EP3580506A1

EP3580506A1 - Portable refrigerated cabinet

Info

Publication number: EP3580506A1
Application number: EP18707949.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Benoit FLOQUET
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-10
Filing date: 2018-02-05
Publication date: 2019-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-05
Also published as: FR3062900B1; US20190368806A1; EP3580506B1; WO2018146389A1; FR3062900A1; US11326829B2

Abstract

The present invention (1) relates to a folding and portable refrigerated cabinet comprising a locked-compartments structure, made up of the reversible combination of three elements: – a plinth, – a folding exterior structure positioned on the plinth, – a folding interior structure with compartments set into the exterior structure, the plinth containing a refrigeration unit, the folding exterior structure comprising a hermetically sealed facade closed by a refrigeration door, the other sides being covered with a removable isothermal insulation means (4), the folding interior structure with compartments being made up of at least one module comprising walls delimiting at least one closed volume inside the folding exterior structure, said closed volume constituting a compartment (24, 25, 26, 27) provided with a mobile partition allowing the volume of the compartment to be varied as two sub- compartments (24'/24", 25'/25", 26'/26", 27'/27"), each of said compartments and sub-compartments being closed by a door comprising a secured-access means.

Description

TRANSPORTABLE REFRIGERATED CABINET

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a refrigerated cabinet foldable and easily transportable. More particularly, it is a device comprising a closed lock structure having a secure opening system.

Brief description of the prior art

With the development of online shopping and deliveries of fresh produce, the need has arisen to be able to store perishable goods in refrigerated structures accessible to customers.

It is in response to this need that refrigerated instructions have increased in recent years around supermarkets. The patent FR2689221 has such a device: it is a cooler cabinet divided into refrigerated and adjustable compartments, each locker being provided with a door that can be unlocked through a mechanical key lock or electromagnetic lock. These devices however have the disadvantage of being bulky and cumbersome and most importantly, not being able to be moved. They can not be used in different places of delivery.

Other inventions solve the inconvenience of congestion by providing foldable refrigerated structures. Thus US646699 discloses a device intended to be fixed on the wall of a building for the storage of goods delivered and having the distinction of being able to be deployed when used and then folded through a wall system insulating folding. This device further comprises a locking system of the locker.

However, these devices are limited in their use since they can not be moved and used in different places of delivery.

Foldable and transportable refrigerated cabinets have therefore been designed, such as that presented in patent CN20463014 which is entirely removable and consists of a caster base, a telescopic shelving structure covered with an insulating cover and a group removable cold.

However, none of the mobile refrigerated cabinets of this type has a lockable locker system allowing secure delivery of fresh products.

The present invention aims to overcome all these disadvantages by providing a device for storing fresh products in refrigerated and locked compartments and being fully and easily foldable, removable and transportable. Brief description of the drawings

In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1: isometric view of the device

- Figure 2: view of the base

- Figure 3: isometric view of the unfolded outer structure

- Figure 4: side view of the folded outer structure

- Figure 5: isometric view of a module of the unfolded interior structure

- Figure 6: profile view of a module of the folded inner structure

- Figure 7: side view of a detail of the facade

- Figure 8: profile view of a locker

- Figure 9: interior view of the frame of the inner structure

- Figure 10: exploded view of the device.

Summary of the invention

The present invention makes it possible to improve the existing one by proposing a foldable and transportable refrigerated device, making it possible to store products in lockers with secure opening.

It is a refrigerated foldable and mobile device consisting of the reversible combination of three elements:

- a pedestal,

a foldable outer structure positioned on the base,

- A foldable inner structure with compartments embedded in the foldable outer structure, said base containing a refrigeration unit, said foldable outer structure comprising at least one hermetic facade constituted by a closed side by a refrigerating door, the other sides of said structure being covered with a removable isothermal insulation means, said foldable inner structure with bins consisting of at least one module comprising a front frame, a vertical screen wall parallel to said frame and at least two horizontal screen walls positioned between the frame and the vertical wall, the assembly delimiting at least one enclosed volume inside the foldable outer structure, said closed volume constituting a rack having at least one movable partition hinged to the vertical wall, said movable partition constituting a means of modulation of the bin volume in two sub-bins, each of said crate and sub-lockers being closed by at least one door having a secure access means, said door being secured to the frame.

Preferably, the base and the foldable outer structure comprise means for making them integral and sealing means.

According to one variant, the foldable outer structure and the foldable inner structure comprise means for making them integral. Advantageously, the isothermal insulation means is secured to the foldable outer structure by fastening means included on the hermetic facade.

Preferably, at least two of the walls of the outer structure comprise hinges constituting folding means.

