JP3669503B2 - Cargo container - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a cargo container suitable for storing food, beverages and the like for the purpose of transportation, such as containers and tanks having a cooling or heating function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Milk tanks that store milk are desired to have a cooling function in order to maintain the freshness of the milk. A milk tank having a cooling function is described, for example, in JP-A-7-8127.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 7, the milk tank described in the publication includes a tank body 10 ′ having a cooling water flow path 12 ′ formed on a wall surface and a cooling water tank (ice bank) 21 ′, such as a pipe 30A ′. It is comprised by connecting with. The tank body 10 'has a large number of dimples (protrusions) 12a' on one side of the double wall surface and a gap between the double wall surfaces. The jacket structure. The water tank 21 ′ is connected to the refrigerator 20 ′, and the cooling water held therein can always be kept at a temperature close to 0 ° C. The cooling water in the water tank 21 ′ is circulated as a brine (heat transfer medium) to the flow path 12 ′ of the tank body 10 ′ by the brine supply means 30 ′ including the pipe 30 </ b> A ′ and the pump 31 ′. As a prior art document relating to the brine supply means, there is JP-A-9-145107.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional milk tank 3 ′ shown in FIG. 7 is not suitable for relocation or transportation. One of the reasons is that the water tank 21 'is large, but the more essential reason is as follows. That is,
[0005]
B) The tank body 10 'and the water tank 21' are not assembled so that they can move together. For example, when the entire milk tank 3 ′ is moved to another position, the tank body 10 ′, the water tank 21 ′, the refrigerator 20 ′, etc. are moved separately to the new position, and after completion of the movement, the piping work is performed again. Must be connected to each other.
[0006]
B) Further, even if the tank body 10 'and the water tank 21' etc. are coupled by a frame or the like so as to be easily moved, they cannot be suitable for transportation alone. Unless the frame for coupling is a perfect rigid body, relative displacement occurs between the tank body 10 'and the water tank 21' etc. due to vibration during transportation and concentrated load during unloading (lifting), and the pipe 30A 'and each of them. This is because an unreasonable force acts on the connection part with the device.
[0007]
C) Since an open-air water tank 21 'is used, the amount of cooling water is reduced by evaporation or the like, and dust may be mixed in the cooling water. Since the cooling water has a volume change accompanying a temperature change, it is not appropriate to completely seal the water tank 21 ′ with a lid. Therefore, it is difficult to avoid the problems of water volume reduction and dust contamination. When transporting milk tanks, the amount of water tends to decrease due to splashing of the water surface, and dust tends to enter.
[0008]
An object of the invention according to the claims is to provide a cargo container (tank or the like) having a cooling or heating function, which is suitable for relocation and transportation.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The cargo container according to claim 1 is:
  a) Container body (tank, container, etc. in which the flow path of the heat transfer medium (brine or the like for cooling or heating the wall surface, cooling water in the example of FIG. 7) is formed on the wall surface. A tank body 10 '), a refrigerating machine (heat exchanger or the like; water tank 21' in the example of FIG. 7) for cooling or heating the heat transfer medium to be sent to the wall surface of the container body, and a tube for the refrigerating machine and the container body Media supply means (including a fluid device such as a pump; brine supply means 30 'in the example of FIG. 7) that circulates the heat transfer medium by a path system (a system connected by piping or pipes) can move integrally. Assemble the
  b) The medium supply means is a closed system that does not allow the heat transfer medium to come into contact with the outside air, and a gas-sealed sealed tank (a type that does not allow the heat transfer medium to come into contact with the outside air) expansion tank (expansion / contraction of the medium) And a means for suppressing the pressure change by changing the volume in which the medium is accommodated,The expansion tank is connected upward from the pipeline system of the medium supply means, and the expansion tank of the gas-filled type is built in as the expansion tank, and the storage space for the heat transfer medium and the air discharge means from the storage space Used in the upper part (referring to the upper part of the expansion tank)
  c) As a part of the medium supply means, the relative displacement between the pipes fixed to the container main body and the pipe fixed to the other member is caused by the vibration during the movement. A flexible pipe (such as a hose) was provided at the place where the problem occurred.
