EP1269432B1 - Apparatus dispensing rechargeable refrigerating elements - Google Patents

Apparatus dispensing rechargeable refrigerating elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1269432B1
EP1269432B1 EP01914133A EP01914133A EP1269432B1 EP 1269432 B1 EP1269432 B1 EP 1269432B1 EP 01914133 A EP01914133 A EP 01914133A EP 01914133 A EP01914133 A EP 01914133A EP 1269432 B1 EP1269432 B1 EP 1269432B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
orifice
refrigerating
dispensing apparatus
refrigeration
elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01914133A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1269432A1 (en
Inventor
François-Marie FRANCI
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TECHNI LOISIRS
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Internova International Innovation Co BV
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
    • G07F17/0071—Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a cold condition, e.g. ice and ice cream
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/163—Delivery means characterised by blocking access to the output bins
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
    • G07F11/32—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined two or magazines having a common delivery chute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
    • G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage

Definitions

  • this cold chain is respected as far as the homes of consumers for a sufficiently long period of time, even in in case of high heat in summer, the consumer can now place one or more cooling elements in its cooler bag containing the frozen or fresh products he just bought.
  • This or these elements refrigerants charged with frigories at -18 ° C diffuse the frigories inside the cooler bag. This maintains the temperature of the products in thus avoiding the rupture of the cold chain.
  • a dispensing device as defined above and known by the publication FR-A-2 745 933, has been finalized. It allows to distribute and recycle these refrigerants. We find this dispenser mainly in department stores near product shelves frozen. In this application, the refrigeration temperature at -18 ° C is sufficient.
  • This particularly simple, economical and non-polluting technology can be used upstream of distribution, in particular to eliminate use carbon dioxide snow in the transport of frozen products.
  • the dispensing device as it is known does not achieve this objective, especially due to the loss of cold at the outlet which is located in the lower part of the dispenser.
  • the present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing an apparatus distributor of refrigerants with high refrigeration capacity for distributing and recycling refrigerants intended for be placed in particular in the transport boxes of frozen products in order to guarantee compliance with the cold chain from the distributor to the home of the consumer, for example.
  • the invention relates to a device for dispensing refrigerants as defined in the preamble and characterized in that the input and disinfection module is arranged above said refrigeration and storage module, in that the inlet and outlet openings of said refrigeration and storage module are located in the upper part of this module, and in that the refrigeration and storage module comprises a third transfer means arranged to raise said refrigerating elements towards the outlet orifice.
  • the inlet and outlet ports of the refrigeration module are located substantially in the same plane.
  • the first means of transfer comprises an inclined ramp arranged to transfer by gravity the cooling elements from said inlet orifice to said outlet orifice.
  • the input and disinfection module can advantageously include a cleaning device comprising two circular brushes arranged symmetrically with respect to said inclined ramp, on the path of said cooling elements, each brush being mounted on a turntable driven by a motorization.
  • the inlet orifice can also include a presence detector arranged to transmit a signal to the motorization of the cleaning device when a cooling element is detected, this presence detector can have a bent articulated finger subjected to a return spring arranged to that its free end is at the rear of said entry port on the path cooling elements and at least one microswitch.
  • the inlet of the refrigeration module and of storage has a watertight door consisting of a flexible tab arranged to open under the weight of a cooling element.
  • the second transfer means is consisting of a helical rail extending inside the box of its orifice from the upper part to the lower part, this rail being arranged for receiving said cooling elements in a substantially vertical position and arranged astride its upper generator.
  • the orifice of the storage and refrigeration module is arranged along an axis substantially vertical and the inclined ramp of the first transfer means forms an acute angle with the axis of this inlet orifice.
  • the third transfer means has a guide tube extending inside the box, of its part low at its outlet in the upper part, and arranged to receive the refrigerating elements in vertical position superimposed, the lower part of this guide tube comprising a window arranged opposite the end bottom of the rail as well as a lifting member arranged to lift said cooling elements superimposed inside said guide tube and for allow the addition of a new cooling element from said rail helical, the lower end of the helical rail being straight and arranged substantially perpendicular to the window of said guide tube.
  • the lifting member may include a retractable nose hinged at the end a slide mounted in a support arranged in parallel and behind the guide tube, this slide being driven in a translational movement back and forth between a low position and a high position, the nose being movable between two positions, an extended position where it projects the inside of the guide tube to go and a retracted position where it is retracted inside the support on the return, and the lifting member comprising a stop arranged to limit the rotation of the articulated nose in its position exit.
  • the articulated nose has a shape substantially triangular in such a way that in the extended position its face upper is substantially horizontal and in the retracted position its face lower is substantially vertical, the two faces defining between them a acute angle.
  • the outlet orifice comprises a sealed door arranged to open under the pressure of a cooling element stored in the tube guide, this watertight door being slidably mounted in a support inclined arranged outside said waterproof case and comprising at its end closing said outlet orifice a beveled face arranged for generate a backward movement under the effect of the thrust of said element refrigerant.
  • the outlet orifice is preferably arranged in a substantially vertical axis and the inclined support forms an acute angle with the axis from this outlet.
  • the refrigeration and storage module 6 of substantially cubic shape, rests on the ground by feet 61 and includes a device for generating cold (not shown) conventionally comprising a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and a recovery tank.
  • This module 6 receives above it the input and disinfection module 2, thus forming a compact device.
  • This input module 2 is faired by a folded sheet 20 defining on the front face a console 21.
  • inlet 4 and outlet 7 of the refrigeration and storage module 6 are located substantially in the same plan and in the upper part. They cross the upper wall 61 of the insulated box 60 along substantially vertical axes.
  • the input and disinfection module 2 comprises a first transfer means 5 consisting of an inclined ramp 50 forming a U-shaped rail with a width substantially equivalent to that of the elements refrigerants 10.
  • This inclined ramp 50 extends from the inlet 3 upper part near the inlet orifice 4, lower part, and form an acute angle, for example equal to 45 °, with the axis of this orifice 4.
  • the lower end of this inclined ramp 50 comprises two lateral cheeks 51 arranged to laterally guide the cooling elements 10 when they leave the rail inclined 50 to enter the inlet 4 and pass from a position inclined to a substantially vertical position by simple gravity.
  • a cleaning and disinfection device 52 On the path of the cooling elements 10, along this inclined ramp 50, a cleaning and disinfection device 52 is provided.
  • This device 52 comprises, in the example shown, two circular brushes 53 arranged symmetrically with respect to the inclined ramp 50, each brush 53 being mounted on a turntable 54 driven in synchronism by a motorization 55.
  • the refrigerating elements 10 move along the inclined ramp 50, on the one hand, by gravity and, on the other hand, under the effect of the brush rotation 53.
  • a disinfectant liquid tank 56 is also provided for spraying said cooling elements 10 by means of a nozzle 57 whose jet is directed towards the brushes 53.
  • any other mechanism cleaning and disinfection can be considered.
  • the inlet 3 has a section opening equivalent to the section transverse cooling elements 10 introduced horizontally. Voluntarily, this cross section is not symmetrical with respect to the center line of the cooling elements 10 so as to orient them correctly in the device 1.
  • a presence detector 30 comprising a bent finger 31, articulated and arranged so that its free end is located on the path of the cooling elements 10, as well as at least one microswitch 32a arranged to transmit a signal to the means for actuating the slide of the lifting member described below, so as to exchange the cooling elements 10.
  • the finger 31 is extended by an actuating rod 33 which comes trigger microswitch 32a only when finger 31 is pushed by a cooling element 10 according to the invention and arranged in the correct meaning, that is, the forward U-shape.
  • actuating rod 33 which comes trigger microswitch 32a only when finger 31 is pushed by a cooling element 10 according to the invention and arranged in the correct meaning, that is, the forward U-shape.
  • other means of detection may be provided, such as for example optical detectors.
  • a second microswitch 32b is also provided, arranged to transmit a signal to the motor 55 of the cleaning device 52 when a refrigerant 10 is detected.
  • the inlet port 4 of the refrigeration and storage module 6 has an airlock 40 of form parallelepiped mounted in a correspondingly shaped opening provided in the upper wall 61 of the insulated box 60.
  • This airlock 40 exceeds on either side of this wall 61 and has a sealed door 41 disposed at its end located inside the insulated box 60.
  • This door waterproof 41 is constituted by a flexible tongue, one edge of which is integral of the airlock 40 and the opposite edge closes the airlock 40 in the rest position, shown by Figure 4A.
  • This flexible tongue 41 is inclined relative to the axis vertical of the airlock 40 at an acute angle, for example equal to 45 ° and is arranged for open under the weight of a cooling element 10 introduced into the airlock 40, shown in Figure 4B.
  • a rail helical 80 forming the second transfer means 8 arranged for transport and store said cooling elements 10 inside the module storage and refrigeration 6.
  • This helical rail 80 of flat shape and pitch constant extends inside the box from top to bottom, from its orifice inlet 4 towards the bottom of the insulated box 60.
  • the turns that make up this rail helical 80 make an angle between approximately 18 ° and 25 ° with the horizontal.
  • a support tube 82 is mounted in the insulated box 60 coaxially with said rail and carries spokes 83 fixed on the internal generator of the helical rail 80 for example every 90 degrees.
  • the rail helical 80 is made of a metallic material and a system of defrost (not shown) can in some cases be installed inside to avoid the formation of frost
  • the upper end of the helical rail 80 is straight and is located in below the inlet orifice 4 so as to receive the cooling elements 10 which fall by gravity, are positioned astride the generator upper 81 of the rail and are guided laterally by the side walls of the airlock 40 which extend on either side of said rail 80.
  • the lower end of the helical rail 80 is also rectilinear to correctly position the refrigerating elements 10 relative to the third transfer means 9 which will be described below.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the cooling element 10, seen in plan. Its description detailed appears in the publication FR-A-2 745 933. It is presented under the shape of a substantially parallelepiped plate and comprises, in particular, a slot 11 delimiting two legs 12 and 13, this slot having a width substantially greater than the thickness of the helical rail 80 narrowing towards the bottom. This slot 11 is located under a through hole 14 where the contact zone 15 with the upper generator 81 of the helical rail 80.
  • the particular construction form of the cooling elements 10 means that the center of gravity of the cooling element 10 is below this point 15 and is axially offset from the side of the widest tab 13 and the thicker of the cooling element 10 so as to balance the distribution of the substance contained in the cooling element 10 between the legs 12 and 13.
  • This substance is a eutectic mixture the melting point of which is example equal to -23 ° C.
  • the third transfer means 9 comprises a guide tube 90 extending inside the insulated box 60 of bottom to top, from the bottom of the insulated box to the outlet orifice 7. It defines a inner chute 91 of rectangular section whose dimensions correspond at least to the largest section of the cooling elements 10 and arranged to receive these elements in a vertical position superimposed on each other.
  • the lower part of this guide tube 90 comprises a window 92 arranged perpendicular to the lower end of the rail helical 80.
  • This third transfer means 9 also includes a lifting member 93 arranged to lift said cooling elements 10 superimposed inside the guide tube 90 and allow the addition of a new cooling element 10 coming from the helical rail 80 through the window 92.
  • the lifting member 93 has a retractable nose 94 articulated at the end a slide 95 mounted in a support 96 arranged in parallel and at the rear of the guide tube 90.
  • This slide 95 is driven by a movement back-and-forth alternative translation between a low position, represented by Figures 6A and 6C, and a high position, shown in Figure 6B.
  • the nose 94 is movable between two positions, an extended position, represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B, where it projects inside the guide tube 90 on the way out and a retracted position, represented by FIG. 6C, where it is retracted to inside the support 96 on the return.
  • a stop 97 consisting of a rod is mounted on the slide 95 at the back of the nose 94 to limit its rotation in its extended position.
  • This articulated nose 94 has a shape substantially triangular in such a way that in the extended position, its upper face is substantially horizontal and, in the retracted position, its underside is substantially vertical, the two faces defining between them an acute angle.
  • the slide 95 is moved for example by a jack (not shown) or by any other equivalent means, controlled by a control unit such than a push button or a sensitive button provided in table 22 of the desk 21 or by microswitch 32a of the presence detector 30 in as part of an exchange of refrigerants 10.
  • the outlet orifice 7 includes an airlock 70 passing through the upper wall 61 of the watertight box 60 right through that a watertight door 71 arranged to open under the pressure of an element refrigerant 10 pushed by the other refrigerating elements stored in the guide tube 90 and raised by the lifting member 93.
  • the watertight door 71 is slidably mounted in an inclined support 72, arranged outside the watertight box 60. It has at its end closing the outlet orifice 7 a bevelled face 73 arranged to generate a backward movement of the door 71 under the effect of the thrust of the cooling element 10.
  • the orifice of outlet 7 is arranged along a substantially vertical axis and the inclined support 72 forms an acute angle with the axis of this outlet orifice 7.
  • the operation and use of the element dispensing device 1 10 refrigerants are particularly simple. Before the commissioning of this appliance, the refrigeration and storage module 6 is filled with elements refrigerants 10 loaded with frigories which can be stored beforehand on pallet in freezers. Through an access door (not shown), these refrigerating elements 10 can be placed directly on the helical rail 80 and in the guide tube 90.
  • the button or control key sends signals to the cylinder which generates an alternative movement of the slide 95.
  • position rest (fig. 6A)
  • the latter In position rest (fig. 6A), the latter is in the low position.
  • it When it is moved, it performs a cycle including an upward movement followed by a backward movement to return to its rest position. In his forward movement, from its low position (fig. 6A) to its high position (fig.
  • the nose 94 being protruding in the guide tube 90, it raises with it the column of refrigerating elements 10 contained in this tube by bringing out the upper one through the outlet orifice 7. Simultaneously, the window 92 is clear and can receive automatically and by gravity a new element refrigerant 10 coming from the helical rail 80 (fig. 6B).
  • This nose 94 is arranged so that it fits into the slot 11 of the cooling element 10 disposed in the window 92 of the guide tube 90. When lifting, the nose 94 is supported in the contact zone 15 of the through hole 14 of said cooling element 10. Its upper face is substantially horizontal to allow it to exert a lifting force in the axis of the guide tube 90.
  • the extended position of this nose 94 is defined by the rod 97 which limits its rotation by forming a rear stop.
  • slide 95 arrives in high position (fig. 6B), its movement is reversed and it descends in low position.
  • the underside of the nose 94 abuts against the cooling elements 10 contained in the tube guide 90 and automatically causes the nose 94 to rotate in its retracted or retracted position inside the support 96 so as to disengage the nose from the guide tube 90.
  • the slide 95 can, if necessary, carry out a new cycle to eject a new element refrigerant 10.
  • This transfer means 9 being arranged in the module refrigeration and storage 6, the refrigerating elements 10 stored in the guide tube 90 remain at the same temperature.
  • the user wants to recycle refrigerant elements discharged in frigories, it introduces them into the inlet 3 after having positioned them correctly.
  • the refrigerating elements 10 descend one by one, by gravity, along the inclined ramp 50 to the outlet orifice 4.
  • the presence detector 30, located behind the inlet 3 sends automatically signals to the ram of the slide 95 to realize the exchange of cooling elements 10 as well as the motor 55 which controls the cleaning and disinfection mechanism, namely the rotation of the brushes 53 and simultaneously spraying with a disinfectant liquid.
  • the refrigerating elements 10 to be recycled are cleaned and disinfected before they are introduction into the refrigeration and storage module 6 through the orifice 4. This avoids any contamination with the area of refrigeration.
  • the input and disinfection module 2 is completely separate and isolated from the refrigeration and storage module 6.
  • the equipment electrical and electronic devices provided in this module can be standard equipment.
  • the invention makes it possible to reach all the set goals and, in particular, that the particular arrangement of the two modules 2 and 6 as well as the positioning of the inlet 4 and outlet 7 ports in part height of the insulated box 60 considerably increase the refrigeration power.

