Low temperature transport device, its manufacturing method and use

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to transport an object to be transported while being kept at a low temperature for a long period of time, and the low-temperature transport device (10) according to the present invention comprises: an insulated container (3); a plurality of pieces of dry ice (D) that is disposed inside the insulated container (3) so as to cool an object (A) to be transported; a support member (40) that is disposed inside the insulated container (3) and supports the object (A) to be transported; and a first space (S) that is formed between the object (A) to be transported which is supported by the support member (40) and the inner bottom surface (1a) of the insulated container (3). The first space (S) is filled with the dry ice (D).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cryogenic transport device, a method for manufacturing the same, and the use thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a conventional low-temperature transport device that uses dry ice to cool and transport an object to be transported is the device disclosed in Patent Document 1. The low-temperature transport device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that dry ice is arranged in an insulated container so as to keep the object to be transported cold. The dry ice is arranged in a mixed manner in the insulated container, with dry ice groups consisting of many dry ice pellets and dry ice plates consisting of larger chunks than the dry ice pellets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-116165 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the low-temperature transportation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of maintaining the object to be transported at a low temperature for a long period of time.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize a low-temperature transportation device capable of transporting an object while maintaining it at a low temperature for a long period of time, a method for manufacturing the same, and uses of the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a low-temperature transportation device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an insulated container having a container body and a lid that closes the opening of the container body, dry ice arranged in the insulated container to cool the object to be transported, a support member arranged in the insulated container and supporting the object to be transported, and a first space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support member and the inner bottom surface of the insulated container, and the first space is filled with the dry ice. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an object to be transported can be transported while being maintained at a low temperature for a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is a cross-sectional view, 102 is a top view showing the inside of the device, and 103 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the device shown in 101. [Figure 2] 201 to 203 are diagrams for explaining the effects of the low-temperature transport device. [Figure 3] 301 to 303 are cross-sectional views showing an example of a method for manufacturing a low-temperature transport device. [Figure 4] 4 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 1, in which 401 is a cross-sectional view and 402 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 5] 5 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 2, in which 501 is a cross-sectional view and 502 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 6] 6 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 3, in which 601 is a cross-sectional view and 602 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 7] 7 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which 701 is a cross-sectional view and 702 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 8] 8 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 4, in which 801 is a cross-sectional view and 802 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 9] 9 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 5, in which 901 is a cross-sectional view and 902 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 10] 10 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 6, in which 1001 is a cross-sectional view and 1002 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 11] 11 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device of Modification 7, in which 1101 is a cross-sectional view and 1102 is a top view showing the inside of the device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of a low-temperature transport device. [Figure 13] 13 shows a modification of the low-temperature transport device shown in FIG. 12, where 1301 is a perspective view and 1302 is a top view. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram showing the device configurations of an example and a comparative example, and experimental results. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Outline of one embodiment of the present invention] In the low-temperature transportation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, dry ice is arranged in an insulated container in thermal contact only with the top and side surfaces of the object to be transported. The bottom surface of the object to be transported is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the insulated container. In other words, in the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, there is no dry ice between the bottom surface of the object to be transported and the inner bottom surface of the insulated container. With the dry ice arranged in this way, the cold air from the dry ice does not reach the bottom surface of the object to be transported. As a result, the inventors independently discovered a technical problem in which the cold air from the dry ice does not evenly reach the object to be transported, and it may be impossible to maintain the object at a low temperature for a long period of time.

[0010] To solve this problem, the low-temperature transport device of this embodiment is configured such that (i) the position of the object to be transported is fixed by a support member so that the bottom surface of the object to be transported is spaced apart from the inner bottom surface of the insulated container, and (ii) dry ice is filled in the space between the bottom surface of the object to be transported and the bottom surface of the insulated container. That is, the low-temperature transport device of this embodiment includes an insulated container having a container body and a lid that closes the opening of the container body, dry ice arranged in the insulated container to cool the object to be transported, support members that are arranged in the insulated container and support the object to be transported, and a space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support members and the inner bottom surface of the insulated container, and the space is filled with dry ice.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the dry ice is placed on all outer surfaces of the object, including the top, sides, and bottom. Therefore, the cold air from the dry ice spreads throughout the object, allowing the object to be transported while maintaining a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device 10 according to this embodiment, in which 101 in Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view, 102 in Fig. 1 is a top view showing the inside of the device, and 103 in Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the device shown in 101 in Fig. 1. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 102 in Fig. 1.

[0014] As shown at 101 and 102 in FIG. 1, the low-temperature transportation device 10 according to this embodiment includes a heat-insulating container 3, dry ice D, and a support member 40 for supporting an object A to be transported.

[0015] The insulated container 3 is a rectangular container made of a thermal insulating material that contains the object to be transported A, dry ice D, and support member 40. The insulated container 3 has a container body 1 and a lid 2 that closes the opening of the container body 1.

[0016] The transport object A is stored at a temperature of, for example, -150 to -70°C. The transport object A is removed from the storage location, placed in a low-temperature transport device 10, and transported to the location of use. Examples of the transport object A include biological tissues, microorganisms, viruses, biological products, processed cells, vaccines, etc. In particular, if the transport object A is a vaccine, this can lead to a reduction in the threat of infection by pathogenic viruses, and can contribute to the achievement of, for example, Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages).

