Container with container assembly and method for manufacturing container with container assembly
The container assembly with protective and insulating materials enhances handling and reduces internal component damage by allowing assembly, disassembly, and folding, improving ease of use and protection during transportation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
Smart Images
Figure 2026113276000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This embodiment relates to a container containing a container assembly and a method for manufacturing a container containing a container assembly.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, containers using heat insulating materials and the like have been known. Such containers are mainly used for transporting articles while keeping them cold by means of transportation that does not have a cold storage function such as a refrigerated truck. Further, in order to suppress radiant heat from sunlight or the like from reaching the inside of the container, the cold storage effect of the container can be enhanced by covering the container with a heat shielding sheet having the property of reflecting visible light and infrared rays. Further, conventionally, a foldable container including a heat insulating panel has been known (see Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, in such a container, it is required to improve the handling property.
[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a container containing a container assembly and a method for manufacturing a container containing a container assembly, which can improve the handling property.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following [1] to
[10] .
[0007] [1] A container, a top panel, The first side panel and, The second side panel, The third side panel, The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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 aforementioned top panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed. A container wherein the bottom panel is provided with a bottom protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the bottom panel.
[0008] [2] The container according to [1], wherein the fourth side panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors, and includes a first partial panel located on the side of the first side panel and a second partial panel located on the side of the second side panel.
[0009] [3] The first side panel is provided with a first side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the first side panel. The container according to [1] or [2], wherein the second side panel is provided with a second side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the second side panel.
[0010] [4] The third side panel is provided with a third side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the third side panel. The container according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the fourth side panel is provided with a fourth side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the fourth side panel.
[0011] [5] The container according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, the fourth side panel, and the bottom panel each have an insulating material.
[0012] [6] The container according to any one of [1] to [5], which can be assembled and folded.
[0013] [7] The container according to [6], and A container with a pallet, comprising a pallet accommodated in the container.
[0014] [8] The container with a pallet according to [7], wherein the container further comprises an adjusting member for adjusting the opening and closing angle of the fourth side panel.
[0015] [9] A container, and A pallet accommodated in the container, wherein the container comprises a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, and a bottom panel, and the first side panel and the second side panel face each other, the third side panel and the fourth side panel face each other, and the top panel has an openable structure, a container with a pallet. The fourth side panel has a structure that can be opened and closed in a double - leaf door manner, and includes a first partial panel located on the side of the first side panel and a second partial panel located on the side of the second side panel. The container with a pallet according to [9].
[0016]
[10] Also, other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following
[11] to
[22] .
[0017]
[0018]
[11] A container assembly, comprising an outer pallet, and a container placed on the outer pallet. The container is Top panel and The first side panel and, The second side panel, The third side panel, The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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 aforementioned top panel is a container assembly with a structure that allows it to be opened and closed.
[0019]
[12] The container assembly according to
[11] , wherein the fourth side panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors, and includes a first partial panel located on the side of the first side panel and a second partial panel located on the side of the second side panel.
[0020]
[13] The container assembly according to
[11] or
[12] , wherein the bottom panel is provided with a bottom protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the bottom panel.
[0021]
[14] The first side panel is provided with a first side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the first side panel. The container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[13] , wherein the second side panel is provided with a second side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the second side panel.
[0022]
[15] The third side panel is provided with a third side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the third side panel. The container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[14] , wherein the fourth side panel is provided with a fourth side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the fourth side panel.
[0023]
[16] The container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[15] , wherein the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, the fourth side panel, and the bottom panel each have an insulating material.
[0024]
[17] The container is a container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[16] , which is assembleable and foldable.
[0025]
[18] The container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[17] , wherein the size of the planar shape of the outer pallet is greater than or equal to the size of the planar shape of the container.
[0026]
[19] A container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[18] , further comprising an inner pallet housed within the container.
[0027]
[20] The container assembly according to any one of
[11] to
[19] further comprises an adjustment member for adjusting the opening and closing angle of the fourth side panel.
[0028] [twenty one] A method for manufacturing a container assembly, The process of preparing the outer pallet and container, The process includes loading the containers onto the aforementioned outer pallet, The aforementioned container is Top panel and The first side panel and, The second side panel, The third side panel, The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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. A method for manufacturing a container assembly, wherein the top panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed.
[0029] [twenty two] A method for manufacturing a container assembly according to
[21] , further comprising the step of housing an inner pallet on which cargo is loaded and secured inside the container.
[0030] Furthermore, other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following
[31] -
[41] .
[0031]
[31] A container containing a container assembly, Containers and The container comprises a container assembly housed within the aforementioned container, The aforementioned container assembly is Outer pallet and A container placed on the aforementioned outer pallet, The container comprises an inner pallet housed within the container, The aforementioned container is Top panel and The first side panel and, The second side panel, The third side panel, The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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 aforementioned top panel is a container with a structure that allows it to be opened and closed, and is contained within a container assembly.
[0032]
[32] The container assembly described in
[31] includes a fourth side panel which is structured to open and close in a double-door manner, and a first partial panel located on the side of the first side panel and a second partial panel located on the side of the second side panel.
[0033]
[33] A container containing a container assembly as described in
[31] or
[32] , wherein the bottom panel is provided with a bottom protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the bottom panel.
[0034]
[34] The first side panel is provided with a first side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the first side panel. A container containing a container assembly according to any one of
[31] to
[33] , wherein the second side panel is provided with a second side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the second side panel.
[0035]
[35] The third side panel is provided with a third side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the third side panel. A container containing a container assembly according to any one of
[31] to
[34] , wherein the fourth side panel is provided with a fourth side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the fourth side panel.
[0036]
[36] A container assembly according to any one of
[31] to
[35] , wherein the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, the fourth side panel, and the bottom panel each have an insulating material.
[0037]
[37] The container is a container assembly according to any one of
[31] to
[36] , which is assembleable and foldable.
[0038]
[38] The container assembly described in any one of
[31] to
[37] , wherein the size of the planar shape of the outer pallet is greater than or equal to the size of the planar shape of the container.
[0039]
[39] The container comprising an adjustment member for adjusting the opening and closing angle of the fourth side panel, as described in any one of
[31] to
[38] .
