Cooling container

Abstract

To provide a cold insulation container which can be stored at a low cost, can be transported in large quantities, and can cope with extremely low temperatures.SOLUTION: There is provided a cold insulation container 1 for storing or transporting goods in a cold state, the container 1 including: a first box (first layer) 10 covering the goods; a second box (second layer) 20 covering the first box (first layer) 10; a third box (third layer) 30 covering the second box (second layer) 20; and a cooling means 40 for cooling an inside of the first box (first layer) 10, in which the first box (first layer) 10 and the third box (third layer) 30 have polyurea resin layers 14 and 34, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooler container that keeps items in a cool state. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are items that need to be kept at low temperatures during transportation, such as vaccines, blood, organs for transplantation, etc. When storing or transporting such items, it has been necessary to use special means such as refrigerators, freezers, or vehicles equipped with these (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-081763 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned storage in refrigerated means and transportation using special transportation means have been costly. Furthermore, the number of special transportation means is limited, making it difficult to transport large quantities to different regions at once. Furthermore, some items need to be kept at extremely low temperatures (e.g., around -25°C, -50°C to -70°C, etc.), and conventional methods are sometimes unable to accommodate these needs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a cold storage container that allows for low-cost storage and mass transportation, and can also withstand very low temperatures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this goal, BookThe invention is a cold storage container for storing or transporting items in a cold state, comprising a first layer covering the items, a second layer covering the first layer, a third layer covering the second layer, and a cooling means for cooling the inside of the first layer, wherein the first layer and the third layer each have a polyurethane resin layer.

[0007] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the configuration described above, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are each composed of a first box, a second box, and a third box, which are independent box bodies, and the cooler container has the polyurethane resin layer on the outer surfaces of the first box and the third box.

[0008] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the above-described configuration, the cooler container is characterized in that the first box and the third box also have the polyurethane resin layer on their inner surfaces.

[0009] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the configuration described above, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are each in close contact with each other to form a single box body, and the first layer and the third layer are each provided with the polyurethane resin layer, making this a cold storage container.

[0010] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the configuration described above, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are each in close contact with each other to form a single bag body, and the first layer and the third layer are provided with the polyurethane resin layer, making this a cold storage container.

[0011] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the above configuration, the second layer is characterized in that it is a cold storage container having a vacuum insulation structure.

[0012] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the above-described configuration, the refrigerator container is characterized in that it is provided with a measuring device for measuring the internal temperature of the first layer.

[0013] Also, Book The invention is the above In addition to the above-described configuration, the refrigerator container is characterized by having a communication device that transmits the measurement results of the measurement device to an external receiving device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Book According to the present invention, by storing and transporting items in a cold storage container having a structure with first to third layers, it is possible to store and transport items in large quantities at low cost. Furthermore, it is also possible to store and transport items while maintaining them at extremely low temperatures.

[0015] Book According to the invention, the first to third layers are configured to have the first to third boxes, so that the cold state can be maintained with a simpler and more reliable configuration.

[0016] Also, Book According to the invention, the first box and the third box also have a polyurethane resin layer on their inner surfaces, so that the heat insulating performance can be more reliably exhibited.

[0017] Also, Book According to the invention, the first to third layers are tightly attached to form a single box body, so that the cold state can be maintained with a simpler and more reliable configuration.

[0018] Also, Book According to the invention, the first to third layers are tightly adhered to each other to form a single bag body, so that the cold state can be maintained with a simpler and more reliable configuration.

[0019] Also, Book According to the invention, the second layer has a vacuum insulation structure, which allows for more reliable storage and mass transportation at low cost, and can also withstand very low temperatures.

[0020] Also, Book According to the invention, by measuring the internal temperature, it is possible to store and transport the product while controlling the temperature.

[0021] Also, Book According to the invention, by transmitting the measurement results, the internal temperature can be constantly monitored from the outside, allowing for more reliable temperature management. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a cooler container according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state of the cooler container of the embodiment when being transported. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing first to third boxes that constitute the cooler container of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the second box of the cooler container of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state of the measuring device and the communication device of the cold storage container of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a first alternative example of the cold storage container of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a perspective view showing a second alternative example of the cooler container of the same embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening is closed in a second modified example of the cooler container of the same embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the cross section taken along the line BB in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 1 to 5 show embodiments of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0025] The insulated container 1 of this embodiment is for storing and transporting items in a cold state, and has a structure of at least three layers: a first layer that covers the item M (see Figure 5), a second layer that covers the first layer, and a third layer that covers the second layer.The inside of the first layer is cooled by cooling means 40 to maintain the cold state, allowing the item to be stored and transported while maintaining the cold state.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the cooler container 1 has a first box 10 as a first layer, a second box 20 as a second layer, and a third box 30 as a third layer. As shown in Fig. 5, dry ice as cooling means 40 is placed inside the first box 10 to keep the cool state inside the cooler box 1.