[0017] The support member 40 is disposed within the insulated container 3. The support member 40 is a member that supports the object A to be transported so as to be spaced apart from the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3. The support member 40 has a mounting portion 41 on which the object A to be transported is placed, and a support portion 42 that extends from the mounting portion 41 toward the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3. Therefore, even when dry ice D is not placed within the insulated container 3, the object A to be transported on the mounting portion 41 is fixed at a position spaced apart from the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3. In the low-temperature transport device 10, a space S (first space) is formed between the object A to be transported supported by the support member 40 and the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3.

[0018] As shown by 102 in FIG. 1 , the placement section 41 extends from one of two opposing inner surfaces of the container body 1 to the other. Both ends of the placement section 41 in the extension direction are close to the inner surface of the container body 1. As a result, the placement section 41 is formed with a transport object placement area 41X and an arm area 41Y extending from the transport object placement area 41X toward the inner surface of the container body 1. Even during transportation of the transport object A, the arm area 41Y abuts against the inner surface of the container body 1, thereby maintaining a constant distance between the side of the transport object A and the inner surface of the container body 1. The arm area 41Y has the function of maintaining a constant distance between the transport object A and the inner surface of the container body 1.

[0019] Dry ice D is placed in the insulated container 3 to keep the object A to be transported cool. Specifically, pellet-shaped dry ice D is filled between the side wall of the insulated container 3 and the side surface of the object A to be transported. Furthermore, pellet-shaped dry ice D is also filled in the space S. The dry ice D is placed on all outer surfaces of the object A to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom. In particular, it is preferable that the dry ice D is placed directly on all outer surfaces of the object A to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom. In other words, the dry ice D is placed in thermal contact with all outer surfaces of the object A to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom. Here, "thermally contacting" refers to a state in which the dry ice D is in contact with the outer surface of the object A to be transported so that the object A to be transported can be cooled by the dry ice D. Specific examples of "thermally contacted" states include (1) a state in which the dry ice D is in direct contact with the outer surface of the object A to be transported, (2) a state in which the dry ice D is in contact with the outer surface of the object A to be transported via a heat-conducting member, and (3) a state in which the cold air from the dry ice D can come into contact with the outer surface of the object A to be transported.

[0020] 1, which shows the structure in the state (3), a space C is formed that connects the upper and lower sides of the mounting section 41. The space C is formed at least in the object mounting area 41X of the mounting section 41. With this configuration, the cold air from the dry ice D comes into contact with the bottom surface of the object A through the space C.

[0021] Furthermore, if the object A to be transported supported by the support member 40 is in contact with the inner surface 1c of the insulated container 3, the temperature is likely to rise. For this reason, in the low-temperature transport apparatus 10, a space S1 (second space) is preferably formed between the object A to be transported supported by the support member 40 and the inner surface 1c of the insulated container 3. In the configuration shown in 101 of FIG. 1, no partition member is provided between the spaces S1 and S1, and the spaces S1 and S1 are connected to each other. However, the low-temperature transport apparatus 10 may be configured such that a partition member is provided in at least one location between the spaces S1 and S1, and the partition member has a hole that connects the spaces S1 to each other. In this case, the hole only needs to be large enough to allow dry ice D to pass through. An example of a partition member having a hole formed therein is a mesh.

[0022] 1, the dry ice D is preferably placed on all outer surfaces, including the top, sides, and bottom, of the object A. In this configuration, for example, if the object A is a rectangular parallelepiped, a space S1 is formed between all four sides of the object A and the inner surface 1c.

[0023] In the low-temperature transportation device 10, the dry ice D is in pellet form. However, the shape of the dry ice D is not particularly limited as long as it can fit into the insulated container 3 and keep the transport target A cold. For example, the dry ice D may be in block or powder form. While the dry ice D may be in large chunks, considering packability, multiple pellets, blocks, or powdered dry ice are preferred. Since it is important that the pellets, blocks, or powdered dry ice sufficiently fill the space S, the diameter of the dry ice D is preferably smaller than the dimensions allocated to the space S within the container body 1. More specifically, the space S is allocated as the space between the mounting portion 41 and the inner bottom surface 1a and between adjacent support portions 42. Therefore, the diameter of the dry ice D is preferably smaller than the distance between the mounting portion 41 and the inner bottom surface 1a or the distance between adjacent support portions 42. Furthermore, even if the dry ice D is larger than the dimensions allocated to the space S of the container body 1 at the beginning of filling, the dry ice D may be configured to become smaller than those dimensions as it sublimes over time.