According to another embodiment, said horizontal walls of the foldable inner structure comprise hinges constituting folding means.

Advantageously, the foldable interior structure comprises at least one locking means of said movable partition.

According to a preferred embodiment, the secure access means of said door of the foldable interior structure is a solenoid lock.

According to another variant, the secure access means of said door of the foldable interior structure is an electric lock

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a computer reader connected to the secure access means of said door of the foldable inner structure, said computer reader constituting a means for controlling the opening of said door.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

According to a preferred embodiment, the device (1) according to the invention consists in associating a foldable outer structure (2), a foldable inner structure (3), an insulated cover (4) and a removable base (5) containing a refrigerating unit (6).

In the present description, the vertical term is used to designate a vertical axis relative to the ground on which the device (1) is placed and the horizontal term is used to designate a horizontal axis with respect to the ground on which the device is placed ( 1).

The base (5) [figure 2] of the device contains the refrigerating unit (6). The latter makes it possible to obtain and maintain a temperature suitable for storing food in the interior of the device (1).

The base (5) has a square right prism shape, the two square faces being the lower part and the upper part (7) of the base, the four lateral faces being rectangular. The base rests on four wheels (12) having a locking brake, fixed on its lower part. The brake rollers (12) will make it easy to move the device (1) and then immobilize it once the chosen location. At least one of the side walls of the base (5) is equipped with a ventilation grid (8) which will allow ventilation of the cold block (6). In addition, one of the side walls has a hole for passing the supply wire of the refrigerating unit (6). The upper face (7) of the base (5) comprises at its center a circular opening (9). Inside the base, under this opening (9), there is a fan that will optimize the diffusion of cold generated by the refrigerating unit (6), the opening for circulating the air thus diffused. The upper face (7) of the base also has four circular recesses (10). These recesses (10) are located on the same axis as the casters fixed under the block and will allow to accommodate the casters of another base (5) when it is necessary to stack several bases on each other when the devices (1) are folded, dismantled and stored. At each corner of the upper part (7) of the base (5) are fastening means (11) of the foldable outer structure of the device (1). Each fastening means (11) is composed of a rod (11a) located on the perimeter of the upper part (7) and a hook (11b) positioned behind the rod (11a). Each of the four rods (11a) will fit into a hole of complementary shape and dimensions located in the lower part of the foldable outer structure (2) and will allow the guiding and the maintenance of the foldable outer structure (2) on the base (5). Each of the hooks (11b) is associated with a toggle fastener or lever closure (13) present on the foldable outer structure (2), the latching fasteners (13) being locked in the hooks (11b) and thus ensuring the locking of the outer structure (2) on the base (5).

The foldable outer structure (2) [Figures 3 and 4] will be positioned on the base (5). It has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a front panel (14), a back panel (15), a right side (16), a left side (17), an open bottom (19) and an open roof (18).

The bottom (19) and the roof (18) have the same dimensions as the lower part and the upper part (7) of the base (5). In order to ensure the seal between the base (5) and the foldable outer structure (2), when the latter is positioned on said base (5), a seal or sealing means is fixed around the periphery of the base (5). bottom (19) of the outer structure (2). According to a variant, a seal may be fixed around the periphery of the upper part (7) of the base (5).

The front facade (14) and the rear facade (15) are hermetic facades, open and associated with a refrigerating door (14b, 15b) which will ensure the closure. Each facade has, on its periphery, a rectangular frame (14a, 15a). The frame (14a, 14b) consists of a rectangular frame (14a ', 15a, associated on its two vertical walls, with an L-shaped angle (14a ", 15a") fixed so that the one of the sides of said angle is parallel to one of the sides (16, 17) of the outer structure (2) The angle (14a ", 15a") contributes to the sealing of the device (1) and to the fixing of the insulated cover (4) On the outside of the frame (14a, 15a) will be fixed the refrigerating door (14b, 15b) mounted on hinges (14c, 15c). frame (14a, 15a) and the door (14b, 15b), a flexible seal (20) is attached to the entire inner periphery of the door.

The right side (16) and the left side (17) of the foldable outer structure (2) are screened. This grill has a dual function: let the cold circulate throughout the foldable structure (2) and prevent unwanted intrusion.

The right side (16) of the foldable structure (2) is divided into two equal parts (16c, 16c separated by a central hinge (16a) from the roof (18) to the bottom (19). adjoining one side of the front panel (14) and the other side of the rear panel (15), is also mounted on a side hinge (16b).

The left side (17) is made on the same structure: it is divided into two parts (17c, 17c ¹ ) with a central hinge (17a) and two lateral hinges (17b).

