Internal control device and storage house

Abstract

To improve work efficiency in a container.SOLUTION: An internal control device includes control sections (C1, C2) that control an air composition adjustment section (50) that adjusts a composition of internal air in an internal space (3) of a storage house (1) and a ventilation section (40) that has openable / closable ventilation holes (41, 42) and supplies external air to the internal space (3) via the ventilation holes (41, 42). The control section (C1, C2) executes a first operation for controlling the ventilation section (40) so that a composition of the internal air after adjustment by the air composition adjustment section (50) becomes a composition of the external air and when the composition of the internal air becomes a first state in a predetermined range from the composition of the external air during the first operation, outputs the situation where the internal air is in the first state to a notification section (60).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-facility control device and a storage facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Containers for marine transport and the like are sometimes equipped with an internal air conditioning device that adjusts the composition of the air inside the container to maintain the freshness of the fruits and vegetables stored therein (for example, Patent Document 1). The internal air conditioning device reduces the oxygen concentration in the air inside the container, thereby suppressing the respiration rate of the fruits and vegetables, thereby maintaining the freshness of the fruits and vegetables inside the container during transport. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-148877 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, before removing fruits and vegetables from a container where the oxygen concentration in the air has decreased, it is necessary to increase the oxygen concentration in the air to a value close to that of the atmosphere. If the oxygen concentration in the air remains significantly lower than that of the atmosphere, workers cannot enter the container. For this reason, workers check the condition of the air inside the container before entering the container to perform work, but this is not very efficient.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve work efficiency in containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is An interior control device comprising: a control unit (C1, C2) for controlling an air composition adjusting unit (50) that adjusts a composition of interior air in an interior space (3) of a storage facility (1); and a ventilation unit (40) that has openable and closable ventilation openings (41, 42) and supplies outside air to the interior space (3) through the ventilation openings (41, 42), The control unit (C1, C2) performing a first operation in which the ventilation unit (40) is controlled so that the composition of the inside air after adjustment by the air composition adjustment unit (50) becomes the composition of the outside air; During the first operation, when the composition of the inside air becomes a first state in which the composition of the outside air is within a predetermined range, a notification unit (60) is output to the effect that the inside air is in the first state.

[0007] In the first aspect, the notification unit (60) allows the worker to know the state of the air inside the refrigerator. For example, when the first state is an internal air state that allows the worker to enter the internal space (3), the worker does not need to take the trouble to check the internal air state, and therefore the worker's work efficiency can be improved. Also, when the internal air is adjusted to have a relatively high carbon dioxide concentration and a relatively low oxygen concentration, for example, the safety of the worker can be ensured.

[0008] The second aspect is the first aspect, The storage facility (1) is provided with a refrigeration device (10) for cooling the air inside the storage facility, The control units (C1, C2) control the operation of the refrigeration device (10) so that the inside air is cooled during the first operation.

[0009] In the second embodiment, when the items stored in the storehouse (1) are perishable foods or medicines that require refrigeration, the freshness and quality of the items can be maintained even during the first operation.

[0010] The third aspect is the first or second aspect, When the inside air becomes the first state during the first operation, the control unit (C1, C2) stops the first operation.

[0011] In the third aspect, it is not necessary to continue operating the ventilation device (40) even after the inside air has reached the first state. Therefore, energy can be saved by stopping the first operation (stopping the ventilation device (40)) when the inside air has reached the first state.

[0012] The fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects. The ventilation section (40) includes an internal fan (30) arranged in the internal space (3), The internal fan (30) circulates air within the internal space (3), supplies outside air to the internal space (3) through the ventilation openings (41, 42), and exhausts the inside air to the outside of the internal space (3). The control sections (C1, C2) stop the first operation by stopping the internal fan (30).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, the internal fan (30) serves both the container refrigeration unit (10) and the ventilation device (40), thereby reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, by using the internal fan (30) to operate the ventilation device (40), the ventilation device (40) can be easily operated.

[0014] The fifth aspect is the second aspect, When the inside air is in the first state, the control units (C1, C2) stop the operation of the refrigeration device (10).

[0015] In the fifth aspect, when the internal air is in the first state, an operator can enter the internal space (3) and remove the stored items. Since there is no need to cool the internal air during or after the removal of the stored items, the operation of the refrigeration device (10) can be stopped, thereby saving energy.

[0016] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, When the first operation is started, the control section (C1, C2) stops the operation of the air composition adjustment section (50).

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the change in the composition of the inside air by the air composition adjuster (50) stops, which makes it possible to promote the inside air to reach the first state.

[0018] A seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, The control unit (C1, C2) Acquire first information including location information of the storage facility (1) or current time information; The first operation is started based on the first information.

[0019] In the seventh aspect, for example, the first operation can be set to start when the storage facility (1) is transported to a specific location or to start at a specific time, so that the first operation can be started automatically without an operator having to operate it each time.

[0020] The eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, The air composition adjusting section (50), the ventilation section (40), or the notification section (60) is further included.

[0021] In an eighth aspect, an interior control device including an air composition adjusting section (50), a ventilation section (40), or an alarm section (60) can be provided.

[0022] A ninth aspect is a storage facility equipped with the interior control device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a container refrigeration unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a piping diagram of a container refrigeration unit. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the ventilator, with Fig. 4(A) showing the lid in a closed position, Fig. 4(B) showing the lid in an intermediate position, and Fig. 4(C) showing the lid in a fully open position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the in-fridge control device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a piping diagram of an air composition control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 of an air composition control device performing the first action during the oxygen concentration reducing operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 of an air composition control device performing the second action during the oxygen concentration reducing operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the first control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first control unit according to the modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 of an air composition control device performing the first operation during oxygen supply operation. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 of an air composition control device performing the second operation during oxygen supply operation. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 of an air composition control device performing outside air introduction operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

[0025] (1) Overall configuration of the container The container (1) of this embodiment is used for marine transportation and the like. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the container (1) is a refrigeration container that cools the air inside the container. The container (1) is a storage facility (1) in which stored goods such as fresh food and medicines are stored. The container (1) includes a container body (2), a container refrigeration unit (10), a ventilation unit (40), an air composition adjustment unit (50), and an alarm unit (60). The container refrigeration unit (10), the ventilation unit (40), the air composition adjustment unit (50), and the alarm unit (60) constitute an interior control device (100) of this embodiment. The container body (2) has an interior space (3) therein. The interior space (3) is a space for accommodating stored goods. The container refrigeration unit (10) cools the air in the interior space (3) (also referred to as interior air). The ventilation unit (40) ventilates the interior space (3). The notification device (60) notifies the worker of predetermined information related to the container (1). The air composition adjustment device (50) adjusts the composition of the air inside the container. Each device will be described below. In the following description, the terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "right," and "left" are based on the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1.

[0026] (2) Container refrigeration equipment The container refrigeration unit (10) is an example of the refrigeration unit (10). The container refrigeration unit (10) is attached to the container body (2) so as to close the front opening (4) provided in the front surface of the container body (2).

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container refrigeration unit (10) has a casing (11). The casing (11) constitutes a lid for a front opening (4) of the container body (2). The casing (11) has a casing main body (12) and a partition plate (13). The casing main body (12) separates an exterior space (5), which is an external space of the container body (2), from the interior space (3). The partition plate (13) is located on the back side (rear side) of the casing (11).