Abstract

The invention concerns a dispensing apparatus (1) with high refrigerating power, for delivering to users refrigerating elements (10) capable of diffusing frigories over a relatively great lapse of time so as to avoid interrupting the cold chain, comprising an input and disinfecting module (2) arranged above the refrigerating and storage module (6). The input (4) and output (7) orifices of the refrigerating and storage module are located substantially in the same plane and in the upper part of the docule which further includes third transfer mechanism (9) designed to lift the refrigerating elements towards the output orifice.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un appareil distributeur d'éléments réfrigérants rechargeables, notamment de plaques ou de sachets contenant une substance formulée pour accumuler des frigories, comprenant au moins :

  • un module d'entrée et de désinfection desdits éléments réfrigérants pourvu d'un orifice d'entrée, d'un orifice de sortie et d'un premier moyen de transfert desdits éléments entre les deux orifices, et
  • un module de réfrigération et de stockage desdits éléments réfrigérants pourvu d'un caisson isolé, d'un dispositif générateur de froid agencé pour charger en frigories lesdits éléments réfrigérants, d'un orifice d'entrée correspondant à l'orifice de sortie dudit module d'entrée et de désinfection, d'un orifice de sortie, lesdits orifices traversant une paroi dudit caisson isolé et d'un deuxième moyen de transfert pour transporter par gravité lesdits éléments réfrigérants à recycler à l'intérieur dudit module de réfrigération et de stockage.
The present invention relates to a device for dispensing rechargeable refrigerating elements, in particular plates or sachets containing a substance formulated to accumulate frigories, comprising at least:
  • an inlet and disinfection module for said refrigerating elements provided with an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice and a first means for transferring said elements between the two orifices, and
  • a refrigeration and storage module for said refrigerating elements provided with an insulated box, a cold generating device arranged to charge the said refrigerating elements with frigories, an inlet orifice corresponding to the outlet orifice of said module entry and disinfection, an outlet orifice, said orifices passing through a wall of said insulated box and a second transfer means for transporting by gravity said refrigerant elements to be recycled inside said refrigeration and storage module.

