DEPLOYMENT SHELTER

Abstract

A deployment shelter has: a top panel; and a floor panel provided below the top panel so as to form an internal space between the top panel and the floor panel, the deployment shelter further having: an upper and a lower frame to which the top panel and the floor panel are fixed; a louver board pivotably provided to an end portion of the top panel, the louver board being movable between a stored state and a deployed state; a movable floor panel pivotably provided to an end portion of the floor panel, the movable floor panel being movable between a stored state and a deployed state; a side panel pivotably provided to a free end of the movable floor panel, and movable between a stored state and a deployed state; and a movable wall pivotably provided to the frame, and movable between a stored state and a deployed state.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-7652 filed on Jan. 18, 2013, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a deployment shelter which can be changed in shape between a stored state and a deployed state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A deployment shelter which can be changed in shape between a stored state and a deployed state is known and disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,645. The deployment shelter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,645 has a rectangular floor panel fixed to a lower portion of a frame, two movable floor panels connected to two parallel sides of the floor panel via hinges, respectively, and two small-size top panels provided to an upper portion of the frame in a foldable fashion. The deployment shelter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,645 further has two large-size top panels connected to respective sides of the two small-size top panels via hinges, these sides being parallel to connection sides of the two small-size top panels, and two side panels respectively connected to the two large-size top panels and the two movable floor panels via hinges. The movable floor panels are connected to cables. Furthermore, the movable floor panels and the side panels are connected to each other by hydraulic cylinders.

When the shelter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,645 is in a stored state, the two small-size top panels are extended in a linear fashion, and kept on the flame in a horizontal state. Furthermore, the two large-size top panels are erected vertically. The side panels and the movable floor panels are folded and erected between the two large-size top panels. And, an internal space is formed between the two small-size top panels and the floor panel.

When the shelter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,645 is changed from the stored state to a deployed state, the cables are unreeled from taking-up portions. Then, the movable floor panels are moved so as to separate from the frame around connection portions with the fixed floor panel, serving as fulcrum points, due to their own weights. In the process of moving the movable floor panels, the side panels open so as to separate from the movable floor panels, and stop in their horizontal states. When the hydraulic cylinders are extended, the side panels are erected vertically, and the two small-size top panels are moved so as to reduce an angle formed between them. Then, when the side panels are further moved, the two-small top panels are moved so as to increase an angle between them, and when the two small-size top panels reach their horizontal states, both the two large-size top panels become approximately horizontal, and the hydraulic cylinders stop. In this way, when the deployment shelter reaches the deployed state, expanded spaces surrounded by the large-size top panels, the side panels, and the movable floor panels are formed. The expanded spaces are continuous from the internal space. That is, a space formed by the deployment shelter is expanded by forming the expanded spaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the deployment shelter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,645, since the two small-size top panels are connected to each other via the hinge so as to be movable with respect to each other, the connection portion between the two small-size top panels is reduced in airtightness.

An object of the present invention is to provide a deployment shelter improved in airtightness.

A deployment shelter according to the present invention has a top panel and a floor panel provided below the top panel so as to form an internal space between the top panel and the floor panel, the deployment shelter comprises: a frame to which the top panel and the floor panel are fixed in an immovable fashion; a louver board which is pivotably provided to an end portion of the top panel, the louver board being movable between a stored state where the louver board is hanged downward and a deployed state where the louver board extends laterally from the frame so as to be continuous with the top panel; a movable floor panel which is pivotably provided to an end portion of the floor panel, the movable floor panel being movable between a stored state where the movable floor panel is erected upward on the movable floor panel and a deployed state where the movable floor panel extends laterally from the frame so as to be continuous with the floor panel; a side panel which is pivotably provided to a free end of the movable floor panel, and switched between a stored state where the side panel is stacked on the movable floor panel and a deployed state where the side panel is erected upward when both the louver board and the movable floor panel are in the deployed states; and a movable wall which is pivotably provided to the frame, and switched between a stored state where the movable wall is erected along the internal space and held and a deployed state where the movable wall covers an end portion of an expanded space by extension of the movable wall lateral to the frame in a state where the louver board, the movable floor panel, and the side panel are all in the deployed states and the expanded space continuous with the internal space is formed.

The deployment shelter according to the present invention, further comprises: a first actuating mechanism for moving the louver board; a second actuating mechanism for moving the movable floor panel; and a third actuating mechanism for moving the side panel, wherein the first actuating mechanism, the second actuating mechanism, and the third actuating mechanism are stored between the internal space and the louver board when the louver board is in the stored state.

The deployment shelter according to the present invention further comprises: a supporting mechanism for moving the movable floor panel without bringing the movable wall into contact with the louver board and the movable floor panel when the movable wall is changed from the stored state to the deployed state in a state where the louver board, the movable floor panel, and the side panel are all in the deployed states.

The deployment shelter according to the present invention further comprises: a first positioning mechanism for positioning the louver board in the deployed state and the side panel in the deployed state in a pivotal direction of the side panel; a second positioning mechanism for positioning the louver board in the deployed state and the movable wall in the deployed state in a pivotal direction of the movable wall; a third positioning mechanism for positioning the side panel in the deployed state and the movable wall in the deployed state in the pivotal direction of the movable wall; and a fourth positioning mechanism for positioning the movable wall in the deployed state and the movable floor panel in the deployed state in the pivotal direction of the movable wall.

The deployment shelter according to the present invention further comprises: a seal member which is attached to a peripheral edge of the movable wall, and forms seal faces by contact with the louver board in the deployed state, the side panel in the deployed state, and the movable floor panel in the deployed state.

In the deployment shelter according to the present invention, the first actuating mechanism, the second actuating mechanism, and the third actuating mechanism respectively include hydraulic cylinders which are actuated by hydraulic pressure.

According to the present invention, since the top panel and the floor panel are fixed to the frame, and the top panel cannot be folded, it is possible to prevent the deployment shelter from being reduced in airtightness.