The hinges present on the sides (16, 17) of the outer structure are folding means which allow easy folding and unfolding of said structure (2). By pressing on the front (14) and rear (15) frontages, pressure will be exerted on the two parts on each side (16c, 16c ', 17c, 17c which will fold around their central hinge (16a, 17a) by pivoting one against the other with the pivot provided by the lateral hinges (16b, 17b), the front face (14) and the rear face (15) are then positioned against each other, simply separated by the folded grids of the right (16) and left (17) sides, when it is desired to unfold the external structure (2), it is then sufficient to simultaneously pull on the two facades (14, 15) the movement of spacing causing unfolding of the other sides (16, 17) Alternatively, the roof (18) of the foldable outer structure (2) is meshed and has a central hinge and two lateral hinges, the central hinge separating the roof in two equal parts, said hinges going from the right side (16) to the side left and allowing the folding of the roof.

The grid walls of the right (16) and left (17) sides comprise, on their inside face, fastening rails associated with U-shaped strips. Each part of each side (16c, 16c ', 17c, 17c has three horizontally fixed strips, and the strips of the adjoining parts (16c / 16c 'and 17c / 17c') are associated in pairs so as to form three horizontal axes on each side (16, 17). (16) are fixed at the same level as the pairs of strips on the left side (17), said strips serve to consolidate the installation of the inner structure (3) in the outer structure (2). conventional shelves when the inner structure (3) is not installed in the outer structure (2).

Once unfolded, the outer structure is positioned on the base (5). Each of the two frames (14a, 15a) present on the front wall (14) and the rear wall (15), has on its side adjoining the base (5), when base (5) and outer structure (2) are associated , two holes that will come to be placed on the rods (11a) of shape and complementary dimensions present on the base (5). Associated with the rods (11a), the holes will guide the positioning and the maintenance of the outer structure (2) on the base (5). The attachment will then be consolidated with four latches (13) positioned on the inner part of the frame of the rear wall (15a) and the front wall (14a). The latches (13) will come to hang in the hooks (11b) present on the base (5).

Once the outer structure (2) is unfolded, positioned and fixed on the base containing the cooling unit (6), it is possible to install the insulated cover and the inner structure (3). The isothermal cover (4) or isothermal insulation means is made of a flexible isothermal material and covers the right side (16), the left side (17) and the roof (18) of the outer structure (2). The cover is made in one piece and its dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the walls it covers. On the sides (17, 18), the cover fits into the frame (14a, 15a) of the facades (14, 15), between the armature (14a ', 15a and the angle (14a ", 15a"). It is then screwed on the frame (14a, 15a).

When the insulated cover (4) is placed on the outer structure (3), the assembly formed by these two elements can be folded and unfolded as needed and the use of the device (1).

The fixing of the insulated cover (4) on the foldable outer structure (2) is completed by a fixing bar (32) fixed on each side (16, 17) of the outer structure. The bar has a length equal to the width of the sides (16, 17). On each of its ends, the bar is fixed on the frame (14a, 15a) of the facades (14, 15) of the structure by a fixing means (33). According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening means (33) is an anti-theft screw whose head has a specific shape, which can not be screwed or unscrewed by a standard screwdriver but which requires the use of a custom tool. The screw (33) will successively pass through the angle (14a ", 15a"), the insulated cover (4) and the frame (14a ", 15") of the frame (14, 15) on which the fixing bar is screwed , ensuring the maintenance of all these elements. Alternatively, the fastening means (33) may be a key lock.

The fixing bar (32) further comprises a removable computer reader (34) which will control the opening of the gates giving access to the bins (24, 25, 26, 27), as described below.

According to one variant, the fixing bar (32) comprising the computer reader (34) is replaced by two computer readers (34) fixed on each of the frames (14a, 15a) by a secure fastening means, each of the computer readers controlling the opening the bins located on the side where it is positioned.

According to a preferred embodiment, the foldable interior structure (3) [FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9] is composed of two identical folding modules (3a and 3b), movable and independent of one another, the one (3a) being intended to be inserted inside the foldable outer structure (2) by the front panel (14), the other being intended (3b) to be inserted inside the outer structure by the back cover (15). Each of the modules (3a, 3b) fills half the interior volume of the foldable outer structure (2).

The two modules being strictly identical, the description of one of them (3a) is worth description for the second (3b).

The foldable interior module (3a) is composed of a frame (21) on which are fixed gates (22), associated with a grid structure (23) constituting bins.

