Temperature-controlled transport container and heat storage material package assembly

Abstract

With the objective being to prevent the inflow of external air into the interior of sidewall surface panels and efficiently pack a thermal-storage medium in the sidewall surface panels, this constant-temperature transport container (10) is configured such that: sidewall surface panels (1-4) form insertion corners (12, 34) such that the lateral faces (1c, 2c) adjoin each other with insertion slots (1b, 2b) being exposed to the exterior; the sidewall surface panels are linked along the lateral-face (1d-4d) sides that are opposite from the insertion corners (12, 34); and the insertion corners (12, 34) are provided with an interlocking corner (7) that interlocks with the lateral faces (1c, 2c) in which the insertion slots (1b, 2b) are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of a constant-temperature transport container and a heat storage material package.

Background Art

[0002] As a method of transporting or storing articles such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cells, specimens, organs, chemical substances, or foods in a cold or warm state, the following methods can be mentioned. That is, a cold storage material or a heat storage material that has been previously frozen or solidified is placed in a container having heat insulation properties to form a cold transport container or a warm transport container, and the latent heat of fusion or the latent heat of solidification of the cold storage material or the heat storage material is used to transport or store the articles contained in the warm transport container while maintaining the temperature. In order to maintain an article to be warmed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "temperature-maintaining article") within a predetermined temperature range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "control temperature") for a long time, it is considered preferable to use a constant-temperature transport container provided with a cold storage material or a heat storage material having a melting temperature within a predetermined temperature range and a container having heat insulation properties. Usually, a constant-temperature transport package in which a temperature-maintaining article is packed in a constant-temperature transport container is used to transport the temperature-maintaining article.

[0003] In recent years, in the field of constant-temperature transport packages, a technique has been proposed in which a pallet loaded with temperature-maintaining articles is produced and the entire pallet is loaded into a constant-temperature transport package. This technique requires a pallet-in-pallet shipper. However, in order to enable loading of an entire pallet loaded with temperature-maintaining articles, the constant-temperature transport package inevitably becomes larger. Along with this increase in size, the quantity of the heat storage material loaded into the constant-temperature transport package also increases. Further, when the side wall panel is configured to insert the heat storage material from above, if the side wall panel is enlarged, the height of the side wall panel becomes large, so it becomes difficult for the user to pack the heat storage material from above the side wall panel. Furthermore, when moving a side wall panel or a top panel that houses the heat storage material, the weight of the panel becomes extremely heavy due to the heat storage material, making handling difficult.

[0004] As a technology to solve the problems that arise when inserting heat storage material from above the side wall panel as described above, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a constant temperature transport container into which heat storage material can be inserted from the side of the side wall panel.

[0005] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled transport containers disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4 have a configuration in which the heat storage material is inserted into the side wall panel from above and below (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a vertical insertion configuration). In addition, the temperature-controlled transport container disclosed in Patent Document 5 has a configuration in which the heat storage material is inserted into the side wall panel from the horizontal direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a horizontal insertion configuration).

[0006] Furthermore, in recent years, in the field of temperature-controlled transport packaging, workability during packing of heat storage materials has become increasingly important. One way to improve workability during heat storage material packing is to connect heat storage material or cold storage material packages into a single unit, which can significantly reduce packing time.

[0007] Conventional heat storage material or cold storage material package connections are disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 6 and 7.

[0008] Patent Document 6 discloses a heat storage material package assembly comprising a strip-shaped sheet having multiple storage pockets, with heat storage material contained in each of the storage pockets of the strip-shaped sheet. The assembly described in Patent Document 6 is used by wrapping it around an article to be kept at a certain temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 7 discloses a connected body equipped with a cooling plate as a heat storage material package. This cooling plate is equipped with a freezable coolant. Patent Document 7 also discloses a cooling body in which a plurality of the cooling plates are connected via hinges. The plurality of cooling plates are connected by a connecting portion so that they can rotate at least 180 degrees. The cooling body of Patent Document 7 is configured so that when performing cooling with the cooling body and when freezing the coolant of the cooling body, the cooling plates can be selected to be used in an overlapping state or an unfolded state. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2699481 [Patent Document 2] Strength Specification No. 10661969 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10568808 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 9180998 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-178931 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 10337784 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-179308 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 7 have room for improvement in terms of preventing outside air from entering the interior of the side wall panel. Furthermore, there is room for improvement in terms of the efficiency of packing the heat storage material onto the side wall panel.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a temperature-controlled transport container that can prevent outside air from entering the interior of the side wall panel and can efficiently pack a heat storage material onto the side wall panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To solve the above problems, a temperature-controlled transport container according to one aspect of the present invention is an assembly-type temperature-controlled transport container capable of transporting temperature-retaining articles at a constant temperature, comprising four side wall panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel, wherein each side wall panel is provided with a first storage section for housing a heat storage material inside, and a first insertion opening provided on one side for inserting the heat storage material into the first storage section, wherein the four side wall panels are arranged such that the sides on which the first insertion openings are provided are adjacent to each other with the first insertion openings exposed to the outside, and two first insertion openings are formed facing each other, the side wall panels are connected on the side opposite to the first insertion openings, and the first insertion openings are provided with a first fitting corner that closes the first insertion opening and fits with the side on which the first insertion opening is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent outside air from entering the interior of the side wall panel and to efficiently pack the heat storage material onto the side wall panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This graph plots the temperature of a solidified cold storage material composition against time when the temperature of a constant temperature bath is raised from a very low temperature at a constant rate after the cold storage material composition has been placed in the constant temperature bath. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a constant-temperature transport container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a constant-temperature transport container according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a constant-temperature transport container according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1001 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a side wall panel provided in the constant-temperature transport container shown in FIG. 9, and 1002 is a perspective view showing an overview of the appearance of the side wall panel provided in the constant-temperature transport container shown in FIG. [Figure 11] It is a front view seen from the inside showing the internal configuration of the side wall panel provided in the constant-temperature transport container shown in FIG. [Figure 12] It is a front view seen from the inside showing the internal configuration of the side wall panel provided in the constant-temperature transport container according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a front view seen from the inside showing the internal configuration of the side wall panel provided in the constant-temperature transport container according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing an overview of the internal configuration of the side wall panel provided in the constant-temperature transport container according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a modified example of the side wall panel shown in FIG. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing a connector of a heat storage material package according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention and the configuration of the heat storage material provided in the connector, showing the folded state of the connector. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing the state where the connector according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention is unfolded and bent. [Figure 18] It is a side view, a top view, and a bottom view showing the state where the connector according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention is unfolded and the connector is flat. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view for explaining an example of a connecting portion of the connector according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention, showing two outer boxes separated from each other. [Figure 20]This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the connecting part of a connecting body according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention, showing two separate outer boxes. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the front side of the outer box unfolded. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting body according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention, and shows the connecting body in a folded state. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the connecting body according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention, and shows the connecting body in a folded state. [Figure 24] This is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration when the connecting bodies according to Embodiments 11 to 13 are applied to the temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 25] This is a front view from the inside, showing the internal configuration of the side wall panel provided in the temperature-controlled transport containers of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. [Figure 26] The diagram shows the configuration of the temperature-controlled transport containers used in Examples 2 and 3, Comparative Examples 3 and 4, and Reference Examples 1 and 2. 2601 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the temperature-controlled transport container, 2602 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport containers used in Examples 2 and 3 and Reference Example 1, and 2603 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport containers used in Comparative Examples 3 and 4 and Reference Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [Summary of Embodiments 1-6 of the present invention] As described above, in conventional temperature-controlled transport containers (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2) in which heat storage material can be inserted from the side of the side wall panel, there is room for improvement in the following respects, for example.

[0017] In the temperature-controlled transport container described in Patent Document 1, a heat storage material is inserted into an insertion opening formed on the side of the side wall panel, and then the opening is closed with an upright rod. However, this makes it easy for a gap to form between the heat storage material insertion opening and the upright rod, making it impossible to prevent outside air from flowing into the inside of the side wall panel. Therefore, in the temperature-controlled transport container described in Patent Document 1, high dimensional accuracy is required for both the closing member and the insertion opening in order to prevent outside air from flowing into the inside of the side wall panel. There is room for improvement in the temperature-controlled transport container described in Patent Document 1 in terms of preventing outside air from flowing into the inside of the side wall panel.

[0018] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, after assembling the four side wall panels, it is not possible to pack the heat storage material into all four side wall panels from the side. Therefore, the constant temperature transport container of Patent Document 2 has room for improvement in terms of the efficiency of packing the heat storage material into the side wall panels.

[0019] Therefore, in the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, the four side wall panels are provided with a storage section for housing a heat storage material inside, and an insertion opening provided on one side for inserting the heat storage material into the storage section. The four side wall panels have the following configurations (1) to (4): (1) The sides on which the insertion openings are provided are adjacent to each other and form insertion corners for the heat storage material, with the insertion openings exposed to the outside. (2) Two insertion corners are formed so as to face each other. (3) The side wall panels are connected on the side opposite to the insertion corners. (4) The insertion corners are provided with fitting corners that close the insertion openings and fit with the side on which the insertion openings are provided.

[0020] According to the configuration described in (1) to (3) above, after assembling the four side wall panels, the heat storage material mounting sections are concentrated in the two insertion corners. Therefore, after assembling the four side wall panels, the user can efficiently pack the heat storage material into all four side wall panels.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the configuration of (4) above, the insertion opening is closed by fitting the insertion corner and the fitting corner together. This complex fitting structure prevents outside air from entering the interior of the side wall panel.

[0022] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 according to this embodiment.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is a rectangular box-shaped, assembly-type container capable of transporting temperature-retaining items at a constant temperature. It consists of a container body X with an open top and a top panel 6 that closes the opening on the top of the container body X. The container body X is composed of four side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4, and a bottom panel 5. The side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4, the bottom panel 5, and the top panel 6 are made of insulating material and have a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0024] The bottom panel 5 is composed of rectangular plates that are separable from the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4. The side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are each composed of rectangular plates. The rectangular plates that make up the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are separable from one another. Here, for each of the rectangular plates that make up the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4, the direction that defines the thickness is called the thickness direction, and the direction that defines the vertical height when erected relative to the bottom panel 5 is called the height direction. The direction perpendicular to both the height direction and the thickness direction is called the lateral or horizontal direction. Furthermore, with respect to the side wall panels 1-4, the bottom panel 5, and the top panel 6, the cargo compartment side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is considered the inside, and the side opposite to the inside is considered the outside.

[0025] The side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the bottom panel 5 are connected by known connecting means. For example, the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the bottom panel 5 are connected by a recessed / protruding structure. In this case, a recessed / protruding fitting structure is formed between the lower ends of each of the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the portion of the bottom panel 5 that is opposite to the lower end. In addition, the upper ends of each of the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are structured to fit with the top panel 6.

[0026] Next, we will explain the configuration of side wall panels 1 to 4. Note that the following explanation will focus primarily on the configuration of side wall panels 1 and 2. Side wall panels 3 and 4 have the same configuration as side wall panels 1 and 2, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0027] The side wall panel 1 includes a storage section 1a (first storage section) for storing storage materials P1 and P2, which are heat storage materials, and an insertion opening 1b (first insertion opening) for inserting storage materials P1 and P2 into the storage section 1a. The insertion opening 1b is formed on one side surface 1c of the side wall panel 1. The storage section 1a constitutes a space for storing storage materials P1 and P2 inside the side wall panel 1 and extends horizontally from the insertion opening 1b. The storage section 1a does not reach the other side surface 1d of the side wall panel 1. In other words, the storage section 1a is not a cavity that penetrates from one side surface 1c to the other side surface 1d. Therefore, the insertion opening 1b is not formed on the other side surface 1d of the side wall panel 1. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, there are three storage sections 1a arranged in the height direction. However, the number of storage compartments 1a can be appropriately set based on the dimensions of the side wall panel 1, the dimensions of storage materials P1 and P2, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, the side wall panel 2 includes a storage section 2a (first storage section) for storing the heat storage materials P1 and P2, and an insertion opening 2b (first insertion opening) for inserting the storage materials P1 and P2 into the storage section 2a. The storage section 2a and insertion opening 2b have the same configuration as the storage section 1a and insertion opening 2b of the side wall panel 1, so their description is omitted.

[0029] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10 shown in Figure 1, an insertion opening is formed on the side of each of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and a storage section extending horizontally from this insertion opening is provided. Therefore, when assembling the temperature-controlled transport container 10, storage materials P1 and P2 can be inserted from the side into each of the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0030] Conventional temperature-controlled transport containers were designed so that the contents were inserted from the top of the side wall panels. With this configuration, as the size of the temperature-controlled transport container increases, the height of the side wall panels also increases, making it difficult for users to store the contents in the side wall panels. In particular, when assembled by a relatively short woman, it is difficult for her to reach the insertion opening of the side wall panels with her eyes and hands, making it difficult to store the contents in the side wall panels. Furthermore, when moving the side wall panels after the contents have been inserted, the weight of the side wall panels becomes very heavy, making them difficult to handle.

[0031] Compared to conventional temperature-controlled transport containers, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 allows for the insertion of storage materials P1 and P2 from the sides of each of the side wall panels 1 to 4 during assembly. Therefore, even if the size of the temperature-controlled transport container increases and the height of the side wall panels increases, users can easily access the insertion opening for the storage materials. As a result, it becomes easier to store storage materials in the side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport container 10. Furthermore, there is no need to move the heavy side wall panels after the storage materials have been inserted. As a result, the burden of assembly work can be reduced.

[0032] In this embodiment, the constant temperature transport container 10 prevents outside air from entering the interior through each of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and allows for efficient packing of the heat storage material into each of the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0033] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10, the four side wall panels 1 to 4 form two insertion corners Y and Z (first insertion corners). The two insertion corners Y and Z face each other. By arranging the insertion corners Y and Z in this opposing position, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is structurally stable even when the fitting corner 7 is not fitted into the insertion corners Y and Z. The insertion corner Y is composed of side surface 1c with an insertion opening 1b and side surface 2c with an insertion opening 2b on side wall panels 1 and 2. The insertion corner Z has the same configuration as the insertion corner Y. That is, the insertion corner Z is composed of side surfaces 3c and 4c with insertion openings for the storage materials P1 and P2 on side wall panels 3 and 4. The insertion corner Y will be described below. The insertion corner Z is the same as the insertion corner Y, so its description will be omitted.

[0034] In the side wall panels 1 and 2, the sides 1c and 2c form an insertion corner Y such that the insertion openings 1b and 2b are exposed to the outside and are adjacent to each other.