Technique antérieurePrior art

II est rappelé que le respect de la température de conservation des produits surgelés est fondamental car le développement des micro-organismes peut être extrêmement rapide et dangereux pour la santé. En effet, pour des produits sensibles, tels que le steak haché, on ne doit déceler aucune présence, même infime, de micro-organismes dangereux pour la santé ou de toxines. A -10°C, l'arrêt de la multiplication bactérienne est total. Les risques de trouver des bactéries et toxines pathogènes sont inexistants jusqu'à +3°C. Au-delà, les redoutables salmonelles (+5°C) et staphylocoques dorés (+6°C) peuvent pulluler dangereusement. Seul un respect scrupuleux de la chaíne du froid élimine les risques. It is recalled that compliance with the product storage temperature frozen is fundamental because the development of microorganisms can be extremely fast and dangerous to health. Indeed, for sensitive products, such as ground beef, there should be no presence, even minute, of micro-organisms dangerous to health or toxins. At -10 ° C, the bacterial multiplication is stopped. The risks to find pathogenic bacteria and toxins are nonexistent up to + 3 ° C. Beyond that, the fearsome salmonella (+ 5 ° C) and golden staphylococci (+ 6 ° C) can swarm dangerously. Only a scrupulous respect for the chain of cold eliminates the risks.

Pour que cette chaíne du froid soit respectée jusqu'au domicile des consommateurs pendant un laps de temps suffisamment long, et ce même en cas de forte chaleur en période d'été, le consommateur peut à présent placer un ou plusieurs éléments réfrigérants dans son sac isotherme contenant les produits surgelés ou frais qu'il vient d'acheter. Cet ou ces éléments réfrigérants chargés en frigories à -18°C diffusent les frigories à l'intérieur du sac isotherme. Ceci permet de maintenir la température des produits en évitant ainsi la rupture de la chaíne du froid. Pour permettre au consommateur d'acheter ou de se procurer un élément réfrigérant chargé en frigories, un appareil distributeur, tel que défini ci-dessus et connu par la publication FR-A-2 745 933, a été rnis au point. II permet de distribuer et de recycler ces éléments réfrigérants. On trouve cet appareil distributeur principalement dans les grands magasins à proximité des rayons de produits surgelés. Dans le cadre de cette application, la température de réfrigération à -18°C est suffisante.So that this cold chain is respected as far as the homes of consumers for a sufficiently long period of time, even in in case of high heat in summer, the consumer can now place one or more cooling elements in its cooler bag containing the frozen or fresh products he just bought. This or these elements refrigerants charged with frigories at -18 ° C diffuse the frigories inside the cooler bag. This maintains the temperature of the products in thus avoiding the rupture of the cold chain. To allow the consumer to purchase or procure a refrigerant loaded with frigories, a dispensing device, as defined above and known by the publication FR-A-2 745 933, has been finalized. It allows to distribute and recycle these refrigerants. We find this dispenser mainly in department stores near product shelves frozen. In this application, the refrigeration temperature at -18 ° C is sufficient.

Cette technologie particulièrement simple, économique et non polluante peut être utilisée en amont de la distribution, notamment pour supprimer l'utilisation de la neige carbonique dans le transport des produits surgelés. Dans cette application, on a besoin d'éléments réfrigérants ayant un volume plus important ainsi qu'une charge en frigories beaucoup plus grande. A cet effet, il convient de descendre la température de réfrigération à l'intérieur du module de réfrigération et de stockage par exemple jusqu'à -35°C.This particularly simple, economical and non-polluting technology can be used upstream of distribution, in particular to eliminate use carbon dioxide snow in the transport of frozen products. In this application, we need refrigerants with more volume important as well as a much greater load in frigories. To this end, it lower the refrigeration temperature inside the module refrigeration and storage for example down to -35 ° C.

L'appareil distributeur tel qu'il est connu ne permet pas d'atteindre cet objectif, notamment à cause des déperditions de froid au niveau de l'orifice de sortie qui se trouve en partie basse du distributeur.The dispensing device as it is known does not achieve this objective, especially due to the loss of cold at the outlet which is located in the lower part of the dispenser.

Exposé de l'inventionStatement of the invention

La présente invention vise à pallier cet inconvénient en proposant un appareil distributeur d'éléments réfrigérants à haute capacité de réfrigération permettant de distribuer et de recycler des éléments réfrigérants destinés à être placés notamment dans les caisses de transport des produits surgelés afin de garantir le respect de la chaíne du froid du distributeur au domicile du consommateur, par exemple.The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing an apparatus distributor of refrigerants with high refrigeration capacity for distributing and recycling refrigerants intended for be placed in particular in the transport boxes of frozen products in order to guarantee compliance with the cold chain from the distributor to the home of the consumer, for example.

Dans ce but, l'invention concerne un appareil distributeur d'éléments réfrigérants tel que défini en préambule et caractérisé
en ce que le module d'entrée et de désinfection est disposé au-dessus dudit module de réfrigération et de stockage,
en ce que les orifices d'entrée et de sortie dudit module de réfrigération et de stockage sont situés en partie haute de ce module,
et en ce que le module de réfrigération et de stockage comporte un troisième moyen de transfert agencé pour remonter lesdits éléments réfrigérants vers l'orifice de sortie.To this end, the invention relates to a device for dispensing refrigerants as defined in the preamble and characterized
in that the input and disinfection module is arranged above said refrigeration and storage module,
in that the inlet and outlet openings of said refrigeration and storage module are located in the upper part of this module,
and in that the refrigeration and storage module comprises a third transfer means arranged to raise said refrigerating elements towards the outlet orifice.

De préférence, les orifices d'entrée et de sortie du module de réfrigération et de stockage sont situés sensiblement dans le même plan.Preferably, the inlet and outlet ports of the refrigeration module and are located substantially in the same plane.

Dans une forme de réalisation préférée de l'invention, le premier moyen de transfert comporte une rampe inclinée agencée pour transférer par gravité les éléments réfrigérants dudit orifice d'entrée audit orifice de sortie.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first means of transfer comprises an inclined ramp arranged to transfer by gravity the cooling elements from said inlet orifice to said outlet orifice.

Le module d'entrée et de désinfection peut avantageusement comporter un dispositif de nettoyage comprenant deux brosses circulaires disposées symétriquement par rapport à ladite rampe inclinée, sur le parcours desdits éléments réfrigérants, chaque brosse étant montée sur un plateau tournant entraíné par une motorisation.The input and disinfection module can advantageously include a cleaning device comprising two circular brushes arranged symmetrically with respect to said inclined ramp, on the path of said cooling elements, each brush being mounted on a turntable driven by a motorization.

L'orifice d'entrée peut également comporter un détecteur de présence agencé pour transmettre un signal à la motorisation du dispositif de nettoyage quand un élément réfrigérant est détecté, ce détecteur de présence pouvant comporter un doigt coudé articulé soumis à un ressort de rappel agencé pour que son extrémité libre se situe à l'arrière dudit orifice d'entrée sur le trajet des éléments réfrigérants et au moins un micro-interrupteur.The inlet orifice can also include a presence detector arranged to transmit a signal to the motorization of the cleaning device when a cooling element is detected, this presence detector can have a bent articulated finger subjected to a return spring arranged to that its free end is at the rear of said entry port on the path cooling elements and at least one microswitch.

D'une manière préférentielle, l'orifice d'entrée du module de réfrigération et de stockage comporte une porte étanche constituée d'une languette souple agencée pour s'ouvrir sous le poids d'un élément réfrigérant.Preferably, the inlet of the refrigeration module and of storage has a watertight door consisting of a flexible tab arranged to open under the weight of a cooling element.

Dans la forme de réalisation préférée, le deuxième moyen de transfert est constitué d'un rail hélicoïdal s'étendant à l'intérieur du caisson de son orifice d'entrée en partie haute vers la partie basse, ce rail étant agencé pour recevoir lesdits éléments réfrigérants en position sensiblement verticale et disposés à cheval sur sa génératrice supérieure. Dans ce cas, l'orifice d'entrée du module de stockage et de réfrigération est disposé selon un axe sensiblement vertical et la rampe inclinée du premier moyen de transfert forme un angle aigu avec l'axe de cet orifice d'entrée.In the preferred embodiment, the second transfer means is consisting of a helical rail extending inside the box of its orifice from the upper part to the lower part, this rail being arranged for receiving said cooling elements in a substantially vertical position and arranged astride its upper generator. In this case, the orifice of the storage and refrigeration module is arranged along an axis substantially vertical and the inclined ramp of the first transfer means forms an acute angle with the axis of this inlet orifice.

