WO2024075440A1 - Refrigerated container - Google Patents

Abstract

This refrigerated container, which is configured to be capable of cooling an in-container gas, this being a gas inside a container body, comprises: the container body; a circulating line having a suction port and a blowout port each provided inside the container body; a compressor configured to compress recirculating gas, this being gas sucked into the circulating line from the inside of the container body via the suction port; a heat exchanger configured to cool the recirculating gas compressed by the compressor; an expander configured to cause the recirculating gas cooled by the heat exchanger to expand; and a warm air introduction line for extracting the recirculating gas, that is at a higher temperature than the in-container gas, from the circulating line between the compressor and the heat exchanger, and guiding the extracted recirculating gas into the container body.

Description

Refrigerated container

The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration container configured to be capable of cooling a gas inside a container body.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-162030, filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 7, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A refrigerated container is a container equipped with a refrigeration function that freezes or refrigerates cargo and other items stored inside.

　A conventional air refrigerant type refrigerator is known in which the air in a chamber that needs to be cooled is taken in as the refrigerant for the air refrigerant type refrigerator, and the refrigerant air cooled by the refrigerator is blown directly into the chamber that needs to be cooled to cool the chamber (see Patent Document 1). In this refrigerator, the air that has become high-pressure and high-temperature in the compressor is cooled by a cooler, and then reduced to low-pressure and low-temperature in the expander.

Patent No. 3824757

The air refrigerant type refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 is capable of freezing operation to cool the air in the room that needs to be cooled, but does not have a function for performing warm-up operation to warm up the air in the room that needs to be cooled. For example, when a refrigerated container is transported, the temperature outside the container (outside air temperature) may be lower than the temperature inside the container. In this case, warm-up air is required inside the container. However, if a device for performing warm-up operation to warm up the inside of the container is installed inside the container, the cargo space inside the container will be narrowed. In addition, if a device for performing warm-up operation is installed outside the container, a separate power source, piping, etc. is required to suck the gas warmed by the device into the container, thereby narrowing the cargo space inside the container.

In view of the above, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerated container that can prevent a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can raise and lower the temperature inside the container.

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

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerated container that can prevent the reduction of cargo space inside the container and can raise and lower the temperature inside the container.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container shown in FIG. 1 from another angle. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 5 is a view of the refrigeration container shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a warm air flow control device for a refrigerated container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit circuit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a deodorization apparatus for a refrigerated container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Below, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and are merely illustrative examples.

(Configuration of refrigerated container)
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container 100 shown in Fig. 1, seen from another direction. In Fig. 2, the inside of the refrigerated container 100 is shown by omitting some walls constituting the refrigerated container 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the suction gas line 22A, the compressed gas line 22B, and the expanded gas line 22C is formed by piping. Note that each of the piping that forms the circulation line 22 may be formed by multiple piping sections connected via flanges or the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the piping forming the suction gas line 22A includes a piping 23A provided between the suction port 20 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 26, and a piping 23B provided between the outlet of the heat exchanger 26 and the compressor 24. The piping forming the compressed gas line 22B includes a piping 23C provided between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the inlet of the cooler 32, a piping 23D provided between the outlet of the cooler 32 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 26, and a piping 23E provided between the outlet of the heat exchanger 26 and the inlet of the expander 28. The piping forming the expanded gas line 22C includes a piping 23F provided between the outlet of the expander 28 and the blow-out port 16.

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

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

The circulating gas flowing between the compressor 24 and the heat exchanger 26 (high temperature side heat exchange section 262) in the circulation line 22 has its temperature and pressure increased by being compressed in the compressor 24, and therefore becomes hotter and more pressurized than the gas inside the container. The temperature inside the container can be raised by introducing this circulating gas, which is now hotter and more pressurized than the gas inside the container, into the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50.

According to the above configuration, a refrigeration unit 30 is constructed that includes a compressor 24, a heat exchanger 26, and an expander 28, each of which is provided in the circulation line 22, and uses the gas inside the container body 1 (internal gas) as a heat medium. The gas inside the container body 1 naturally circulates from the outlet 16 to the inlet 20 due to the difference in pressure between the outlet 16 and the inlet 20, so no fan is required to circulate the air inside the container. Therefore, the internal temperature does not rise due to the provision of a fan and a fan motor inside the container body 1. Therefore, the internal temperature is easily maintained at a desired temperature. In addition, since a fan and a fan motor are not provided inside the container body 1, a large cargo space inside the container body 1 can be secured. Therefore, according to the above configuration, a refrigeration container 100 can be obtained that can suppress the reduction of the cargo space inside the container and can stably maintain the internal temperature.

