Insulated container

Abstract

To provide an insulated container that is highly durable, easy to maintain, and easy to manufacture. [Solution] The insulated container 1 comprises a container body 10 having an opening 17 at its upper end, a lid 20 that closes the opening of the container body, and one or more vacuum insulation materials 30. The container body comprises an outer container 11 and an inner container 12 that is similar in shape to the outer container in a plan view and is removable from inside the outer container. The outer container has a flat first bottom 112 and a first side 114 that rises from the periphery of the first bottom and forms a first opening at its upper end. The inner container has a flat second bottom 122 and a second side 124 that rises from the periphery of the second bottom and forms a second opening at its upper end. The vacuum insulation material is located between the first bottom and the second bottom, and between the first side and the second side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat-insulating container.

Background Art

[0002] When transporting and storing refrigerated foods, frozen foods, etc., a container (heat-insulating container) that can suppress internal temperature fluctuations is used. As the heat-insulating material used in the heat-insulating container, a vacuum heat-insulating material is widely used. Examples of the vacuum heat-insulating material include a heat-insulating material having an inorganic fiber core material such as glass wool and a packaging body that encloses the core material, and the inside thereof is less than atmospheric pressure. Although the vacuum heat-insulating material has excellent heat-insulating properties, its impact resistance is low, and when the packaging body is damaged, the heat-insulating properties are significantly impaired. In addition, the heat-insulating properties of the vacuum heat-insulating material deteriorate over time. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a heat-insulating container composed of a triple heat-insulating layer having a vacuum heat-insulating material and heat-insulating boards on both sides thereof. According to Patent Document 1, the heat-insulating effect is improved. In addition, Patent Document 2 proposes a heat-insulating container having a container and a bag for accommodating the container, and the bag has a double wall that can accommodate the vacuum heat-insulating material in and out. According to the technology of Patent Document 2, by sewing each surface (side surface, bottom surface, top surface) where the vacuum heat-insulating material is arranged, it is possible to facilitate the replacement of the deteriorated vacuum heat-insulating material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, a highly cushioning insulation board is laminated onto the vacuum insulation material, making it impossible to replace the deteriorated vacuum insulation material. In addition, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires special techniques to laminate the insulation board onto the vacuum insulation material, making the manufacturing method of the insulated container complicated. The technology described in Patent Document 2 requires sewing for each area where the vacuum insulation material is to be installed. In addition, since opening and closing means such as a face-fastener must be provided at the entrance and exit of the vacuum insulation material so that deteriorated vacuum insulation material can be replaced, the manufacturing method of the insulated container is complicated. In other words, with conventional technology, achieving both high durability and easy maintenance resulted in a complicated manufacturing process. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an insulated container that is durable, easy to maintain, and easy to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] <1> It comprises a container body having an opening at its upper end, a lid that closes the opening of the container body, and one or more vacuum insulating materials. The container body comprises an outer container and an inner container that is similar in shape to the outer container in a plan view and is located inside the outer container so as to be removable. The outer container has a flat first bottom and a first side that rises from the periphery of the first bottom and forms a first opening at its upper end. The inner container has a flat second bottom and a second side that rises from the periphery of the second bottom and forms a second opening at its upper end. An insulated container in which the vacuum insulation material is located between the first bottom and the second bottom, and between the first side and the second side. <2> The boundary between the first bottom and the first side has a bottom guide, which is a protrusion that extends inward from the outer container. <1> The insulated container described above. <3> The bottom guide has an arc-shaped notch at its tip. <2> The insulated container described above. <4> The vacuum insulation material is placed between the first bottom and the second bottom. The distance between the first bottom and the second bottom is greater than the thickness of the vacuum insulation material. <1> ~ <3> The insulated container described above. <5> The aforementioned outer container is polygonal in plan view, The boundary between adjacent first sides has a side guide, which is a protruding ridge that extends inward from the outer container. <1> ~ <4> An insulated container as described in any of the following. <6> The aforementioned side guide has an arc-shaped notch at its tip. <5> The insulated container described above. <7> The vacuum insulation material is placed between the first side and the second side. The distance between the first side and the second side is greater than the thickness of the vacuum insulation material. <5> or <6> The insulated container described above. <8> The lid has a tray for containing a cooling or insulating material. <1> ~ <7> An insulated container as described in any of the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The insulated container of this invention offers enhanced durability, easy maintenance, and easy manufacturing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a heat-insulating container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the II-II section. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded view. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the section IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the IV-IV section in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Insulated container) The heat-insulating container of the present invention has a container body, a lid body, and a vacuum heat-insulating material. The container body has an outer container and an inner container located inside the outer container, and the vacuum heat-insulating material is located between the outer container and the inner container. Hereinafter, the heat-insulating container of the present invention will be described with reference to examples.