[0024] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the pellet-shaped, block-shaped, or powder-shaped dry ice has a shape with few corners so that it can roll easily into the space S. In other words, it is more preferable that the dry ice has a shape consisting of a convex curved surface that protrudes outward. Examples of shapes of pellet-shaped, block-shaped, or powder-shaped dry ice include a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, and a rice grain shape. The shape of the dry ice D is more preferably spherical because it is the shape that allows it to roll most easily.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown by 103 in FIG. 1 , the low-temperature transport device 10′ may be configured to include an air vent 1b. The air vent 1b is formed in the container body 1. The air vent 1b is a hole that connects the inside and outside of the insulated container 3. The air vent 1b is a hole that allows carbon dioxide gas generated when the dry ice D sublimes to escape to the outside of the insulated container 3. The air vent 1b can prevent damage to the insulated container 3 due to the pressure of carbon dioxide gas generated from the dry ice D. The structure and position of the air vent 1b are not particularly limited as long as it allows carbon dioxide gas generated from the dry ice D to escape to the outside of the insulated container 3. For example, the air vent 1b may be formed in the lid 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the structure for releasing carbon dioxide gas generated from the dry ice D to the outside of the insulated container 3 is not limited to a structure in which the insulated container 3 is provided with an air vent 1b. For example, a structure for releasing carbon dioxide gas generated from the dry ice D to the outside of the insulated container 3 can also be realized in the low-temperature transportation device 10 shown in 101 and 102 in FIG. 1 . Specifically, the degree of fit between the container body 1 and the lid 2 is controlled so that carbon dioxide gas generated from the dry ice D can escape to the outside of the insulated container 3. By providing a gap at the fitting portion between the container body 1 and the lid 2, the degree of fit between the container body 1 and the lid 2 is reduced. In this case, when the lid 2 opens relative to the container body 1 due to the pressure of carbon dioxide gas generated from the dry ice D, a gap is created between the container body 1 and the lid 2, and the carbon dioxide gas escapes to the outside of the insulated container 3 through this gap.

[0027] (Effects of the low-temperature transport device 10 and a method for transporting goods at low temperatures using the low-temperature transport device 10) According to the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 10, dry ice D is placed on all outer peripheral surfaces of the object A to be transported, including the top, sides, and bottom. Therefore, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time. 201 to 203 in FIG. 2 are diagrams for explaining the effects of the low-temperature transportation device 10. 201 in FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of the low-temperature transportation device 10 at the beginning of transportation of the object A to be transported. 202 and 203 in FIG. 2 are diagrams showing the state of the low-temperature transportation device 10 during transportation of the object A to be transported.

[0028] First, as shown in 201 in Fig. 2, in the low-temperature transportation device 10 at the beginning of transportation, the dry ice D is in thermal contact with all outer surfaces of the top, side, and bottom of the object A. Then, during transportation of the object A, the dry ice D, which is in thermal contact with the object A, changes phase from solid to gas by sublimation.

[0029] Therefore, as shown in 202 in Figure 2, the sublimation creates a gap between the outer surface of the transport object A and the dry ice D. During transportation, other dry ice D is successively replenished (supplied) and placed in this gap, so that the dry ice D is always in thermal contact with the transport object A.

[0030] Here, in the low-temperature transportation apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, even when dry ice D is not placed in the insulated container 3, the object A to be transported on the mounting portion 41 is fixed at a position spaced apart from the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3. In the low-temperature transportation apparatus 10, a space S is formed between the object A to be transported supported by the support member 40 and the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3. Therefore, even if the dry ice D in contact with the lower part of the mounting portion 41 undergoes a phase change due to sublimation, the distance between the mounting portion 41 and the inner bottom surface 1a is maintained. As a result, even if the dry ice D undergoes a phase change, the volume of the space S does not change.

[0031] Therefore, even if a gap occurs between the mounting portion 41 and the dry ice D due to sublimation of the dry ice D, other dry ice D is supplied to the space S and placed in the gap (see 203 in FIG. 2). Even if the dry ice D changes phase during transportation, the volume of the space S does not change, so the space S to be filled with the dry ice D is secured. Therefore, the low-temperature transportation device 10 can stably supply cold air from the dry ice D to the bottom surface of the object A to be transported. In other words, this embodiment may include a method for transporting the object A at a low temperature using the low-temperature transportation device 10, which may include a dry ice replenishment step in which the dry ice D placed in the container body 1 is sequentially replenished (supplied) into the space (gap) created by the sublimation of the dry ice D filled in the space S.

[0032] If the object A to be transported is not supported by the support member 40 and only dry ice D is packed between the object A and the inner bottom surface 1a, the distance between the object A to be transported and the inner bottom surface 1a will decrease as the dry ice D sublimates. As a result, during transport, it will no longer be possible to secure the space S in which the dry ice D is packed, and the object A to be transported will come into contact with the inner bottom surface 1a. This means that the dry ice D will no longer be placed on the bottom surface of the object A to be transported, and it will no longer be possible to stably supply cold air from the dry ice D.

[0033] In contrast, in the low-temperature transportation device 10 according to this embodiment, the position of the object A to be transported within the insulated container 3 is determined by the support member 40 and does not depend on the sublimation of the dry ice D. Therefore, even if the dry ice D sublimates, the object A to be transported will not tilt. The support member 40 may be provided with a fixing member for fixing the object A to the support member 40 regardless of whether or not dry ice D is present. Such a fixing member prevents the object A from moving on the support member 40. The fixing member is, for example, a protruding member that protrudes upward from the mounting portion 41 of the support member 40. The fixing member may also be an anti-slip member (for example, an anti-slip sheet or anti-slip tape) provided on the support member 40. Furthermore, the fixing member may be a member that covers the object A to be transported and fixes the object A to the support member 40.

[0034] As described above, according to the low-temperature transportation device 10 of this embodiment, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be transported while being maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dry ice D be in direct contact with all outer peripheral surfaces, including the top, sides, and bottom, of the transport object A for up to 24 hours. However, there are portions of the transport object A that are covered by the support member 40 (for example, the bottom surface of the transport object A). Therefore, it is sufficient that more than half of the total surface area of ​​the transport object A, including the top, sides, and bottom, is in direct contact with the dry ice D.

