Refrigerated container

Abstract

To provide a refrigerating container that can restrain a reduction of a cargo space in the interior of the container, and can increase and decrease an interior temperature.SOLUTION: A refrigerating container is configured to be capable of cooling interior gas that is gas in the interior of a container body, and comprises the container body, a circulation line comprising a suction port and a discharge port each provided in the interior of the container body, a compressor configured to compress circulating gas that is the gas sucked into the circulation line via the suction port from the interior of the container body, a heat exchanger configured to cool the circulating gas compressed in the compressor, an expander configured to expand the circulating gas cooled in the heat exchanger, and a warm air introduction line for extracting the circulating gas having a higher temperature than that of the interior gas, from between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the circulation line, and guiding it to the container body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerated container configured to be able to cool gas inside a container body. [Background technology]

[0002] A refrigerated container is a container equipped with a refrigeration function for freezing or refrigerating goods such as cargo stored therein.

[0003] A known conventional air refrigerant type refrigerator takes in air from a chamber that needs to be cooled as a refrigerant, and cools the chamber by directly blowing the refrigerant air cooled by the refrigerator into the chamber (see Patent Document 1). In this refrigerator, air that has been heated to high pressure and temperature in the compressor is cooled in a cooler, and then reduced to low pressure and low temperature in an expander. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3824757 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The air refrigerant chiller described in Patent Document 1 is capable of refrigeration operation to cool the air in a compartment that needs to be cooled, but does not have a function for warming operation to warm the air in the compartment that needs to be cooled. For example, when transporting a refrigerated container, the temperature outside the container (outside air temperature) may be lower than the temperature inside the container. In this case, warming air inside the container is required. However, if a device for warming operation to warm the inside of the container is installed inside the container, the cargo space inside the container will be reduced. Furthermore, if a device for warming operation is installed outside the container, a separate power source, piping, etc. will be required to draw the gas heated by the device into the container, thereby reducing the cargo space inside the container.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerated container that can suppress a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can raise and lower the temperature inside the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerated container comprises: A refrigeration container configured to be able to cool internal gas, which is gas inside the container body, the container body; a circulation line having an inlet and an outlet respectively provided inside the container body; a compressor provided in the circulation line and configured to compress the circulation gas that is the gas sucked into the circulation line from inside the container body through the suction port; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation line and configured to cool the circulation gas compressed in the compressor; an expander provided in the circulation line and configured to expand the circulation gas cooled by the heat exchanger; a warm air introduction line for extracting the circulating gas, which has a higher temperature than the internal gas, from between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the circulating line and guiding the gas to the container body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerated container is provided that can suppress a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can raise and lower the temperature inside the container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container shown in FIG. 1, viewed from another direction; [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3 is a view of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a view of the refrigeration container shown in FIG. 4 as seen from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 3 is a view of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a warm air flow control device for a refrigerated container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a deodorizing device for a refrigerated container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] (Configuration of refrigerated container) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerated container 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container 100 shown in Fig. 1, viewed from another direction. In Fig. 2, the interior of the refrigerated container 100 is shown by omitting some of the walls that constitute the refrigerated container 100.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerated container 100 comprises a container body 1 having an inner space 2 capable of accommodating goods such as cargo. The refrigerated container 100 is configured to be able to cool gas such as air inside the container body 1 (i.e., the inner space 2). The container body 1 has a plurality of walls 4 to 9 that form the inner space 2. Each of the plurality of walls 4 to 9 separates the inner space 2 and an outer space 3 of the container body 1. The plurality of walls 4 to 9 include a ceiling wall 4, a bottom wall 5, a pair of short side walls 6, 7, and a pair of long side walls 8, 9.

[0013] The container body 1 may be a shipping container used for transporting cargo, etc. The container body 1 may be a standard shipping container such as a 10 ft container, a 20 ft container, or a 40 ft container.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the circuit of a refrigeration machine (refrigeration cycle) of a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a diagram of a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 2 (longitudinal direction of the container body 1). Fig. 5 is a diagram of the refrigerated container 100 shown in Fig. 4, viewed from inside the container body 1 in the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 2 (opposite direction to Fig. 4).

[0015] 2 to 5, the inner space 2 of the container body 1 is provided with a blowout section 14 including a blowout port 16 (opening) for blowing gas such as air into the inside of the container body 1, and a suction section 18 including a suction port 20 (opening) for sucking gas such as air into the inside of the container body 1. Note that the blowout section 14 and the suction section 18 are not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0016] (freezer) 3 to 5, the refrigerated container 100 includes a circulation line 22 having the above-mentioned suction port 20 and outlet 16, a compressor 24, a heat exchanger 26, and an expander 28. The compressor 24, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28 are each provided on the circulation line 22. The circulation line 22, the compressor 24, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28 constitute a refrigeration machine (refrigeration cycle) 30 that extracts internal gas, which is the gas inside the container body 1, and uses it as a heat medium. The refrigerated container 100 is capable of adjusting the temperature of the internal gas by the refrigeration machine 30.

[0017] The circulation line 22 is a passage extending from the suction port 20 to the discharge port 16, and allows circulation gas, which is gas sucked from the inside of the container body 1 through the suction port 20, to flow through the circulation line 22. The compressor 24 is configured to compress the gas (circulation gas) sucked into the circulation line 22 from the inside of the container body 1 through the suction port 20. By driving the compressor 24, the gas inside the container body 1 (internal gas) is sucked into the circulation line 22 through the suction port 20. The circulation gas compressed in the compressor 24 is heated and pressurized higher than before it was introduced into the compressor 24, becoming high-temperature, high-pressure gas.

[0018] The heat exchanger 26 is configured to cool the high-temperature, high-pressure circulating gas compressed in the compressor 24. The expander 28 is configured to expand the circulating gas cooled in the heat exchanger 26. The low-temperature circulating gas expanded in the expander 28 is guided to the outlet 16 by the circulation line 22 and blown out from the circulation line 22 into the inside of the container body 1 via the outlet 16.

[0019] The circulation line 22 includes an intake gas line 22A for guiding the circulating gas sucked from the intake port 20 to the compressor 24, a compressed gas line 22B for guiding the circulating gas compressed in the compressor 24 to the expander 28, and an expanded gas line 22C for guiding the circulating gas expanded in the expander 28 to the outlet 16.

