ES1180709U

ES1180709U - Device for attempting stacked foods in containers (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Info

Publication number: ES1180709U
Application number: ES201730338U
Authority: ES
Inventors: Pere RAMONEDA SALAS
Original assignee: Sda Coop Sant Domenec
Current assignee: Sda Coop Sant Domenec
Priority date: 2017-03-27
Filing date: 2017-03-27
Publication date: 2017-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2027-03-27
Also published as: ES1180709Y

Abstract

Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), characterized in that it comprises: -a frame (2); - one or more extractors (3) mounted on the frame (2), to circulate atmospheric air through and between the containers (1) towards said extractors (3); - spacer means (5), mounted on the frame (2), to maintain the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) at least a predetermined distance (d) of the containers (1); - a canvas (6), mounted in a deployable manner on a reel (7), which in turn is mounted on the frame (2), the canvas (6) being intended to cover the containers (1); y - control means for controlling the speed of rotation of the extractor (3) or the extractors (3), which in turn comprise: - a plurality of sensors, for detecting temperature and pressure along the path of the air stream; - a control unit; y - a speed variator to vary the rotation speed of the extractor (3) or extractors (3). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPCIONDESCRIPTION

5 OBJETO DE LA INVENCION5 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

La presente invention se puede incluir dentro del sector de la industria alimentaria (por ejemplo, de la industria hortofrutlcola). Mas concretamente, tiene aplicacion en el campo de la conservation de alimentos, para lo cual la invention se refiere a un dispositivo para 10 atemperar alimentos apilados en envases, tal que por ejemplo, cajas de frutas / hortalizas.The present invention can be included within the food industry sector (for example, the fruit and vegetable industry). More specifically, it has application in the field of food preservation, for which the invention relates to a device for tempering stacked foods in containers, such as, for example, fruit / vegetable boxes.

ANTECEDENTES DE LA INVENCIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

15 Es conocida la especial sensibilidad que muestran los alimentos frescos, en particular las frutas, hortalizas y verduras, cuando son mantenidos prolongadamente a temperaturas elevadas.15 The special sensitivity shown by fresh foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and vegetables, is known when they are maintained at elevated temperatures for a long time.

A la reception o previo a su embarque, en las centrales hortofrutlcolas, las mercanclas 20 se apilan en camaras frigorlficas que deberlan homogenizar la temperatura de las mismas en un umbral que depende de cada producto y circunstancia. La velocidad de enfriamiento depende entre otras cosas de la eficiencia con la que el aire circula a traves de la mercancla a refrigerar.Upon receipt or prior to shipment, in the fruit and vegetable plants, the merchandise 20 is stacked in cold storage rooms that should homogenize their temperature in a threshold that depends on each product and circumstance. The cooling rate depends among other things on the efficiency with which the air circulates through the market to be cooled.

25 El propio embalaje representa una barrera que dificulta el contacto del aire frlo con la maxima superficie de producto a enfriar.25 The packaging itself represents a barrier that hinders the contact of the cold air with the maximum surface of the product to be cooled.

DESCRIPCION DE LA INVENCIONDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

30 La presente invention resuelve los inconvenientes anteriormente mencionados, por medio de un dispositivo para atemperar alimentos apilados en envases, que permite mejorar la eficiencia de la circulation del aire frlo forzando una circulation uniforme de aire a traves de las cajas de alimentos, lo cual proporciona un efecto de refrigeration por conveccion.The present invention solves the aforementioned drawbacks, by means of a device for tempering stacked food in containers, which allows to improve the efficiency of the circulation of the cold air by forcing a uniform circulation of air through the food boxes, which provides a convection cooling effect.

El dispositivo de la invention comprende un bastidor, asl como uno o varios extractores montados en el bastidor, para hacer circular aire atmosferico a traves de y entre los envases hacia dichos extractores.The device of the invention comprises a frame, as well as one or more extractors mounted on the frame, to circulate atmospheric air through and between the containers towards said extractors.