[0036] (Method of manufacturing low-temperature transport device 10) A method for manufacturing the low-temperature transport device 10 will now be described. 301 to 303 in Fig. 3 are cross-sectional views showing an example of a method for manufacturing the low-temperature transport device 10. The method for manufacturing the low-temperature transport device 10 according to this embodiment includes an installation step and a dry ice arrangement step. It is preferable that the method further includes a closing step.

[0037] First, in the installation step, as shown in 301 in FIG. 3 , the support member 40 and the object A to be transported are placed in the container body 1, forming a space S between the object A to be transported and the inner bottom surface 1a of the container body 1. Specifically, the support member 40 is placed so that the placement portion 41 is spaced apart from the inner bottom surface 1a and the support portion 42 is in contact with the inner bottom surface 1a. Then, the object A to be transported, which has been stored at a predetermined temperature, is removed from the storage cabinet and placed on the placement portion 41 of the support member 40 placed in the container body 1. As described above, in the manufacturing method according to this embodiment, the position of the object A to be transported within the container body 1 is fixed simply by placing the object A on the placement portion 41 of the support member 40. Therefore, the position of the object A in the container body 1 is less likely to vary depending on the individual worker in the storage operation, and variation in the position of the object A relative to the container body 1 between manufacturers of low-temperature transportation devices 10 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce variations in the low temperature maintenance performance of the transport object A between manufacturers of the low-temperature transport device 10, and it becomes possible to stably maintain the low temperature of the transport object A.

[0038] Next, in the dry ice arrangement step, as shown in 302 in Fig. 3, dry ice D is filled into the space S so as to cool the object A to be transported. Then, in the dry ice arrangement step, the dry ice D is further arranged around the outer periphery of the object A to be transported inside the container body 1. At this time, the dry ice D is arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the outer surfaces, including the side, top, and bottom surfaces, of the object A to be transported. Note that, as is clear from 302 in Fig. 3, the dry ice D is filled and arranged inside the container body 1 so as to be in thermal contact with the top surface of the object A to be transported.

[0039] Next, in the closing step, as shown in 303 in Fig. 3, the opening of the container body 1 in which the support member 40, the object A to be transported, and the dry ice D are placed is closed with the lid 2. As a result, the container body 1 and the lid 2 form the insulated container 3, and the low-temperature transport device 10 in which the support member 40, the object A to be transported, and the dry ice D are stored inside the insulated container 3 is completed.

[0040] In the manufacturing method of the low-temperature transportation device 10 according to this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the support member 40 in the installation step so that the placement portion 41 and the inner surface 1c are spaced apart. By arranging it in this manner, a space S1 is formed between the object A to be transported placed on the placement portion 41 of the support member 40 and the inner surface 1c. Therefore, in the dry ice arrangement step, the dry ice D can be smoothly arranged in the space S via this space S1.

[0041] (Dimensions of space S and S1) A space S is formed between the object A to be transported supported by the support member 40 and the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3. In addition, a space S1 is formed between the object A to be transported supported by the support member 40 and the inner surface 1c of the insulated container 3.

[0042] The dimensions of spaces S and S1 are not particularly limited as long as they are suitable for the cold air from the dry ice D to spread throughout the entire object A to be transported, and can be set appropriately depending on the size of the object A to be transported, the size of the container body 1, the shape or amount of dry ice D, etc.

[0043] For example, the distance between the object A to be transported and the inner bottom surface 1a, which is one of the dimensions defining the space S, is preferably 5 mm to 300 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 100 mm, and even more preferably 20 mm to 50 mm. Furthermore, the distance between the object A to be transported and the inner side surface 1c, which is one of the dimensions defining the space S1, is preferably 3 mm to 400 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 250 mm, and even more preferably 15 mm to 200 mm.

[0044] (Variation 1) In the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, a modified example of the configuration shown in 101 and 102 in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 10A as this modified example 1, where 401 in Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view and 402 in Fig. 4 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 401 and 402 in Fig. 4.

[0045] As shown in 401 and 402 of FIG. 4, the low-temperature transport device 10A differs from the configuration shown in 101 and 102 of FIG. 1 in that the support member 40A has two mounting portions 41A and support columns 42A. As shown in 402 of FIG. 4, the mounting portions 41A are linear plates. The two linear plate mounting portions 41A are connected to each other by crossing each other. Each mounting portion 41A is arranged along a diagonal line connecting one corner, which is the connecting portion of adjacent side surfaces of the container body 1, to the other corner located opposite the one corner. The support columns 42A extend from both ends of each mounting portion 41A in the diagonal direction toward the inner bottom surface 1a of the container body 1.

[0046] In the low-temperature transport device 10A, the intersection area of ​​the two receivers 41A is the transport object placement area, and the area other than the intersection area is the arm area.

[0047] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 10A of the first modification, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0048] (Variation 2) In the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, another modified example of the configuration shown in 101 and 102 in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transportation device 10B as this modified example 2, where 501 in Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view and 502 in Fig. 5 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 501 and 502 in Fig. 5.