  It is characterized by that.
[0010]
Such cargo containers have the following operational characteristics. That is,
-In accordance with a) above, the heat transfer medium cooled or heated by the cooler is sent to the wall surface (flow path) of the container body by the medium supply means, so the inside of the container body, that is, the cargo storage space is cooled. Or has a function of heating. For example, the container body may be configured as a tank to hold a liquid such as milk (milk) in a cooled state (or a heat-retaining state), and the container body may be configured as a box-shaped container to similarly contain foods. It is also preferable to do so.
[0011]
・ Since the container body, chiller, and medium supply means are assembled so that they can move together as shown in a), it is easy to move the whole, and it is also possible to put cargo inside and transport it. Are suitable. This is because the entire cargo container can be easily lifted or placed on a transportation means such as a truck.
[0012]
  ・ Even if the load is concentrated on some equipment and frames during lifting, or even when some equipment is displaced due to vibration during truck transportation, etc. There is no fear of excessive force acting. As described in c) above, between the pipe line fixed to the container body and the pipe line fixed to other members (cooler, frame, etc.)Where there is relative displacement between both pipes due to vibration during movementThis is because a flexible pipe line (hose or the like) is provided in the container so that the relative displacement between the container body and the other member is absorbed. Therefore, in this freight container, regardless of the route of transportation (land, sea, air route), means of transportation (truck, ship, aircraft), and the skill of the pipe and the equipment connected to it, regardless of the skill of cargo handling work. It can be said that the burden is low.
[0013]
  -Since the medium supply means is configured as a closed system as described in b) above, it is difficult for the heat transfer medium to decrease due to evaporation or splashing, and there is little possibility of dust being mixed into the medium. Therefore, it is possible to use the container for a long time without performing special maintenance. Even though the medium supply means is a closed system, since the expansion tank is provided in the supply means, the pressure of the heat transfer medium does not rise or fall inappropriately due to a volume change accompanying a temperature change. In addition, since the expansion tank itself is of a gas-filled type and hermetically sealed type, there is no fear that the medium is reduced or dust is mixed due to the tank. In addition, the closed medium supply means including a closed expansion tank does not allow the heat transfer medium to come into contact with air during operation, so that no new oxygen is absorbed into the medium. There is also a merit that corrosion of roads and pipelines can be suppressed. Note that all the features described here regarding the amount, properties, and pressure of the heat transfer medium are extremely useful as a container for freight transportation that requires no special maintenance during transportation, despite being used for a long time. It's just a good thing.
  ・ There are the following merits from the type and connection mode of the expansion tank.
  Since the air contained in the pipe line system of the medium supply means is generally lighter than the heat transfer medium, the air gathers at a higher position on the inside of the pipe line. Even in the above-described expansion tank, when it is sealed and connected upward from the pipeline system of the medium supply means, air may accumulate in a space that originally accommodates the heat transfer medium in the tank. If there is a temperature rise or the like in a state where a large amount of air is accumulated there, it is possible that the air flows out into the pipeline system of the medium supply means and causes the above disadvantages.
  However, as in the cargo container of this claim, if an expansion tank having a storage space for the heat transfer medium and a means for discharging air from the storage space is used as the expansion tank, the air can be stored as described above. Can be easily discharged. This is because when the heat transfer medium accommodating space is provided in the upper part, air accumulates from the upper part in the accommodating space, and air discharge means is present in the upper part. That is, even if air enters (or remains in) the expansion tank via the upward connection path from the pipeline system of the medium supply means, the air remains in the upper part of the tank and is discharged at the upper part. It can be discharged smoothly by means.
  If the expansion tank having the above-described configuration is arranged at a higher position in the pipeline system of the medium supply means, air that is likely to collect in parts other than the tank of the pipeline system is also removed. It is possible to discharge smoothly through the air discharge means.