[0027] First, we will explain the item M. As shown in Fig. 5, the item M in this embodiment is arranged in a first box 10, and examples of the item M include vaccines, blood, organs for transplantation, and other items that need to be kept at a low temperature during transportation. Note that, in this case, the item M also includes protective materials, cases, and the like for protecting the vaccines and the like.

[0028] Next, the above-mentioned boxes 10, 20, and 30 will be described.

[0029] Of these, the first box 10 is the smallest of the three boxes 10, 20, and 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, and is a box into which an item M is directly placed. Here, the first box 10 is composed of a first box body 11 located at the bottom and a first box lid 12 located at the top, and is configured so that the first box body 11 and the first box lid 12 are fitted together to keep the interior substantially sealed.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the components constituting the first box body 11 and the first box lid 12 each have a base material 13 and a coating layer 14. Specifically, the base material 13 in this embodiment is formed of a synthetic resin, particularly a foamed synthetic resin. Examples of synthetic resins include those formed of one or more materials selected from polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane, and foamed synthetic resins refer to synthetic resins in which fine bubbles are dispersed. In this example, foamed polystyrene (expanded polystyrene) is used as the base material 13.

[0031] The synthetic resin forming the base material 13 is not limited to foamed synthetic resin, and may be, for example, hard plastic. Examples of such synthetic resins include those formed from one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate resin, polyethylene resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, acrylic resin, polyamide resin, polystyrene resin, ABS resin, and acetal resin.

[0032] Furthermore, coating layer 14 is a coating applied to base material 13, and specifically, is formed of a polyurethane resin layer coated with a polyurethane resin having a heat insulating effect. Polyurea resin coating layer 14 is applied to at least the outer surface of base material 13, and here, polyurethane resin coating layer 14 is applied to the entire surface (all surfaces) including the outer and inner surfaces of base material 13. As will be described later, first box lid 12 of this embodiment has a hole 15 that penetrates from the top to the bottom, and coating layer 14 is also applied to the entire wall surface of this hole 15. This allows the heat insulating effect of polyurethane resin to be more effectively exhibited.

[0033] The polyurea resin is a resin having a urea bond formed by a chemical reaction between an isocyanate and an amino group, for example, such as a resin formed by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyamine.

[0034] The thicknesses of the substrate 13 and the coating layer 14 may be appropriately determined so as to provide a heat insulating effect.

[0035] Here, as an example, a box with dimensions of L229×W229×H40 mm, a base material thickness of 10 mm, an outer surface coating of 1 mm, and an inner surface coating of 0.5 mm is used, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, dry ice 40 is placed inside the first box 10 as a cooling means. In this embodiment, 20 kg of granular dry ice 40 is placed, but this is not limited to this. Dry ice of other shapes, such as plates, may also be used, and the amount placed may be changed as appropriate depending on the situation. The cooling means may also be other means than dry ice, such as providing a predetermined inlet hole in the first box 10 and sending cold air from an external air cooler into the first box 10 through the inlet hole. Any appropriate means for keeping the item at an appropriate temperature may be used. In this example, the item M is a vaccine, and the cooling means 40 is configured to maintain the item at approximately −25°C or approximately −70°C for a certain period of time.

[0037] 1 and 3, the second box 20 is the second smallest of the three boxes 10, 20, and 30, and is sized and shaped to fit the first box 10. Here, the second box 20 is composed of a second box main body 21 located at the bottom and a second box lid 22 located at the top, and the second box main body 21 and the second box lid 22 are fitted together to create a substantially sealed interior.

[0038] The components constituting the second box body 21 and the second box lid 22 are made of vacuum insulation material with a vacuum insulation structure, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, they are provided with a plate-like member 26 having a VIP material 23 made of vacuum-treated glass wool, a resin material 24 (here, polystyrene foam) arranged around it, and a first aluminum sheet 25 arranged around it, and these are assembled into a box shape and covered with a second aluminum sheet 27. Any suitable vacuum insulation material may be used as long as it has a similar vacuum insulation structure and effect.

[0039] In addition, here, a box measuring L244×W244×H55 mm and 30 mm thick is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0040] 5, a measuring device (sensor) 60 is provided to measure the internal temperature of the first box 10. Here, a recess 28 is provided on the surface (top surface) of the second box lid 22 as an installation section for arranging the measuring device, and a measuring section 50 extending from the measuring device 60 installed there is inserted into the first box 10 through the gap between the second box main body 21 and the second box lid 22 of the second box 20 and via the hole 15 provided in the first box lid 11 to measure the internal temperature.