[0040]
[40] A method for manufacturing a container containing a container assembly, The process of preparing the container assembly, The process includes the step of housing the aforementioned container assembly inside a container, The process of preparing the aforementioned container assembly is as follows: The process of preparing the outer pallet and container, The process includes loading the containers onto the aforementioned outer pallet, The aforementioned container is Top panel and The first side panel and, The second side panel, The third side panel, The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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. A method for manufacturing a container containing a container assembly, wherein the top panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed.
[0041]
[41] The process of preparing the aforementioned container assembly is as follows: A method for manufacturing a container assembly according to
[40] , further comprising the step of housing an inner pallet on which cargo is loaded and secured inside the container. [Effects of the Invention]
[0042] According to this embodiment, the handling of the container can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0043] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a container (assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the container with each panel removed according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a horizontal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 1) showing a container (assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a horizontal cross-sectional view (corresponding to Figure 3A) showing another example of a container (assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 1) showing a container (assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line VV in Figure 1) showing a container (assembled state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a container (in a folded state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 6) showing a container (in a folded state) according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a container (assembled) according to one embodiment being placed in an outer bag. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a container with a pallet according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are perspective views showing a method for manufacturing a container with a pallet according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a container with a pallet according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing another variation of a container with a pallet according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a container assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figures 14(a)-(d) are perspective views showing a method for manufacturing a container assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a container with a container assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line XVI-XVI in Figure 15) showing a container with a container assembly according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0044] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following figures are schematic representations. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are exaggerated as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, it is possible to modify and implement the design as appropriate without departing from the technical concept. In the following figures, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values such as dimensions and material names of each component described in this specification are examples of embodiments and are not limited to them; they can be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms that specify shapes and geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, are used not only in their strict sense but also to include substantially the same state.
[0045] In the following embodiments, the "X direction" is the direction parallel to the left and right sides of the container when viewed from the front and parallel to the floor surface on which the container is placed, the "Y direction" is the direction perpendicular to the X direction and parallel to the floor surface on which the container is placed, and the "Z direction" is the direction parallel to the vertical direction. The "front" is the surface perpendicular to the floor surface and is the surface that faces the user when putting contents into or taking them out of the container, the "back" is the surface perpendicular to the floor surface and is opposite to the front, the "top" is the surface parallel to the floor surface and is the upper side of the container, and the "bottom" is the surface parallel to the floor surface and is the lower side of the container, the "right side" is the surface perpendicular to the floor surface and is located on the right side of the container when viewed from the front, and the "left side" is the surface perpendicular to the floor surface and is located on the left side of the container when viewed from the front, and the "side" is the surface perpendicular to the top and bottom sides.
[0046] (Container composition) The configuration of the container according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 8.
[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container 10 according to this embodiment is an assembled container. In this embodiment, the container 10 is assembled and foldable and includes six panels 11 to 16. Panels 11 to 16 form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when assembled and include a top panel 11, a front panel 12, a back panel 13, a right side panel 14, a left side panel 15, and a bottom panel 16. The top panel 11, the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right side panel 14, the left side panel 15, and the bottom panel 16 each have a main surface (the widest pair of opposing surfaces among the six surfaces that make up each panel) that is substantially rectangular or substantially square in shape. Furthermore, the main surfaces of the front panel 12 and the back panel 13 are substantially the same size, and the main surfaces of the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 are substantially the same size. Each panel 11-16 is made of a rigid, plate-like material and is designed not to deform flexibly during use.
[0048] Panels 11 to 16 are provided in a manner that allows them to be assembled and folded as a whole, and can be in an assembled state assembled into a box shape (Figures 1 to 5) and in a folded state that is folded down to a small size (Figures 6 and 7).
[0049] When the container 10 is assembled, the top panel 11 and the bottom panel 16 face each other, the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 face each other, and the rear panel 13 and the front panel 12 face each other. The top panel 11 is removable from the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. In the folded state of the container 10 (Figures 6 and 7), the top panel 11 is housed between the front panel 12 and the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. The bottom panel 16 is surrounded by the front panel 12, the rear panel 13, the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. The bottom panel 16 is foldable relative to the rear panel 13. Furthermore, in the folded state of the container 10 (Figures 6 and 7), the bottom panel 16 is housed between the rear panel 13 and the right and left side panels 14 and 15.
[0050] In this embodiment, the right side panel 14 corresponds to the first side panel, the left side panel 15 corresponds to the second side panel, the rear panel 13 corresponds to the third side panel, and the front panel 12 corresponds to the fourth side panel. Alternatively, the left side panel 15 may correspond to the first side panel, the right side panel 14 to the second side panel, the rear panel 13 to the third side panel, and the front panel 12 to the fourth side panel. Hereafter, the front panel 12, rear panel 13, right side panel 14, and left side panel 15 will be collectively referred to as side panels 12 to 15.
[0051] In its assembled state, the container 10 is surrounded by six panels 11-16, forming a roughly rectangular storage space 20 for containing the contents. In this embodiment, each of the six panels 11-16 has an insulating material, as will be described later. Therefore, the storage space 20 maintains its insulating properties by restricting the inflow and outflow of heat from the outside as it is surrounded by the insulating material. In addition, at least a portion of each of the six panels 11-16 is provided to be movable relative to the other adjacent panels 11-16. This makes it possible to change the container 10 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 container 10 is not in use, the panels 11-16 can be folded to reduce the overall size compared to the assembled state, allowing for easy storage. Furthermore, in the assembled state, the edges of each of the six panels 11-16 are in close contact with any other panel 11-16, thereby ensuring that the storage space 20 is airtight.
[0052] Next, we will further explain the configuration of each panel 11 to 16. In the following, "panels 11 to 16 are parallel (perpendicular) to a predetermined plane" means "the main surfaces of panels 11 to 16 are parallel (perpendicular) to a predetermined plane."
[0053] (Top panel) The top panel 11 is located on the top side (positive Z-direction) in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5). In the assembled state, the top panel 11 is positioned above (positive Z-direction) the front panel 12, rear panel 13, right side panel 14, and left side panel 15.
[0054] The top panel 11 has an openable and closable structure. Furthermore, the top panel 11 is detachable from the other panels 12-16 and comprises a first top panel 11a located on the front panel 12 side and a second top panel 11b located on the rear panel 13 side. In this case, the first top panel 11a and the second top panel 11b are each composed of a single plate-like member.
