Temperature control structure and temperature control method for transport containers

Abstract

In a temperature control structure and temperature control method for transport containers, the temperature control efficiency is improved compared to convection heat transfer type temperature control. [Solution] The temperature control structure of the transport container 10 comprises a temperature control chamber 20 installed on a truck 1, a transport container 10 loaded inside the temperature control chamber 20 and having a box shape capable of accommodating an object 2, with at least a portion of the walls constituting the box shape being a metal heat conduction section 11, and solid heat exchangers 30, 40 positioned in contact with the heat conduction section 11 and controlling the temperature of the object 2 via the heat conduction section 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control structure and a temperature control method for a transport container.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a temperature-controlled transport vehicle that transports an object while controlling the temperature thereof. Generally, in a temperature-controlled transport vehicle, the object is housed in a resin transport container, and the transport container is loaded into a temperature-controlled storage provided in a cargo compartment of a truck or the like for transportation. The temperature inside the temperature-controlled storage is managed by an air conditioner, and the object is temperature-controlled.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration and refrigerator temperature management vehicle as an example of a temperature-controlled transport vehicle. In the refrigeration and refrigerator temperature management vehicle of Patent Document 1, temperature management is performed in two rooms for refrigeration and refrigeration using only one cold storage plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] [[ID=三十八]] In the refrigeration and refrigerator temperature management vehicle of Patent Document 1, a convection heat transfer type cooling structure for managing the air temperature inside the cooling storage at a low temperature is adopted. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the entire room inside the cooling storage at a low temperature regardless of the size and quantity of the transport container. Therefore, there is room for improvement in cooling efficiency.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the temperature control efficiency in a temperature control structure and a temperature control method for a transport container as compared with convection heat transfer type temperature control.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a temperature control structure for a transport container, comprising: a temperature control chamber installed on a transport machine; a transport container loaded inside the temperature control chamber, having a box shape capable of accommodating an object, with at least a portion of the walls constituting the box shape being a metal heat conductor; and a solid heat exchanger positioned in contact with the heat conductor and controlling the temperature of the object via the heat conductor.

[0008] This configuration employs a solid-state heat transfer temperature control structure that directly controls the temperature of the transport container using a heat exchanger. Therefore, the refrigerant at the required temperature and the transport container exchange heat via a heat conduction section within the heat exchanger, thereby controlling the temperature of the transport container. The solid-state heat transfer temperature control structure allows for temperature control according to the size and quantity of the transport containers, thus improving temperature control efficiency compared to convection-type temperature control. Furthermore, the transport container is equipped with a metal heat conduction section at the contact point with the heat exchanger. Therefore, it exhibits higher heat exchange efficiency compared to materials with low thermal conductivity, such as resin. Note that the entire transport container, including parts other than the heat conduction section, may be made of metal.

[0009] When adjusting multiple transport containers to different temperatures using convection heat transfer, the temperature control chamber needs to be partitioned by partition walls because the air temperature needs to be changed for each required temperature. However, when adjusting multiple transport containers to different temperatures using solid heat transfer, the temperature control chamber can be adjusted to each required temperature by placing multiple heat exchangers using refrigerants at different temperatures in a single room, without partition walls. Furthermore, since convection heat transfer also occurs with the surrounding air on the surface of the transport containers, the temperature control chamber may be partitioned into multiple rooms with partition walls, and multiple heat exchangers using refrigerants at different temperatures may be placed in each of the rooms as a means of further improving temperature control efficiency.

[0010] These configurations allow for temperature control of objects according to various required temperatures. This enables the simultaneous transport of objects with different required temperatures. For example, a temperature-controlled storage unit may be divided into multiple compartments corresponding to required temperatures for freezing, refrigeration, ambient temperature, and high temperature storage.

[0011] The transport container may have a plurality of convex portions on its first outer surface that provide heat insulation.

[0012] This configuration makes it possible to suppress heat transfer between the transport container and any surface that does not have a temperature control function when the transport container comes into contact with that surface. For example, even when a transport container is placed on any floor surface that does not have a temperature control function, the temperature of the transport container can be maintained at the required temperature.

[0013] The transport container may have a plurality of recesses on a second surface, which is an outer surface facing the first surface, having a shape complementary to the convex portion.

[0014] This configuration allows for the placement of shipping containers by aligning the concave and convex parts, thereby stabilizing the orientation of the shipping containers. For example, shipping containers can be stacked in a stable position.