The frame (21) is rectangular in shape and its perimeter has dimensions that allow it to snap very precisely into the frame (14a, 15a) of the facade (14, 15). The frame (21) is composed of two vertical uprights (21a), a high crossbar (21b) connecting the upper ends of the uprights (21a), a lower crossbar (21c) connecting the lower ends of the uprights (21a) and three intermediate crosspieces ( 21d). The uprights (21a), the upper cross member (21b) and the lower cross member (21c) of the frame (21) form the perimeter of said frame (21). Uprights and sleepers consist of hollow tubes for connecting the electronic wiring, the wires running inside the uprights and sleepers. On the inner part of each of the two uprights (21a) of the frame (21) are fixed two bolts (28) whose bolt engages in corresponding holes in the frame (14a, 15a) of the facade (14, 15 ). These locks are provided with keys that will allow the fixing of the inner structure (3) on the outer structure (2) and its locking and unlocking secure. The intermediate crosspieces (21d) are spaced regularly, so as to constitute, inside the frame, four equal rectangles constituting the facade of four large lockers (24, 25, 26, 27). Each of the facades of said bins (25, 25, 26, 27) is closed by two wire gates (22) fixed by hinges on the uprights (21a) of the frame (21).

The frame (21) equipped with gates (22) is associated with a grid structure (23) forming the interior of the large bins (24,25,26,27). The grid structure comprises a bottom wall (29) positioned parallel to the frame (21), the bottom wall being as high as the frame (21) but a little less wide than the latter. When the inner module (3a) is unfolded, the bottom wall (29) is located in the center of the internal volume of the outer structure (2), contiguous against the bottom wall of the second module (3b).

The grid structure (23) also comprises five horizontal walls (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) from the bottom wall (29) to the frame (21) of the inner module (3a, 3b), perpendicular thereto. Each of the horizontal walls (30) is fixed in the axis of the five sleepers of the frame (21b, 21c, 21d) and delimit four equal volumes constituting the interior of the four large bins (24, 25, 26, 27). The highest horizontal wall (30a) constitutes the roof of the foldable interior module (3a, 3b). The other four horizontal walls (30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) constitute the shelves on which the goods delivered will be stored.

In order to allow folding of the module (3a, 3b), each of the horizontal walls (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) comprises three hinges constituting folding means: a hinge connecting the horizontal wall to the bottom wall (29). ), a central hinge, and a hinge connecting the horizontal wall to the frame (21). In the installation phase of the device (1), the internal module (3a, 3b) is inserted into the outer structure by one of the facades. It is set up and fixed by means of the locks (28) connecting the frame (21) of the internal module (3a, 3b) to the frame of the facade (14a, 14b). It is then sufficient to exert pressure on the mesh structure (23) so that it unfolds and that the walls (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) are positioned horizontally. The inner horizontal walls (30b, 30c, 30d), located between the highest horizontal wall (30a) and the lowest horizontal wall (30e) will come to be positioned inside the strips located on the inside of the right and left sides (16, 17) of the outer structure (2). The strips allow to consolidate and support the horizontal walls which are intended to receive loads of several kilos. To fold the structure, it will be necessary to pull the bottom wall (29) towards the frame, this movement causing the folding of the horizontal walls (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) upwards, by a rotational movement of the hinges lateral and central.

Each of the large bins (24,25,26,27) comprises a vertical separation grid (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a) constituting a means of modulating the volume of the rack. This grid is fixed to the grid structure (23) by only one of its sides, by a vertical hinge positioned on the center of the wall of the bottom (29). Thus, the vertical grid (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a) retains a mobility and can either remain positioned parallel to the wall of the bottom (29), or be positioned perpendicular to said bottom wall. This last position makes it possible to separate a large locker (24,25,26,27) in two parts, thus creating two small lockers (24 '/ 24 ", 25' / 25", 26 '/ 26 ", 27' / 27 "), each of the small bins being closed by a gate (22). When all vertical grids (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a) are positioned perpendicular to the bottom wall, each foldable interior module (3a, 3b) is divided into eight small bins (24 '/ 24 ", 25' / 25" , 26 '/ 26 ", 27' / 27"). A locking means (31) of each vertical grid is provided on the crosspieces (21b, 21c, 21d) of the frame. It is a key lock accessible on the outer portion of the cross member and actuating a locking hook located on the inner part of the frame (21), said hook hooking the vertical grid and maintaining it securely in this position thanks to the lock. Thus, a person having access to one of the small lockers can not, without authorization, access the other shared locker.