Selon le mode de réalisation préféré, le troisième moyen de transfert comporte un tube de guidage s'étendant à l'intérieur du caisson, de sa partie basse à son orifice de sortie en partie haute, et agencé pour recevoir les éléments réfrigérants en position verticale superposés, la partie inférieure de ce tube de guidage comportant une fenêtre disposée en regard de l'extrémité inférieure du rail ainsi qu'un organe de levage agencé pour soulever lesdits éléments réfrigérants superposés à l'intérieur dudit tube de guidage et pour permettre l'ajout d'un nouvel élément réfrigérant en provenance dudit rail hélicoïdal, l'extrémité inférieure du rail hélicoïdal étant rectiligne et disposée sensiblement perpendiculairement à la fenêtre dudit tube de guidage.According to the preferred embodiment, the third transfer means has a guide tube extending inside the box, of its part low at its outlet in the upper part, and arranged to receive the refrigerating elements in vertical position superimposed, the lower part of this guide tube comprising a window arranged opposite the end bottom of the rail as well as a lifting member arranged to lift said cooling elements superimposed inside said guide tube and for allow the addition of a new cooling element from said rail helical, the lower end of the helical rail being straight and arranged substantially perpendicular to the window of said guide tube.

L'organe de levage peut comporter un nez escamotable articulé à l'extrémité d'un coulisseau monté dans un support disposé en parallèle et à l'arrière du tube de guidage, ce coulisseau étant animé d'un mouvement de translation alternatif aller-retour entre une position basse et une position haute, le nez étant mobile entre deux positions, une position sortie où il fait saillie à l'intérieur du tube de guidage à l'aller et une position rentrée où il est escamoté à l'intérieur du support au retour, et l'organe de levage comportant une butée agencée pour limiter la rotation du nez articulé dans sa position sortie.The lifting member may include a retractable nose hinged at the end a slide mounted in a support arranged in parallel and behind the guide tube, this slide being driven in a translational movement back and forth between a low position and a high position, the nose being movable between two positions, an extended position where it projects the inside of the guide tube to go and a retracted position where it is retracted inside the support on the return, and the lifting member comprising a stop arranged to limit the rotation of the articulated nose in its position exit.

Dans la forme de réalisation préférée, le nez articulé présente une forme sensiblement triangulaire de telle manière qu'en position sortie sa face supérieure soit sensiblement horizontale et qu'en position rentrée sa face inférieure soit sensiblement verticale, les deux faces définissant entre elles un angle aigu.In the preferred embodiment, the articulated nose has a shape substantially triangular in such a way that in the extended position its face upper is substantially horizontal and in the retracted position its face lower is substantially vertical, the two faces defining between them a acute angle.

Avantageusement, l'orifice de sortie comporte une porte étanche agencée pour s'ouvrir sous la poussée d'un élément réfrigérant stocké dans le tube de guidage, cette porte étanche étant montée coulissante dans un support incliné disposé à l'extérieur dudit caisson étanche et comportant à son extrémité obturant ledit orifice de sortie une face biseautée agencée pour générer un mouvement de recul sous l'effet de la poussée dudit élément réfrigérant. Dans ce cas, l'orifice de sortie est de préférence disposé selon un axe sensiblement vertical et le support incliné forme un angle aigu avec l'axe de cet orifice de sortie.Advantageously, the outlet orifice comprises a sealed door arranged to open under the pressure of a cooling element stored in the tube guide, this watertight door being slidably mounted in a support inclined arranged outside said waterproof case and comprising at its end closing said outlet orifice a beveled face arranged for generate a backward movement under the effect of the thrust of said element refrigerant. In this case, the outlet orifice is preferably arranged in a substantially vertical axis and the inclined support forms an acute angle with the axis from this outlet.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

La présente invention et ses avantages apparaítront mieux dans la description suivante d'un exemple de réalisation, non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective de l'appareil distributeur selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue latérale en coupe de l'appareil de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue de détail du module d'entrée et de désinfection,
  • les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues de détail de l'orifice d'entrée du module de réfrigération et de stockage respectivement fermé et ouvert,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de détail du rail de stockage dans le module de réfrigération et de stockage,
  • les figures 6A, 6B et 6C sont des vues de détail du troisième moyen de transfert,
  • les figures 7A et 7B sont des vues de détail de l'orifice de sortie du module de réfrigération et de stockage respectivement fermé et ouvert, et
  • la figure 8 représente une vue de face de l'élément réfrigérant selon l'invention.
The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of an exemplary embodiment, without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the dispensing device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a side view in section of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the input and disinfection module,
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are detailed views of the inlet opening of the refrigeration and storage module, respectively closed and open,
  • FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the storage rail in the refrigeration and storage module,
  • FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are detailed views of the third transfer means,
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are detailed views of the outlet orifice of the refrigeration and storage module, respectively closed and open, and
  • FIG. 8 represents a front view of the refrigerating element according to the invention.

Meilleure manière de réaliser l'inventionBest way to realize the invention

En référence aux figures 1 et 2, l'appareil distributeur 1 selon l'invention, agencé pour distribuer des éléments réfrigérants 10 et recharger en frigories des éléments réfrigérants à recycler, comprend les deux modules suivants superposés :

  • en partie supérieure, un module d'entrée et de désinfection 2 desdits éléments réfrigérants pourvu d'un orifice d'entrée 3, d'un orifice de sortie 4 et d'un premier moyen de transfert 5 desdits éléments entre les deux orifices, et
  • en partie inférieure, un module de réfrigération et de stockage 6 desdits éléments réfrigérants pourvu d'un caisson isolé 60, d'un dispositif générateur de froid (non représenté) agencé pour charger en frigories lesdits éléments réfrigérants 10, d'un orifice d'entrée 4 correspondant à l'orifice de sortie dudit module d'entrée et de désinfection 2, d'un orifice de sortie 7, lesdits orifices traversant une paroi dudit caisson isolé 60, d'un deuxième moyen de transfert 8 pour transporter lesdits éléments réfrigérants 10 à recycler à l'intérieur dudit module de réfrigération et de stockage 6 par gravité, et d'un troisième moyen de transfert 9 agencé pour remonter lesdits éléments réfrigérants 10 du deuxième moyen de transfert 8 vers l'orifice de sortie 7.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispensing device 1 according to the invention, arranged to dispense refrigerating elements 10 and recharge the refrigerating elements to be recycled with frigories, comprises the following two superimposed modules:
  • in the upper part, an inlet and disinfection module 2 of said refrigerating elements provided with an inlet orifice 3, an outlet orifice 4 and a first means 5 for transferring said elements between the two orifices, and
  • in the lower part, a refrigeration and storage module 6 of said refrigerating elements provided with an insulated box 60, a cold generating device (not shown) arranged to charge the said cooling elements 10 with frigories, an orifice inlet 4 corresponding to the outlet orifice of said inlet and disinfection module 2, of an outlet orifice 7, said orifices passing through a wall of said insulated box 60, of a second transfer means 8 for transporting said cooling elements 10 to be recycled inside said refrigeration and storage module 6 by gravity, and a third transfer means 9 arranged to reassemble said refrigerating elements 10 from the second transfer means 8 to the outlet orifice 7.

Le module de réfrigération et de stockage 6, de forme sensiblement cubique, repose sur le sol par des pieds 61 et comporte un dispositif générateur de froid (non représenté) comprenant de manière traditionnelle un compresseur, un évaporateur, un condenseur et un bac de récupération. Ce module 6 reçoit au-dessus de lui le module d'entrée et de désinfection 2, pour former ainsi un appareil compact. Ce module d'entrée 2 est caréné par une tôle pliée 20 définissant en face avant un pupitre 21. On trouve sur ce pupitre 21 l'orifice d'entrée 3 en haut à droite, l'orifice de sortie 7 en partie médiane à droite et un tableau de commande et de communication 22, comportant par exemple les boutons de commande et les témoins lumineux pour le fonctionnement de l'appareil distributeur 1 et indiquant par exemple l'orifice d'entrée 3 par une flèche et toutes les informations utiles pour l'utilisation dudit appareil distributeur 1.The refrigeration and storage module 6, of substantially cubic shape, rests on the ground by feet 61 and includes a device for generating cold (not shown) conventionally comprising a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and a recovery tank. This module 6 receives above it the input and disinfection module 2, thus forming a compact device. This input module 2 is faired by a folded sheet 20 defining on the front face a console 21. On this console 21 there is the orifice inlet 3 at the top right, the outlet port 7 in the middle part to the right and a control and communication panel 22, comprising for example control buttons and indicator lights for the operation of the dispensing device 1 and indicating for example the inlet orifice 3 by a arrow and all the information useful for the use of said device distributor 1.