5 Tambien se contemplan medios distanciadores, montados en el bastidor, para mantener el extractor o los extractores a una distancia de los envases que es mayor o igual que una distancia predeterminada.5 Also included are spacer means, mounted on the frame, to keep the extractor or extractors at a distance from the containers that is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

Para cubrir los envases, el dispositivo comprende ademas una lona, montada de manera 10 desplegable en un recogedor, que a su vez esta montado en el bastidor, y que puede ser de accionamiento manual o automatizado. El recogedor preferentemente comprende un enrollador.To cover the containers, the device also comprises a tarp, mounted in a foldable manner on a collector, which in turn is mounted on the frame, and which can be manually or automatically operated. The picker preferably comprises a winder.

El dispositivo comprende ademas medios de control para controlar la velocidad de giro 15 del extractor o los extractores, donde los medios de control comprenden a su vez:The device further comprises control means for controlling the speed of rotation 15 of the extractor or extractors, where the control means in turn comprise:

- una pluralidad de sensores, para detectar temperatura y presion a lo largo del recorrido de la corriente de aire;- a plurality of sensors, to detect temperature and pressure along the air flow path;

- una unidad de control; y- a control unit; Y

- un variador de velocidad para variar la velocidad de giro del extractor o los 20 extractores.- a speed variator to vary the speed of rotation of the extractor or the 20 extractors.

DESCRIPCION DE LOS DIBUJOSDESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Para complementar la description que se esta realizando y con objeto de ayudar a una 25 mejor comprension de las caracterlsticas de la invention, de acuerdo con un ejemplo preferente de realization practica de la misma, se acompana como parte integrante de dicha description, un juego de dibujos en donde con caracter ilustrativo y no limitativo, se ha representado lo siguiente:To complement the description that is being carried out and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof, an integral set of said description is accompanied by a set of Drawings where the following has been illustrated and not limited to:

30 Figura 1A.- Muestra una vista en planta de una realization no reivindicada, en la que los extractores estan adosados a los envases, sin que medie entre ellos una distancia que los separe.30 Figure 1A.- Shows a plan view of an unclaimed realization, in which the extractors are attached to the containers, without measuring a distance between them.

Figura 1B.- Muestra una vista en planta de una realization de la invention, donde seFigure 1B.- Shows a plan view of an embodiment of the invention, where

muestra una distancia entre los extractores y los envases.It shows a distance between the extractors and the containers.

Figuras 2A y 2B.- Muestran sendas vistas laterales de un ejemplo de realizacion de la presente invencion, que presenta una variante constructiva del bastidor, respecto de la 5 realizacion de la figura 1B. La figura 2B adicionalmente incorpora protecciones en los extractores.Figures 2A and 2B.- They show two side views of an embodiment of the present invention, which presents a constructive variant of the frame, with respect to the embodiment of Figure 1B. Figure 2B additionally incorporates protections in the extractors.

Figuras 3A y 3B.- Muestran sendas vistas frontales del ejemplo de realizacion de las figuras 1B, 2A y 2B, donde en la figura 3B se han representado medios de cierre en uno 10 de los extractores.Figures 3A and 3B.- They show each front view of the example of embodiment of Figures 1B, 2A and 2B, where in Figure 3B there are shown closing means in one of the extractors.

Figura 4.- Muestra una vista superior del dispositivo de la invencion.Figure 4.- Shows a top view of the device of the invention.

REALIZACION PREFERENTE DE LA INVENCIONPREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

15fifteen

Seguidamente se ofrece, con ayuda de las figuras adjuntas referidas anteriormente, una explication detallada de un ejemplo de realizacion preferente de un dispositivo para atemperar alimentos apilados en envases (1), que constituye el objeto de la presente invencion.Next, a detailed explanation of an example of preferred embodiment of a device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), which is the object of the present invention, is offered with the aid of the attached figures referred to above.