[0020] (heat exchanger) The heat exchanger 26 is configured to exchange heat between the circulating gas flowing through the suction gas line 22A and the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B. The circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is compressed in the compressor 24 and has a higher temperature than the circulating gas flowing through the suction gas line 22A. Through the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 26, the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is cooled by the circulating gas flowing through the suction gas line 22A, and the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is heated by the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B. In other words, the heat exchanger 26 includes a low-temperature side heat exchange section 261 provided in the suction gas line 22A and through which the circulating gas flows, and a high-temperature side heat exchange section 262 provided in the compressed gas line 22B and through which the circulating gas flows, so that heat is transferred from the circulating gas flowing through the high-temperature side heat exchange section 262 to the circulating gas flowing through the low-temperature side heat exchange section 261.

[0021] (cooler) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the refrigerated container 100 may further include a cooler 32 provided in the circulation line 22 between the compressor 24 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262). The cooler 32 is provided in the compressed gas line 22B upstream of the heat exchanger 26 and is configured to exchange heat between the circulation gas flowing in the compressed gas line 22B (circulation line 22) and a cooling liquid (e.g., water) that is at a lower temperature than the circulation gas. Through the heat exchange in the cooler 32, the circulation gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B toward the heat exchanger 26 is cooled by the cooling liquid. The circulation gas cooled in the cooler 32 is introduced into the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) through the compressed gas line 22B.

[0022] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the refrigerated container 100 further includes a coolant circulation line 34 for circulating the coolant. The coolant is supplied to the cooler 32 via the coolant circulation line 34. Specifically, the coolant circulation line 34 is provided with a radiator 38 constituting a cooling device 36 for cooling the coolant, and a pump 42 for sending the coolant through the coolant circulation line 34. The cooling device 36 includes the radiator 38 and a fan 40 for air-cooling the radiator 38. The coolant whose temperature has increased in the cooler 32 due to heat exchange with the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is sent to the coolant circulation line 34 by the pump 42 and is cooled by the cooling device 36 including the radiator 38. The coolant cooled by the cooling device 36 is supplied to the cooler 32 via the coolant circulation line 34. The refrigerant circulating through the coolant circulation line 34 is not limited to a liquid state and may be a gas state. The refrigerant circulating through the coolant circulation line 34 may be, for example, a fluorine-based refrigerant (refrigerant gas) such as R-1234ZE, or may be, for example, an antifreeze liquid such as glycol water. The refrigerant circulating through the coolant circulation line 34 preferably has a freezing point lower than that of water.

[0023] (Compressor, expander) In some embodiments, the expander 28 may be coupled to the compressor 24 via a rotating shaft 44. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the refrigerated container 100 further includes an electric motor 46 configured to generate driving force for driving the compressor 24. The compressor 24 includes an electric compressor configured to be driven by the electric motor 46 to compress the circulating gas. The compressor 24 and the expander 28 are coaxially arranged with each other via the rotating shaft 44, which is the output shaft of the electric motor 46 for driving the compressor 24, and are each connected to the rotating shaft 44. The electric motor 46 is supplied with current from a power source (such as a generator) (not shown), and is driven by the current supplied from the power source to drive the rotating shaft 44, the compressor 24, and the expander 28. The expander 28 recovers a portion of the expansion energy generated when the gas expands, and the recovered expansion energy assists in driving the compressor 24.

[0024] 4, each of the suction gas line 22A, the compressed gas line 22B, and the expanded gas line 22C is formed by a pipe. Note that each pipe forming the circulation line 22 may be formed by connecting multiple pipe sections via flanges or the like.

[0025] 4, the piping forming the suction gas line 22A includes a piping 23A provided between the suction port 20 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 26, and a piping 23B provided between the outlet of the heat exchanger 26 and the compressor 24. The piping forming the compressed gas line 22B includes a piping 23C provided between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the inlet of the cooler 32, a piping 23D provided between the outlet of the cooler 32 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 26, and a piping 23E provided between the outlet of the heat exchanger 26 and the inlet of the expander 28. The piping forming the expanded gas line 22C includes a piping 23F provided between the outlet of the expander 28 and the discharge port 16.

[0026] (Warm air introduction line) 6 to 10 and 12 are diagrams each showing a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator 30 of a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (the refrigerated container 100 shown in Fig. 12) as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 2. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 to 12, a refrigerated container 100 according to some embodiments includes the above-described container body 1, the above-described circulation line 22, the above-described compressor 24, the above-described heat exchanger 26, the above-described expander 28, and a warm air introduction line 50.

[0027] The warm air introduction line 50 forms at least a part of a flow path for extracting circulating gas having a higher temperature than the internal gas from between the compressor 24 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) of the circulation line 22 and guiding the gas to the container body 1. As shown in Figs. 4 and 9, each of the warm air introduction lines 50 is formed by piping. Note that each of the piping forming the warm air introduction line 50 may be formed by multiple piping sections connected via flanges or the like.

[0028] The circulating gas flowing between the compressor 24 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) in the circulation line 22 has its temperature and pressure increased by being compressed in the compressor 24, and therefore has a higher temperature and pressure than the gas inside the container. By introducing this circulating gas, which has become higher temperature and pressure than the gas inside the container, into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50, the temperature inside the container can be increased.

[0029] According to the above configuration, a refrigeration unit 30 is constructed, which includes the compressor 24, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28, each of which is provided in the circulation line 22, and which uses the gas inside the container body 1 (internal gas) as a heat medium. The gas inside the container body 1 naturally circulates from the outlet 16 to the inlet 20 due to the difference in pressure between the outlet 16 and the inlet 20, eliminating the need for a fan to circulate the air inside the container body 1. Therefore, the internal temperature does not increase due to the provision of a fan and fan motor inside the container body 1. This makes it easier to maintain the internal temperature at a desired level. Furthermore, since a fan and fan motor are not provided inside the container body 1, a large cargo space can be secured inside the container body 1. Therefore, according to the above configuration, a refrigeration container 100 can be obtained that can prevent a reduction in the cargo space inside the container and maintain a stable internal temperature.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the warm air introduction line 50 allows the circulating gas, which has been made hotter than the internal gas by the compressor 24, to be returned to the inside of the container body 1, thereby raising the internal temperature. By providing the warm air introduction line 50 on the outside of the container body 1, the refrigerated container 100 can expand the adjustable range of the internal temperature to the higher temperature side while suppressing a reduction in the cargo space inside the container.