[0015] Multiple transport containers are stacked in contact with each other within the temperature-controlled chamber, and at least a portion of the parts of the transport containers that come into contact with each other may serve as the heat conduction portion.

[0016] With this configuration, thermal energy from the heat exchanger is transferred between multiple transport containers, enabling efficient temperature control.

[0017] The heat conduction part may be made of an aluminum alloy.

[0018] With this configuration, aluminum alloys have higher thermal conductivity and lower emissivity compared to other common metals, enabling efficient temperature control.

[0019] The temperature control structure of the transport container may further include a cold storage material or a heat storage material for controlling the temperature of the transport container.

[0020] This configuration allows for further temperature control of the transport container using a cold storage material or a heat storage material.

[0021] The heat exchanger may be arranged in a multi-tiered shelf-like configuration within the temperature control chamber.

[0022] This configuration reduces or eliminates the thermal resistance that can occur between adjacent shipping containers when multiple shipping containers are stacked vertically. Furthermore, by reducing the number of shipping containers stacked vertically, it becomes easier to remove them. For example, if shipping containers are not stacked vertically on each heat exchanger (i.e., only one is placed), the shipping containers can be easily removed.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling the temperature of a transport container, comprising: preparing a temperature control chamber installed on a transport machine; a transport container loaded inside the temperature control chamber and having a box shape capable of accommodating an object, wherein at least a portion of the walls constituting the box shape is a metal heat conductor; and a heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the object, and bringing the heat exchanger and the heat conductor into contact, thereby controlling the temperature of the object by solid heat transfer via the heat conductor using the heat exchanger.

[0024] According to this method, a solid heat transfer type temperature control method for directly temperature-adjusting a transport container by a heat exchanger is adopted. Therefore, in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant at the required temperature and the transport container exchange heat through the heat conduction part, and the temperature of the transport container can be adjusted. In the solid heat transfer type temperature control method, since the required temperature control can be achieved according to the size and quantity of the transport container, the temperature control efficiency can be improved compared with the convection heat transfer type temperature control. Also, in the transport container, a metal heat conduction part is provided at the contact part with the heat exchanger. Therefore, a high heat exchange efficiency can be exhibited compared with materials having a low heat conductivity such as resin. Incidentally, in the transport container, the whole including other than the heat conduction part may be made of metal.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, since a solid heat transfer type temperature control structure is adopted, a temperature control structure and a temperature control method of a transport container with improved temperature control efficiency compared with the convection heat transfer type temperature control can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Schematic configuration diagram of a truck adopting the temperature control structure of a transport container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [[ID=!6]] [Figure 2] Perspective view of a transport container. [Figure 3] Bottom perspective view of a transport container in the first modification. [[ID=!3]] [Figure 4] Top perspective view of a transport container in the second modification. [Figure 5] Bottom perspective view of a transport container in the second modification. [Figure 6] Top perspective view of a transport container in the third modification. [Figure 7] Bottom perspective view of a transport container in the fourth modification. [Figure 8] Bottom perspective view of a transport container in the fifth modification. [Figure 9] Top perspective view of a transport container in the sixth modification. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional perspective view of a transport container in the seventh modified example. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram of a truck with a temperature-controlled storage compartment installed in a modified example. [Figure 12] Side view of the heat exchanger and transport container in the first modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger. [Figure 14] A cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross-section of the main body of the heat exchanger in Figure 12, along line AA. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view showing another example of the cross-section of the main body of the heat exchanger in Figure 12, along line AA. [Figure 16] An internal perspective view of a temperature control chamber in which a heat exchanger is located in the second modified example. [Figure 17] Internal cross-sectional view of a temperature control chamber in which a heat exchanger is located in the third modified example. [Figure 18] A schematic diagram of a truck employing the temperature control structure for transport containers according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings, of a temperature control structure for a transport container for transporting an object while controlling its temperature. In the first embodiment, a cooling structure is exemplified as the temperature control structure, and in the second embodiment, a heating structure is exemplified. In the following description, terms indicating direction such as up or down may be used, but these refer to the direction when the transport container is loaded onto the transport machine.

[0028] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a truck 1 employing the temperature control structure of the transport container 10 according to the first embodiment. For example, the truck 1 transports items such as frozen foods, bento boxes, rice balls, and sandwiches (items to be cooled in this embodiment) at low temperatures from low-temperature warehouses such as frozen centers and chilled centers located in various places to sales destinations such as convenience stores nationwide.

