AT520968A1 - Thermally insulated transport box - Google Patents

Abstract

Thermally insulated transport box (1), in particular for frozen foodstuffs, comprising:  a receiving container (2) for refrigerated goods to be transported having an upper-side insertion opening (4);  a lid (3) for closing the upper-side insertion opening (4) of the receptacle (2);  a cooling battery (10) with a phase change storage medium;  a detachable in the receptacle (2) arranged insert basket (7) with air passage openings (9) for air circulation within the receptacle (2), wherein the cooling battery (10) on the insert basket (7) is held.

Description

Summary:

Thermally insulated transport box (1), in particular for frozen foods, comprising:

- A receptacle (2) for chilled goods with an upper insertion opening (4);

- A lid (3) for closing the upper insertion opening (4) of the receptacle (2);

- A cold pack (10) with a phase change storage medium;

- An insert basket (7) detachably arranged in the receptacle (2) with air passage openings (9) for air circulation within the receptacle (2), the cooling battery (10) being held on the insert basket (7).

(Fig. 2)

1/25

The invention relates to a thermally insulated transport box, in particular for frozen foods, comprising:

- A receptacle for refrigerated goods with an insertion opening on the top;

- A lid for closing the top insertion opening of the receptacle;

- A cold pack with a phase change storage medium.

Such transport boxes with a cold pack are known in the prior art.

WO 2004/104498 A2 shows a thermally insulated transport container with which, for example, medicines can be transported. Melt storage elements are arranged on the inside of the transport container. The melt storage elements are filled with a paraffin-containing melt storage material or a salt solution. The melt storage elements are detachably attached to the container without tools. For this purpose, a fastening rail can be provided in the container, which positively engages around the edge of the melt storage element. However, this transport container would be unsuitable for the shipping of frozen foods, since handling the heavy and voluminous insulated transport container and the fact that the insertion of the melt storage elements cannot be decoupled from the order picking of the foodstuffs make the processes in a (partially) automated process Central warehouse would complicate. Furthermore, the desired uniform cooling of the cargo could hardly be guaranteed.

JP 2004/271026 A describes a cool box with a lid, in particular for milk bottles. In a first embodiment (Fig. 1), a cooling element can be placed in a compartment of the lid. In a further embodiment, the cooling element is arranged on the top of a closed container, which is received in the cool box (FIG. 2). However, both embodiments can only insufficiently achieve uniform cooling of the transported goods over longer periods of time. Due to the poor heat transfer between the cargo and the cooling element, local temperature increases can form in the cargo hold. However, in order to avoid a predefined dimension at any point in the load

Exceeding 2/25 ximal temperature, the melting temperature of a phase change material in the cooling element would have to be set far below that maximum temperature. However, this is not very efficient due to the increased heat input through the thermal insulation of the transport container. In addition, this results in difficulties in pre-cooling the cooling element, since the temperatures in commercial cooling systems are often not sufficiently far below such a melting temperature of the phase change material that, firstly, the full phase change enthalpy can be exploited and secondly, the fastest possible, and therefore economical, pre-cooling can.

A different type of cooling container is known from US Pat. No. 1,998,681, in which dry ice is accommodated in a compartment of the lid. The dry ice compartment has a metallic base plate 20. A basket is loosely arranged in the hold. Disadvantageously, however, the dry ice is dangerous to handle, especially for the inexperienced end user (especially with regard to cold burns and suffocation), which is why its use is sometimes prohibited by law. Due to the insufficient heat exchange between the dry ice compartment in the lid and the cargo space, the dry ice could not be easily replaced by other types of cooling elements.

Furthermore, US 2,477,756 shows a different, uninsulated cooling container, in which several baskets are stacked one on top of the other. Food can be kept in the lower baskets. Ice cubes are placed in the top basket. Outside air can flow into the loading space via valves in the container, which melts the ice cubes and thus maintains the desired moisture in the container. This cooling container would thus be completely unsuitable, in particular for the transport of frozen food. For the cooling effect, the penetration of ambient air is necessary, which, however, leads to an immediate heat input into the system. This has a negative impact on the overall energy balance, which means that the cooling time is significantly reduced, especially when there are large temperature differences between the cold room and the ambient temperature.