Sur la figure 2, il apparaít clairement que les orifices d'entrée 4 et de sortie 7 du module de réfrigération et de stockage 6 sont situés sensiblement dans le même plan et en partie supérieure. Ils traversent la paroi supérieure 61 du caisson isolé 60 selon des axes sensiblement verticaux. Cet agencement particulier des orifices d'entrée 4 et de sortie 7 en partie haute du caisson isolé 60, combiné avec la forme cubique de ce caisson, évite avantageusement les déperditions de froid et, en conséquence, favorise l'augmentation de la température de réfrigération par exemple jusqu'à -35°C.In Figure 2, it is clear that the inlet 4 and outlet 7 of the refrigeration and storage module 6 are located substantially in the same plan and in the upper part. They cross the upper wall 61 of the insulated box 60 along substantially vertical axes. This arrangement particular of the inlet 4 and outlet 7 ports in the upper part of the box insulated 60, combined with the cubic shape of this box, avoids advantageously the losses of cold and, consequently, favors increasing the refrigeration temperature, for example down to -35 ° C.

En référence également à la figure 3, le module d'entrée et de désinfection 2 comporte un premier moyen de transfert 5 constitué d'une rampe inclinée 50 formant un rail en U de largeur sensiblement équivalente à celle des éléments réfrigérants 10. Cette rampe inclinée 50 s'étend de l'orifice d'entrée 3 en partie haute jusqu'à proximité de l'orifice d'entrée 4, en partie basse, et forme un angle aigu, par exemple égal à 45°, avec l'axe de cet orifice 4. Ainsi, les éléments réfrigérants 10 sont transférés entre ces deux orifices par simple gravité en glissant le long de cette rampe inclinée 50. L'extrémité inférieure de cette rampe inclinée 50 comporte deux joues latérales 51 agencées pour guider latéralement les éléments réfrigérants 10 quand ils quittent la rampe inclinée 50 pour s'introduire dans l'orifice d'entrée 4 et passent d'une position inclinée à une position sensiblement verticale par simple gravité.With reference also to FIG. 3, the input and disinfection module 2 comprises a first transfer means 5 consisting of an inclined ramp 50 forming a U-shaped rail with a width substantially equivalent to that of the elements refrigerants 10. This inclined ramp 50 extends from the inlet 3 upper part near the inlet orifice 4, lower part, and form an acute angle, for example equal to 45 °, with the axis of this orifice 4. Thus, the cooling elements 10 are transferred between these two orifices by simple gravity by sliding along this inclined ramp 50. The lower end of this inclined ramp 50 comprises two lateral cheeks 51 arranged to laterally guide the cooling elements 10 when they leave the rail inclined 50 to enter the inlet 4 and pass from a position inclined to a substantially vertical position by simple gravity.

Sur le trajet des éléments réfrigérants 10, le long de cette rampe inclinée 50, est prévu un dispositif de nettoyage et de désinfection 52. Ce dispositif 52 comprend, dans l'exemple représenté, deux brosses circulaires 53 disposées symétriquement par rapport à la rampe inclinée 50, chaque brosse 53 étant montée sur un plateau tournant 54 entraíné en synchronisme par une motorisation 55. Les éléments réfrigérants 10 se déplacent le long de la rampe inclinée 50, d'une part, par gravité et, d'autre part, sous l'effet de la rotation des brosses 53. Un réservoir de liquide désinfectant 56 est également prévu pour asperger lesdits éléments réfrigérants 10 au moyen d'une buse 57 dont le jet est dirigé vers les brosses 53. Bien entendu, tout autre mécanisme de nettoyage et de désinfection peut être envisagé.On the path of the cooling elements 10, along this inclined ramp 50, a cleaning and disinfection device 52 is provided. This device 52 comprises, in the example shown, two circular brushes 53 arranged symmetrically with respect to the inclined ramp 50, each brush 53 being mounted on a turntable 54 driven in synchronism by a motorization 55. The refrigerating elements 10 move along the inclined ramp 50, on the one hand, by gravity and, on the other hand, under the effect of the brush rotation 53. A disinfectant liquid tank 56 is also provided for spraying said cooling elements 10 by means of a nozzle 57 whose jet is directed towards the brushes 53. Of course, any other mechanism cleaning and disinfection can be considered.

L'orifice d'entrée 3 présente une ouverture de section équivalente à la section transversale des éléments réfrigérants 10 introduits horizontalement. Volontairement, cette section transversale n'est pas symétrique par rapport à l'axe médian des éléments réfrigérants 10 de manière à les orienter correctement dans l'appareil 1. A l'arrière de cet orifice d'entrée 3 est prévu un détecteur de présence 30 comportant un doigt 31 coudé, articulé et agencé pour que son extrémité libre se situe sur le trajet des éléments réfrigérants 10, ainsi qu'au moins un micro-interrupteur 32a agencé pour transmettre un signal aux moyens d'actionnement du coulisseau de l'organe de levage décrit ci-après, de manière à réaliser l'échange d'éléments réfrigérants 10. A cet effet, le doigt 31 est prolongé par une tige d'actionnement 33 qui vient déclencher le micro-interrupteur 32a seulement quand le doigt 31 est poussé par un élément réfrigérant 10 conforme à l'invention et disposé dans le bon sens, c'est-à-dire la forme en U en avant. Bien entendu, d'autres moyens de détection peuvent être prévus, comme par exemple des détecteurs optiques.The inlet 3 has a section opening equivalent to the section transverse cooling elements 10 introduced horizontally. Voluntarily, this cross section is not symmetrical with respect to the center line of the cooling elements 10 so as to orient them correctly in the device 1. At the rear of this inlet 3 is provided a presence detector 30 comprising a bent finger 31, articulated and arranged so that its free end is located on the path of the cooling elements 10, as well as at least one microswitch 32a arranged to transmit a signal to the means for actuating the slide of the lifting member described below, so as to exchange the cooling elements 10. At this effect, the finger 31 is extended by an actuating rod 33 which comes trigger microswitch 32a only when finger 31 is pushed by a cooling element 10 according to the invention and arranged in the correct meaning, that is, the forward U-shape. Of course, other means of detection may be provided, such as for example optical detectors.

II est également prévu un deuxième micro-interrupteur 32b agencé pour transmettre un signal au moteur 55 du dispositif de nettoyage 52 quand un élément réfrigérant 10 est détecté.A second microswitch 32b is also provided, arranged to transmit a signal to the motor 55 of the cleaning device 52 when a refrigerant 10 is detected.

En référence plus particulièrement aux figures 4A et 4B, l'orifice d'entrée 4 du module de réfrigération et de stockage 6 comporte un sas 40 de forme parallélépipédique monté dans une ouverture de forme correspondante prévue dans la paroi supérieure 61 du caisson isolé 60. Ce sas 40 dépasse de part et d'autre de cette paroi 61 et comporte une porte étanche 41 disposée à son extrémité située à l'intérieur du caisson isolé 60. Cette porte étanche 41 est constituée par une languette souple dont un bord est solidaire du sas 40 et le bord opposé ferme le sas 40 en position repos, représentée par la figure 4A. Cette languette souple 41 est inclinée par rapport à l'axe vertical du sas 40 d'un angle aigu par exemple égal à 45° et est agencée pour s'ouvrir sous le poids d'un élément réfrigérant 10 introduit dans le sas 40, représentée par la figure 4B.With particular reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the inlet port 4 of the refrigeration and storage module 6 has an airlock 40 of form parallelepiped mounted in a correspondingly shaped opening provided in the upper wall 61 of the insulated box 60. This airlock 40 exceeds on either side of this wall 61 and has a sealed door 41 disposed at its end located inside the insulated box 60. This door waterproof 41 is constituted by a flexible tongue, one edge of which is integral of the airlock 40 and the opposite edge closes the airlock 40 in the rest position, shown by Figure 4A. This flexible tongue 41 is inclined relative to the axis vertical of the airlock 40 at an acute angle, for example equal to 45 ° and is arranged for open under the weight of a cooling element 10 introduced into the airlock 40, shown in Figure 4B.