[0014]
The cargo container according to claim 2 further includes means for discharging air in the pipeline system when the heat transfer medium is not flowing to the medium supply means (such as an air vent hole with a plug provided in the upper part of the pipeline). ) And means for separating and discharging air from the heat transfer medium when the heat transfer medium is flowing (such as a commercially available automatic air vent valve).
[0015]
According to the cargo container of this claim, air can be effectively discharged from the conduit system in the medium supply means, the flow path (formed on the wall surface) of the container body, or the like. When a heat transfer medium is newly injected into the pipeline system or the flow path, the air remaining inside or mixed with the injection can be discharged by the former means, and when circulating the heat transfer medium, This is because air that is mixed in the heat transfer medium and moves as bubbles can be separated and discharged by the latter means.
If air is contained in the pipeline system of the medium supply means or the flow path of the container body, the pump that circulates the heat transfer medium will not be able to continue smooth operation due to so-called air stagnation. There is a risk that the movement or the function of cooling or heating the container body may be reduced. Therefore, if air can be discharged as described above by the cargo container of this claim, the cargo container can be used stably for a long period of time, and the thermal performance of the container body can be improved.
In addition, a commercially available automatic air bleeding valve is equipped with a container in which bubbles contained in the fluid flowing through the pipeline gather, and when a certain amount or more of air accumulates in the container, the buoyant body floats and opens the valve for air discharge. And so on.
[0016]
The cargo container according to claim 3 is further characterized in that the medium supply means is provided with an in-pipe observation means (such as a so-called sight glass) having a transparent wall surface.
[0017]
Exhausting air from the heat transfer medium is an important technical matter as described above for a cargo container that circulates the medium in the flow path of the container body. Therefore, it is originally desirable to confirm whether or not the air in the medium has been sufficiently exhausted during a test operation or a commercial operation. However, it is generally difficult to know the amount of air mixed in the medium by observing the inside of the medium supply means from the outside during operation, and more particularly when the medium supply means is configured in a closed system. .
In this respect, in the cargo container of this claim, since the in-pipe observation means as described above is provided in the medium supply means, the mixed state of air in the heat transfer medium can be observed from the outside through the transparent wall surface. Can do. If the observation means is used while circulating the medium during operation, it is possible to observe how much bubbles are included in the flow, and thus the degree of air discharge and the amount of contamination can be confirmed. In this way, if the amount of air contamination is sufficiently reduced during the trial run while observing, and then the commercial operation is started, the operational stability and function of the cargo container can be further improved. it can.
[0020]
  Claim 4The cargo container described in 1 is further characterized in that the medium supply means is provided with a pressure regulating valve for limiting the maximum pressure of the heat transfer medium.
[0021]
Since the expansion tank is provided, in the medium supply means in the cargo container, the pressure fluctuation of the medium due to the temperature change is normally sufficiently suppressed. However, if the container is transported to a remote location along with freight transportation, unexpected circumstances may occur regarding the environment and usage conditions. For example, when the volume of the medium supply means is changed due to continuous direct sunlight in a tropical region or when it hits an object, the pressure of the medium may increase extremely.
In this respect, the cargo container according to this claim in which the medium supply means is provided with a pressure regulating valve does not cause an abnormal pressure increase in the heat transfer medium even in such an unexpected situation. This is because the above-described pressure regulating valve prevents an increase in pressure due to any cause such as temperature change and volume change. This means that the cargo container of this claim can always carry the cargo to a remote place etc. very smoothly.
[0022]
  Claim 5The cargo container described in
  The flow path of the heat transfer medium on the wall surface of the container body is formed as a plurality of panels, and of the medium supply means, the heat transfer medium delivery side from the cooler to the panel and the return side from the panel to the cooler Each has a header (shunt)
  ・ Independent parallel pipelines were formed between two headers for each panel or for each panel group in which multiple panels were connected in series.
  It is characterized by that.
[0023]
In such a cargo container, since the flow path of the heat transfer medium is configured in parallel, the flow path resistance is low as a whole, and the pressure required to circulate the medium is low. Therefore, the container body can be effectively cooled. Further, since the flow path resistance is small, the fluctuation of the brine flow rate is small, and cooling can be performed uniformly.