[0031] (Warm air flow control device) In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 to 12, the refrigerated container 100 described above further includes at least one warm air flow rate adjustment device (warm air flow rate adjustment valve) 52 that is provided in the warm air introduction line 50 and configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50. The warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas introduced downstream of the warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 (towards the downstream end 502) by changing the opening degree of a valve element arranged in the warm air introduction line 50. The warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 may be an on-off valve that can be adjusted to a fully closed position and a fully open position, or may be an opening adjustment valve that can be adjusted to a fully closed position, a fully open position, and at least one intermediate opening degree therebetween.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 to 8, 11, and 12, when the warm air flow control device 52 is closed (the opening of the valve disc is reduced) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is guided to the expander 28, where it is expanded to lower its temperature, and then guided into the container body 1. When the warm air flow control device 52 is opened (the opening of the valve disc is increased) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the pressure loss at the inlet of the expander 28 becomes larger than that of the warm air introduction line 50 and the warm air flow control device 52. The circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is then guided into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50 due to the difference in pressure between the upstream end 501 and the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50. For this reason, a fan for guiding the circulating gas into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50 is not required.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the warm air flow rate control device 52 adjusts the flow rate of the warm air (circulating gas) flowing through the warm air introduction line 50, thereby enabling temperature rise control inside the container body 1. In this case, the temperature rise control can be simplified. Note that increasing or decreasing the output (rotation speed) of the electric motor 46 increases or decreases the flow rate of the circulating gas discharged from the compressor 24 and flowing through the compressed gas line 22B. For this reason, it is preferable to include the output (rotation speed) of the electric motor 46 as well as the opening degree of the warm air flow rate control device 52 as parameters for controlling the temperature rise inside the container body 1.

[0034] 9 and 10, the refrigerated container 100 described above further includes at least one circulating gas flow rate control device (circulating gas flow rate control valve) 29 that is provided in the circulation line 22, which the warm air introduction line 50 bypasses, and that is configured to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas flowing through the circulation line 22. The circulation line 22 that the warm air introduction line 50 bypasses is the portion of the circulation line 22 between connection positions P1 and P2, to which the upstream end 501 of the warm air introduction line 50 is connected, and connection position P4, to which the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50 is connected. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the circulating gas flow rate control device 29 is provided between the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) of the circulation line 22 and connection position P4, but may also be provided between the connection positions P1 and P2 of the circulation line 22 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262).

[0035] The circulating gas flow rate control device 29 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas introduced downstream (toward the expander 28) of the circulating gas flow rate control device 29 by changing the opening of a valve element arranged in the circulation line 22, which is bypassed by the warm air introduction line 50. The circulating gas flow rate control device 29 may be an on-off valve whose opening can be adjusted to fully closed or fully open, or may be an opening adjustment valve whose opening can be adjusted to fully closed, fully open, and at least one intermediate opening between these.

[0036] 9 and 10 , when the circulating gas flow control device 29 is opened (the opening of the valve disc is increased) and the warm air flow control device 52 is closed (the opening of the valve disc is decreased) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is guided to the expander 28, where it is expanded to decrease in temperature, and then guided into the container body 1. When the circulating gas flow control device 29 is closed (the opening of the valve disc is decreased) and the warm air flow control device 52 is opened (the opening of the valve disc is increased) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the pressure loss in the circulating gas flow control device 29, which is provided in the circulation line 22 that the warm air introduction line 50 bypasses, becomes larger than that in the warm air introduction line 50 and the warm air flow control device 52. The circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is guided into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50 due to the difference in pressure between the upstream end 501 and the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50. For this reason, a fan for guiding the circulating gas into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50 is not required.

[0037] According to the above configuration, it is possible to control the temperature rise inside the container body 1 by adjusting the flow rate of the warm air (circulating gas) flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 using the warm air flow rate adjuster 52 and the circulating gas flow rate adjuster 29. In this case, the temperature rise control can be simplified.

[0038] (Warm air intake line connection location) In some embodiments, the upstream end 501 of the warm air introduction line 50 is connected to the compressed gas line 22B (piping 23D) at a connection position P1 located between the cooler 32 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) of the compressed gas line 22B (circulation line 22), as shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12. In this case, the warm air introduction line 50 is configured to introduce the circulating gas cooled in the cooler 32.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the piping that forms the warm air introduction line 50 includes a piping 55A that is provided between the connection position P1 of the piping 23D (compressed gas line 22B) and the inlet of the warm air flow rate control device 52. The piping 55A has the upstream end 501 described above.

[0040] In one embodiment, the circulating gas pressurized in the compressor 24 reaches a high temperature of 100° C. or more. The circulating gas cooled in the cooler 32 reaches a room temperature of 0° C. or more and 60° C. or less. In this case, the room-temperature, high-pressure circulating gas is introduced into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the circulating gas heated to a high temperature by the compressor 24 is cooled in the cooler 32, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the circulating gas (warm air) introduced into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50 and the inside gas. By reducing the temperature difference, the temperature rise of the inside gas caused by the warm air can be made gradual, thereby suppressing damage due to thermal distortion inside the container body 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the upstream end 501 of the above-mentioned warm air introduction line 50 is connected to the compressed gas line 22B (piping 23C) at a connection position P2 located between the compressor 24 and the cooler 32 of the compressed gas line 22B (circulation line 22), as shown in Figures 8 and 10.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the piping that forms the warm air introduction line 50 includes a piping 55B that is provided between the connection position P2 of the piping 23C (compressed gas line 22B) and the inlet of the warm air flow rate control device 52. The piping 55B has the upstream end 501 described above.

[0044] In one embodiment, the circulating gas pressurized in the compressor 24 reaches a high temperature of 100° C. or more. In this case, the high-temperature, high-pressure circulating gas that has not been cooled in the cooler 32 is introduced into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50.

[0045] If the circulating gas that has passed through the cooler 32 is introduced into the container body 1 as warm air, it is necessary to take into account the temperature change caused by the cooler 32 in controlling the temperature rise inside the container body 1. According to the above configuration, the circulating gas that has been heated to a high temperature by the compressor 24 is introduced into the container body 1 as warm air without passing through the cooler 32. In this case, it is not necessary to take into account the temperature change caused by the cooler 32 in controlling the temperature rise inside the container body 1, and therefore the temperature rise control can be simplified.

[0046] 3, a blow-out port 503 (opening) for blowing gas such as air into the inside of the container body 1 is formed at the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50. The suction section 18 may include the suction port 20 and the blow-out port 503. The circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 is guided to the blow-out port 503 and blown out from the warm air introduction line 50 into the inside of the container body 1 via the blow-out port 503.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the piping that forms the warm air introduction line 50 includes the above-described piping 55A and piping 56A that is provided between the outlet of the warm air flow control device 52 and the air outlet 503. The piping 56A has the above-described downstream end 502. Note that the piping that forms the warm air introduction line 50 may also include the above-described piping 55B and the above-described piping 56A.