Au droit de cet orifice d'entrée 4, se trouve l'extrémité supérieure d'un rail hélicoïdal 80 formant le deuxième moyen de transfert 8 agencé pour transporter et stocker lesdits éléments réfrigérants 10 à l'intérieur du module de stockage et de réfrigération 6. Ce rail hélicoïdal 80 de forme plane et à pas constant s'étend à l'intérieur du caisson du haut vers le bas, de son orifice d'entrée 4 vers le fond du caisson isolé 60. Les spires qui composent ce rail hélicoïdal 80 font un angle compris entre 18° et 25° environ avec l'horizontale. Pour supporter ce rail hélicoïdal 80, un tube de support 82 est monté dans le caisson isolé 60 coaxialement audit rail et porte des rayons 83 fixés sur la génératrice intérieure du rail hélicoïdal 80 par exemple tous les 90 degrés. Bien entendu, d'autres moyens de fixation peuvent être envisagés. Le rail hélicoïdal 80 est réalisé dans un matériau métallique et un système de dégivrage (non représenté) peut dans certains cas être installé à l'intérieur pour éviter la formation de givreTo the right of this inlet orifice 4 is the upper end of a rail helical 80 forming the second transfer means 8 arranged for transport and store said cooling elements 10 inside the module storage and refrigeration 6. This helical rail 80 of flat shape and pitch constant extends inside the box from top to bottom, from its orifice inlet 4 towards the bottom of the insulated box 60. The turns that make up this rail helical 80 make an angle between approximately 18 ° and 25 ° with the horizontal. To support this helical rail 80, a support tube 82 is mounted in the insulated box 60 coaxially with said rail and carries spokes 83 fixed on the internal generator of the helical rail 80 for example every 90 degrees. Of course, other fixing means can be envisaged. The rail helical 80 is made of a metallic material and a system of defrost (not shown) can in some cases be installed inside to avoid the formation of frost

L'extrémité supérieure du rail hélicoïdal 80 est rectiligne et se situe en dessous de l'orifice d'entrée 4 de manière à recevoir les éléments réfrigérants 10 qui tombent par gravité, se positionnent à cheval sur la génératrice supérieure 81 du rail et sont guidés latéralement par les parois latérales du sas 40 qui se prolongent de part et d'autre dudit rail 80. L'extrémité inférieure du rail hélicoïdal 80 est également rectiligne pour positionner correctement les éléments réfrigérants 10 par rapport au troisième moyen de transfert 9 qui sera décrit ci-après.The upper end of the helical rail 80 is straight and is located in below the inlet orifice 4 so as to receive the cooling elements 10 which fall by gravity, are positioned astride the generator upper 81 of the rail and are guided laterally by the side walls of the airlock 40 which extend on either side of said rail 80. The lower end of the helical rail 80 is also rectilinear to correctly position the refrigerating elements 10 relative to the third transfer means 9 which will be described below.

Ce rail hélicoïdal 80 permet de stocker les éléments réfrigérants 10 en position sensiblement verticale, les uns derrière les autres, se déplaçant par gravité. La figure 8 illustre l'élément réfrigérant 10, vue en plan. Sa description détaillée figure dans la publication FR-A-2 745 933. Il se présente sous la forme d'une plaque sensiblement parallélépipédique et comporte, notamment, une fente 11 délimitant deux pattes 12 et 13, cette fente ayant une largeur sensiblement supérieure à l'épaisseur du rail hélicoïdal 80 se rétrécissant vers le bas. Cette fente 11 se situe sous un orifice traversant 14 où se trouve la zone de contact 15 avec la génératrice supérieure 81 du rail hélicoïdal 80. La forme de construction particulière des éléments réfrigérants 10 fait que le centre de gravité de l'élément réfrigérant 10 se situe au-dessous de ce point d'appui 15 et est décalé axialement du côté de la patte 13 la plus large et la plus épaisse de l'élément réfrigérant 10 de manière à équilibrer la répartition de la substance contenue dans l'élément réfrigérant 10 entre les pattes 12 et 13. Cette substance est un mélange eutectique dont le point de fusion est par exemple égal à -23°C. This helical rail 80 makes it possible to store the cooling elements 10 in substantially vertical position, one behind the other, moving by gravity. FIG. 8 illustrates the cooling element 10, seen in plan. Its description detailed appears in the publication FR-A-2 745 933. It is presented under the shape of a substantially parallelepiped plate and comprises, in particular, a slot 11 delimiting two legs 12 and 13, this slot having a width substantially greater than the thickness of the helical rail 80 narrowing towards the bottom. This slot 11 is located under a through hole 14 where the contact zone 15 with the upper generator 81 of the helical rail 80. The particular construction form of the cooling elements 10 means that the center of gravity of the cooling element 10 is below this point 15 and is axially offset from the side of the widest tab 13 and the thicker of the cooling element 10 so as to balance the distribution of the substance contained in the cooling element 10 between the legs 12 and 13. This substance is a eutectic mixture the melting point of which is example equal to -23 ° C.

En référence aux figures 6A, 6B et 6C, le troisième moyen de transfert 9 comporte un tube de guidage 90 s'étendant à l'intérieur du caisson isolé 60 de bas en haut, du fond du caisson isolé à l'orifice de sortie 7. Il définit une goulotte intérieure 91 de section rectangulaire dont les dimensions correspondent au moins à la plus grande section des éléments réfrigérants 10 et agencée pour recevoir ces éléments en position verticale superposés les uns sur les autres. La partie inférieure de ce tube de guidage 90 comporte une fenêtre 92 disposée perpendiculairement à l'extrémité inférieure du rail hélicoïdal 80. Ce troisième moyen de transfert 9 comporte également un organe de levage 93 agencé pour soulever lesdits éléments réfrigérants 10 superposés à l'intérieur du tube de guidage 90 et permettre l'ajout d'un nouvel élément réfrigérant 10 en provenance du rail hélicoïdal 80 par la fenêtre 92.With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the third transfer means 9 comprises a guide tube 90 extending inside the insulated box 60 of bottom to top, from the bottom of the insulated box to the outlet orifice 7. It defines a inner chute 91 of rectangular section whose dimensions correspond at least to the largest section of the cooling elements 10 and arranged to receive these elements in a vertical position superimposed on each other. The lower part of this guide tube 90 comprises a window 92 arranged perpendicular to the lower end of the rail helical 80. This third transfer means 9 also includes a lifting member 93 arranged to lift said cooling elements 10 superimposed inside the guide tube 90 and allow the addition of a new cooling element 10 coming from the helical rail 80 through the window 92.

L'organe de levage 93 comporte un nez 94 escamotable articulé à l'extrémité d'un coulisseau 95 monté dans un support 96 disposé en parallèle et à l'arrière du tube de guidage 90. Ce coulisseau 95 est animé d'un mouvement de translation alternatif aller-retour entre une position basse, représentée par les figures 6A et 6C, et une position haute, représentée par la figure 6B. Le nez 94 est mobile entre deux positions, une position sortie, représentée par les figures 6A et 6B, où il fait saillie à l'intérieur du tube de guidage 90 à l'aller et une position rentrée, représentée par la figure 6C, où il est escamoté à l'intérieur du support 96 au retour. Une butée 97 constituée d'une tringle est montée sur le coulisseau 95 à l'arrière du nez 94 pour limiter sa rotation dans sa position sortie. Ce nez 94 articulé présente une forme sensiblement triangulaire de telle manière qu'en position sortie, sa face supérieure soit sensiblement horizontale et, qu'en position rentrée, sa face inférieure soit sensiblement verticale, les deux faces définissant entre elles un angle aigu. Le coulisseau 95 est mu par exemple par un vérin (non représenté) ou par tout autre moyen équivalent, commandé par un organe de commande tel qu'un bouton poussoir ou une touche sensitive prévu sur le tableau 22 du pupitre 21 ou par le micro-interrupteur 32a du détecteur de présence 30 dans le cadre d'un échange d'éléments réfrigérants 10. The lifting member 93 has a retractable nose 94 articulated at the end a slide 95 mounted in a support 96 arranged in parallel and at the rear of the guide tube 90. This slide 95 is driven by a movement back-and-forth alternative translation between a low position, represented by Figures 6A and 6C, and a high position, shown in Figure 6B. The nose 94 is movable between two positions, an extended position, represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B, where it projects inside the guide tube 90 on the way out and a retracted position, represented by FIG. 6C, where it is retracted to inside the support 96 on the return. A stop 97 consisting of a rod is mounted on the slide 95 at the back of the nose 94 to limit its rotation in its extended position. This articulated nose 94 has a shape substantially triangular in such a way that in the extended position, its upper face is substantially horizontal and, in the retracted position, its underside is substantially vertical, the two faces defining between them an acute angle. The slide 95 is moved for example by a jack (not shown) or by any other equivalent means, controlled by a control unit such than a push button or a sensitive button provided in table 22 of the desk 21 or by microswitch 32a of the presence detector 30 in as part of an exchange of refrigerants 10.

En référence aux figures 7A et 7B, l'orifice de sortie 7 comporte un sas 70 traversant la paroi supérieure 61 du caisson étanche 60 de part en part ainsi qu'une porte étanche 71 agencée pour s'ouvrir sous la pression d'un élément réfrigérant 10 poussé par les autres éléments réfrigérants stockés dans le tube de guidage 90 et soulevés par l'organe de levage 93. La porte étanche 71 est montée coulissante dans un support 72 incliné, disposé à l'extérieur du caisson étanche 60. Elle comporte à son extrémité obturant l'orifice de sortie 7 une face biseautée 73 agencée pour générer un mouvement de recul de la porte 71 sous l'effet de la poussée de l'élément réfrigérant 10. L'orifice de sortie 7 est disposé selon un axe sensiblement vertical et le support incliné 72 forme un angle aigu avec l'axe de cet orifice de sortie 7.With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the outlet orifice 7 includes an airlock 70 passing through the upper wall 61 of the watertight box 60 right through that a watertight door 71 arranged to open under the pressure of an element refrigerant 10 pushed by the other refrigerating elements stored in the guide tube 90 and raised by the lifting member 93. The watertight door 71 is slidably mounted in an inclined support 72, arranged outside the watertight box 60. It has at its end closing the outlet orifice 7 a bevelled face 73 arranged to generate a backward movement of the door 71 under the effect of the thrust of the cooling element 10. The orifice of outlet 7 is arranged along a substantially vertical axis and the inclined support 72 forms an acute angle with the axis of this outlet orifice 7.

