DE202009012965U1 - Thermobox, insulating insert for this and cutting a plate-like insulating material - Google Patents

Abstract

Thermobox for thermally insulating storage of goods,
comprising a rigid outer container (10) and an insulating insert used in the outer container with thermally insulating wall material having bottom and side walls,
characterized,
that the insulator insert
- A cut (314) provided with blank (31) of a plate-like insulating material, which forms a voltage applied to the inner surfaces of the outer container (10) insulating trough (30), and
- A to the inner surfaces of the Isolierwanne (30) shaped, self-supporting goods receptacle (40) made of thin-walled plastic
includes.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to a thermobox for thermally insulating Storage of goods comprising a rigid outer container and an insulating insert inserted in the outer container with thermally insulating wall material having soil and Sidewalls.

The The invention further relates to an insulating insert for a thermobox.

The The invention finally relates to a blank a plate-like insulating material, the essential component such insulating insert is.

State of the art

A generic device is known from the DE 20 2004 015 878 U1 ,

thermoboxes made of porous rigid foam, z. B. expanded polystyrene, have been known for a long time. They serve for the thermally insulated storage of Goods, in particular during their transport. An important Example of this is the transport of heat-sensitive Medicines between manufacturers, large stores and pharmacies.

From the DE 195 33 232 C1 is a typical Thermobox used as a product transport container for drugs known. The cited document proposes the use of an outer container made of expanded polystyrene, the placement of the interior with pockets, in which cooling batteries or general temperature control batteries can be arranged. Under a tempering battery is generally understood here a pre-temperable block high heat capacity. A typical embodiment is water- or gel-filled, flat plastic containers, which may have a rigid or flexible outer wall. A device of the type disclosed in the cited document can be adapted to different requirements with regard to weather conditions, transport path lengths and sensitivity of the goods to temperature fluctuations by different choice of the number of tempering batteries. The disadvantage here is that with increasing number of Temperierakkus the remaining for receiving goods box interior is reduced.

The DE 44 38 141 A1 takes the problem insofar as it provides for the arrangement of the temperature control batteries in a recess of the box lid. De facto, however, this measure does not mean any gain in interior space, since the recess in the cover would also have to be calculated for the interior without the battery, so that the use of a temperature control battery actually represents an interior reduction.

A different approach than increasing the number of Temperierakkus used to increase the temperature stability in the thermobox follows the generic DE 20 2004 015 878 U1 , It is based on the situation that a rigid outer container for the storage and in particular the transport of certain goods does not have sufficient thermal insulation. To improve the thermal insulation properties, it is proposed to insert an insulating insert of thermally insulating wall material in the rigid outer container. Specifically, in the cited document, the outer container is formed by a shopping basket and the insulator insert is formed by a container of aluminum-laminated, fabric-reinforced, bubble-coated foil on both sides. By inserting the insulating insert in the outer container is from the thermally insufficient, in the concrete non-insulating outer container a special, in the specific case very moderate requirements for thermal insulation sufficient Thermobox. When not in use the insulating insert this is due to its flexible walls collapsible and easily stowed. This advantage changes from the viewpoint of the fillability of the thermobox to a disadvantage, since the flexible walls do not remain stable in shape but collapse. The use of such flexible inner containers, for example in a large-scale pharmaceutical warehouse, would unacceptably delay the packing of the transport boxes.

task

It the object of the present invention is a generic Thermobox to improve such that a facilitation of filling with Goods is made possible.

Presentation of the invention

• – einen mit Knickfalzen versehenen Zuschnitt eines plattenartigen Isoliermaterials, der eine an den Innenflächen des Außenbehälters anliegende Isolierwanne bildet, sowie
• – eine an die Innenflächen der Isolierwanne formangepasste, selbsttragende Warenaufnahmewanne aus dünnwandigem Kunststoff

umfasst.This object is achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the insulating insert

• - Provided with kinking a blank of a plate-like insulating material, which forms a voltage applied to the inner surfaces of the outer container insulating pan, as well as
• - A self-supporting goods receptacle made of thin-walled plastic, adapted to the inner surfaces of the insulating pan

includes.

