Panel containers and transport carts

Abstract

To provide a panel container and a transport carriage which allow easy assembly and folding of panels, and prevent a panel placed on a top surface from falling off due to its own weight or a load of a heat storage material.SOLUTION: A panel container 30 and a transport carriage 10 according to the present disclosure comprise: a plurality of side panels 17; a first hinge portion; and a top surface panel 11 bendably connected to the side panel 17 through the first hinge part. The top surface panel 11 comprises: a first partial panel 11a connected to the side panel 17 via a first hinge portion; a second hinge portion; and a second partial panel 11b connected to the first partial panel 11a via the second hinge portion in a freely foldable manner. The first hinge portion is provided along an outer surface of the side panel 17 and the second hinge portion is provided along an inner surface of the top surface panel 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a panel container and a transport cart. [Background technology]

[0002] Transport carts for transporting loads such as food have been used in stores, factories, etc. for some time. Such transport carts have a cart body with a pair of side frames, and a heat-insulating cart cover is attached to the cart body to keep the load such as food warm, cold, or protected. An example of such a transport cart is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In addition to those mounted on carts, a known insulated container has also been known in the past, in which heat-insulating panels are assembled into a box shape and the assembled box-shaped heat-insulating panels can be disassembled (see Patent Document 2, for example). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-233970 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-199527 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional dolly covers for transport dollies are generally made of, for example, sewn sheet material, and are thin and flexible (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For this reason, conventional dolly covers have the problem that it is difficult to sufficiently improve the heat insulating performance or sufficiently protect the load inside.

[0005] On the other hand, it is also possible to assemble the panels into a box shape and mount them on the cart body, but in this case, the work of disassembling and folding the panels may become complicated. Also, heat storage material may be attached to the inner surface of the top panel to provide cooling and heat retention, but the weight of the heat storage material and the panel itself may cause the panel to bend downward, effectively reducing the width of the panel and causing it to fall.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a panel container and a transport cart that allow panels to be easily assembled and folded, and that prevent panels placed on the top surface from falling off due to their own weight or the load of the heat storage material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The panel container of this embodiment is a panel container comprising a plurality of adjacent side panels, a first hinge portion provided on the side panels, and a top panel foldably connected to the side panels via the first hinge portion, wherein the top panel comprises a first partial panel connected to the side panels via the first hinge portion, a second hinge portion provided on the first partial panel, and a second partial panel foldably connected to the first partial panel via the second hinge portion, wherein the first hinge portion is provided along the outer surface of the side panels, and the second hinge portion is provided along the inner surface of the top panel.

[0008] In the panel container according to this embodiment, the top panel may be provided with a guide portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the side panel on which the first hinge portion is not provided when the top panel is closed.

[0009] In the panel container according to this embodiment, when the first hinge portion is not provided and the side panels that do not abut each other are the first side panel and the second side panel, a first engaging member that detachably engages the second partial panel with the first side panel and a second engaging member that detachably engages the second partial panel with the second side panel may be provided. Also, a main surface of the first side panel or a main surface of the second side panel may abut against an end surface of the second partial panel.

[0010] In the panel container of this embodiment, the top panel comprises a first auxiliary beam arranged on the inner surface of the first partial panel and a second auxiliary beam arranged on the inner surface of the second partial panel, and the second hinge portion is constituted by a hinge provided on the inner surface of the top panel, and the hinge may be joined to each of the first auxiliary beam and the second auxiliary beam.

[0011] In the panel container according to this embodiment, a pair of anti-reverse folding pieces may be provided on the outer surfaces of the first partial panel and the second partial panel of the top panel so that they abut each other only when the top panel is closed.

[0012] In the panel container of this embodiment, the panel container further includes a bottom panel, and when a direction along the inner surface of the top panel and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first hinge portion is defined as a first direction, the width of the first partial panel along the first direction may be within a range of 1.0 to 2.0 times the sum of the thicknesses of the side panel including the first hinge portion and the bottom panel.

[0013] In the panel container of this embodiment, the side panel on which the first hinge portion is not provided may be provided with a fall prevention piece that abuts against the inner surface of the top panel when the top panel is closed.

[0014] The transport cart of this embodiment is a transport cart that includes a cart body having a first side frame, a second side frame, and a connecting member that connects the first side frame and the second side frame to each other, and the panel container attached to the cart body.

[0015] In the transport cart of this embodiment, the panel container further includes a bottom panel, and when the direction along the inner surface of the top panel and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first hinge portion is defined as a first direction, the width of the first partial panel along the first direction may be within a range of 1.0 to 2.0 times the sum of the thickness of the side panel and the bottom panel that include the first hinge portion, and the thickness of the first side frame along the thickness direction of the side panel.

[0016] In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the second side frame may be provided with a fall-off prevention piece that abuts against the inner surface of the top panel when the top panel is closed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this embodiment, when the panels are assembled, it is possible to prevent the panel placed on the top surface from falling off due to its own weight or the load of the heat storage material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a transport cart according to a first embodiment, with the panels in an assembled state. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a transport cart according to a first embodiment, with only the front panel in a folded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a transport cart according to a first embodiment, with each panel in a folded state. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing each panel. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum insulation material of each panel. [Figure 7] 10 is a plan view showing a process of changing the front panel of the transportation cart of the first embodiment from an assembled state to a folded state. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a process of changing the rear panel of the transportation cart of the first embodiment from an assembled state to a folded state. [Figure 9] 10 is a plan view showing a process of changing the top panel of the transportation cart of the first embodiment from an assembled state to a folded state. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a process of changing the top panel of the transportation cart of the first embodiment from an assembled state to a folded state. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a top panel according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a top panel according to a second modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a top panel according to a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a top panel according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a top panel according to a fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An example of a panel container and a transport cart according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the panel container and the transport cart according to the present disclosure are not limited to this example or the embodiments described below.

[0020] The figures shown below are schematic illustrations. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, hatching indicating the cross section of a member is omitted as appropriate in each figure. The numerical values ​​such as dimensions of each member and the names of materials described in this specification are examples of embodiments and are not limited to these, and may be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms specifying shapes or geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, are intended to include not only their strict meanings but also substantially the same state.

[0021] In the following embodiments, the X direction is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport cart in a plane parallel to the floor on which the transport cart is placed, the Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction in a plane parallel to the floor on which the transport cart is placed, and the Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions, i.e., the vertical direction.

[0022] When a panel container is assembled on a transport cart, the side on which a panel with a main surface parallel to the Z direction is placed, which is usually used to load and unload loads, is also referred to as the +X direction in the X direction, and the side on which a panel opposite that panel is placed is also referred to as the -X direction.The floor side in the Z direction is also referred to as the -Z direction, and the side opposite the -Z direction is also referred to as the +Z direction.The Z direction is also sometimes referred to as the up-down direction, the +Z direction as the upper side, and the -Z direction as the lower side.When looking from the +X direction side toward the floor side in the -Z direction, the right-hand side is also referred to as the +Y direction in the Y direction, and the side opposite the +Y direction is also referred to as the -Y direction.

[0023] In a transport cart or panel container, the plane perpendicular to the X direction as viewed from the +X direction is also called the front, and the plane perpendicular to the X direction as viewed from the -X direction is also called the back. The plane perpendicular to the Y direction as viewed from the +Y direction is also called the side or right side, and the plane perpendicular to the Y direction as viewed from the -Y direction is also called the side or left side. However, the front and back are sometimes called side faces. The plane perpendicular to the Z direction as viewed from the +Z direction is also called the top face, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction as viewed from the -Z direction is also called the bottom face.

[0024] Of the six surfaces constituting each panel that constitutes the panel container, the pair of widest surfaces facing opposite each other are referred to as the main surfaces. When the panel container is assembled, the main surface of each panel facing the insulation space is referred to as the inner surface, and the main surface of each panel opposite the insulation space is referred to as the outer surface. Furthermore, for each panel, the surfaces other than the main surfaces of the panel are referred to as end faces.

[0025] 1. First embodiment (a) Configuration of transport cart The configuration of a transport cart according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a transport cart 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the panel container 30 is in an assembled state. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the transport cart 10 according to the first embodiment, in which only the front panel 12 of the panel container 30 is in a folded state. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the transport cart 10 according to the first embodiment, in which the panel container 30 is in a folded state. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a cart body 50.

[0026] In addition, the transport cart and panel container being in an assembled state refers to a state in which each panel is assembled into a box shape and an insulating space is formed in the storage space 20 that contains the load surrounded by each panel, and being in a folded state refers to a state in which each panel is folded and no insulating space is formed in the storage space 20.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the transport cart 10 of the first embodiment includes a cart body 50 and six panels 11 to 16 that allow the panel container 30 to be assembled to the cart body 50 and for the panel container 30 to be folded. The transport cart 10 can be used in either an assembled state with the panels 11 to 16 of the panel container 30 as shown in Figure 1, or in a folded state with the panels 11 to 16 of the panel container 30 as shown in Figure 3; in the latter case, other transport carts can be partially overlapped in the horizontal direction, i.e., nested.