The object of the present invention is, at least

To alleviate or eliminate individual disadvantages of the prior art. The invention has in particular the aim of creating a transport box of the type mentioned at the beginning, with which loading in a warehouse, in particular in connection with (partially) automated picking systems, is facilitated and then uniform cooling of the goods to be transported over a long period of time, especially in the case of a parcel delivery.

The transport box according to the invention is characterized by

- An insert basket detachably arranged in the receptacle with air passage openings for air circulation within the receptacle, the cooling pack being held on the insert basket.

This embodiment advantageously enables the formation of a natural convection flow in the receptacle, as a result of which a largely homogeneous temperature distribution is achieved within the insert basket. Above all, it can be ensured that the temperature in the receptacle never exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature of, for example, minus 18 ° C. This means that the cool box is especially designed for the transport of frozen food at temperatures of minus 18 ° C or less. The insert basket can be removed from the receptacle, whereby the loading with the transport or. Chilled goods is significantly simplified. It is particularly advantageous that users do not have to handle the comparatively heavy and voluminous receptacle when loading. After loading, the filled insert basket can be inserted into the receptacle. Finally, the pre-cooled cold pack is attached directly to the insert basket, which delimits the top of the cold store. This significantly simplifies the operation of the transport box. Depending on the version, the cold pack can rest loosely on the insert basket or be immovably attached to it before the lid is placed on the receptacle. The cold pack is preferably arranged essentially horizontally.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the location and directional information, such as "above," below, "up," down etc., refer to the intended state of use of the

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Transport box with horizontal arrangement of the lid on the top of the transport box.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insert basket has at least one floor spacer for spacing a bottom of the insert basket from a flat standing surface in the interior of the receptacle. This prevents contact between the cooled goods to be transported and the receptacle in order to prevent local heating of the goods to be transported. In use, cool air can flow along the gap between the bottom of the insert basket and the footprint on the inside of the receptacle, pass through the goods in the insert basket from below and then be cooled on the cold pack.

For stable placement of the insert basket on the standing surface, it is advantageous if the insert basket has at least two floor spacers on two opposite side edges of the bottom of the insert basket, in particular four floor spacers on four side edges of the bottom of the insert basket.

To form a lateral air gap, it is also advantageous if the insert basket has at least one side spacer for spacing a side wall of the insert basket from a lateral contact surface in the interior of the receptacle.

In order to surround the transport goods within the insert basket on at least two sides, preferably on all four sides, of the air gap, in a preferred embodiment the insert basket has at least two lower side spacers on two opposite side edges of the bottom of the insert basket, in particular four lower side spacers on four side edges of the insert basket Bottom of the insert basket.

In order to position the insert basket substantially immovably within the receptacle in the horizontal direction, it is advantageous if the insert basket has at least two upper side spacers at the upper end of the insert basket, in particular four upper side spacers at the upper end region of the insert basket

5/25 bes.

With regard to a stable and weight-saving design, essentially vertical brackets are preferably provided as floor spacers and / or essentially horizontal brackets are provided as side spacers.

In order to maintain the desired cooling effect even under adverse transport conditions and to keep the mechanical loads on the individual components as low as possible, it is advantageous if the insert basket, including the cooling pack, is arranged essentially immovably in the horizontal and vertical directions in the transport state.

In order to secure the cold pack against slipping in the vertical direction in a simple manner, a preferred embodiment provides that the cold pack is fixed between the insert basket and the cover in the transport state.

To increase the cooling surface, it is advantageous if the cooling battery has a plurality, in particular a plurality, of cutouts for air to pass through. This design enables the formation of convection currents within the receptacle. Furthermore, a uniform melting of the phase change material is guaranteed. In addition, the cutouts can be designed as handles for removing the cooling battery.

In order to keep the center of gravity of the transport box as low as possible and thereby ensure the necessary safety against tipping, it is favorable if the cold pack can be attached to the insert basket in at least two different height positions.

For a secure arrangement of the cold pack, in particular at different height positions, it is advantageous if the cold pack has retaining lugs on opposite longitudinal edges for hanging in the insert basket. At least one retaining lug is preferably provided on each of two opposite longitudinal edges, the two other longitudinal edges being free of holding lugs.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining lugs have

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Cold packs each have a lower receiving groove, in particular an upper receiving groove, for resting on a longitudinal element of the insert basket. Due to the upper receiving groove, the cold pack can be placed on the insert basket when it is turned through 180 °.