• – eine selbsttragende Warenaufnahmewanne aus dünnwandigem Kunststoff und
• – einen mit Knickfalzen versehenen Zuschnitt eines plattenartigen Isoliermaterials, aus dem eine an den Außenflächen der Warenaufnahmewanne anliegende Isolierwanne bildbar ist.

Essential and independently inventive A component of such a thermobox is an insulating insert for a thermobox, comprising

• - A self-supporting goods receptacle made of thin-walled plastic and
• - A blank provided with kinking a plate-like insulating material, from which a voltage applied to the outer surfaces of the goods receptacle insulating is formed.

independently inventive component of such insulating insert can a blank of a plate-like insulating material from a double-sided metal-coated, open-pore rigid foam with a rectangular Central surface and laterally over punched kink folds be integrally hinged ancillary areas, off the bottom and side walls having insulating tray is foldable.

The basic idea The present invention is a material blank, the does not form a stable container per se, between the inner wall the outer container and the outer wall to stabilize the goods receptacle. The cut is different as in the prior art, not from flexible, but from plate-like Material formed, however, to ensure a Faltbarkeit provided with buckling folds at suitable places. Under a Knickfalz is here generally understood a line along the two plate-shaped areas hinged hinged together are. The simplest way of producing such a buckling fold is the targeted weakening of the plate material, for example by a punching, as for example in hinged lids of Cardboard boxes is known. For multilayer plate material can a fold for example, by bridging a Column in a stiff inner material by one or both sides Lamination made with a flexible outer material be. For the sake of simpler and cheaper Manufacturability, in the context of the present invention, the former Variant preferred.

to Formation of the thermobox can be cut from plate-like Insulating material first to the inner wall of floor and side walls of the outer container created and then the goods receptacle used in the resulting insulating pan be, so that the latter permanently between the goods receptacle and Outer container is stabilized. The usage plate-like, d. H. essentially rigid insulating material for The cut considerably simplifies this process in comparison to a blank of flexible material, since the latter is not like the former can only be folded at well-defined places but in total is unstable. If necessary, the insulating pan with the outer container cohesively, in particular by gluing and / or Welding, be connected. Should a higher Degree of adaptability of the thermobox to different Thermal insulation requirements can be maintained at one such permanent connection can be dispensed with. Due to the shape adaptation the individual elements together can in this case basically be dispensed with reversible fastening or connecting elements. Such elements, such as. B. locking or clamping elements provide However, the present invention is not opposed.

Prefers is exactly on each side of the center of the blank hinged a side surface, so that by folding up the Adjacent areas in a designated folding angle the Isolierwanne can be formed with open vertical edges. With this type of blank It is sufficient, namely, the central area as the bottom plate of the insulating pan from above into the outer container push in, with the minor surfaces, each forming a side wall of the insulating, automatically high and fold in the right position. It is preferably provided that the walls of the insulating tub and cheaper Way also bevelled as well of the outer container are, so that insulating tub and outer container expand slightly upwards. This facilitates the insertion of the insulating pan as well as the subsequent insertion of the goods receptacle in the insulating tub.

at Non-use the blank forms a flat plate that through Stacking is easy to store.

Prefers the insulation material of the blank is a metal-coated on both sides, porous foam, z. B. expanded polystyrene. One Such composite material is commonly known in the industry as "alkane material". The disadvantage of this material is that its surface very easily mechanically damaged. This disadvantage However, does not apply in the present invention. at Use of the blank as an insulating pan in the thermobox its outer surface through the outer container and its inner surface through the goods receptacle protected. When not in use, a variety of Blanks stacked one above the other like a plate, so that they protect each other's sensitive surfaces.