[0049] As shown by 501 and 502 in FIG. 5, the low-temperature transport device 10B differs from the configuration shown by 101 and 102 in FIG. 1 in that the support member 40B has a mounting portion 41B and a support column portion 42B. The mounting portion 41B has two linear portions 43 arranged parallel to each other. Each linear portion 43 extends from one of two opposing inner surfaces of the container body 1 to the other inner surface. Both ends of the linear portion 43 in the extending direction are close to the inner surface of the container body 1. The support column portion 42B extends from the linear portion 43 toward the inner bottom surface 1a.

[0050] The distance between the two linear portions 43 is smaller than the dimension in one direction of the transport object A. This allows the transport object A to be placed on the two linear portions 43 that are spaced apart from each other. Recesses 43a are formed in the portions of the two linear portions 43 where the transport object A is placed so as to fit into both the side and bottom surfaces of the transport object A.

[0051] In the low-temperature transport device 10B, the recess 43a is the transport object placement area, and the area other than the recess 43a is the arm area. In the low-temperature transport device 10B, the transport object A is fitted in the recess 43a, so that the transport object A is more firmly positioned relative to the container body 1.

[0052] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 10B of the second modification, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0053] (Variation 3) In the configuration of the low-temperature transport device according to this embodiment, yet another modification of the configuration shown in 101 and 102 in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 6 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transport device 10C as this modification 3, where 601 in Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view and 602 in Fig. 6 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 601 and 602 in Fig. 6.

[0054] As shown in 601 and 602 of FIG. 6, the low-temperature transport device 10C differs from the configuration shown in 101 and 102 of FIG. 1 in that the support member 40C has a different configuration. The support member 40C includes a mounting portion 41C and a support column 42C. The mounting portion 41C has the same configuration as the mounting portion 41 shown in 101 and 102 of FIG. 1. More specifically, the mounting portion 41C extends from one of two opposing inner surfaces of the container body 1 to the other. Both ends of the mounting portion 41C in the extending direction are close to the inner surface of the container body 1. One support column 42C is formed for the mounting portion 41C. The support column 42C extends from the center of the mounting portion 41C toward the inner bottom surface 1a.

[0055] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 10C of the third modification, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0056] In the low-temperature transport device 10C of Modification 3, the number of support columns 42C is not limited to one. There may be a plurality of support columns 42C. In this case, the plurality of support columns 42C are arranged side by side in the center of the mounting section 41C so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0057] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a schematic configuration of the low-temperature transport device 11 according to this embodiment, with 701 being a cross-sectional view and 702 being a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 701 and 702 in Fig. 7.

[0059] The low-temperature transport device 11 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a tilting member 5. As shown in 701 and 702 in FIG. 7, the tilting members 5 are provided on the inner bottom surface 1a of the container body 1, and two tilting members 5 are arranged with the support member 40 sandwiched between them. Each tilting member 5 has a tilted surface 5a. The tilted surface 5a is a surface that tilts downward toward the space S.

[0060] According to the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11, when dry ice D is filled into the space S to cool the object A to be transported during the manufacturing of the low-temperature transportation device 11 (the dry ice arrangement process), the dry ice D is easily supplied to the space S by sliding down the inclined surface 5a of the inclined member 5. In other words, the inclined surface 5a of the inclined member 5 functions as a guide path to guide the dry ice D into the space S. This simplifies the work of filling the dry ice D in the dry ice arrangement process, thereby further reducing the variation in the low-temperature maintenance performance of the object A to be transported between manufacturers of the low-temperature transportation device 10, and making it possible to stably maintain the object A at a low temperature.

[0061] Furthermore, even if a gap occurs between the placement portion 41 and the dry ice D due to sublimation of the dry ice D, other dry ice D is smoothly supplied to the space S by the inclined surface 5a of the inclined member 5. Therefore, the low-temperature transportation device 11 can more stably supply cold air from the dry ice D to the bottom surface of the object A to be transported.

[0062] (Variation 4) In the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, another modified example of the configuration shown in 701 and 702 in Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 8 shows a schematic configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11A as this modified example 4, where 801 in Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view and 802 in Fig. 8 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted in 801 and 802 in Fig. 8.

[0063] As shown in 801 and 802 in Fig. 8, the low-temperature transport apparatus 11A differs from the configuration shown in 701 and 702 in Fig. 7 in the configuration of the support member 40D and the arrangement of the tilting member 5. In the low-temperature transport apparatus 11A, the tilting member 5 is provided on the inner bottom surface 1a of the container body 1, and only one tilting member 5 is arranged on one side of the support member 40D. The tilting member 5 has an inclined surface 5a that slopes downward toward the space S.

[0064] In addition, in the top view shown at 802 in FIG. 8, the support member 40D is arranged so that a portion of the mounting portion 41D overlaps with the tilting member 5. As shown at 801 in FIG. 8, the support columns 42D1 and 42D2 extend from the mounting portion 41D toward the inner bottom surface 1a. The extending portions of the support columns 42D1 and 42D2 are arranged parallel to each other. The end of the support column 42D1 opposite the mounting portion 41D has an end face that is aligned with the inner bottom surface 1a. Meanwhile, the end of the support column 42D2 opposite the mounting portion 41D has an end face that is aligned with the inclined surface 5a of the tilting member 5.