[0041] This embodiment also includes a communication device 70 that transmits measurement results from the measuring device 60 to an external receiving device in real time. Here, the communication device 70 is configured as an integral part of the measuring device 60. Note that if the communication device 70 is placed on the surface side of the second box lid 22 of the second box 20, the third box lid 32 of the third box 30 (described later) will be located above it. This may result in a problem where communication radio waves are difficult to reach depending on the material of the lid 32. However, as described below, the third box lid 32 is formed of the same base material 33 as the first box 10 and a coating layer 34 of polyurethane resin. Polyurea resin, in particular, has been proven to transmit radio waves well, ensuring a good communication environment. Here, the measurement results from the measuring device 60 are transmitted externally from the communication device 70 in real time. However, this is not limited to this; transmission at regular intervals is also possible. Furthermore, if the communication device 70 is not provided or if the communication environment is not suitable due to some kind of problem, the measurement results may be stored in the measuring device 60 and retrieved later. Furthermore, a display device for displaying the measurement results may be disposed at a location connected to the measuring device 60 by wire, such as on the outer surface of the third box 30.

[0042] 1 and 3, the third box 30 is the largest of the three boxes 10, 20, and 30, and is sized and shaped to fit the second box 20. Here, the third box 30 is composed of a third box main body 31 located at the bottom and a third box lid 32 located at the top, and is configured so that the interior is substantially sealed by fitting the third box main body 31 and the third box lid 32 together.

[0043] 5, the members constituting the third box body 31 and the third box lid 32 each have a base material 33 and a polyurethane resin coating layer 34. Similar to the coating layer 14 described above, this polyurethane resin coating layer 34 is applied to at least the outer surface of the base material 33, and in this case, the polyurethane resin coating layer 34 is applied to the entire surface (all surfaces) including the outer and inner surfaces of the base material 33.

[0044] The substrate 33 and the coating layer 34 have the same configuration as the substrate 13 and the coating layer 14 of the first box 10 described above, and therefore further explanation will be omitted. The thicknesses of the substrate 33 and the coating layer 34 may be appropriately determined so as to provide a heat insulating effect, and may be the same as or different from the substrate 13 and the coating layer 14.

[0045] In addition, here, a box having dimensions of L483×W483×H394 mm, a base material thickness of 30 mm, an outer surface coating of 2 mm, and an inner surface coating of 0.5 mm is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0046] 2, the third box 30 is provided with a fastener 35 that prevents the box from opening after it is closed. Here, the fastener 35 is a belt-like fastener 35 that can be adjusted in length to prevent the first box 10 from opening, but the fastener is not limited to this and any suitable fastener can be used as long as it can maintain the closed state.

[0047] As described above, according to the cooler container 1 of the present embodiment, by storing and transporting the item M in the cooler container 1 having a structure with the first to third layers, it is possible to store and transport the item M in large quantities at low cost. Furthermore, it is also possible to store and transport the item M while maintaining it at an extremely low temperature.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the cooler container 1 of this embodiment, the structure has the first to third boxes 10, 20, 30 as the first to third layers, so that the cooler state can be maintained with a simpler and more reliable configuration.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the cooler container 1 of this embodiment, the first box 10 and the third box 30 also have a polyurethane resin layer on their inner surfaces, so that the cooler container 1 can more reliably exhibit heat insulating performance.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the cooler container 1 of this embodiment, the second box 20 has a vacuum insulation structure, which allows for more reliable storage and mass transportation at low cost, and can also withstand extremely low temperatures.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the cooler container 1 of this embodiment, by measuring the internal temperature, it is possible to store and transport the container while controlling the temperature.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the cooler container 1 of the present embodiment, by transmitting the measurement results, the internal temperature can be always known from the outside, and temperature management can be performed more reliably.

[0053] The above-described embodiment has been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0054] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first to third layers are the first to third boxes 10, 20, and 30, but this is not limiting. As a first alternative example, as shown in FIG. 6, a single box-shaped cooler container 1A may have a first layer 10A, a second layer 20A, and a third layer 30A. That is, a single box 1A may be formed of a three-layer structure (or may have four or more layers including other layers) having the first layer 10A, the second layer 20A, and the third layer 30A, and this single box may have all the functions of the three boxes 10, 20, and 30 of the above-described embodiment. In this case, each layer has a structure having the configuration of each box, such as a combination of a base material and a coating layer.