In order to allow all-round flow around the cold pack, spacer lugs are preferably provided on the four side walls of the cold pack. Two spacer lugs are preferably provided per side wall of the cooling battery.

In order to provide the largest possible insertion opening for cargo and also to promote air circulation, the insert basket is preferably open at the top. In this embodiment, the insert basket has a bottom with side walls protruding therefrom, the insertion opening extending between the upper ends of the side walls.

In order to maximize the cooling capacity given the dimensions of the transport box, it is advantageous if the cold pack has essentially the same horizontal extent as the insertion opening of the receptacle.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a transport box according to the invention with an insulated receptacle, an insert tray, an insert basket, a cold pack and a lid.

FIG. 2 shows a section through the transport box of FIG. 1.

3 shows a perspective view of the insert basket of the transport box according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of the cooling battery of the transport box according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

5 and 6 each show a perspective view of the insert basket according to an alternative embodiment

7/25 ante the transport box according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with lateral holding lugs for hanging in the insert basket at different height positions, an upper holding position being shown in FIG. 5 and a lower holding position being shown in FIG. 6.

1 and 2 each show a thermally insulated transport box 1 with a trough-shaped receptacle 2 and a lid 3 for closing an insertion opening 4 at the top of the receptacle 2. The receptacle 2 and the lid 3 each have a thermal insulation layer 5 made of an insulating material on. The transport box 1 also has an insert shell 6 within the receptacle 2 and an insert basket 7 within the insert shell 6, which serves to protect the heat insulation layer 5, in particular vacuum insulation panels, the receptacle 2 from mechanical damage and liquids. In addition, cleaning can be facilitated regardless of the type of thermal insulation layer 5. The insert shell 6 is preferably fixed (i.e. not reversibly detachable) to the receptacle 2, for example via an adhesive or a welded connection. The insert basket 7, on the other hand, is reversibly detachably accommodated in the insert shell 6 within the receptacle 2, so that the insert basket 7 can be taken out of the receptacle 2 without tools and inserted back into the receptacle 2. When the lid 3 is placed on the receptacle 2, i.e. in the closed transport state, the receptacle volume within the receptacle 2 is essentially sealed airtight to the outside.

The insert shell 6 is designed in the form of a trough open at the top, the bottom and the side walls of the insert shell 6 being designed over the entire surface. The insert basket 7 has longitudinal elements 8 crossing at right angles, so that a large number of air passage openings 9 are formed between the longitudinal elements 8. In the embodiment variant shown, the insert basket 7 is therefore of grid-like design.

A cooling element or a cooling pack 10 is placed on the top of the insert basket 7. The cold pack 10 is thus carried by the insert basket 7. The cold pack 10 has a housing 11,

8/25 in particular made of plastic, and a phase change material within the housing 11. Accordingly, passive cooling of the cargo space is provided, i.e. especially no electrical air conditioning. The phase change material is preferably designed to utilize the phase transition from solid to liquid and vice versa (solidification-melting). Before transportation, the cold pack 10 is pre-cooled at a temperature below the melting temperature of the phase change material. During transport, the melt storage material absorbs heat and stores it through the phase change, which counteracts an increase in temperature in the cargo hold.

The insert basket 7 has bottom spacers 12 for forming a gap 13 between a bottom 14 of the insert basket 7 and a horizontal standing surface 15 in the interior of the receiving container 2. The standing surface 15 is formed in the embodiment variant shown by the bottom surface of the insert shell 6. In an alternative embodiment without insert shell 6 (not shown), the bottom spacers 12 can be placed on the bottom of the receptacle 2. In the embodiment shown, the insert basket 7 has four floor spacers 12 on the four side edges 16 of the square bottom 14 of the insert basket 7. The floor spacers 12 protrude downward from the side edges 16.

The insert basket 7 also has side spacers 17 for forming a lateral gap 18 between a side wall 19 of the insert basket 7 and a lateral contact surface 20 in the interior of the receptacle 2. In the embodiment shown, the lateral contact surface 20 is formed by the side wall of the insert shell 6. In an alternative embodiment of the transport box 1 without an insert shell 6 (not shown), the side spacers 17 can rest against the inside of the side wall of the receptacle 2.

In the embodiment shown, the insert basket 7 has four lower side spacers 17a on the four side edges 16 of the bottom 14 of the insert basket 7. The lower side spacers 17a protrude horizontally outward from the side edges 16. In addition, the insert basket 7 has four upper ones in the embodiment shown

9.25

Side spacer 17b on the upper end region of the insert basket. The upper side spacers 17b protrude horizontally outwards from the upper end region of the insert basket 7.