[0055] Of these, the first top panel 11a is movable and foldable relative to the second top panel 11b. The first top panel 11a is rotatably and foldably attached to the second top panel 11b via a top hinge member 21a (see Figure 5) located on the front panel 12 side (negative Y direction side) of the second top panel 11b.
[0056] The top panel 11 (first top panel 11a and second top panel 11b) is positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5). Furthermore, the top panel 11 (first top panel 11a and second top panel 11b) is detached from the other panels 12-16 in the folded state (Figures 6 and 7). In this case, the top panel 11 is positioned between the folded front panel 12 and the folded right and left side panels 14 and 15, perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). The top panel 11 is attached to the top cover 31 of the outer bag 30, which will be described later.
[0057] (Front panel) The front panel 12 is located on the front side (negative Y-direction side) in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), and is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane). Furthermore, in both the assembled and folded states, the front panel 12 is positioned further forward (negative Y-direction side) than the rear panel 13, right side panel 14, left side panel 15, and bottom panel 16.
[0058] The front panel 12 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors. In this embodiment, the front panel 12 has a first front partial panel (first partial panel) 12a located on the right side panel (first side panel) 14 side, and a second front partial panel (second partial panel) 12b located on the left side panel (second side panel) 15 side. The first front partial panel 12a and the second front partial panel 12b are separate from each other and can be attached to each other.
[0059] As shown in Figure 5, such a front panel 12 is provided with a front protective material (fourth side protective material) 12c that is exposed on the inner surface side of the container 10 and protects the front panel 12. This front protective material 12c plays a role in protecting the front panel 12 from the inner pallet 50, which will be described later. In this case, the distance (Z-direction distance) d2 from the bottom surface (Z-minus side surface) of the front panel 12 to the front protective material 12c may be 0 mm or more and 40 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16, and preferably 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 12. By making the distance d2 from the bottom surface of the front panel 12 to the front protective material 12c 0 mm or more, the front protective material 12c can effectively protect the front panel 12. Also, if the distance d2 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16, the front protective material 12c will not overlap the bottom panel 16 when viewed from the thickness direction (Y direction) of the front panel 12. This improves the heat insulation of the container 10. Furthermore, because the distance d2 is less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16 + 40 mm, the front protective material 12c covers the inner pallet 50, which will be described later, in the height direction (Z direction). Therefore, damage to the front panel 12 by the inner pallet 50, which will be described later, can be suppressed.
[0060] Furthermore, the height (Z-direction distance) h2 of the front protective material 12c may be between 100 mm and 400 mm. Also, the height h2 of the front protective material 12c may be between the thickness of the bottom panel 16 + 100 mm - d2 (mm) and the thickness of the bottom panel 16 + 400 mm - d2 (mm). In this case, as shown in Figure 5, in the height direction (Z-direction), the front protective material 12c will cover the entire inner pallet 50, which will be described later. Therefore, damage to the front panel 12 by the inner pallet 50, which will be described later, can be suppressed. In particular, the container 10C containing the container assembly (see Figure 15), which will be described later, can be loaded onto an aircraft so that the front panel 12 faces the direction of the aircraft's travel. In this case, when the container 10C containing the container assembly is transported by aircraft, the inner pallet 50, which will be described later and housed inside the container 10, may move along the direction of the aircraft's travel. In contrast, in this embodiment, since a front protective material 12c is provided on the front panel 12, it is possible to effectively prevent damage to the front panel 12 even when the inner pallet 50 moves along the direction of the aircraft's movement.
[0061] Here, the height (thickness) of a typical pallet (internal pallet 50) is approximately 100 mm to 200 mm. The pallet is actually loaded into the container 10 using a forklift or the like. At this time, the pallet is loaded into the container 10 while being lifted to a certain extent. For this reason, when loading the pallet into the container 10, it is preferable that the front protective material 12c is located at a position 0 mm to 200 mm higher than the top surface of the pallet placed on the bottom panel 16, so that the front protective material 12c serves as a marker for the position to lift the pallet. Similarly, for the right side protective material 14c and left side protective material 15c, which will be described later, it is preferable that they be located at a position 0 mm to 200 mm higher than the top surface of the pallet placed on the bottom panel 16 for the same reason. Furthermore, in the case of the rear protective material 13c, right side protective material 14c, and left side protective material 15c described later, it is preferable that the rear protective material 13c, right side protective material 14c, and left side protective material 15c extend to a position approximately 0 mm to 200 mm higher than the top surface of the pallet placed on the bottom panel 16, in order to protect the rear panel 13, right side panel 14, and left side panel 15 from the pallet when it is lifted. By having the height of the front protective material 12c etc. within the above range, it is possible to suppress interference with other parts such as the pocket 41 described later while satisfying the above function. In addition, by having the height of the front protective material 12c etc. within the above range, the area of the front protective material 12c etc. can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
[0062] The material of the front protective material 12c may be a non-foaming resin, or a resin with a lower foaming ratio than the insulating material described later. For example, the material of the front protective material 12c may be a hard resin such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride, phenolic resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, melamine resin, fluororesin, or polyacetal. Alternatively, the material of the front protective material 12c may be a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, or copper alloy. In this case, it is preferable that the material of the front protective material 12c is corrosion-resistant (rust-resistant).
[0063] The first front panel 12a and the second front panel 12b are both positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (ZX plane) in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5). Furthermore, in the folded state (Figures 6 to 7), the first front panel 12a and the second front panel 12b move toward the back panel 13 while maintaining their position perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (ZX plane). The first front panel 12a and the second front panel 12b are each attached to an outer bag 30, which will be described later.
[0064] (Rear panel) The rear panel 13 is located on the rear side (positive Y-direction) in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5). In both the assembled and folded states, the rear panel 13 is positioned further back (positive Y-direction) than the right side panel 14, the left side panel 15, and the bottom panel 16.
[0065] This rear panel 13 has a structure that cannot be opened or closed and cannot be folded, and is made up of a single plate-like component.