[0009] The heat-insulating container 1 in FIG. 1 has a container body 10 and a lid body 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the container body 10 has an opening (main body opening) 17 at the upper end and a main body accommodation chamber 19 inside. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the container body 10 has an outer container 11 and an inner container 12. In plan view, the opening shape of the inner container 12 and the opening shape of the outer container 11 are similar shapes. In this document, the similar shape refers to not only a strict similar shape but also those having approximately the same outer shape but different sizes. The inner container 12 is located inside the outer container 11. That is, the outer shape of the inner container 12 is smaller than the inner shape of the outer container 11. The inner container 12 is removable with respect to the outer container 11. That is, in the present embodiment, the inner container 12 is not fused, adhered, or attached to the outer container 11. In the present embodiment, the container body 10 has a double structure with the outer container 11 and the inner container 12.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the outer container 11 has a first bottom portion 112 in the shape of a flat plate of a quadrilateral (rectangle) with one side as the longitudinal direction in plan view, and a first side portion 114 rising from the periphery of the first bottom portion 112, and has a first opening 117 surrounded by the first side portion 114 at the upper end. In the present embodiment, the plan view shape of the outer container 11 is a quadrilateral, but the present invention is not limited to this. The plan view shape of the outer container 11 may be a square, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, or a circle. Note that FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the container body 10 and does not include the flange portion 126 and the rib 128 described later.

[0011] The outer container 11 has side guides 116, which are protrusions extending inward from the outer container 11, at the boundaries between adjacent first side portions 114 (for example, at the corners where the first side portion 114a and the first side portion 114b intersect (Figures 3-4)). In this embodiment, the outer container 11 is provided with side guides 116 on the inside of all four corners. The presence of side guides 116 prevents adjacent vacuum insulation materials 30 from colliding with each other, thereby preventing damage to the vacuum insulation materials 30.

[0012] The side guide 116 is provided from the opening of the outer container 11 to the inner bottom surface. The width of the side guide 116 narrows as it moves from the opening of the outer container 11 towards the inner bottom surface (Figure 3). That is, the height of the side guide 116 from the inner surface of the side of the outer container 11 (first side 114) decreases as it moves from the opening of the outer container 11 towards the inner bottom surface. Furthermore, the tip of the side guide 116 is notched in an arc shape.

[0013] The outer container 11 has a bottom guide 118, which is a protruding ridge extending inward from the outer container 11, at the boundary between the first side portion 114 and the adjacent first bottom portion 112. In this embodiment, bottom guides 118 are provided on all four sides of the first bottom portion 112. The presence of the bottom guide 118 prevents adjacent vacuum insulation materials 30 from colliding with each other, thereby preventing damage to the vacuum insulation materials 30. In this embodiment, the bottom guide 118 has an arc-shaped notch at its tip.

[0014] The inner container 12 has a second rectangular bottom 122 with one side being longer than the other in a plan view, and second side portions 124 rising from the periphery of the second bottom 122, and a second opening 127 at its upper end, surrounded by the second side portions 124. The second side portions 124 have a flange portion 126 that protrudes outward at its upper end and a protrusion 128 provided on the flange portion 126. The flange portion 126 encircles the second opening 127, and the protrusion 128 encircles the second opening 127. In the container body 10, the second opening 127 is the main body opening 17.

[0015] With the inner container 12 positioned inside the outer container 11, the flange portion 126 abuts against the upper end of the first side portion 114. In this state, the protrusions of the side guide 116 and the bottom guide 118 are cut out in an arc shape, so the inner container 12 does not interfere with the outer container 11. The outer surface of the inner container 12 may or may not be in contact with both or one of the side guide 116 and the bottom guide 118. However, from the viewpoint of preventing damage caused by friction between the inner container 12 and the outer container 11, it is preferable that the inner container 12 does not come into contact with the side guide 116 and the bottom guide 118.

[0016] The lid 20 is a component that closes the opening 17 of the main body. In this embodiment, the lid 20 has a top plate 21 and a tray 22. The lid 20 is configured such that the top plate 21 is placed on the tray 22, and the space enclosed by the top plate 21 and the tray 22 is the lid storage chamber 29 (see Figure 2).

[0017] The vacuum insulation material 30 is located between the inner container 12 and the outer container 11. In this embodiment, the vacuum insulation material 30 is located between the first side portion 114 and the second side portion 124, and between the first bottom portion 112 and the second bottom portion 122. The vacuum insulation material 30 is not fused, bonded, or attached to either the outer container 11 or the inner container 12. The number of vacuum insulation materials 30 is not limited and may be placed either between the first side portion 114 and the second side portion 124, or between the first bottom portion 112 and the second bottom portion 122.