According to the present invention, opening and closing operations of the louver board, opening and closing operations of the side panel, and opening and closing operations of the movable floor panel can be performed automatically. Therefore, an operator can perform a work for switching between the deployed state and the stored state of the deployment shelter easily.

According to the present invention, the movable wall can be prevented from coming in contact with the louver board and the movable floor panel when the movable wall is opened and closed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power for pivotally moving the movable wall.

According to the present invention, the louver board, the side panel, the movable wall, and the movable floor panel can be positioned with respect to one another. Therefore, it is possible to workability for deploying the deployment shelter is improved.

According to the present invention, the deployment shelter is further improved in airtightness.

According to the present invention, the louver board, the side panel, and the movable floor panel can be moved by the hydraulic cylinders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a trailer loaded with a deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the trailer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the trailer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the deployment shelter loaded on the trailer shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the deployment shelter shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the deployment shelter shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the trailer loaded with the deployment shelter according to the present invention, this shelter being in a deployed state;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the deployment shelter shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the trailer loaded with the deployment shelter according to the present invention, this shelter being in a deployed state;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a hydraulic cylinder provided to the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a rock mechanism for fixing a louver board of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a positioning mechanism for positioning the louver board and a side plate of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a positioning mechanism for positioning the louver board and the movable wall of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a positioning mechanism for positioning a side panel and a movable wall of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a positioning mechanism for positioning the side panel and the movable wall, and a positioning mechanism for positioning a movable floor panel and a movable wall of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a deployed state of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a stored state of the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a changing process from the stored state to the deployed state in the deployment shelter according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a changing process from the stored state to the deployed state in the deployment shelter according to the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the deployed state of the deployment shelter according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a deployment shelter 10 according to the present invention can be installed on a trailer 11. In this specification, the term “deployment shelter 10” is hereinafter simply referred to as “shelter 10”. The trailer 11 has a luggage carrier 13 equipped with wheels 12, and a tractor 14 for pulling the luggage carrier 13.

The shelter 10 can be loaded on and unloaded from the luggage carrier 13. The shelter 10 is switchable between its deployed state and its stored state, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in the stored state. The shelter 10 is set to have dimensions similar to those of a general-purpose container to be loaded on the luggage carrier 13, and specifications required as the general-purpose container. Specifically, the shelter 10a is the same as the general-purpose container in length, width, and height. On the front side of the shelter 10, a deck plate 15 is mounted on the luggage carrier 13, and on the rear side of the shelter 10, a deck plate 16 is mounted on the luggage carrier 13.

The shelter 10 has two upper frames 17 made of metal material, and two lower frames 18 made of metal material. These upper frames 17 are parallel to each other, and these lower frames 18 are parallel to each other. The two upper frames 17 are parallel to the two lower frames 18. The shelter 10 is further provided with: beam members 20 for connecting the two upper frames 17 to each other; and beam members 24 for connecting the two lower frames 18 to each other. The shelter 10 is further provided with a top panel 21 fixed to the two upper frames 17 and the beam members 20. The top panel 21 has a rectangular planar shape, and it is supported horizontally. The top panel 21 has an integral structure obtained by causing aluminum plate, stainless plate or the like to adhere to one another by hot press. The top panel 21 is always fixed horizontally by the upper frames 17 and the beam members 20 and 24.

The shelter 10 is provided with a floor panel 22 attached to the two lower flames 18. The floor panel 22 has a rectangular planar shape, and two parallel long sides of the floor panel 22 are connected to the lower frames 18. The floor panel 22 has a panel-shaped structure obtained by causing aluminum plate, stainless plate or the like to adhere to one another utilizing a hot press and it is supported horizontally. The top panel 21 and the floor panel 22 are supported in a parallel fashion and in a horizontal state. An internal space 10a is formed between the top panel 21 and the floor panel 22. A frame is composed of the upper frames 17, the lower frames 18, the beam members 20 and 24, and the like. The top panel 21 and the floor panel 22 are fixed to the frame without being moved with respect to the frame.

Furthermore, a front wall 55 is provided to the front side of the shelter 10 loaded on the luggage carrier 13, and a rear wall 23 is provided to the rear side of the shelter 10. The rear wall 23 has a rectangular shape as viewed from behind the trailer 11, and the rear wall 23 is provided between the beam member 20 and the beam member 24. The rear wall 23 has a panel-shaped structure obtained by causing aluminum plate, stainless plate or the like to adhere to one another by a hot press. The rear wall 23 is provided with a door 25 which can be opened and closed. The door 25 is provided so that a person can go in and out of the internal space 10a of the shelter 10. The rear wall 23 is further provided an operation unit 26, and an operation lid 27 covering the operation unit 26, operation lid 27 can be opened and closed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the two upper frames 17 are attached with louver boards 28, respectively. Each louver board 28 has a rectangular planar shape. A long side of the tap panel 21 is pivotably attached to one end portion of the top panel 21, specifically, to a long side of the tap panel 21 via a hinge. That is, the two louver boards 28 are attached to the upper frames 17 so as to be opened and closed through hinges serving as fulcrum points. The two louver boards 28 are movable between their stored states where they are hanged from the upper frames 17 downward and their deployed states where they are extended from the upper frames 17 laterally so as to be continuous from the top panel 21. As viewed from front or behind the shelter 10, a center line when the two louver boards 28 provided right and left move as the shelter 10 is arranged horizontally along a longitudinal direction of the shelter 10.

Furthermore, movable floor panels 29 are respectively attached to end portions of the floor panel 22, specifically, two parallel long sides of the floor panel 22. Each of the movable floor panels 29 has a rectangular planar shape. Each of the movable floor panels 29 is pivotally attached to the floor panel 22 via hinges. That is, each of the movable floor panels 29 can be pivotally moved with respect to the floor panel 22 within a predetermined angular range via hinges serving as fulcrum points. The movable floor panels 29 are pivotally moved about respective center lines, and the center lines extend horizontally in a longitudinal direction of the trailer 11. That is, the movable floor panels 29 are pivotally movable within an angle range of approximately 90 degrees. The lengths of the long sides of the movable floor panels 29 are set so that the movable floor panels 29 are stored along the internal space 10a.