Le fonctionnement et l'utilisation de l'appareil distributeur 1 d'éléments réfrigérants 10 sont particulièrement simples. Avant la mise en service de cet appareil, le module de réfrigération et de stockage 6 est rempli d'éléments réfrigérants 10 chargés en frigories qui peuvent être préalablement stockés sur palette dans des congélateurs. Grâce à une porte d'accès (non représentée), on peut disposer ces éléments réfrigérants 10 directement sur le rail hélicoïdal 80 et dans le tube de guidage 90.The operation and use of the element dispensing device 1 10 refrigerants are particularly simple. Before the commissioning of this appliance, the refrigeration and storage module 6 is filled with elements refrigerants 10 loaded with frigories which can be stored beforehand on pallet in freezers. Through an access door (not shown), these refrigerating elements 10 can be placed directly on the helical rail 80 and in the guide tube 90.

Ensuite, quand l'utilisateur a besoin d'un ou de plusieurs éléments réfrigérants 10, il exerce une ou plusieurs impulsions sur le bouton ou la touche correspondant du tableau 22 du pupitre 21 et l'appareil distributeur 1 éjecte automatiquement un ou plusieurs éléments réfrigérants 10 par l'orifice de sortie 7. Le bouton ou la touche de commande envoie des signaux au vérin qui génère un déplacement alternatif du coulisseau 95. En position repos (fig. 6A), ce dernier est en position basse. Quand il est déplacé, il exécute un cycle comprenant un mouvement aller vers le haut suivi d'un mouvement retour vers le bas pour revenir dans sa position repos. Dans son mouvement aller, de sa position basse (fig. 6A) à sa position haute (fig. 6B), le nez 94 étant saillant dans le tube de guidage 90, il soulève avec lui la colonne d'éléments réfrigérants 10 contenue dans ce tube en faisant sortir celui du haut par l'orifice de sortie 7. Simultanément, la fenêtre 92 est dégagée et peut recevoir automatiquement et par gravité un nouvel élément réfrigérant 10 en provenance du rail hélicoïdal 80 (fig. 6B). Ce nez 94 est disposé de telle sorte qu'il se loge dans la fente 11 de l'élément réfrigérant 10 disposé dans la fenêtre 92 du tube de guidage 90. En se soulevant, le nez 94 prend appui dans la zone de contact 15 de l'orifice traversant 14 dudit élément réfrigérant 10. Sa face supérieure est sensiblement horizontale pour lui permettre d'exercer une force de levage dans l'axe du tube de guidage 90. La position sortie de ce nez 94 est définie par la tringle 97 qui limite sa rotation en formant une butée arrière. Quand le coulisseau 95 arrive en position haute (fig. 6B), son mouvement est inversé et il redescend en position basse. Dans son mouvement retour (fig. 6C), la face inférieure du nez 94 bute contre les éléments réfrigérants 10 contenus dans le tube de guidage 90 et provoque automatiquement la rotation du nez 94 dans sa position escamotée ou rentrée à l'intérieur du support 96 de manière à dégager le nez du tube de guidage 90. Arrivé en position basse, le coulisseau 95 peut, si besoin, effectuer un nouveau cycle pour éjecter un nouvel élément réfrigérant 10. Ce moyen de transfert 9 étant disposé dans le module de réfrigération et de stockage 6, les éléments réfrigérants 10 stockés dans le tube de guidage 90 restent à la même température.Then, when the user needs one or more elements refrigerants 10, it exerts one or more impulses on the button or the corresponding button in table 22 on console 21 and the dispensing device 1 automatically ejects one or more cooling elements 10 through the orifice 7. The button or control key sends signals to the cylinder which generates an alternative movement of the slide 95. In position rest (fig. 6A), the latter is in the low position. When it is moved, it performs a cycle including an upward movement followed by a backward movement to return to its rest position. In his forward movement, from its low position (fig. 6A) to its high position (fig. 6B), the nose 94 being protruding in the guide tube 90, it raises with it the column of refrigerating elements 10 contained in this tube by bringing out the upper one through the outlet orifice 7. Simultaneously, the window 92 is clear and can receive automatically and by gravity a new element refrigerant 10 coming from the helical rail 80 (fig. 6B). This nose 94 is arranged so that it fits into the slot 11 of the cooling element 10 disposed in the window 92 of the guide tube 90. When lifting, the nose 94 is supported in the contact zone 15 of the through hole 14 of said cooling element 10. Its upper face is substantially horizontal to allow it to exert a lifting force in the axis of the guide tube 90. The extended position of this nose 94 is defined by the rod 97 which limits its rotation by forming a rear stop. When slide 95 arrives in high position (fig. 6B), its movement is reversed and it descends in low position. In its return movement (fig. 6C), the underside of the nose 94 abuts against the cooling elements 10 contained in the tube guide 90 and automatically causes the nose 94 to rotate in its retracted or retracted position inside the support 96 so as to disengage the nose from the guide tube 90. Arrived in the low position, the slide 95 can, if necessary, carry out a new cycle to eject a new element refrigerant 10. This transfer means 9 being arranged in the module refrigeration and storage 6, the refrigerating elements 10 stored in the guide tube 90 remain at the same temperature.

Quand l'utilisateur veut recycler des éléments réfrigérants 10 déchargés en frigories, il les introduit dans l'orifice d'entrée 3 après les avoir positionnés correctement. Les éléments réfrigérants 10 descendent un à un, par gravité, le long de la rampe inclinée 50 jusqu'à l'orifice de sortie 4. Simultanément, le détecteur de présence 30, situé à l'arrière de l'orifice d'entrée 3, envoie automatiquement des signaux au vérin du coulisseau 95 pour réaliser l'échange d'éléments réfrigérants 10 ainsi qu'au moteur 55 qui commande le mécanisme de nettoyage et de désinfection, à savoir la rotation des brosses 53 et, simultanément, la pulvérisation d'un liquide désinfectant. Ainsi, les éléments réfrigérants 10 à recycler sont nettoyés et désinfectés avant leur introduction dans le module de réfrigération et de stockage 6 par l'orifice d'entrée 4. Ceci permet d'éviter toute contamination avec la zone de réfrigération. Le module d'entrée et de désinfection 2 est totalement distinct et isolé du module de réfrigération et de stockage 6. Ainsi, les équipements électriques et électroniques prévus dans ce module peuvent être des équipements standards.When the user wants to recycle refrigerant elements discharged in frigories, it introduces them into the inlet 3 after having positioned them correctly. The refrigerating elements 10 descend one by one, by gravity, along the inclined ramp 50 to the outlet orifice 4. Simultaneously, the presence detector 30, located behind the inlet 3, sends automatically signals to the ram of the slide 95 to realize the exchange of cooling elements 10 as well as the motor 55 which controls the cleaning and disinfection mechanism, namely the rotation of the brushes 53 and simultaneously spraying with a disinfectant liquid. So the refrigerating elements 10 to be recycled are cleaned and disinfected before they are introduction into the refrigeration and storage module 6 through the orifice 4. This avoids any contamination with the area of refrigeration. The input and disinfection module 2 is completely separate and isolated from the refrigeration and storage module 6. Thus, the equipment electrical and electronic devices provided in this module can be standard equipment.

Quand les éléments réfrigérants 10 passent d'un module à l'autre par l'orifice 4, ils tombent directement par gravité à cheval sur le rail hélicoïdal 80 qui permet de stocker un nombre important d'éléments réfrigérants 10 positionnés l'un derrière l'autre pendant qu'ils se rechargent en frigories. Ce moyen de transfert 8 est avantageux car il ne nécessite aucun dispositif d'entraínement, les éléments réfrigérants 10 se déplaçant par simple gravité.When the refrigerating elements 10 pass from one module to another through the orifice 4, they fall directly by gravity astride the helical rail 80 which can store a large number of cooling elements 10 positioned one behind the other while they recharge in frigories. This transfer means 8 is advantageous since it requires no device drive, the cooling elements 10 moving by simple gravity.

De cette description, on constate que l'invention permet d'atteindre tous les buts fixés et, notamment, que l'agencement particulier des deux modules 2 et 6 ainsi que le positionnement des orifices d'entrée 4 et de sortie 7 en partie haute du caisson isolé 60 permettent d'augmenter considérablement le pouvoir de réfrigération.From this description, it can be seen that the invention makes it possible to reach all the set goals and, in particular, that the particular arrangement of the two modules 2 and 6 as well as the positioning of the inlet 4 and outlet 7 ports in part height of the insulated box 60 considerably increase the refrigeration power.