[0018] The size of the container body 10 is set appropriately considering the items to be stored and their intended use. For example, for the delivery of refrigerated or frozen foods, the dimensions would be 20-60 cm in width, 30-80 cm in length, and 20-70 cm in height.

[0019] The material of the outer container 11 is not particularly limited, but resin is preferred from the viewpoint of improving impact resistance, etc. Examples of materials for the outer container 11 include polyolefin resins (polypropylene resins, polyethylene resins), polyester resins (polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate), polycarbonate resins, polylactic acid resins, or laminates thereof. The container body 10 may be partially or entirely foamed, or it may be non-foamed.

[0020] The size of the outer container 11 is determined appropriately according to the size of the inner container 12.

[0021] The height h116 (Figure 5) of the side guide 116 is equal to or greater than the thickness t30 of the vacuum insulation material 30 described later, and preferably greater than the thickness t30. That is, the distance d10 between the first side 114 and the second side 124 is preferably greater than the thickness t30, and preferably 1 to 50 mm greater than the thickness t30. If the distance d10 is greater than the thickness t30, external forces applied to the outer container 11 or inner container 12 are less likely to be transmitted to the vacuum insulation material 30, and damage to the vacuum insulation material 30 can be further prevented.

[0022] The height of the bottom guide 118 is the same as the height h116 of the side guide 116. The height of the bottom guide 118 may be the same as or different from the height h116.

[0023] The material of the inner container 12 is the same as the material of the outer container 11. The materials of the inner container 12 and the outer container 11 may be the same or different.

[0024] The size of the inner container 12 can be determined appropriately, taking into consideration the contents and other factors.

[0025] The material of the top plate 21 is the same as the material of the outer container 11. The material of the top plate 21 and the material of the outer container 11 may be the same or different.

[0026] The material of tray 22 is the same as that of the top plate 21. The material of tray 22 and the material of top plate 21 may be the same or different.

[0027] Vacuum insulation material 30 includes, for example, an insulation material having a core material and a packaging body enclosing the core material, wherein the internal pressure is below atmospheric pressure. Examples of core materials include inorganic fibers such as glass wool. Examples of packaging materials include polyolefin resins (polypropylene resins, polyethylene resins), polyester resins (polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate), polycarbonate resins, polylactic acid resins, metal foils (aluminum white, etc.), inorganic materials (alumina, silica, etc.) vapor deposition, or laminates thereof. Examples of commercially available vacuum insulation materials include products with an initial internal pressure of 500 Pa or less.

[0028] The planar area of ​​the vacuum insulation material 30 is determined appropriately according to the size of the container body 10, etc.

[0029] The size of the vacuum insulation material 30 (side insulation material 34) located between the first side portion 114 and the second side portion 124 is appropriately determined according to the distance between side guides 116 that are in contact with the same side portion 114 (for example, the distance between side guides 116 on side portion 114a). When the side insulation material 34 is placed between the inner first side portion 114 and the second side portion 124, it is preferable that it is sized to allow for clearance with the side guides 116. This prevents the side insulation material 34 from being damaged by rubbing against the side guides 116. When the side insulation material 34 is placed between the first side portion 114 and the second side portion 124, the distance from the side edge of the side insulation material 34 to the side guide 116 is preferably, for example, 1 to 50 mm.

[0030] The size of the vacuum insulation material 30 (bottom insulation material 32) located between the first bottom portion 112 and the second bottom portion 122 is appropriately determined according to the distance between the opposing bottom guides 118. When the bottom insulation material 32 is placed between the first bottom portion 112 and the second bottom portion 122, it is preferable that it is large enough to provide clearance with respect to the bottom guides 118. This prevents the bottom insulation material 32 from being damaged by rubbing against the bottom guides 118. When the bottom insulation material 32 is placed between the first bottom 112 and the second bottom 122, the distance from the side edge of the bottom insulation material 32 to the bottom guide 118 is preferably, for example, 1 to 50 mm.

[0031] The thickness t30 (Figure 5) of the vacuum insulation material 30 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 3 to 30 mm. If the thickness of the vacuum insulation material 30 is greater than or equal to the lower limit above, the insulation effect can be further enhanced. If the thickness of the vacuum insulation material 30 is less than or equal to the upper limit above, the size of the main body storage chamber 19 can be secured and the storage capacity can be increased.

[0032] (Manufacturing method) The manufacturing method (assembly method) of the heat-insulating container 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Vacuum insulation material 30 is installed inside the outer container 11. At this time, side insulation material 34 is placed on the inner surface of the first side portion 114, and bottom insulation material 32 is placed on the inner surface of the first bottom portion 112. Next, the inner container 12 is inserted into the outer container 11. At this time, the flange portion 126 abuts against the upper end of the first side portion 114. In this way, a container body 10 is obtained in which the vacuum insulation material 30 is positioned between the first bottom portion 112 and the second bottom portion 122, and between the first side portion 114 and the second side portion 124 (see Figure 4).