The outer container of the thermobox, which preferably consists of low-cost, insulating hard foam, such as foamed polystyrene or polyurethane, is often also mechanically sensitive. Especially at the upper edges of the walls of its narrow sides, where it is typically gripped, the foam material breaks out easily. A hole in the wall leads to a significant reduction in thermal insulation quality. In a preferred embodiment of the invention is therefore intended that the upper edges two mutually opposite side walls of the outer container are at least partially enclosed by a U-shaped profile made of a dimensionally stable plastic. Such U-profiles are easily produced by injection molding, for example, polyethylene or another, impact resistant and unbreakable materials. They can be easily pushed over the sensitive edges during production and, if necessary, glued or concealed. Not only do they provide efficient protection against damage, they also visually invite the user to touch the box right here and not at other, unprotected places.

So far was essentially the trough-shaped boxes talk. However, for a good thermal insulation, it is necessary to change the stored goods on all sides. at the same time the use of tempering batteries known per se is desirable, however, does not prefer with the goods in the goods receptacle lie so that they may be mechanically sensitive Could not damage goods. In a preferred embodiment The invention is therefore intended that the outer container one with its side walls form-fitting closing Cover has, on the underside of one or more carriers are attached to the exchangeable holder of temperature control batteries. The at least one carrier conveniently from the bottom of the lid on her lower arms, at the bottom Ends two parallel to each other and to the bottom of the lid, facing support rails are arranged so that a cuboid Temperierakku in the between the support rails and the cover bottom formed receiving space is inserted. As already mentioned, is the attachment of a tempering battery on the inside of the lid a thermobox basically known. At the mentioned Development of the invention, however, is a particularly easy replaceability given the tempering batteries; In particular, nobody needs one special recess in the lid adapted dimensioning of the temperature control batteries. Rather, commercially available products can be used here become. Even their definition requires no special measures but takes place by simple insertion at least partially positively.

nevertheless can, as provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is equipped with a flat recess be. In this an insulating plate can be embedded, at which the at least one carrier is attached. Preferably exists the insulating plate of metal-coated on both sides, porous Hard foam, particularly preferably from the aforementioned "alkane material". conveniently, the insulating plate is reversible in the recess of the lid, z. B. by means of Velcro, clip connection, plug connection o. Ä., Set. This development of the invention is the idea underlying that for optimal thermal insulation all walls, d. H. Floor and side walls and lids should have similar insulating properties. On the other hand, the use is sufficient in many cases of the outer container with goods receptacle without Insulating tub, which is why the equipment of all covers with an insulating panel under cost aspects negative superstructure would. The mentioned training thus sets the idea the adapted to the respective requirements variation of the thermal Insulating properties of the thermobox consistently gone. The coupling the battery carrier with the insulating plate is meaningful insofar as it can be assumed that at increased insulation requirements in an individual case, both the improvement of the insulating properties as also the introduction of thermal storage suitable and in combination are particularly advantageous measures.

typically, the lid is made of the same material as the outer container the thermobox, d. H. from a hard foam. Again, there is the danger especially in the grip areas pieces of hard foam break out, big. In a preferred embodiment The invention is therefore provided that two opposing one another Edges of the lid at least partially from a U-profile a dimensionally stable plastic are clasped. The effects and Advantages of this measure are similar to those above explained with the side walls of the outer container.

Further Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following, special description and the drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

It demonstrate:

1 FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the thermobox according to the invention, FIG.

2 FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the blank for the insulating pan. FIG.

3 a partially broken, schematic side view (transverse view) of a preferred embodiment of the lid of the thermobox according to the invention and

4 : A schematic side view (longitudinal view) of a preferred embodiment of the lid of the thermobox according to the invention.

Description of preferred embodiments

1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention thermobox. The thermobox includes a trough-shaped outer container 10 of substantially rigid, heat-insulating material, for example of foamed polystyrene or polyurethane. The outer walls of the container 10 are issued slightly upwards. In its lower part, the container points 10 a tapered heel 102 which is dimensioned so that it for the purpose of stackability in the opening of a structurally identical, arranged underneath container 10 can be used. The bottom of the container 10 has a ribbed structure 104 and its long sidewalls near its top have a wave profile 106 on. The two structures 104 and 106 can be used to fix transverse walls to subdivide the container interior.