[0029] Truck 1 is an example of a transport machine, and the temperature control structure of this disclosure can be applied to any other transport machine, such as other vehicles or ships. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the objects to be transported; it can be applied to any object requiring temperature control other than those described above, and the source and destination of transport may vary.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, a temperature control chamber 20 is installed in truck 1. The temperature control chamber 20 is located behind the driver's cab 3 of truck 1. The temperature control chamber 20 has a box-shaped outer wall 21 and partition walls 22 located inside the box-shaped outer wall 21. The interior of the temperature control chamber 20 is divided into multiple rooms (two rooms R1 and R2 in this embodiment) by the partition walls 22. Preferably, in order to improve temperature control efficiency, the outer wall 21 and partition walls 22 have thermal insulation properties.

[0031] In this embodiment, one room R1 is provided for freezing and the other room R2 is provided for refrigeration, depending on the required temperature of the object. For example, the freezing room R1 may be for objects requiring a temperature of around -20°C, and the refrigeration room R2 may be for objects requiring a temperature of around 5°C. Although not shown in detail, an additional room for ambient temperature may be provided by adding a partition wall 22. For example, the ambient temperature room may be for objects requiring a temperature of around 20°C. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to transport objects at different temperatures, or if the temperature difference between multiple objects with different required temperatures is not large, the entire interior of the temperature control cabinet 20 may be treated as a single room without providing a partition wall 22.

[0032] Multiple shipping containers 10 are loaded into the temperature-controlled chamber 20. Inside the temperature-controlled chamber 20, the multiple shipping containers 10 are loaded in contact with each other in both horizontal and vertical directions. Details of the shipping containers 10 will be described later.

[0033] The temperature control structure disclosed herein is a solid heat transfer type utilizing heat exchangers 30 and 40. That is, at least a portion of the transport container 10 is in contact with the heat exchangers 30 and 40, and the heat exchangers 30 and 40 directly control the temperature of the transport container 10 (cooling in this embodiment).

[0034] In this embodiment, the heat exchangers 30 and 40 are, for example, plate type and are provided for each of the multiple chambers R1 and R2. The heat exchangers 30 and 40 are exposed on the lower interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20. The heat exchangers 30 and 40 are fluidly connected to the compressors 32 and 42 and the condensers 33 and 43, respectively, via piping 31 and 41 (schematically shown by dashed lines). A refrigerant flows through the piping 31 and 41. The refrigerant is compressed in the compressors 32 and 42, liquefied in the condensers 33 and 43, and evaporated in the heat exchangers 30 and 40. That is, the heat exchangers 30 and 40 function as evaporators. In this way, the refrigerant circulates between the heat exchangers 30 and 40, the compressors 32 and 42, and the condensers 33 and 43, respectively, via piping 31 and 41. That is, a general refrigeration cycle is configured.

[0035] The heat exchangers 30 and 40 each have temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a, respectively, which have a temperature control function. The temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a are positioned so as to be exposed on the lower interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20. Therefore, the user can control the temperature of the transport container 10 (cooling in this embodiment) by placing the transport container 10 on the temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a. Alternatively, the temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a of the heat exchangers 30 and 40 may be positioned on the inner side or upper interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the transport container 10. In Figure 2, the front of the truck 1 is shown in the X direction, the side in the Y direction, and the top in the Z direction. This is the same in subsequent figures.

[0037] The transport container 10 has a box shape capable of accommodating the object 2 (schematically shown by a dashed line). For example, the external shape of the transport container 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped. In this embodiment, the transport container 10 is made of aluminum alloy. Therefore, the entire outer wall of the transport container 10 is a heat conduction section 11 having a higher thermal conductivity than resin. The heat conduction section 11 of the transport container 10 is placed on the temperature control surfaces 30a, 40a (see Figure 1) of the heat exchangers 30, 40, and its temperature is directly controlled from the temperature control surfaces 30a, 40a of the heat exchangers 30, 40. In particular, the heat conduction section 11 may be coated with silicone grease having a high thermal conductivity, or a silicone-based resin or rubber may be attached and interposed. Also, in this embodiment, since the entire outer wall of the transport container 10 is a heat conduction section 11, the transport container 10 can be placed on the temperature control surfaces 30a, 40a with any side facing down. Alternatively, the heat conduction section 11 may be made of only a portion of the transport container 10, and this heat conduction section 11 may be placed on the temperature control surfaces 30a, 40a of the heat exchangers 30, 40 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, the material of the heat conduction section 11 is not limited to aluminum alloy, but may be other metals.