[0055] The first and third layers are not limited to those having both a base material and a coating layer, and may be composed of only a polyurea resin layer. That is, the cooler container 1A may be composed of a single box composed of a first layer made of a polyurea resin layer (a polyurea resin coating layer coated on a polyurea resin sheet or a vacuum insulation layer), a second layer made of a vacuum insulation material having a vacuum insulation structure, and a third layer made of a polyurea resin layer (a polyurea resin coating layer coated on a polyurea resin sheet or a vacuum insulation layer). Also possible are a combination of a box having the first and second layers and a third box, or a combination of a first box and a box having the second and third layers.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration includes three boxes, the first to third boxes 10, 20, and 30, but the number of boxes may be four or more. In this case, the additional box may be located anywhere, such as the innermost, outermost, or between the other boxes.

[0057] Furthermore, the cooler container is not limited to one made up of a box body such as multiple boxes, one box, etc., and may be a container of other shape. For example, as a second alternative example, cooler container 1B may be made up of a bag body as shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, a cold storage container 1B made of a single bag may have a first layer 10B, a second layer 20B, and a third layer 30B. That is, a single bag 1B may be formed of a three-layer structure (it may have four or more layers including other layers) having a first layer 10B, a second layer 20B, and a third layer 30B, and this single bag may have all the functions of the three boxes 10, 20, and 30 of the above-described embodiment. In this case, each layer has a structure having the configuration of each box, such as a combination of a base material and a coating layer.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, an opening 2B is provided at the top of the cold storage container 1B in the bag body, and an item M can be put in and taken out through this opening. During storage and transportation, as shown in Fig. 8, the opening 2B is heat-pressed to form a seal 3B, creating a sealed state. However, the method for putting in and taking out the item M and the method for sealing are not limited to these, and any appropriate method may be used.

[0060] Also, here, as in the above-described embodiment, granular dry ice 40 is placed inside the cooler container 1B as a cooling means, but this may also be changed as appropriate.

[0061] In addition, the first and third layers of the bag are not limited to a pattern having both a base material and a coating layer, and may be composed of only a polyurea resin layer. In other words, the cooler container 1B may be composed of a single box composed of a first layer composed of a polyurea resin layer (a polyurea resin sheet or a polyurea resin coating layer coated on a vacuum insulation layer), a second layer composed of a vacuum insulation material having a vacuum insulation structure, and a third layer composed of a polyurea resin layer (a polyurea resin sheet or a polyurea resin coating layer coated on a vacuum insulation layer).

[0062] Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, the layers of the bag may be separated. That is, a bag-shaped cooler container may be configured with a first bag consisting of a first layer (a substrate and a polyurethane resin coating layer or a polyurethane resin sheet), a second bag consisting of a second layer, and a third bag consisting of a third layer (a substrate and a polyurethane resin coating layer or a polyurethane resin sheet). Furthermore, the cooler container may be configured with two bags, one consisting of the first and second layers and one consisting of the third layer, or with two bags, one consisting of the first layer and one consisting of the second and third layers. Furthermore, the cooler container may be configured with layers other than the three layers described above, or may be configured with four or more bags.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the measuring device 60 and the communication device 70 are arranged in the second box (second layer) 20, but this is not limiting and they may be arranged in other boxes (layers). For example, they may be arranged in the third box 30. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the measuring device 60 and the communication device 70 on the back side of the box, as this can prevent the measuring device 60 and the communication device 70 from being subjected to shocks during transportation. In this case, too, as described above, polyurethane resin allows radio waves to pass through well, ensuring a good communication environment.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the measuring device 60 and the communication device 70 are integrated, but this is not limited to this, and they may be separate devices connected by wire or wirelessly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B... Refrigerated container, 2B... Opening, 3B... Sealing portion, 10... First box (first layer), 10A, 10B... First layer, 13... Base material, 14... Polyurea resin layer, 20... Second box (second layer), 20A, 20B... Second layer, 30... Third box (third layer), 30A, 30B... Third layer, 33... Base material, 34... Polyurea resin layer, 40... Refrigeration means, 60... Measuring device (sensor), 70... Communication device, M... Article,

Claims

1. A cold storage container for storing or transporting items in a cold state, a first layer covering the article; a second layer covering the first layer; and a third layer covering the second layer; and a cooling means for cooling the inside of the first layer; It has the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are respectively composed of a first box, a second box, and a third box, which are independent boxes; The second box has a vacuum insulation structure, A cooler container characterized in that the entire surface of each of the first box and the third box is coated with a polyurea resin.

2. The first box, the second box, and the third box each include a box body and a box lid, 2. The cooler container according to claim 1, wherein the first box and the third box have the entire surface of the box body and the box lid coated with a polyurethane resin.

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