[0028] The container refrigeration system (10) has, as equipment arranged outside the container, a compressor (25), an external heat exchanger (26), and an external fan (27). The container refrigeration system (10) has, as equipment arranged inside the container, an internal heat exchanger (29) and an internal fan (30).

[0029] (2-1) Casing body The casing body (12) has a flat plate portion (12a) and a recessed portion (12b). The flat plate portion (12a) is formed on the upper portion of the casing body (12) so as to be substantially flush with the front opening (4) of the casing (11). An inspection window (22) is provided in the flat plate portion (12a). The inspection window (22) is a transparent window through which the inside of the casing body (12) can be seen.

[0030] The recess (12b) is formed in the lower part of the casing (11). The recess (12b) is recessed rearward from the lower end of the flat plate portion (12a). An exterior storage space (14) is formed in front of the recess (12b). An interior storage space (15) is formed above the recess (12b) and between the flat plate portion (12a) and the partition plate (13). The lower end of the recess (12b) constitutes a bottom plate (12c). The bottom plate (12c) extends between both the left and right ends of the casing body (12).

[0031] The casing body (12) is formed by laminating an outer casing (16), a heat insulating layer (17), and an inner casing (18) in this order from the front to the rear.

[0032] (2-2) Partition plate and air passage The partition plate (13) is a plate-like member located on the rear side of the recessed portion (12b). The partition plate (13) extends in the vertical direction with a predetermined distance from the rear surface of the recessed portion (12b). An internal passage (19) through which the air inside the container flows is formed between the casing body (12) and the partition plate (13).

[0033] An inlet (20) is formed between an upper end of the partition plate (13) and an upper wall (2a) of the container body (2). The inlet (20) connects the interior space (3) to an inlet end of the internal passage (19). An outlet (21) is formed between a lower end of the partition plate (13) and a lower wall (2b) of the container body (2). The outlet (21) connects the interior space (3) to an outlet end of the internal passage (19).

[0034] (2-3) Equipment in the external space A compressor (25), an external heat exchanger (26), and an external fan (27) are provided in the external storage space (14). The compressor (25) is disposed on the bottom plate (12c) of the casing (11).

[0035] The external fan (27) is a propeller fan. As shown in Fig. 2, an external passage (28) through which the outside air flows is formed behind the external fan (27).

[0036] The external heat exchanger (26) is located in the external passage (28). The external heat exchanger (26) is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger.

[0037] (2-4) Equipment in the storage space An internal heat exchanger (29) and an internal fan (30) are provided in the internal storage space (15). The internal heat exchanger (29) is supported by the casing (11) so as to span between the casing body (12) and the partition plate (13). The internal heat exchanger (29) is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger.

[0038] (2-5) Refrigerant circuit 3, the refrigerant circuit (R) is a closed circuit formed by connecting a compressor (25), an external heat exchanger (26), an expansion valve (31), and an internal heat exchanger (29) with piping. When the compressor (25) is operated, a refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit (R) to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0039] (2-6) Sensor As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the container refrigeration system (10) has an inside temperature sensor (51) and an outside temperature sensor (52).

[0040] The internal temperature sensor (51) detects the temperature of the internal air in the container (1). The internal temperature sensor (51) is disposed upstream of the internal fan (30) in the air flow direction in the internal passage (19). The internal temperature sensor (51) is disposed near the inlet (20) of the internal passage (19).

[0041] The outside temperature sensor (52) detects the temperature of the outside air outside the container (1). The outside temperature sensor (52) is disposed in the external passage (28) upstream of the air flow from the external heat exchanger (26). The outside temperature sensor (52) is disposed near the inlet of the external passage (28).

[0042] (2-7) First control section As shown in Fig. 5, the container refrigeration system (10) has a first control unit (C1). The first control unit (C1) includes a microprocessor, an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The microprocessor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a communication interface, an analog input / output, and a contact input / output interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU and data used by the programs.

[0043] The first control unit (C1) is connected to be able to communicate with the container refrigeration unit (10), the ventilation unit (40), and the alarm unit (60). The first control unit (C1) controls various devices of the container refrigeration unit (10). Specifically, the first control unit (C1) controls the rotation speed of the compressor (25), the rotation speed of the internal fan (30), the rotation speed of the external fan (27), the opening degree of the expansion valve (31), and the like. Measurement values ​​of the internal temperature sensor (51) and the external temperature sensor (52) are input to the first control unit (C1). The control of the ventilation unit (40) and the alarm unit (60) by the first control unit (C1) will be described later.

[0044] (3) Ventilation equipment The configuration of the ventilation device (40) will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 4. The ventilation device (40) is an example of a ventilation section (40). The ventilation device (40) ventilates the interior space (3) of the container body (2). The ventilation device (40) includes an interior fan (30) arranged in the interior space (3) and ventilation openings (41, 42) that can be opened and closed. That is, the interior fan (30) serves both as the interior fan (30) of the container refrigeration unit (10) and as the interior fan (30) of the ventilation device (40). Specifically, the interior fan (30) circulates air in the interior space (3), supplies outside air to the interior space (3) through the ventilation openings (41, 42), and exhausts the interior air to the outside.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1, the ventilation device (40) is disposed in a left-side portion of the flat plate portion (12a) of the casing body (12). As shown in Fig. 2, the ventilation device (40) is provided in a ventilation mounting opening (6) formed in the front surface of the casing body (12). The ventilation mounting opening (6) penetrates the casing body (12) from the front to the rear. The ventilation mounting opening (6) is formed through the exterior casing (16), the insulating layer (17), and the interior casing (18).

[0046] An air supply passage (41) and an exhaust passage (42) are formed inside the ventilation device (40). The air supply passage (41) and the exhaust passage (42) communicate between the internal space (3) and the external space (5). The air supply passage (41) and the exhaust passage (42) constitute the above-mentioned ventilation openings (41, 42).

[0047] Specifically, an inflow end of the supply air passage (41) communicates with the exterior space (5). An outflow end of the supply air passage (41) communicates with a primary side (upstream side) of the interior fan (30) in the internal passage (19). An inflow end of the exhaust air passage (42) communicates with a secondary side (downstream side) of the interior fan (30) in the internal passage (19). An outflow end of the exhaust air passage (42) communicates with the exterior space (5).

[0048] When the internal fan (30) is driven, outside air from the external space (5) is supplied to the internal space (3) through the air supply passage (41), and at the same time, inside air from the internal space (3) is exhausted to the external space (5) through the exhaust passage (42).

[0049] 2 and 4, an air supply communication port (41a) is formed at an end of the air supply passage (41) facing the exterior space (5). An exhaust communication port (42a) is formed at an end of the exhaust passage (42) facing the exterior space (5).

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, the ventilation device (40) has a motor (43), a drive shaft (44) that is rotationally driven by the motor (43), and an openable / closing cover (45) that is connected to the drive shaft (44). The motor (43) and the drive shaft (44) are housed in a casing of the ventilation device (40). The motor (43) is a stepping motor. The drive shaft (44) is directly connected to the motor (43). The drive shaft (44) may be indirectly connected to the motor (43) via a pinion or a gear.