[0028] The transport cart 10 is used, for example, in stores, factories, logistics processes, etc., to store or transport loads that require refrigeration or heating. Such a transport cart 10 is configured such that a storage space 20 capable of storing loads is surrounded by six panels 11-16 constituting a panel container 30, forming an insulated space, thereby minimizing temperature changes inside the transport cart 10. On the other hand, when the transport cart 10 is not in use, it can be nested with other identical transport carts 10, allowing multiple transport carts 10 to be stored compactly.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the bogie body 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The bogie body 50 includes a first side frame 51, a second side frame 52, and a connecting member 53 that connects the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 to each other. The connecting member 53 includes six wheels 61 to 66, and the wheels 61 to 66 are attached to the connecting member 53 facing downward.

[0030] The first side frame 51 is provided on the -Y direction side of the carriage body 50, and protrudes from the connecting member 53 in the +Z direction. The first side frame is formed in a ladder shape and has a pair of support posts 55 and a plurality of horizontal cross members 56 that extend in the X direction between the pair of support posts 55. The multiple horizontal cross members 56 are arranged at approximately equal intervals from one another in the up-down direction. Two wheels 61, 62 are provided on the lower side of the first side frame 51.

[0031] Of the pair of support columns 55, the support column 55a in the +X direction is directly connected to the wheel mounting frame 67, but the other support column 55b on the -X direction side is not directly connected to the wheel mounting frame 67 and is spaced apart from the wheel mounting frame 67. This prevents the central frames 57 of the other transport carts 10 from interfering with the support columns 55 during nesting. In addition, the horizontal crosspiece 56 arranged at the bottom is connected to the wheel mounting frame 67 by the central connecting support column 54. However, this is not limiting, and both of the pair of support columns 55a, 55b may not be directly connected to the wheel mounting frame 67, but may be connected to the wheel mounting frame 67 only by the central connecting support column 54.

[0032] The second side frame 52 is provided at the other longitudinal end of the carriage body 50, which is on the +Y direction side, and protrudes upward from the connecting member 53. The configuration of the second side frame 52 is substantially the same as the configuration of the first side frame 51, and is arranged so as to be point-symmetrical to the first side frame 51 in a plan view. Two wheels 65, 66 are provided on the lower side of the second side frame 52.

[0033] The connecting member 53 has a central frame 57 extending in the Y direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the bogie body 50, and three wheel mounting frames 67 to 69 extending in the X direction and connected to the central frame 57. The wheel mounting frames 67 to 69 are arranged below the central frame 57 so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0034] The central frame 57 is disposed approximately in the center of the carriage body 50 in the Y direction. This central frame 57 has a narrow width that does not interfere with nesting of the transport carriages 10 and panel containers 30. The central frame 57 is located above the wheel mounting frames 67-69 of other transport carriages 10 so as not to interfere with these frames during nesting.

[0035] The wheel mounting frames 67 to 69 are composed of a first wheel mounting frame 67 arranged on the first side frame 51 side, a second wheel mounting frame 68 arranged between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52, and a third wheel mounting frame 69 arranged on the second side frame 52 side.

[0036] The distance in the Y direction between the first wheel mounting frame 67 and the second wheel mounting frame 68 and the distance in the Y direction between the second wheel mounting frame 68 and the third wheel mounting frame 69 may be the same or different.

[0037] The first wheel mounting frame 67 is provided at the -Y direction end of the central frame 57, and a first wheel 61 and a second wheel 62 are respectively attached to the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the first wheel mounting frame 67. Similarly, the second wheel mounting frame 68 is provided at approximately the center of the central frame 57 in the Y direction, and a third wheel 63 and a fourth wheel 64 are respectively attached to the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the second wheel mounting frame 68.

[0038] The width of the second wheel mounting frame 68 in the Y direction is narrow enough not to interfere with nesting of the transport carts 10. The third wheel mounting frame 69 is provided at the +Y direction end of the central frame 57, and a fifth wheel 65 and a sixth wheel 66 are attached to the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the third wheel mounting frame 69, respectively.

[0039] As described above, the wheels 61 to 66 are composed of the first wheel 61, the second wheel 62, the third wheel 63, the fourth wheel 64, the fifth wheel 65, and the sixth wheel 66. Of these, the first wheel 61, the second wheel 62, the fifth wheel 65, and the sixth wheel 66 are free wheels, and can rotate along axles parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and can swivel around an axis in the vertical direction (Z axis). On the other hand, the third wheel 63 and the fourth wheel 64 are fixed wheels, and can rotate along axles parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane), but cannot swivel around an axis in the vertical direction (Z axis).

[0040] It should be noted that, when the transport cart 10 is traveling with a load loaded, the wheels 61 to 66 may be configured so that two wheels, a fixed wheel in the center (the third wheel 63 and the fourth wheel 64) and one of the free wheels at the front or rear (the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 62, or the fifth wheel 65 and the sixth wheel 66), come into contact with the ground, in order to ensure stable straight travel.

[0041] Furthermore, when no load is loaded on the transport cart 10, in order to facilitate steering, nesting, and small turning radius, the center fixed wheels (third wheel 63 and fourth wheel 64) may not be grounded, and only the front and rear swivel wheels (first wheel 61, second wheel 62, fifth wheel 65, and sixth wheel 66) may be grounded. In this case, in order to ensure running suitability, any two of the front and rear wheels, the first wheel 61 and second wheel 62, or the fifth wheel 65 and sixth wheel 66, may have a structure that switches from swivel wheels to fixed wheels. However, this is not limited thereto, and the cart body 50 may have four wheels 61, 62, 65, and 66, but may not have the second wheel mounting frame 68 and the third wheel 63 and the fourth wheel 64.

[0042] A foldable bottom plate 58 is provided above the connecting member 53. The bottom plate 58 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, is disposed extending between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame along the Y direction, and has substantially the same length in the X direction as the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52. The bottom plate 58 has sufficient strength to support the load of the transport cart 10.

[0043] The bottom plate 58 can rotate about a rotation axis in the X direction relative to the connecting member 53, and can be in an assembled state in which it is disposed above the connecting member 53 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or in a folded state in which it is lifted relative to the connecting member 53 around the rotation axis near the end of the bottom plate 58 in the +Y direction and is folded to a position adjacent to the second side frame 52 as shown in Figure 3. That is, when the panels 11 to 16 of the panel container 30 are in an assembled state, the bottom plate 58 is disposed on a horizontal plane, and when the panels 11 to 16 of the panel container 30 are in a folded state, the bottom plate 58 rotates upward and is disposed to a position adjacent to the second side frame 52.

[0044] (b) Panel container configuration The configurations of the panel container 30 and the panels 11 to 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] The panel container 30 can be in an assembled state in which an insulating space is formed inside by assembling the panels 11-16, or in a folded state in which no insulating space is formed by folding the panels 11-16. In addition to the fact that the panel container 30 can be independently assembled and folded, portions of the panels 11-16 are fixed to the cart body 50, so that the panel container 30 can also be assembled and folded in the transport cart 10 integrated with the cart body 50. FIG. 1 shows the transport cart 10 with the panel container 30 in an assembled state, and FIG. 3 shows the transport cart 10 with the panel container 30 in a folded state, allowing nesting. FIG. 2 shows the panel container 30 in a state in which only the front panel 12 is folded.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1 , panels 11 to 16 of panel container 30 form a rectangular parallelepiped shape when assembled, and include top panel 11, front panel 12, rear panel 13, left panel 14, right panel 15, and bottom panel 16. Front panel 12, rear panel 13, left panel 14, and right panel 15 are also referred to as side panels 17. Top panel 11, front panel 12, rear panel 13, left panel 14, right panel 15, and bottom panel 16 each have a substantially rectangular main surface. Furthermore, the main surfaces of front panel 12 and rear panel 13 have substantially the same size, and the main surfaces of left panel 14 and right panel 15 have substantially the same size. Each of panels 11 to 16 is made of a rigid plate-like member so as not to flexibly deform during use.

[0047] When the panel container 30 is in an assembled state, the six panels 11-16 surround the storage space 20 that accommodates the load, thereby forming an insulated space in the storage space 20. When the insulated space is surrounded by a thermal insulating material, the inflow and outflow of heat from the outside is restricted, and good thermal insulation can be maintained. Furthermore, at least some of the six panels 11-16 are provided so as to be movable relative to the adjacent panels 11-16. This allows the transport cart 10 to be changed from an assembled state in which an insulated space is formed to a folded state in which an insulated space is not formed, and vice versa.