Furthermore, the lengths of the long sides of the movable floor panels 29 are set so as to become shorter than those of the long sides of the louver boards 28. Furthermore, the lengths of the short sides of the movable floor panels 29 are set so that when the movable floor panels 29 are erected vertically, they are stored between the floor panel 22 and the top panel 21. Thus, as viewed from front or behind the shelter 10, the two movable floor panels 29 provided to right and left sides of the shelter 10 can be pivotally moved between a stored state where they are erected on the side of main body of the shelter and a deployed state where they are extended horizontally laterally to the main body of the shelter.

Furthermore, side panels 30 are attached to long sides of the two movable floor panels 29, on opposite sides of connection portions of the floor panel 22. Each of the side panels 30 has a rectangular planar shape, and one long sides of the side panels 30 are coupled to the movable floor panels 29 via hinges. That is, the side panels 30 can be pivotally moved with respect to the movable floor panels 29 within a predetermined angle range via the hinges serving as fulcrum points. The lengths of the short sides of the side panels 30 are set so as to become approximately equal to the lengths of the short sides of the movable floor panels 29, and the lengths of the short sides of the side panels 30 are set so that when the side panels 30 are put in their vertical states, the side panels 30 are stored between the top panel 21 and the floor panel 22. Furthermore, the lengths of the long sides of the side plates 30 are set so as to become shorter than the lengths of the long sides of the movable floor panels 29.

Thus, as viewed from front or behind the shelter 10, the two side panels 30 provided to the right and left sides of the shelter 10 is pivotally moved so as to selectively reach the stored state and the deployed state. The wording “the stored state of the side panels 30” means a state where the side panels 30 are stacked on the movable floor panels 29. The wording “the deployed state of the side panels 30” means a state where the side panels 30 are erected toward the louver boards 28 with both the movable floor panels 29 and the louver boards 28 being in their deployed states.

Furthermore, poles 31 are respectively provided at four corners between the floor panel 22 and the top panel 21 as shown in FIG. 10. The total number of poles 31 is four, and the poles 31 are connected to the upper frame 17 and the lower frame 18. The poles 31, together with the upper frames 17, the lower frames 18, and the beam members 20 and 24, form the frame. Brackets 32 are fixed to each pole 31 as shown in FIG. 16, and supporting shafts 33 are attached to the brackets 32. Center lines of the supporting shafts 33 are vertical, and the supporting shafts 33 are attached with a movable wall 35 via hinges 34, respectively.

That is, the movable wall 35 can be pivotally moved on a horizontal plane about the supporting shafts 33. Specifically, the movable wall 35 can be pivotally moved within an angle range of 90 degrees between a state where it extends in the longitudinal direction of the trailer 11 and a state where it extends along a width direction of the trailer 11. That is, the movable wall 35 can be pivotally moved between a stored state and a deployed state. A wording “the stored state of the movable wall 35” means a state where the movable wall 35 is erected along the longitudinal direction of the trailer 11 and held along the internal space 10a.

A wording “the deployed state of the movable wall 35” means a state where the movable wall 35 covers an end portion of an expanded space 10b. The expanded space 10b is a space which is surrounded by the louver board 28, the movable floor panel 29, and the side panel 30 when they are in their deployed states. The expanded space 10b is a space continuous from the internal space 10a. The expanded space 10b is formed on each of right and left sides of the internal space 10a as viewed from front. A wording “the end portion of the expanded space 10b” means an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the trailer 11.

A resilient member 36 is attached to the supporting shaft 33, and the resilient member 36 supports the movable wall 35. The resilient member 36 includes a compression coil spring made of metal material. The shelter 10 has a total of four movable walls 35 composed of two right and left movable walls, and two front and rear movable walls, as viewed from front or behind. Two movable walls 35 cover both end portions of the expanded spaces 10b.

The shelter 10 of this embodiment is provided with actuating mechanisms for moving the louver boards 28, the side panels 30, and the movable floor panels 29. Firstly, the actuating mechanisms for moving the louver boards 28 will be described hereinafter. The actuating mechanisms are provided at end portions (front end and rear end) of the louver board 28 in the longitudinal direction of the shelter 10. Each of the actuating mechanisms is composed of a hydraulic cylinder 37. The pole 31 is provided with a storage chamber 38 in which the hydraulic cylinder 37 is stored. The storage chamber 38 is a linear space formed in a height direction of the pole 31. The pole 31 is further provided with storage chambers 39 and 40, and the storage chambers 38, 39, and 40 are separated from one another by partition walls 41. The hydraulic cylinder 37 is disposed in the storage chamber 38 when the shelter 10 is in the stored state.

The hydraulic cylinder 37 is provided with: a cylinder main body 42 including a hydraulic pressure chamber; and a plunger 43 which is actuated by hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure chamber. The cylinder main body 42 is coupled to the pole 31 via a bracket 44, and a distal end of the plunger 43 is coupled to the top panel 21 via a bracket 45. The cylinder main body 42 is rotatably coupled to the bracket 44, and the plunger 43 is rotatably coupled to the bracket 44. The bracket 44 is provided at a position closer to the floor panel 22 than the top panel 21 in the height direction of the pole 31. The bracket 44 is provided at a position closer to a fixed end of the louver board 28 than a free end of the louver board 28 in the width direction of the louver board 28. A wording “the width direction of the louver board 28” means a direction along the short side of the louver board 28.

Next, the actuating mechanisms for moving the movable floor panels 29 will be described hereinafter. The actuating mechanisms are provided at the front end and the rear end of the movable floor panel 29 in the longitudinal direction of the shelter 10. Each actuating mechanism is composed of a hydraulic cylinder 46. The hydraulic cylinder 46 is stored in the storage chamber 39 when the shelter 10 is in the stored state.