[0051] The open-close lid (45) is provided in front of the drive shaft (44). The open-close lid (45) is configured to be rotatable about the axis of the drive shaft (44). The open-close lid (45) adjusts the opening and closing of the air supply passage (41) and the exhaust passage (42) according to the angle of rotation of the open-close lid (45).

[0052] 4, the open / close cover (45) is formed with an air intake opening (46) and an exhaust opening (47). The air intake opening (46) is configured to be able to communicate with the air intake communication port (41a). The exhaust opening (47) is configured to be able to communicate with the exhaust communication port (42a).

[0053] Specifically, when the open-close lid (45) is at a first rotation angle (closed position) shown in Fig. 4(A), the air supply communication port (41a) is entirely covered by the open-close lid (45), and the exhaust communication port (42a) is entirely covered by the open-close lid (45). As a result, the air supply passage (41) and the exhaust passage (42) are fully closed.

[0054] 4(C) (fully open position), the entire air supply communication port (41a) overlaps with the air supply opening (46), and the entire air exhaust communication port (42a) overlaps with the air exhaust opening (47). As a result, the air supply passage (41) and the air exhaust passage (42) are fully open.

[0055] When the opening / closing cover (45) is at the third rotation angle (intermediate position) shown in Fig. 4(B), a part of the air supply communication port (41a) overlaps with the air supply opening (46) in the axial direction, and a part of the exhaust communication port (42a) overlaps with the exhaust opening (47) in the axial direction. The intermediate position is a position between the closed position and the fully open position. Therefore, the opening degree of the air supply passage (41) and the exhaust passage (42) is smaller than that in the fully open state.

[0056] By adjusting the rotation angle of the opening / closing lid (45) between the closed position and the fully open position, the opening degrees of the air supply passage (41) and the exhaust passage (42) are adjusted, and further the ventilation volume of the ventilation device (40) is adjusted.

[0057] The ventilation device (40) is controlled by the first control section (C1). Specifically, the rotation angles of the internal fan (30) and the opening / closing cover (45) of the ventilation device (40) are controlled by the first control section (C1). The internal fan (30) is controlled so as to be appropriately switched between the internal fan (30) as the ventilation device (40) and the internal fan (30) as the container refrigeration unit (10).

[0058] (4) Notification device As shown in Fig. 5, the notification device (60) notifies a worker of predetermined information related to the container (1). The notification device (60) is an example of a notification unit (60). Specifically, the notification device (60) has a display (61) and a speaker (62). The display (61) displays the predetermined information related to the container (1) on a screen. The speaker (62) emits the predetermined information related to the container (1) by sound or voice.

[0059] The predetermined information related to the container (1) includes information related to the operating states of the container refrigeration unit (10), the ventilation unit (40), and the air composition adjustment unit (50), and the environmental state of the internal space (3). The environmental state of the internal space (3) includes the temperature state and composition state of the internal air. Examples of the composition state of the internal air include the concentration and pressure of each gas (oxygen, carbon dioxide concentration, water vapor, etc.) in the internal air, and the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the internal space (3). In addition, the alarm device (60) notifies an operator, for example, when the environmental state of the internal space (3) indicates an abnormality.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the notification device (60) is connected to the first control unit (C1) so as to be able to communicate with the first control unit (C1). The notification device (60) is controlled by the first control unit (C1). Specifically, the notification device (60) displays notification content based on information output from the first control unit (C1) on a display (61) and issues a notification from a speaker (62). The notification device (60) may be controlled by the second control unit (C2) via the first control unit (C1). That is, the notification device (60) may display notification content based on information output from the second control unit (C2) on the display (61) and issue a notification from the speaker (62).

[0061] (5) Air composition adjustment device The air composition adjustment device (50) of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The air composition adjustment device (50) adjusts the composition of the air inside the interior space (3) of the container body (2). The air composition adjustment device (50) is an example of an air composition adjustment section (50).

[0062] The air composition regulator (50) is provided in the container refrigeration unit (10) for so-called controlled atmosphere (CA) transportation. The air composition regulator (50) regulates the composition of air in the interior space (3) of the container (1) so that the composition is different from the composition of the atmosphere.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the air composition adjuster (50) includes a filter unit (220), a main unit (200), a gas supply pipe (275), a gas exhaust pipe (276), and a second control section (C2).

[0064] The air composition control device (50) is a gas separation device of the so-called PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) type. The air composition control device (50) separates the outside air (air) to be treated into a nitrogen-rich gas having a higher nitrogen concentration and a lower oxygen concentration than the air, and an oxygen-rich gas having a lower nitrogen concentration and a higher oxygen concentration than the air.

[0065] (5-1) Filter unit, outside air pipe The filter unit (220) is a box-shaped member. The filter unit (220) is installed in the exterior storage space (14) of the container refrigeration unit (10). The filter unit (220) includes an air filter (221). The air filter (221) is a filter for trapping dust, salt, and the like contained in the exterior air. The air filter (221) of this embodiment is a breathable and waterproof membrane filter.

[0066] The filter unit (220) is connected to the main unit (200) through an outside air pipe (241). One end of the outside air pipe (241) is connected to the filter unit (220). The other end of the outside air pipe (241) is connected to an air pump (231) described below. The outside air pipe (241) guides outside air (atmospheric air) that has passed through the air filter (221) to the air pump (231) as air to be treated.

[0067] (5-2) Main unit The main unit (200) is installed in the external storage space (14) of the container refrigeration unit (10). The main unit (200) includes an air pump (231), a first adsorption column (234), a second adsorption column (235), a first switching valve (232), a second switching valve (233), and a unit case (201) that houses these components. The unit case (201) houses an inlet pipe (242), a suction pipe (243), a first gas pipe (244), and a second gas pipe (245).

[0068] (5-3) Air pump The air pump (231) includes a pressurized pump (231a), a reduced pressure pump (231b), and a drive motor (231c). The pressurized pump (231a) and the reduced pressure pump (231b) each suck in and discharge air. The pressurized pump (231a) and the reduced pressure pump (231b) are connected to a drive shaft of a single drive motor (231c). In other words, the pressurized pump (231a) and the reduced pressure pump (231b) are driven by the single drive motor (231c).

[0069] The other end of the outside air pipe (241) is connected to the suction port of the pressurizing pump (231a). One end of an introduction pipe (242) is connected to the discharge port of the pressurizing pump (231a). The pressurizing pump (231a) supplies the air to be treated, sucked in through the outside air pipe (241), to the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235) through the introduction pipe (242).

[0070] A suction pipe (243) is connected to the suction port of the decompression-side pump (231b). A first gas pipe (244) is connected to the discharge port of the decompression-side pump (231b). The decompression-side pump (231b) discharges gas sucked from the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235) through the suction pipe (243) to the first gas pipe (244).

[0071] (5-4) Introduction pipe The inlet pipe (242) is a pipe that guides the air to be treated discharged from the pressurizing pump (231a) to the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235). One end of the inlet pipe (242) is connected to the discharge port of the pressurizing pump (231a). The other end of the inlet pipe (242) branches into two branch pipes, one of which is connected to the first selector valve (232) and the other of which is connected to the second selector valve (233).