The upper edges of the short sidewalls are of U-shaped profiles 20 made of stiff, impact-resistant plastic, z. As polyethylene clasped. The profiles 20 serve as handles and protect the two sensitive and particularly stressed wall areas from damage. In the outer container 10 used or can be used is an insulating tray 30 made from a blank 31 is folded from plate-like insulating material. A schematic representation of such a blank 31 is in 2 shown. In 1 it can not be seen that at least some of the edges of the insulating pan 30 not closed and the remaining edges are formed as kinking. Without lateral support would the insulating pan 30 not the in 1 remain stable. Inserted in the outer container 10 However, at least a falling apart can be prevented to the outside, as the side walls of the insulating 30 on the inner walls of the outer container 10 can support.

In the insulating tub 30 used or used is a self-supporting goods receptacle made of thin, preferably transparent plastic. This is on the inner contours of the insulating pan 30 adapted, so that when nesting of outer container 10 , Insulating tub 30 and goods receptacle 40 the insulating tub 30 is reliably held in its trough shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the goods receptacle 40 a circumferential, angled edge 42 on, with which they are on the wave profile 106 of the outer container 10 and rests on a corresponding projection on the short side walls. This measure is not mandatory, but provides good protection for the wave profile 106 against damage.

The elements described above together form an upwardly open, inventive thermobox, which is preferably closed by a lid, of which a particularly advantageous embodiment is to be described below. The lid, the more detailed in the 3 and 4 is shown, consists of a rectangular base plate 50 made of rigid, heat-insulating material, preferably the same material, from which also the outer container 10 is made. The short sides of the base plate 50 are of U-profiles 60 clasping a protective function analogous to the protective function of the U-profiles 20 exhibit. In an in 1 unrecognizable, flat recess in the bottom of the base plate 50 is an insulating plate 70 made of rigid insulating material. Preferably, this is the same plate-like insulating material from which also the insulating pan 30 is made. The insulating plate 70 Can be permanent or reversible to the base plate 50 be attached.

At the bottom of the insulating plate 70 are carriers 80 for tempering batteries 90 established. The determination can be permanent or reversible. The carriers 80 consist of a solid but elastically flexible plastic material and have on each of its long sides two downwardly projecting arms 82 on which a retaining rail 84 wear. The two support rails of each carrier 80 are aligned in essence parallel to each other and arranged opposite each other, so that each a tempering battery 90 can be pushed onto the rails. To prevent the temperature control battery from slipping 90 in its longitudinal direction, is on the transverse sides of the carrier 80 one stopper tab each 86 arranged. Due to the elastic flexibility of the arms 82 can the tempering batteries 90 easily inserted and held substantially positive.

In 1 is still a slide 100 shown on the top of the base plate 50 is glued on and on the one hand a light protective function, on the other hand offers the opportunity to apply information and / or advertising information on the lid, without the difficult-to-use and to be printed base plate 50 to label yourself.

2 schematically shows a blank 31 leading to the formation of the insulating pan 30 suitable is. The cut 31 has a rectangular central area 312 on top of the kink folds 314 with ancillary areas 316 articulated is connected. The blank is preferred 31 cut in one piece from a larger plate stiff insulation and kink folds 314 are preferably introduced in a stamping process.

In 2 is clearly visible that the secondary surfaces 316 are designed trapezoidal in the preferred embodiment, so that by folding up the secondary surfaces 316 resulting isolation well 30 has sloping walls and widens upwards. This measure is for easier Schachtelbarkeit.

3 shows a partially broken side view (looking at the long side of a preferred embodiment of the lid). 4 shows another side view (look at the short side) of the same cover. The reference numerals correspond to those in FIG 1 , Deviating from the correct representation of a side view is in the 3 and 4 the insulating plate 70 used in the recess shown in dashed lines in the interior of the base plate 50 shaded. In the 3 and 4 is contrary to 1 clearly recognizable that the base plate 50 prefers a paragraph 52 has, which is dimensioned so that the lid form-fitting and in the context of the respective requirements tightly into the opening of the outer container 10 can be used.