[0048] Therefore, when the transport cart 10 is not being used with any cargo that requires temperature control loaded, the panels 11-16 of the panel container 30 can be folded up, allowing it to be nested with other transport carts 10. In addition, when the panel container 30 is assembled, the end faces of each of the six panels 11-16 are in close contact with the main face or end face of one of the other panels 11-16, thereby ensuring that the storage space 20 is airtight.

[0049] (c) Internal structure of the panel The structure of the panels 11 to 16 will now be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat insulating portion 40 of each of the panels 11 to 16, and Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) are cross-sectional views showing the vacuum heat insulating material 41 included in the heat insulating portion 40.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the heat insulating portion 40 of each of the panels 11 to 16 includes a vacuum heat insulating material 41 , a foam heat insulating material 42 , a heat insulating outer peripheral portion 43 , a heat insulating material protection member 44 and a heat shielding sheet 45 .

[0051] The vacuum insulation material 41 is attached to the foam insulation material 42. The vacuum insulation material 41 is composed of a core material 41a and an exterior material 41b provided around the core material 41a. The foam insulation material 42 is arranged on the storage space 20 side of the vacuum insulation material 41 (the lower side in Figure 5). As a result, if an item stored in the storage space 20 collides with the panels 11-16, the foam insulation material 42 absorbs the impact of the collision, reducing the risk of the vacuum insulation material 41 being damaged.

[0052] The foam insulation material 42 can be disposed adjacent to at least the storage space 20 side of the vacuum insulation material 41, and for example, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, or both of these can be used.

[0053] The insulating outer periphery 43 is arranged to surround the vacuum insulation material 41. The insulating outer periphery 43 is arranged adjacent to a portion of the foam insulation material 42 and is fixed to the foam insulation material 42. By arranging the insulating outer periphery 43 to surround the vacuum insulation material 41, the insulation performance is improved compared to when the insulating outer periphery 43 is not arranged. Furthermore, a panel configuration may be adopted in which the vacuum insulation material 41 has approximately the same cross-sectional area as the foam insulation material 42 and does not use the insulating outer periphery 43.

[0054] The heat insulating material protection member 44 is disposed so as to be partially adjacent to the heat insulating outer enclosure 43, and mainly serves to protect the vacuum heat insulating material 41. As the heat insulating material protection member 44, for example, a protective material made of an organic polymer can be used.

[0055] The heat shielding sheet 45 is formed so as to encompass the entire outer periphery of the vacuum insulation material 41, the foam insulation material 42, the insulating outer enclosure 43, and the insulation material protection member 44. The heat shielding sheet 45 can be arranged so as to entirely cover the vacuum insulation material 41 and the foam insulation material 42. Examples of the heat shielding sheet 45 include a multilayer sheet containing metal foil, and a vapor deposition sheet in which a vapor deposition layer is formed on one side of a resin sheet.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6(a), the vacuum insulation material 41 is composed of a core material 41a and an exterior material 41b having gas barrier properties, and is an insulation material obtained by reducing the pressure inside the exterior material 41b. Fig. 6(b) shows another example of the vacuum insulation material 41. In Fig. 6(a), voids are formed at both ends inside the vacuum insulation material 41, but in Fig. 6(b), no voids are formed. The voids may or may not be formed depending on the manufacturing method of the vacuum insulation material 41.

[0057] The core material 41a can be made of a material that is used as the core material of conventionally used known vacuum insulation materials, and may be, for example, a porous material such as a powder such as silica, a foam such as urethane polymer, or a fibrous material such as glass wool.

[0058] The exterior material 41b is a member that covers the outer periphery of the core material 41a, and may be a flexible sheet in which a heat-sealed layer and a gas barrier layer are laminated in this order from the core material 41a. The gas barrier layer may be a metal foil or a vapor deposition sheet in which a vapor deposition layer is formed on one side of a resin sheet. The metal foil may be made of aluminum, for example. The vapor deposition layer may be made of aluminum, aluminum oxide, or silicon oxide, for example.

[0059] (d) Side panel The front panel 12, rear panel 13, left panel 14 and right panel 15, which are side panels 17, will now be described.

[0060] (i) Front panel As shown in FIG. 1 , the front panel 12 is the panel located closest to the +X direction of the panel container 30 when the panel container 30 is assembled, and is expected to be frequently opened and closed to load and unload cargo. The front panel 12 is located below the top panel 11 and above the bottom panel 16, with the main surface of the front panel 12 parallel to the Z direction. The main surface of the front panel 12 is approximately perpendicular to the main surface of the top panel 11 and also approximately perpendicular to the main surface of the bottom panel 16. The front panel 12 is located between the left panel 14 and the right panel 15, with the main surface of the front panel 12 approximately perpendicular to the main surface of the left panel 14 and also approximately perpendicular to the main surface of the right panel. The front panel 12 is located closer to the +X direction than the rear panel 13, and the main surface of the front panel 12 is approximately parallel to the main surface of the rear panel 13.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the process of changing the front panel 12 of the panel container 30 from an assembled state to a folded state, viewing the vicinity of the front panel 12 from above without the top panel 11. As shown in FIGS. 7(a), (b), and (c), the front panel 12 has a foldable structure and is composed of a first front partial panel 12a arranged on the first side frame 51 side, a second front partial panel 12b arranged in the middle, and a third front partial panel 12c arranged on the second side frame 52 side. The first front partial panel 12a is foldably attached to the left panel 14 via a first front hinge member 22a. The second front partial panel 12b is foldably attached to the first front partial panel 12a via a second front hinge member 22b. The third front partial panel 12c is foldably attached to the second front partial panel 12b via a third front hinge member 22c.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 1, the first front partial panel 12a, the second front partial panel 12b, and the third front partial panel 12c are all arranged parallel to the up-down direction in the assembled state. On the other hand, in the folded state, as shown in Fig. 3, the first front partial panel 12a is arranged on the +X direction side of the left side panel 14. The second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are folded so as to overlap each other, rotate around the Z axis direction as the rotation axis, and arranged on the -Y direction side of the left side panel 14. At this time, the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are folded and arranged around the outer periphery of the first side frame 51, and are in a state substantially parallel to the left side panel 14.

[0063] In this way, by positioning the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c outward from the first side frame 51, i.e., on the -Y direction side, in the folded state, it is possible to ensure a wide storage space 20 for storing loads. Furthermore, when the bottom plate 58 is rotated toward the second side frame 52 and lifted, the first front partial panel 12a, the second front partial panel 12b, and the third front partial panel 12c are prevented from interfering with the bottom plate 58 during rotation.

[0064] When the panel container 30 is in an assembled state, the Y-direction width of the first front partial panel 12a is shorter than the Y-direction widths of the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c, and the Y-direction width of the second front partial panel 12b is approximately the same as the Y-direction width of the third front partial panel 12c. Also, the Y-direction widths of the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are approximately the same as the X-direction width of the first side frame 51 or longer than the X-direction width of the first side frame 51.

[0065] The front panel 12 is detachably connected to the adjacent top panel 11 on the upper side by detachable members 33a and 33b. Specifically, the second front partial panel 12b is detachably connected to the second top partial panel 11b by detachable member 33a, and the third front partial panel 12c is detachably connected to the second top partial panel 11b by detachable member 33b.

[0066] The front panel 12 is detachably connected to the adjacent bottom panel 16 below it by detachable members 34a and 34b. Specifically, the second front partial panel 12b is detachably connected to the bottom panel 16 by detachable member 34a, and the third front partial panel 12c is detachably connected to the bottom panel 16 by detachable member 34b. Furthermore, the front panel 12 is detachably connected to the adjacent right panel 15 on the +Y direction side by a detachable member 35.

[0067] (ii) Rear Panel When the panel container 30 is in an assembled state, the rear panel 13 is a panel that is arranged on the -X direction side of the top panel 11, the front panel 12, the left panel 14, the right panel 15, and the bottom panel 16. Like the front panel 12, the rear panel 13 is arranged below the top panel 11 and above the bottom panel 16, with the main surface of the rear panel 13 oriented parallel to the Z direction.