[0035] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10, side wall panels 1 and 4 are connected to each other at the side 1d opposite the insertion corner Y and the side 4d opposite the insertion corner Z. Similarly, side wall panels 2 and 3 are connected to each other at the side 2d opposite the insertion corner Y and the side 3d opposite the insertion corner Z. The configuration of connection at side 1d and side 4d here includes a configuration in which one side of side 1d and side 4d is in contact with the side wall panel having the other side, and a configuration in which side 1d and side 4d are in contact with each other. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the configuration of connection at side 1d and side 4d is a configuration in which side 4d of side wall panel 4 is in contact with side wall panel 1.

[0036] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10, a fitting corner portion 7 (first fitting corner portion) is provided at the insertion corner portion Y. The fitting corner portion 7 closes the insertion openings 1b and 2b and is structured to fit with the side surfaces 1c and 2c on which the insertion openings 1b and 2b are provided, respectively. Specifically, a fitting recess 1e is provided on the side surface 1c of the side wall panel 1 on which the insertion opening 1b is provided. Also, a fitting recess 2e is provided on the side surface 2c of the side wall panel 2 on which the insertion opening 2b is provided. The fitting recesses 1e and 2e are each recesses that extend in the vertical direction.

[0037] The fitting corner portion 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that fits into the space formed by the sides 1c and 2c of the insertion corner portion Y. The fitting corner portion 7 fits into the insertion corner portion Y so as to be flush with the side wall panels 1 and 2. Fitting protrusions 7e and 7e are provided on the surfaces of the fitting corner portion 7 that face each of the sides 1c and 2c. The two fitting protrusions 7e and 7e are protrusions that extend in the vertical direction. Of the two fitting protrusions 7e and 7e, one fitting protrusion 7e fits into the fitting recess 1e, and the other fitting protrusion 7e fits into each of the fitting recesses 2e. Thus, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10, fitting recesses 1e and 2e for fitting into the insertion corner portion Y are provided on each of the sides 1c and 2c of the side wall panels 1 and 2, where the insertion openings 1b and 2b are located. Furthermore, the fitting corner portion 7 is provided with fitting protrusions 7e and 7e that engage with the fitting recesses 1e and 2e.

[0038] At the insertion corner Y, the sides 1c and 2c of the side wall panels 1 and 2 and the fitting corner 7 engage with each other, thereby closing the insertion openings 1b and 2b. As a result, the inflow of outside air into the storage section 1a of the side wall panel 1 can be prevented. Similarly, the inflow of outside air into the storage section 2a of the side wall panel 2 can be prevented.

[0039] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10, the fitting structure firmly fixes the fitting corner portion 7 to the insertion corner portion Y. In this way, the insertion openings 1b and 2b are closed by the fitting corner portion 7 which is firmly fixed to the insertion corner portion Y, thereby more reliably preventing outside air from flowing into the interior of the side wall panels 1 and 2.

[0040] Next, we will explain how to assemble the temperature-controlled transport container 10.

[0041] First, the side wall panel 1 is erected against the bottom panel 5. At this time, the side wall panel 1 is connected to the bottom panel 5 by fitting together, for example, a recessed interlocking structure formed between the side wall panel 1 and the bottom panel 5. Next, the side wall panel 2 is positioned against the side wall panel 1 such that an insertion corner Y is formed by the sides 1c and 2c, and in this state, the side wall panel 2 is erected against the bottom panel 5. Note that the method for erecting the side wall panels 2 to 4 against the bottom panel 5 is the same as the method for erecting the side wall panel 1 against the bottom panel 5, so the explanation is omitted.

[0042] Next, the side wall panel 4 is erected against the bottom panel 5 so that its side surface 4d connects to the side surface 1d of the side wall panel 1. Then, the side wall panel 3 is erected against the bottom panel 5 so that its side surface 3d connects to the side surface 2d of the side wall panel 2. By erecting the side wall panels 3 and 4 against the bottom panel 5 in this way, the insertion corner Z is formed by the side surface 3c of the side wall panel 3 and the side surface 4d of the side wall panel 4.

[0043] In this way, a structure is formed in which side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are erected on the bottom panel 5. Then, storage materials P1 and P2 are inserted into this structure through insertion openings 1b, 2b, 3b, and 4b, and the storage materials P1 and P2 are packed into the side wall panels 1 to 4. Here, the insertion corners Y and Z are opposite each other. Also, the insertion openings 1b, 2b, 3b, and 4b of the storage materials P1 and P2 are concentrated at two locations, the insertion corners Y and Z. Therefore, when packing the storage materials P1 and P2 into the side wall panels 1 to 4, the user can access all of the insertion openings 1b, 2b, 3b, and 4b by moving to just two locations. Thus, the packing of storage materials P1 and P2 into each of the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, since the insertion openings 1b, 2b, 3b, and 4b for the storage materials P1 and P2 are consolidated into two locations, the assembly space for the temperature-controlled transport container 10 can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10, insertion corners Y and Z are formed when the four side wall panels 1 to 4 are erected against the bottom panel 5. Therefore, the user does not need to erect the very heavy side wall panels 1 to 4, which are packed with the contents P1 and P2, against the bottom panel 5. The user only needs to erect the lighter side wall panels 1 to 4, which are not packed with the contents P1 and P2, against the bottom panel 5. Thus, the configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 reduces the burden on the user in assembling the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0045] After packing the storage materials P1 and P2 into the side wall panels 1 to 4 in this manner, the container body X is formed by fitting the fitting corners 7 into the insertion corners Y and Z. Then, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is completed by connecting the top panel 6 to the upper end of the assembled container body X.

[0046] As described above, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 according to this embodiment can prevent outside air from entering the interior of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and can efficiently pack the storage materials P1 and P2 into the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0047] Here, the material of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is not particularly limited as long as it has heat insulating properties, and foamed plastics and vacuum insulation materials are suitably used. Specifically, foamed plastics can be made from polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, or poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) resins. Furthermore, materials containing a radiant heat transfer inhibitor are preferred for their superior heat insulating properties. For example, a carbon-containing bead foam molded body containing carbon that can act as a radiant heat transfer inhibitor is an example. Here, carbon can be graphite, graphene, activated carbon, coke, carbon black, etc. Graphite and carbon black are preferred in terms of the balance between cost and the effect of improving heat insulating properties, with graphite being more preferred. As for vacuum insulation materials, for example, those using silica powder, glass wool, glass fiber, etc. as a core material are examples.

[0048] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 may be composed of a combination of two or more types of foamed plastics. Specifically, such a combination could be a combination of a foamed polyethylene material and a foamed polystyrene material.

[0049] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled transport container 10 may be constructed from a combination of foamed plastic and vacuum insulation material. In that case, a transport container with high thermal insulation performance can be obtained by covering the outer or inner surface of the container body X and / or top panel 6, which are made of foamed plastic, with vacuum insulation material, or by embedding vacuum insulation material inside the walls that make up the container body X and top panel 6.

[0050] Furthermore, the fitting structure between the side surfaces 1c and 2c and the fitting corner portion 7 in the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of fitting the fitting corner portion 7 to the insertion corner portion Y, it is preferable that the fitting corner portion 7 is a structure that is inserted and fitted from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 (hereinafter referred to as a horizontal insertion structure).

[0051] The horizontal insertion structure is preferably such that, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, for example, the fitting corner portion 7 can be fitted to the insertion corner portion Y from the horizontal direction. The horizontal insertion structure can be realized, for example, by the following configuration: The fitting recess of at least one of the side wall panels 1 and 2 has a fitting surface exposed with respect to the fitting corner portion 7 when viewed from the horizontal direction of the other side wall panel.

[0052] For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the front horizontal insertion structure has a fitting recess 1e in one side wall panel 1, and the fitting surface with the fitting projection 7e is exposed when viewed from the horizontal direction of the other side wall panel 2. That is, the fitting surface of the fitting recess 1e with the fitting projection 7e is not obstructed by the outer surface of the side wall panel 1 and is visible when viewed from the horizontal direction of the side wall panel 2. In other words, the fitting recess 1e is provided at the outermost end of the side surface 1c of the side wall panel 1, and the outer side wall of the fitting recess 1e is not formed.

[0053] With this horizontal insertion structure, the fitting corner portion 7 is moved from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 towards the side 1c in order to fit the fitting recess 1e with one of the fitting protrusions 7e. As a result, when the fitting recess 1e and one of the fitting protrusions 7e are fitted together, the fitting recess 2e and the other fitting protrusion 7e can also be fitted together. Therefore, it is not necessary to fit the fitting protrusions 7e of the fitting corner portion 7 into the fitting recesses 1e and 2e from above, and the fitting operation of the fitting corner portion 7 is made more efficient.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fitting corner portion 7 is configured to fit not only with the side surfaces 1c and 2c, but also with at least one of the bottom panel 5 and the top panel 6. In other words, it is preferable that the fitting corner portion 7 is connected to at least one of the bottom panel 5 and the top panel 6 via a fitting structure. As a result, the fitting corner portion 7 is fitted and fixed to at least one of the bottom panel 5 and the top panel 6, so that the fitting corner portion 7 is firmly held against the insertion corner portion Y.

[0055] Furthermore, the fitting structure between the sides 1c and 2c and the fitting corner portion 7 is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of inserting the storage materials P1 and P2 into the insertion openings 1b and 2b of the insertion corner portion Y, it is preferable that fitting recesses 1e and 2e, rather than fitting protrusions, are provided on the sides 1c and 2c, as shown in Figure 1. If fitting protrusions are provided on the sides 1c and 2c, it may become difficult to insert the storage materials P1 and P2 into the insertion opening 1b or 2b due to these fitting protrusions.

[0056] (Regarding storage materials P1 and P2) Storage materials P1 and P2 are heat storage materials. Here, "heat storage material" includes not only the heat storage material itself but also the cold storage material. In other words, storage materials P1 and P2 are at least one of a heat storage material and a cold storage material. A heat storage material or cold storage material is a material in which a heat storage component or a cold storage component is sealed in a plastic container or a film bag, etc.

[0057] The material of the container or bag filled with the heat-storing or cold-storing component is not particularly limited, and examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or polyester. One of these materials may be used alone, or two or more of these materials may be combined to form a multilayer structure to enhance heat resistance and barrier properties. The shape of the container or bag is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of increasing the heat exchange efficiency, a shape that can secure a large surface area is preferred.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferable that the storage materials P1 and P2 are at least one of a latent heat storage material and a cold storage material. A latent heat type heat storage material or cold storage material utilizes the thermal energy associated with the phase transition of the heat storage component or cold storage component, and utilizes the thermal energy absorbed when the phase state of the heat storage component or cold storage component undergoes a phase transition from a solidified state to a molten state (liquid), or the thermal energy released when it undergoes a phase transition from a molten state (liquid) to a solidified state (solid).

[0059] The solidification / melting temperature of a heat storage component or a cold storage component is the temperature at which its phase state changes from a solidified state (solid) to a molten state (liquid), or from a molten state (liquid) to a solidified state (solid). In this specification, the "melting temperature" of a cold storage material composition means "the temperature exhibited by the cold storage material composition when a solid cold storage material composition melts and liquefies." The above "melting temperature" will be explained in more detail using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a graph plotting the temperature of a cold storage material composition against time when a solidified cold storage material composition is placed in a constant temperature bath, and the temperature of the constant temperature bath is raised from a very low temperature at a constant heating rate. As shown in Figure 2, compared to the temperature of a constant-temperature bath which rises at a constant rate, the temperature of the refrigerant composition changes in the following order (1) to (3): (1) it rises at a constant rate; (2) at temperature T1 it hardly changes due to the latent heat of the refrigerant composition and maintains a constant temperature from temperature T1 to temperature T2; (3) it resumes rising at temperature T2. In this specification, temperature T1 is referred to as the "melting start temperature" and temperature T2 is referred to as the "melting end temperature". In this specification, the temperature T3, which is the midpoint between temperature T1 and temperature T2, is defined as the "melting temperature".

[0060] The term "phase state" generally refers to the three phase states of a substance: solid, liquid, and gas. In this embodiment, however, only the solid and liquid phase states are utilized. The phase state of the heat storage component or cold storage component refers to a phase state of 50% by weight or more. For example, a phase state in which 80% by weight of the heat storage component is in a solid state and 20% by weight is in a liquid state is considered solid (solidified state).

[0061] The composition constituting the latent heat-storing or cold-storing component used in this embodiment is not particularly limited, but examples include inorganic hydrate salts such as calcium chloride hexahydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate, sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium chloride hexahydrate, and quaternary ammonium salt hydrate; at least one higher alkane selected from the group of paraffins with linear and branched structures having 9 to 30 carbon atoms, such as n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane, n-heptadecane, n-dodecane, and n-docosane; saturated fatty acids with 6 to 18 carbon chains, such as octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, dodecanoic acid, and stearic acid; fatty acid ester compounds such as methyl laurylate, methyl myristate, and butyl stearate; palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and those with 6 to 1 carbon chains. Examples of organic compound heat storage material compositions include 8 unsaturated fatty acids and their ester compounds, higher alcohols (including straight-chain alcohols, branched alcohols, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, and tertiary alcohols) having 6 or more carbon atoms, such as 1-decanol, 2-decanol, undecanol, lauryl alcohol, tridecanol, myristyl alcohol, pentadecanol, cetyl alcohol, heptadecanol, stearyl alcohol, nonadecanol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, carnaubyl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, and l-menthol, as well as dihydric alcohols such as polyethylene glycol and polybutylene glycol, and mixtures of two or more of these can also be used.

[0062] Other examples include solutions primarily composed of water, such as aqueous solutions of calcium chloride, calcium bromide, potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, and sodium chloride, as well as solutions containing water and superabsorbent polymers.

[0063] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10 shown in Figure 1, two types of heat storage material and / or cold storage material (either one or both) were contained, namely storage material P1 and P2. However, in this embodiment, the temperature-controlled transport container may contain and arrange only one type of heat storage material and / or cold storage material (either one or both). When the outside temperature is lower than the control temperature, such as in winter, the temperature is controlled to a temperature higher than the solidification / melting temperature of the heat storage material and / or cold storage material to be stored, and materials in a molten state are placed inside. In this case, the heat storage material and / or cold storage material are cooled by the outside temperature, causing a decrease in temperature and releasing thermal energy as they undergo a phase transition from a molten state (liquid) to a solidified state (solid). This suppresses exposure of the temperature-controlled items to the outside air and allows them to be maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

[0064] On the other hand, when the outside temperature is higher than the controlled temperature, such as in summer, the temperature is controlled to a level lower than the solidification / melting temperature of the heat storage material and / or cold storage material to be stored, and the material is placed in a solidified state. In this case, the heat storage material and / or cold storage material are heated by the outside temperature, causing their temperature to rise. As they absorb thermal energy to undergo a phase transition from a solidified state to a molten state, the exposure of the temperature-controlled items to the outside air is suppressed, and they can be maintained within the specified temperature range.