[0048] 6 to 8, 11, and 12, the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50 is connected to the expansion gas line 22C (piping 23F) at a connection position P3 located between the expander 28 and the outlet 16 of the circulation line 22 (expansion gas line 22C). The circulation gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 is introduced into the container body 1 via the expansion gas line 22C downstream of the connection position P3.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the piping that forms the warm air introduction line 50 includes either the piping 55A or the piping 55B described above, and a piping 56B that is provided between the outlet of the warm air flow control device 52 and the connection position P3 of the piping 23F (expansion gas line 22C). The piping 56B has the downstream end 502 described above.

[0050] According to the above configuration, a part of the circulation line 22 (between the connection position P3 of the expansion gas line 22C and the outlet 16), such as the outlet 16, can be used as a flow path for the warm air (the circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50). In this case, there is no need to provide a dedicated outlet 503 for introducing warm air into the container body 1, and the structure of the refrigeration container 100 can be made more compact and lightweight.

[0051] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the circulation line 22, which is bypassed by the warm air introduction line 50, experiences a large pressure loss due to the expander 28 provided in the circulation line 22, and therefore a large amount of circulating gas can be introduced to the warm air introduction line 50 side when the warm air introduction line 50 is open. With this configuration, the above-mentioned circulating gas flow rate adjuster 29 does not need to be provided. Furthermore, the circulating gas passing through the warm air introduction line 50 has a higher temperature than the circulating gas passing through the circulation line 22, which is bypassed by the warm air introduction line 50. Therefore, with the above configuration, a large amount of relatively high-temperature circulating gas can be introduced into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50, and the heating capacity inside the container body 1 can be increased.

[0052] 9 and 10 , in some embodiments, the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50 described above is connected to the compressed gas line 22B at a connection position P4 located between the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) of the compressed gas line 22B (circulation line 22) and the expander 28. The circulation gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 is introduced into the container body 1 downstream of the connection position P4 of the compressed gas line 22B, via the expander 28 and the expanded gas line 22C.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the piping that forms the warm air introduction line 50 includes either the piping 55A or the piping 55B described above, and a piping 56C that is provided between the outlet of the warm air flow control device 52 and the connection position P4 of the compressed gas line 22B. The piping 56C has the downstream end 502 described above.

[0054] According to the above configuration, a part of the circulation line 22 (between the connection position P4 of the circulation line 22 and the outlet 16), such as the outlet 16, can be used as a flow path for the warm air (the circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50). In this case, there is no need to provide a dedicated outlet 503 for introducing warm air into the container body 1, and the structure of the refrigeration container 100 can be made more compact and lightweight.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50 is connected upstream of the expander 28 of the circulation line 22, the heat input from the warm air introduction line 50 to the downstream side of the expander 28 of the circulation line 22 can be suppressed compared to when the warm air introduction line 50 is connected downstream of the expander 28 of the circulation line 22, and the gain in cooling performance during refrigeration operation of the refrigerated container 100 is greater.

[0056] (Layout of equipment that makes up the refrigerator) In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 11, each of the compressor 24, cooler 32, heat exchanger 26 and expander 28 provided in the circulation line 22 is arranged in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 along the partition wall 10 that separates the inner space 2 and the outer space 3 of the container body 1.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the above-described devices provided in the circulation line 22 are arranged along the short side wall 7 serving as the partition wall 10. In FIG. 1, some of the above-described devices provided in the circulation line 22 are schematically indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 11, the above-mentioned refrigeration container 100 may be provided with a cover 12 that is provided so as to surround the above-mentioned equipment provided in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 from above, below and sides.

[0059] 4 and 5, the piping 23A between the suction port 20 and the heat exchanger 26 may be provided so as to pass through a through-hole 25 provided in the short side wall 7 (partition wall 10). Also, the piping 23F between the expander 28 and the outlet 16 may be provided so as to pass through a through-hole 27 provided in the short side wall 7 (partition wall 10).

[0060] According to the above configuration, the compressor 24, the cooler 32, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28 are each installed in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. In other words, because these devices are not installed in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, a large cargo space can be secured inside the container. Furthermore, with the above configuration, there is no need to install a heat exchanger such as an evaporator in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, and therefore there is no need for a defrosting operation to defrost such a heat exchanger. This makes it easier to maintain the temperature inside the container at a desired temperature. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the devices constituting the refrigeration unit 30 are arranged in a relatively narrow space along the bulkhead 10 in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. As such, because the installation area of ​​the refrigeration unit 30 added to the container body 1 is small, the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigeration unit 30 can be suitably used as a container for transportation, etc.

[0061] (Warm air intake line layout) 1, 4, and 11, each of the compressor 24, the cooler 32, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28, which are provided in the circulation line 22, is disposed in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 along the partition wall 10 that separates the inner space 2 and the outer space 3 of the container body 1. The circulation line 22 and the warm air introduction line 50 are also disposed in the outer space 3 along the partition wall 10.

[0062] The above-mentioned warm air introduction line 50 is arranged so as not to intersect with the cooling gas line 22D connecting the heat exchanger 26 and the expander 28 of the circulation line 22 when viewed vertically relative to the outer surface 101 facing the outer space 3 of the partition wall 10, as shown in Figures 4 and 11.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 24 and the expander 28 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The heat exchanger 26 and the cooling gas line 22D are arranged vertically above (on one side of) the compressor 24 and the expander 28, and the cooler 32 and the warm air introduction line 50 are arranged vertically below (on the other side of) the compressor 24 and the expander 28. In other words, the cooler 32 and the warm air introduction line 50 are arranged vertically on the opposite side of the compressor 24 and the expander 28 from the heat exchanger 26 and the cooling gas line 22D.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the heat input from the circulating gas (warm air) flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 to the circulating gas (cold air) flowing through the cooling gas line 22D can be reduced, thereby improving the performance of the refrigeration container 100 during refrigeration operation.