[0066] As shown in Figure 5, such a back panel 13 is provided with a back protective material (third side protective material) 13c that is exposed on the inner surface side of the container 10 and protects the back panel 13. In this case, the distance (Z-direction distance) d3 from the bottom surface (Z-direction negative side surface) of the back panel 13 to the back protective material 13c may be 0 mm or more and 40 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16, and preferably 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 12 and 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16. The height (Z-direction distance) h3 of the back protective material 13c may be 100 mm or more and 400 mm or less. The height h3 of the back protective material 13c may also be 100 mm or more and 400 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16 + 100 mm - d3 (mm). In this case, as shown in Figure 5, in the height direction (Z-direction), the back protective material 13c covers the entire inner pallet 50, which will be described later. Therefore, the inner pallet 50, described later, can prevent damage to the rear panel 13. In particular, as mentioned above, the container 10C containing the container assembly (see Figure 15), described later, can be loaded onto an aircraft with the front panel 12 facing the direction of the aircraft's travel. Therefore, by providing the rear protective material 13c on the rear panel 13, it is possible to effectively prevent damage to the rear panel 13 even if the inner pallet 50, described later, moves along the direction of the aircraft's travel.
[0067] The material of the back protective material 13c may be a non-foaming resin, similar to the front protective material 12c, and may be a resin with a lower foaming ratio than the insulation material described later. For example, the material of the back protective material 13c may be a hard resin such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride, phenolic resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, melamine resin, fluororesin, or polyacetal. Alternatively, the material of the back protective material 13c may be a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, or copper alloy. In this case as well, it is preferable that the material of the back protective material 13c is corrosion-resistant (rust-resistant).
[0068] The rear panel 13 maintains a position perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) (parallel to the ZX plane) in both the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5) and the folded state (Figures 6 and 7). The rear panel 13 is attached to the outer bag 30, which will be described later.
[0069] Furthermore, a pocket 41 capable of accommodating a cooling pack may be provided on the inner surface of the back panel 13. This pocket 41 is made of a flexible material such as cloth and, in the assembled state, protrudes from the inner surface of the back panel 13, forming a space capable of accommodating a cooling pack. By accommodating a cooling pack in the pocket 41 of the back panel 13 in this way, the cold air from the cooling pack descends and is sent to the loaded items, thereby improving the cooling performance of the storage space 20. On the other hand, when folding the unit, the cooling pack in the pocket 41 is removed, and then the pocket 41 is folded. This prevents the pocket 41 from interfering with the folding of the bottom panel 16 when the unit is folded. The pocket 41 may be provided on any of the panels 11 to 16.
[0070] (Right side panel) The right side panel 14, in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), is located to the right (positive X direction) of the left side panel 15 and the bottom panel 16, and is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the back panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane).
[0071] This right side panel 14 has an openable and foldable structure and is made of a single plate-like member. The right side panel 14 is rotatably and foldably attached to the rear panel 13 via a right side connecting member 24a (see Figure 3A), which will be described later.
[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the right side panel 14 is provided with a right side protective material (first side protective material) 14c that is exposed on the inner surface side of the container 10 and protects the right side panel 14. In this case, the distance (Z-direction distance) d4 from the bottom surface (Z-direction negative side) of the right side panel 14 to the right side protective material 14c may be 0 mm or more and 40 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16, and preferably 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 12 and 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16. The height (Z-direction distance) h4 of the right side protective material 14c may be 100 mm or more and 400 mm or less. The height h4 of the right side protective material 14c may also be 100 mm or more and 400 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16 + 100 mm - d4 (mm). In this case, as shown in Figure 4, in the height direction (Z-direction), the right side protective material 14c covers the entire inner pallet 50, which will be described later. Therefore, the inner pallet 50, described later, can prevent damage to the right side panel 14.
[0073] The material of the right side protective material 14c may be a non-foaming resin, similar to the front protective material 12c, and may also be a resin with a lower foaming ratio than the insulating material described later. For example, the material of the right side protective material 14c may be a hard resin such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride, phenolic resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, melamine resin, fluororesin, or polyacetal. Alternatively, the material of the right side protective material 14c may be a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, or copper alloy. In this case as well, it is preferable that the material of the right side protective material 14c is a corrosion-resistant (rust-resistant) material.
[0074] In the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), the right side panel 14 is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the back panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (Figures 6 and 7), the right side panel 14 is folded inward relative to the back panel 13. At this time, the right side panel 14 is positioned between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12, and is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (ZX plane). Note that the right side panel 14 is not directly attached to the outer bag 30, which will be described later.
[0075] (Left side panel) The left side panel 15, in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), is located to the left (negative X direction) of the right side panel 14 and the bottom panel 16, and is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the back panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane).
[0076] This left side panel 15 has an openable and foldable structure and is made of a single plate-like member. The left side panel 15 is rotatably and foldably attached to the rear panel 13 via a left side connecting member 25a (see Figure 3A), which will be described later.
[0077] As shown in Figure 4, the left side panel 15 is provided with a left side protective material (second side protective material) 15c that is exposed on the inner surface side of the container 10 and protects the left side panel 15. In this case, the distance (Z-direction distance) d5 from the bottom surface (Z-direction negative side) of the left side panel 15 to the left side protective material 15c may be 0 mm or more and 40 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16, and preferably 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 12 and 10 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16. The height (Z-direction distance) h5 of the left side protective material 15c may be 100 mm or more and 400 mm or less. The height h5 of the left side protective material 15c may also be 100 mm or more and 400 mm or less than or equal to the thickness of the bottom panel 16 + 100 mm - d5 (mm). In this case, as shown in Figure 4, in the height direction (Z-direction), the left side protective material 15c covers the entire inner pallet 50, which will be described later. Therefore, the inner pallet 50, described later, can prevent damage to the left side panel 15.
[0078] The material of the left side protective material 15c may be a non-foaming resin, similar to the front protective material 12c, and may be a resin with a lower foaming ratio than the insulating material described later. For example, the material of the left side protective material 15c may be a hard resin such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride, phenolic resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, melamine resin, fluororesin, or polyacetal. Alternatively, the material of the left side protective material 15c may be a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, or copper alloy. In this case as well, it is preferable that the material of the left side protective material 15c is a corrosion-resistant (rust-resistant) material.