[0065] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11A of the fourth modification, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0066] (Variation 5) In the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, yet another modification of the configuration shown in 701 and 702 in Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 9 shows a schematic configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11B as this modification 5, where 901 in Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view and 902 in Fig. 9 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted in 901 and 902 in Fig. 9.

[0067] As shown in 901 and 902 in Fig. 9, the low-temperature transport apparatus 11B differs from the configuration shown in 701 and 702 in Fig. 7 in the configuration and arrangement of the support member 40E and the arrangement of the tilting member 5. In the low-temperature transport apparatus 11B, the support member 40E is arranged so as to contact one of the four inner surfaces of the container body 1. The tilting member 5 is arranged so as to contact the inner surface of the container body 1 that faces the inner surface that contacts the support member 40. The tilting member 5 has an inclined surface 5a that slopes downward toward the space S.

[0068] In the top view shown in 902 of FIG. 9, the support member 40E is arranged so that a portion of the mounting portion 41E overlaps with the inclined member 5. As shown in 901 of FIG. 9, the support columns 42E1 and 42E2 extend from the mounting portion 41E toward the inner bottom surface 1a. The extending portions of the support columns 42E1 and 42E2 are arranged parallel to each other. The end of the support column 42E1 opposite the mounting portion 41E has an end face that is aligned with the inner bottom surface 1a. On the other hand, the end of the support column 42E2 opposite the mounting portion 41E has an end face that is aligned with the inclined surface 5a of the inclined member 5.

[0069] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11B of the fifth modification, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0070] (Variation 6) In the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, yet another modification of the configuration shown in 701 and 702 in Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 10 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transportation device 11C as this modification 6, where 1001 in Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view and 1002 in Fig. 10 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 1001 and 1002 in Fig. 10.

[0071] As shown by 1001 and 1002 in Fig. 10, the shape of the dry ice D1 in the low-temperature transport device 11C is different from the configuration shown by 701 and 702 in Fig. 7. In the low-temperature transport device 11C, the dry ice D1 is in pellet form, and has a spherical or cylindrical shape with few corners. Using dry ice D1 with a shape with few corners makes it easier for the dry ice D1 to roll within the space S.

[0072] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11C of the sixth modification, the cold air from the dry ice D1 spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0073] In particular, since the dry ice D1 has a spherical or cylindrical shape, the dry ice D1 can easily roll on the inclined surface 5a of the inclined member 5. Therefore, according to the low-temperature transportation device 11C of the sixth modification, the dry ice D1 can be supplied to the space S more smoothly.

[0074] (Variation 7) In the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device according to this embodiment, yet another modification of the configuration shown in 701 and 702 in Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 11 shows a schematic configuration of a low-temperature transportation device 11D as this modification 7, where 1101 in Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view and 1102 in Fig. 11 is a top view showing the inside of the device. For simplicity, the lid 2 and dry ice D are omitted from 1101 and 1102 in Fig. 11.

[0075] As shown by 1101 and 1102 in Fig. 11, the shape of the dry ice D2 in the low-temperature transportation device 11D is different from the configuration shown by 701 and 702 in Fig. 7. In the low-temperature transportation device 11D, the dry ice D2 is in the form of pellets and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0076] Even with the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device 11D of the seventh modification, the cold air from the dry ice D2 spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0077] <Specific configuration of low-temperature transport equipment> A specific configuration of the low-temperature transport device will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of the low-temperature transport device.

[0078] 12 is characterized by the structure of the support member 40F. Therefore, here, explanations regarding the heat-insulating container 3, the tilting member 5, the object A to be transported, and the dry ice D will be omitted.

[0079] 12, support member 40F includes a support member main body having mounting portion 41F and support portion 42F, extension member 44, and side fixing portions 45 and 46. Extension member 44 is detachably provided on the support member main body.

[0080] The extension member 44 extends between two corresponding inner surfaces of the insulated container 3. One end of the extension member 44 contacts one of the two corresponding inner surfaces of the insulated container 3, and the other end of the extension member 44 contacts the other inner surface. As a result, even when the object A to be transported is being transported, the extension member 44 abuts against the inner surface of the container body 1, thereby maintaining a constant distance between the side of the object A to be transported and the inner surface of the container body 1.

[0081] The side fixing portion 45 is integrally formed with the support member main body. Two side fixing portions 45 are provided. Each side fixing portion 45 is plate-shaped extending upward from the inner bottom surface 1a and is parallel to the side of the transport object A placed on the placement portion 41F. The two plate-shaped side fixing portions 45 sandwich two opposing side surfaces of the transport object A between them. The side fixing portion 46 also sandwiches two opposing side surfaces of the transport object A. As a result, even during transport of the transport object A, the side surfaces of the transport object A abut against the side fixing portions 45 and 46, thereby fixing the position of the transport object A relative to the transport object placement area 41X. In the low-temperature transport device shown in FIG. 12, the side surfaces of the transport object A are in thermal contact with the dry ice D via the side fixing portions 45 and 46.

[0082] According to the configuration of the low-temperature transportation device shown in FIG. 12, the cold air from the dry ice D spreads throughout the entire object A to be transported, so that the object A can be maintained at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

[0083] 12 includes a tilting member 5. However, the low-temperature transport device is not limited to this configuration, and may have a configuration that does not include the tilting member 5.