The opening of each door is controlled by an electronic system actuating an electric strike (35) or solenoid lock fixed behind each door (22) and connected by son to the computer reader (34) present on the fixing bar (32). The electric strikes (35) are fixed on the inner part of the upper cross member (21b) and the intermediate cross members (21c) of the frame (21) of the inner structure (3). On each of these sleepers are fixed two strikers (35), each strikes (35) controlling the opening of a door (22). Electric strikes (35) are housings containing an electronic system, extended by a movable piston (37) which protrudes from the cross member on which the striker (35) is stuck. Each of the doors (22), associated with a keeper (35), has on its inner face an eyelet (36) integral with the door, positioned so that the piston of the striker (37) comes to stay there when the gate (22) is closed. If the electrical system is not actuated, the piston is held out and thus ensures the locking of the gate being inserted into the eyelet (36). When an electric signal feeds the striker (35), the piston (37) is drawn inwards and releases the door (22) which can then open. The electric strikes (35) are connected to the computer reader by wires circulating inside the frame (21) of the inner structure (3).

Once the outer structure (2) is fixed on the base (5), covered with the insulated cover (4) and the inner structure (3) is installed, the device is ready for use. The customer who wishes to buy fresh products and to be delivered in the device (1) places an order with the supplier and receives a QR code by e-mail or mms. At the agreed date and time, it presents its QR code to the computer reader (34) which has been programmed to associate the code with one (or more) locker in which the goods are stored and to unlock the opening of the locker during reading the code. Depending on the size of the delivery, the QR code may unlock a gate (22) corresponding to a small locker (24 '/ 24 ", 25' / 25", 26 '/ 26 ", 27' / 27") or two gates (22) corresponding to a large bin (24,25,26,27). Once the deliveries are complete, the device is quickly removable and collapsible, facilitating handling and saving a lot of space during transport and storage.

According to one variant, the opening of the gates (22) can be ensured by any other opening method: key, electronic code lock, etc.

Many variants that may possibly be combined can be provided here without ever departing from the scope of the invention as defined above.

The non-substantial modifications which would clearly follow from those of ordinary skill in the art of the use or the manufacture of which the patent is required without altering the original provisions thereof, are merely technical equivalents and also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1) refrigerated device (1) foldable and movable characterized in that it consists of the reversible association of three elements:

a base (5),

a foldable outer structure (2) positioned on the base,

- a foldable interior structure with lockers (3) fitting into the foldable outer structure,

said base (5) containing a cooling unit (6), said foldable outer structure (2) having at least one hermetic facade (14,15) constituted by a closed side by a refrigerating door (14b, 15b), the other sides of said structure (2) being covered with a removable isothermal insulation means (4), said foldable inner foldable structure (3) consisting of at least one module (3a, 3b) having a front frame (21) a vertical grid wall (29) parallel to said frame (21) and at least two horizontal grid walls (30) positioned between the frame (21) and the vertical wall (29), the assembly (21, 29, 30) defining at least one enclosed volume within the foldable outer structure (2), said enclosed volume constituting a rack (24,25,26,27) having at least one movable partition (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a) secured by hinge to the vertical wall (29), said movable partition constituting a means of modulating the volume of the locker in two sub-lockers

(24 ', 24 ", 25', 25", 26 ', 26 "), each of said bin (24,25,26,27) and sub-bin (24', 24", 25 ', 25 ", 26") ', 26' ') being closed by at least one door (22) having secure access means (35), said door (22) being integral with the frame (21).

2) device (1) refrigerated foldable and movable according to the preceding claim characterized in that the base (5) and the foldable outer structure (2) comprise means for making them integral (11,13) and sealing means.

3) Refrigerated collapsible and movable device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the foldable outer structure (2) and the foldable inner structure (3) comprise means for making them integral (28).

4) device (1) refrigerated foldable and movable according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the isothermal insulating means (4) is secured to the foldable outer structure (2) by fastening means included on said hermetic facade (14,15).

5) Device (1) foldable and movable refrigerated according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that at least two of the walls of the outer structure (2) comprise hinges constituting folding means. 6) Refrigerated collapsible and movable device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said horizontal walls (30) of the foldable inner structure (3) comprise hinges constituting folding means.

7) Device (1) foldable and movable refrigerated according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the foldable inner structure (3) comprises at least one locking means (31) of said movable partition (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a ).

8) Device (1) refrigerable foldable and movable according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the secure access means (35) of said door (22) of the foldable inner structure (3) is a solenoid lock.

9) Device (1) refrigerable foldable and movable according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the secure access means (35) of said door (22) of the foldable inner structure (3) is an electric lock.

10) Device (1) foldable and movable refrigerated according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the device comprises a computer reader (34) connected to the secure access means (35) of said door (22) of the inner structure foldable (3), said computer reader constituting a means for controlling the opening of said door (22).