With the above configuration, the warm air introduction line 50 allows the circulating gas, which has been heated by the compressor 24 to a temperature higher than the gas inside the container, to be returned to the inside of the container body 1, thereby raising the temperature inside the container. By providing the warm air introduction line 50 on the outside of the container body 1, the refrigerated container 100 can expand the adjustable range of the inside temperature to the higher temperature side while preventing the cargo space inside the container from being reduced.

(Warm air flow control device)
In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 to 12, the above-mentioned refrigerated container 100 further includes at least one warm air flow rate adjustment device (warm air flow rate adjustment valve) 52 that is provided in the warm air introduction line 50 and configured to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50. The warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 is configured to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas guided downstream (downstream end 502 side) of the warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 by changing the opening degree of a valve body arranged in the warm air introduction line 50. Note that the warm air flow rate adjustment device 52 may be an opening/closing valve whose opening degree can be adjusted to fully closed and fully open, or may be an opening degree adjustment valve whose opening degree can be adjusted to fully closed, fully open, and at least one intermediate opening degree between them.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 to 8, 11 and 12, when the warm air flow control device 52 is closed (the opening of the valve body is reduced) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is led to the expander 28, where it is cooled by expansion in the expander 28 and then led to the inside of the container body 1. When the warm air flow control device 52 is opened (the opening of the valve body is increased) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the pressure loss at the inlet of the expander 28 becomes greater than that of the warm air introduction line 50 and the warm air flow control device 52. The circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is led to the inside of the container body 1 through the warm air introduction line 50 due to the difference in pressure between the upstream end 501 of the warm air introduction line 50 and the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50. For this reason, a fan for leading the circulating gas through the warm air introduction line 50 to the inside of the container body 1 is not required.

With the above configuration, the warm air flow rate control device 52 adjusts the flow rate of the warm air (circulating gas) flowing through the warm air introduction line 50, making it possible to control the temperature rise inside the container body 1. In this case, the temperature rise control can be simplified. Note that increasing or decreasing the output (rotation speed) of the electric motor 46 increases or decreases the flow rate of the circulating gas discharged from the compressor 24 and flowing through the compressed gas line 22B. For this reason, it is preferable to include not only the opening degree of the warm air flow rate control device 52 but also the output (rotation speed) of the electric motor 46 as parameters for controlling the temperature rise inside the container body 1.

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

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

9 and 10, when the circulating gas flow control device 29 is opened (the valve body opening is increased) and the warm air flow control device 52 is closed (the valve body opening is decreased) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is led to the expander 28, where it is cooled by expansion in the expander 28 and then led into the inside of the container body 1. When the circulating gas flow control device 29 is closed (the valve body opening is decreased) and the warm air flow control device 52 is opened (the valve body opening is increased) during operation of the refrigerator 30, the pressure loss in the circulating gas flow control device 29 provided in the circulation line 22 bypassed by the warm air introduction line 50 becomes greater than that in the warm air introduction line 50 and the warm air flow control device 52. The circulating gas flowing through the compressed gas line 22B is led into the inside of the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50 due to the difference in pressure between the upstream end 501 of the warm air introduction line 50 and the downstream end 502. Therefore, a fan is not required to guide the circulating gas into the container body 1 through the warm air introduction line 50.

With the above configuration, the warm air flow rate regulator 52 and the circulating gas flow rate regulator 29 can be used to adjust the flow rate of the warm air (circulating gas) flowing through the warm air inlet line 50, making it possible to control the temperature rise inside the container body 1. In this case, the above temperature rise control can be simplified.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the downstream end 502 of the above-mentioned warm air introduction line 50 is formed with an outlet 503 (opening) for blowing gas such as air into the inside of the container body 1. The above-mentioned suction section 18 may include the suction port 20 and the outlet 503. The circulating gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 is guided to the outlet 503 and is blown out from the warm air introduction line 50 into the inside of the container body 1 via the outlet 503.