[0079] In the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), the left side panel 15 is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and the back panel 13 (parallel to the YZ plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (Figures 6 and 7), the left side panel 15 is folded inward relative to the back panel 13. At this time, the left side panel 15 is positioned between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12 (right side panel 14), and is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (ZX plane). Note that the left side panel 15 is not directly attached to the outer bag 30, which will be described later.
[0080] (Bottom panel) The bottom panel 16 is located on the bottom side (negative Z-direction side) in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5). In the assembled state, the bottom panel 16 is positioned so as to be surrounded by the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right side panel 14, and the left side panel 15. That is, all four sides of the bottom panel 16 are in contact with the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right side panel 14, and the left side panel 15, respectively. The bottom panel 16 is composed of a single plate-like member and has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed and folded by lifting it. This bottom panel 16 is attached to the back panel 13 via a bottom hinge member 26a (see Figure 5) so as to be foldable and rotatable.
[0081] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, such a bottom panel 16 is provided with a bottom protective material 16c that is exposed on the inner surface side of the container 10 and protects the bottom panel 16. In this case, the thickness t6 of the bottom protective material 16c (see Figure 4) may be 3 mm or less. This effectively prevents the bottom panel 16 from being damaged by the inner pallet 50, which will be described later.
[0082] The material of the bottom protective material 16c may be a non-foaming resin, similar to the front protective material 12c, and may be a resin with a lower foaming ratio than the insulating material described later. For example, the material of the bottom protective material 16c may be a hard resin such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride, phenolic resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, melamine resin, fluororesin, or polyacetal. Alternatively, the material of the bottom protective material 16c may be a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, or copper alloy. In this case as well, it is preferable that the material of the bottom protective material 16c is a corrosion-resistant (rust-resistant) material.
[0083] In the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5), the bottom panel 16 is positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (Figures 6 and 7), the bottom panel 16 is folded so as to overlap the inside (negative Y direction) of the back panel 13, and is positioned between the back panel 13 and the right and left side panels 14 and 15. In other words, in the folded state, the bottom panel 16 is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the back panel 13 (XZ plane). Note that the bottom panel 16 is not directly attached to the outer bag 30, which will be described later.
[0084] The top hinge member 21a, right side connecting member 24a, left side connecting member 25a, and bottom hinge member 26a described above may each be composed of a connecting member such as a flexible connecting cloth. By constructing the top hinge member 21a, right side connecting member 24a, left side connecting member 25a, and bottom hinge member 26a from a connecting cloth, each of the panels 11 to 16 can be easily assembled and folded. The right side connecting member 24a and left side connecting member 25a are connecting members that allow for more play in attaching each panel than the top hinge member 21a and bottom hinge member 26a.
[0085] Figures 6 and 7 show the case where panels 11 to 16 are in the folded state, as described above. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the folded state, each panel 11 to 16 is folded so that the overall thickness in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) is thinner than in the assembled state (Figures 1 to 5). In Figures 6 and 7, the case in which the back panel 13 is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) (parallel to the ZX plane) is shown as an example. However, the case is not limited to this, and the back panel 13 may be positioned on the horizontal plane (XY plane), for example.
[0086] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the folded state, the rear panel 13, bottom panel 16, left panel 15, right panel 14, top panel 11, and front panel 12 are overlapping in that order from the back side (positive Y direction).
[0087] The thickness of each panel 11 to 16 is preferably 20 mm or less and 70 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less and 60 mm or less. By setting the thickness of each panel 11 to 16 within the above range, a certain degree of rigidity can be given to each panel 11 to 16, and the workability during assembly of the container 10 can be improved. In this embodiment, the thicknesses of each panel 11 to 16 are the same, but the thicknesses of each panel 11 to 16 may be different.
[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3A, the width of the front panel 12 (width of the rear panel 13 (X-direction length)) L1 is wider than the width of the right side panel 14 (width of the left side panel 15 (Y-direction length)) L2. Also, the width of the front panel 12 (width of the rear panel 13 (X-direction length)) L1 is wider than the width of the bottom panel 16 (X-direction length) L3. Note that in the example shown in Figure 3A, the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 are sandwiched between the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, but this is not the only option. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the rear panel 13 may be sandwiched between the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15.
[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in the assembled state, the height (Z-direction length) H1 of the right side panel 14 (left side panel 15) may be lower than the total height (Z-direction length) H2 of the container 10. In the example shown in Figure 4, the upper end surface (Z-direction positive end surface) of the right side panel 14 and the upper end surface (Z-direction positive end surface) of the left side panel 15 are covered by the top panel 11, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 4B, the top panel 11 may be sandwiched between the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. In this case, in the assembled state, the height H1 of the right side panel 14 (left side panel 15) will be approximately equal to the total height H2 of the container 10.
[0090] Referring again to Figure 3A, the depth (length in the Y direction) of the bottom panel 16 may be equal to the width L2 of the right panel 14 (width of the left panel 15). Preferably, the depth of the bottom panel 16 is less than or equal to the height H1 (length in the Z direction) of the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 (see Figure 4) (i.e., width L2 ≤ H1). This prevents the bottom panel 16 from protruding from the upper edge of the right panel 14 (left panel 15) when folded, making it easier to accommodate each of the panels 11 to 16.
[0091] Note that the "height" of each panel 11-16 refers to the length of each panel 11-16 in the direction from the bottom panel 16 to the top panel 11. The "width" of each panel 11-16 refers to the length in the direction parallel to the main surface of each panel 11-16 and perpendicular to the height direction of each panel 11-16. The "thickness" of each panel 11-16 refers to the length in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of each panel 11-16.
[0092] The internal dimensions of such a container 10 are sized to accommodate the internal pallet 50, which will be described later. The external dimensions of the container 10 are sized to allow it to be placed on the external pallet 60, which will be described later. In this case, it is preferable that the planar shape of the external pallet 60, described later, is larger than or equal to the planar shape of the container 10. That is, the planar shape of the external pallet 60, described later, may be the same as the planar shape of the container 10, or it may be larger than the planar shape of the container 10. The external dimensions of the container 10 may be, for example, approximately 1200 mm to 1300 mm x 1300 mm to 1400 mm.
[0093] (Internal structure of the panel) Next, we will further explain the structure of each panel 11-16.