[0065] When using a single type of heat storage material and / or cold storage material, the effects of temperature rise and fall caused by the temperature difference with the outside air can be suppressed by the release / absorption of latent heat energy possessed by the single heat storage material and / or cold storage material component, and the temperature can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range for a certain period of time, through the insulating material that constitutes the constant temperature transport container. However, it is complicated because the heat storage material and / or cold storage material must be adjusted to a specified temperature in advance relative to the external ambient temperature, and the quantity / weight of the heat storage material and / or cold storage material used tends to increase for long-term temperature maintenance.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple heat storage materials with different melting temperature ranges may be used. In the constant temperature transport container according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, two or more types of heat storage materials and / or cold storage materials with different solidification / melting states can be stored and arranged in storage materials P1 and P2. For example, when using a first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) and a second heat storage material or cold storage material (b) to maintain the same temperature control conditions throughout the year regardless of the ambient temperature, the following combination of storage materials P1 and P2 is exemplified. A storage material P1 close to the temperature-maintaining article stores the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a), whose solidification / melting temperature is near the control temperature and is in a molten state, and a storage material P2 located on the outer periphery of the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) stores the second heat storage material or cold storage material (b), whose solidification / melting temperature is 0°C or lower and is in a solidified state.

[0067] Furthermore, when using a first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) and a second heat storage material or cold storage material (b), the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) may be conditioned to melt at a temperature higher than the control temperature, and the second heat storage material or cold storage material (b) may be solidified and frozen at a temperature lower than or equal to the melting temperature of the second heat storage material or cold storage material (b). In this case, the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) is housed in the storage material P1 closest to the temperature-maintaining article, and the second heat storage material or cold storage material (b) is housed in the storage material P2. The second heat storage material or cold storage material (b), which is placed outside the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a), functions as a thermal buffer against ambient temperature to maintain the temperature of the temperature-maintaining article within a desired temperature range.

[0068] When two or more heat storage materials and / or cold storage materials with different solidification and molten states are used, the effects of temperature rise and fall caused by the temperature difference with the outside air, through the insulating material constituting the container, can be suppressed by using a second heat storage material or cold storage material (b) placed outside the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) placed adjacent to the temperature-holding item, which acts as a thermal buffer. Due to the temperature interaction between the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) and the second heat storage material or cold storage material (b), the first heat storage material or cold storage material (a) in the molten state is cooled and its temperature drops, releasing thermal energy to undergo a phase transition from the molten state (liquid) to the solidified state (solid). This protects the temperature-holding item from both temperatures higher and lower than its temperature, and as a result, the amount of heat storage material or cold storage material used can be reduced, and the temperature-holding item can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range for a longer period of time.

[0069] When two or more heat storage materials and / or cold storage materials with different solidification and melting states are used, as a specific example, a heat storage material or cold storage material whose melting temperature is adjusted to around 5°C or 20°C is housed in storage material P1, and a heat storage material or cold storage material whose melting temperature is adjusted to 0°C is housed in storage material P2.

[0070] Furthermore, the storage materials P1 and P2 are not particularly limited in shape as long as they can be inserted from the side of each of the side wall panels 1 to 4. For example, the storage materials P1 and P2 may each be a heat storage material and / or cold storage material in which one type of heat storage component and / or cold storage component is contained in a single elongated container that fits into the storage section of the side wall panel.

[0071] From the viewpoint of versatility of the heat storage material and / or cold storage material, preferably, the storage materials P1 and P2 are connected bodies in which multiple heat storage materials and / or cold storage materials are linked together. This improves the workability when packing the storage materials P1 and P2, and allows for the configuration of storage materials P1 and P2 that correspond to multiple temperature-controlled transport containers of different dimensions. As a result, the versatility of the storage materials P1 and P2 is increased.

[0072] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0073] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10A according to this embodiment. Note that, for simplification, storage compartment 1a, storage compartment 2a, and top panel 6 are omitted in Figure 3.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, the constant temperature transport container 10A according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the fitting corner portion 7A. As shown in Figure 3, the fitting corner portion 7A is composed of multiple members and is assembleable. More specifically, the fitting corner portion 7A is composed of members 71, 72, and 73 and is assembleable. Members 71, 72, and 73 each have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0075] The fitting corner portion 7A is an assembly of members 71, 72, and 73, and is structured to fit into the space formed by the sides 1c and 2c of the insertion corner portion Y. Members 71, 72, and 72 are fitted into the insertion corner portion Y so as to be flush with the side wall panels 1 and 2, respectively. Fitting protrusions 71e and 71e are provided on the faces of member 71 facing the sides 1c and 2c, respectively. Fitting protrusions 72e and 72e are provided on the faces of member 72 facing the sides 1c and 2c, respectively. Furthermore, fitting protrusions 73e and 73e are provided on the faces of member 73 facing the sides 1c and 2c, respectively. The fitting protrusions 71e, 71e, 72e, 72e, and 73e, 73e fit into the fitting recesses 1e and 2e of the side wall panels 1 and 2.

[0076] When members 71, 72, and 73 are assembled, the interlocking protrusions 71e, 72e, and 73e are positioned in overlapping locations when viewed from above. Therefore, when members 71, 72, and 73 are assembled, the interlocking protrusions 71e, 72e, and 73e engage with each other, forming a vertically extending protrusion.

[0077] According to the temperature-controlled transport container 10A of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent outside air from flowing into the interior of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and to efficiently pack the storage material (heat storage material or cold storage material) into the side wall panels 1 to 4. In particular, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10A, the fitting corner portion 7A can be made smaller and lighter by using members 71, 72, and 73. Therefore, the fitting work of the fitting corner portion 7A can be performed using the smaller and lighter members 71, 72, and 73, and the fitting work of the fitting corner portion 7A is made more efficient.

[0078] [Embodiment 3] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0079] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10B according to this embodiment. Note that, for simplification, storage compartment 1a, storage compartment 2a, and top panel 6 are omitted in Figure 4.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the constant temperature transport container 10B according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the fitting recesses 1e and 2e and the fitting corner portion 7B. As shown in Figure 4, the fitting recess 1e is provided at the outermost end of the side surface 1c of the side wall panel 1, and the outer side wall of the fitting recess 1e is not formed. Similarly, the fitting recess 2e is provided at the outermost end of the side surface 2c of the side wall panel 2, and the outer side wall of the fitting recess 2e is not formed.

[0081] The fitting corner portion 7B is composed of multiple members and is assembleable. The fitting corner portion 7B is composed of members 74 and 75 and is assembleable. When assembled to the fitting corner portion 7B, members 74 and 75 fit into the space formed by the sides 1c and 2c of the insertion corner portion Y. The fitting corner portion 7B is fitted into the insertion corner portion Y so as to be flush with the side wall panels 1 and 2.

[0082] Member 74 is a rectangular rod shape. Member 74 has sides 74a and 74b. When the fitting corner portion 7B is fitted with sides 1c and 2c, sides 74a and 74b come into contact with sides 1c and 2c, respectively.

[0083] Member 75 is provided with fitting projections 75e and 75e on the surfaces facing the sides 1c and 2c, respectively. The fitting projections 75e and 75e are protrusions that extend in the vertical direction and fit into the fitting recesses 1e and 2e, respectively. Member 75 also has contact surfaces 75a and 75a that extend in the vertical direction. When the fitting corner portion 7B is fitted with the sides 1c and 2c, the contact surfaces 75a and 75a contact the sides 1c and 2c, respectively. Member 75 also has a contact recess 75b that contacts the side of member 74. When the side of member 74 contacts the contact recess 75b, one contact surface 75a becomes flush with the side 74a, and the other contact surface 75a becomes flush with the side 74b.

[0084] According to the constant temperature transport container 10B of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent outside air from flowing into the interior of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and to efficiently pack the storage material (heat storage material or cold storage material) into the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0085] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10B, the fitting corner portion 7B is moved from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 toward the side 1c in order to fit the fitting recess 1e with one of the fitting protrusions 75e. As a result, when the fitting recess 1e and one of the fitting protrusions 75e are fitted together, the fitting recess 2e and the other fitting protrusion 75e can also be fitted together. In other words, the fitting corner portion 7B is structured to be inserted and fitted from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10B. Therefore, the fitting operation of the fitting corner portion 7B is made more efficient with the temperature-controlled transport container 10B.

[0086] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10B according to this embodiment, the side wall panels 1 and 4 are connected to each other by a recessed-protrusion fitting structure at the side surface 1d opposite to the insertion corner Y and the side surface 4d opposite to the insertion corner Z. More specifically, a fitting projection 1f is provided on the side surface 1d. This fitting projection 1f is a protrusion extending in the vertical direction. A fitting recess 4f that fits with the fitting projection 1f is formed in the vicinity of the side surface 4d of the side wall panel 4, that is, in the portion of the side wall panel 4 facing the side surface 1c. The fitting recess 4f is a groove extending in the vertical direction.

[0087] Similarly, the side wall panels 2 and 3 are connected to each other by a recessed-protrusion fitting structure at the side 2d opposite to the insertion corner Y and the side 3d opposite to the insertion corner Z. A fitting projection 3f is provided on side 3d. A fitting recess 2f that fits with the fitting projection 3f is formed in the vicinity of side 2d of the side wall panel 2, that is, in the portion of the side wall panel 2 facing side 3c. The fitting projection 3f is a protrusion extending in the vertical direction, and the fitting recess 2f is a groove extending in the vertical direction.

[0088] [Embodiment 4] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0089] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10C according to this embodiment. Note that, for simplification, storage compartment 1a, storage compartment 2a, and top panel 6 are omitted in Figure 5.

[0090] As shown in Figure 5, the constant temperature transport container 10C according to this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the fitting corner portion 7C. As shown in Figure 5, the fitting corner portion 7C is composed of multiple members and is assembleable. More specifically, the fitting corner portion 7C is composed of members 76 and 77 and is assembleable.

[0091] The fitting corner portion 7C is an assembly of members 76 and 77, and is structured to fit into the space formed by the sides 1c and 2c of the insertion corner portion Y. Members 76 and 77 are columnar in shape, extending in the vertical direction. Member 76 has a fitting portion 76a, sides 76b and 76c, and a fitting projection 76e. Member 77 also has a fitting portion 77a, sides 77b and 77c, and a fitting projection 77e. Members 76 and 77 are connected to each other by the interlocking of the interlocking portions 77a and 77a. When members 76 and 77 are fitted together, sides 76c and 77b become flush. The fitting projection 76e of member 76 fits into the fitting recess 1e of the side wall panel 1. On the other hand, the fitting projection 77e of member 77 fits into the fitting recess 2e of the side wall panel 2.

[0092] When the fitting corner portion 7C is fitted with the sides 1c and 2c, the side 76b of member 76 abuts against the side 1c of the side wall panel 1. Also, the side 76c of member 76 and the side 77b of member 77 abut against the side 2c of the side wall panel 2.

[0093] According to the constant temperature transport container 10C of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent outside air from flowing into the interior of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and to efficiently pack the storage material (heat storage material or cold storage material) into the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0094] In particular, with respect to the temperature-controlled transport container 10C, the fitting corner portion 7C is composed of a member 76 having a fitting projection 76e that fits into a fitting recess 1e, and a member 77 having a fitting projection 77e that fits into a fitting recess 2e. The members 76 and 77 can be assembled by fitting the fitting portions 76a and 77a together. In this way, by making the members constituting the fitting corner portion 7C a member 76 that fits into the side surface 1c and a member 77 that fits into the side surface 2c, the fitting work of the fitting corner portion 7C is made more efficient.

[0095] For example, the following fitting operation is possible. First, member 76 is moved from the side towards side 1c, and member 76 is fitted to side 1c. Next, member 77 is moved from the side towards side 2c, and member 77 is fitted to side 2c, and members 76 and 77 are connected via the fitting of fitting portions 76a and 77a. In this way, when fitting the fitting corner portion 7C, members 76 and 77 can be fitted to sides 1c and 2c respectively from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10C. Therefore, the fitting operation of the fitting corner portion 7C is made more efficient.

[0096] [Embodiment 5] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0097] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10D according to this embodiment. Note that, for simplification, storage compartment 1a, storage compartment 2a, and top panel 6 are omitted in Figure 6.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the constant temperature transport container 10D according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the fitting corner portion 7D. As shown in Figure 6, the fitting corner portion 7D is composed of multiple members and is assembleable. More specifically, the fitting corner portion 7D is composed of members 78a and 78b and member 79 and is assembleable. In the insertion corner portion Y, three fitting recesses 1e are formed on the side surface 1c, arranged vertically. Also, two fitting recesses 2e are formed on the side surface 2c, arranged vertically.

[0099] The fitting corner portion 7D is an assembly of members 78a and 78b and member 79, and is structured to fit into the space formed by the sides 1c and 2c of the insertion corner portion Y. Members 78a and 78b are rectangular parallelepipeds that are elongated in the horizontal direction. In the horizontal direction of the side wall panel 2, members 78a and 78b each fit into the fitting recess 2e.

[0100] Member 79 is a column shape extending in the vertical direction. Member 79 has side surfaces 79a and 79b, horizontal grooves 79c and 79d, and three fitting protrusions 79e. When the fitting corner portion 7D is fitted with side surfaces 1c and 2c, side surfaces 79a and 79b abut against side surfaces 1c and 2c, respectively. Also, the fitting protrusions 79e fit into the fitting recesses 1e of side surface 1c. Three fitting protrusions 79e are formed side by side in the vertical direction. Three fitting recesses 1e are formed corresponding to each of the three fitting protrusions 79e.

[0101] The horizontal grooves 79c and 79d are grooves that extend horizontally in the side wall panel 2. Each of the horizontal grooves 79c and 79d is formed to connect to two fitting recesses 2e. The side surface of member 78a slides without gap against all sides of the horizontal groove 79c in the horizontal direction of the side wall panel 2. Similarly, the side surface of member 78b slides without gap against all sides of the horizontal groove 79d in the horizontal direction of the side wall panel 2. As a result, members 78a and 78b pass through the horizontal grooves 79c and 79d of member 79 and are fitted into the fitting recesses 2e.

[0102] According to the constant temperature transport container 10D of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent outside air from flowing into the interior of the side wall panels 1 to 4, and to efficiently pack the storage material (heat storage material or cold storage material) into the side wall panels 1 to 4.

[0103] In particular, with respect to the temperature-controlled transport container 10D, the fitting corner portion 7D is composed of members 78a and 78b that fit into the fitting recess 2e, and a member 79 having a fitting projection 79e that fits into the fitting recess 1e. The members 78a and 78b and the member 79 can be assembled via horizontal grooves 79c and 79d. In this way, by making the members constituting the fitting corner portion 7C a member 79 that fits into the side surface 1c and members 78a and 78b that fit into the side surface 2c, the fitting work of the fitting corner portion 7D is made more efficient.