There is also an advantage that piping work and subsequent handling are easy. For example, since the pipeline system in the medium supply means is independent for each panel or panel group as described above, it is not difficult to simultaneously construct a plurality of pipeline systems in parallel. In addition, when an abnormality is recognized by a flow meter or a pressure gauge, it is easy to identify the location where the abnormality has occurred. In addition, even if there is a trouble in some pipeline systems, other systems function normally without being affected, so it is unlikely that the cooling (or heating) function will be completely stopped, and stable performance will be demonstrated. The
[0024]
  Claim 6In particular, the cargo container described above is characterized in that the container body is a tank for transporting liquid (milk, etc.) or a container for transporting solid (fresh vegetables, etc.). To do.
[0025]
The tank and container configured as described above are extremely suitable for transporting foods and the like (transportation on land, sea or air). Many features such as the above-mentioned cooling (or heating) function of cargo containers, easy movement and transportation in one piece, no inconvenience due to vibration, etc., no special maintenance on heat transfer media This is because the above-mentioned merit enables the transportation of food items and the like in an appropriate manner that has not been conventionally available.
In addition, when a container is comprised and the inside is cooled, there also exists an advantage that cargoes, such as vegetables, can be protected from drying and excessive cooling, and can be refrigerated and preserve | saved in the state where quality does not fall easily. This is because the inside is cooled by flowing the heat transfer medium through the flow path on the wall surface as described above, instead of adopting a cooling method mainly for blowing cold air.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example of implementation of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the whole medium supply means 30 together with the cooler 21 and the panel 12 of the tank body 10, and FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing the refrigerator 20 including the cooler 21. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the entire tank 1 as a cargo container. 4 is a view showing a part of the tank 1 of FIG. 3, in which FIG. 4 (a) is a sectional view taken along IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 (b) is a detailed view of part b in FIG. FIG.4 (c) is cc sectional drawing in the same (b). FIG. 5 is a VV arrow view in FIG.
[0027]
The tank 1 shown in FIG. 3 is a cargo container used for putting milk (milk) inside and transporting it while refrigerated. In addition to the tank main body (container main body) 10 that holds milk at a low temperature, medium supply means that circulates the brine (heat transfer medium, which will be described later in this example) between the refrigerator 20 and the tank main body 10 and the refrigerator 20. 30 and the like are integrally assembled using the frame 15.
[0028]
The tank body 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, and both ends are closed by end plates that swell smoothly around the center. Needless to say, since it stores milk or the like, it is equipped with basic components such as the inlet and outlet and accessory equipment. The tank body 10 is provided with the following configuration so that the milk inside can be cooled and kept at a low temperature.
[0029]
First, a plurality of panels 12 (12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D) having a flow path for flowing brine inside are overlapped and joined to the outside of the wall surface 11 in the tank body 10. As shown in FIG. 3, four panels 12 are attached to the left and right side surfaces of the tank body 10, and the total number is eight. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tank body 10 is formed by laminating a heat insulating material 11A made of urethane foam and a protective material 11B made of hard FRP in this order on the outside of the wall surface 11 made of stainless steel. On the other hand, each of the panels 12 is curved so as to follow the outer surface of the wall surface 11, and is formed into a curved plate shape as a whole.
[0030]
Cooling of the contents (milk or the like) of the tank body 10 is performed by flowing a low-temperature (around −1 ° C.) brine through a space formed between the panel 12 and the wall surface 11. Since the brine directly contacts and cools the wall surface 11 of the tank main body 10 without passing through other members or air layers, the contents can be effectively cooled. Moreover, the inside of the panel 12 not only has a space for simply filling the brine, but also has a continuous area to flow the brine without stagnation by defining the flow path. The flow is fast and therefore the cooling is strong and efficient.