[0065] 7 , the refrigerated container 100 includes the warm air introduction line 50, the upstream end 501 of which is connected between the cooler 32 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature-side heat exchange section 262) of the circulation line 22, the electric motor 46, a cold medium supply line 60, and a cold medium return line 62. The cold medium supply line 60 has one end connected to the warm air introduction line 50 and forms at least a part of a flow path for extracting circulating gas from the warm air introduction line 50 and supplying the extracted circulating gas to the electric motor 46 as a cold medium for cooling the electric motor 46. The cold medium return line 62 forms at least a part of a flow path for returning the circulating gas supplied to the electric motor 46 via the cold medium supply line 60 to the circulation line 22 upstream of the compressor 24.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream end (one end) of the cold medium supply line 60 is connected to the warm air introduction line 50 on the upstream side (upstream end 501 side) of the warm air flow rate control device 52. The downstream end (one end) of the cold medium return line 62 is connected to the circulation line 22 between the low-temperature side heat exchange section 261 (heat exchanger 26) and the compressor 24. Note that the upstream end (one end) of the cold medium supply line 60 may also be connected to the circulation line 22 between the cooler 32 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262).

[0067] The refrigerated container 100 may include a motor cooler 64. The circulating gas cooled in the cooler 32 is guided to the motor cooler 64 via the cooling medium supply line 60. The motor cooler 64 is configured to perform heat exchange between the electric motor 46 and the circulating gas, which is guided to the motor cooler 64 and has a lower temperature than the electric motor 46. The heat exchange in the motor cooler 64 cools the electric motor 46 with the circulating gas guided to the motor cooler 64. The circulating gas that has cooled the electric motor 46 in the motor cooler 64 is returned to the circulation line 22 upstream of the compressor 24 via the cooling medium return line 62.

[0068] According to the above configuration, the refrigerated container 100 is provided with the cold medium supply line 60 and the cold medium return line 62, so that the electric motor 46 can be cooled by the circulating gas extracted from the warm air introduction line 50, and the circulating gas that has cooled the electric motor 46 can be returned to the circulation line 22. In this case, part of the circulation line 22, the warm air introduction line 50, etc. can be used as a flow path for the cold medium (circulating gas) that cools the electric motor 46, so the structure of the refrigerated container 100 can be made more compact and lightweight.

[0069] (First warm air flow control device, second warm air flow control device) FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 (53, 54) for a refrigerated container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 11 to 13, the at least one warm air flow rate adjustment device (warm air flow rate adjustment valve) 52 described above includes a first warm air flow rate adjustment device (warm air flow rate adjustment valve) 53 provided in the warm air introduction line 50, and a second warm air flow rate adjustment device (warm air flow rate adjustment valve) 54 provided downstream (toward the downstream end 502) of the first warm air flow rate adjustment device 53 in the warm air introduction line 50. Note that the first warm air flow rate adjustment device 53 and the second warm air flow rate adjustment device 54 are also applicable to the embodiments shown in the above-described FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0070] Each of the first warm air flow control device 53 and the second warm air flow control device 54 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas introduced downstream (toward the downstream end 502) of the warm air flow control device 52 (53, 54) by changing the opening of valve bodies 531, 541 arranged in the warm air introduction line 50. Note that each of the first warm air flow control device 53 and the second warm air flow control device 54 may be an on-off valve whose opening can be adjusted to fully closed or fully open, or may be an opening adjustment valve whose opening can be adjusted to fully closed, fully open, and at least one intermediate opening between them.

[0071] According to the above configuration, by providing the two warm air flow rate control devices 53, 54 in the warm air introduction line 50, it is possible to improve the heat insulation properties of the warm air introduction line 50. As a result, when the two warm air flow rate control devices 53, 54 are closed, it is possible to suppress heat input to the warm air introduction line 50 downstream of the second warm air flow rate control device 54.

[0072] 13, the first warm air flow control device 53 and the second warm air flow control device 54 have flange portions 532, 542, respectively. The flange portion 542 is fastened to the flange portion 532 via fastening members (bolts and nuts in the illustrated example) 522, with a packing 521, which is a heat insulating material, sandwiched between the flange portion 542 and the flange portion 532. By disposing the packing 521 between the two warm air flow control devices 53, 54, the heat insulation properties of the warm air introduction line 50 can be improved. This makes it possible to suppress heat input to the warm air introduction line 50 downstream of the second warm air flow control device 54 when the two warm air flow control devices 53, 54 are closed.

[0073] Figures 14 and 15 are each a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit of a refrigerator 30 of a refrigerated container 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a deodorizing device 70 of a refrigerated container 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the refrigerated container 100 described above further comprises a deodorizing device 70 configured to emit a substance having a deodorizing effect on the circulating gas. This is also applicable to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 13 described above.

[0074] The deodorizing device 70 is preferably configured to generate a substance having a deodorizing effect from the circulating gas. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the interior gas and the circulating gas include air, and the deodorizing device 70 includes an ozone generator 70A configured to generate ozone from the air contained in the circulating gas. The ozone generator 70A includes a pair of electrodes 71, 72 arranged opposite each other and an inductor 73 arranged between the pair of electrodes 71, 72. When air contained in the circulating gas is introduced between the pair of electrodes 71, 72 and a high AC voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes 71, 72 by an application device (not shown), a discharge phenomenon occurs, and electrons generated by this discharge convert oxygen in the air into ozone. Note that the ozone generator 70A may also be configured to generate ozone by irradiating the air contained in the circulating gas with radiation.

[0075] The deodorizing device 70 may be configured to generate a substance having a moisture-derived deodorizing effect by applying a high voltage or irradiating ultrasonic waves to at least one of the moisture contained in the circulating gas and the water stored in the deodorizing device 70. The substance having a moisture-derived deodorizing effect may be electrically charged fine particles.

[0076] The deodorizing device 70 sterilizes and deodorizes the circulating gas by emitting ozone and moisture-derived deodorizing substances into the circulating gas. The circulating gas (air) flowing through the above-mentioned circulation line 22 and warm air introduction line 50 is dry, so it is easy to generate deodorizing substances, and the deodorizing effect of the deodorizing substances is high.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the deodorizing device 70 can deodorize the circulating gas by releasing a substance that has a deodorizing effect on the circulating gas. The circulating gas deodorized by the deodorizing device 70 can then be returned to the inside of the container body 1, thereby deodorizing the inside gas. In this case, unlike when the inside gas is directly deodorized by the deodorizing device 70, the deodorizing device 70 can be installed outside the container body 1, thereby ensuring a large cargo space inside the container body 1. When the deodorizing device 70 is installed outside the container body 1, it is preferable to install the deodorizing device 70 on a line through which the gas (circulating gas) extracted from the inside of the container body 1 flows, such as the circulation line 22 or the warm air introduction line 50. In this case, the circulation line 22 or the warm air introduction line 50 can be used as a fluid flow path between the container body 1 and the deodorizing device 70, thereby making the structure of the refrigerated container 100 more compact and lightweight.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 14, the deodorizing device 70 described above is provided in the warm air introduction line 50. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the deodorizing device 70 is installed upstream of the warm air flow rate control device 52 in the warm air introduction line 50 (on the upstream end 501 side).