[0068] 8 is a plan view showing the process of changing the rear panel 13 of the panel container 30 from an assembled state to a folded state, and shows the rear panel 13 and its vicinity from above without the top panel 11. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the rear panel 13 has a foldable structure and is composed of a first rear partial panel 13a arranged on the first side frame 51 side and a second rear partial panel 13b arranged on the second side frame 52 side. The first rear partial panel 13a is fixed to the left panel 14, and the second rear partial panel 13b is foldably attached to the first rear partial panel 13a via the first rear hinge member 23a.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 1, the first rear partial panel 13a and the second rear partial panel 13b are both arranged parallel to the vertical direction in the assembled state. On the other hand, in the folded state, as shown in Fig. 3, the first rear partial panel 13a does not move, and the second rear partial panel 13b is folded over the first rear partial panel 13a and arranged approximately parallel to the ZY plane. In this way, in the folded state, by removing the second rear partial panel 13b, approximately half of the area on the +Y direction side of the rear panel 13 is opened. Note that depending on how the first rear partial panel 13a and the second rear partial panel 13b are folded, the entire area of ​​the rear panel 13 in the Y direction may be opened.

[0070] The rear panel 13 is detachably connected to the adjacent top panel 11 on the upper side by detachable members 31a and 31b. Specifically, the first rear partial panel 13a is detachably connected to the second top panel 11b by the detachable member 31a, and the second rear partial panel 13b is detachably connected to the second top partial panel 11b by the detachable member 31b.

[0071] (iii) Left panel The left panel 14 is adjacent to the first side frame 51 and is located on the -Y direction side of the first side frame 51 in both the assembled and folded states of the panel container 30. Like the front panel 12 and the back panel 13, the left panel 14 is located below the top panel 11 and above the bottom panel 16, with the main surface of the left panel 14 oriented parallel to the Z direction. The left panel 14 is composed of a single plate-shaped member. The left panel 14 does not move relative to the first side frame 51 in both the assembled and folded states of the panel container 30, and is large enough to cover the entire -Y direction side of the first side frame 51. The left panel 14 is fixed to the first side frame 51 by a connecting means (not shown). The left panel 14 may be detachably fixed to the first side frame 51.

[0072] (iv) Right panel The right panel 15 is adjacent to the second side frame 52 in both the assembled and folded states of the panel container 30 and is disposed on the +Y direction side of the second side frame 52. Like the left panel 14, the right panel 15 is disposed below the top panel 11 and above the bottom panel 16, with the main surface of the right panel 15 oriented approximately parallel to the Z direction. Like the left panel 14, the right panel 15 is composed of a single plate-shaped member. Furthermore, in both the assembled and folded states of the panel container 30, the right panel 15 does not move relative to the second side frame 52 and is large enough to cover the entire +Y direction side of the second side frame 52. The right panel 15 is fixed to the second side frame 52 by connecting means (not shown). Like the left panel 14, the right panel 15 may be detachably fixed to the second side frame 52.

[0073] The right side panel 15 is detachably connected to the adjacent top panel 11 on the upper side by a detachable member 32. Specifically, the right side panel 15 is detachably connected to the second top panel 11b by a detachable member 32. The right side panel 15 is also detachably connected to the adjacent front panel 12 on the +X direction side by a detachable member 35. Specifically, the right side panel 15 is detachably connected to the third front partial panel 12c by a detachable member 35.

[0074] (e) Bottom panel The bottom panel 16 is a panel that is arranged below the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the left panel 14, and the right panel 15 when the panel container 30 is in an assembled state. The bottom panel 16 is arranged above the bottom plate 58 of the cart body 50 and between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52, with the main surface of the bottom panel 16 oriented approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The bottom panel 16 is made of a single plate-shaped member, and can be folded by lifting it against the first side frame 51 via a bottom hinge member (not shown).

[0075] The bottom panel 16 is detachably connected to the adjacent front panel 12 on the +X direction side by detachable members 34a and 34b. Specifically, the bottom panel 16 is detachably connected to the second front partial panel 12b by detachable member 34a, and is detachably connected to the third front partial panel 12c by detachable member 34b.

[0076] (f) Top panel As shown in Figure 1, the top panel 11 is a panel that is positioned above the front panel 12, back panel 13, left panel 14, and right panel 15 when the panel container 30 is in an assembled state, and is oriented so that the main surface of the top panel 11 is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0077] 9 and 10 are front views showing the process of changing the top panel 11 of the panel container 30 from an assembled state to a folded state, and are views of the top panel 11 and its vicinity from the +X direction without the front panel 12. As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) and 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c), the top panel 11 has a foldable structure and is composed of a first top partial panel 11a arranged on the first side frame 51 side and a second top partial panel 11b arranged on the second side frame 52 side. When the panel container 30 is in an assembled state, the length in the Y direction of the second top partial panel 11b of the top panel 11 is longer than the length in the Y direction of the first top partial panel 11a. The first top partial panel 11a is foldably attached to the left panel 14 via a first top hinge member 21c. The second top surface partial panel 11b is foldably attached to the first top surface partial panel 11a via a second top surface hinge member 21d.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9( a), a heat storage material storage section 70 is attached to the main surface of the top panel 11 facing the storage space 20, i.e., the inner surface. The heat storage material refers to a material capable of maintaining a low temperature for a certain period of time to keep the storage space 20 at a temperature lower than room temperature, and a material capable of maintaining a predetermined temperature for a certain period of time to keep the storage space 20 at a predetermined temperature above room temperature. This includes materials called or described as ice packs, ice packs, heat insulators, heat storage materials, or cold storage materials. The heat storage material storage section 70 has a gap therein that can accommodate the heat storage material. The heat storage material storage section 70 may have a structure that allows a lid to be closed with a zipper or hook-and-loop fastener to prevent the stored heat storage material from falling out. The heat storage material storage section 70 may be formed from a fabric, nonwoven fabric, mesh structure, wire mesh structure, or other material with many gaps to facilitate the transfer of cold air and heat from the heat storage material to the storage space 20.

[0079] When using a heat storage material for the purpose of keeping things cool, since cold air convection flows from the top to the bottom, it is effective to fix the heat storage material to the inner surface of the top panel as shown in Figure 9(a). However, if a large number of heat storage materials are attached to the inner surface of the top panel 11, the weight of the attached heat storage materials will cause the top panel 11 to sag downward.

[0080] 1 and 9(a), the -Y end, +Y end, and +X end of top panel 11 are supported from below by the end face of left panel 14, the upper end of side frame 52, and the end face of front panel 12, respectively, but the -X end of top panel 11 is supported only by detachable members 31a and 31b because no other panel ends are located below it. These parts of top panel 11 other than the ends, i.e., the central parts of top panel 11 in the X and Y directions, are not supported from below and are susceptible to the load of the heat storage material, so the top panel 11 elastically deforms downward, i.e., bends, due to the relationship between the elastic modulus of the materials of top panel 11, the weight of top panel 11 itself, and the load of the heat storage material.

[0081] When the downward deflection of the top panel 11 increases, the apparent length of the top panel in the Y direction decreases, thereby reducing the area where the +Y direction end of the top panel 11 comes into contact with the upper end of the lower second side frame 52. When the deflection increases further and the length of the top panel in the Y direction decreases, the +Y direction end of the top panel 11 no longer comes into contact with the upper end of the lower second side frame 52, causing the top panel 11 to fall off downward.

[0082] The top panel 11 of this embodiment is composed of a first top partial panel 11a arranged on the first side frame 51 side and a second top partial panel 11b arranged on the second side frame 52 side. The first top partial panel 11a is foldably attached to the left panel 14 via a first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b is foldably attached to the first top partial panel 11a via a second top hinge member 21d.

[0083] 9(b), the left panel 14 and the first top surface partial panel 11a are connected by a first top surface hinge member 21c, and the first top surface partial panel 11a is foldable relative to the left surface panel 14. The first top surface partial panel 11a and the second top surface partial panel 11b are connected by a second top surface hinge member 21d, and the second top surface partial panel 11b is foldable relative to the first top surface partial panel 11a.

[0084] The first top hinge member 21c connects the upper end of the outer surface of the left panel 14 to the inner surface of the first top partial panel 11a, and the second top hinge member 21d connects the inner surface of the first top partial panel 11a to the inner surface of the second top partial panel 11b.

[0085] When first top hinge member 21c is the first hinge portion, second top hinge member 21d is the second hinge portion, first top partial panel 11a is the first partial panel, and second top partial panel 11b is the second partial panel, the first partial panel is connected to the left panel via the first hinge portion, the first partial panel is provided with a second hinge portion, and the second partial panel is foldably connected to the first partial panel via the second hinge portion. Furthermore, the first hinge portion is provided along the outer surface of the left panel, and the second hinge portions are provided along the inner surfaces of the top panel, i.e., along the inner surfaces of the first and second partial panels.

[0086] With this structure, when a force is applied to the first top partial panel 11a tending to rotate the first top partial panel 11a clockwise, a pulling force acts between the outer surface of the left panel 14 and the end face of the first top partial panel 11a on the -Y direction side. However, the first top hinge member 21c prevents the first top partial panel 11a from moving away from the left panel 14, thereby preventing the first top partial panel 11a from rotating clockwise. Compared to when the first top hinge member 21c connects the upper end of the inner surface of the left panel 14 to the first top partial panel 11a, the top panel 11 has a structure that makes it more difficult for the first top partial panel 11a to rotate clockwise.