[0104] For example, the following fitting operation is possible. First, member 79 is moved from the side towards side 1c, and member 79 is fitted to side 1c. Next, members 78a and 78b are moved from the side, passing through the horizontal grooves 79c and 79d of member 79, respectively, towards side 2c, and members 78a and 78b are fitted to side 2c. In this way, when fitting the fitting corner 7D, member 79 and members 78a and 78b can be fitted to side 1c and 2c respectively from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10D. Therefore, the fitting operation of the fitting corner 7D is made more efficient.

[0105] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10D according to this embodiment, an insertion opening 6b (second insertion opening) is provided in the top panel 6. Figure 7 is a front view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10D according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 7 is a front view of the side wall panels 2 and 4 as seen from the horizontal direction when the side wall panel 1 is removed.

[0106] As shown in Figure 7, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10D according to this embodiment, the insertion port 6b is an opening for inserting storage material (heat storage material or cold storage material) and communicates with the storage section 6a (second storage section) of the top panel 6. That is, in addition to the side wall panels 1 to 4, storage material can also be inserted from the side into the top panel 6 of the temperature-controlled transport container 10D. Therefore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10D, storage material can also be inserted from the side into the top panel 6. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 7 is also applicable to the temperature-controlled transport containers 10 and 10A to 10C according to embodiments 1 to 4. Note that the storage section 6a and insertion port 6b are the same as those provided in the temperature-controlled transport container 10E according to embodiment 6 described later. Therefore, for details of the storage section 6a and insertion port 6b, refer to embodiment 6 described later.

[0107] [Embodiment 6] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0108] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10E according to this embodiment.

[0109] As shown in Figure 8, the constant temperature transport container 10E according to this embodiment differs from embodiments 1 to 5 in the connection between the side wall panels 2 and 4 and the top panel 6. The top panel 6 includes a storage section 6a for storing a heat storage material and an insertion opening 6b (second insertion opening) for inserting the heat storage material into the storage section 6a. The insertion opening 6b is formed on both the side surface 6f of the top panel 6 and the side surface opposite to side surface 6f (not shown). Note that the insertion opening 6b only needs to be formed on at least one side surface of the top panel 6.

[0110] Thus, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10E, an insertion opening 6b is formed on the side surface 6f of the top panel 6, and a storage section 6a (second storage section) that communicates with the insertion opening 6b extends laterally. Therefore, when assembling the temperature-controlled transport container 10E, the heat storage material can be inserted into the top panel 6 from the side.

[0111] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10E, the top panel 6 and side wall panels 1-4 form a second insertion corner for the heat storage material. The second insertion corner is formed by the side surface 6f of the top panel 6, where the insertion opening 6b is provided, and the upper surface 2g of the side wall panel 2 adjacent to the side surface 6f. In the second insertion corner, the insertion opening 6b is exposed to the outside. Although not shown in Figure 8, the second insertion corner is also formed by the side surface of the top panel 6 opposite to the side surface 6f, where the insertion opening 6b is also formed, and the upper surface of the side wall panel 4 adjacent to that opposite side surface.

[0112] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10E, a fitting corner portion 8 (second fitting corner portion) is provided at the second insertion corner portion. The fitting corner portion 8 has a structure that closes the insertion opening 6b and fits with at least one of the side surface 6f on which the insertion opening 6b is provided and the upper surface 2g of the side wall panel 2. Specifically, a fitting recess 2h is provided on the upper surface 2g of the side wall panel 2. Similarly, a fitting recess 4g is provided on the upper surface of the side wall panel 4. The fitting recesses 2h and 4g are grooves that extend horizontally in the side wall panels 2 and 4, respectively.

[0113] The fitting corner portion 8 has a shape that fits into the space formed by the side surface 6f and the top surface 2g of the second insertion corner portion. The fitting corner portion 8 fits into the second insertion corner portion so as to be flush with the side wall panel 2 and the top panel 6. On the surface of the fitting corner portion 8 facing the top surface 2g, there is a fitting projection 8f that fits into the fitting recess 2h. The fitting projection 8f is a projection extending horizontally from the side wall panel 2. The insertion opening 6b is closed when the top surface 2g of the side wall panel 2 and the fitting corner portion 8 fit together at the second insertion corner portion. As a result, outside air can be prevented from entering the storage area of ​​the top panel 6.

[0114] The fitting corner portion 8 may also be structured to fit with the side surface 6f of the top panel 6. Furthermore, the fitting corner portion 8 may also be structured to fit with the adjacent side wall panel 3 to the side wall panel 2. As shown in Figure 8, a fitting projection 3g is formed on the surface of the side wall panel 3 facing the fitting corner portion 8. The fitting projection 3g is a protrusion extending in the vertical direction. The fitting corner portion 8 has a fitting recess formed as a recessed groove that fits with the fitting projection 3g (not shown).

[0115] According to the temperature-controlled transport container 10E of this embodiment, the following effects are achieved when assembling the temperature-controlled transport container 10E.

[0116] In other words, in the assembly method of the temperature-controlled transport container 10E, the container body is constructed by erecting four side wall panels 1 to 4 on the bottom panel 5, and then the top panel 6 is connected to the upper end of the container body. With the top panel 6 connected in this state, the second insertion corner is formed. Therefore, the user does not need to lift the very heavy top panel 6, which is packed with heat storage material, and connect it to the upper end of the container body. The user only needs to connect the lighter top panel 6, which is not packed with heat storage material, to the upper end of the container body. After connecting the top panel 6, the heat storage material can be packed into the top panel 6 by inserting it through the insertion opening 6b. Thus, the configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10E reduces the burden on the user in assembling the top panel 6.

[0117] Then, after packing the heat storage material into the top panel 6, the fitting corner portion 8 is fitted into the second insertion corner portion to complete the temperature-controlled transport container 10E.

[0118] Furthermore, a handle may be provided on the fitting corner portion 8. For example, when dismantling the temperature-controlled transport container 10E, the user can use this handle to pull out the fitting corner portion 8 from the side wall panel 2 and the top panel 6. As a result, dismantling the temperature-controlled transport container 10E becomes easier.

[0119] [Purpose of Embodiments 7-10 of the present invention] The constant temperature transport containers according to embodiments 7 to 10 of the present invention have, in addition to the configuration of embodiments 1 to 6 described above, a configuration in which adjacent heat storage material storage sections in the vertical direction have communication holes that connect them to each other.

[0120] In comparison with the vertically loaded temperature-controlled transport containers described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, the horizontally loaded temperature-controlled transport container described in Patent Document 5 has an advantage in terms of workability, as it makes it easier to accommodate the heat storage material in the side wall panels.

[0121] However, compared to temperature-controlled transport containers with a vertical loading configuration, while temperature-controlled transport containers with a horizontal loading configuration offer the above-mentioned improved workability, our inventors' investigation revealed that a new problem arises: the temperature retention time inside the temperature-controlled transport container is shortened.

[0122] Embodiments 7 to 10 of the present invention aim to provide a constant temperature transport container that, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 6 described above, improves the workability involved in accommodating the heat storage material to the side wall panels and extends the temperature retention time inside the container.

[0123] [Summary of Embodiments 7-10 of the present invention] The inventors of this invention conducted further studies on temperature-controlled transport containers with a horizontal loading configuration and discovered a new problem: compared to temperature-controlled transport containers with a vertical loading configuration, the temperature retention time of temperature-sensitive items is shorter. This problem related to the temperature retention time of temperature-controlled transport containers with a horizontal loading configuration is a novel problem that has not been recognized at all in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Therefore, the inventors of this invention have diligently developed a temperature-controlled transport container with a horizontal loading configuration that can achieve a longer temperature retention time.

[0124] As a result, the inventors of this invention discovered a novel finding: by providing communication holes that allow adjacent heat storage material storage sections in the vertical direction to communicate with each other, not only is workability improved, but the temperature retention time is also remarkably superior compared to a vertically-loaded constant-temperature transport container. Based on this novel finding, they completed the constant-temperature transport container of this embodiment.

[0125] In other words, the temperature-controlled transport containers according to embodiments 7 to 10 of the present invention are assembly-type temperature-controlled transport containers capable of transporting temperature-retaining articles at a constant temperature, and comprise side wall panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel, and have the following features. In other words, in addition to the configuration of embodiments 1 to 6 described above, the side wall panels are provided with a storage section for housing a heat storage material inside, and an insertion opening on one side for inserting the heat storage material into the storage section, and a plurality of the storage sections are arranged in a vertical direction, and adjacent storage sections in the vertical direction have communication holes that connect them to each other.

[0126] According to the above configuration, multiple heat storage material storage sections are arranged in a vertical direction, and adjacent heat storage material storage sections in the vertical direction have communication holes that connect them to each other. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the workability related to storing the heat storage material in the side wall panel is improved, and the temperature retention time inside the container is extended.

[0127] [Embodiment 7] The following describes Embodiment 7 of the present invention in detail. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0128] As shown in Figure 9, the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to this embodiment has a configuration in which fitting corners 7 and 7 are fitted to insertion corners Y and Z, respectively, similar to embodiments 1 to 6.

[0129] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to this embodiment differs from embodiments 1 to 6 in the structure of its side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each of the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 comprises a rectangular plate material panel body 11, 21, 31, and 41, respectively. The panel bodies 11, 21, 31, and 41 are separable from one another. Here, the bottom panel 5 side is considered the lower side of the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the top panel 6 side is considered the upper side. In the side wall panels 1, 2, 3, and 4, each of the panel bodies 11, 21, 31, and 41 is provided with an inner structural part 11A, 21A, 31A, and 41A, respectively.

[0130] Next, the configuration of side wall panels 1 to 4 will be explained. The following explanation will focus primarily on the configuration of side wall panel 1. Side wall panels 2 to 4 have the same configuration as side wall panel 1, so their explanation will be omitted. Figure 1001 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of side wall panel 1, and Figure 1002 is a perspective view showing the schematic external appearance of side wall panel 1. Figure 11 is a front view from the inside showing the internal configuration of side wall panel 1.

[0131] As shown in Figures 1001 and 1002, and Figure 11, the side wall panel 1 includes storage sections S1 to S3 for storing storage materials P1 and P2, which are heat storage materials, and insertion openings B1 to B3 for inserting storage materials P1 and P2 into each of the storage sections S1 to S3. Each of the insertion openings B1 to B3 is formed on one side 1c of the side wall panel 1.

[0132] Storage materials P1 and P2 are heat storage materials with different melting temperature ranges. However, the storage materials housed in each of the storage sections S1 to S3 may be heat storage materials with the same melting temperature range.

[0133] Furthermore, in each of the storage sections S1 to S3, the storage materials P1 and P2 are stored in an overlapping state in the thickness direction and in multiple parallel arrangements in the horizontal direction. Note that storage sections S1 to S3 may contain only one storage material.

[0134] More specifically, the side wall panel 1 comprises a panel body 11, an inner structure 11A, a closing member 16, and a protective member 17. The inner structure 11A is provided on the inner surface of the panel body 11. The inner structure 11A comprises a support column 12, a lower rail section 13, a middle rail section 14, and an upper rail section 15.

[0135] The support column 12 is provided projecting inward from the inner surface of the panel body 11 and is positioned on the side opposite to the side 1c. Furthermore, the support column 12 has a column shape that extends in the height direction.

[0136] The lower rail section 13, the middle rail section 14, and the upper rail section 15 each extend horizontally from the support column section 12 toward the side 1c.

[0137] The storage materials P1 and P2, inserted through the insertion openings B1 to B3, slide along the lower rail section 13, the middle rail section 14, and the upper rail section 15. The lower rail section 13, the middle rail section 14, and the upper rail section 15 function as guide rails that guide the storage materials P1 and P2 into the interior of the side wall panel 1.

[0138] In the height direction, the lower rail section 13, the middle rail section 14, and the upper rail section 15 are spaced equally apart. This spacing should be greater than the height dimension of the storage materials P1 and P2. Also, in the height direction, the distance between the upper end of the support column section 12 and the upper rail section 15 should be greater than the height dimension of the storage materials P1 and P2. With this configuration, the storage materials P1 and P2 can be accommodated in the space between the lower rail section 13 and the middle rail section 14, the space between the middle rail section 14 and the upper rail section 15, and the space above the middle rail section 14. A top panel 6 (not shown) is provided on the upper end surface of the support column section 12 so as to close off the space formed by the side surface of the support column section 12 and the upper surface of the upper rail section 15.

[0139] Furthermore, the blocking member 16 is a member that closes each of the insertion openings B1 to B3 from the side 1c side. The structure of the blocking member 16 is not particularly limited as long as it can close the insertion openings B1 to B3. From the viewpoint of preventing air inside the housing section S1 to S3 from leaking to the outside of the side wall panel 1, it is preferable that the blocking member 16 has a structure that fits in a recessed and concave manner with the insertion openings B1 to B3 on the side wall panel 1.

[0140] Furthermore, the protective member 17 is a sheet that covers the support column portion 12, lower rail portion 13, middle rail portion 14, and upper rail portion 15 of the panel body 11 from the inside. The protective member 17 is inserted between the temperature-controlled items and the storage materials P1 and P2 in the temperature-controlled transport container 10. The protective member 17 serves to fix the storage materials P1 and P2 so that they do not fall towards the temperature-controlled items and to protect the temperature-controlled items from directly touching the storage materials P1 and P2. Examples of materials for the protective member 17 include corrugated plastic, cardboard, and plastic sheets.

[0141] In the side wall panel 1, the storage section S1 has a space formed by the upper surface of the lower rail section 13, the lower surface of the middle rail section 14, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16, and the protective member 17, and the storage materials P1 and P2 are housed in this space. The storage section S2 has a space formed by the upper surface of the middle rail section 14, the lower surface of the upper rail section 15, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16, and the protective member 17, and the storage materials P1 and P2 are housed in this space. The storage section S3 has a space formed by the upper surface of the upper rail section 15, the top panel 6, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16, and the protective member 17, and the storage materials P1 and P2 are housed in this space. For example, in the storage section S3, one set of storage materials P1 and P2 is sequentially inserted from the insertion opening B1, and the storage materials P1 and P2 are slid along the upper rail section 15 to move horizontally toward the support column section 12, thereby accommodating multiple sets of storage materials P1 and P2 within the storage section S3.

[0142] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to this embodiment, the multiple storage sections S1 to S3 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Storage sections S1 and S2 that are adjacent in the vertical direction have a communication hole 18 connecting them to each other. Similarly, storage sections S2 and S3 that are adjacent in the vertical direction have a communication hole 18 connecting them to each other.