[0079] According to the above configuration, by providing the deodorizing device 70 in the warm air introduction line 50, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing substance from being introduced into the expander 28, which is in a low-temperature environment. This prevents the deodorizing substance from freezing or losing its effectiveness in the expander 28, so that an effective deodorizing effect can be obtained even if the amount of deodorizing substance released from the deodorizing device 70 is reduced. Furthermore, by providing the deodorizing device 70 in the warm air introduction line 50, the deodorizing substance is introduced into the container body 1, so the gas inside the container can be directly sterilized and deodorized by the deodorizing substance.

[0080] 15, the deodorizing device 70 described above is installed in a room temperature environment section in the circulation line 22, where the circulating gas at room temperature (between 0°C and 60°C) flows. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the deodorizing device 70 described above may be installed between the cooler 32 and the heat exchanger 26 (high-temperature side heat exchange section 262) of the circulation line 22, which is one of the room temperature environment sections. The deodorizing device 70 described above may also be installed between the low-temperature side heat exchange section 261 (heat exchanger 26) of the circulation line 22 and the compressor 24, which is one of the room temperature environment sections.

[0081] According to the above configuration, by providing the deodorizing device 70 in the room-temperature environment portion of the circulation line 22, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing substance from being introduced into the expander 28, which is in a low-temperature environment. This prevents the deodorizing substance from being reduced in effectiveness or freezing in the expander 28, so that an effective deodorizing effect can be achieved even if the amount of the deodorizing substance released from the deodorizing device 70 is reduced. In particular, the pressure is relatively low between the low-temperature side heat exchange section 261 (heat exchanger 26) of the circulation line 22 and the compressor 24, making it easy to release the deodorizing substance into the circulating gas. Furthermore, even in a refrigerated container 100 that cools the internal gas to an ultra-low temperature of −40° C. or less, the circulating gas flowing between the low-temperature side heat exchange section 261 (heat exchanger 26) of the circulation line 22 and the compressor 24 becomes dry air at room temperature, making it easy to generate the deodorizing substance, and the deodorizing effect of the deodorizing substance is high.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchanger 26 or the cooler 32 may include a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger, which may be formed from materials including aluminum or titanium.

[0083] In some embodiments, the suction port 20 is provided with a filter unit 21 for removing foreign matter, as shown in Fig. 5. The filter unit 21 includes a member or the like having a plurality of holes or a mesh, and has a plurality of openings formed by these holes, mesh, or the like.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the partition wall 10 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the short side wall 7 of the container body 1) that separates the area where the compressor 24, cooler 32, heat exchanger 26, and expander 28 are installed outside the container body 1 from the internal space 2 of the container body 1 extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body 1.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit 30 (compressor 24, heat exchanger 26, expander 28) is arranged in a relatively narrow space along the partition wall 10 (short side wall 7), which is a relatively small wall extending along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body 1. This makes it possible to reduce the installation area of ​​the refrigeration unit 30 added to the container body 1, and the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigeration unit 30 can be suitably used as a container for transportation, etc.

[0086] In one embodiment, the compressor 24, the cooler 32, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28 may be arranged in the outer space 3 such that the length L1 from the partition 10 in the longitudinal direction of the container body 1 is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length L0 of the container body 1 (see Figure 1).

[0087] In this case, the installation area for the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit 30 is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length L0 of the container main body 1. Therefore, because the installation area for the refrigeration unit 30 added to the container main body 1 is small, the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigeration unit 30 can be suitably used as a container for transportation, etc.

[0088] For example, if the container body 1 is a 20-ft container (length L0: approximately 6.1 m, width W0: approximately 2.4 m, height H0: approximately 2.6 m), the length (L1) of the above-mentioned installation area may be 610 mm or less.

[0089] In this specification, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" not only express such an arrangement strictly, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate that something is in an equal state not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent rectangular shapes or cylindrical shapes in the strict geometric sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other components.

[0090] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes modifications to the above-described embodiments and appropriate combinations of these modifications.

[0091] The contents of the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0092] 1) A refrigeration container (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: A refrigeration container (100) configured to be able to cool internal gas, which is gas inside a container body (1), The container body (1), a circulation line (22) having an inlet (20) and an outlet (16) respectively provided inside the container body (1); a compressor (24) provided in the circulation line (22) and configured to compress the circulation gas, which is the gas sucked into the circulation line (22) from inside the container body (1) through the suction port (20); a heat exchanger (26) provided in the circulation line (22) and configured to cool the circulation gas compressed in the compressor (24); an expander (28) provided in the circulation line (22) and configured to expand the circulation gas cooled by the heat exchanger (26); and a warm air introduction line (50) for extracting the circulating gas, which has a higher temperature than the internal gas, from between the compressor (24) and the heat exchanger (26) of the circulating line (22) and guiding the gas to the container body (1).

[0093] According to the above configuration 1), a refrigeration unit (30) is constructed, which includes a compressor (24), a heat exchanger (26), and an expander (28) provided in the circulation line (22), and which uses the gas inside the container body (1) (internal gas) as a heat medium. The gas inside the container body (1) naturally circulates from the outlet (16) to the inlet (20) due to the difference in pressure between the outlet (16) and the inlet (20). Therefore, a fan for circulating the circulating gas is not required. Therefore, the internal temperature does not increase due to the provision of a fan and a fan motor inside the container body (1). Therefore, the internal temperature can be easily maintained at a desired temperature. Furthermore, since a fan and a fan motor are not provided inside the container body (1), a large cargo space can be secured inside the container body (1). Therefore, according to the above configuration 1), a refrigeration container (100) can be obtained, which can prevent a reduction in the cargo space inside the container and can maintain a stable internal temperature.

[0094] According to the configuration 1), the warm air introduction line (50) allows the circulating gas, which has been heated by the compressor (24) to a temperature higher than the internal gas, to be returned to the inside of the container body (1), thereby raising the internal temperature. By providing the warm air introduction line (50) on the outside of the container body (1), the refrigerated container (100) can expand the adjustable range of the internal temperature toward higher temperatures while suppressing a reduction in the cargo space inside the container.