[0072] (5-5) Suction tube The suction pipe (243) is a pipe that guides the gas flowing out from the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235) to the pressure reduction pump (231b). One end of the suction pipe (243) is connected to the suction port of the pressure reduction pump (231b). The other end of the suction pipe (243) branches into two branch pipes, one of which is connected to the first switch valve (232) and the other of which is connected to the second switch valve (233).

[0073] (5-6) First Gas Pipe The first gas pipe (244) is a pipe through which the nitrogen-enriched gas discharged from the pressure reduction pump (231b) flows. One end of the first gas pipe (244) is connected to a discharge port of the pressure reduction pump (231b). The other end of the first gas pipe (244) is connected to a gas supply pipe (275).

[0074] The first gas pipe (244) is provided with a check valve (264). The check valve (264) allows gas to flow only in a direction from one end to the other end of the first gas pipe (244) and blocks gas from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0075] (5-7) Switching valve Each of the first switching valve (232) and the second switching valve (233) is a switching valve having three ports. Each of the first switching valve (232) and the second switching valve (233) is configured to be switched between a first state (a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 3) in which the first port communicates with the second port and is blocked from the third port, and a second state (a state shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3) in which the first port communicates with the third port and is blocked from the second port.

[0076] The first switch valve (232) has a first port connected to one end of the first adsorption column (234). The first switch valve (232) has a second port connected to a branch pipe of the introduction pipe (242) and a third port connected to a branch pipe of the suction pipe (243). The first switch valve (232) switches the first adsorption column (234) between a state where it is connected to the pressurization pump (231a) and a state where it is connected to the depressurization pump (231b).

[0077] The second selector valve (233) has a first port connected to one end of the second adsorption column (235). A branch pipe of the inlet pipe (242) is connected to a second port of the second selector valve (233), and a branch pipe of the suction pipe (243) is connected to a third port of the second selector valve (233). The second selector valve (233) switches the second adsorption column (235) between a state where it is connected to the pressurization pump (231a) and a state where it is connected to the depressurization pump (231b).

[0078] (5-8) Adsorption tube The first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235) each include a cylindrical container with both ends closed and an adsorbent filled in the container. The adsorption columns (234, 235) use the adsorbent to separate the air to be treated (outside the chamber air in this embodiment) into an oxygen-enriched gas and a nitrogen-enriched gas.

[0079] The adsorbent filled in the adsorption columns (234, 235) has the property of adsorbing nitrogen and water (water vapor) in the air to be treated when the pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure, and desorbing nitrogen and water when the pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. One example of an adsorbent having such a property is porous zeolite having pores with a pore size smaller than the molecular diameter of a nitrogen molecule (3.0 angstroms) and larger than the molecular diameter of an oxygen molecule (2.8 angstroms).

[0080] (5-9) Second Gas Pipe The second gas pipe (245) includes a trunk pipe (246), a first branch pipe (247a), a second branch pipe (247b), a supply branch pipe (248a), and a discharge branch pipe (248b). The second gas pipe (245) is provided with an oxygen selector valve (249).

[0081] The first branch pipe (247a) is a pipe that connects the other end of the first adsorption cylinder (234) to one end of the trunk pipe (246). The second branch pipe (247b) is a pipe that connects the other end of the second adsorption cylinder (235) to one end of the trunk pipe (246). The first branch pipe (247a) and the second branch pipe (247b) are each provided with a check valve (261). Each check valve (261) allows air to flow in the outgoing direction from the corresponding adsorption cylinder (234, 235) and restricts air to flow in the opposite direction.

[0082] As described above, the first branch pipe (247a) and the second branch pipe (247b) are connected to one end of the trunk pipe (246). The other end of the trunk pipe (246) is connected to the oxygen selector valve (249). The trunk pipe (246) is provided with, in this order from one end to the other, an orifice (263) and a check valve (262). The check valve (262) allows air to flow from one end of the trunk pipe (246) to the other end and restricts air from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0083] The supply-side branch pipe (248a) has one end connected to the oxygen selector valve (249) and the other end connected to one end of the gas supply pipe (275). The supply-side branch pipe (248a) serves as a supply passage for introducing the oxygen-enriched gas into the container body (2). The discharge-side branch pipe (248b) has one end connected to the oxygen selector valve (249) and the other end connected to one end of the gas discharge pipe (276). The discharge-side branch pipe (248b) serves as a discharge passage for discharging the oxygen-enriched gas to the outside of the container body (2).

[0084] The oxygen selector valve (249) is a three-way valve. As described above, the trunk pipe (246), the supply branch pipe (248a), and the discharge branch pipe (248b) are connected to the oxygen selector valve (249). The oxygen selector valve (249) is switchable between a first state in which the trunk pipe (246) communicates with the supply branch pipe (248a) and restricts the flow from the discharge branch pipe (248b) and a second state in which the trunk pipe (246) communicates with the discharge branch pipe (248b) and restricts the flow from the supply branch pipe (248a).

[0085] The oxygen selector valve (249) is a switching mechanism that switches the second gas pipe (245) between an introduction state and a discharge state. When the oxygen selector valve (249) is in the first state, the second gas pipe (245) is in the introduction state, and the oxygen-rich gas is introduced into the container body (2) through the supply branch pipe (248a). When the oxygen selector valve (249) is in the second state, the second gas pipe (245) is in the discharge state, and the oxygen-rich gas is discharged to the outside of the container body (2) through the discharge branch pipe (248b).

[0086] (5-10) Purge tube A purge pipe (250) is connected to each of the first branch pipe (247a) and the second branch pipe (247b) of the second gas pipe (245). One end of the purge pipe (250) is connected to the first branch pipe (247a) and the other end is connected to the second branch pipe (247b). One end of the purge pipe (250) is connected to the first branch pipe (247a) between the first adsorption column (234) and the check valve (261). The other end of the purge pipe (250) is connected to the second branch pipe (247b) between the second adsorption column (235) and the check valve (261).

[0087] The purge pipe (250) is provided with a purge valve (251). The purge valve (251) is an on-off valve formed of a solenoid valve. The purge valve (251) is opened when equalizing the pressure in the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235). In addition, an orifice (252) is provided on each side of the purge valve (251) in the purge pipe (250).

[0088] (5-11) Exhaust connection pipe An exhaust connection pipe (271) is connected to the first gas pipe (244). One end of the exhaust connection pipe (271) is connected to the first gas pipe (244) and the other end is connected to the second gas pipe (245). One end of the exhaust connection pipe (271) is connected to the first gas pipe (244) between the pressure reducing pump (231b) and the check valve (264). The other end of the exhaust connection pipe (271) is connected to one end of the gas exhaust pipe (276).

[0089] The exhaust connecting pipe (271) is provided with a gas exhaust valve (272). The gas exhaust valve (272) is an on-off valve formed of a solenoid valve. When the gas exhaust valve (272) is opened, the nitrogen-enriched gas flowing through the first gas pipe (244) is exhausted to the outside of the container body (2). The gas exhaust valve (272) is a flow rate adjusting mechanism that adjusts the flow rate of the nitrogen-enriched gas flowing through the exhaust connecting pipe (271). By adjusting the open and closed times of the gas exhaust valve (272), the flow rate of the nitrogen-enriched gas exhausted to the outside of the container body (2) through the exhaust connecting pipe (271) changes.