[0143] As shown in Figure 10, section 1001 and Figure 11, the communication holes 18 extend in the thickness direction of the side wall panel 1 and connect adjacent housing sections S1 and S2, or housing sections S2 and S3, in the vertical direction. In the housing sections S1 to S3, which are arranged in a row in the vertical direction, these communication holes 18 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0144] In conventional temperature-controlled transport containers with a vertical loading configuration, the contents must be inserted from the top of the side wall panels. Therefore, as the size of the temperature-controlled transport container increases, the height of the side wall panels also increases, making it difficult for users to store the contents in the side wall panels. In particular, when assembled by a relatively short woman, it is difficult for her to reach the insertion opening of the side wall panels with her eyes and hands, making it difficult to store the contents in the side wall panels. Furthermore, when moving the side wall panels after the contents have been inserted, the weight of the panels becomes very heavy, making them difficult to handle.

[0145] On the other hand, the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to this embodiment has a side-loading configuration in which the storage materials P1 and P2 are inserted into the side wall panel 1 through insertion openings B1 to B3 provided on the side 1c side. Therefore, even if the size of the temperature-controlled transport container 10F increases and the height of the side wall panel 1 increases, it becomes easier for the user to access the insertion openings for the storage materials. As a result, it becomes easier to store the storage materials P1 and P2 into the side wall panel 1 of the temperature-controlled transport container 10F. Furthermore, there is no need to move the heavy side wall panel 1 after inserting the storage materials P1 and P2. As a result, the burden of assembly work can be reduced and work efficiency can be improved.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the temperature-controlled transport container 10F of this embodiment, adjacent storage sections S1 and S2 (or storage sections S2 and S3) in the vertical direction have communication holes 18 that connect them to each other. Therefore, the temperature retention time inside the container can be extended compared to a temperature-controlled transport container with a vertical loading configuration.

[0147] As described above, the constant temperature transport container 10F according to this embodiment improves the workability involved in arranging the storage materials P1 and P2 in the side wall panels 1 to 4, and also has the effect of extending the temperature retention time inside the container.

[0148] Here, the material of the panel body of the side wall panels 1 to 4, the bottom panel 5, and the top panel 6 in the temperature-controlled transport container 10F is not particularly limited as long as it has heat insulating properties, and the material of the temperature-controlled transport container 10 according to Embodiment 1 can be used.

[0149] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to this embodiment, the top panel 6 may also be provided with multiple storage compartments for storing storage materials. In addition, the top panel 6 may or may not have communication holes connecting the multiple storage compartments to each other.

[0150] <Regarding the storage material (heat storage material) to be housed in the top panel and side wall panel of the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment> The storage material housed in the side wall panels 1-4 and the top panel 6 is not particularly limited, but preferably consists of storage material P1 and storage material P2 with a lower melting temperature than storage material P1. Furthermore, within the storage section, storage material P2 is preferably arranged overlapping the outside of storage material P1 (on the opposite side from the cargo compartment). Here, the combination of storage material P1 and P2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the melting temperature range of storage material P1 is adjusted to 5°C and the melting temperature range of storage material P2 is adjusted to 0°C.

[0151] Furthermore, the weight ratio of the storage materials P1 and P2 housed in the side wall panels 1 to 4 and the top panel 6 can be appropriately set according to the environment in which the temperature-controlled transport container is installed (e.g., summer, winter, etc.), the cargo compartment capacity, etc. When the weight ratio of storage material P1 is set to 1, the weight ratio of storage material P2 is preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 0.2 to 1.4, and even more preferably 0.8 to 1.3.

[0152] In particular, in summer environments, it is preferable that the weight ratio of storage materials P1 and P2 be set as described above, in order to promote air convection through the communication holes and efficiently transfer the cool air from storage material P2 to storage material P1. In particular, storage materials P1 and P2 with the weight ratio set as described above are especially effective when the melting temperature range of storage material P1 is adjusted to 5°C and the melting temperature range of storage material P2 is adjusted to 0°C.

[0153] Furthermore, the weight of the storage material corresponds to the weight of the heat-storage or cold-storage component contained within it. In other words, it goes without saying that the weight of the heat-storage or cold-storage component contained within the storage material increases in proportion to the weight of the storage material. That is, it goes without saying that the weight ratio of storage materials P1 and P2 described above can be interpreted as the weight ratio of the heat-storage or cold-storage component contained within storage material P1 and the heat-storage or cold-storage component contained within storage material P2.

[0154] Furthermore, an insulating material may be placed between the storage materials P1 and P2 to regulate heat transfer. The material of the insulating material is not particularly limited as long as it has insulating properties, and foamed plastics and vacuum insulating materials are preferably used. Specifically, foamed plastics can be made from polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, or poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) resins. From the viewpoint of insulating performance and cost, foamed polystyrene is preferred. The thickness of the insulating material is preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0155] [Embodiment 8] Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Figure 12 is an inside front view showing the internal configuration of the side wall panel 1A provided in the temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0156] As shown in Figure 12, the constant temperature transport container according to this embodiment differs from embodiment 7 in the arrangement of the communication holes 18 in the side wall panel 1A. In the multiple storage sections S1 to S3 arranged in a vertical direction, the communication holes 18 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0157] Even with this configuration, the workability involved in storing the storage materials P1 and P2 into the side wall panels 1-4 is improved, and the temperature retention time inside the container is extended.

[0158] [Embodiment 9] Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Figure 13 is an inside front view showing the internal configuration of the side wall panel 1B provided in the temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0159] As shown in Figure 13, the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment differs from embodiment 7 in the configuration of the lowest storage section S1 among the multiple storage sections S1 to S3 arranged in a vertical direction. The bottom wall of storage section S1 corresponds to the lower rail section 13. In the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, storage section S1 has a through hole 18a that penetrates the lower rail section 13.

[0160] The through-hole 18a is a hole that communicates with the outside of the side wall panel 1B. In the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, the storage sections S1 to S3 of the side wall panel 1B and the cargo space of the temperature-controlled transport container are in communication through the through-hole 18a. Therefore, air (cold air) from the storage sections S1 to S3 flows into the cargo space of the temperature-controlled transport container through the through-hole 18a.

[0161] The temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment is particularly effective when used in an environment where the temperature is higher than the controlled temperature range of the temperature-retaining item. For example, when the temperature-controlled transport container is used in a high-temperature environment during the summer, air from the storage sections S1 to S3 flows into the cargo compartment space through the through-hole 18a, preventing the temperature inside the cargo compartment from exceeding the upper limit of the controlled temperature range. Therefore, with the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, the temperature retention time inside the container is further extended, especially when used in an environment where the temperature is higher than the controlled temperature range of the temperature-retaining item.

[0162] [Other variations of the communication hole 18] The configuration of the communication holes 18 in the temperature-controlled transport container 10 is not limited to the configurations described in embodiments 7 to 9. In embodiments 7 to 9, the communication holes 18 were formed as slits extending in the thickness direction in the middle rail section 14 and the upper rail section 15, respectively. However, in embodiments of the present invention, the communication holes 18 only need to have a structure that connects adjacent storage sections S1 and S2 (or storage sections S2 and S3) in the vertical direction. For example, the middle rail section 14 (or upper rail section 15) may have a mesh structure that connects adjacent storage sections S1 and S2 (or storage sections S2 and S3) in the vertical direction.

[0163] [Embodiment 10] Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0164] The temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 7 mainly in the overall configuration of the side wall panel. Specifically, the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 7 mainly in that (1) the uppermost of the multiple storage compartments arranged in the vertical direction is formed not by a top panel, but by a rail portion provided on the panel body, and (2) the inner ends of each rail portion are provided with protruding ridges that extend upward and downward.

[0165] In the following section, the configuration of side wall panel 1, one of the side wall panels 1 to 4 shown in Figure 9, will be described. In the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, the configurations of side wall panels 2 to 4 are the same as those of side wall panel 1, so their description will be omitted. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a schematic of the internal configuration of side wall panel 1A provided in the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment.

[0166] The side wall panel 1A of the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment is configured to include a fitting corner portion 7C as shown in Figure 5, which serves as the closing member described above. As shown in Figure 14, the side wall panel 1A comprises a panel body 11, a member 76 as a closing member, and a protective member 17. The inner surface of the panel body 11 is provided with a support column portion 12, a lower rail portion 13, a middle rail portion 14A, a middle rail portion 14B, an upper rail portion 15, and an uppermost rail portion 19.

[0167] In the height direction, the lower rail section 13, the middle rail section 14A, the middle rail section 14B, the upper rail section 15, and the uppermost rail section 19 are spaced equally apart from each other. The uppermost rail section 19 is positioned flush with the top surface of the panel body 11.

[0168] In the side wall panel 1A, four storage sections S1 to S4 are formed. Storage section S1 has a space formed by the upper surface of the lower rail section 13, the lower surface of the middle rail section 14A, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16A, and the protective member 17, and the storage material P is housed in this space. Storage section S2 has a space formed by the upper surface of the middle rail section 14A, the lower surface of the middle rail section 14B, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16A, and the protective member 17, and the storage material P is housed in this space. Storage section S3 has a space formed by the upper surface of the middle rail section 14B, the lower surface of the upper rail section 15, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16A, and the protective member 17, and the storage material P is housed in this space. The storage section S4 has a space formed by the upper surface of the upper rail section 15, the lower surface of the uppermost rail section 19, the side surface of the support column section 12, the closing member 16A, and the protective member 17, and the storage material P is housed in this space. For example, in the storage section S4, the storage material P is inserted through the insertion opening B4 and slid along the upper rail section 15 to move the storage material P horizontally toward the support column section 12, thereby housing the storage material P in the storage section S4.

[0169] Furthermore, in the storage sections S1 to S4 arranged in the vertical direction, communication holes 18 are provided to connect adjacent storage sections.

[0170] In this embodiment of the temperature-controlled transport container, the inner ends of each rail section are provided with protruding ridges that project upward and downward. Specifically, the inner end of the lower rail section 13 has a protruding ridge 13c that projects upward. The inner ends of the middle rail sections 14A and 14B each have a protruding ridge 14c that projects upward and a protruding ridge 14d that projects downward. The inner end of the upper rail section 15 has a protruding ridge 15c that projects upward and a protruding ridge 15d that projects downward. Furthermore, the inner end of the uppermost rail section 19 has a protruding ridge 19d that projects downward. These protruding ridges 13c, 14c, 14d, 15c, 15d, and 19d extend horizontally along the side wall panel 1A.

[0171] The protrusions 13c, 14c, 14d, 15c, 15d, and 19d have the function of locking the storage material P, which is housed in the storage sections S1 to S4, so that it does not fall inward. Because of these protrusions, the storage material P is stably held within the side wall panel 1A. Especially when the storage material P is relatively heavy, the load on the protective member 17 from the storage material P is reduced, allowing the storage material P to be held stably.

[0172] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, the side wall panel 1A may or may not be equipped with a protective member 17. As shown in Figure 14, when the side wall panel 1A is equipped with a protective member 17, the cold air from the stored material P (heat storage material) is less likely to flow into the cargo compartment space, and the temperature fluctuations within the cargo compartment space become more stable. On the other hand, when the side wall panel 1A is not equipped with a protective member 17, the cold air from the stored material P is more likely to flow into the cargo compartment space. Therefore, when the temperature control temperature of the stored material P is outside the controlled temperature range, the temperature within the cargo compartment space can be quickly adjusted to within the controlled temperature range after the stored material P is packed into the side wall panel 1A.

[0173] Furthermore, in the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, member 76 has a structure that fits with the side surface of the panel body 11. More specifically, member 76 has a fitting projection 76e. The fitting projection 76e is a projection that extends in the height direction. On the side surface of the panel body 11 facing the closing member 16A, a fitting recess 1e is formed that fits with the fitting projection 76e. This fitting recess 1e is a groove that extends in the height direction. Member 77 shown in Figure 14 fits with the side surface of the side wall panel adjacent to the side wall panel 1A (corresponding to the side wall panel 2 shown in Figure 9). In other words, in the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment, members 76 and 77 constitute the fitting corner portion 7C described above. The fitting corner portion 7C fits into the insertion corner between the side wall panel 1A and the side wall panel adjacent to the side wall panel 1A.

[0174] (modified version) A modified example of the side wall panel provided in the temperature-controlled transport container according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a schematic of the internal structure of side wall panel 1B, which is a modified example of side wall panel 1A shown in Figure 14.

[0175] As shown in Figure 15, the side wall panel 1B differs from the side wall panel 1A in that it has slits (grooves) that extend horizontally across the side wall panel 1B at the inner ends of each rail section. Specifically, a slit 13e is formed on the upper surface of the inner end of the lower rail section 13. Also, slits 14e and 14f are formed on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the inner end of the middle rail section 14A. Similarly, slits 14e and 14f are formed on the middle rail section 14B, just like the middle rail section 14A. Slits 15e and 15f are formed on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the inner end of the upper rail section 15. And a slit 19f is formed on the lower surface of the inner end of the uppermost rail section 19.

[0176] Protective members 17A are inserted into these slits 13e, 14e, 15e, 14f, 15f, and 19f. For example, in the height direction, protective members 17A are inserted into slits 15e and 19f that are opposite to each other. As a result, protective members 17A are fixed to the upper rail section 15 and the uppermost rail section 19. Therefore, the contained storage material P is fixed within the storage section S4 and will not fall towards the temperature holding component.

[0177] [Objectives of Embodiments 11-13 of the present invention] Embodiments 11 to 13 of the present invention relate to the configuration of a heat storage material housed in the housing of a temperature-controlled transport container according to Embodiments 1 to 10 described above, and more specifically to a connected body of heat storage material packages. The connected body of heat storage material packages according to Embodiments 11 to 13 comprises at least two heat storage material packages connected to each other, each of which comprises a heat storage material and an outer box made of a rectangular parallelepiped that houses the heat storage material, and the at least two heat storage material packages are connected in a foldable manner at one side of the upper or lower side of each outer box such that the sides of the outer boxes are in contact with each other.

[0178] In this regard, the connected body described in Patent Document 6 has a configuration in which heat storage material is housed in storage pockets of a strip-shaped sheet, making it difficult to make it self-supporting and leaving room for improvement in terms of packing workability. Furthermore, the number of storage pockets is predetermined, making it difficult to increase or decrease the number of heat storage materials as needed.

[0179] Furthermore, the connecting body described in Patent Document 7 has a configuration in which highly rigid thermal storage plates are directly connected by hinges, making it difficult to change the size of the plates. Generally, when regulating the temperature of thermal storage materials, it is difficult to use large thermal storage materials because the size of the interior of the constant temperature bath or refrigerator is limited.

[0180] Therefore, the technologies described in Patent Documents 6 and 7 have room for improvement in that they use interconnected heat storage material packages.

[0181] Embodiments 11 to 13 of the present invention aim to realize a connected heat storage material package that offers superior temperature control and packing workability, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 10 described above.

[0182] [Embodiment 11] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heat storage material package connector P3 and the heat storage material T provided in the connector P3 according to this embodiment, showing the connector P3 in a folded state. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the connector P3 in an unfolded and folded state. Figure 18 is a side view, top view, and bottom view showing the connector P3 in an unfolded and flat state.