[0031]
The continuous area inside each panel 12 is formed as shown in FIG. 4C (the same applies to the panels 12A, 12C, and 12D other than the illustrated 12B). That is, the frame plate 12b is welded densely around the entire circumference of the quadrangular stainless steel curved plate 12a so that there is no gap, and a plurality of partition plates 12c are attached to the inside (concave surface) of the curved plate 12a by welding. . By appropriately setting the length of the partition plate 12c and the connection relationship between each partition plate 12c and the frame plate 12b, a continuous region 12d is formed from one corner of the panel 12 to one other corner. To be. In a portion of the continuous area 12d where the corner is bent, a triangular small piece 12e is fixed to the outer corner to smooth the flow. An inflow port 12j is provided in a corner portion (upper right portion in FIG. 3) corresponding to one end portion of the continuous area 12d, and an outflow port 12k is provided in a corner portion (lower left portion in FIG. 3) which is the other end portion. Is forming.
[0032]
Such a panel 12 is attached so as to overlap the outside of the wall surface 11 of the tank body 10 (inside the heat insulating material 11c) as shown in FIG. The mounting is performed with the curved plate 12a facing outward so that the frame plate 12b and the partition plate 12c are in contact with the wall surface 11, and the entire circumference of the frame plate 12b is welded. It is more preferable to weld between the plate 12c and the wall surface 11). When attached in this manner, the continuous area 12d formed in the panel 12 becomes a flow path for brine between the wall surface 11 and continues from the inlet 12j to the outlet 12k. In addition, the code | symbol 12m in FIG.4 (c) is a plug for the air vent hole (illustration omitted) provided in the uppermost part among each panel 12. FIG. The air vent hole and the plug 12m may be provided at one place where the entire inside of each panel 12 is most easily ventilated, or may be provided at each corner at the upper part of the continuous region 12d.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 15 that integrally supports the tank body 10 and the refrigerator 20 and the like that will be described later increases rigidity while achieving weight reduction, during transportation or during cargo handling (when lifted). The deformation of the tank body 10 can be suppressed as much as possible. The specific configuration of the frame 15 for this purpose is as follows.
[0034]
First, the horizontal frame member 16A extending in the length direction of the tank body 10 is arranged in parallel on the lower sides of the tank body 10 (the front side and the back side in FIG. 3), and between the tank body 10 The tank main body supporting saddle 16B extending in the width direction is connected. Then, an arch-shaped upper frame material 16C is connected to the upper portion of the horizontal frame material 16A so as to connect both ends thereof. At the same time, the horizontal frame member 16A and the upper frame member 16C are connected by the vertical frame member 16D at portions other than both ends.
The connection between the horizontal frame member 16A and the vertical frame member 16D is performed at the connection portion between the horizontal frame member 16A and the supporting saddle 16B.
The connecting portion 16E between the upper frame material 16C and the vertical frame material 16D is also coupled to the wall surface 11 of the tank body 10.
Both ends of each horizontal frame member 16A located near both ends of the tank body 10 are connected to an end frame member 16F assembled in a quadrilateral shape so as to surround the tank body 10, and the horizontal frame of the end frame member 16F The upper corner portion not connected to the material 16A is connected to the connecting portion 16E via the support frame material 16G.
The uppermost parts of the upper frame member 16C in which the two are arranged are connected by the upper beam member 16H or the like.
[0035]
According to the frame 15 configured as described above, although the amount of the frame material used is small, the displacement generated in the tank body 10 due to the reinforcing action of the arched upper frame material 16C and the like is suppressed, and the mechanical burden is reduced. Can be effectively reduced. Most of the weight of the tank body 10 acting on the horizontal frame member 16A via the support saddle 16B acts downward on the upper frame member 16C via the vertical frame member 16D. However, the upper frame member 16C has an arch shape. This is because, since it has an upwardly convex curve, it forms an axially compressed state, hardly causes bending, and is hardly displaced downward. The tank body 10 is effectively reinforced by the upper frame material 16C and the like, and even if the middle of the horizontal frame material 16A is not supported at the time of cargo handling or transportation, the bending generated in the tank body 10 is suppressed. .