[0038] Furthermore, the opening and closing structure of the transport container 10 for accommodating the object 2 is not particularly limited and can be any structure. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the transport container 10 may have a main body 12 for accommodating the object 2 and a lid 13 for closing the main body 12. The lid 13 may also be pivotally supported by a hinge 14 relative to the main body 12. The hinge 14 and the lid 13 can also be configured in any position and shape. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the transport container 10 may have a structure in which the top opens, or alternatively, a structure in which the sides open and close. Alternatively, the lid 13 may be detachable from the main body 12 without a hinge 14.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the following effects and advantages are achieved.

[0040] A solid heat transfer type temperature control structure is employed, in which the transport container 10 is directly temperature-controlled (cooled in this embodiment) by heat exchangers 30 and 40. Therefore, in the heat exchangers 30 and 40, the low-temperature refrigerant and the transport container 10 exchange heat via the heat conduction section, thereby controlling the temperature of the transport container 10. With a solid heat transfer type temperature control structure, the necessary temperature control can be achieved according to the size and quantity of the transport container 10, thus improving the temperature control efficiency compared to convection heat transfer type temperature control. In addition, a metal heat conduction section 11 is provided at the contact point with the heat exchangers 30 and 40 in the transport container 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the entire transport container 10 is a metal heat conduction section 11. Therefore, it can exhibit high heat exchange efficiency compared to materials with low thermal conductivity such as resin.

[0041] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the interior of the temperature-controlled chamber 20 is divided into two rooms R1 and R2 by a partition wall 22. Heat exchangers 30 and 40 using refrigerants at different temperatures are placed in each of the two rooms R1 and R2. Therefore, the temperature of the object 2 can be adjusted according to the required temperature. This allows objects 2 with different required temperatures to be transported at the same time.

[0042] Furthermore, multiple transport containers 10 are stacked in the temperature control chamber 20, touching each other vertically and horizontally. In this embodiment, since the entire outer wall of the transport container 10 is made of aluminum alloy and acts as a heat conduction section 11, the cold energy obtained from the heat exchangers 30 and 40 by the transport container 10 located at the bottom is efficiently transferred to the other transport containers 10. Thus, efficient temperature control using solid heat transfer can be achieved between multiple transport containers 10. Alternatively, instead of the entire outer wall of the transport container 10, at least a portion of the parts where the transport containers 10 come into contact with each other may be made as the heat conduction section 11.

[0043] Furthermore, the transport container 10 is made of aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy has a high thermal conductivity and low emissivity compared to other common metals, enabling efficient temperature control.

[0044] (First modified example of a shipping container) Figure 3 shows a downward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the first modified example. In Figure 3, the illustration of the opening and closing structure of the transport container 10 is omitted. Similarly, in Figures 4 and beyond, the illustration of the opening and closing structure of the transport container 10 is also omitted.

[0045] In this modified example, the transport container 10 has a plurality of heat-insulating protrusions 15 on its lower surface 10a (shown as the upper surface in Figure 3). Here, the lower surface 10a is an example of the first surface of the present invention. In this modified example, there are six protrusions 15, one of which is labeled with a reference numeral. The plurality of protrusions 15 are made of resin. Resin is preferred as the material for the plurality of protrusions 15 because it has a lower thermal conductivity and heat-insulating properties compared to metal. More preferably, the plurality of protrusions 15 are made of foamed resin which has even higher heat-insulating properties. The plurality of protrusions 15 are attached to the lower surface 10a of the transport container 10 with an adhesive. In the example in Figure 3, each of the plurality of protrusions 15 is rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape is not particularly limited. The plurality of protrusions 15 may also be provided on the side surface of the transport container 10.

[0046] According to this modified example, when the transport container 10 is placed on any floor surface that does not have a temperature control function, heat transfer between the floor surface and the transport container 10 can be suppressed. In other words, even when the transport container 10 is placed on any floor surface that does not have a temperature control function, the temperature of the transport container 10 (i.e., the temperature of the object 2) can be maintained at the required temperature.

[0047] (Second variation of the shipping container) Figure 4 shows a downward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the second modified example. Figure 5 shows an upward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the second modified example.