[0087] Furthermore, when a force is applied to rotate the second top surface partial panel 11b counterclockwise relative to the first top surface partial panel 11a, a force pulling the inner surface of the +Y-direction end of the first top surface partial panel 11a and the inner surface of the -Y-direction end of the second top surface partial panel 11b against each other acts. However, the second top surface hinge member 21d prevents the second top surface partial panel 11b from moving away from the first top surface partial panel 11a, thereby preventing the second top surface partial panel 11b from rotating counterclockwise. Compared to when the second top surface hinge member 21d connects the outer surface of the first top surface partial panel 11a and the outer surface of the second top surface partial panel 11b, the top surface panel 11 has a structure that makes it more difficult for the second top surface partial panel 11b to rotate counterclockwise.

[0088] 9(b) and 10(a)(b), when folding the top panel 11, by slightly lifting the second top partial panel 11b of the top panel 11 upward, the first top partial panel 11a can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the left panel 14 via the first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b can be rotated clockwise relative to the first top partial panel 11a via the second top hinge member 21d. This creates a gap along the Y direction between the tip of the second top partial panel 11b on the +Y direction side and the second side frame 52, making it possible to easily fold the second top partial panel 11b to a position adjacent to the first side frame 51.

[0089] The hinge members used for the first top panel hinge member 21c and the second top panel hinge member 21d can be made of various mechanisms and materials that allow one of the two panels to be folded, i.e., rotated, relative to the other panel. For example, a flexible, bendable fabric material, a resin film, or a metal film may be used. A resin or metal hinge may also be used. In this disclosure, a hinge refers to a component that is composed of a combination of two or more pieces, particularly made of resin or metal, and has a structure in which one of the two pieces can rotate only around a predetermined axis fixed to the other piece.

[0090] As described above, the top panel 11 is designed to not easily fall off downwards even under the load of the heat storage material, etc. In addition, the top panel 11 is detachably connected to the adjacent front panel 12 on the +X direction side and the adjacent back panel 13 on the -X direction side by detachable members, which makes it even more difficult for the top panel 11 to fall off downwards.

[0091] The second top surface partial panel 11b is detachably connected to the second front partial panel 12b by a detachable member 33a, and the second top surface partial panel 11b is also detachably connected to the third front partial panel 12c by a detachable member 33b. The second top surface partial panel 11b is detachably connected to the first back partial panel 13a by a detachable member 31a, and the second top surface partial panel 11b is also detachably connected to the second back partial panel 13b by a detachable member 31b.

[0092] The detachable members 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b can be flexible, elongated strip-like members that can be placed across the two panels, and can be made of, for example, a cloth material, a resin film, or a metal film. The detachable members 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b have a structure that allows one of the two panels to be detachably engaged with the other panel, and this can be, for example, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners. Alternatively, they can have a pair of male and female buttons, or a metal or resin clasp structure known as a snap lock or a snap lock. The detachable members 32, 34a, 34b, and 35 can also have a similar structure.

[0093] When the front panel 12 is the first side panel, the back panel 13 is the second side panel, the detachable members 33a and 33b are the first engaging members, the detachable members 31a and 31b are the second engaging members, and the second top partial panel 11b is the second partial panel, the first engaging member detachably engages the second partial panel with the first side panel, and the second engaging member detachably engages the second partial panel with the second side panel.

[0094] As a result, even when the second partial panel is subjected to the load of the heat storage material, etc., the first engaging member and the second engaging member engage with the first side panel and the second side panel, effectively preventing the second partial panel from falling off downwards.

[0095] Furthermore, the first engaging member and the second engaging member are structured to easily disengage the engagement state between the second partial panel and the first side panel, and the engagement state between the second partial panel and the second side panel, and therefore do not hinder the workability of folding the top panel 11 of the panel container 30.

[0096] Furthermore, because the main surface of rear panel 13, which is the second side panel, abuts against the end surface of second top partial panel 11b, rear panel 13 cannot directly support top panel 11 from below. Therefore, in such a panel abutment structure, it is effective to provide detachable members 31a and 31b, which are engaging members, to prevent top panel 11 from falling off rear panel 13. Note that although front panel 12 is referred to as the first side panel and rear panel 13 as the second side panel, the same applies if rear panel 13 is referred to as the first side panel and front panel 12 as the second side panel.

[0097] Fig. 10(c) is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 10(b), which is near the left panel 14 and the first side frame 51. When folding the top panel 11, it is preferable that the second top partial panel 11b of the top panel 11 be positioned as close as possible in the Y direction to the bottom panel 16, which was folded first, as shown in Fig. 10(c).

[0098] When the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first top hinge member 21c along the inner surface of the top panel 11 is defined as the first direction, the width of the first top partial panel 11a along the first direction may be within a range of 1.0 to 2.0 times the sum of the thickness of the left panel 14, which is the side panel 17 having the first top hinge member 21c, and the bottom panel 16, and the thickness of the first side frame 51 along the thickness direction of the left panel 14, which is the side panel 17.

[0099] In Figure 10(c), the width of the first top surface partial panel 11a along the first direction is the width along the Y direction, so this is called W11a, and the thicknesses of the left surface panel 14, the first side frame 51 and the bottom surface panel 16 are their respective lengths along the Y direction, so these are called D14, D51 and D16, and the sum of D14, D51 and D16 is called DT, so it is preferable that W11a is within the range of 1.0 times DT to 2.0 times DT.

[0100] With W11a at this value, the first top partial panel 11a has a width that is approximately the sum of the thickness of the left panel 14, the thickness of the first side frame 51, and the thickness of the previously folded bottom panel 16. Therefore, when the top panel 11 is folded downward, the bottom panel 16 is not damaged, and the second top partial panel 11b can be moved toward the -Y direction, creating sufficient space on the +Y direction side. Therefore, other folded transport carts 10 can be easily nested on the transport cart 10.

[0101] Furthermore, although this embodiment is premised on the assumption that the panel container 30 is attached to the dolly body 50 and used as the transport dolly 10, it can also be applied to cases where the panel container 30 is used alone. In this case, the range of the width of the first top surface partial panel 11a in FIG. 10(c) can be considered assuming that the first side frame 51 does not exist. Therefore, when the panel container 30 is used alone, the width W11a along the Y direction of the first top surface partial panel 11a is preferably within the range of 1.0 to 2.0 times DT2, where DT2 is the sum of D14 and D16. This allows the second top surface partial panel 11b to be moved toward the -Y direction, creating sufficient space on the +Y direction side.

[0102] (g) Folding and erecting panel containers Next, we will explain the action of folding and assembling the panel container 30 attached to the transport cart 10. Figures 7 to 10 are diagrams that explain some of the steps of sequentially disassembling the panel container 30 attached to the transport cart 10.

[0103] (i) Folding of panel container First, as shown in Fig. 1, it is assumed that six panels 11 to 16 of a panel container 30 of a transport cart 10 are assembled into a box shape. A storage space 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed inside each panel 11 to 16. Although not shown, food or other cargo may be stored in the storage space 20.

[0104] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the front panel 12 is folded, thereby transitioning the front panel from the assembled state to the folded state. First, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the detachable member 35 is removed from the right panel 15. Similarly, the detachable members 33a and 33b are removed from the top panel 11, and the detachable members 34a and 34b are removed from the bottom panel. Next, the third front partial panel 12c is folded so as to overlap the second front partial panel 12b. Specifically, the third front partial panel 12c rotates clockwise in a plan view relative to the second front partial panel 12b around the third front hinge member 22c.

[0105] Next, as shown in Figure 7(b), the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c overlap each other, and in this state, the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c rotate clockwise in a planar view relative to the first front partial panel 12a around the second front hinge member 22b.

[0106] 7(c), the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c move to the outer periphery of the first side frame 51, i.e., to the periphery on the -Y and +X sides of the first side frame 51. Specifically, the first front partial panel 12a rotates clockwise relative to the left side panel 14 around the first front hinge member 22a in a plan view. At this time, the first front partial panel 12a is positioned on the +X side of the left side panel 14, and the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are positioned on the -Y side of the first side frame 51. In this way, the front panel 12 is folded, and as shown in FIG. 2, the front side of the panel container 30 of the transport cart 10 is completely opened. Note that if a load is stored in the storage space 20, the load may be removed from the front side in this state.

[0107] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the bottom panel 16 is folded, causing the bottom panel 16 to transition from the assembled state to the folded state. Specifically, the bottom panel 16 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the first side frame 51 when viewed from the front. This causes the bottom panel 16 to be folded so that it overlaps the +Y direction side of the first side frame 51. In this case, the bottom panel 16 is attached to the first side frame 51 by a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown).