In the embodiment shown, brackets are provided as floor spacers 12 and as side spacers 17.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, when the transport box 1 is in the closed transport state, the insert basket 7, including the cold pack, is arranged essentially immovably in the horizontal and vertical directions. For this purpose, the cold pack 10 is fixed in the embodiment shown in the vertical direction between the top of the insert basket 7 and the bottom of the lid 3. In addition, the cold pack has essentially the same horizontal extent as the insertion opening 4 of the receptacle 2.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the cold pack 10 has a plurality, in particular a plurality, of cutouts 10a for the passage of air. Furthermore, spacer lugs 10b are provided on the four side walls of the cooling pack 10, so that the cooling pack 10 rests only on the facing inner sides of the insert shell 6 via the spacer lugs 10b, but not on the sections running between them.

In the embodiment variant of FIGS. 5 and 6, the cold pack 10 can be arranged on the insert basket 7 in at least two different height positions. For this purpose, the cold pack 10 has at least one holding lug 21 on opposite longitudinal edges, in the embodiment shown two holding lugs 21 for hanging in the insert basket 7. The retaining lugs 21 on the cold pack 10 each have a lower receiving groove 23, which in a first, upper height position (cf. FIG. 5) on a first, upper longitudinal element 8a and in a second, lower height position (cf. FIG. 6) a second, lower longitudinal element 8b are placed. In the embodiment shown, the upper longitudinal element 8b has two cutouts 8c on each side of the insert basket 7, through which the retaining lugs 21 on the cooling battery 10 fit, so that the retaining lugs 21 rest on the second, lower longitudinal element 8b in the second, lower height position can be. Accordingly, the cold pack 10 in the embodiment shown

10/25 rotated by 90 ° with respect to a vertical axis when moving from the first height position to the second height position.

In the embodiment shown, the retaining lugs 21 on the cold pack 10 also each have an upper receiving groove 22, so that the cold pack 10 can be arranged on the insert basket 7 with the upper and lower sides exchanged.

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Claims:

1. Insulated transport box (1), in particular for frozen foods, comprising:

- A receptacle (2) for chilled goods with an upper insertion opening (4);

- A lid (3) for closing the upper insertion opening (4) of the receptacle (2);

- A cold pack (10) with a phase change storage medium; marked by

- An insert basket (7) detachably arranged in the receptacle (2) with air passage openings (9) for air circulation within the receptacle (2), the cooling battery (10) being held on the insert basket (7).

2. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert basket (7) has at least one floor spacer (12) for spacing a bottom (14) of the insert basket (7) from a flat standing surface (15) inside the receptacle ( 2) has.

3. Insulated transport box (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the insert basket (7) at least two floor spacers (12) on two opposite side edges (16) of the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7), in particular four floor spacers (12) on four side edges (16) of the bottom (12) of the insert basket (7).

4. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to

3, characterized in that the insert basket (7) has at least one side spacer (17) for spacing a side wall (19) of the insert basket (7) from a lateral contact surface (20) in the interior of the receptacle (2).

5. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the insert basket (7) at least two lower side spacers (17a) on two opposite side edges (16) of the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7), in particular four lower side spacers ( 17a) on four side edges (16 of the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7).

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6. Insulated transport box (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the insert basket (7) at least two upper side spacers (17b) at the upper end of the insert basket (7), in particular four upper side spacers (17b) at the upper end region of the insert basket (7).

7. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 2 to

6, characterized in that essentially vertical brackets are provided as the floor spacer (12) and / or that essentially horizontal brackets are provided as the side spacer (17).

8. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to

7, characterized in that the insert basket (7) together with the cold pack (10) is arranged substantially immovably in the horizontal and vertical directions in the transport state.

9. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cold pack (10) is fixed in the transport state between the insert basket (7) and the lid (3).

10. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cold pack (10) has a plurality, in particular a plurality, of recesses (10a) for air passage.

11. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cold pack (10) can be attached to the insert basket (7) in at least two different height positions.

12. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cold pack (10) has holding lugs (21) on opposite longitudinal edges for hanging in the insert basket.

13. Insulated transport box (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the retaining lugs (21) on the cold pack (10) have a lower receiving groove (23), in particular also an upper receiving groove (22).