The hydraulic cylinder 46 is provided with: a cylinder main body 47 including a hydraulic pressure chamber; and a plunger 48 which is actuated by hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure chamber. The cylinder main body 47 is coupled to the pole 31 via a bracket 49, and a distal end of the plunger 48 is coupled to the movable floor panel 29 via a bracket 50. The cylinder main body 47 is rotatably coupled to the bracket 49, and the plunger 48 is rotatably coupled to the bracket 50. The bracket 49 is provided at a position closer to the top panel 21 than the floor panel 22 in the height direction of the pole 31. The bracket 50 is fixed to the movable floor panel 29, and provided at a position closer to a connection portion between the movable floor panel 29 and the floor panel 22 than a connection portion between the movable floor panel 29 and the side panel 30 in a width direction of the movable floor panel 29. A wording “the width direction of the movable floor panel 29” means a direction along the short side of the movable floor panel 29.

The shelter 10 is further provided with link mechanisms 51 for supporting the movable floor panels 29. Each link mechanism 51 is provided with two arm pieces 51a and 51b. The two arm pieces 51a and 51b are coupled to each other via a pin. In the arm piece 51a, an end portion opposite to an end portion coupled to the arm piece 51b via the pin is coupled to the pole 31. The arm piece 51a is rotatably coupled to an approximately-intermediate portion in the height direction of the pole 31. Furthermore, in the arm piece 51b, an end portion opposite to an end portion coupled to the arm piece 51a via the pin is coupled to the movable floor panel 29. The arm piece 51b is rotatably coupled to an approximately-intermediate portion in the width direction of the movable floor panel 29.

Furthermore, actuating mechanisms for moving the side plate 30 are provided at respective ends (i.e., front end and rear end) of the side plate 30 in the longitudinal direction of the shelter 10. Each actuating mechanism is composed of a hydraulic cylinder 52.

The hydraulic cylinder 52 is provided with: a cylinder main body 53 including a hydraulic pressure chamber; and a plunger 54 which is actuated by hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure chamber. An end portion of the cylinder main body 53 is rotatably coupled to the movable floor panel 29, and a distal end of the plunger 54 is rotatably coupled to the side panel 30. The end portion of the cylinder main body 53 is coupled to a portion closer to the floor panel 22 than a center of the movable floor panel 29 in the width direction of the movable floor panel 29. A free end of the plunger 54 is coupled to a portion closer to a coupling portion between the side panel 30 and the movable floor panel 29 than a free end of the side panel 30 in the width direction of the side panel 30. A wording “the width direction of the side panel 30” means a direction along the short side of the side panel 30.

In the shelter 10, a power chamber 56 is provided between the beam member 20 and the beam member 24. An oil pump 57 which is a power source for supplying hydraulic pressure, an engine 58 for driving the oil pump 57, a generator 59 for generating electricity by power of the engine 58, and the like are provided in the power chamber 56. A diesel engine can be used as the engine 58. Oil discharged from the oil pump 57 is supplied to respective hydraulic pressure chambers in the hydraulic pressure cylinders 37, 46, and 52 via pipes.

The pipes are arranged in clearances or the like between members constituting the floor panel 22. The shelter 10 is further provided with solenoid valves for controlling hydraulic pressures of the hydraulic pressure chambers. These solenoid valves are activated by electric power generated by the generator 59. The operation unit 26 is provided with switches, buttons, levers, and the like which control opening and closing operations of the louver boards 28, the movable floor panels 29, and the side panels 30. According to operations of the operation unit 26 by an operator, the solenoid valves are controlled, so that hydraulic pressures in the hydraulic pressure chambers in the hydraulic cylinders 37, 46, and 52 are controlled.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the shelter 10 is provided with a lock mechanism 60 for maintaining the louver board 28 in its closed state. The lock mechanism 60 is provided with: a lever 60a rotatably attached to an outer face of the louver board 28; a shaft portion 60b rotated together with the lever 60a; an engagement member 60c fixed to the shaft portion 60b; and an engagement member 60d provided to the lower frame 18. The lever 60a is rotatable about the shaft portion 60b. When the engagement member 60c is engaged with the engagement member 60d with the louver board 28 being erected, that is, the louver board 28 being closed, the louver board 28 is prevented from being moved. On the other hand, when an operator operates the lever 60a so as to rotate the shaft portion 60b and disengage the engagement member 60c from the engagement member 60d, the louver board 28 can be opened.

As shown in FIG. 12, the shelter 10 is further provided with a positioning mechanism 61 for positioning the louver board 28 and the side panel 30. The positioning mechanism 61 is a mechanism which positions the louver board 28 and the side panel 30 in the pivotal direction of the side panel 30 in a state where the louver board 28 is placed on the side panel 30 with the louver board 28 and the side panel 30 being opened. The positioning mechanism 61 has an engagement member 61a and an engagement member 61b. The engagement member 61a is fixed to a free end of the side panel 30, that is, an upper end of the vertically-erected side panel 30. A plurality of engagement members 61a are provided along the long side of the side panel 30 at predetermined intervals.

The engagement member 61a protrudes from an edge of the side panel 30 in a direction along the short side of the side panel 30. The engagement member 61b is provided to a lower face of the louver board 28 with the louver board 28 being opened. A plurality of engagement members 61b are provided in a direction along the long side of the louver board 28. The engagement member 61b is embedded into the louver board 28 and fixed to the louver board 28, and the engagement member 61b is provided with a hole 61c. When the louver board 28 is placed on the side panel 30, a distal end of the engagement member 61a is inserted into the hole 61c of the engagement member 61b. That is, the positioning mechanism 61 positions the louver board 28 and the side panel 30 by utilizing an engagement force between the engagement member 61a and the engagement member 61b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the shelter 10 is further provided with a positioning mechanism 62 for positioning the movable wall 35 and the louver board 28. The positioning mechanism 62 is a mechanism which positions the opened louver board 28 and the opened movable wall 35. The positioning mechanism 62 has an engagement member 62a and an engagement member 62b. The engagement member 62a is fixed to an upper edge of the vertically-erected movable wall 35, that is, a portion facing a lower face of the opened louver board 28. The upper edge of the movable wall 35 is slanted downward and reduced in height in a direction toward a side edge of the movable wall 35. The engagement member 62a protrudes upward from the upper edge of the movable wall 35. The engagement member 62b is provided to the lower face of the opened louver board 28.