[0108] 3, the bottom plate 58 is folded, whereby the bottom plate 58 transitions from the assembled state to the folded state. The bottom plate 58 rotates clockwise relative to the second side frame 52 in a front view, and is folded so as to overlap the -Y direction side of the second side frame 52. In this case, the bottom plate 58 is attached to the second side frame 52 by fixing means (not shown).

[0109] Next, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the rear panel 13 is folded, thereby changing the rear panel 13 from the assembled state to the folded state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the detachable members 31a and 31b that engage the top panel 11 and the rear panel 13 are removed from the rear panel 13. Next, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the detachable member 36 that engages the second rear partial panel 13b and the right panel 15 is removed from the right panel 15. Thereafter, the second rear partial panel 13b is rotated counterclockwise in a plan view relative to the first rear partial panel 13a. As a result, the second rear partial panel 13b is folded so as to overlap the first rear partial panel 13a and is positioned on the -X direction side of the first rear partial panel 13a. Meanwhile, the first rear partial panel 13a maintains the same position in the folded state as in the assembled state.

[0110] Finally, as shown in Figures 9(a)(b) and 10(a)(b), the top panel 11 is folded, changing the top panel 11 from the assembled state to the folded state. First, as shown in Figures 9(a)(b), the detachable member 32 is removed from the right panel 15. Next, the first top partial panel 11a is rotated counterclockwise in a front view relative to the left panel 14 around the first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b is rotated clockwise in a front view relative to the first top partial panel 11a around the second top hinge member 21d.

[0111] 10(a) and 10(b), the second top surface partial panel 11b moves toward the +Y direction of the first side frame 51. Specifically, the first top surface partial panel 11a rotates clockwise in a front view relative to the left panel 14 around the first top surface hinge member 21c, and the second top surface partial panel 11b rotates clockwise in a front view relative to the first top surface partial panel 11a around the second top surface hinge member 21d. As a result, the second top surface partial panel 11b is folded downward and arranged so as to hang down from the first top surface partial panel 11a. At this time, the second top surface partial panel 11b is arranged on the +Y direction side of the first side frame 51 so as to be adjacent to the first side frame 51.

[0112] In this way, all six panels 11 to 16 of the panel container 30 of the transport cart 10 are in a folded state. When the transport cart 10 is not in use, the panels 11 to 16 of the panel container 30 can be folded to make the overall volume as small as possible for storage and transportation. Note that, although the above description has been given of folding in the order of the front panel 12, bottom panel 16, rear panel 13, and top panel 11, it is also possible to fold in the order of the front panel 12, bottom panel 16, top panel 11, and rear panel.

[0113] (ii) Assembly of the panel container The panel container 30 of the transport cart 10 can be assembled by performing the above-described folding method in the reverse order.

[0114] That is, first, start with the reverse operations of Figures 9(a)(b) and Figures 10(a)(b). The top panel 11 is brought from a folded state to an assembled state. After that, the detachable member 32 is attached to the right panel 15. Next, perform the reverse operations of Figures 8(a)(b). That is, the back panel 13 is brought from a folded state to an assembled state, and then the detachable members 31a and 31b are attached to bring the back panel 13 and the top panel 11 into an engaged state.

[0115] Next, the bottom plate 58 and bottom panel 16 are brought from their folded state to their assembled state. Then, the reverse process of Figures 7(a), (b), and (c) is performed. That is, the front panel 12 is brought from its folded state to its assembled state. After that, the detachable members 33a and 33b are attached, and the top panel 11 and the front panel 12 are brought into an engaged state. Furthermore, the detachable member 35 is attached, and the right panel 15 and the front panel 12 are brought into an engaged state. In this way, the assembly work of the panels 11 to 16 is completed. The assembly order can also be the back panel 13, the top panel 11, the bottom panel 16, and the front panel 12.

[0116] In this embodiment, the panel container 30 having panels 11 to 16 is integrated with the cart body 50 to form the transport cart 10, and it has been explained that the panel container 30 can be assembled and folded when attached to the transport cart 10, but this is not limited to this, and the panel container 30 may also be used in an independent state, separate from the cart body 50.

[0117] 2. Variations The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible, and are within the scope of the present disclosure. Some modifications are listed below.

[0118] (a) Variation 1 11 is a partial view of a panel receptacle 30A according to a first modified example of the present embodiment, showing the top panel 11 and its vicinity from the +X direction without the front panel 12. FIG. 11(a) shows the top panel 11 of the panel receptacle 30A in an assembled state. The upper end of the second side frame 52A of the panel receptacle 30A is provided with a fall-prevention piece 81 that abuts against the inner surface of the second top partial panel 11b of the top panel 11. As a result, the tip of the second top partial panel 11b of the assembled top panel 11, i.e., the inner surface closer to the right panel 15, abuts not only against the upper end of the second side frame 52A but also against the fall-prevention piece 81 provided on the -Y direction side of the second side frame 52A.

[0119] In this modified panel container 30A, by attaching a heat storage material to the top panel 11, downward bending of the top panel 11 occurs, and even if the tip of the second top partial panel 11b shifts in the -Y direction, the anti-fall-off piece 81 can abut against the inner surface of the tip of the second top partial panel 11b, making it even less likely that the top panel 11 will come off the second side frame 52A and fall downward.

[0120] The method of folding the top panel 11 is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, as shown in Fig. 11(b), by slightly lifting the second top partial panel 11b of the top panel 11 upward, the first top partial panel 11a can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the left panel 14 via the first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b can be rotated clockwise relative to the first top partial panel 11a via the second top hinge member 21d. This creates a gap along the Y direction between the tip of the second top partial panel 11b on the Y direction side and the second side frame 52A, so that the second top partial panel 11b can be easily folded to a position adjacent to the first side frame 51.

[0121] In this modification, the cross section of the fall-off prevention piece 81 taken on the YZ plane is substantially triangular, but is not limited thereto and may be any shape, such as a rectangle, polygon, circle, or shape surrounded by a curved surface. The fall-off prevention piece 81 may be made of a hard resin, metal, carbon, or the like, or may be made of a soft resin such as rubber, foamed resin, or the like. The fall-off prevention piece 81 may be fixed to the second side frame 52A, or may be detachably attached. The fall-off prevention piece 81 may be provided so as to extend continuously along the X direction, or may be provided so as to be spaced apart along the X direction.

[0122] Although this modification relates to the panel container 30A provided on the transport cart 10, it can also be applied when the panel container is used alone. In this case, as shown in the panel container 30B in FIG. 11(c), the anti-fall piece 81 can be provided directly on the inner surface of the upper end of the right panel 15A, rather than on the upper end of the second side frame. This allows the tip of the second top panel 11b of the top panel 11 in the assembled state to abut against the anti-fall piece 81 provided on the inner surface of the right panel 15A, making it even more difficult for the top panel 11 to fall downward even when the top panel 11 bends downward. Note that the anti-fall piece 81 is not limited to being provided on the second side frame 52 or the right panel 15, but may also be provided on the front panel 12 or the back panel 13, which are side panels 17 that do not have the first top hinge member 21c.

[0123] (b) Modification 2 12A and 12B are front views partially illustrating a panel receptacle 30C according to a second modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 12A illustrates the top panel 11D of the panel receptacle 30C in an assembled state. The top panel 11D of the panel receptacle 30C is provided with a hook-shaped guide portion 82 that protrudes from the outer surface of the right panel 15. The guide portion 82 is positioned at the tip of the second top panel 11b on the +Y direction side, protruding to the outer surface of the right panel 15 on the +Y direction side so as to straddle the upper end of the right panel 15.

[0124] As a result, when the top panel 11D is in an assembled state, even if the top panel 11D bends downward due to a heat storage material or the like, the guide portion 82 prevents the tip of the second top partial panel 11b from shifting in the -Y direction. In other words, if the tip of the second top partial panel 11b tries to shift in the -Y direction, the guide portion 82, which protrudes in a hook shape from the upper end of the right panel 15 to the outer surface, presses the right panel 15 in the -Y direction from the outer surface, thereby minimizing shifting of the second top partial panel 11b. This makes it even more unlikely that the top panel 11D will come off the second side frame 52 and fall downward.

[0125] The method of folding the top panel 11D is the same as in Variation 1. That is, as shown in Fig. 12(b), by slightly lifting the second top partial panel 11b of the top panel 11D upward, the first top partial panel 11a can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the left panel 14 via the first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b can be rotated clockwise relative to the first top partial panel 11a via the second top hinge member 21d. This creates a gap along the Y direction between the tip of the second top partial panel 11b on the Y direction side and the second side frame 52, making it possible to easily fold the second top partial panel 11b to a position adjacent to the first side frame 51.