[0036]
The refrigerator 20 which is a means for cooling the brine flowing through the panel 12 of FIG. 3 is configured according to FIG. That is, the compressor 22, the condenser 23, the liquid receiver 24, the expansion valve 25, and the cooler 21 are connected in this order through the pipe line 20A, and the accumulator 26A, filter dryer 26B, sight glass (in-pipe observation means) 26C, solenoid valve 26D, CVQ 26E, etc. are also provided in the pipe line 20A as shown in the figure. The cooler 21 used as a cooler for the brine is an evaporator that forms part of the refrigerator 20, and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigerator 20 and the brine in the medium supply means 30 described below. .
[0037]
Circulation of the brine, that is, the brine cooled by the cooler 21 is allowed to flow to each panel 12 (a panel group in which the panels 12A and 12B and the panels 12C and 12D are connected in series as shown in FIG. 3) and then again the cooler 21. Returning to is performed by the medium supply means 30 shown in FIG. The medium supply means 30 is a unit in which a plurality of devices are connected by a conduit 30A. The brine cooled by the cooler 20 is sent to the header 32 on the delivery side, and a plurality of (four in the example in the figure) circulation there. It branches to a pipe and distribute | circulates to each panel 12 (above-mentioned panel group) through each pipe in parallel. The brine that passes through each panel group passes through a return-side circulation pipe, is collected into one pipe by a return-side header 34, and is sent to the cooler 7 again. The circulation pipes branched as described above are provided with opening degree adjusting valves 33 at positions close to the headers 32 and 34, respectively. As the brine, an antifreeze mixed with water (40%) and propylene glycol (60%) is used. Since this liquid has a freezing temperature as low as around −16 ° C., there is no fear that the brine will grow as ice inside the medium supply means 30, and therefore the cooler 21 and the like can be made compact.
[0038]
The following devices are connected to the conduit 30A of the medium supply means 30 together with the headers 32 and 34 and the like. First, a pump 31 is provided between the return side header 34 and the cooler 21 as means for sending brine. In addition, a drain valve 32a for extracting brine and a relief valve 32b as a pressure adjusting valve (safety valve) for limiting the maximum pressure are provided directly connected to the header 32 on the delivery side. A brine injection connector 34b is connected to the return header 34 together with a check valve 34a. On the downstream side of the header 34 on the return side, for the purpose of reducing the amount of air in the brine, a sight glass 35 having a glass transparent wall surface in part and enabling internal observation from the outside, An automatic air bleeding valve 37 capable of separating and discharging air from the flowing brine is provided. Further, between the sight glass 35 and the automatic air vent valve 37, in order to prevent a change in the volume of the brine due to a change in temperature from exerting a pressure burden on the brine pipe, a gas-filled bladder (expandable bag) is provided. (Not shown) is connected to the expansion tank 36. The expansion tank 36 is connected via a pipe 36a and a flexible pipe 36b that extend upward from a vertically upper portion of the pipe line 30A, and is provided so that the space in the tank that stores the brine is located at the top. An air vent hole with an openable / closable plug 36c is provided at the top of the tube 36a. The medium supply means 30 includes a so-called sealed type in which the expansion tank 16 accommodates brine in a sealed space and cuts off contact with the atmosphere. It is configured as a closed system that does not include a contact portion.
[0039]
In addition, a plurality of flexible pipes (absorbers 38) in which short pipes made of synthetic rubber are connected between joint portions at both ends are connected to the pipe line 30A of the medium supply means 30. Considering that the tank 1 is used for transporting milk, etc., an excessive mechanical load is not applied to the pipe line 30A (or a connecting portion thereof) due to relative displacement between the devices due to vibration during transportation. It is what I did. First, the absorber 38 is provided at two locations (absorbers 38A and 38B; see also FIG. 3) on the upstream side of the delivery header 32 and the downstream side of the return header 34. Both the headers 32 and 34 and the part such as the panel 12 connected between them are fixed to the tank body 10 or the frame 15, while the other parts (closer to the cooler 21 than the headers 32 and 34). This is because the portion) is fixed to the support frame 20B (connected to the frame 15 by welding or the like) in FIG. 5 together with the refrigerator 20 and the like, and relative displacement is likely to occur between both portions. As shown in FIG. 1, similar absorbers 38 </ b> C and 38 </ b> D are also connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the pump 31. The pump 31 is fixed to the support frame 20B of FIG. 5 together with the front and rear portions, the refrigerator 20, and the like, but because of its large weight, there is a possibility of vibration displacement and the like independently of the others. Since the expansion tank 36 has a large weight as well, a flexible tube 36b having the same function as the absorber 38 is connected to the tube 36a to eliminate the disadvantage caused by the relative displacement.