[0084] In regard to the specific configuration of the low-temperature transport device, a modified example of the configuration shown in Fig. 12 will be described. Fig. 13 shows a modified example of the low-temperature transport device shown in Fig. 12, where 1301 in Fig. 13 is a perspective view and 1302 in Fig. 13 is a top view.

[0085] As shown by 1301 and 1302 in Fig. 13, support member 40G differs from the configuration shown in Fig. 12 in that it includes an upper surface support member 47 instead of extension member 44. Upper surface support member 47 is a flat U-shaped plate, and has a lower end that linearly abuts against the upper surface of object A to be transported.

[0086] The side surface fixing portion 45 has a first insertion groove for inserting the top surface support member 47. The top surface support member 47 has a second insertion groove for inserting the side surface fixing portion 46. In the support member 40G, the side surface fixing portion 45 and the side surface fixing portion 46 are inserted into the top surface support member 47 via the first and second insertion grooves, so that the side surface of the object A to be transported abuts against the side surface fixing portions 45 and 46, while the top surface of the object A to be transported abuts against the top surface support member 47. This prevents the object A from moving relative to the support member 40G, and prevents the object A from tilting even when being transported.

[0087] <About the insulated container 3> The insulated container 3 is preferably made of foamed plastic, in other words, the insulated container 3 is preferably made of foamed plastic.

[0088] Foamed plastics have the advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive, and capable of preventing condensation. Specific examples of foamed plastics include foamed polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)-based resins, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS) resins, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) resins. A preferred embodiment is foamed poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)-based resins.

[0089] Furthermore, the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)-based resin used in the insulated container 3 is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB4HB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctadecanoate). Examples of foamed molded products of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)-based resins include foamed molded products of expanded beads disclosed in WO2019 / 146555A1. In addition to the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) resin described above, other biodegradable resins such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate can also be used in combination.

[0090] By using biodegradable resins such as those described above, it is possible to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, which may contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Goal 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" and Goal 14 "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development."

[0091] By constructing the heat-insulating container 3 from foamed plastic, there is an advantage that the weight of the entire low-temperature transport device 10 can be reduced.

[0092] <Material of the support member 40> The material constituting the support member 40 is not particularly limited, and may be either a thermally conductive material or a thermally non-conductive material, as long as it has enough strength to support the object A. Preferably, the support member 40 is made of plastic.

[0093] Examples of plastics that can be used to form the support member 40 include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride.

[0094] <Other materials> The low-temperature transport apparatus 10 according to this embodiment may further include a heat storage material, if necessary. That is, the low-temperature transport apparatus 10 may be configured to use both dry ice D and a heat storage material. The heat storage material may be disposed at any location in the low-temperature transport apparatus 10. The heat storage material here includes not only the heat storage material itself but also a cold storage material. That is, the storage material used in this embodiment includes at least one of a heat storage material and a cold storage material. The heat storage material or cold storage material is a heat storage component or a cold storage component sealed in a plastic container, a film bag, or the like.

[0095] The heat storage material is preferably at least one of a latent heat storage material and a cold storage material. The composition constituting the heat storage component or cold storage component of the latent heat storage material is not particularly limited, and for example, compositions disclosed in International Publication No. 2014 / 125878, International Publication No. 2019 / 151074, International Publication No. 2016 / 068256, International Publication No. 2019 / 172260, International Publication No. 2018 / 180506, etc. can be used.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0097] 〔summary〕 The low-temperature transportation device 10 of aspect 1 of the present invention comprises an insulated container 3 having a container body 1 and a lid 2 that closes the opening of the container body 1, dry ice D arranged in the insulated container 3 to cool the object to be transported A, a support member 40 arranged in the insulated container 3 and supporting the object to be transported A, and a first space S formed between the object to be transported A supported by the support member 40 and the inner bottom surface 1a of the insulated container 3, and the first space S is configured to be filled with the dry ice D.

[0098] The low-temperature transport device 11 according to the second aspect of the present invention is configured as the first aspect, further comprising at least one inclined member 5 having an inclined surface 5a that slopes downward toward the space S.

[0099] The low-temperature transport devices 10 and 11 according to a second aspect of the present invention are configured as in the first aspect, wherein the dry ice D is in the form of pellets.

[0100] The low-temperature transport devices 10 and 11 according to a third aspect of the present invention are configured as in the first or second aspect, wherein the dry ice D and D1 are spherical or cylindrical.

[0101] The low-temperature transport device 11 according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to include at least one inclined member 5 having an inclined surface 5a that inclines downward toward the space S in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0102] The low-temperature transportation device 10 according to aspect 5 of the present invention is configured in any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a second space S1 formed between the object to be transported A supported by the support member 40 and the inner surface 1c of the insulated container 3.

[0103] The low-temperature transportation device 10 according to aspect 6 of the present invention is configured in any one of aspects 1 to 5 such that the dry ice D is arranged on all outer surfaces of the object to be transported A, including the top, sides, and bottom.

[0104] The manufacturing method for a low-temperature transportation device according to aspect 7 of the present invention is a manufacturing method for the low-temperature transportation device 10 / 11 of any of aspects 1 to 6, and includes an installation step of installing the support member 40 and the object to be transported A in the container body 1 to form a first space S between the object to be transported A and the inner bottom surface 1a of the container body 1, and a dry ice arranging step of filling dry ice D into the first space S. More preferably, the manufacturing method further includes a step of arranging dry ice D around the outer periphery of the object to be transported A in the container body 1, and a closing step of closing, with a lid 2, the opening of the container body 1 in which the support member 40, the object to be transported A, and the dry ice D have been arranged.