[0183] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the connected body P3 according to this embodiment comprises interconnected heat storage material packages 1P to 3P. The connected body P3 shown in Figures 16 to 18 has a configuration in which three heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are connected. However, in the connected body P3 according to this embodiment, the number of interconnected heat storage material packages is not limited to three, but can be appropriately set according to the configuration of the connected body P3.

[0184] Here, the connection direction of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P is defined as the front-to-back direction. In the connection direction of the connecting body P3, the side with heat storage material package 1P is defined as the front, and the side with heat storage material package 3P is defined as the rear. In this embodiment, the up-down direction and the left-right direction (sometimes referred to as the side) are defined based on the aforementioned front-to-back direction. The upper and lower sides are based on the side view of Figure 18, which shows the connecting body P3 unfolded and in a flat state. That is, in this embodiment, the upper and lower sides in the side view of Figure 18 are defined as the upper and lower sides.

[0185] The structure of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P is such that each package comprises a heat storage material T and outer boxes 1AP to 3AP that house the heat storage material T. The outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are box bodies made of rectangular parallelepipeds of the same dimensions. Outer box 1AP comprises a drawer portion 1BP that constitutes the storage space for the heat storage material T, and a box body. The box body has an opening C on the side. The drawer portion 1BP has an opening at the top. The drawer portion 1BP is housed inside the box body by being inserted through the opening C on the side of the box body. By pulling the drawer portion 1BP out from the box body to the side, the opening D at the top of the drawer portion 1BP is exposed. The heat storage material T is then housed in the drawer portion 1BP through this opening D. Outer boxes 2AP and 3AP have the same structure as outer box 1AP, so their description is omitted.

[0186] Next, the connection between the two heat storage material packages 1P to 3P in the connected body P3 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the outer box 1AP has a front side 11P, a rear side 12P, a top surface 13P, and a bottom surface 14P. Similarly, the outer box 2AP has a front side 21P, a rear side 22P, a top surface 23P, and a bottom surface 24P. Likewise, the outer box 3AP has a front side 31P, a rear side 32P, a top surface 33P, and a bottom surface 34P.

[0187] In the connected assembly P3, the outer casing 1AP of the heat storage material package 1P and the outer casing 2AP of the heat storage material package 2P are foldably connected via connecting part A. Similarly, the outer casing 2AP of the heat storage material package 2P and the outer casing 3AP of the heat storage material package 3P are foldably connected via connecting part B. The heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are detachable from each other.

[0188] In the connected body P3, at least two of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P, namely heat storage material packages 1P and 2P, are connected by connecting part A such that the rear sides 12P and front sides 21P of their respective outer boxes 1AP and 2AP are in contact with each other. Similarly, by connecting part B, heat storage material packages 2P and 3P are connected such that the rear sides 22P and front sides 31P of their respective outer boxes 2AP and 3AP are in contact with each other.

[0189] Furthermore, the heat storage material packages 1P and 2P are connected at one side 21bP, 21bP on the bottom surfaces 14P and 24P of the rear side 12P and front side 21P, respectively. Similarly, the heat storage material packages 2P and 3P are connected at one side 22aP, 22aP, 22aP on the top surfaces 23P and 33P of the rear side 22P and front side 31P, respectively. In other words, the connecting part A of the outer boxes 1AP and 2AP foldably connects one side 21bP on the bottom surface 14P of the rear side 12P of outer box 1AP and one side 21bP on the bottom surface 24P of the front side 21P of outer box 2AP. Similarly, the connecting part B of the outer boxes 2AP and 3AP connects one side 22aP on the top surface 23P of the rear side 22P of outer box 2AP and one side 22aP on the top surface 33P of the front side 31P of outer box 3AP.

[0190] In the connected body P3, the side 21aP on the upper surface 13P side of the rear side 12P of the outer box 1AP and the side 21aP on the upper surface 23P side of the front side 21P of the heat storage material package 2P are not connected and can be separated. Similarly, the side 22bP on the lower surface 24P side of the rear side 22P of the outer box 2AP and the side 22bP on the lower surface 24P side of the front side 31P of the outer box 3AP are not connected and can be separated.

[0191] Therefore, the heat storage material package 1P rotates relative to the heat storage material package 2P around one side 21bP on the lower surface 24P side. When the connecting body P3 is deployed, the heat storage material package 1P rotates downward relative to the heat storage material package 2P from the position where the lower surfaces 14P and 24P contact each other. Then, the rotation of the heat storage material package 1P is locked when the rear side surface 12P comes into contact with the front side surface 21P. In other words, when the connecting body P3 is deployed, the heat storage material package 1P is rotatable relative to the heat storage material package 2P within the range of 0° to 180°. Therefore, in the deployed state of the connecting body P3, the rotation of the heat storage material package 1P is locked by the front side surface 21P, so the heat storage material package 1P cannot rotate upward above the heat storage material package 2P. On the other hand, when the connecting body P3 is folded, the heat storage material package 1P rotates relative to the heat storage material package 2P around one side 21bP on the lower surface 24P side. Then, the heat storage material package 1P is stacked on the heat storage material package 2P so that the lower surfaces 14P and 24P come into contact with each other.

[0192] Similarly, the heat storage material package 3P rotates relative to the heat storage material package 2P around one side 22aP on the upper surface 23P side. When the connecting body P3 is deployed, the heat storage material package 3P rotates upward relative to the heat storage material package 2P from a position where the upper surface 33P and the upper surface 23P are in contact with each other. The rotation of the heat storage material package 3P is then locked when the front side surface 31P comes into contact with the rear side surface 22P. In other words, when the connecting body P3 is deployed, the heat storage material package 3P is rotatable relative to the heat storage material package 2P within the range of 0° to 180°. Therefore, in the deployed state of the connecting body P3, the rotation of the heat storage material package 3P is locked by the rear side surface 22P, so the heat storage material package 3P cannot rotate downward below the heat storage material package 2P. On the other hand, when the connecting body P3 is folded, the heat storage material package 3P rotates relative to the heat storage material package 2P around one side 22aP on the upper surface 23P side. Then, the heat storage material package 3P is stacked on top of the heat storage material package 2P so that the upper surfaces 33P and 23P come into contact with each other.

[0193] According to the connecting body P3 of this embodiment, when the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are unfolded flat without bending, heat storage material package 1P cannot rotate upward relative to heat storage material package 2P, and heat storage material package 3P cannot rotate downward relative to heat storage material package 2P. Therefore, the connecting body P3 can maintain a flat state when the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are unfolded without bending. Consequently, even if the connecting body P3 is placed so that the front-to-back direction is perpendicular to the ground (even if the front side surface 11P of the connecting body P3 is in contact with the ground), the connecting body P3 can maintain its unfolded state and stand on its own. Furthermore, each of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P is a rectangular box. Therefore, even if the connecting body P3 is placed so that its side surface is in contact with the ground, the connecting body P3 can maintain its unfolded state and stand on its own. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a connected body P3 of heat storage material packages 1P to 3P can be realized, which is intended to be used for heat retention of temperature-retaining items when laid flat.

[0194] Furthermore, when temperature-controlled thermal storage materials used in temperature-controlled transport containers, large-sized thermal storage materials cannot be used due to the limited size of the constant-temperature bath or freezer. On the other hand, if small-sized thermal storage materials are used, each thermal storage material must be temperature-controlled individually, which is time-consuming. Also, when using small-sized thermal storage materials, packing the temperature-controlled thermal storage materials into temperature-controlled transport containers requires packing each thermal storage material individually, which is time-consuming.

[0195] In the connected body P3 according to this embodiment, three heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are connected, and heat storage material package 2P has two connection parts (connection parts A and B) to connect with the other heat storage material packages 1P and 3P. In the connected body P3, one connection part B is located on one side 22aP on the upper surface 23P side of the heat storage material package 2P, while the other connection part A is located on one side 21bP on the lower surface 24P side. With this structure, the connected body P3 can be folded into a small size in a zigzag pattern, alternating between front and back. Therefore, the heat storage material T in the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P can be controlled in a constant temperature bath or freezer while the connected body P3 is folded. Thus, the heat storage material T in the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P can be controlled without being limited by the size of the constant temperature bath or freezer. Furthermore, since multiple small-sized heat storage materials T can be packed into a temperature-controlled transport container as a single connected unit P3, the packing work of the heat storage materials T into the temperature-controlled transport container becomes simpler. As a result, the time required for packing the heat storage materials T can be reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a connected unit P3 of heat storage material packages 1P to 3P with excellent workability in temperature control and packing can be realized.

[0196] Furthermore, according to the connecting body P3 of this embodiment, the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are detachable from each other. Therefore, the number of connected heat storage material packages can be freely adjusted. Consequently, according to this embodiment, the design freedom of the dimensions of the connecting body P3 corresponding to the dimensions of the temperature-controlled transport container is increased.

[0197] In the connected body P3 according to this embodiment, the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are not limited to a configuration in which they can be detached from one another, but may be configured to be foldable via connecting parts A and B. For example, the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P may be configured to be foldable from one another using adhesive tape or the like at one side 21bP and 22aP.

[0198] Furthermore, in the connected body P3 according to this embodiment, the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P were connected in the front-to-back direction. However, the connection direction of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P is not limited to the front-to-back direction. The heat storage material packages 1P to 3P may be connected to each other in either the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction.

[0199] (Connection part) The connecting parts A and B in the connecting body P3 will be explained. Note that connecting part B is the same as connecting part A, so its explanation will be omitted. Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example of connecting part A of the connecting body P3, showing the outer boxes 1AP and 2AP separated from each other.

[0200] As shown in Figure 19, the outer box 2AP has a front side surface 21P (first side surface) that is in contact with another outer box 1AP connected to the outer box 2AP, and a rear side surface 22P (second side surface) that is opposite to the front side surface 21P. Similarly, the outer box 1AP has a rear side surface 12P that is in contact with another outer box 2AP connected to the outer box 1AP.

[0201] Here, a connecting member 4P is provided on one side 21bP of the front side 21P of the outer box 2AP on the side facing the lower surface 24P. On the other hand, a connecting opening 5P is provided on one side 22aP of the rear side 22P on the side facing the upper surface 23P. The side 22aP on which the connecting opening 5P is provided corresponds to the side on the upper surface 23P of the rear side 22P that is opposite to the side on the lower surface 24P where the connecting member 4P is provided.

[0202] Furthermore, a connecting opening 5P is formed on one side 12b of the rear side 12P of the outer box 1AP on the side facing the lower surface 14P. Although not shown in the drawing, a connecting member 4P is provided on one side of the front side 11P of the outer box 1AP on the side facing the upper surface 13P.

[0203] Although not shown in the drawings, the outer box 3AP of the heat storage material package 3P is also provided with a connecting member 4P on one side of the front side 31P on the side of the upper surface 33P, and a connecting opening 5P on one side of the rear side 32P on the side of the lower surface 34P, similar to the outer box 2AP.

[0204] When the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are placed with the connecting member 4P on the bottom, the connecting opening 5P is positioned on the top of all of the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP. That is, when placed with the connecting member 4P on the bottom, the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP have the same shape. In the connecting body P3, the connecting members 4P are positioned alternately on the top and bottom of the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP, and the connecting openings 5P are also positioned alternately accordingly. In this configuration, the connecting member 4P and the connecting opening 5P face each other on the two adjacent sides of the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP.

[0205] The connecting section A includes the connecting member 4P and the connecting opening 5P described above. In the outer box 2AP, the connecting member 4P is a sheet-like material that is substantially flush with the bottom surface 24P. The connecting member 4P is also configured to bend at one side 21bP on the side of the front side 21P that is on the bottom surface 24P side. This allows the connecting member 4P to rotate around the axis of side 21bP. The connecting opening 5P is an opening into which the connecting member 4P can be inserted.

[0206] Here, the connecting opening 5P of the outer box 1AP is structured to be able to be locked in place when the connecting member 4P of the other outer box 2AP is inserted. In the configuration shown in Figure 19, the connecting member 4P has a wide section 41P that is wider in the left-right direction and a narrow section 42P that is narrower in the left-right direction. In the connecting member 4P, the narrow section 42P and the wide section 41P are arranged in that order from one side 21bP toward the front. The left-right width of the wide section 41P is smaller than the left-right width of the outer box 1AP and larger than the left-right width of the connecting opening 5P. On the other hand, the left-right width of the narrow section 42P is smaller than the left-right width of the connecting opening 5P. Therefore, when the connecting member 4P of the outer box 2AP is inserted into the connecting opening 5P of the outer box 1AP, the outer box 1AP and the outer box 2AP are connected in a foldable manner. In this state, the wide section 41P is locked in place by the connecting opening 5P, so the connecting member 4P does not separate from the connecting opening 5P. In other words, the connecting opening 5P of the outer box 1AP is locked in place with the connecting member 4P of the other outer box 2AP inserted.

[0207] In the configuration shown in Figure 19, the outer box 2AP was configured with connecting members 4P and connecting openings 5P on both the front side 21P and the rear side 22P. However, in the connecting body P3 according to this embodiment, it is sufficient to have a configuration in which the connecting members 4P and connecting openings 5P constituting the connecting part A are provided between the sides (rear side 12P and front side 21P) that are in contact with each other, the outer boxes 1AP and 2AP. For example, the outer box 2AP may be configured with connecting openings 5P on both the front side 21P and the rear side 22P. In this case, the connecting member 4P is provided on the rear side 12P of the outer box 1AP.

[0208] Preferably, as shown in Figure 19, each of the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP is provided with a connecting member 4P and a connecting opening 5P on the front and rear sides, respectively. This allows the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP to have the same shape, simplifying the manufacturing of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P.

[0209] Furthermore, the material of the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that it be a foldable sheet material. The outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are preferably composed of at least one of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic corrugated cardboard, and plastic sheet.

[0210] (Cooling (temperature control) method for the connected unit P3) In this embodiment, the cooling (temperature control) of the connected body P3 is performed with the connected body P3 folded. That is, the method for cooling the connected body P3 in this embodiment is to cool the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P with their outer boxes 1AP to 3AP connected, and with the heat storage materials T inside the connected outer boxes 1AP to 3AP not in contact with each other. For example, the connected body P3 is cooled by folding it so that the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are stacked and then placing it in a constant temperature bath or freezer. This allows the heat storage materials T inside the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P to be cooled without being limited by the size of the constant temperature bath or freezer.

[0211] Furthermore, a space exists between the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP and the heat storage material T housed within these outer boxes. Therefore, even when the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are stacked, the heat storage materials T inside the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP do not come into contact with each other. Consequently, the cooling efficiency of the heat storage material T is better compared to simply stacking the heat storage materials T so that they come into contact with each other.