[0126] Although the guide portion 82 has been exemplified as having a substantially L-shaped cross section taken along the YZ plane, the cross section is not limited to this and any shape can be selected as long as it is capable of protruding from the outer surface of the right side panel 15. The guide portion 82 may be made of a hard resin, metal, carbon, or the like, or a soft resin, foamed resin, or the like. The guide portions 82 may be provided so as to extend continuously along the X direction, or may be provided at intervals along the X direction.

[0127] (c) Variation 3 FIG. 13 is a front view partially illustrating a panel receptacle 30D of a third modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 13(a) illustrates the top panel 11E of the panel receptacle 30D in an assembled state. FIG. 13(b) is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 13(a), showing the vicinity of the contact point between the top panel 11E and the left panel 14. FIG. 13(c) is an explanatory view of the portion of FIG. 13(b), showing the top panel 11E transitioning to a folded state. The second top hinge member 21e of the top panel 11E of this panel receptacle 30D is composed of a hinge 84 provided on the inner surface of the top panel 11E. While the hinge 84 is typically made of metal for strength reasons, it may also be made of resin or a combination of resin and metal.

[0128] An auxiliary beam 83 is provided on the inner surface of the top panel 11E, extending from near the contact point with the left panel 14 to near the contact point with the right panel 15 in a front view. The auxiliary beam 83 is composed of a first auxiliary beam 83a and a second auxiliary beam 83b. The first top partial panel 11a is provided on the inner surface of the first top partial panel 11a, extending from near the contact point with the left panel 14 to near the second top hinge member 21e in a front view. The second top partial panel 11b is provided on the inner surface of the second top partial panel 11b, extending from near the contact point with the right panel 15 to near the second top hinge member 21e in a front view. Hinges 84 are joined to each of the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b.

[0129] The auxiliary beam 83 can be made of various materials such as metal, resin, or carbon, as long as they have enough strength to prevent the top panel 11E from bending, and can have various shapes such as square beam, pipe, or plate. The auxiliary beam 83 may extend with a continuous width along the X direction, or multiple narrow beams may be provided spaced apart along the X direction. Furthermore, the hinge 84 may be provided at only one location, or multiple hinges may be provided along the X direction.

[0130] 13(b), when the top panel 11E is in the assembled state, a first auxiliary beam 83a is provided on the inner surface of the lower side of the first top partial panel 11a, a second auxiliary beam 83b is provided on the inner surface of the lower side of the second top partial panel 11b, and a hinge 84 arranged between the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b is joined to each of the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b. The end face of the first top partial panel 11a on the +Y side and the end face of the second top partial panel 11b on the -Y side are in contact with each other above the hinge 84 constituting the second top hinge member 21e. The end face of the first auxiliary beam 83a on the +Y side and the end face of the second auxiliary beam 83b on the -Y side are in contact with each other above the hinge 84.

[0131] When top panel 11E is subjected to a force that causes it to bend downward due to the load of the heat storage material or the like, first top partial panel 11a attempts to deform in a direction rotating clockwise in a front view relative to left panel 14 around first top hinge member 21c, and second top partial panel 11b attempts to deform in a direction rotating counterclockwise in a front view relative to first top partial panel 11a around second top hinge member 21e. At this time, because hinge 84 joins first auxiliary beam 83a and second auxiliary beam 83b, first auxiliary beam 83a and second auxiliary beam 83b compress each other via their contact surfaces along the XZ plane.

[0132] When the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b are not in contact, the first top surface partial panel 11a and the second top surface partial panel 11b compress each other via their contact surfaces along the XZ plane, causing the upper portions of the end faces of the first top surface partial panel 11a and the second top surface partial panel 11b to undergo elastic deformation, causing the top surface panel 11E to bend downward.

[0133] However, in this modified example, the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b are in contact with each other, thereby reducing the elastic deformation of the first top surface partial panel 11a and the second top surface partial panel 11b and preventing the top surface panel 11E from bending downward.

[0134] 13(c), when folding the top panel 11E, the second top partial panel 11b is lifted slightly upward, the first top partial panel 11a is rotated counterclockwise relative to the left panel 14 via the first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b is rotated clockwise relative to the first top partial panel 11a via the second top hinge member 21e. This allows the top panel 11E to be easily folded, similar to the panel container 30 of the first embodiment.

[0135] In this modified example, the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b abut against each other to prevent the first top surface partial panel 11a and the second top surface partial panel 11b from bending downward, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, as shown in Fig. 13(b), the hinge 84 itself may have a mechanism for limiting the rotation angle so that the second top surface partial panel 11b cannot rotate counterclockwise relative to the first top surface partial panel 11a after the top surface panel 11E is assembled. In this case, the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b may be spaced apart rather than abutting each other when the top surface panel 11E is assembled.

[0136] (d) Variation 4 Fig. 14 is a partial front view of a panel receptacle 30E of Modification 4, which is similar to Modification 3 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14(a), the top panel 11F of the panel receptacle 30E has auxiliary beams and hinges, as in Modification 3, but the number of auxiliary beams is increased to three instead of two, and the number of hinges is increased to two instead of one. Fig. 14(a) shows the top panel 11F in an assembled state, and the top panel 11F is composed of a first top partial panel 11a arranged on the first side frame 51 side, a third top partial panel 11c arranged on the second side frame 52 side, and a second top partial panel 11b arranged between the first top partial panel 11a and the third top partial panel 11c.

[0137] The first top surface partial panel 11a is foldably attached to the left panel 14 via a first top surface hinge member 21c. The second top surface partial panel 11b is foldably attached to the first top surface partial panel 11a via a second top surface hinge member 21e. Furthermore, the third top surface partial panel 11c is foldably attached to the second top surface partial panel 11b via a third top surface hinge member 21f.

[0138] The second top hinge member 21e of the top panel 11F is composed of a hinge 84 provided on the inner surface of the top panel 11F. The third top hinge member 21f of the top panel 11F is composed of a hinge 85 provided on the inner surface of the top panel 11F.

[0139] An auxiliary beam 83 is provided on the inner surface of the top panel 11F, extending from near the contact point with the left panel 14 to near the contact point with the right panel 15 in a front view. The auxiliary beam 83 is composed of a first auxiliary beam 83a, a second auxiliary beam 83b, and a third auxiliary beam 83c. The first top partial panel 11a has a first auxiliary beam 83a that extends from near the contact point with the left panel 14 to near the second top hinge member 21e in a front view. The second top partial panel 11b has a second auxiliary beam 83b that extends from near the contact point with the first top partial panel 11a to near the contact point with the third top partial panel 11c in a front view. The third top partial panel 11c has a third auxiliary beam 83c that extends from near the third top hinge member 21f to near the contact point with the right panel 15 in a front view.

[0140] The hinge 84 is connected to each of the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b, and the hinge 85 is connected to each of the second auxiliary beam 83b and the third auxiliary beam 83c.

[0141] The +Y end face of the first top surface partial panel 11a and the -Y end face of the second top surface partial panel 11b abut against each other above a hinge 84 that constitutes second top surface hinge member 21e, and the +Y end face of the second top surface partial panel 11b and the -Y end face of the third top surface partial panel 11c abut against each other above a hinge 85 that constitutes third top surface hinge member 21f. In addition, the +Y end face of the first auxiliary beam 83a and the -Y end face of the second auxiliary beam 83b abut against each other above hinge 84, and the +Y end face of the second auxiliary beam 83b and the -Y end face of the third auxiliary beam 83c abut against each other above hinge 85.

[0142] When top panel 11F is subjected to a force that causes it to bend downward due to the load of the heat storage material or the like, first top partial panel 11a attempts to deform in a direction rotating clockwise in a front view relative to left panel 14 around first top hinge member 21c, and third top partial panel 11c attempts to deform in a direction rotating counterclockwise in a front view relative to second top partial panel 11b around third top hinge member 21f. At this time, because hinge 84 joins first auxiliary beam 83a and second auxiliary beam 83b and hinge 85 joins second auxiliary beam 83b and third auxiliary beam 83c, first auxiliary beam 83a and second auxiliary beam 83b compress each other via their abutting surfaces along the XZ plane, and second auxiliary beam 83b and third auxiliary beam 83c compress each other via their abutting surfaces along the XZ plane.

[0143] Therefore, as in variant example 3, the first auxiliary beam 83a and the second auxiliary beam 83b abut, and the second auxiliary beam 83b and the third auxiliary beam 83c abut, thereby reducing the elastic deformation of the first top surface partial panel 11a, the second top surface partial panel 11b, and the third top surface partial panel 11c, and preventing the top surface panel 11F from bending downward.