[0090] (5-12) Gas supply pipe As described above, one end of the gas supply pipe (275) is connected to the first gas pipe (244) and the supply branch pipe (248a) of the second gas pipe (245). The gas supply pipe (275) extends to the outside of the unit case (201). The other end of the gas supply pipe (275) opens into the internal passage (19) of the container refrigeration unit (10) downstream of the internal fan (30). The gas supply pipe (275) is a pipe for introducing the gas flowing in from the one end into the container body (2).

[0091] A gas supply valve (273) is provided on the gas supply pipe (275). The gas supply valve (273) is an on-off valve formed of a solenoid valve.

[0092] (5-13) Gas exhaust pipe As described above, one end of the gas exhaust pipe (276) is connected to the exhaust branch pipe (248b) of the second gas pipe (245) and the exhaust connection pipe (271). The gas exhaust pipe (276) extends to the outside of the unit case (201). The other end of the gas exhaust pipe (276) opens into the external storage space (14) of the container (1). The gas exhaust pipe (276) is a pipe for exhausting the gas that has flowed in from the one end of the gas exhaust pipe (276) to the outside of the container body (2).

[0093] (5-14) Bypass pipe A bypass connection pipe (255) is connected to the inlet pipe (242). The bypass connection pipe (255) is a pipe for supplying the outside air to the internal space (3) of the container (1) by bypassing the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235). One end of the bypass connection pipe (255) is connected between the branch point of the inlet pipe (242) and the pressurizing pump (231a). The other end of the bypass connection pipe (255) is connected to the first gas pipe (244) downstream of the check valve (264).

[0094] The bypass connecting pipe (255) is provided with a bypass on-off valve (256). The bypass on-off valve (256) is an on-off valve formed of a solenoid valve. The bypass on-off valve (256) is opened when the outside air discharged by the pressurizing pump (231a) is supplied to the internal space (3) without changing the composition of the outside air.

[0095] (6) Oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the air composition adjustment device (50) has an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor.

[0096] The oxygen sensor (53) detects the oxygen concentration in the interior air. The oxygen sensor (53) is disposed in the internal passage (19) upstream of the air flow from the interior fan (30). The oxygen sensor (53) is disposed near the inlet (20) of the internal passage (19). Since the air in the interior space (3) flows into the inlet (20), by disposing the oxygen sensor (53) in such a position, the oxygen concentration of the interior air can be determined more accurately.

[0097] The carbon dioxide sensor (54) detects the carbon dioxide concentration in the interior air. The carbon dioxide sensor (54) is disposed upstream of the interior fan (30) in the air flow in the internal passage (19). The carbon dioxide sensor (54) is disposed near the inlet (20) of the internal passage (19). Since the air in the interior space (3) flows into the inlet (20), by disposing the carbon dioxide sensor (54) at such a position, the oxygen concentration of the interior air can be determined more accurately.

[0098] (7) Second Control Section The second control unit (C2) includes a microprocessor, an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The microprocessor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a communication interface, an analog input / output, and a contact input / output interface. The memory stores various programs executed by the CPU and data used by the programs.

[0099] The second control unit (C2) receives measurement values ​​of the oxygen sensor (53) and the carbon dioxide sensor (54). The second control unit (C2) controls various devices of the air composition adjustment device (50). Specifically, the second control unit (C2) controls the air pump (231), the first switching valve (232), the second switching valve (233), the oxygen switching valve (249), the ventilation exhaust valve (151), the purge valve (251), the bypass on-off valve (256), the gas exhaust valve (272), and the gas supply valve (273) of the air composition adjustment device (50).

[0100] The first control unit (C1) and the second control unit (C2) are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The first control unit (C1) and the second control unit (C2) constitute the control units (C1, C2) of the present disclosure. For example, the first control unit (C1) may control the container refrigeration unit (10), the ventilation unit (40), or the alarm unit (60) based on information input from the second control unit (C2). Furthermore, the second control unit (C2) may control the air composition adjustment unit (50) based on information input from the first control unit (C1).

[0101] Next, the operation of the container refrigeration unit (10) and the air composition control unit (50) will be described.

[0102] (9) Operation of container refrigeration units The container refrigeration system (10) performs a cooling operation to cool the interior air in the interior space (3). During the cooling operation, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which refrigerant compressed by the compressor (25) is condensed in the external heat exchanger (26), reduced in pressure by the expansion valve (31), and evaporates in the interior heat exchanger (29). Air flowing out from the interior space (3) to the internal passage (19) is cooled by the interior heat exchanger (29) functioning as an evaporator. The cooled air is transported to the interior space (3) by the interior fan (30).

[0103] (10) Operation of air composition control equipment The air composition adjusting device (50) adjusts the composition of the air inside the container (1) (in this embodiment, the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the container). The air composition adjusting device (50) performs an oxygen concentration reduction operation. The oxygen concentration reduction operation is an operation for reducing the oxygen concentration of the air inside the container.

[0104] The air composition adjuster (50) separates the outside air into a nitrogen-enriched gas (first gas) and an oxygen-enriched gas (second gas) by alternately and repeatedly performing a first operation and a second operation. The air composition adjuster (50) alternately and repeatedly performs the first operation and the second operation for a predetermined switching time (e.g., 14 seconds). The second control unit (C2) controls the first switching valve (232) and the second switching valve (233) so that the first operation and the second operation are performed alternately.

[0105] (10-1) 1st action 7, in the first operation, the first selector valve (232) is set to the first state, and the second selector valve (233) is set to the second state. In the first operation, the purge valve (251) and the bypass on-off valve (256) are held in a closed state. In the first operation, the air pump (231) is operated to perform an adsorption operation in the first adsorption tube (234) and a desorption operation in the second adsorption tube (235).

[0106] The pressurizing pump (231a) draws in outside air (atmosphere) through the outside air pipe (241), pressurizes the air, and supplies the pressurized outside air to the first adsorption column (234). In the first adsorption column (234), nitrogen and water (water vapor) contained in the supplied outside air are adsorbed by an adsorbent. As a result, the first adsorption column (234) produces an oxygen-enriched gas having a lower nitrogen concentration and a higher oxygen concentration than the outside air.

[0107] The oxygen-enriched gas flows out from the first adsorption column (234) to the first branch pipe (247a) of the second gas pipe (245).

[0108] On the other hand, the decompression-side pump (231b) draws gas from the second adsorption column (235). In the second adsorption column (235), the internal pressure decreases, causing nitrogen and water to desorb from the adsorbent. As a result, a nitrogen-rich gas having a higher nitrogen concentration and a lower oxygen concentration than the air outside the chamber is generated in the second adsorption column (235). The nitrogen-rich gas flows from the second adsorption column (235) into the suction pipe (243) and is sucked into the decompression-side pump (231b). The decompression-side pump (231b) pressurizes the sucked nitrogen-rich gas and discharges it into the first gas pipe (244).

[0109] (10-2)Second operation 8, in the second operation, the first switching valve (232) is set to the second state, and the second switching valve (233) is set to the first state. In addition, in the second operation, the purge valve (251) and the bypass on-off valve (256) are held in a closed state. In the second operation, the air pump (231) is operated to perform a desorption operation for the first adsorption tube (234) and an adsorption operation for the second adsorption tube (235).