[0033] The lid 20 is attached to the container body 10. In this case, the tray 22 may be attached to the container body 10, and then the top plate 21 may be attached to the tray 22 to form the lid 20, or the top plate 21 may be combined with the tray 22 to form the lid 20, and this lid 20 may be attached to the container body 10. In this embodiment, when attaching the lid 20 to the container body 10, the lid 20 is externally fitted onto the protrusion 128. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lid 20 may also be internally fitted onto the container body 10. By following the above steps, the insulated container 1 can be assembled.

[0034] (How to use) The method of using the insulated container 1 of this embodiment will be described. Remove the lid 20 from the container body 10. Place the items (refrigerated food, frozen food, or other items requiring temperature retention) into the storage compartment 19 of the main body through the opening 17 of the main body. The lid storage compartment 29 may contain cooling packs or heat-retaining packs as needed. The container body 10 is combined with the lid 20 to form an insulated container 1 that holds the items.

[0035] When the insulated container 1 is used repeatedly, the packaging of the vacuum insulation material 30 may become damaged, causing a deterioration in its insulation performance. In this case, the deteriorated vacuum insulation material 30 is replaced with a new vacuum insulation material 30. To replace the vacuum insulation material 30, the inner container 12 is removed from the outer container 11. Next, the vacuum insulation material 30 that was in place is removed, and the new vacuum insulation material 30 is placed inside the outer container 11. After that, the inner container 12 is placed inside the outer container 11, allowing for easy replacement of the vacuum insulation material 30.

[0036] According to this embodiment of the insulated container, a double-walled structure can be formed and a vacuum insulation material can be accommodated simply by combining an inner container with an outer container. Therefore, the insulated container is easy to assemble, and the vacuum insulation material can also be easily replaced. In addition, the insulated container of this embodiment has side guides and bottom guides, which prevents adjacent vacuum insulation materials from colliding or rubbing against each other, thereby preventing damage to the vacuum insulation materials. According to the insulated container of this embodiment, since it has side guides and bottom guides, a region for accommodating vacuum insulation material can be formed simply by combining the inner container with the outer container. Furthermore, in the insulated container of this embodiment, since the protrusions of the side guides and bottom guides are cut out in an arc shape, the inner container does not interfere with the outer container.

[0037] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, vacuum insulation material is located both between the first and second sides and between the first and second bottoms, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The insulated container may have vacuum insulation only in parts of the sides and bottom. However, in order to improve the insulation performance, it is preferable that vacuum insulation material is located in all of the sides and bottom.

[0038] The above-described embodiment has side guides and bottom guides, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The insulated container may have guides on only one of the sides or the bottom. However, from the viewpoint of more reliably preventing damage to the air insulation material, it is preferable to have guides on both the sides and the bottom.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the inner container has a flange portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the inner container has a protruding ridge, but the present invention is not limited thereto. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1. Insulated container 10 Container body 11 Outer container 12 Inner container 17 Main body opening 19 Main body housing chamber 20 Lid 21 Top plate 22 trays 29 Lid containment chamber 30 Vacuum insulation material 32 Bottom insulation 34 Side insulation 112 First bottom 114, 114a, 114b First side 116 Side guide 117 First opening 118 Bottom Guide 122 Second bottom 124 Second side 127 Second opening

Claims

1. It comprises a container body having an opening at its upper end, a lid that closes the opening of the container body, and one or more vacuum insulating materials. The container body comprises an outer container and an inner container that is similar in shape to the outer container in a plan view and is located inside the outer container so as to be removable. The outer container has a flat first bottom and a first side that rises from the periphery of the first bottom and forms a first opening at its upper end. The inner container has a flat second bottom and a second side that rises from the periphery of the second bottom and forms a second opening at its upper end. An insulated container in which the vacuum insulation material is located between the first bottom and the second bottom, and between the first side and the second side.

2. The heat insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the boundary between the first bottom and the first side has a bottom guide which is a protrusion that extends inward from the outer container.

3. The heat insulating container according to claim 2, wherein the bottom guide has an arc-shaped notch at its tip.

4. The vacuum insulation material is placed between the first bottom and the second bottom. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first bottom and the second bottom is greater than the thickness of the vacuum insulation material.

5. The aforementioned outer container is polygonal in plan view, The heat insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the boundary between adjacent first sides has a side guide which is a protruding ridge that extends inward from the outer container.

6. The heat insulating container according to claim 5, wherein the tip of the side guide is notched in an arc shape.

7. The vacuum insulation material is placed between the first side and the second side. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first side and the second side is greater than the thickness of the vacuum insulation material.

8. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a tray for containing a cooling material or a heat-insulating material.

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