[0048] In this modified example, the transport container 10, like the first modified example, has a plurality of heat-insulating protrusions 15 on its lower surface 10a (shown as the upper surface in Figure 5). In this modified example, there are nine protrusions 15, one of which is labeled with a reference numeral (see Figure 5). The plurality of protrusions 15 are formed by press molding the lower surface 10a into a convex shape. Preferably, the plurality of protrusions 15 are formed by attaching, for example, a resin member 15a (see shaded area) with low thermal conductivity to the surface of the molded convex shape. In this modified example, each of the plurality of protrusions 15 is frustoconical.

[0049] Furthermore, the transport container 10 in this modified example has a plurality of recesses 16 on its upper surface 10b that have shapes complementary to the plurality of protrusions 15. Here, the upper surface 10b is an example of the second surface of the present invention. In this modified example, there are nine recesses 16, one of which is labeled with a reference numeral (see Figure 4). That is, each of the plurality of recesses 16 in this modified example is a frustoconical depression. In addition, the plurality of recesses 16 may be provided on the side surface opposite to the side surface where the plurality of protrusions 15 are provided on the side surface of the transport container 10.

[0050] When the transport containers 10 are arranged one above the other, the multiple protrusions 15 are positioned so that they fit into the multiple recesses 16. At this time, the upper surface 10b of one transport container 10 and the lower surface 10a of the other transport container 10 come into contact, and thermal energy is exchanged with the heat exchangers 30 and 40.

[0051] According to this modified example, the posture of the transport containers 10 can be stabilized by stacking the transport containers 10 using the combination of the multiple recesses 16 and the multiple protrusions 15. The temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a may have multiple recesses or grooves (similar in shape to the multiple recesses 16) that are complementary in shape to the multiple protrusions 15.

[0052] (Third variation of a shipping container) Figure 6 shows an upward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the third modified example.

[0053] In this modified example, the transport container 10, like the first and second modified examples, has multiple (three in this modified example) convex portions 15 on its lower surface 10a that provide heat insulation. The multiple convex portions 15 are formed by press molding the lower surface 10a into elongated convex shapes (ridges). Preferably, the multiple convex portions 15 are formed by attaching a resin member 15a (see shaded area) with low thermal conductivity to the surface of the molded ridges.

[0054] Furthermore, the transport container 10 in this modified example has multiple (three in this modified example) recesses 16 on its upper surface 10b, which have shapes complementary to the multiple protrusions 15. Each of the multiple recesses 16 is configured as a groove on the upper surface 10b.

[0055] When arranging the transport containers 10 vertically, the multiple protrusions 15 are positioned so that they fit into the multiple recesses 16. At this time, the multiple protrusions 15 are slidable within the multiple recesses 16. Therefore, the work of stacking the transport containers 10 can be made easier.

[0056] (Fourth variation of a shipping container) Figure 7 shows a downward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the fourth modified example.

[0057] In this modified example, the transport container 10 has a shape in which the multiple protrusions 15 in the third modified example taper downwards (shown as upwards in Figure 7).

[0058] According to this modified example, the contact area of ​​the multiple protrusions 15 can be reduced. Therefore, when the transport container 10 is placed on any floor surface that does not have temperature control properties, heat conduction with the floor surface can be reduced.

[0059] (Fifth variation of a shipping container) Figure 8 shows a downward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the fifth modified example.

[0060] In this modified example, the transport container 10 has a shape in which multiple protrusions 15 taper downwards (shown as upwards in Figure 8), similar to the fourth modified example shown in Figure 7.

[0061] Furthermore, in this modified example, the multiple recesses 16 of the transport container 10 have shapes complementary to the multiple protrusions 15. That is, the multiple recesses 16 also have a shape that tapers downwards (shown as upwards in Figure 8).

[0062] According to this modified example, the contact area between the multiple protrusions 15 and the multiple recesses 16 can be increased, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency.

[0063] (Sixth variation of a shipping container) Figure 9 shows an upward perspective view of the transport container 10 in the sixth modified example.

[0064] In this modified example, the lower surface 10a of the transport container 10 has the same number of protrusions 15 as in the third modified example. In addition, the upper surface 10b is provided with a grid-like arrangement of recesses 16.

[0065] When arranging the transport containers 10 one above the other, the multiple protrusions 15 are positioned so that they fit into the grid-like recesses 16. At this time, the multiple protrusions 15 are slidable within the grid-like recesses 16. Therefore, the work of stacking the transport containers 10 can be made easier.