[0095] 2) In some embodiments, the refrigerated container (100) described in 1) above, The refrigerated container (100) the cooling system further includes a cooler (32) provided in the circulation line (22) downstream of the compressor (24) and upstream of the heat exchanger (24), the cooler (32) being configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid; The upstream end (501) of the warm air introduction line (50) is connected to the circulation line (22) between the cooler (32) and the heat exchanger (26).

[0096] According to the configuration 2), the circulating gas heated to a high temperature by the compressor (24) is cooled in the cooler (32), thereby reducing the temperature difference between the circulating gas (warm air) introduced into the container body (1) through the warm air introduction line (50) and the internal gas. Reducing the temperature difference makes it possible to moderate the temperature rise of the internal gas caused by the warm air, thereby suppressing damage due to thermal distortion inside the container body (1).

[0097] 3) In some embodiments, the refrigerated container (100) described in 1) above, The refrigerated container (100) the cooling system further includes a cooler (32) provided in the circulation line (22) downstream of the compressor (24) and upstream of the heat exchanger (24), the cooler (32) being configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid; The upstream end (501) of the warm air introduction line (50) is connected to the circulation line (22) between the cooler (32) and the compressor (24).

[0098] If the circulating gas that has passed through the cooler (32) is introduced into the container body (1) as warm air, it is necessary to take into account the temperature change caused by the cooler (32) in controlling the temperature rise inside the container body (1). According to the configuration 3) above, the circulating gas that has been heated by the compressor (24) is introduced into the container body (1) as warm air without passing through the cooler (32). In this case, it is not necessary to take into account the temperature change caused by the cooler (32) in controlling the temperature rise inside the container body (1), and therefore the temperature rise control can be simplified.

[0099] 4) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to any one of 1) to 3) above, The system further includes at least one warm air flow rate regulator (52) provided in the warm air introduction line (50) and configured to be able to regulate the flow rate of the gas flowing through the warm air introduction line (50).

[0100] According to the configuration 4), the warm air flow rate regulator 52 regulates the flow rate of the warm air (circulating gas) flowing through the warm air introduction line 50, thereby enabling temperature rise control inside the container body 1. In this case, the temperature rise control can be simplified.

[0101] 5) In some embodiments, the refrigerated container (100) described in 4) above, The at least one warm air flow regulator (52) a first warm air flow rate regulator (53) provided in the warm air introduction line (50); and a second warm air flow rate control device (54) provided on the warm air introduction line (50) downstream of the first warm air flow rate control device (53).

[0102] According to the configuration of 5), by providing the two warm air flow rate control devices (53, 54) in the warm air introduction line (50), the heat insulation of the warm air introduction line (50) can be improved. As a result, when the two warm air flow rate control devices (53, 54) are closed, heat input to the warm air introduction line (50) downstream of the second warm air flow rate control device (54) can be suppressed.

[0103] 6) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to any one of 1) to 5) above, The downstream end (502) of the warm air introduction line (50) is connected to the circulation line (22) between the expander (28) and the air outlet (16).

[0104] According to the configuration of 6) above, a part of the circulation line (22), such as the air outlet (16), can be used as a flow path for the warm air (the circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50). In this case, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated air outlet for introducing the warm air into the container body (1), and the structure of the refrigeration container (100) can be made compact and lightweight.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the configuration of 6), the circulation line (22) bypassed by the warm air introduction line (50) experiences a large pressure loss due to the expander (28) provided in the circulation line (22). Therefore, when the warm air introduction line (50) is open, a large amount of circulating gas can be introduced toward the warm air introduction line (50). Furthermore, the circulating gas passing through the warm air introduction line (50) has a higher temperature than the circulating gas passing through the circulation line (22) bypassed by the warm air introduction line (50). Therefore, according to the configuration of 6), a large amount of circulating gas at a relatively high temperature can be introduced into the container body (1) via the warm air introduction line (50), thereby increasing the heating capacity of the inside of the container body (1).

[0106] 7) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to any one of 1) to 5) above, The downstream end (502) of the warm air introduction line (50) was connected to the circulation line (22) between the heat exchanger (24) and the expander (28).

[0107] According to the configuration of 7) above, a part of the circulation line (22), such as the air outlet (16), can be used as a flow path for the warm air (the circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50). In this case, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated air outlet for introducing the warm air into the container body (1), and the structure of the refrigeration container (100) can be made compact and lightweight.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the configuration of 7), since the downstream end of the warm air introduction line (50) is connected upstream of the expander (28) of the circulation line (22), the heat input from the warm air introduction line (50) to the downstream side of the expander (28) of the circulation line (22) can be suppressed compared to when the warm air introduction line (50) is connected downstream of the expander (28) of the circulation line (22), and the gain in cooling performance during refrigeration operation of the refrigerated container (100) is increased.

[0109] 8) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to any one of 1) to 7) above, the circulation line (22) and the warm air introduction line (50) are arranged in the outer space (3) of the container body (1) along a partition wall (10) that separates the inner space (2) of the container body (1) from the outer space (3); The warm air introduction line (50) When viewed in a vertical direction with respect to an outer surface (101) of the partition wall (10) facing the outer space (3), The circulation line (22) is arranged so as not to cross the cooling gas line (22D) connecting the heat exchanger (26) and the expander (28).

[0110] According to the configuration 7), it is possible to reduce the heat input from the circulating gas (warm air) flowing through the warm air introduction line (50) to the circulating gas (cold air) flowing through the cooling gas line (22D), thereby improving the performance of the refrigeration container (100) during refrigeration operation.

[0111] 9) In some embodiments, the refrigerated container (100) described in 2) above, an electric motor (46) configured to generate a driving force for driving the compressor (24); a cooling medium supply line (60) connected at one end to the warm air introduction line (50) for extracting the circulating gas from the warm air introduction line (50) and supplying the gas to the electric motor (46) as a cooling medium for cooling the electric motor (46); The cooling medium return line (62) is further provided for returning the circulating gas supplied to the electric motor (46) via the cooling medium supply line (60) to the circulation line (22) upstream of the compressor (24).

[0112] According to the configuration 9), the refrigerated container (100) includes the cooling medium supply line (60) and the cooling medium return line (62), and therefore the electric motor can be cooled by the circulating gas extracted from the warm air introduction line, and the circulating gas that has cooled the electric motor can be returned to the circulation line. In this case, parts of the circulation line (22), the warm air introduction line (50), etc. can be used as a flow path for the cooling medium (circulating gas) that cools the electric motor, and therefore the structure of the refrigerated container (100) can be made compact and lightweight.