Specifically, the engagement member 62b is provided in the vicinity of the short side of the louver board 28. The engagement member 62b is embedded into the louver board 28 and fixed to the louver board 28, and the engagement member 62b is provided with a hole 62c. When the louver board 28 is moved downward with the movable wall 35 being opened in the width direction of the trailer 11, a distal end of the engagement member 62a is inserted into the hole 62c of the engagement member 62b. That is, the positioning mechanism 62 is configured to perform positioning of the movable wall 35 with respect to the louver board 28 in a pivotal direction of the movable wall 35 by using an engagement force between the engagement member 62a and the engagement member 62b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the shelter 10 is further provided with a lock mechanism 63 for fixing the louver board 28 and the movable wall 35. The lock mechanism 63 is a mechanism which prevents the louver board 28 from being separated from the movable wall 35, and prevents the movable wall 35 from being pivotally moved with respect to the louver board 28 on a plane. The lock mechanism 63 is provided with: an engagement member 63a fixed to the louver board 28; and a lock handle 63b attached to the movable wall 35. The louver board 28 is provided with a recessed portion 63c, and the engagement member 63a is stored in the recessed portion 63c. The engagement member 63a is formed into a hook shape.

The lock handle 63b is attached to the movable wall 35 via a bracket 63d provided to a side face of the movable wall 35. The lock handle 63b is movable about a supporting shaft 63 attached to the bracket 63d and serving as a fulcrum point. A retaining ring 63f is coupled to the lock handle 63b, and when the retaining ring 63f is retained by the engagement member 63a, the louver board 28 and the movable wall 35 are fixed. When the retaining ring 63f is disengaged from the engagement member 63a according to operation of the lock handle 63b, the louver board 28 and the movable wall 35 can be moved with respect to each other.

As shown in FIG. 14, the shelter 10 is further provided with a positioning mechanism 64 for positioning the movable wall 35 and the side panel 30. The positioning mechanism 64 is configured to position the vertically-erected side panel 30 and the opened movable wall 35. The positioning mechanism 64 has an engagement member 64a and an engagement member 64b. The engagement member 64a is fixed to a side edge of the movable wall 35, specifically, a portion facing an inner face of the vertically-erected side board 30. The engagement member 64a protrudes from the side edge of the movable wall 35 in a horizontal direction. The engagement member 64b is provided to the inner face of the vertically-erected side panel 30.

Specifically, the engagement member 64b is provided in the vicinity of the short side of the side panel 30. The engagement member 64b is embedded into the side panel 30 and fixed to the side panel 30, and the engagement member 64b is provided with a hole 64c. When the movable wall 35 is opened with the side wall 30 being in the fully opened state, and the side panel 30 is then moved so as to come close to the movable wall 35, a distal end of the engagement member 64a is inserted into the hole 64c of the engagement member 64b. The positioning mechanism 64 positions the side panel 30 and the movable wall 35 in a pivotal direction of the movable wall 35 by utilizing an engagement force between the engagement member 64a and the engagement member 64b.

The shelter 10 is further provided with a lock mechanism 65 for fixing the louver board 28 to the movable wall 35. The lock mechanism 65 prevents the side panel 30 from being separated from the movable wall 35, and prevents the movable wall 35 from being moved with respect to the side panel 30 in a pivotal direction of the movable panel 35. The lock mechanism 65 is provided with: an engagement member 65a fixed to the side panel 30; and a lock handle 65b attached to an inner face of the movable wall 35. The side panel 30 is provided with a recessed portion 65c, and the engagement member 65a is stored in the recessed portion 65c. The engagement member 65a is formed in a hook shape.

The lock handle 65b is attached to the movable wall 35 via a bracket 65d provided to a side face of the movable wall 35. The lock handle 65b is movable about a supporting shaft 65e attached to the bracket 65d and serving as a fulcrum point. A retaining ring 65f is coupled to the lock handle 65b, and when the retaining ring 65f is retained by the engagement member 65a, the side panel 30 and the movable wall 35 are fixed to each other. That is, the retaining ring 65f can prevent the side panel 30 from is moved away from the movable wall 35, and can prevent the movable wall 35 from being pivotally moved. On the other hand, when an operator operates the lock handle 65b so as to disengage the retaining ring 65f from the engagement member 65a, the operator can move the side panel 30 away from the movable wall 35, and can pivotally move the movable wall 35.

As shown in FIG. 15, the shelter 10 is further provided with a lock mechanism 66 for preventing the movable wall 35 from being moved with respect to the side panel 30. The lock mechanism 66 has an engagement member 66a provided to the side panel 30, a guide plate 66b fixed on the movable wall 35, and a pin supported by the guide plate 66b. The engagement member 66a is made of metal material, and provided with a hole 66d. The guide plate 66a is made of metal material, and the pin 66c is supported by the guide plate 66b so as to be movable in a horizontal direction. The pin 66c is integrally provided with a lever 66e, and the operator can hold the lever 66e and move the pin 66c in a horizontal direction.

For example, when the pin 66c stops at a position separated from the side panel 30, the pin 66c is not engaged with the engagement member 66a, so that the movable wall 35 can be moved. On the other hand, when the pin 66c further comes close to the engagement member 66a to insert the distal end of the pin 66c into the hole 66d of the engagement member 66a, the movable wall 35 can be prevented from being pivotally moved, by an engagement force between the pin 66c and the engagement member 66a. The guide plate 66b is provided with grooves 66f and 66g, and when the lever 66e is inserted into the groove 66f, the pin 66c is held in a state where it has stopped at a position away from the side panel 30. When the lever 66e is inserted into the groove 66g, the pin 66c is held in a state where the distal end is engaged with the engagement member 66a.