[0110] The pressurizing pump (231a) draws in outside air (atmosphere) through the outside air pipe (241), pressurizes the air, and supplies the pressurized outside air to the second adsorption column (235). In the second adsorption column (235), nitrogen and water (water vapor) contained in the supplied outside air are adsorbed by an adsorbent. As a result, the second adsorption column (235) generates an oxygen-enriched gas having a lower nitrogen concentration and a higher oxygen concentration than the outside air. The oxygen-enriched gas flows out of the second adsorption column (235) into the second branch pipe (247b) of the second gas pipe (245).

[0111] On the other hand, the decompression-side pump (231b) sucks gas from the first adsorption column (234). In the first adsorption column (234), the internal pressure decreases, causing nitrogen and water to desorb from the adsorbent. As a result, a nitrogen-rich gas having a higher nitrogen concentration and a lower oxygen concentration than the outside air is generated in the first adsorption column (234). The nitrogen-rich gas flows from the first adsorption column (234) into the suction pipe (243) and is sucked into the decompression-side pump (231b). The decompression-side pump (231b) pressurizes the sucked nitrogen-rich gas and discharges it into the first gas pipe (244).

[0112] (10-3) Reduced oxygen concentration operation In the oxygen concentration reducing operation, the air composition adjuster (50) reduces the oxygen concentration of the internal air by supplying nitrogen-rich gas to the internal space (3).

[0113] 7 and 8, in the oxygen concentration reducing operation, the gas supply valve (273) is held in an open state, and the gas exhaust valve (272) is held in a closed state. In addition, in the oxygen concentration reducing operation, the oxygen selector valve (249) is set to the second state. As a result, the trunk pipe (246) communicates with the exhaust branch pipe (248b), and the second gas pipe (245) is in the exhaust state.

[0114] In the oxygen concentration reduction operation, the nitrogen-rich gas discharged from the pressure reduction pump (231b) to the first gas pipe (244) flows into the container body (2) through the gas supply pipe (275). On the other hand, the oxygen-rich gas flowing from the first adsorption column (234) or the second adsorption column (235) to the second gas pipe (245) passes through the trunk pipe (246) and the discharge side branch pipe (248b) in this order, and then flows out of the container body (2) through the gas discharge pipe (276).

[0115] In the oxygen concentration reducing operation, the ventilation openings (41, 42) are held open, and the internal air flows out of the container body (2) through the exhaust passage (42). Therefore, the internal air is gradually replaced by nitrogen-enriched gas, and the oxygen concentration of the internal air gradually decreases. In addition, in the oxygen concentration reducing operation, the internal space (3) is kept at a positive pressure by appropriately setting the flow rate of the nitrogen-enriched gas supplied to the internal space (3) and the flow rate of the internal air discharged from the internal space (3). Therefore, the inflow of outside air, which is external air, into the internal space (3) through the supply air passage (41) is restricted.

[0116] (11) First operation The first control unit (C1) of this embodiment causes the ventilation device (40) to perform a first operation. The first operation is an operation for controlling the ventilation device (40) so that the composition of the inside air adjusted by the air composition adjustment device (50) becomes the composition of the outside air. Here, the outside air is outside air.

[0117] In the first operation of this embodiment, the first control section (C1) operates the internal fan (30) and controls the ventilation device (40) so that the opening / closing lid (45) is at the third rotation angle (intermediate position) or the second rotation angle (fully open position). This adjusts the openings of the supply air passage (41) and the exhaust air passage (42) and adjusts the amount of ventilation in the internal space (3). For example, when the composition of the internal air is to be returned to the composition of the ambient air as quickly as possible, the opening / closing lid (45) is adjusted to the second rotation angle.

[0118] (12) Operation of the first control unit and the second control unit The composition of the inside air adjusted by the air composition adjusting device (50) attempts to return to the composition of the outside air (atmosphere) by the first operation, but before an operator enters the inside space (3) to perform work, it is necessary to check how close the composition of the inside air is to the composition of the atmosphere. Therefore, when the composition of the inside air becomes a first state in which the composition of the outside air is within a predetermined range during the first operation, the first control unit (C1) of this embodiment outputs a notice to that effect to the notification unit (60). The first state is a state in which the composition of the inside air has recovered to such an extent that an operator can enter the inside space (3). That is, the notification unit (60) notifies the operator that the inside air has entered the first state, so that the operator can enter the inside space (3). Hereinafter, the operation of the first control unit (C1) and the second control unit (C2) of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0119] In step S11, the first control section (C1) causes the container refrigeration unit (10) to perform a cooling operation. When the cooling operation is started, the refrigerant circuit (R) starts a refrigeration cycle and the internal fan (30) rotates. The internal air is circulated in the internal space by the rotation of the internal fan (30) and is cooled by the internal heat exchanger (29) functioning as an evaporator. The air temperature in the internal space (3) is adjusted based on the measured values ​​of the internal temperature sensor (51) and the external temperature sensor (52).

[0120] In step S12, the second control section (C2) starts the operation of the air composition adjustment device (50). The air composition adjustment device (50) performs an oxygen concentration reducing operation. As a result, the oxygen concentration of the inside air decreases.

[0121] In step S13, the first control unit (C1) determines whether an instruction to perform the first operation has been received by an operator. If it is determined that an instruction to perform the first operation has been received (YES in step S13), step S14 is executed. If it is determined that an instruction to perform the first operation has not been received (NO in step S13), step S13 is executed again.

[0122] In step S14, the first control unit (C1) causes the ventilation device (40) to start the first operation. The control unit (C2) adjusts the opening / closing cover (45) to the second rotation angle and rotates the internal fan (30). As a result, outside air flows from the supply air passage (41) into the internal space (3), and the internal air is discharged from the exhaust passage (42) to the external space. The first control unit (C1) continues the operation of the container refrigeration unit (10) in step S11 even during the first operation. In other words, the first control unit (C1) controls the operation of the container refrigeration unit (10) so that the internal air is cooled during the first operation.

[0123] In Step S15, the second control section (C2) stops the oxygen concentration reducing operation. In other words, when the first operation is started in Step S14, the operation of the air composition adjusting device (50) is stopped.

[0124] In step S16, the second control unit (C2) determines whether the inside air has reached the first state based on the measured values ​​of the oxygen sensor (53) and the carbon dioxide sensor (54). The first state indicates a state in which the composition of the inside air is within a predetermined range from the composition of the outside air during the first operation. In this embodiment, the outside air refers to the outside air (atmosphere), and the composition of the inside air refers to the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration of the inside air. In other words, the first state indicates a state in which the oxygen concentration of the inside air is within a first range that is a predetermined range from the oxygen concentration of the outside air, and the carbon dioxide concentration of the inside air is within a second range that is a predetermined range from the carbon dioxide concentration of the outside air.

[0125] The first range is within 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere. For example, when the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere is about 21%, the first range is a range in which the oxygen concentration of the air inside the chamber is 16% or more, 17% or more, 18% or more, 19% or more, or 20% or more. From the viewpoint of the safety of the workers who enter the chamber space (3), it is preferable that the lower limit of the first range is closer to the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere. That is, the first range is preferably 18% or more, more preferably 19% or more, and most preferably 20% or more.