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

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, 11 and 12, the downstream end 502 of the warm air introduction line 50 described above is connected to the expansion gas line 22C (piping 23F) at a connection position P3 located between the expander 28 of the circulation line 22 and the outlet 16 (expansion gas line 22C). The circulation gas flowing through the warm air introduction line 50 is introduced into the inside of the container body 1 via the downstream side of the connection position P3 of the expansion gas line 22C.

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

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

Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the circulation line 22, which the warm air introduction line 50 bypasses, has a large pressure loss due to the expander 28 provided in the circulation line 22, so that when the warm air introduction line 50 is open, a large amount of circulation gas can be guided to the warm air introduction line 50 side. In this configuration, the above-mentioned circulation gas flow rate control device 29 does not need to be provided. Furthermore, the circulation gas passing through the warm air introduction line 50 is hotter than the circulation gas passing through the circulation line 22, which the warm air introduction line 50 bypasses. Therefore, according to the above configuration, a large amount of relatively high-temperature circulation gas can be guided into the inside of the container body 1 via the warm air introduction line 50, so that the heating capacity inside the container body 1 can be increased.

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

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

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

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

(Layout of equipment constituting the refrigeration unit)
In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 11, each of the compressor 24, the cooler 32, the heat exchanger 26 and the expander 28, which are respectively provided in the circulation line 22, is arranged in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 along the partition 10 that separates the inner space 2 and the outer space 3 of the container body 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the above-mentioned devices provided in the circulation line 22 are arranged along the short side wall 7 serving as the partition wall 10. In FIG. 1, some of the above-mentioned devices provided in the circulation line 22 are shown diagrammatically by two-dot chain lines.

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

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

According to the above configuration, the compressor 24, the cooler 32, the heat exchanger 26, and the expander 28 are each installed in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. In other words, since these devices are not installed in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, a large cargo space can be secured inside the container. In addition, since the above configuration does not require the installation of a heat exchanger such as an evaporator in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, there is no need to perform a defrost operation to defrost such a heat exchanger. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the temperature inside the container at a desired temperature. In addition, in the above configuration, the devices that make up the refrigerator 30 are arranged in a relatively narrow space along the bulkhead 10 in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. In this way, since the installation area of the refrigerator 30 added to the container body 1 is small, the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigerator 30 can be suitably used as a container for transportation, etc.

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

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

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

The above configuration reduces the heat input from the circulating gas (warm air) flowing through the warm air inlet line 50 to the circulating gas (cold air) flowing through the cooling gas line 22D, thereby improving the performance of the refrigeration container 100 during refrigeration operation.

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

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

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

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

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

Each of the first warm air flow control device 53 and the second warm air flow control device 54 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the circulating gas guided downstream (downstream end 502 side) of the warm air flow control device 52 (53, 54) by changing the opening degree of the valve bodies 531, 541 arranged in the warm air introduction line 50. Each of the first warm air flow control device 53 and the second warm air flow control device 54 may be an opening/closing valve whose opening degree can be adjusted to fully closed and fully open, or an opening degree adjustment valve whose opening degree can be adjusted to fully closed, fully open, and at least one intermediate opening degree between them.

According to the above configuration, by providing two warm air flow rate control devices 53, 54 in the warm air introduction line 50, the heat insulation properties of the warm air introduction line 50 can be improved. This makes it possible to suppress heat input downstream of the second warm air flow rate control device 54 in the warm air introduction line 50 when the two warm air flow rate control devices 53, 54 are closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the above-mentioned configuration, by providing the deodorizing device 70 in the above-mentioned normal temperature environment part of the circulation line 22, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing substance from being led to the expander 28, which is in a low temperature environment. This prevents the deodorizing substance from being reduced in effectiveness or freezing in the expander 28, so that the deodorizing effect can be effectively obtained even if the amount of the deodorizing substance released from the deodorizing device 70 is reduced. In particular, since the pressure is relatively low between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 261 (heat exchanger 26) of the circulation line 22 and the compressor 24, it is easy to release the deodorizing substance to the circulation gas. In addition, the circulation gas flowing between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 261 (heat exchanger 26) of the circulation line 22 and the compressor 24 becomes dry air at normal temperature even in a refrigerated container 100 that cools the gas inside the container to an ultra-low temperature of -40°C or less, so that it is easy to generate the deodorizing substance, and the deodorizing effect of the deodorizing substance is high.

In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchanger 26 or the cooler 32 may include a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger or the microchannel heat exchanger may be formed from a material including aluminum or titanium.