As shown in FIG. 15, the shelter 10 is further provided with a positioning mechanism 67 for positioning the movable wall 35 and the movable floor panel 29. The positioning mechanism 67 positions the opened movable wall 35 and the horizontally-opened movable floor panel 29. The positioning mechanism 67 has an engagement member 67a and an engagement member 67b. The engagement member 67a is fixed to a lower edge of the movable wall 35, that is, a lower end of the vertically-erected movable wall 35. The engagement member 67a protrudes downward from the lower edge of the movable wall 35. The engagement member 67b is provided to an upper face of the movable floor panel 29 in a horizontal state.

Specifically, the engagement member 67b is provided in the vicinity of the short side of the movable floor panel 29. The engagement member 67b is embedded into the movable floor panel 29 and fixed to the movable floor panel 29, and provided with a hole 67c. With the movable floor panel 29 being in a horizontal state and the movable wall 35 being in opened state, a distal end of the engagement member 67a is inserted into the hole 67c of the engagement member 67b. In this manner, the positioning mechanism 67 positions the movable wall 35 with respect to the movable floor panel 29 in a pivotal direction of the movable wall 35 by an engagement force between the engagement member 67a and the engagement member 67b.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a seal member 68 is attached to a peripheral edge of the movable wall 35, specifically, the upper edge, side edges, and lower edge of the movable wall 35. The seal member 68 is integrally formed of rubber-like elastic body into a rectangular shape, a sectional shape of the seal member 68 in a widthwise direction thereof is formed in a hollow D shape. A straight portion of the seal member 68 is fixed to a peripheral edge of the movable wall 35, and an arc-shaped portion of the seal member 68 comes in contact with a lower face of the opened louver board 28, an inner face of the vertically-erected side panel 30, and an upper face of the horizontally-opened movable floor panel 29 to form a seal face.

Next, the stored state and deployed state of the shelter 10 will be described hereinafter. A wording “the stored state of the shelter 10” means that the shelter 10 is put in a state described below. Firstly, as shown in FIG. 17, the movable walls 35 are in a state folded along the longitudinal direction of the trailer 11. That is, four movable walls 35 are stored between the top panel 21 and the floor panel 22, and the movable floor panels 29 are stored between the top panel 21 and the floor panel 22 with the movable floor panels 29 being erected vertically.

Furthermore, the side panels 30 are erected vertically in contact with the movable walls 35. That is, the two side walls 30 are stored between the top panel 21 and the floor panel 22. Furthermore, two louver boards 28 are erected vertically, and the two louver boards 28 are positioned between the upper frames 17 and the lower flames 18. As shown in FIG. 11, the engagement members 60c are engaged with the engagement members 60d, so that the louver boards 28 are prevented from being moved. Thus, when the shelter 10 is in the stored state, the shelter 10 takes a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

A work performed by the operator for changing the shelter 10 described above in configuration from the stored state to the deployed state, and movements of the respective elements will be described hereinafter. Firstly, the operator operates both the lock mechanisms 60 provided to the two louver boards 28 from the outside of the shelter 10. Specifically, the operator operates the levers 60a to disengage the engagement members 60c and the engagement members 60d from each other. The louver boards 28 can be opened about the hinges by disengagement of the engagement members 60c and the engagement members 60d. Next, when the operator operates the operation unit 26 in order to deploy the shelter 10, the plungers 43 of the hydraulic cylinders 37 protrudes from the cylinder main bodies 42, and the louver boards 28 are moved via the hinges serving as fulcrum points. That is, the louver boards 28 put in the vertical state are pivotally moved so as to be put in their horizontal states, and they are opened to the outside. The hydraulic cylinders 37 are stopped when the louver boards 28 reach approximately-horizontal states. Thus, the two louver boards 28 are held in their horizontal states by the hydraulic cylinders 37, as shown in FIG. 18.

Next, when the plungers 48 protrude from the cylinder main bodies 47, the movable floor panels 29 are pivotally moved about the hinges serving as fulcrum points. That is, the movable floor panels 29 are moved so as to be put in their horizontal states, and the movable floor panels 29 protrudes toward the outside of the shelter 10. Furthermore, the two arm pieces 51a and 52b of the link mechanisms 51 are opened about the pins when the movable floor panels 29 are opened. The hydraulic cylinders 52 are stopped when the movable floor panels reach approximately-horizontal states. Furthermore, the side panels 30 are coupled to the movable floor panels 29 via the hinges, and stacked on the movable floor panels 29. Therefore, the side panels 30 are moved with they being stacked on the movable floor panels 29. Thus, the two movable floor panels 29 are opened from the state where they are erected vertically to their horizontal states, and they become approximately horizontal, as shown in FIG. 18. The two side panels 30 become approximately horizontal in a state where they are stacked on the movable floor panels 29.

Furthermore, the side panels 30 are moved about the hinges serving as fulcrum points when the plungers 54 protrude from the cylinder main bodies 53. That is, the side panels 30 stacked on the movable floor panels 29 are moved so as to be erected vertically. Here, the free ends of the side panels 30 pass below the louver boards 38 without coming in contact with the louver boards 28. The hydraulic cylinders 52 are stopped when the movement angles of the side panels 30 exceed 90 degrees. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the side panels 30 are stopped after the angles formed between the side panels 30 and the movable floor panels 29 exceed 90 degrees.