[0094] Each panel 11-16 is composed of an insulating panel having the thermal insulation properties described above. The materials used for such insulating panels can be any material that exhibits the desired thermal insulation properties, and examples include fibrous insulating materials such as glass wool, rock wool, cellulose fiber, and insulation board; natural material insulating materials such as sheep's wool and carbonized cork; polyethylene foams such as extruded polystyrene and bead-molded polystyrene; polyurethane foams such as rigid urethane foam; polyethylene foams such as high-density polyethylene; foamed insulating materials such as phenolic foam; and vacuum insulating materials.
[0095] Furthermore, each panel 11 to 16 may be made of insulating material or protective material such as resin sheet, corrugated plastic (hollow structure), polypropylene Plapearl (registered trademark of Kawakami Sangyo Co., Ltd.), or polyethylene Twin Cone (registered trademark of Ube Eximo Co., Ltd.).
[0096] As the vacuum insulation material, one having a core material and an outer covering material may be used. As the core material, for example, a porous material such as a powder such as silica, a foam such as urethane polymer, or a fibrous material such as glass wool may be used. The outer covering material is a member that covers the outer periphery of the core material, and a flexible sheet may be used in which a heat-welded layer and a gas barrier layer are sequentially laminated from the core material. For the gas barrier layer, a metal foil or a vapor-deposited sheet in which a vapor-deposited layer is formed on one side of a resin sheet may be used. For example, aluminum can be used for the metal foil. For example, aluminum, aluminum oxide, or silicon oxide can be used for the vapor-deposited layer. Furthermore, the foam insulation material can be placed adjacent to at least the containment space 20 side of the vacuum insulation material. In addition, an insulating outer covering may be formed so as to surround the vacuum insulation material.
[0097] Furthermore, panels 11 to 16 may be made of non-metallic materials that are transparent to radio waves. In this case, when an IC tag is placed inside the container 10, the information on the IC tag can be read from outside the container 10 by a reader via contactless communication.
[0098] (Outer packaging composition) As shown in Figure 8, each panel 11-16 is completely covered on its outer surface by an outer bag 30 that provides thermal insulation.
[0099] This outer bag 30 has a top cover 31, a front cover 32, a rear cover 33, a right side cover 34, a left side cover 35, and a bottom cover 36. Of these, the top cover 31 is detachably attached to the front cover 32, rear cover 33, right side cover 34, and left side cover 35 via tape 38. The top cover 31 is also attached to the top panel 11.
[0100] Furthermore, the front cover 32 is attached to the front panel 12. This front cover 32 is divided into two parts corresponding to the first front panel 12a and the second front panel 12b. Although not shown in the figures, the front cover 32 may also be fitted with a thermometer to display the temperature inside the storage space 20. Also, although not shown in the figures, the front cover 32 may be provided with pockets for storing slips and the like.
[0101] Furthermore, the rear cover 33 is attached to the rear panel 13. Note that the right side cover 34, left side cover 35, and bottom cover 36 are not directly attached to the right side panel 14, left side panel 15, and bottom panel 16, respectively.
[0102] In the assembled state shown in Figures 1 to 5, the top cover 31 covers the top panel 11, and the front cover 32 covers the front panel 12. The rear cover 33 covers the rear panel 13, and the right side cover 34 covers the right side panel 14. Furthermore, the left side cover 35 covers the left side panel 15, and the bottom cover 36 covers the bottom panel 16. In this assembled state, the entire container 10 is covered by an outer bag 30 with heat-insulating properties, which further suppresses heat transfer to the storage space 20.
[0103] In the folded state shown in Figures 6 and 7, the top cover 31 covers the top panel 11, the front cover 32 covers the front panel 12, and the rear cover 33 covers the rear panel 13. On the other hand, as described above, the right side cover 34, the left side cover 35, and the bottom cover 36 are not directly attached to the right side panel 14, the left side panel 15, and the bottom panel 16, respectively. Therefore, the right side cover 34, the left side cover 35, and the bottom cover 36 are each folded at a predetermined position (between the front panel 12 and the right side panel 14 in the illustrated example).
[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, fasteners 37 such as hook-and-loop fasteners are attached to the right side cover 34 and the left side cover 35, respectively. These fasteners 37 secure the right side cover 34 and the left side cover 35 in a detachable state when folded, and the container 10 is held in a folded state (see Figure 6).
[0105] As described above, the top panel 11, front panel 12, and rear panel 13 are each attached to the outer bag 30. The right side panel 14 is attached to the rear panel 13 via a right side connecting member 24a. The left side panel 15 is attached to the rear panel 13 via a left side connecting member 25a. Furthermore, the bottom panel 16 is attached to the rear panel 13 via a bottom hinge member 26a. In this way, since each of the panels 11 to 16 is attached to the outer bag 30 directly or indirectly, when the panels 11 to 16 are folded, each panel 11 to 16 does not fall off from the other panels 11 to 16.
[0106] The outer bag 30 may be made of, for example, a heat-shielding sheet. The heat-shielding sheet may be a non-metallic material that is transparent to radio waves, and may have sufficiently low transmittance to visible light and sufficiently high reflectivity to infrared rays. 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, polyester, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and polymethylpentene can be used, or sheets or nonwoven fabrics made from natural fabrics or woven fabrics of synthetic resin fibers can 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 with inks using non-metallic white pigments such as titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, and calcium carbonate, as needed, in order to impart light-shielding properties and reflectivity to visible light and infrared rays. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the heat-shielding sheet perpendicular to the sheet surface direction, but considering the flexibility, durability, visible light, infrared transmittance, reflectivity, etc. of the heat-shielding sheet, it can be, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less. In this way, when the heat-shielding sheet is made of a non-metallic material that is transparent to radio waves, and an IC tag is placed inside the container 10, it becomes possible to read the information of the IC tag from outside the container 10 via contactless communication using a reader device.
[0107] (Disassembly and assembly of the container) Next, we will explain the process of disassembling and assembling container 10.
[0108] (Disassembly of the container) First, we will explain the process of disassembling the assembled container 10 (see Figures 1 to 5) to obtain the disassembled container 10 (see Figures 6 and 7).
[0109] First, let's assume that the container 10 is assembled, with six panels 11-16 assembled into a box shape, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. In this case, a roughly rectangular storage space 20 is formed between each of the panels 11-16. Although not shown, cargo such as food is stored inside the storage space 20.