The typical method for using the thermobox according to the invention can be described as follows: Goods, for example medicines, are stored in a preferably automated storage system in a goods receptacle 40 filled. The filled goods receptacle 40 drives on an assembly line to a packer, who uses them as needed in an outer container. Detects the packer z. B. on the basis of a mark or on the filled goods that there is an increased thermal insulation requirement, he chooses an insulating outer container 10 , takes a flat cut 31 from a pile, laying its stiff central surface 312 on the opening of the outer container 10 and pushes it into the outer container, with the secondary surfaces 316 automatically fold up and the insulating tray 30 form. Subsequently, the filled goods receptacle 40 in the insulating tub 30 used and the lid, possibly equipped with tempering batteries 90 , put on and the thermobox closed. Detects the packer a lower thermal insulation requirement can on the insulating pan 30 and possibly the temperature control batteries 90 be waived.

at Thermoboxes according to the invention with permanent or reversibly fixed insulating trough and / or goods receptacle takes place the use as in known, rigid thermoboxes.

Naturally represents those discussed in the specific description and in the Figures shown embodiment only an illustrative Embodiment of the present invention. The One skilled in the art is broad in the light of the disclosure herein given variation possibilities. Especially can the choice of special materials to the particular requirements be adjusted. It is also conceivable, the invention Thermobox - for external protection, for example mechanical damage - in another Transport container, z. B. in a container to use impact-resistant plastic.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202004015878 U1 [0004, 0008]
• - DE 19533232 C1 [0006]
• - DE 4438141 A1 [0007]

Claims (12)

Thermobox for the thermally insulating storage of goods, comprising a rigid outer container ( 10 ) and an insulating insert used in the outer container with thermally insulating wall material having bottom and side walls, characterized in that the insulating insert - one with buckling folds ( 314 provided blank ( 31 ) of a plate-like insulating material, one on the inner surfaces of the outer container ( 10 ) fitting insulating trough ( 30 ), and - one to the inner surfaces of the insulating pan ( 30 ) form-adapted, self-supporting goods receptacle ( 40 ) of thin-walled plastic. Thermobox according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating material of the blank ( 31 ) is a double-sided metal-coated, porous rigid foam. Thermobox according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating trough ( 30 ) cohesively with the outer container ( 10 ) connected is. Thermobox according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goods receptacle ( 40 ) cohesively with the insulating pan ( 30 ) and / or the outer container ( 10 ) connected is. Thermobox according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper edges of two mutually opposite side walls of the outer container ( 10 ) at least partially from a U-profile ( 20 ) are clasped from a dimensionally stable plastic. Thermobox according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer container ( 10 ) has a lid which tightly closes with its side walls, on the underside of which one or more supports ( 80 ) for the exchangeable mounting of temperature control batteries ( 90 ) are fastened. Thermobox according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one carrier ( 80 ) Leaning down from the underside of the lid ( 82 ), at the lower ends of two mutually and to the underside of the lid extending parallel, mutually facing retaining rails ( 84 ) are arranged so that a temperature control battery ( 90 ) in between the retaining rails ( 84 ) and the lid underside formed receiving space can be inserted. Thermobox according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that in an areal recess of the lid an insulating ( 70 ) is embedded on both sides of metal-coated, porous rigid foam to which the at least one carrier is attached. Thermobox according to claim 8, characterized in that the insulating plate ( 70 ) is set reversibly in the recess of the lid. Thermobox according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that two opposite edges of the lid at least partially from a U-profile ( 60 ) are clasped from a dimensionally stable plastic. Insulating insert for a thermobox, comprising - a self-supporting goods receptacle ( 40 ) made of thin-walled plastic and - one with buckling folds ( 314 provided blank ( 31 ) of a plate-like insulating material, from which a on the outer surfaces of the goods receptacle ( 40 ) fitting insulating trough ( 30 ) is bildbar. Cutting a plate-like insulating material from a metal-coated, open-pore rigid foam with a rectangular central surface ( 312 ) and laterally over punched kink folds ( 314 ) integrally hinged secondary surfaces ( 316 ), from which a bottom and side walls having Isolierwanne ( 30 ) is foldable.