[0105] In the method for manufacturing a low-temperature transportation device according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in aspect 7, the dry ice placement step places the dry ice D on all outer surfaces of the object A to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom surfaces.

[0106] The method according to aspect 9 of the present invention is a method for transporting an object A at a low temperature using a low-temperature transport device 10 / 11 of any one of aspects 1 to 6, and includes a dry ice replenishment step in which dry ice D placed in the container body 1 is sequentially replenished into the space created by sublimation of dry ice D filled in the space S.

[0107] In the method according to aspect 10 of the present invention, in aspect 9, the dry ice replenishing step places the dry ice D on all outer peripheral surfaces of the object A to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom surfaces. [Example]

[0108] We fabricated cryogenic transport devices with the device configurations (i) to (iv) shown in Figure 13, and for each device configuration, we set the object to be transported and filled 10 kg of dry ice into the insulated container. Then, for each of the device configurations (i) to (iv), we measured the internal temperature of the insulated container and investigated the change in the internal temperature over time.

[0109] The device configurations (i) and (ii) correspond to examples. The device configuration (i) is the same as the low-temperature transportation device shown in Fig. 12. The device configuration (ii) is a configuration in which the tilting member 5 is removed from the low-temperature transportation device shown in Fig. 12. In the device configuration (ii), in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 12 between the object A to be transported and the inner bottom surface of the insulated container 3, a space is also formed between the object A to be transported and the inner side surface of the insulated container 3.

[0110] The device configurations (iii) and (iv) are configurations without a support member and correspond to comparative examples. The device configuration (iii) is a configuration in which the bottom surface of the object to be transported is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the insulated container and dry ice is filled in. The device configuration (iv) is a configuration in which the top of the object to be transported is exposed from the dry ice filled in the insulated container.

[0111] As can be seen from the graph in Figure 13, the low-temperature transport devices with the device configurations (i) and (ii) can maintain the internal temperature of the insulated container at a stable low temperature for a long period of time compared to the low-temperature transport devices with the device configurations (iii) and (iv). [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Container body 1a Inner bottom surface 2 lid 3. Insulated containers 5 Inclined member 5a Slope 10, 10', 10A~10C cryogenic transport equipment 11, 11A~11D Low temperature transport equipment 40, 40A to 40F Support member 41, 41A to 41F Placement area 42, 42A~42F Support section A. Transported items D, D1, D2 Dry Ice S space (first space) S1 Space (Second Space)

Claims

1. a rectangular prism-shaped insulated container having a container body and a lid that closes an opening of the container body; dry ice disposed in the insulated container to cool the object to be transported; a support member disposed in the insulated container and supporting the object to be transported; a first space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support member and an inner bottom surface of the insulated container, The first space is filled with the dry ice, and the dry ice is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the object to be transported, or the cold air of the dry ice is in a state where it can come into contact with the bottom surface of the object to be transported; A low-temperature transport device comprising at least one inclined member having an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first space.

2. an insulated container made of foamed plastic, the insulated container having a container body and a lid that closes an opening of the container body; dry ice disposed in the insulated container to cool the object to be transported; a support member disposed in the insulated container and supporting the object to be transported; a first space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support member and an inner bottom surface of the insulated container, The first space is filled with the dry ice, and the dry ice is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the object to be transported, or the cold air of the dry ice is in a state where it can come into contact with the bottom surface of the object to be transported; a second space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support member and an inner surface of the insulated container, the first space and the second space being in communication with each other, and dry ice being present in the second space; A cryogenic transport device comprising at least one inclined member having an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first space.

3. The low-temperature transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dry ice is in the form of pellets.

4. The low-temperature transportation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dry ice has a shape with few corners.

5. an insulated container having a container body and a lid that closes an opening of the container body; Dry ice placed in the insulated container to cool the object to be transported; a support member disposed in the insulated container and supporting the object to be transported; a first space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support member and an inner bottom surface of the insulated container, The first space is filled with the dry ice, A cryogenic transport device comprising at least one inclined member having an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first space.

6. The low-temperature transportation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second space formed between the object to be transported supported by the support member and the inner surface of the insulated container.

7. The low-temperature transportation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dry ice is arranged on all outer peripheral surfaces of the object to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom surfaces.

8. A method for manufacturing a low-temperature transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: an installation step of installing the support member and the object to be transported in the container body to form a first space between the object to be transported and an inner bottom surface of the container body; and a dry ice placement step of filling the first space with dry ice.

9. The method for manufacturing a low-temperature transportation device according to claim 8 , wherein the dry ice arrangement step arranges the dry ice on all outer peripheral surfaces of the object to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom surfaces.

10. A method for transporting an object at a low temperature using the low-temperature transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The method includes a dry ice replenishing step in which the dry ice placed in the container body is sequentially replenished into the space created by sublimation of the dry ice filled in the first space.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the dry ice replenishing step places the dry ice on all outer peripheral surfaces of the object to be transported, including the top, side, and bottom surfaces.

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