In some embodiments, the suction port 20 is provided with a filter portion 21 for removing foreign matter, as shown in FIG. 5. The filter portion 21 includes a member having a plurality of holes or a mesh, and has a plurality of openings formed by the holes, mesh, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes modifications to the above-described embodiments and appropriate combinations of these embodiments.

The contents described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows:

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

According to the above configuration 1), a refrigeration machine (30) is constructed that includes a compressor (24), a heat exchanger (26), and an expander (28) that are respectively provided in the circulation line (22), and uses the gas (internal gas) inside the container body (1) as a heat medium. The gas inside the container body (1) naturally circulates from the outlet (16) to the inlet (20) due to the difference in pressure between the outlet (16) and the inlet (20), so no fan is required to circulate the circulating gas. Therefore, the internal temperature does not increase due to the provision of a fan and a fan motor inside the container body (1). Therefore, the internal temperature is easily maintained at a desired temperature. In addition, since a fan and a fan motor are not provided inside the container body (1), a large cargo space inside the container body (1) can be secured. Therefore, according to the above configuration 1), a refrigeration container (100) is obtained that can suppress the reduction of the cargo space inside the container and can stably maintain the internal temperature.

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

2) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to 1) above,
The refrigerated container (100) comprises:
a cooler (32) provided in the circulation line (22) downstream of the compressor (24) and upstream of the heat exchanger (24), the cooler (32) being configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid;
The upstream end (501) of the warm air introduction line (50) was connected to the circulation line (22) between the cooler (32) and the heat exchanger (26).

According to the configuration of 2) above, the circulating gas heated by the compressor (24) is cooled in the cooler (32), thereby reducing the temperature difference between the circulating gas (warm air) introduced into the container body (1) via the warm air introduction line (50) and the gas inside the container. By reducing the temperature difference, the temperature rise of the gas inside the container due to the warm air can be made gentler, thereby suppressing damage caused by thermal distortion inside the container body (1).

3) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to 1) above,
The refrigerated container (100) comprises:
a cooler (32) provided in the circulation line (22) downstream of the compressor (24) and upstream of the heat exchanger (24), the cooler (32) being configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid;
The upstream end (501) of the warm air introduction line (50) was connected to the circulation line (22) between the cooler (32) and the compressor (24).

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

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

According to the configuration of 4) above, the warm air flow rate regulator (52) adjusts the flow rate of the warm air (circulating gas) flowing through the warm air inlet line (50), making it possible to control the temperature rise inside the container body (1). In this case, the temperature rise control can be simplified.

5) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to 4) above,
The at least one warm air flow regulator (52) comprises:
A first warm air flow rate control device (53) provided in the warm air introduction line (50);
and a second warm air flow control device (54) provided on the warm air introduction line (50) downstream of the first warm air flow control device (53).

According to the configuration of 5) above, by providing two warm air flow rate control devices (53, 54) in the warm air introduction line (50), the heat insulation of the warm air introduction line (50) can be improved. This makes it possible to suppress heat input downstream of the second warm air flow rate control device (54) of the warm air introduction line (50) when the two warm air flow rate control devices (53, 54) are closed.

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

According to the configuration of 6) above, a part of the circulation line (22), such as the air outlet (16), can be used as a flow path for the warm air (the circulating gas flowing through the warm air inlet line 50). In this case, there is no need to provide a dedicated air outlet for introducing warm air into the container body (1), and the structure of the refrigeration container (100) can be made more compact and lightweight.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of 6) above, the circulation line (22) bypassed by the warm air introduction line (50) has a large pressure loss due to the expander (28) provided in the circulation line (22), so that when the warm air introduction line (50) is open, a large amount of circulating gas can be guided to the warm air introduction line (50). Also, the circulating gas passing through the warm air introduction line (50) is at a higher temperature than the circulating gas passing through the circulation line (22) bypassed by the warm air introduction line (50). Therefore, according to the configuration of 6) above, a large amount of relatively high-temperature circulating gas can be guided into the inside of the container body (1) via the warm air introduction line (50), so that the heating capacity inside the container body (1) can be increased.

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

According to the configuration of 7) above, a part of the circulation line (22), such as the air outlet (16), can be used as a flow path for the warm air (the circulating gas flowing through the warm air inlet line 50). In this case, there is no need to provide a dedicated air outlet for introducing warm air into the container body (1), and the structure of the refrigeration container (100) can be made more compact and lightweight.