[0110] First, the tape 38 is removed from the front cover 32, etc., and then the top panel 11 is removed from the front panel 12, rear panel 13, right side panel 14, and left side panel 15.
[0111] Next, the bottom panel 16 is folded relative to the rear panel 13 via the bottom hinge member 26a. At this time, the bottom panel 16 is folded so that it overlaps the inside (negative Y direction) of the rear panel 13.
[0112] Next, the left side panel 15 is folded via the left side connecting member 25a. At this time, the left side panel 15 is folded inward relative to the rear panel 13. The left side panel 15 is positioned between the folded bottom panel 16 and the front panel 12, and is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane), respectively.
[0113] Next, the right side panel 14 is folded via the right side connecting member 24a. At this time, the right side panel 14 is folded inward relative to the rear panel 13. The right side panel 14 is positioned between the folded bottom panel 16 (left side panel 15) and the front panel 12, and is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and parallel to the rear panel 13 (ZX plane), respectively.
[0114] Subsequently, the removed top panel 11 is housed between the front panel 12 and the right and left panels 14 and 15, positioned parallel to the rear panel 13. Then, the front panel 12 and top panel 11 are moved parallel to the rear panel 13 in the positive Y direction, bringing them closer to the right and left panels 14 and 15.
[0115] In this way, the six panels 11-16 of the container 10 are folded together as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Finally, the right side cover 34 and left side cover 35 of the outer bag 30 may be fixed in the folded state using the attachment tool 37. As described above, when the container 10 is not in use, the panels 11-16 can be folded to reduce the overall volume as much as possible for storage and transport.
[0116] (Container assembly) The container 10 can be assembled by following the reverse procedure of the disassembly method described above. That is, first, the attachment device 37 is removed, and then the front panel 12 and the top panel 11 are moved parallel to the negative Y direction relative to the rear panel 13, thereby separating the front panel 12 and the top panel 11 from the right panel 14 and the left panel 15.
[0117] Next, the top panel 11 is removed from between the front panel 12 and the right and left panels 14 and 15.
[0118] Next, the right panel 14 and the left panel 15 are unfolded and assembled so that they are positioned parallel to the YZ plane.
[0119] Next, the bottom panel 16 is rotated toward the horizontal plane (XY plane). At this time, the bottom panel 16 is positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and surrounded by the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the right side panel 14, and the left side panel 15.
[0120] Next, the top panel 11 is placed on top of the front panel 12, rear panel 13, right panel 14, and left panel 15. At this time, the top panel 11 is positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). Then, the top cover 31 is attached to the front cover 32, etc., using tape 38. In this way, the six panels 11 to 16 of the container 10 are assembled as shown in Figures 1 to 5.
[0121] (Containers with pallets, container assemblies, and containers containing container assemblies) Next, the configurations of the pallet-equipped container 10A, the container assembly 10B, and the container assembly-containing container 10C according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 16.
[0122] First, let's describe the pallet-equipped container 10A according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the pallet-equipped container 10A comprises the container 10 described above and an inner pallet (pallet) 50 housed inside the container 10.
[0123] Of these, the cargo Ca is loaded and secured onto the inner pallet 50. The size of such inner pallet 50 may be 1100mm x 1100mm, 1200mm x 1000mm, 1200mm x 800mm, or 1219mm x 1016mm, etc.
[0124] To obtain the pallet-equipped container 10A, first, prepare the container 10 as shown in Figure 10(a).
[0125] Next, as shown in Figure 10(b), cargo Ca is loaded and secured onto the inner pallet 50. Then, the inner pallet 50, along with the cargo Ca, is placed inside the container 10 using a forklift (not shown). In this embodiment, the top panel 11 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed. Also, the front panel 12 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the inner pallet 50 with cargo Ca loaded and secured can be easily placed inside the container 10 using a forklift. Therefore, loading of cargo Ca can be made easier.
[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front panel 12, rear panel 13, right side panel 14, and left side panel 15 are each provided with a front protective material 12c, a rear protective material 13c, a right side protective material 14c, and a left side protective material 15c (see Figure 10(a)). Therefore, even if the inner pallet 50 comes into contact with the front panel 12, etc. when the inner pallet 50 is placed inside the container 10, it is possible to suppress damage to the front panel 12, etc.
[0127] Here, as shown in Figure 11, the container 10 may further include an adjustment member 18 for adjusting the opening and closing angle of the front panel (fourth side panel) 12. This adjustment member 18 has a fastener 18a and a connecting member 18b. The fastener 18a is a member for fixing the opening and closing angle of the front panel 12 by being positioned between the front panel 12 and the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. The connecting member 18b is a member that connects the front panel 12 and the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15 to each other with the fastener 18a interposed between them. This connecting member 18b may be detachably attached to the front panel 12, the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15, for example, by hook and loop fasteners.
[0128] As described above, the container 10 is equipped with an adjustment member 18, which allows for easy adjustment of the opening and closing angle of the front panel 12. In this case, for example, the opening and closing angle of the front panel 12 is adjusted so that the inner surface of the front panel 12 is parallel to the inner surfaces of the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. This allows the front panel 12 to be used as a guide to guide the movement of the inner pallet 50 when it is placed inside the container 10.
[0129] In the example shown in Figure 11, the adjustment member 18 is provided on the upper part of the front panel 12, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the adjustment member 18 may be provided on the lower part of the front panel 12. In this case, the adjustment member 18 may further have a spacer 18c attached to at least one of the inner surfaces of the front panel 12, the right side panel 14, and the left side panel 15. This spacer 18c plays a role in positioning the inner pallet 50 when it is placed inside the container 10. That is, by further including the spacer 18c in the adjustment member 18, the inner pallet 50 can be easily positioned in the desired location. This prevents the inner pallet 50 from coming into contact with the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. In the illustrated example, the spacer 18c is attached to the inner surfaces of the first front portion panel 12a and the second front portion panel 12b of the front panel 12 via a connecting member 18b. The spacer 18c may also be attached to the inner surface of the right side panel 14 and the inner surface of the left side panel 15.