[0212] Furthermore, by cooling the connecting body P3 without completely folding it (while the connecting body P3 is in an unfolded state), the cooling efficiency of the heat storage material T is further improved. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the connecting body P3 is unfolded so that the upper or lower surfaces of adjacent outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are separated without touching. By cooling the connecting body P3 in this unfolded state, the cooling efficiency of the heat storage material T is further improved.

[0213] In the connected body P3 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the heat storage material T is capable of changing shape. Examples of such heat storage material T include those in which a liquid or gel-like heat storage component or cold storage component is sealed inside a film bag. A heat storage material T that is capable of changing shape in this way cannot stand on its own. By using the connected body P3 according to this embodiment with a heat storage material T that cannot stand on its own, the heat storage material T can stand on its own, and the temperature-retaining article can be kept at a constant temperature.

[0214] [Embodiment 12] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0215] Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the connecting portion of the connecting body according to this embodiment, showing the outer boxes 1AP and 2AP separated from each other. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the front side surface 21P of the outer box 2AP unfolded. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the connecting body according to this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the connecting member 4AP and the connecting opening 5BP.

[0216] The connecting member 4AP includes an insertion tab 43P formed on the front side 21P of the outer box 2AP and an insertion tab 44P formed on the rear side 12P of the outer box 1AP. The connecting opening 5BP also includes an opening 51P formed on the rear side 12P of the outer box 1AP and an opening 52P formed on the front side 21P of the outer box 2AP.

[0217] As shown in Figure 21, the front side portion 21P of the outer box 2AP is composed of an outer flap 21cP and an inner flap 21dP. The front side portion 21P of the outer box 1AP can be formed by folding the inner flap 21dP inward, and then folding the outer flap 21cP inward so that it overlaps the inner flap 21dP.

[0218] Furthermore, one side of the lower surface 24P of the outer box 2AP, on the side facing the front surface 21P, is provided with two notches 24aP that extend in the front-to-back direction. The insertable tab 43P is the portion that can be bent downward by these two notches 24aP. When the insertable tab 43P is in an unbent, flat state and flush with the lower surface 24P, it protrudes from one side of the lower surface 24P on the side facing the front surface 21P.

[0219] Furthermore, the outer flap 21cP constitutes the front side surface 21P. An opening 52P is formed in the portion of the outer flap 21cP corresponding to one side 21bP on the lower surface 24P side. A retractable tongue 43P is inserted into the opening 52P. Therefore, the retractable tongue 43P and the opening 52P are positioned to overlap in the left-right direction. By inserting the retractable tongue 43P into the opening 52P, the outer flap 21cP is fixed without separating from the lower surface 24P.

[0220] Furthermore, the insertion tab 44P protrudes from one side of the rear side 12P of the outer box 1AP on the side of the lower surface 14P. The insertion tab 44P is a rectangular sheet with a width approximately the same as the width of the outer box 1AP in the left-right direction. When the outer flap 21cP and inner flap 21dP are folded to form the front side 21P of the outer box 2AP, the insertion tab 44P is inserted between the outer flap 21cP and the lower surface 24P. The insertion tab 44P is also provided on one side 22aP of the rear side 22P of the outer box 2AP on the side of the upper surface 23P.

[0221] Furthermore, the opening 51P is sized to allow the insertion tab 43P to be inserted. When the front side 21P and the rear side 12P are in contact with each other, the openings 51P and 52P communicate with each other.

[0222] Next, the method of connecting the outer box 1AP and the outer box 2AP will be explained. First, the outer flap 21cP and the inner flap 21dP are folded to form the front side 21P portion of the outer box 2AP. Next, the insertion tab 44P is inserted between the outer flap 21cP and the bottom surface 24P so that the openings 51P and 52P overlap. Then, by inserting the insertion tab 43P into both openings 51P and 52P, the outer box 1AP is connected in a foldable manner at one side 21bP on the bottom surface 24P side of the front side 21P of the outer box 2AP.

[0223] Even with the connected body according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a connected body of heat storage material package that offers excellent workability in temperature control and packing.

[0224] [Embodiment 13] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0225] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting body P4 according to this embodiment, and shows the connecting body in a folded state. As shown in Figure 22, the configuration of the outer boxes 1EP to 3EP of the connecting body P4 according to this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1.

[0226] The outer boxes 1EP to 3EP are box bodies made of rectangular parallelepipeds of the same dimensions. Outer box 1EP has an opening F formed on its side. The heat storage material T is housed inside the box body of outer box 1EP through this opening F. Outer box 1EP also has a flap 1FP that closes the opening F. The flap 1FP has a rotating part 1GP that rotates around one side of its upper surface as an axis, and a fin part 1HP. The rotating part 1GP is approximately the same dimensions as the opening F and is the part that closes the opening F. The fin part 1HP is connected to the rotating part 1GP and is bendable at the edge of the rotating part 1GP.

[0227] In outer box 1EP, the fin portion 1HP is inserted into the opening F, and the fin portion 1HP is housed in the box body. This causes the flap 1FP to close the opening F. From this state, by pulling the fin portion 1HP out to the side from the box body of outer box 1EP, the rotating portion 1GP rotates, and the opening F is exposed. Outer boxes 2EP and 3EP have the same configuration as outer box 1EP, so their explanation is omitted.

[0228] Even with the connected body P4 according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a connected body of a heat storage material package that is excellent in terms of temperature control and packing workability.

[0229] The connected body P4 according to this embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which only the heat storage material T is housed in the opening F of the outer boxes 1EP to 3EP. A container-like member may be housed in the opening F of the outer boxes 1EP to 3EP together with the heat storage material T. The container-like member is capable of housing the heat storage material T and can be housed in the box body through the opening F of the outer boxes 1E to 3EP. For example, the drawer portion 1BP shown in Figure 16 can be cited. The connected body P5 shown in Figure 23 has a configuration in which the drawer portion 1BP is housed in the opening F shown in Figure 22.

[0230] (Regarding temperature-controlled transport containers to which the heat storage material package assembly can be applied) The temperature-controlled transport containers to which the connecting bodies described in Embodiments 11 to 13 described above can be applied are not particularly limited, as long as they have a configuration that allows the connecting body of the heat storage material package to be used in a self-supporting state. For example, one example is a temperature-controlled transport container to which the flattened connecting body P3 is placed vertically (placed so that the front-to-back direction of the connecting body P3 is vertical). It is also applicable to temperature-controlled transport containers to which the flattened connecting body P3 is placed horizontally (placed so that the front-to-back direction of the connecting body P3 is horizontal). For example, as shown in Figure 24, the connecting body P3 according to Embodiment 11 can be applied to the temperature-controlled transport container 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0231] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

[0232] 〔summary〕 A temperature-controlled transport container 10 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is an assembly-type temperature-controlled transport container 10 capable of transporting temperature-retaining articles at a constant temperature, comprising four side wall panels 1 to 4, a top panel 6, and a bottom panel 5, wherein the side wall panels 1 to 4 are provided with a first storage section (storage section 1a, 2a) for housing heat storage material (storage material P1, P2) inside, and a first insertion opening (insertion opening 1b, 2b) provided on one side 1c, 2c for inserting the heat storage material (storage material P1, P2) into the first storage section, and the four side wall panels 1 to 4 are provided on the side 1c where the first insertion opening is located Panels 1 and 2c form first insertion corners (insertion corners Y and Z) of the heat storage material (storage material P1, P2) such that their first insertion openings are exposed to the outside and they are adjacent to each other. Two of these first insertion corners are formed facing each other, and the side wall panels 1 to 4 are connected on the sides 1d to 4d opposite to the first insertion corners. The first insertion corners are provided with first fitting corners (fitting corners 7) that close the insertion openings 1b and 2b and fit with the sides 1c and 2c on which the insertion openings 1b and 2b are provided.

[0233] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10 according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1, the side surfaces 1c and 2c of the side wall panels 1 and 2, on which the first insertion openings (insertion openings 1b and 2b) are provided, are provided with fitting recesses 1e and 2e for fitting with the first fitting corner (fitting corner 7), and the first fitting corner is provided with fitting protrusions 7e that fit with the fitting recesses 1e and 2e.

[0234] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10A according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2, the first fitting corner portion (fitting corner portion 7A) is composed of a plurality of members 71 to 73 and is configured to be assembled.

[0235] In any of embodiments 1 to 3, the temperature-controlled transport container 10B according to embodiment 4 of the present invention is configured such that the first fitting corner portion (fitting corner portion 7B) is inserted and fitted from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container 10B.

[0236] The constant temperature transport container 10E according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 4, comprises a top panel 6 having a second storage section (storage section 6a) for housing a heat storage material inside, and a second insertion opening (insertion opening 6b) provided on at least one side surface 6f for inserting the heat storage material into the second storage section, wherein the top panel 6 and the side wall panel 2 form a second insertion corner with the second insertion opening exposed to the outside by the side surface 6f on which the second insertion opening is provided and the upper surface 2g of the side wall panel 2 adjacent to the side surface 6f, and the second insertion corner is provided with a second fitting corner (fitting corner 8) that closes the second insertion opening and fits with at least one of the side surface 6f of the top panel 6 on which the second insertion opening is provided and the upper surface 2g of the side wall panel 2.

[0237] In the temperature-controlled transport container 10F according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 5, the first storage sections S1 to S3 are arranged in a vertical direction, and adjacent storage sections S1 to S3 in the vertical direction have a communication hole 18 that connects them to each other.

[0238] In the constant temperature transport container 10F according to embodiment 7 of the present invention, in embodiment 6, the communication hole 18 extends in the thickness direction of the side wall panel 1 and connects the first storage sections S1 to S3 that are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, and in the storage sections S1 to S3 which are arranged in a plurality in the vertical direction, the communication hole 18 is arranged to overlap when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0239] In the temperature-controlled transport container according to embodiment 8 of the present invention, in embodiment 6 or 7, the first storage section S1, which is located at the bottom of the multiple first storage sections S1 to S3 arranged in a vertical direction, has a through hole 18a that penetrates the bottom wall (lower rail section 13).

[0240] In any of embodiments 6 to 8, the constant temperature transport container according to embodiment 9 of the present invention is configured such that the heat storage material (storage material P1, P2) consists of a first heat storage material (storage material P1) and a second heat storage material (storage material P2) having a lower melting temperature than the first heat storage material.

[0241] In the constant temperature transport container according to embodiment 10 of the present invention, in embodiment 9, the weight ratio of the first and second heat storage materials (storage materials P1, P2) is such that when the first heat storage material (storage material P1) is set to 1, the second heat storage material (storage material P2) is set to 1.5 or less.

[0242] In any of embodiments 1 to 10, the constant temperature transport container 10 according to embodiment 11 of the present invention is configured such that the heat storage material (storage material P1, P2) is a connected body formed by linking a plurality of heat storage materials.

[0243] In any of embodiments 1 to 11, the constant temperature transport container 10 according to embodiment 12 of the present invention is configured such that the heat storage material (storage material P1, P2) includes a plurality of heat storage materials with different melting temperature ranges.

[0244] The heat storage material package P3 according to embodiment 13 of the present invention comprises at least two heat storage material packages 1P to 3P that are housed in a temperature-controlled transport container according to any of embodiments 1 to 12 and are connected to each other. Each of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P comprises a heat storage material T and an outer box 1AP to 3AP made of a rectangular parallelepiped that houses the heat storage material T. The at least two heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are connected in a foldable manner at one side 21bP and 22aP on the upper surface 23P and 33P side or the lower surface 14P and 24P side of the outer box 1AP to 3AP so that the sides of the respective outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are in contact with each other (rear side 12P and front side 21P together, rear side 22P and front side 31P together).

[0245] The heat storage material package 1P to 3P connecting body P3 according to embodiment 14 of the present invention is configured such that, in embodiment 13, three or more heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are connected, and for one heat storage material package 2P which has two connecting parts A and B for connecting with other heat storage material packages 1P and 3P, one connecting part B is located on one side 22aP on the upper surface 23P side, while the other connecting part A is located on one side 21bP on the lower surface 24P side.

[0246] The heat storage material package 1P to 3P connecting body P3 according to embodiment 15 of the present invention is configured such that, in embodiment 13 or 14, the outer box 2AP has a first side surface (front side surface 21P) that is in contact with the side surface (rear side surface 12P) of another outer box 1AP that is connected to the outer box 2AP, and a second side surface (rear side surface 22P) that is opposite to the first side surface, and comprises a connecting member 4P provided on one side 21bP on the upper surface 23P side or the lower surface 24P side of the first side surface, and a connecting opening 5P provided on one side 22aP of the second side surface that is opposite to the side (upper surface 23P side) on which the connecting member 4P is provided (lower surface 24P side), and which can be locked in a state in which the connecting member 4P of the other outer box 1AP is inserted.

[0247] [Another configuration] Furthermore, in the constant temperature transport container according to embodiment 15 of the present invention, a plurality of heat storage materials (storage materials P1, P2) can be inserted into the storage sections S1 to S3 of the constant temperature transport container described above.

[0248] Furthermore, in the heat storage material package 1P to 3P connecting body P3 according to embodiment 16 of the present invention, the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are configured to be detachable from one another.

[0249] In the heat storage material package 1P to 3P according to embodiment 17 of the present invention, the connected body P3 is configured such that the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are made of at least one of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic corrugated cardboard, and plastic sheet.

[0250] In the heat storage material package 1P to 3P according to embodiment 18 of the present invention, the heat storage material T in the above-described connecting body P3 is configured to change shape.

[0251] The cooling method according to embodiment 19 of the present invention is a method for cooling the above-mentioned connected body P3, wherein the outer boxes 1AP to 3AP of the heat storage material packages 1P to 3P are connected, and the heat storage materials T inside the connected outer boxes 1AP to 3AP are not in contact with each other. [Examples]

[0252] [Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2] [Assembly of temperature-controlled transport containers] Side wall panels were fabricated according to the configurations shown in Figure 25 for Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The side wall panel of Example 1 has a horizontal loading configuration, and, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 9, adjacent heat storage material accommodating sections in the vertical direction have connecting holes. Furthermore, these connecting holes are arranged to overlap when viewed from the vertical direction in multiple accommodating sections arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The side wall panel of Comparative Example 1 has a horizontal loading configuration, and adjacent heat storage material accommodating sections in the vertical direction do not have connecting holes. The side wall panel of Comparative Example 2 has a vertical loading configuration.

[0253] In Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the same bottom panel 5 and top panel 6 were used.

[0254] In Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a temperature-controlled transport container was assembled using four side wall panels, a bottom panel, and a top panel. In the temperature-controlled transport containers of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, no heat storage material was placed in the bottom panel. In the top panel, nine sheets of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C (grade: Kaneka latent heat storage material Passamo F5, 550g), nine sheets of 10mm thick insulation material (expanded polystyrene board), and nine sheets of heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C (grade: Cold Ice 0HG, 1000g) were stacked and placed inside. In each side wall panel, nine sheets of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C (grade: Kaneka latent heat storage material Passamo F5, 550g), nine sheets of 10mm thick insulation material, and eight sheets of heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C (grade: Cold Ice 0HG, 750g) were stacked and placed inside. Each side panel contained three sets of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and three sets of heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C. In addition, the set of heat storage material contained in the middle of the bottommost compartment was replaced with an empty box of the same dimensions as the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C.