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

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

The configuration of 7) above can reduce the heat input from the circulating gas (warm air) flowing through the warm air inlet line (50) to the circulating gas (cold air) flowing through the cooling gas line (22D), thereby improving the performance of the refrigeration container (100) during refrigeration operation.

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

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

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

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

11) In some embodiments, the refrigeration container (100) according to 10) above,
The deodorizing device (70) is provided in the warm air introduction line (50).

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

Reference Signs List 1 Container body 2 Inner space 3 Outer space 4 Ceiling wall 5 Bottom wall 6, 7 Short side wall 8, 9 Long side wall 10 Partition wall 12 Cover 14 Blow-out section 16 Blow-out port 18 Suction section 20 Suction port 21 Filter section 22 Circulation line 22A Suction gas line 22B Compressed gas line 22C Expanded gas line 23A to 23H Pipe 24 Compressor 25, 27 Through hole 26 Heat exchanger 28 Expander 29 Circulation gas flow rate control device 30 Refrigerator 32 Cooler 34 Cooling liquid circulation line 36 Cooling device 38 Radiator 40 Fan 42 Pump 44 Rotating shaft 46 Electric motor 50 Warm air introduction line 52 Warm air flow rate control device 53 First warm air flow rate control device 54 Second warm air flow rate control device 60 Cold medium supply line 62 Cold medium return line 70 Deodorizing device 100 Refrigerated container

Claims (11)

1. A refrigeration container configured to be able to cool an internal gas, which is a gas inside a container body,
   The container body;
   a circulation line having an inlet and an outlet, each of which is provided inside the container body;
   a compressor provided in the circulation line and configured to compress a circulation gas that is the gas sucked into the circulation line from inside the container body through the suction port;
   a heat exchanger provided in the circulation line and configured to cool the circulation gas compressed in the compressor;
   an expander provided in the circulation line and configured to expand the circulation gas cooled by the heat exchanger;
   A warm air introduction line for extracting the circulating gas having a higher temperature than the internal gas from between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the circulating line and guiding the gas to the container body.
   Refrigerated container.
2. The refrigerated container comprises:
   The cooling system further includes a cooler that is provided in the circulation line downstream of the compressor and upstream of the heat exchanger, and is configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid,
   The upstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected to the circulation line between the cooler and the heat exchanger.
   2. The refrigerated container of claim 1.
3. The refrigerated container comprises:
   The cooling system further includes a cooler that is provided in the circulation line downstream of the compressor and upstream of the heat exchanger, and is configured to perform heat exchange between the circulation gas and a cooling liquid,
   The upstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected to the circulation line between the cooler and the compressor.
   2. The refrigerated container of claim 1.
4. At least one hot air flow rate adjusting device is provided in the hot air introduction line and configured to adjust the flow rate of the gas flowing through the hot air introduction line.
   A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The at least one hot air flow regulator
   a first warm air flow rate adjustment device provided in the warm air introduction line;
   A second warm air flow control device is provided downstream of the first warm air flow control device in the warm air introduction line.
   5. A refrigerated container as claimed in claim 4.
6. The downstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected between the expander and the air outlet of the circulation line.
   A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
7. The downstream end of the warm air introduction line is connected between the heat exchanger and the expander of the circulation line.
   A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
8. the circulation line and the warm air introduction line are arranged in the outer space of the container body along a partition wall that separates the inner space of the container body from the outer space,
   The warm air introduction line is
   When viewed in a vertical direction with respect to an outer surface of the partition wall facing the outer space,
   The circulation line is arranged so as not to cross a cooling gas line connecting the heat exchanger and the expander.
   A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
9. an electric motor configured to generate a driving force for driving the compressor;
   a cooling medium supply line having one end connected to the hot air introduction line, for extracting the circulating gas from the hot air introduction line and supplying the gas to the electric motor as a cooling medium for cooling the electric motor;
   and a cooling medium return line for returning the circulating gas supplied to the electric motor through the cooling medium supply line to a side upstream of the compressor of the circulation line.
   3. A refrigerated container as claimed in claim 2.
10. Further comprising a deodorizing device configured to emit a substance having a deodorizing effect on the circulating gas.
    A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
11. The deodorizing device is provided in the warm air introduction line,
    11. A refrigerated container as claimed in claim 10.

Images