[0130] Next, the container assembly 10B according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 13, the container assembly 10B comprises an outer pallet 60 and an assemblyable container 10 placed on the outer pallet 60. The container assembly 10B may also further comprise an inner pallet 50 housed inside the container 10. In other words, the container assembly 10B may comprise an outer pallet 60 and a pallet-equipped container 10A placed on the outer pallet 60. Of these, the inner pallet 50 is configured to hold and secure cargo Ca, as described above.
[0131] To obtain the container assembly 10B, an outer pallet 60 and containers 10 are prepared as shown in Figure 14(a), and the containers 10 are stacked on the outer pallet 60. In this way, the container assembly 10B is obtained.
[0132] Next, as shown in Figure 14(b), the inner pallet 50, on which the cargo Ca is loaded and secured, is placed into the container 10 using a forklift. In this way, a container assembly 10B on which the cargo Ca is loaded is obtained.
[0133] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 14(c), the top panel 11 and front panel 12 of the container assembly 10B are closed. Then, as shown in Figure 14(d), the container assembly 10B is loaded onto a vehicle such as a truck, or into a container for maritime transport, and transported to a designated location.
[0134] Next, the container 10C containing a container assembly according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the container 10C containing a container assembly comprises a container 70 and a container assembly 10B housed inside the container 70.
[0135] Of these, container 70 may be a so-called ULD container that is loaded onto an aircraft. To obtain a container assembly 10C, first, the container assembly 10B is prepared. Next, the container assembly 10B is placed inside container 70 using a forklift. In this way, a container assembly 10C is obtained. After that, the container assembly 10C is loaded onto an aircraft.
[0136] As described above, according to this embodiment, the top panel 11 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed. In addition, the front panel 12 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors. This makes it possible to easily store the inner pallet 50 on which the cargo Ca is loaded and secured into the container 10 using a forklift. Therefore, loading of cargo Ca can be made easier.
[0137] Furthermore, in the container assembly 10B equipped with an outer pallet 60, the container 10 loaded with cargo Ca can be easily loaded into the container 70 using a forklift. In this way, the handling of the container 10 can be easily improved in this embodiment.
[0138] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the front panel 12 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors. This makes it even easier to store the inner pallet 50, on which the cargo Ca is loaded and secured, into the container 10 using a forklift. Therefore, loading of cargo Ca can be made even easier.
[0139] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a bottom protective material 16c is provided on the bottom panel 16. Therefore, when the inner pallet 50 is placed inside the container 10, it is possible to prevent the bottom panel 16 from being scratched.
[0140] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the front panel 12, rear panel 13, right side panel 14, and left side panel 15 are each provided with a front protective material 12c, a rear protective material 13c, a right side protective material 14c, and a left side protective material 15c, respectively. Therefore, even if the inner pallet 50 comes into contact with the front panel 12, etc. when the inner pallet 50 is placed inside the container 10, it is possible to prevent scratches on the front panel 12, etc.
[0141] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the planar shape of the outer pallet 60 is larger than or equal to the planar shape of the container 10. This prevents the container 10 from overhanging the outer pallet 60 when it is placed on it. Therefore, the handling of the container 10 can be further improved.
[0142] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the container 10 is further equipped with an adjustment member 18 for adjusting the opening and closing angle of the front panel 12. This allows for easy adjustment of the opening and closing angle of the front panel 12. In this case, for example, the opening and closing angle of the front panel 12 can be adjusted so that the inner surface of the front panel 12 is parallel to the inner surfaces of the right side panel 14 and the left side panel 15. This allows the front panel 12 to be used as a guide to move the inner pallet 50 when storing the inner pallet 50 inside the container 10, enabling the inner pallet 50 to be smoothly stored inside the container 10.
[0143] In this embodiment, the bottom panel 16 was described as being foldable relative to the rear panel 13. However, the bottom panel 16 is not limited to this and may also be foldable relative to the front panel 12.
[0144] The multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments and variations can be combined as needed. Alternatively, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the above embodiments and variations. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0145] 10 containers 10A Container with Pallet 10B Container assembly 10C Container assembly 11. Top panel 12 Front Panel 12a First front panel 12b Second front panel 12c Front protection material 13. Rear panel 13c Back protection material 14 Right side panel 14c Right side protection material 15 Left side panel 15c Left side protection material 16. Bottom panel 16c Bottom protection material 18 Adjustment Member 20 Containment space 50 inner pallets 60 outer pallets 70 containers
Claims
1. A container containing a container assembly, Containers and The container comprises a container assembly housed within the aforementioned container, The aforementioned container assembly is Outer pallet and A container placed on the aforementioned outer pallet, The container comprises an inner pallet housed within the container, The aforementioned container is Top panel and The first side panel and The second side panel and The third side panel and The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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 aforementioned top panel is a container with a structure that allows it to be opened and closed, and is contained within a container assembly.
2. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fourth side panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed like double doors, and includes a first partial panel located on the side of the first side panel and a second partial panel located on the side of the second side panel.
3. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bottom panel is provided with a bottom protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the bottom panel.
4. The first side panel is provided with a first side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the first side panel. The container assembly container according to claim 1, wherein the second side panel is provided with a second side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface side of the container and protects the second side panel.
5. The third side panel is provided with a third side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the third side panel. The container assembly container according to claim 1, wherein the fourth side panel is provided with a fourth side protective material that is exposed to the inner surface of the container and protects the fourth side panel.
6. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, the fourth side panel, and the bottom panel each have an insulating material.
7. The container is a container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container is assembleable and foldable.
8. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the size of the planar shape of the outer pallet is greater than or equal to the size of the planar shape of the container.
9. The container assembly container according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment member for adjusting the opening and closing angle of the fourth side panel.
10. A method for manufacturing a container containing a container assembly, The process of preparing the container assembly, The process includes the step of housing the aforementioned container assembly inside a container, The process of preparing the aforementioned container assembly is as follows: The process of preparing the outer pallet and container, The process includes loading the containers onto the aforementioned outer pallet, The aforementioned container is Top panel and The first side panel and The second side panel and The third side panel and The fourth side panel and It is equipped with a bottom panel, 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. A method for manufacturing a container containing a container assembly, wherein the top panel has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed.
11. The process of preparing the aforementioned container assembly is as follows: A method for manufacturing a container assembly according to claim 10, further comprising the step of housing an inner pallet on which cargo is loaded and secured inside the container.