[0126] The second range is a range in which the carbon dioxide concentration of the air outside the chamber is about 400 ppm, and the carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the chamber is 1,000 ppm or less, 900 ppm or less, 800 ppm or less, 700 ppm or less, 600 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, or 400 ppm or less. From the viewpoint of the safety of the workers who enter the chamber space (3), the lower the carbon dioxide concentration, the more preferable the upper limit value of the second range. That is, the second range is preferably 600 ppm or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, and most preferably 400 ppm or less. Note that 400 ppm of carbon dioxide concentration may be set to 0.04%.

[0127] When it is determined that the internal air is in the first state (YES in step S16), step S17 is executed. When it is determined that the internal air is not in the first state (i.e., the oxygen concentration of the internal air is outside the first range or the carbon dioxide concentration of the internal air is outside the second range) (NO in step S16), step S16 is executed again.

[0128] In step S17, the first control unit (C1) outputs a first signal to the notification unit (60). The first signal is a signal indicating that the internal air is in the first state. In response to this, the notification unit (60) notifies the worker via the display (61) and the speaker (62) that the worker may enter the internal space (3).

[0129] In Step S18, the first control section (C1) stops the cooling operation. In other words, when the inside air is in the first state, the first control section (C1) stops the container refrigeration unit (10).

[0130] In step S19, the first control section (C1) stops the first operation. In other words, when the inside air becomes the first state during the first operation, the first control section (C1) stops the first operation. Specifically, the first control section (C1) stops the first operation by stopping the inside fan (30).

[0131] (13) Features (13-1) Feature 1 In this embodiment, during a first operation in which the ventilation device (40) is controlled so that the composition of the inside air after adjustment by the air composition adjustment device (50) becomes the same as the composition of the outside air (outside air), when the composition of the inside air becomes a first state that is within a predetermined range from the composition of the outside air (outside air), the first control unit (C1) outputs a signal to that effect to the alarm device (60).

[0132] The worker can know the state of the air inside the refrigerator from the information notified by the alarm device (60). When the first state is an internal air state that allows the worker to enter the internal space (3) as in this embodiment, the worker does not need to take the trouble to check the internal air state, and the worker's work efficiency can be improved. In addition, for example, when the internal air is adjusted so that the carbon dioxide concentration is relatively high and the oxygen concentration is relatively low, the safety of the worker can be ensured.

[0133] (13-2) Feature 2 In this embodiment, the first control section (C1) controls the operation of the container refrigeration system (10) so that the inside air is cooled during the first operation.

[0134] As a result, when the items stored in the container (1) are perishable foods or medicines that require refrigeration, their freshness and quality can be maintained even during the first operation.

[0135] (13-3) Feature 3 In this embodiment, the first control section (C1) stops the first operation when the inside air becomes the first state during the first operation.

[0136] There is no need to continue operating the ventilation device (40) even after the inside air has reached the first state. Therefore, energy can be saved by stopping the first operation (stopping the ventilation device (40)) when the inside air has reached the first state.

[0137] (13-4) Feature 4 In the present embodiment, the first control section (C1) stops the first operation by stopping the internal fan (30).

[0138] The number of parts can be reduced by using the internal fan (30) for both the container refrigeration unit (10) and the ventilation device (40). In addition, the internal fan (30) can be used to operate the ventilation device (40), which simplifies operation of the ventilation device (40).

[0139] (13-5) Feature 5 In this embodiment, the first control section (C1) stops the operation of the container refrigeration system (10) when the inside air is in the first state.

[0140] When the internal air is in the first state, workers can enter the internal space (3) to perform work, and there is no need to cool the internal air during or after the work. Therefore, energy can be saved by stopping the operation of the container refrigeration unit (10).

[0141] (13-6) Feature 6 In this embodiment, when the first operation is started, the second control section (C2) stops the operation of the air composition control device (50).

[0142] Stopping the oxygen concentration reducing operation stops the supply of nitrogen-enriched gas to the interior space (3). Therefore, the first operation promotes ventilation of the interior space (3), and the time it takes for the interior air to reach the first state can be shortened.

[0143] (14) Variations A modified interior control device will be described below. The following describes a configuration different from the interior control device of the above embodiment.

[0144] The first control unit (C1), which is the control unit (C1, C2) of the modified example, acquires first information indicating position information of the container (1). The first control unit (C1) starts a first operation based on the acquired first information. For example, the first control unit (C1) has a GPS (Global Positioning System) function and grasps the current position information of the container (1). Target position information is preset in the first control unit (C1). The target position information is, for example, a location where stored items in the container (1) are to be removed.

[0145] The operation of the control units (C1, C2) in the modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 10. However, since steps S21 to S22 and steps S24 to S29 are the same as steps S11 to S12 and steps S14 to S19 in the above embodiment, respectively, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] In step S23, the first control unit (C1) judges whether the current position information matches the target position information. If it is judged that the current position information matches the target position information (YES in step S23), step S24 is executed. If it is judged that the current position information does not match the target position information (NO in step S23), step S23 is executed again.

[0147] (15) Other embodiments The above embodiment and modified examples may be configured as follows.

[0148] In step S14 of the embodiment or step S24 of the modified example, the first control unit (C1) or the second control unit (C2) may control the ventilation volume of the ventilation device (40). For example, the first control unit (C1) or the second control unit (C2) may have a ventilation priority mode in which ventilation of the internal space (3) is prioritized over cooling of the internal air, or a cooling priority mode in which cooling of the internal air is prioritized over ventilation of the internal space (3). These modes are selected based on the operation of the operator. The ventilation priority mode promotes ventilation of the internal space (3) and can quickly bring the internal air into the first state. The cooling priority mode can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the internal air due to the first operation. This allows the internal air to be brought into the first state while suppressing deterioration of the freshness or quality of the stored items stored in the container body (2).

[0149] The air composition adjusting device (50) may have an oxygen supply operation for supplying an oxygen-enriched gas to the internal space (3) and an outside air introduction operation for introducing outside air, which is air outside the internal space (3), into the internal space (3). The oxygen supply operation and the outside air introduction operation will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13.

[0150] 11 and 12, in the oxygen supply operation, the gas supply valve (273) is held open, and the gas exhaust valve (272) is held open or opened / closed. In addition, in the oxygen supply operation, the oxygen selector valve (249) is set to the first state. As a result, the trunk pipe (246) communicates with the supply-side branch pipe (248a), and the second gas pipe (245) is in the introducing state.

[0151] In the oxygen supply operation, a part of the nitrogen-rich gas discharged from the pressure reducing pump (231b) to the first gas pipe (244) flows out of the container body (2) through the exhaust connection pipe (271) and the gas exhaust pipe (276), and the rest flows into the container body (2) through the gas supply pipe (275). On the other hand, the oxygen-rich gas flowing from the first adsorption tube (234) or the second adsorption tube (235) to the second gas pipe (245) flows through the trunk pipe (246) and the supply side branch pipe (248a), and then flows into the gas supply pipe (275) and into the container body (2). In this way, in the oxygen supply operation, a part of the nitrogen-rich gas and the whole of the oxygen-rich gas are supplied to the internal space (3). In the oxygen supply operation, the ventilation exhaust valve (151) is held open, and the air inside the container flows out to the outside of the container body (2) through the ventilation exhaust pipe (150).