[0255] [Evaluation of temperature retention time] For each of the temperature-controlled transport containers in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the time it took for the temperature of the cargo compartment to be maintained at 2 to 8°C was measured in an environment where the external temperature was 30°C or -10°C (30°C environment or -10°C environment). More specifically, the temperature was measured at two specific locations in the cargo compartment of each temperature-controlled transport container in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (upper central section and lower corner section), and the time it took to maintain a temperature of 2 to 8°C was evaluated based on the change in these temperatures over time.

[0256] 〔result〕 Table 1 shows the results of evaluating the temperature holding time at 2°C to 8°C for each of the temperature-controlled transport containers in Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0257] [Table 1] As shown in Table 1, under a -10°C environment, the temperature holding time between 2°C and 8°C was almost the same among the temperature-controlled transport containers of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0258] On the other hand, at 30°C, there was a significant difference in the temperature retention time between 2°C and 8°C among the isothermal transport containers of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2. First, from the comparison between Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, it was found that in a 30°C environment, the isothermal transport container with a horizontal loading configuration (Comparative Example 1) tended to have a shorter temperature retention time between 2°C and 8°C than the isothermal transport container with a vertical loading configuration (Comparative Example 2). And, despite such a tendency, surprisingly, the isothermal transport container of Example 1 provided with communication holes for the horizontal loading configuration had a longer temperature retention time between 2°C and 8°C than the isothermal transport container with a vertical loading configuration (Comparative Example 2).

[0259] 〔Example 2, 3, Comparative Example 3, 4, and Reference Example 1, 2〕 〔Configuration of the isothermal transport container〕 FIG. 26 shows the configuration of the isothermal transport containers used in Example 2, 3, Comparative Example 3, 4, and Reference Example 1, 2. In FIG. 26, 2601 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the isothermal transport container. Also, 2602 in FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the side wall panel of the isothermal transport containers used in Example 2, 3, and Reference Example 1, and 2603 in FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the side wall panel of the isothermal transport containers used in Comparative Example 3, 4, and Reference Example 2.

[0260] In the isothermal transport container shown at 2601 in FIG. 26, four storage parts are formed on each of the four side wall panels. And in each storage part, it is possible to stack and store a connected body of four heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C (grade: Kaneka latent heat storage material Passermo F5) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first connected body) and a connected body of four heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C (grade: Cold Ice 0HG) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second connected body). Further, five rows of storage parts are formed on the top panel, and in each storage part, it is possible to stack and store a connected body of five heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C and a connected body of five heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C. In the isothermal transport container shown at 2601 in FIG. 26, 16 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C and 16 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C can be stored on each side wall panel. Also, on the entire four side wall panels, 64 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C and 64 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C can be stored respectively. Further, on the top panel, 25 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C and 25 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C can be stored respectively. Therefore, 89 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C and 89 heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C can be stored in the isothermal transport container. Note that the heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 5°C and the heat storage materials with a melting temperature of 0°C each have an outer box for storing the heat storage material body.

[0261] Also, as shown in 2602 of FIG. 26, in the isothermal transport containers used in Examples 2, 3 and Comparative Example 1, three communication holes for communicating between the storage parts are evenly formed on the side wall panel. On the other hand, as shown in 2603 of FIG. 26, in the isothermal transport containers used in Comparative Examples 3, 4 and Comparative Example 2, communication holes for communicating between the storage parts are not formed on the side wall panel.

[0262] 〔Evaluation of temperature holding time〕 Under the conditions of the 7Dsummer program, the time it took for the cargo compartment temperature to be maintained at 2-8°C was measured. The 7Dsummer program is designed to simulate summer conditions and consists of six 24-hour cycles, performed in sequence using steps 1-4 below. Step 1: Maintain a 22°C environment for 4 hours. Step 2: Maintain a 35°C environment for 2 hours. Step 3: Maintain a 30°C environment for 12 hours. Step 4: Maintain a 35°C environment for 6 hours.

[0263] Furthermore, to evaluate the temperature retention time, we specifically measured the temperature at six designated locations in each compartment of the temperature-controlled transport container (upper, middle, and lower central sections, and upper, middle, and lower corner sections), and evaluated the temperature retention time between 2°C and 8°C based on the change in these temperatures over time.

[0264] [Example 2] The first and second connecting units were stacked and housed in the housing sections of the top and side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport container shown in Figures 26, 2601 and 2602. The first and second connecting units were stacked so that the first connecting unit was located on the inside of the housing section and the second connecting unit was located on the outside. Then, cardboard was attached to the inside of the housing section to prevent the first and second connecting units from falling into the inner cargo compartment, and the temperature-controlled transport container was assembled. The cargo compartment space of the assembled temperature-controlled transport container was then left to cool to 8°C or below. After that, the time it took for the temperature of the cargo compartment space to be maintained at 2-8°C was measured under the 7Dsummer program environment.

[0265] In this embodiment, one sheet of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C weighs 550g. Therefore, the total weight of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C that is stored in the temperature-controlled transport container is 550g × 89 sheets = 49.0kg.

[0266] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C used has different weights depending on whether it is stored in the top panel's storage compartment or the side wall panel's storage compartment. The top panel's storage compartment holds heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C, each weighing 1000g. The side wall panel's storage compartment holds heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C, each weighing 700g. Therefore, the total weight of the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C stored in the temperature-controlled transport container is 1000g × 25 pieces + 700g × 64 pieces = 69.8kg.

[0267] The weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C is 1:1.4. The outer box of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C also contains a 10mm thick expanded polystyrene sheet, which is interposed between the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C.

[0268] [Example 3] Using a heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C that does not contain a 10mm thick expanded polystyrene board, and varying the weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C, the time it took for the temperature of the cargo compartment space of the temperature-controlled transport container to be maintained at 2-8°C was measured using the same method as in Example 2.

[0269] In this embodiment, one sheet of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C weighs 800g. Therefore, the total weight of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C that is stored in the temperature-controlled transport container is 800g × 89 sheets = 71.2kg.

[0270] On the other hand, the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C used in this embodiment has the same configuration as in Example 1. Therefore, the total weight of the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C that is contained in the temperature-controlled transport container is 1000g × 25 sheets + 700g × 64 sheets = 69.8kg.

[0271] The weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C is 1:1.

[0272] [Comparative Example 3] Except for the first and second connecting units being stacked and housed in the housing sections of the top and side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport container shown in Figure 26, 2601 and 2603, the time during which the temperature of the cargo compartment of the temperature-controlled transport container was maintained at 2 to 8°C was measured using the same method as in Example 2.

[0273] [Comparative Example 4] Except for using a heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C that does not contain a 10mm thick expanded polystyrene board, and stacking the first and second connecting units in the storage compartments of the top and side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport container shown in Figure 26, 2601 and 2603, the time it took for the temperature of the cargo compartment space of the temperature-controlled transport container to be maintained at 2-8°C was measured using the same method as in Example 2.

[0274] [Reference example 1] The time it took for the temperature of the cargo compartment of a temperature-controlled transport container to be maintained at 2-8°C was measured using the same method as in Example 2, except that the weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C was changed.

[0275] In this example, each sheet of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C weighs 300g. Therefore, the total weight of heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C to be stored in the temperature-controlled transport container is 300g × 89 sheets = 26.7kg.

[0276] Furthermore, in this example, the top panel and side wall panel contain heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C, each weighing 1000g. Therefore, the total weight of the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C contained in the temperature-controlled transport container is 1000g × 89 sheets = 89.0kg.

[0277] The weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C is 1:3.3. The outer box of the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C also contains a 10mm thick expanded polystyrene sheet, which is placed between the heat storage material with a melting point of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting point of 0°C.

[0278] [Reference example 2] The temperature retention time of the temperature-controlled transport container's cargo hold space was measured by the same method as in Comparative Example 5, except that the first connector and the second connector were stacked and stored in the storage parts of the top panel and the side wall panel of the temperature-controlled transport container shown at 2601 and 2603 in FIG. 26, and the temperature of the cargo hold space of the temperature-controlled transport container was maintained at 2 to 8°C.

[0279] 〔Results〕 Table 1 shows the results of evaluating the temperature retention time at 2°C to 8°C for Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 3 to 6. [[ID=Z]]

[0280]

Table 2

[0281] In the weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 0°C, if the ratio of the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 0°C is too high, it is considered that the cold air of the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 0°C is excessively supplied to the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 5°C through the communication holes. And because of this, the latent heat of the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 0°C is consumed more than necessary, so it is considered that the temperature-controlled transport container of Reference Example 2 has a longer temperature retention time at 2°C to 8°C than the temperature-controlled transport container of Reference Example 1.

[0282] On the other hand, regarding the weight ratio of the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 5°C and the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 0°C, it is thought that the higher the proportion of the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 5°C, the more air convection is promoted through the communication holes, allowing the cold air from the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 0°C to be efficiently transferred to the heat storage material with a melting temperature of 5°C. As a result, it is thought that the constant temperature transport containers of Examples 2 and 3 maintained a temperature of 2°C to 8°C longer than the constant temperature transport containers of Comparative Examples 3 and 4. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0283] 1, 2, 3, 4 Side wall panels 1a, 2a Storage compartment (first storage compartment) 1b, 2b Insertion port (first insertion port) 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c side 1d, 2d, 3d, 4d sides 1e, 2e Fitting recess 2f top surface 5. Bottom panel 6. Top panel 6a Storage compartment (second storage compartment) 6b Insertion port (second insertion port) 6f side 7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D Fitting corner (first fitting corner) 7e, 71e, 72e, 73e, 75e, 76e, 77e, 79e Mating protrusion 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78a, 78b, 79 Members 8. Fitting corner (second fitting corner) 8f Fitting protrusion 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Temperature-controlled transport containers X, Y, Z insertion angles (first insertion angles) P1, P2 Storage material (heat storage material) 13 Lower rail section (bottom wall of the housing located at the very bottom) 18 Communication hole 18a Through hole B1, B2, B3 insertion slots S1, S2, S3, S4 Storage compartments (first storage compartments) 1P, 2P, 3P heat storage material packages 1AP, 2AP, 3AP outer boxes 1EP, 2EP, 3EP outer box 1FP フラップ 1GP return section 1HP ヒレBU 4P, 4AP connecting components 5P, 5AP, 5BP connectors P3, P4, P5 connectors 11P, 21P, 31P Front and Side 12P, 22P, 32P Rear and side views 12bP, 21aP, 21bP, 22aP, 22bP 13P, 23P, 33P (above) 14P, 24P, 34P (below)

Claims

1. A modular temperature-controlled transport container capable of transporting temperature-sensitive items at a constant temperature, It comprises four side wall panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel. The side wall panel comprises a first housing section for housing a heat storage material, and a first insertion opening provided on one side for inserting the heat storage material into the first housing section. The four side wall panels are, The sides on which the first insertion openings are provided are adjacent to each other and the first insertion openings are exposed to the outside, forming the first insertion corners of the heat storage material. Two of the first insertion corners are formed so as to face each other. The aforementioned side wall panels are connected to each other on the side opposite to the first insertion corner, The first insertion corner is provided with a first fitting corner that closes the first insertion opening and fits with the side surface on which the first insertion opening is provided. The first insertion opening is formed in each of the four side wall panels of the temperature-controlled transport container.

2. On the side of the side wall panel where the first insertion opening is provided, a fitting recess is provided for fitting with the first fitting corner portion. The temperature-controlled transport container according to claim 1, wherein the first fitting corner portion is provided with a fitting projection portion that fits into the fitting recess portion.

3. The temperature-controlled transport container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first fitting corner portion is composed of multiple members and is assembleable.

4. The temperature-controlled transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fitting corner portion is structured to be inserted and fitted from the side of the temperature-controlled transport container.

5. The top panel comprises a second housing for housing a heat storage material, and a second insertion opening provided on at least one side for inserting the heat storage material into the second housing. The top panel and the side wall panel form a second insertion corner with the side surface on which the second insertion opening is provided and the upper surface of the side wall panel adjacent to that side surface, so that the second insertion opening is exposed to the outside. The temperature-controlled transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second insertion corner is provided with a second fitting corner that closes the second insertion opening and fits with at least one of the side surface of the top panel and the upper surface of the side wall panel, the second insertion opening being provided with the second insertion opening.

6. Multiple of the first storage compartments are arranged in a vertical direction. The temperature-controlled transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein adjacent first storage sections in the vertical direction have communication holes that connect them to each other.

7. The aforementioned communication holes extend in the thickness direction of the side wall panel and connect adjacent first housing sections in the vertical direction. The temperature-controlled transport container according to claim 6, wherein in the first storage section, which is arranged in a vertical direction, the communication holes are arranged to overlap when viewed from the vertical direction.

8. The temperature-controlled transport container according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, of the multiple first storage compartments arranged in a vertical direction, the lowest first storage compartment has a through hole penetrating the bottom wall.

9. The constant temperature transport container according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the heat storage material comprises a first heat storage material and a second heat storage material having a lower melting point than the first heat storage material.

10. The constant temperature transport container according to claim 9, wherein the weight ratio of the first and second heat storage materials is such that when the first heat storage material is considered to be 1, the second heat storage material is 1.5 or less.

11. The constant temperature transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heat storage material is a connected body formed by linking together a plurality of heat storage materials.

12. The constant temperature transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heat storage material includes a plurality of heat storage materials with different melting temperature ranges.

13. Housed in a temperature-controlled transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, It comprises at least two heat storage material packages connected to each other, Each of the aforementioned heat storage material packages is: Heat storage material, The system comprises an outer box made of a rectangular parallelepiped that houses the heat storage material, A heat storage material package assembly comprising at least two heat storage material packages, which are foldably connected at one of the upper or lower sides of each outer box so that the sides of the outer boxes are in contact with each other.

14. The aforementioned heat storage material package consists of three or more connected packages. The connecting body according to claim 13, wherein a single heat storage material package has two connecting parts for connecting to other heat storage material packages, and one connecting part is located on one side of the upper surface, while the other connecting part is located on one side of the lower surface.

15. The outer box has a first side surface that is in contact with the side surface of another outer box connected to it, and a second side surface that is opposite to the first side surface. A connecting member provided on one side of the upper or lower side of the first side surface, The connecting body according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: a connecting opening provided on one side of the second side surface, the upper side and the lower side, opposite to the side on which the connecting member is provided, which can be locked in place when the connecting member of the other outer box is inserted.

Images