[0040]
In addition to the above, a check valve 30B, a pressure gauge 30C, a thermostat 30D, an on-off valve 30E, a strainer 30F, and the like are appropriately connected to the pipe line 30A. In addition, an air vent hole with a plug 30M is provided in a high portion of the conduit 30A, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the air inside can be smoothly discharged when a new brine is injected. Yes.
[0041]
5 is a view (VV arrow view) of the tank 1 of FIG. 3 viewed from one end. At the end on the illustrated side, together with the entire refrigerator 20, the devices included in the medium supply means 30 in the portion closer to the refrigerator 20 than the absorber 38 are attached to the support frame 20B. The support frame 20B is fixed to the frame 15 in FIG. 3 with bolts, nuts and the like. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 27 denotes a control panel, and reference numeral 28 denotes a fan.
[0042]
Next, FIG. 6 shows another example of the implementation of the invention, and shows a container 2 as a cargo container in a perspective view (including a transparent portion). The container 2 is a container suitable for transporting fresh vegetables and the like while refrigerated. This container 2 also includes a refrigerator 50 as shown in the figure, and brine (heat transfer medium) cooled by a cooler (cooler) in the refrigerator 50 is converted into a wall surface 41 ( The internal space is cooled by flowing through the flow path in the panel 42 arranged on the inner side surface. A door 41a is provided at the end opposite to the side where the refrigerator 50 is disposed, and the door 41a is opened and closed to load and unload cargo. Also in this container 2, medium supply means 60 including a pipe line 60 </ b> A and a pump is provided to circulate brine between each panel 42 (a panel group in which two to three panels 42 are connected in series) and the refrigerator 50. Provided. And the container main body 40, the refrigerator 50, and the medium supply means 60 are assembled | attached integrally so that it may be suitable for transport.
[0043]
Although the detailed illustration is omitted (see FIG. 1 and the like), the medium supply means 60 of the container 2 also employs the following configuration and equipment to enhance the suitability for freight transportation. That is,
In addition to connecting the closed expansion tank to the pipe line 60A, the air supply type device is not used in other parts, so that the medium supply means 60 is a closed circuit.
A header is provided on each of the brine delivery side from the cooler of the refrigerator 50 to the panel 42 and the return side from the panel 42 to the cooler, and the two headers are independent for each panel group. Pipe lines are formed in parallel.
A flexible pipe (absorber) is provided in a part of the pipe line 60A at a part where relative displacement is likely to occur due to vibration during transportation, for example, a part that is piped across the container body 40 and the refrigerator 50.
-An air vent hole (with a plug) is provided in a portion passing through a high position in the pipe line 60A, an upper portion of the panel 42, or the like. The pipe to the expansion tank was also connected upward from the pipe line 60A, and air was allowed to accumulate in the upper part of the expansion tank, and the accumulated air could be discharged from the upper part.
-An automatic air vent valve that can separate and discharge air when brine is flowing is connected to a part of the pipe line 60A. Further, a sight glass (in-pipe observation means) that can confirm the amount of air in the flow from the outside is also included in the pipe 60A.
A safety valve (relief valve) that limits the maximum brine pressure is connected to a part of the pipe line 60A.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
  The freight container described in claim 1 has the following effects.
  -The inside of the container body can be cooled or heated, so it is useful for putting foods.
  -Since the container body, the refrigerator and the medium supply means can be moved as a unit, it is suitable for moving the whole or putting cargo inside.