Then, the operator holds the movable walls 35, and moves them about the supporting shafts 33 serving as fulcrum points. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the operator stops the movable walls 35 when the movement angles of the movable walls 35 reach about 90 degrees. The movable walls 35 are supported by the resilient members 36, and as shown in FIG. 16, the lower edges of the movable walls 35 do not come in contact with the movable floor panels 29 when the movable walls 35 is moved from their closed states until reaching an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

Next, the operator operates the operation unit 26 so that the side panels 30 comes close to the movable walls 35, and stops the side panels 30 when the side panels 30 come in contact with the side edges of the movable walls 35, as shown in FIG. 20. That is, the side panels 30 are held in a state where they are erected approximately vertically. Furthermore, the operator operates the operation unit 26 so as to close the louver boards 28, so that the louver boards 28 come in contact with the upper edges of the movable walls 35, and the movable walls 35 are applied with loads of the louver boards 28. When the loads of the louver boards 28 are applied to the movable walls 35, the resilient members 36 are compressed so that the movable walls 35 move downward by a predetermined amount, and the upper edges of the movable walls 35 come in contact with the lower faces of the louver boards 28.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the side panels 30 are positioned with respect to the louver boards 28 by engagements of the engagement members 61a with the engagement members 61b. The operator adjusts pivotal positions of the movable walls 35, and causes the engagement members 67a to be engaged with the engagement members 67b, as shown in FIG. 15, then positions the movable walls 35 with respect to the movable floor panels 29. The operator causes the engagement members 62a to be engaged with the engagement members 62b, as shown in FIG. 13, then positions the movable walls 35 with respect to the louver boards 28. Furthermore, the operator causes the engagement members 64a to be engaged with the engagement members 64b, as shown in FIG. 14, then positions the movable walls 35 with respect to the side panels 30.

Then, the operator operates the lock mechanisms 63 to fix the louver boards 28 to the movable walls 35. That is, the lock mechanisms 63 prevent the louver boards 28 from being separated from the movable walls 35, and prevent the movable walls 35 from being pivotally moved about the louver boards 28. Furthermore, the operator operates the lock mechanisms 65 to fix the side panels 30 to the movable walls 35. That is, the lock mechanisms 65 prevent the side panels 30 from being moved away from the movable wall 35. Furthermore, the operator holds the levers 66e of the lock mechanisms 66 to move the pins 66c and cause the pins 66c to engage the engagement members 66a. The lock mechanisms 66 prevent the movable walls 35 from being moved with respect to the side walls 30.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the opened louver boards 28, the opened side panels 30, the opened movable floor panels 29, and the opened movable walls 35 constitute the deployed shelter 10. A volume of the internal space 10a of the deployed shelter 10 is expanded up to about 2.5 to 3 times that of the internal space 10a of the stored shelter 10. Furthermore, a floor area of the internal space 10a of the deployed shelter 10 is expanded up to about 2.5 to 3 times that of the internal space 10a of the stored shelter 10.

Furthermore, in the state where the louver boards 28, the movable walls 35, the side walls 30, and the movable floor panels 29 are positioned and fixed, the seal members 68 provided to the movable walls 35 come in contact with the lower faces of the louver boards 28, the inner faces of the side panels 30, and the upper faces of the movable floor panels 29 to form seal faces. Therefore, clearances between respective elements can be held in an air-tight manner and a liquid-tight manner, so that foreign matters such as dusts or garbage can be prevented from entering the internal space 10a of the shelter 10 from the outside of the shelter 10. That is, the internal space 10a of the shelter 10 can be a space separated from the outside.

Furthermore, the generator 59 is actuated by power of the engine 58 so as to generate electric power which is used for controls of the solenoid valves, an illumination device, an air conditioning apparatus, and the like. Furthermore, the electric power obtained by the generator 59 is charged to an electric storage device, and the electric power can be supplied to an external device via an adapter provided in the operation unit 26.

A work and an operation for changing the shelter 10 from the deployed state to the stored state will be described hereinafter. Firstly, the operator enters the internal space 10a of the shelter 10 to perform works for unlocking the lock mechanisms 63 and 65 and unlocking the lock mechanisms 66. Next, the operator operates the operation unit 26 to raise the louver boards 28 and stop them in their approximately-horizontal states. When the louver boards 28 are raised, the engagement members 62a of the positioning mechanisms 62 are disengaged from the engagement members 62b. Furthermore, the operator causes the side panels 30 to move away from the movable walls 35 by a predetermined angle in conjunction with works for raising the louver boards 28. When the louver boards 28 are raised, the loads of the louver boards 28 are not applied to the movable walls 35, so that the movable walls 35 float up due to the forces of the resilient members 36. When the movable walls 35 float up and the side panels 30 move so as to separate from the movable walls 35, the engagement members 64a of the positioning mechanisms 64 are disengaged from the engagement members 64b, and the engagement members 67a of the positioning mechanisms 67 are disengaged from the engagement members 67b.

Here, the operator holds the movable walls 35 with his/her hand to pivot the movable walls 35 about the supporting shafts 33 serving as fulcrum points, and close the movable walls 35. That is, the movable walls 35 are stopped in their states extending along the longitudinal direction of the trailer 11. When the hydraulic cylinders 52 are actuated, the side panels 30 are pivotally moved toward the movable floor panels 29, and when the side panels reach approximately-horizontal states, and the side panels 30 overlap the movable floor panels 29, the hydraulic cylinders 52 are stopped.

Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinders 46 are actuated to move the movable floor panels 29 so that the movable floor panels 29 are pivotally moved so as to reach their vertical states. Here, the side panels 30 are moved together with the movable floor panels 29 in a state where they are staked on the movable floor panels 29. When the movable floor panels 29 are moved between the upper frames 17 and the lower frames 18 to be erected approximately vertically, the hydraulic cylinders 46 are stopped. And, when the hydraulic cylinders 37 are actuated to lower the louver boards 28, and the louver boards 28 reach approximately-horizontal states, the hydraulic cylinders 37 are stopped. Furthermore, when the operator operates the lock mechanisms 60 to prevent movements of the louver boards 28, the work and the operation for storing the shelter 10 are terminated. The hydraulic cylinders 37, 46, and 52 are stored between the two side panels 30 when the shelter 10 is changed to the stored state.

As described above, in the shelter 10 of this embodiment, the top panel 21 and the floor panel 22 are always kept parallel to each other even when the opening and closing operation of the two louver boards 28, the opening and closing operation of the two movable floor panels 29, and the opening and closing operation of the two side panels 30 is performed. That is, the top panel 21 is constituted by one constituent element and it is not folded. Therefore, the shelter 10 can be ensured in airtightness.