[0113] 10) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to any one of 1) to 9) above, The system further includes a deodorizing device (70) configured to emit a substance having a deodorizing effect on the circulating gas.

[0114] According to the configuration 10), the deodorizing device (70) can deodorize the circulating gas by emitting a substance having a deodorizing effect on the circulating gas. The circulating gas deodorized by the deodorizing device (70) is then returned to the inside of the container body (1), thereby deodorizing the inside gas. In this case, unlike the case where the inside gas is directly deodorized by the deodorizing device (70), the deodorizing device (70) can be provided outside the container body (1), thereby ensuring a large cargo space inside the container body (1). When the deodorizing device (70) is provided outside the container body (1), it is preferable to provide the deodorizing device (70) on a line through which the gas (circulating gas) taken out from the inside of the container body (1) flows, such as the circulation line (22) or the warm air introduction line (50). In this case, the circulation line (22) and the warm air introduction line (50) can be used as the gas flow path between the container body (1) and the deodorizing device (70), thereby making the structure of the refrigeration container (100) more compact and lightweight.

[0115] 11) In some embodiments, the refrigerated container (100) described in 10) above, The deodorizing device (70) is provided in the warm air introduction line (50).

[0116] According to the above configuration 11), by providing the deodorizing device (70) in the warm air introduction line (50), it is possible to prevent the deodorizing substance from being introduced into the expander (28), which is in a low-temperature environment. This prevents the deodorizing substance from being reduced in effectiveness or frozen in the expander (28), so that an effective deodorizing effect can be obtained even if the amount of the deodorizing substance released from the deodorizing device (70) is reduced. Furthermore, by providing the deodorizing device (70) in the warm air introduction line (50), the deodorizing substance is introduced into the container body (1), so that the deodorizing substance can directly sterilize and deodorize the gas inside the container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 Container body 2. Inner Space 3 Outside space 4 Ceiling and walls 5 Bottom wall 6,7 Short sidewall 8,9 Long side wall 10 Bulkhead 12 Cover 14 Air outlet 16 Air outlet 18 Intake section 20 Intake port 21 Filter section 22 Circulation Line 22A Suction Gas Line 22B Compressed Gas Line 22C Expansion Gas Line 23A~23H Piping 24 Compressor 25,27 Through holes 26 Heat exchanger 28 Expander 29 Circulating gas flow regulator 30 Refrigeration Machine 32 Cooler 34 Coolant circulation line 36 Cooling device 38 Radiator 40 fans 42 Pump 44 Rotating shaft 46 Electric Motor 50 Warm air introduction line 52 Warm air flow control device 53 First warm air flow control device 54 Second warm air flow control device 60 Cooling medium supply line 62 Cooling medium return line 70 Deodorizing device 100 refrigerated containers

Claims

1. A refrigeration container configured to be able to cool internal gas, which is gas inside the container body, the container body; a circulation line having an inlet and an outlet respectively provided inside the container body; a compressor provided in the circulation line and configured to compress the circulation gas that is the gas sucked into the circulation line from inside the container body through the suction port; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation line and configured to cool the circulation gas compressed in the compressor; an expander provided in the circulation line and configured to expand the circulation gas cooled by the heat exchanger; a warm air introduction line for extracting the circulating gas having a higher temperature than the internal gas from between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the circulating line, and bypassing the entire section of the circulating line between the heat exchanger and the expander and the expander, and guiding the circulating gas to the container body, Refrigerated container.

2. A refrigerated container configured to be able to cool the internal gas, which is the gas inside the container body, the container body; a circulation line having an inlet and an outlet respectively provided inside the container body; a compressor provided in the circulation line and configured to compress the circulation gas that is the gas sucked into the circulation line from inside the container body through the suction port; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation line and configured to cool the circulation gas compressed in the compressor; an expander provided in the circulation line and configured to expand the circulation gas cooled by the heat exchanger; a warm air introduction line for extracting the circulating gas having a higher temperature than the internal gas from between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the circulating line and guiding the gas to the container body, the circulation line and the warm air introduction line are arranged in the outer space of the container body along a partition wall that separates the inner space of the container body from the outer space, The warm air introduction line is When viewed in a vertical direction with respect to an outer surface of the partition wall facing the outer space, The circulation line is arranged so as not to cross a cooling gas line connecting the heat exchanger and the expander. Refrigerated container.

3. A refrigerated container configured to be able to cool the internal gas, which is the gas inside the container body, the container body; a circulation line having an inlet and an outlet respectively provided inside the container body; a compressor provided in the circulation line and configured to compress the circulation gas that is the gas sucked into the circulation line from inside the container body through the suction port; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation line and configured to cool the circulation gas compressed in the compressor; an expander provided in the circulation line and configured to expand the circulation gas cooled by the heat exchanger; a warm air introduction line for extracting the circulating gas having a higher temperature than the internal gas from between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the circulating line and guiding the gas to the container body, The refrigerated container comprises: a cooler provided in the circulation line downstream of the compressor and upstream of the heat exchanger, the cooler configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid; an upstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected to the circulation line between the cooler and the heat exchanger; an electric motor configured to generate a driving force for driving the compressor; a cooling medium supply line connected to the warm air introduction line at one end, for extracting the circulating gas from the warm air introduction line and supplying the gas to the electric motor as a cooling medium for cooling the electric motor; a cooling medium return line for returning the circulating gas supplied to the electric motor through the cooling medium supply line to a side of the circulation line upstream of the compressor, Refrigerated container.

4. The refrigerated container comprises: a cooler provided in the circulation line downstream of the compressor and upstream of the heat exchanger, the cooler configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid; The upstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected to the circulation line between the cooler and the compressor.

3. A refrigerated container according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The hot air supply system further includes at least one hot air flow rate adjusting device provided in the hot air supply line and configured to adjust the flow rate of the gas flowing through the hot air supply line. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the at least one warm air flow regulator; a first warm air flow rate adjusting device provided in the warm air introduction line; a second warm air flow control device provided on the warm air introduction line downstream of the first warm air flow control device, 6. A refrigerated container according to claim 5.

7. The downstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected to the circulation line between the expander and the air outlet. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The downstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected to the circulation line between the heat exchanger and the expander.

4. A refrigerated container according to claim 2 or 3.

9. Further comprising a deodorizing device configured to emit a substance having a deodorizing effect on the circulating gas. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The deodorizing device is provided in the warm air introduction line, 10. A refrigerated container according to claim 9.

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