[0144] 14(b), when folding the top panel 11F, the third top partial panel 11c is lifted slightly upward, the first top partial panel 11a is rotated counterclockwise relative to the left panel 14 via the first top hinge member 21c, and the third top partial panel 11c is rotated clockwise relative to the first top partial panel 11a via the third top hinge member 21f. This allows the top panel 11F to be easily folded, similar to the panel container 30 of the first embodiment.

[0145] If auxiliary beams and hinges are not used, i.e., in a structure similar to that of the first embodiment, it is difficult in terms of strength to divide the top panel 11 into three or more sections. However, if auxiliary beams and hinges are used as appropriate, as in this modified example, the strength of the hinge parts connecting the panel deflection and partial panels is increased, suppressing deformation, making it possible to divide the top panel into three or more sections, and increasing the degree of freedom in designing the panel container structure.

[0146] (e) Variation 5 FIG. 15 is a front view partially illustrating a panel receptacle 30F according to Modification 5 of this embodiment. FIG. 15(a) illustrates the top panel 11G of the panel receptacle 30F in an assembled state. FIG. 15(b) is an enlarged view of portion C in FIG. 15(a), illustrating the vicinity of the abutment between the top panel 11G and the left panel 14. FIG. 15(c) is an explanatory view illustrating the portion of FIG. 15(b) when the top panel 11G is about to be folded. As shown in FIG. 15(a), unlike Modifications 3 and 4, the top panel 11G of the panel receptacle 30F includes an auxiliary beam 86 on the outer surface of the top panel 11G, and a pair of anti-reverse folding pieces 87 that abut against each other are provided on the outer surface above the abutment between the first top partial panel and the second top partial panel.

[0147] The auxiliary beams 86 are separately arranged as a first auxiliary beam 86a provided on the outer surface of the first top surface partial panel 11a and a second auxiliary beam 86b provided on the outer surface of the second top surface partial panel 11b. The reverse bending prevention piece 87 is separately arranged as a first reverse bending prevention piece 87a provided on the outer surface of the first top surface partial panel 11a and a second reverse bending prevention piece 87b provided on the outer surface of the second top surface partial panel 11b.

[0148] The reverse bending prevention piece 87 can be made of various materials such as metal, resin, or carbon, as long as it has enough strength to make the top panel 11G less likely to bend downward, and the shape is not limited to a semicircular cross section taken along the YZ plane as exemplified in this modification, but can be any shape such as a triangle, a rectangle, a polygon, a shape surrounded by a curved surface, etc. The reverse bending prevention piece 87 may be provided with a continuous width along the X direction, or multiple narrow pieces may be provided spaced apart along the X direction.

[0149] 15(b), when the top panel 11G is in an assembled state, a first auxiliary beam 86a is provided on the outer surface of the upper side of the first top partial panel 11a, and a second auxiliary beam 86b is provided on the outer surface of the upper side of the second top partial panel 11b. A first reverse bending prevention piece 87a is provided on the outer surface of the first auxiliary beam 86a on the +Y direction side, and a second reverse bending prevention piece 87b is provided on the outer surface of the second auxiliary beam 86b on the -Y direction side, and the first reverse bending prevention piece 87a and the second reverse bending prevention piece 87b are in contact with each other. However, the first reverse bending prevention piece 87a and the second reverse bending prevention piece 87b do not necessarily need to be joined to the first auxiliary beam 86a and the second auxiliary beam 86b, respectively, and a configuration in which the first auxiliary beam 86a and the second auxiliary beam 86b are not provided may also be used.

[0150] When the top panel 11G receives a force tending to bend downward, the first top partial panel 11a deforms around the first top hinge member 21c in a clockwise direction relative to the left panel 14 in a front view, and the second top partial panel 11b deforms around the second top hinge member 21e in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first top partial panel 11a in a front view. At this time, the pair of abutting reverse-folding prevention pieces 87, the first reverse-folding prevention piece 87a and the second reverse-folding prevention piece 87b, press against each other. This reduces the mutual compression between the first top partial panel 11a and the second top partial panel 11b via their abutting surfaces along the XZ plane. As a result, the upper portions of the end faces of the first top partial panel 11a and the second top partial panel 11b undergo elastic deformation, effectively preventing the top panel 11G from bending downward.

[0151] 15(c), when folding the top panel 11G, the second top partial panel 11b is lifted slightly upward, the first top partial panel 11a is rotated counterclockwise relative to the left panel 14 via the first top hinge member 21c, and the second top partial panel 11b is rotated clockwise relative to the first top partial panel 11a via the second top hinge member 21g. The first and second reverse-folding prevention pieces 87a and 87b constituting the pair of reverse-folding prevention pieces 87 move apart and are no longer in contact with each other when the top panel 11G begins to transition even slightly from the assembled state to the folded state. Therefore, when folding the top panel 11G, the reverse-folding prevention pieces 87 do not hinder the operation, and the top panel 11G can be easily folded in the same manner as the panel container 30 of the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 10 Transport cart 11, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G top panel 11a First top panel 11b Second top panel 11c Third top panel 12 Front Panel 12a First front panel 12b Second front panel 12c Third front panel 13 Rear Panel 13a First rear panel 13b Second rear panel 14 Left panel 15, 15A right panel 16 Bottom Panel 17 Side Panel 20 Containment Space 21c First top hinge member 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g Second top hinge member 22a First front hinge member 22b Second front hinge member 22c Third front hinge member 23a First rear hinge member 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F Panel Container 32 Detachable member 31a, 31b Detachable members 33a, 33b Detachable members 34a, 34b Detachable members 35, 36 Detachable members 39 Hook and Loop Fastener 40 Insulation section 41 Vacuum insulation material 41a Core material 41b Exterior material 42 Foam insulation 43 Insulated outer enclosure 44 Heat insulation protection material 45 Heat-shielding sheet 50 Bogie body 51 First side frame 52, 52A Second side frame 53 Connecting member 54 Central connecting column 55, 55a, 55b struts 56 Horizontal Bar 57 Central Frame 58 Bottom plate 61 1st wheel 62 2nd wheel 63 3rd wheel 64 4th wheel 65 5th wheel 66 6th wheel 67 First wheel mounting frame 68 Second wheel mounting frame 69 Third wheel mounting frame 70 Heat storage material storage section 81 Fall prevention piece 82 Guide section 83, 86 Auxiliary beam 83a, 86a 1st auxiliary beam 83b, 86b 2nd auxiliary beam 83c 3rd auxiliary beam 84, 85 Hinges 87 Reverse bending prevention piece 87a 1st reverse bending prevention piece 87b 2nd reverse fold prevention piece

Claims

1. A panel container attached to a carriage body having a first side frame, a second side frame, a connecting member connecting the first side frame and the second side frame to each other, and a bottom plate attached to the connecting member so as to be rotatable, The device comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plurality of side panels adjacent to each other, each of which is foldable; The bottom panel can be folded to a position adjacent to either the first side frame or the second side frame, The bottom plate can be folded to a position adjacent to either of the other side frames, The side panel is provided with a first hinge portion, the top panel is foldably connected to the side panel via the first hinge portion, the top panel includes a first partial panel connected to the side panel via the first hinge portion; a second hinge portion provided on the first partial panel; a second partial panel foldably connected to the first partial panel via the second hinge portion, When the side panels that are not provided with the first hinge portion and do not abut each other are the first side panel and the second side panel, a first engagement member that detachably engages the second partial panel and the first side panel; a second engaging member that detachably engages the second partial panel and the second side panel;

2. The panel container according to claim 1 , wherein the top panel is provided with a guide portion that projects from an outer surface of the side panel on which the first hinge portion is not provided when the top panel is closed.

3. 3. The panel container according to claim 1, wherein a main surface of the first side panel or a main surface of the second side panel abuts against an end surface of the second partial panel.

4. The top panel includes a first auxiliary beam disposed on an inner surface of the first partial panel; a second auxiliary beam disposed on the inner surface of the second partial panel; the second hinge portion is configured by a hinge provided on the inner surface of the top panel, The panel container according to claim 1 , wherein the hinge is connected to each of the first auxiliary beam and the second auxiliary beam.

5. 5. The panel container according to claim 1, wherein a pair of anti-reverse folding pieces is provided on the outer surfaces of the first partial panel and the second partial panel of the top panel so as to abut against each other only when the top panel is closed.

6. The panel container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the side panel not provided with the first hinge portion is provided with a fall prevention piece that abuts against the inner surface of the top panel when the top panel is closed.

7. A transport cart comprising: a panel container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, attached to the cart body.

8. The transport cart according to claim 7, wherein the second side frame is provided with a fall-off prevention piece that abuts against the inner surface of the top panel when the top panel is closed.

Images