[0152] By the oxygen supply operation, the air inside the container is gradually replaced with the oxygen-enriched gas, and the oxygen concentration of the air inside the container gradually increases. In addition, in the oxygen supply operation, the flow rates of the oxygen-enriched gas and the nitrogen-enriched gas supplied to the container space (3) and the flow rate of the air inside the container space (3) exhausted from the container space (3) are appropriately set, so that the container space (3) is kept at a positive pressure.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 13, in the outside air introduction operation, the air composition control device (50) supplies outside air (atmosphere) as it is to the internal space (3). In the outside air introduction operation, both the first switching valve (232) and the second switching valve (233) are set to the second state. In the outside air introduction operation, the gas supply valve (273) and the bypass on-off valve (256) are held in the open state, and the remaining on-off valves (251, 272, 282) are held in the closed state. In the outside air introduction operation, the air pump (231) is operated.

[0154] The pressurizing pump (231a) draws in outside air (atmosphere) through the outside air pipe (241), pressurizes the air, and discharges the pressurized outside air to the inlet pipe (242). The outside air discharged from the pressurizing pump (231a) flows through the inlet pipe (242), the bypass connecting pipe (255), and the first gas pipe (244) in this order, and is supplied to the internal passage (19). In this manner, in the outside air introduction operation, air having the same composition as the atmosphere is supplied to the internal space (3) of the container (1).

[0155] The decompression-side pump (231b) sucks gas from both the first adsorption column (234) and the second adsorption column (235) and discharges the sucked gas to the first gas pipe (244). The gas discharged from the decompression-side pump (231b) to the first gas pipe (244) is supplied to the internal passage (19) together with outside air that has flowed into the first gas pipe (244) from the bypass connecting pipe (255).

[0156] By the outside air introduction operation, the inside air is gradually replaced with the atmosphere, and the carbon dioxide concentration of the inside air gradually decreases. In addition, in the outside air introduction operation, the flow rate of the outside air supplied to the inside space (3) and the flow rate of the inside air exhausted from the inside space (3) are appropriately set, so that the inside space (3) is kept at a positive pressure.

[0157] In the above modification, the first information may include information on the current time. In this case, information on the target time is preset in the first control unit (C1). The target time is the time when the first operation is to be started. In step S23 of the above modification, the second control unit (C2) judges whether the current time matches the target time. If it is judged that the current time matches the target time (YES in step S23), step S24 is executed. If it is judged that the current time does not match the target time (NO in step S23), step S23 is executed again.

[0158] The interior control device (100) may not include the container refrigeration unit (10), the ventilation unit (40), the air composition adjustment unit (50), or the notification device (60). In this case, the notification device (60) may not be provided in the container (1). The notification device (60) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a computer connected to the container (1) so as to be able to communicate with the container (1) via the cloud or a predetermined server. When the notification device (60) is a mobile terminal, an application installed on the mobile terminal is started, and the notification device (60) notifies the user of necessary information, such as that the interior air has reached the first state, from a display or a speaker provided on the mobile terminal.

[0159] In step S14 or step S24, the first control section (C1) may stop or temporarily suspend the cooling operation of the container refrigeration system (10) during the first operation, depending on the temperature state of the interior space (3).

[0160] In step S18 or step S28, the first control section (C1) may continue to operate the container refrigeration unit (10) without shutting it down. In other words, when the inside air has reached the first state, the first control section (C1) may not shut down the container refrigeration unit (10).

[0161] In step S19 or step S29, the first control unit (C1) may continue the first operation without stopping it even if the inside air becomes the first state during the first operation. In other words, the first control unit (C1) may not stop the first operation when the inside air becomes the first state.

[0162] Steps S17, S18 and S19 may be performed simultaneously. Similarly, steps S27, S28 and S29 may be performed simultaneously.

[0163] The outside air does not have to be outside air as long as it is air outside the container 1. For example, when the container 1 is inside a building, the outside air is air outside the container 1 and also air inside the building.

[0164] The ventilation section (40) need only supply outside air to the internal space (3), and does not necessarily have to exhaust inside air to the outside.

[0165] The first control section (C1) is required to output to the notification section (60) a signal that the inside air has reached the first state when the inside air has reached the first state, and is not required to determine whether the inside air has reached the first state.

[0166] In the above embodiment and modified example, the composition of the inside air has been described as the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration of the inside air, but the composition of the inside air may be either the oxygen concentration or the carbon dioxide concentration of the inside air.

[0167] In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the ventilation device (40) or the notification device (60) may be communicatively connected to the second control unit (C2). In this case, the ventilation device (40) or the notification device (60) is controlled by the second control unit (C2). The first control unit (C1) and the second control unit (C2) may be integrated together. In other words, the functions of the first control unit (C1) and the second control unit (C2) may be performed by a single control unit.

[0168] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined or substituted as long as the functions of the subject of this disclosure are not impaired. The descriptions "first", "second", ... described above are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0169] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for air composition adjustment devices and storage facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1 Container (storage) 3. Interior space 10 Refrigeration units for containers (refrigeration units) 30 Interior fan 40 Ventilation system (ventilation section) 41,42 Ventilation vent 50 Air composition adjustment device (air composition adjustment section) 60 Notification section (notification device) 100 Storage control device C1, C2 control section

Claims

1. An interior control device comprising: an air composition adjusting unit (50) that adjusts a composition of interior air in an interior space (3) of a storage facility (1); and a ventilation unit (40) that has openable and closable ventilation openings (41, 42) and supplies outside air to the interior space (3) through the ventilation openings (41, 42), The control unit (C1, C2) performing a first operation of controlling the ventilation section (40) so that the composition of the inside air after adjustment by the air composition adjustment section (50) becomes the composition of the outside air; When the composition of the inside air is in a first state within a predetermined range from the composition of the outside air during the first operation, a notification unit (60) is output to the effect that the inside air is in the first state. In-warehouse control device.

2. The storage facility (1) is provided with a refrigeration device (10) that cools the air inside the storage facility, The control unit (C1, C2) controls the operation of the refrigeration device (10) so that the inside air is cooled during the first operation. The interior control device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit (C1, C2) stops the first operation when the inside air becomes the first state during the first operation. The in-fridge control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The ventilation section (40) includes an internal fan (30) arranged in the internal space (3), The internal fan (30) circulates air within the internal space (3), supplies outside air to the internal space (3) through the ventilation openings (41, 42), and exhausts the inside air to the outside of the internal space (3). The control section (C1, C2) stops the first operation by stopping the internal fan (30). The interior control device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit (C1, C2) stops the operation of the refrigeration device (10) when the inside air is in the first state. The interior control device according to claim 2.

6. When the first operation is started, the control section (C1, C2) stops the operation of the air composition adjustment section (50). The in-fridge control device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The control unit (C1, C2) Acquire first information including location information of the storage facility (1) or current time information; Starting the first operation based on the first information The in-fridge control device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The air composition adjusting section (50), the ventilation section (40), or the notification section (60) is further provided. The in-fridge control device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A storage facility equipped with the interior control device according to claim 1 or 2.

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