[0066] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the transport container 10 in the seventh modified example.

[0067] In this modified example, the lower surface 10a of the transport container 10 has multiple protrusions 15, the same as in the third modified example. A thermal storage material 17 for temperature control is placed inside the multiple protrusions 15. The thermal storage material 17 can be made of various materials with different temperature control capabilities depending on the required temperature. In addition, a resin member 15a (see shaded area), for example, with low thermal conductivity is attached to the surface of the multiple protrusions 15.

[0068] According to this modified example, the temperature of the transport container 10 can be further controlled by the thermal storage material 17. In particular, since the thermal storage material 17 is placed within the multiple protrusions 15 and resin members 15a (see shaded area) are attached to the surfaces of the multiple protrusions 15, the amount of heat input from the floor surface can be reduced when the transport container 10 is placed on any floor surface that does not have temperature control capabilities. Note that the placement of the thermal storage material 17 is not particularly limited to within the multiple protrusions 15, and may be at any position where the temperature of the transport container 10 can be controlled.

[0069] (A modified example of a temperature-controlled cabinet) Figure 11 shows a schematic configuration diagram of track 1 in which the temperature control chamber 20 in the modified example is employed.

[0070] In this modified example, the partition wall 22 (see Figure 1) in the above embodiment is omitted. That is, the temperature control chamber 20 is composed of one room R3. Heat exchangers 30 and 40 using refrigerants at different temperatures are arranged within this one room R3.

[0071] According to this modified example, unlike the convection heat transfer type, which requires partitioning the temperature control chamber 20 with partition walls when transporting objects with different temperature requirements, a solid heat transfer type temperature control structure is employed, allowing objects with different temperature requirements to be transported at once without partitioning into multiple rooms.

[0072] (Modified example of heat exchanger No. 1) Figure 12 shows a side view of the heat exchanger 30 and the transport container 10 in the first modified example. In this modified example, the heat exchanger 30 is used as an example, but the same structure can be adopted for the heat exchanger 40.

[0073] In this modified example, the heat exchangers 30 are arranged in a multi-tiered shelf configuration within the temperature control chamber 20 (see Figure 1). In the illustrated example, three heat exchangers 30 are arranged in a three-tiered shelf configuration, but they may be arranged in a two-tiered or four-tiered or more shelf configuration. In this modified example as well, the temperature control surface 30a may have multiple recesses or grooves with shapes complementary to the multiple protrusions 15 (see Figures 3-10).

[0074] In the illustrated example, one transport container 10 is placed on each heat exchanger 30 in the vertical direction and four transport containers 10 are placed in the front-to-back direction. The number and arrangement of the transport containers 10 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable not to stack the transport containers 10 vertically on each heat exchanger 30 (i.e., only one is placed).

[0075] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger 30 in Figure 12. In Figure 13, the flow of the refrigerant is schematically shown with dashed arrows. For clarity of illustration, the flow of the refrigerant is mainly shown for the upper heat exchanger 30, but the same applies to the middle and lower heat exchangers 30.

[0076] Each heat exchanger 30 is, for example, of the same plate type. The lower heat exchanger 30 is positioned exposed on the lower interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20 (see Figure 1). In this modified example, each heat exchanger 30 has a main body 30b, a header 30c, and legs 30d.

[0077] The main body 30b has a defined refrigerant flow path inside (see dashed arrow), and its upper surface is the temperature control surface 30a. The main body 30b is, for example, a flat rectangular member in plan view. In this modified example, the main body 30b is an extruded product made of aluminum alloy.

[0078] Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views showing an example and another example of a cross-section along line AA of the main body 30b of the heat exchanger 30 in Figure 12.

[0079] As shown in the illustrated example, the main body 30b has multiple rectangular (see Figure 14) and multiple triangular (see Figure 15) flow path cross-sections through which the refrigerant flows. However, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 30b is not particularly limited and can be any shape.

[0080] The header 30c is a tubular member attached to both ends of the main body 30b, defining a refrigerant flow path inside (see dashed arrows in Figure 13). In this modified example, the header 30c is a rectangular tube extending in the left-right direction and is welded to the main body 30b at both ends in the front-rear direction. Therefore, refrigerant leakage is prevented at the connection between the main body 30b and the header 30c.