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14. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that spacer lugs (10b) are provided on the four side walls of the cooling battery (10).

15. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the insert basket (7) is open at the top.

16. Insulated transport box according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the cold pack (10) has substantially the same horizontal extent as the insertion opening (4) of the receiving container (2).

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Search report for A 50155/2018 Austrian Patent Office

Classification of the subject of the application according to IPC: F25D 3/06 (2006.01) Classification of the application according to CPC: F25D 3/06 (2013.01); F25D 2303/08221 (01/01/2013); F25D 2331/804 (2013.01) Researched test substance (classification): F25D Consulted online database: EPODOC, WPI, full text databases This search report was compiled on claims 1-16 filed on February 20, 2018. Category*) Title of the publication: Country code, publication number, document type (applicant), publication date, text or figure if necessary Concerning claim X WO 03083386 Al (UNILEVER) October 9, 2003 (October 9, 2003) Description page 5, lines 20-25 I, 4-7, II, 15 Date of completion of the search: "... , Auditors (in): 21.12.2018 be Ί from Ί KUTZENBERGER Thomas *> Categories of the listed documents: A publication that defines the general state of the art. X Publication of special importance: the application P document that is of importance (categories X or Y), but after object cannot be published as new or published on the priority date of the registration solely due to this publication, inventive activity can be considered based. E Document of particular importance (Category X) from which Y Publication of importance: the subject of the application may not result in an "older right" (earlier filing date, however novelty would be considered as based on inventive step, if the republished, protection is possible in Austria Make publication with one or more other publications), is associated with this category and this connection for & publication which is a member of the same patent family. is obvious to a specialist.

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Claims (15)

1. Insulated transport box (1), in particular for frozen foods, comprising: - A receptacle (2) for cooled goods with an upper insertion opening (4); - A lid (3) for closing the upper insertion opening (4) of the receptacle (2); - A cold pack (10) with a phase change storage medium; - An insert basket (7) detachably arranged in the receptacle (2) and having a bottom (14) with air passage openings (9) for air circulation within the receptacle (2), the cooling battery (10) being held on the insert basket (7); characterized in that - The insert basket (7) has at least one floor spacer (12) for spacing the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7) from a flat standing surface (15) inside the receiving container (2). 2. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert basket (7) at least two floor spacers (12) on two opposite side edges (16) of the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7), in particular four floor spacers (12) on four side edges (16) of the bottom (12) of the insert basket (7). 3. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert basket (7) at least one side spacer (17) for spacing a side wall (19) of the insert basket (7) from a lateral contact surface (20) inside the Receiving container (2). 4. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the insert basket (7) has at least two lower side spacers (17a) on two opposite side edges (16) of the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7), in particular four lower side spacers ( 17a) on four side edges (16) of the bottom (14) of the insert basket (7). 22/25 [LAST CLAIMS] A 50155/2018 5. Insulated transport box (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the insert basket (7) at least two upper side spacers (17b) at the upper end of the insert basket (7) at the height of the upper longitudinal element (8a), in particular four upper Side spacers (17b) at the upper end region of the insert basket (7) at the height of the upper longitudinal element (8a). 6. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that essentially vertical brackets are provided as the floor spacer (12) and / or substantially horizontal brackets are provided as the side spacer (17). 7. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the insert basket (7) together with the cold pack (10) is arranged substantially immovably in the horizontal and vertical directions in the transport state. 8. Insulated transport box (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the cold pack (10) is fixed in the transport state between the insert basket (7) and the lid (3). 9. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cold pack (10) has a plurality, in particular a plurality, of recesses (10a) for air passage. 10. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cold pack (10) can be attached to the insert basket (7) in at least two different height positions. 11. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cold pack (10) on opposite longitudinal edges has retaining lugs (21) for hanging in the insert basket (7). 12. Insulated transport box (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the retaining lugs (21) on the cold pack (10) have a lower receiving groove (23), in particular also an upper receiving groove 23/25 [LAST CLAIMS] A 50155/2018 (22). 13. Thermally insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that spacer lugs (10b) are provided on the four side walls of the cooling battery (10). 14. Insulated transport box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the insert basket (7) is open at the top. 15. Insulated transport box according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the cold pack (10) has substantially the same horizontal extent as the insertion opening (4) of the receiving container (2).