  -Since a flexible pipe is provided at a location where relative displacement is caused by vibration during movement in the pipeline, there is little mechanical load on the pipe and the equipment connected to it during transportation and cargo handling.
  ・ Since a gas-sealed closed expansion tank is used and the medium supply means is configured as a closed system, it can be smoothly transported for a long period of time without the need for special maintenance of the heat transfer medium. Containers can be used.
  ・ Air that tends to accumulate in the expansion tank can be discharged smoothly.
[0045]
  According to the cargo container described in claim 2, since the air can be effectively discharged from the medium supply means, the cargo container can be used stably for a long period of time, and the thermal performance of the container body is enhanced. It is done.
  Further, the cargo container according to the third aspect can further observe and confirm the mixed state of air in the heat transfer medium from the outside, so that the operational stability and the function can be further improved.
  Claim 4In the freight container described in (1), an abnormal pressure rise does not occur in the heat transfer medium due to any situation during transportation. For this reason, it is always possible to smoothly carry cargo to remote locations.
[0046]
  Claim 5If the cargo container described in
  -Since the pipes of the medium supply means exist in parallel, the overall flow resistance is small and the pressure required to circulate the heat transfer medium can be low.
  -Piping work and subsequent handling is easy, and performance such as cooling is stably exhibited.
  Claim 6The cargo container described in 1 is particularly suitable for transporting foods and the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the invention, and is a system diagram showing an entire medium supply means 30 together with a cooler 21 and a panel 12 of a tank body 10;
FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing a refrigerator 20 including the chiller 21 of FIG.
3 is a side view showing the entire tank 1 as a cargo container including the tank body 10 of FIG. 1; FIG.
4 is a view showing a part of the tank 1 of FIG. 3, in which FIG. 4 (a) is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 (b) is a detailed view of part b in FIG. FIG.4 (c) is cc sectional drawing in the same (b).
5 is a VV arrow view of the tank 1 of FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a container 2 as a cargo container, showing another example of the implementation of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an entire conventional milk tank.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Tank (cargo container)
2 Container (cargo container)
10 Tank body (container body)
11 Wall surface
12 (12A-12D) Panel
15 frames
20 Refrigerator
21 Cooler (cooler)
30 Medium supply means
31 pump
32/34 header
35 Sight glass (in-pipe observation means)
36 Expansion tank
37 Automatic air vent valve
38 (38A-38D) Absorber (flexible tube)
40 Container body
42 panels
50 refrigerator
60 Medium supply means

Claims (6)

A container main body having a wall of the heat transfer medium formed on the wall surface, a cooler that cools or heats the heat transfer medium sent to the wall surface of the container main body, and a heat transfer medium that is connected to the cooler and the container main body by a pipe line And medium supply means for circulating the
The medium supply means is of a closed system that does not allow the heat transfer medium to come into contact with the outside air, and includes a gas-sealed hermetic expansion tank, which is connected upward from the pipeline system of the medium supply means. And containing a gas-filled expansion and contraction bag, and having an accommodation space for the heat transfer medium and a means for discharging air from the accommodation space at the top,
And a flexible pipe at a location between the pipe fixed to the container main body and the pipe fixed to another member and causing relative displacement between the two pipes due to the vibration during the movement. A cargo container characterized by   The medium supply means is arranged with means for discharging air in the pipeline system when the heat transfer medium is not flowing, and means for separating and discharging air from the heat transfer medium when the heat transfer medium is flowing. The cargo container according to claim 1.   The cargo container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the medium supply means is provided with an in-pipe observation means having a transparent wall surface. The cargo container according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the medium supply means is provided with a pressure regulating valve for limiting a maximum pressure of the heat transfer medium. The flow path of the heat transfer medium on the wall surface of the container body is provided as a plurality of panels, and among the medium supply means, the heat transfer medium delivery side from the cooler to the panel and the return side from the panel to the cooler Each having a header, and an independent parallel pipe line is formed between the two headers for each panel or each panel group in which a plurality of panels are connected in series. The freight container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The cargo container according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the container body is a tank for transporting a liquid or a container for transporting a solid.

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