On peut également envisager de remplacer le troisième moyen de transfert 9 par tout moyen de transfert équivalent et insensible aux très basses températures.We can also consider replacing the third transfer means 9 by any equivalent means of transfer and insensitive to very low temperatures.

Claims (17)

  1. An apparatus (1) for dispensing rechargeable refrigerating elements (10), especially plates or packets containing a substance formulated to accumulate frigories, comprising at least:
    an input and disinfection module (2) for said refrigerating elements (10) provided with an input opening (3), an output opening (4), and a first transfer means (5) for transferring said elements between the two orifices; and
    a refrigeration and storage module (6) for said refrigerating elements (10) provided with an insulated case (60), a cold generating device arranged for charging said refrigerating elements with frigories, an input orifice (4) corresponding to the output orifice of said input and disinfection module (2), and an output orifice (7), said orifices (4, 7) traversing a wall (61) of said insulated case (60); and with a second transfer means (8) using gravity for transporting said refrigeration elements (10) for recycling inside said refrigeration and storage module,
    characterized in that the inlet and disinfection module (2) is located above said refrigeration and storage module (6),
    in that the input (4) and output (7) orifices of said refrigeration and storage module (6) are located in the upper portion of said module, and in that the refrigeration and storage module (6) comprises a third transfer means (9) arranged for lifting said refrigerating elements to the output orifice (7).
  2. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the input orifice (4) and output orifice (7) of the refrigeration and storage module (6) are substantially located in the same plane.
  3. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first transfer means (5) comprises an inclined ramp (50) arranged for transferring the refrigerating elements (10) from said input orifice (3) to said output orifice (4) using gravity.
  4. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the input and disinfection module (2) comprises a cleaning device comprising two circular brushes (53) arranged symmetrically in relation to said inclined ramp (50) along the path of said refrigerating elements (10), each brush (53) being attached to a rotating plate (54) driven by a motorized device (55).
  5. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the input orifice (3) comprises a presence detector (30) arranged for transmitting a signal to the motorized means (55) of the cleaning device when a refrigerating element (10) is detected.
  6. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the presence detector (30) comprises an articulated angled finger (31) subjected to a recall spring disposed so that its free extremity is located at the rear of said input orifice (3) along the path of the refrigerating elements (10), and at least one micro switch (32).
  7. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the input orifice (4) of the refrigeration and storage module (6) comprises a sealed door consisting of a flexible tongue (41) designed to opening under the weight of a refrigerating element (10).
  8. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second transfer means (8) consists of a helicoidal rail (80) extending inside the case of its input orifice (4) from the upper portion to the lower portion, this rail being arranged for receiving said substantially vertical refrigerating elements (10) in overlapping arrangement on its upper generatrix (81).
  9. A dispensing apparatus according to claims 3 and 8, characterized in that the input orifice (4) of the storage and refrigeration module (6) is disposed along a substantially vertical axis, and in that the inclined ramp (50) of the first transfer means (5) forms an acute angle with the axis of said input orifice (4).
  10. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the third transfer means (9) comprises a guide tube (90) extending inside the insulated case (60) from its lower portion to its output orifice (7), at the upper portion, and arranged for receiving the vertically positioned, superimposed refrigerating elements (10), with the lower portion of said guide tube (90) comprising a window (92) located opposite the lower extremity of the helicoidal rail (80), as well as a lifting device (93) arranged for lifting said refrigerating elements (10) superimposed inside said guide tube (90) and for accommodating another refrigerating element (10) arriving from said helicoidal rail (80).
  11. A dispensing apparatus according to claims 8 and 10, characterized in that the lower extremity of the helicoidal rail (80) is rectilinear and disposed substantially perpendicular to the window (92) in said guide tube (90).
  12. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the lifting device (93) comprises a retractable projecting element (94) articulated to the end of a runner (95) attached inside a support (96) disposed parallel to and at the rear of a guide tube (90), this runner (95) being driven in alternating translational back and forth motion between a lower position and an upper position, the projecting element (94) moving between two positions, an extended position where it projects inside the guide tube (90) moving forward and a returned position where it is retracted inside the support (96) during its return.
  13. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the lifting device (93) comprises a stop (97) arranged for limiting rotation of the articulated projecting element (94) in the extended position.
  14. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the articulated projecting element (94) has a substantially triangular shape such that when it is in the extended position, its upper surface is substantially horizontal and when in the retracted position, its lower surface is substantially vertical, the two surfaces together defining an acute angle.
  15. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the output orifice (7) comprises a sealed door (71) arranged for opening when pushed by a refrigerating element (10) stored in the guide tube (90).
  16. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the sealed door (71) slides inside an inclined support (72) located outside said insulated case (60), and in that it comprises at the extremity which blocks said output orifice (7) a bisected surface (73) arranged for moving backward when pushed by said refrigerating element (10).
  17. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the output orifice (7) is disposed along a substantially vertical axis and in that the inclined support (72) forms an acute angle with the axis of this output orifice.
EP01914133A 2000-03-29 2001-03-29 Apparatus dispensing rechargeable refrigerating elements Expired - Lifetime EP1269432B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0003934 2000-03-29
FR0003934A FR2807190B1 (en) 2000-03-29 2000-03-29 APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING RECHARGEABLE REFRIGERANT ELEMENTS
PCT/IB2001/000517 WO2001073703A1 (en) 2000-03-29 2001-03-29 Apparatus dispensing rechargeable refrigerating elements

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EP1269432A1 EP1269432A1 (en) 2003-01-02
EP1269432B1 true EP1269432B1 (en) 2003-09-17

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US (1) US6755320B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1269432B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4666870B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1161717C (en)
AT (1) ATE250258T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3950901A (en)
BR (1) BRPI0109652B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2404637C (en)
DE (1) DE60100805T2 (en)
DK (1) DK1269432T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2208572T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2807190B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1269432E (en)
TR (1) TR200302191T4 (en)
WO (1) WO2001073703A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2871272B1 (en) * 2004-06-04 2006-08-18 Cool Sarl Sarl Soc METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING AN INDIVIDUAL DISTRIBUTION OF COLD FENCED SPACES FOR COLDING FOODSTUFFS OR MEDICINAL OR EQUIVALENT SUBSTANCES
ITBS20110082A1 (en) * 2011-06-01 2012-12-02 Luigi Faglia DELIVERY DEVICE FOR THE LAUNCH OF PRODUCTS FROM AN AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR
FR2992406A1 (en) * 2012-06-26 2013-12-27 Futurinov PASSIVE DISPENSER OF COLD STORES AND ASSOCIATED COLD STORAGE
US20170061725A1 (en) * 2015-09-02 2017-03-02 Sherry J. Cerny Frozen Freezer Pack
US11282326B2 (en) * 2018-11-02 2022-03-22 Pepsico, Inc. Table vending machine

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2232619A (en) * 1939-12-27 1941-02-18 Allen G Maccartee Bottle dispenser
JPS475617Y1 (en) * 1967-10-05 1972-02-28
FR2258672A1 (en) * 1974-01-17 1975-08-18 Levi Henri Coin-operated distributor for refrigerated containers - has refrigerated vertical container stack above extract drawer
FR2258671A1 (en) 1974-01-18 1975-08-18 Sedatom Monitoring device for internal heart pacemaker - has inductive circuit detecting pacemaker pulses and loudspeaker
DE3215627A1 (en) * 1982-04-27 1983-11-03 Paul Hettler Refrigerating-bomb circulating system with sales automation
EP0140153A3 (en) * 1983-10-27 1986-07-30 Gyorgy Teglasy Coin-operated apparatus for dispensing cooling elements
DE9303765U1 (en) * 1993-03-15 1993-05-13 Mueller, Jochen, Dipl.-Designer, 4300 Essen, De
FR2745933B1 (en) 1996-03-11 1998-06-12 Alvaro Gonzalez DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERANT ELEMENTS AND SUCH REFRIGERANT ELEMENTS

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CA2404637C (en) 2009-01-06
JP4666870B2 (en) 2011-04-06
CN1421025A (en) 2003-05-28
DK1269432T3 (en) 2004-01-26
FR2807190A1 (en) 2001-10-05
ATE250258T1 (en) 2003-10-15
ES2208572T3 (en) 2004-06-16
FR2807190B1 (en) 2002-06-28
JP2003529042A (en) 2003-09-30
US6755320B2 (en) 2004-06-29
CN1161717C (en) 2004-08-11
WO2001073703A1 (en) 2001-10-04
TR200302191T4 (en) 2004-02-23
DE60100805T2 (en) 2004-07-15
US20030089729A1 (en) 2003-05-15
BR0109652A (en) 2003-04-22
AU3950901A (en) 2001-10-08
EP1269432A1 (en) 2003-01-02
PT1269432E (en) 2004-02-27
CA2404637A1 (en) 2001-10-04
BRPI0109652B1 (en) 2016-02-23
DE60100805D1 (en) 2003-10-23

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