 13, and the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a (fixed panels) are fixed to the rear panel 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The bottom panel 16 may be foldable relative to the front panel 12, and the first right partial panel 14a and the first left partial panel 15a (fixed panels) may be fixed to the front panel 12. In this case, the right panel 14 may correspond to the first side panel, the left panel 15 may correspond to the second side panel, the front panel 12 may correspond to the third side panel, and the rear panel 13 may correspond to the fourth side panel. Alternatively, the left panel 15 may correspond to the first side panel, the right panel 14 may correspond to the second side panel, the front panel 12 may correspond to the third side panel, and the rear panel 13 may correspond to the fourth side panel.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the pair of handles 38 are offset toward the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) with respect to the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, depending on the configuration of each panel 11-16, the pair of handles 38 may be offset toward the front side (negative side in the Y direction) with respect to the first center line CL1 of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15, respectively.

[0114] (Modification) Next, various modified examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are diagrams showing modified heat-insulating containers. In Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the same parts as those in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 13 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 14, a mark line 55 may be provided on the inner surface (the storage space 20 side) of the front panel 12, indicating the upper limit position where the airtightness of the bottom panel 16 can be ensured. The mark line 55 extends parallel to the width direction (X direction) of the front panel 12. This mark line 55 is provided at a position where the bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12 start to contact each other when the folded bottom panel 16 is pushed down (toward the negative Z direction). The mark line 55 is located above the upper surface of the bottom panel 16 when the bottom panel 16 is pushed down completely (the position where the bottom panel 16 contacts the bottom cover 36, the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14). Specifically, the mark line 55 is located above (to the positive Z direction) the upper surface of the bottom panel 16 when it is pushed down completely by a distance H4, and the distance H4 is preferably set to be greater than or equal to 1 time and less than or equal to 2 times the thickness T1 of the bottom panel 16.

[0116] When assembling the insulated container 10, the bottom panel 16 may be pushed downward (toward the negative Z direction) with the first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b closed. At this time, air may remain in the space S between the bottom panel 16, the bottom cover 36, and the front panel 12, making it difficult to push the bottom panel 16 completely down until it comes into contact with the bottom cover 36. Even in this case, if the bottom panel 16 is positioned below the mark line 55 (toward the negative Z direction), it can be visually confirmed that the airtightness of the bottom panel 16 is ensured. This makes it possible to prevent the insulation of the storage space 20 from decreasing.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 15, the bottom cover 36 may have seams (stitches) 56, 57. The seams 56, 57 include a first seam portion 56 extending parallel to the width direction (X direction) and a second seam portion 57 extending obliquely from the first seam portion 56. By forming the seams 56, 57 in the bottom cover 36 in this manner, when folding the insulated container 10, the bottom cover 36 can be easily folded along the seams 56, 57 and can be easily sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the third right side partial panel 14c and the third left side partial panel 15c (see FIG. 8). Note that a plate-shaped member may be accommodated in the triangular area A1 surrounded by the first seam portion 56 and the second seam portion 57, so that the bottom cover 36 can be more easily folded along the seams 56, 57.

[0118] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiment and modified examples as necessary. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiment and modified examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10. Insulated containers 11 Top Panel 12 Front Panel 13 Rear Panel 14 Right Panel 15 Left Panel 16 Bottom Panel 30 Outer bag 31 Top cover 32a 1st front cover 32b 2nd front cover 33 Rear cover 34 Right cover 35 Left cover 36 Bottom cover 38 Handle

Claims

1. An insulated container that can be assembled and folded, The bag comprises a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a bottom panel, and an outer bag that covers at least the first side panel and the second side panel, In an assembled state of the insulated container, the first side panel and the second side panel face each other, and the third side panel and the fourth side panel face each other, The outer bag has handles provided on portions covering the first side panel and the second side panel, When the insulating container is in a folded state, the handles protrude laterally from the outer bag, In the assembled state, the handles are positioned offset toward the third side panel with respect to center lines of the first side panel and the second side panel, In the assembled state, the distance between the center lines of the first and second side panels and the midpoint of the handle is 10% or more and 40% or less of the width of the first and second side panels, and the height of the midpoint of the handle from the bottom of the insulated container is 50% or more and 97% or less of the total height of the insulated container.

2. 2. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein in the assembled state, each handle is attached to the outer bag at a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, respectively, and both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned offset toward the third side panel with respect to the center lines of the first side panel and the second side panel.

3. each of the first side panel and the second side panel includes a fixed panel fixed to the third side panel and a movable panel movable relative to the fixed panel; The insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the folded state, the bottom panel is received between the fixed panel of the first side panel and the fixed panel of the second side panel.

4. The insulated container according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth side panel is capable of being opened and closed like a double door.

5. The insulated container according to claim 1 , wherein the overall height is 600 mm or more and 1,300 mm or less.

6. The insulated container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, the fourth side panel and the bottom panel are each a rigid plate-like member.

7. 7. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the bottom panel is foldable relative to the third side panel.

8. The insulated container according to claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the fourth side panel is provided with a marking line indicating an upper limit position at which the bottom panel can be kept airtight.

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