[0081] The legs 30d are tubular members attached to both ends of the header 30c, defining a refrigerant flow path inside (see dashed arrows in Figure 13). In this modified example, the legs 30d are rectangular tubes extending vertically and are welded to the header 30c at both ends in the left-right direction. Therefore, refrigerant leakage is prevented at the connection between the header 30c and the legs 30d. The legs 30d are provided in common to the three stages of the heat exchanger 30 and support the header 30c in the vertical direction. In the two legs 30d shown in the foreground, the refrigerant flows upward, and in the two legs 30d shown in the background, the refrigerant flows downward (see dashed arrows in Figure 13). However, the way the refrigerant flows is not particularly limited; for example, the refrigerant may flow upward in only one of the two legs 30d shown in the foreground, and the refrigerant may flow downward in only one of the two legs 30d shown in the background.

[0082] According to this modified example, the thermal resistance between adjacent transport containers 10 that may occur when multiple transport containers 10 are stacked vertically can be reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, by reducing the number of transport containers 10 stacked vertically, the transport containers 10 can be easily removed. For example, if the transport containers 10 are not stacked vertically on each heat exchanger 30 (i.e., only one is placed), the transport containers 10 can be easily removed.

[0083] (Second modified example of a heat exchanger) Figure 16 shows an internal perspective view of the temperature control chamber 20 in which the heat exchanger 30 is located in the second modified example.

[0084] In this modified example, the legs 30d of the heat exchanger 30 in the first modified example are embedded in the outer wall 21 that constitutes the temperature control chamber 20. Therefore, the legs 30d do not impair the internal space of the temperature control chamber 20, allowing for effective use of the internal space of the temperature control chamber 20.

[0085] (Third modified example of a heat exchanger) Figure 17 shows an internal cross-sectional view of the temperature control chamber 20 in which the heat exchanger 30 is located in the third modified example. Figure 17 shows the upper heat exchanger 30, but the same applies to the middle and lower heat exchangers 30. The flow of the refrigerant is schematically shown by dashed arrows.

[0086] In this modified example, the main body 30b of the heat exchanger 30 in the first modified example is U-shaped. The U-shaped central space CS is a space provided for user movement. The central space CS allows for easy loading and unloading of the transport container 10.

[0087] (Second Embodiment) Figure 18 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a truck 1 employing the temperature control structure of the transport container 10 according to the second embodiment. For example, the truck 1 transports the object (in this embodiment, the object to be heated) 2 at a high temperature. Note that the same configuration as in the first embodiment may be omitted from the explanation.

[0088] In this embodiment, the truck 1 is an example of a transport machine, and the temperature control structure disclosed herein can be applied to any other transport machine, such as other vehicles or ships. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the object 2, and it can be any object requiring temperature control, and the source and destination of transport can vary.

[0089] In this embodiment, depending on the required temperature of the object 2, one room R1 is provided for high-temperature heating, and the other room R2 is provided for heating at an even higher temperature than the first room. Although not shown in detail, an additional room for room temperature may be provided by adding a partition wall 22. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to transport the objects 2 according to temperature, or if the temperature difference between multiple objects with different required temperatures is not large, the entire interior of the temperature control chamber 20 may be treated as a single room without providing a partition wall 22.

[0090] Multiple transport containers 10 are loaded into the temperature-controlled chamber 20. Inside the temperature-controlled chamber 20, the multiple transport containers 10 are loaded in contact with each other in the horizontal and vertical directions. The transport containers 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0091] The temperature control structure disclosed herein is a solid heat transfer type utilizing heat exchangers 30 and 40. That is, at least a portion of the transport container 10 is in contact with the heat exchangers 30 and 40, and the heat exchangers 30 and 40 directly control the temperature of the transport container 10 (heating in this embodiment).

[0092] In this embodiment, the heat exchangers 30 and 40 are, for example, plate type and are provided for each of the multiple chambers R1 and R2. The heat exchangers 30 and 40 are exposed on the lower interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20. The heat exchangers 30 and 40 are fluidly connected to the compressors 32 and 42 and the evaporators 34 and 44, respectively, via piping 31 and 41 (schematically shown by dashed lines). A refrigerant flows through the piping 31 and 41. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressors 32 and 42, condenses in the heat exchangers 30 and 40, heats the object 2, and evaporates in the evaporators 34 and 44. In other words, in this embodiment, the heat exchangers 30 and 40 function as condensers. In this way, the refrigerant circulates between the compressors 32 and 42, the heat exchangers 30 and 40, and the evaporators 34 and 44, respectively, via piping 31 and 41.