In the shelter 10 of this embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the two louver boards 28, the opening and closing operation of the two movable floor panels 29, and the opening and closing operation of the two side panels 30 are performed by the hydraulic cylinders, respectively. Therefore, the operator can perform switching between the stored state and the deployed state of shelter 10 by manually opening and closing the movable walls 35. For example, only one operator can perform switching between the stored state and the deployed state of shelter 10 in about three minutes. Particularly, the movable walls 35 are supported by the resilient members 36, and when the operator opens and closes the movable walls 35, the movable walls 35 do not come in contact with the louver boards 28 and the movable floor panels 29. Therefore, a labor for the operator to move the movable walls 35 can be reduced.

In the stored state, the shelter 10 of this embodiment has a height, a width, and a length equal to those of a general-purpose container such as a worldwide-distributed freight container or the like. Therefore, a business operator can transport the shelter 10 by a trailer on land, a ship on sea, and a carriage airplane, so that it is possible to provide a shelter improved in high mobility and general versatility.

In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 37 corresponds to a first actuating mechanism, the hydraulic cylinder 46 corresponds to a second actuating mechanism, and the hydraulic cylinder 52 corresponds to a third actuating mechanism. The hinge 34, the supporting shaft 33, the bracket 32, and the resilient member 36 correspond to supporting mechanisms. The positioning mechanism 61 corresponds to a first positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism 62 corresponds to a second positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism 64 corresponds to a third positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism 67 corresponds to a fourth positioning mechanism. The upper frames 17, the lower frames 18, the beam members 20 and 24, and the poles 31 constitute the frame of this embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and it can be modified variously without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the structure where the louver boards 28 are pivotably provided to the frame includes a structure where the louver boards 28 are attached to the top panel 21 via hinges in addition to the structure where the louver boards 28 are attached to the upper frames 17 via the hinges. Furthermore, the structure where the movable floor panels 29 are pivotably provided to the shelter main body around the side of the floor panel 22 as a fulcrum includes a structure where the movable floor panels 29 are attached to the lower frames 18 via hinges in addition to the structure where the movable floor panels 29 are attached to the floor panel 22 via the hinges.

Furthermore, the structure where the movable walls 35 are pivotably provided to the side of the frame includes a structure where the movable walls 35 are coupled to the upper frames 17 and the lower frames 18 via hinges. Furthermore, the actuators corresponding to the first actuating mechanism to the third actuating mechanism of the present invention include pneumatic cylinders in addition to the hydraulic cylinders. Furthermore, the top panel in this embodiment is required to have only such a structure that it cannot be folded and it cannot be opened and closed. Therefore, the top panel may be composed of an integrated member obtained by bonding or joining a plurality of members instead of a single member.

Furthermore, the present invention includes such a structure that the louver board, the movable floor panel, the side panel, and the movable wall are provided to one of the right and left sides of the shelter and a wall fixed to the frame is provided to the other side. That is, the present invention includes such a structure that the louver board, the movable floor panel, the side panel, and the movable wall are provided to one side of the shelter so as to be switched between the deployed state and the stored state. Furthermore, the present invention includes such a structure that an actuator which can move the movable wall automatically, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric motor or the like is provided.

In the foregoing, the invention made by the inventors of the present invention has been concretely described based on the embodiments. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deployment shelter having a top panel and a floor panel provided below the top panel so as to form an internal space between the top panel and the floor panel, the deployment shelter comprising:

a frame to which the top panel and the floor panel are fixed in an immovable fashion;

a louver board which is pivotably provided to an end portion of the top panel, the louver board being movable between a stored state where the louver board is hanged downward and a deployed state where the louver board extends laterally from the frame so as to be continuous with the top panel;

a movable floor panel which is pivotably provided to an end portion of the floor panel, the movable floor panel being movable between a stored state where the movable floor panel is erected upward on the movable floor panel and a deployed state where the movable floor panel extends laterally from the frame so as to be continuous with the floor panel;

a side panel which is pivotably provided to a free end of the movable floor panel, and switched between a stored state where the side panel is stacked on the movable floor panel and a deployed state where the side panel is erected upward when both the louver board and the movable floor panel are in the deployed states; and

a movable wall which is pivotably provided to the frame, and switched between a stored state where the movable wall is erected along the internal space and held and a deployed state where the movable wall covers an end portion of an expanded space by extension of the movable wall lateral to the frame in a state where the louver board, the movable floor panel, and the side panel are all in the deployed states and the expanded space continuous with the internal space is formed.

2. The deployment shelter according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first actuating mechanism for moving the louver board;

a second actuating mechanism for moving the movable floor panel; and

a third actuating mechanism for moving the side panel,

wherein the first actuating mechanism, the second actuating mechanism, and the third actuating mechanism are stored between the internal space and the louver board when the louver board is in the stored state.

3. The deployment shelter according to claim 1, further comprising:

a supporting mechanism for moving the movable floor panel without bringing the movable wall into contact with the louver board and the movable floor panel when the movable wall is changed from the stored state to the deployed state in a state where the louver board, the movable floor panel, and the side panel are all in the deployed states.

4. The deployment shelter according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first positioning mechanism for positioning the louver board in the deployed state and the side panel in the deployed state in a pivotal direction of the side panel;

a second positioning mechanism for positioning the louver board in the deployed state and the movable wall in the deployed state in a pivotal direction of the movable wall;

a third positioning mechanism for positioning the side panel in the deployed state and the movable wall in the deployed state in the pivotal direction of the movable wall; and

a fourth positioning mechanism for positioning the movable wall in the deployed state and the movable floor panel in the deployed state in the pivotal direction of the movable wall.

5. The deployment shelter according to claim 1, further comprising:

a seal member which is attached to a peripheral edge of the movable wall, and forms seal faces by contact with the louver board in the deployed state, the side panel in the deployed state, and the movable floor panel in the deployed state.

6. The deployment shelter according to claim 1, wherein the first actuating mechanism, the second actuating mechanism, and the third actuating mechanism respectively include hydraulic cylinders which are actuated by hydraulic pressure.