[0093] The heat exchangers 30 and 40 each have temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a, respectively, which have a temperature control function. The temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a are positioned so as to be exposed on the lower interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20. Therefore, the user can control the temperature of the transport container 10 (heat it in this embodiment) by placing the transport container 10 on the temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a. Alternatively, the temperature control surfaces 30a and 40a of the heat exchangers 30 and 40 may be positioned on the inner side or upper interior surface of the temperature control chamber 20.

[0094] The structures of the transport container 10 shown in Figures 2-10, the temperature control chamber 20 shown in Figure 11, and the heat exchanger 30 shown in Figures 12-17 are also applicable to this embodiment. This allows for efficient transfer of thermal energy between multiple transport containers 10. Note that the cooling thermal storage material 17 in Figure 10 is replaced with a heating thermal storage material 17.

[0095] Although specific embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of this invention. For example, the contents of each embodiment may be appropriately combined to form one embodiment of the present invention. That is, a temperature control structure having both a cooling structure and a heating structure may be provided.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the entire transport container 10 is made of aluminum alloy, but at least a portion of the parts that come into contact with the heat exchangers 30 and 40 and the parts that come into contact with other transport containers 10 may be made of metal (for example, aluminum alloy) as the heat conduction part 11. Also, from the viewpoint of maintaining the required temperature, the transport container 10 may have insulating material, cold storage material, or heat storage material on the outer surface other than the heat conduction part 11. In addition to the solid heat transfer type temperature control structure of the above embodiment, an air conditioner that controls the temperature inside the temperature control chamber 20 using convection heat transfer may be provided. That is, both convection heat transfer and solid heat transfer type temperature control structures may be employed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1 Track 2. Object 3. Driver's cab 10 Shipping containers 10a Bottom surface (first surface) 10b Top surface (second surface) 11 Heat conduction section 12 Main unit 13 Lid 14 Hinge 15 Convex part 15a Resin component 16 recesses 17. Cold storage material (heat storage material) 20 Temperature control room 21 Exterior Wall 22 Partition Wall 30 heat exchanger 30a Temperature control surface 30b Main body 30c header 30d legs 31 Piping 32 Compressors 33 Capacitors 34 Evaporator 40 Heat exchanger 40a Temperature control surface 41 Refrigerant piping 42 Compressor 43 Capacitors 44 Evaporator Rooms R1, R2, R3 CS central space

Claims

1. Temperature-controlled chambers installed in transport machinery, A transport container that is loaded into the temperature-controlled chamber and has a box shape capable of accommodating an object, wherein at least a portion of the walls constituting the box shape is a metal heat-conducting part, A solid heat exchanger is positioned in contact with the heat conduction portion and regulates the temperature of the object via the heat conduction portion. A temperature control structure for transport containers, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The temperature-controlled chamber is divided into several rooms. The temperature control structure for a transport container according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger using a refrigerant at a different temperature is arranged for each of the multiple rooms.

3. The temperature-controlled chamber consists of one room. The temperature control structure for a transport container according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers using refrigerants of different temperatures are arranged within one of the aforementioned rooms.

4. The temperature control structure for a transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transport container has a plurality of convex portions having heat insulating properties on a first surface which is the outer surface.

5. The temperature control structure for a transport container according to claim 4, wherein the transport container has a plurality of recesses having a shape complementary to the convex portion on a second surface which is an outer surface facing the first surface.

6. The aforementioned transport containers are stacked in the temperature-controlled chamber in contact with each other. A temperature control structure for transport containers according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the parts in contact with each other of the transport containers is the heat conduction part.

7. The temperature control structure for a transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat conduction part is made of an aluminum alloy.

8. A temperature control structure for a transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cold storage material or a heat storage material for controlling the temperature of the transport container.

9. The temperature control structure for a transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged in a multi-tiered shelf-like configuration within the temperature control chamber.

10. A temperature control chamber is installed on the transport machine; a transport container is loaded into the temperature control chamber and has a box shape capable of containing an object, with at least a portion of the walls constituting the box shape being a metal heat conductive part; and a heat exchanger is prepared to control the temperature of the object. The heat exchanger and the heat conductor are brought into contact, and the heat exchanger controls the temperature of the object via the heat conductor using a solid heat transfer method. A method for controlling the temperature of a shipping container, including the following.

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