20twenty

El dispositivo de la invencion comprende un bastidor (2), asl como comprende adicionalmente uno o varios extractores (3) montados en el bastidor (2), para hacer circular aire atmosferico a traves de y entre los envases (1) hacia dichos extractores (3). En particular, una vez enfrentado el dispositivo a los envases (1) apilados, y manteniendo 25 preferentemente el dispositivo separado de los envases (1) al menos una cierta distancia (D), por ejemplo superior a 10 cm., un accionamiento del extractor (1), o de al menos uno de los extractores (3), produce una corriente de aire que se acerca al extractor (3) o a los extractores (3) entre los envases (1) y atravesando los envases (1), para atemperar los envases (1), y los alimentos contenidos en dichos envases (1), por medio de convection 30 forzada.The device of the invention comprises a frame (2), as well as additionally comprising one or more extractors (3) mounted on the frame (2), to circulate atmospheric air through and between the containers (1) towards said extractors ( 3). In particular, once the device is faced with the stacked containers (1), and preferably keeping the device separated from the containers (1) at least a certain distance (D), for example greater than 10 cm., An extractor drive (1), or at least one of the extractors (3), produces an air current that approaches the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) between the containers (1) and through the containers (1), to temper the containers (1), and the food contained in said containers (1), by means of forced convection 30.

En un caso mas comun, los alimentos estan envasados en envases (1) de tipo caja, que a su vez estan apiladas, y que se encuentran soportadas por uno o varios pallets (4), tal como se observa en las figuras. Sin embargo, el dispositivo de la invencion tambien esIn a more common case, food is packaged in box-type containers (1), which in turn are stacked, and which are supported by one or more pallets (4), as shown in the figures. However, the device of the invention is also

aplicable a cualquier otro genero de envases (1) apilables que permita una circulation de aire entre dichos envases (1).applicable to any other stack of stackable containers (1) that allows air circulation between said containers (1).

Para mantener el extractor (3) o los extractores (3) a dicha distancia (D), en el bastidor (2) 5 estan montados medios distanciadores (5), por ejemplo, unos topes para establecer contacto con los envases (1) cuando el extractor (3) o los extractores (3) se han acercado a los envases (1) hasta la distancia predeterminada. De manera mas preferente, los mencionados medios distanciadores (5) de tipo tope comprenden un marco, situado delante del extactor (3) o los extractores (5), y destinado a hacer contacto con una parte 10 mas anterior de los envases (1).To keep the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) at said distance (D), in the frame (2) 5, spacer means (5) are mounted, for example, stops to establish contact with the containers (1) when the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) have approached the containers (1) up to the predetermined distance. More preferably, said stopper spacer means (5) comprise a frame, located in front of the extractor (3) or the extractors (5), and intended to make contact with a more anterior part 10 of the packages (1) .

Disponer de la distancia (D) mencionada entre los envases (1) y el extractor (3) o los extractores (3) proporciona una camara de aire entre el extractor (3) o los extractores (3) y los envases (1) que constituye un espacio de depresion que facilita un flujo mas 15 uniforme de la corriente de aire. Si no se guardara dicha distancia (D), es decir, si el extractor (3) o los extractores (3) estuvieran en contacto o casi en contacto con los envases (1), la circulation de aire serla mas defectuosa, puesto que los envases (1), por medio de sus paredes mas anteriores (mas cercanas al dispositivo), provocan un efecto muro, que se elimina o se atenua cuando la distancia (D) es suficientemente amplia.Having the aforementioned distance (D) between the containers (1) and the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) provides an air chamber between the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) and the containers (1) that it constitutes a depression space that facilitates a more uniform flow of air flow. If this distance (D) is not kept, that is, if the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) were in contact or almost in contact with the containers (1), the air circulation would be more defective, since the Packaging (1), by means of its more anterior walls (closer to the device), causes a wall effect, which is eliminated or attenuated when the distance (D) is wide enough.

20twenty

Adicionalmente, el dispositivo de la invention incorpora una lona (6) montada de manera desplegable en un recogedor (7), que a su vez esta montado en el bastidor (2). La lonaAdditionally, the device of the invention incorporates a tarp (6) mounted in a drop-down manner in a dustpan (7), which in turn is mounted on the frame (2). Canvas

(6) tiene la mision de cubrir los envases (1) para evitar fugas de aire hacia arriba y, por tanto, para facilitar la circulation de la corriente de aire a traves de y entre los envases(6) has the mission of covering the containers (1) to prevent air leaks upwards and, therefore, to facilitate the circulation of the air flow through and between the containers

25 (1). El efecto de la lona (6) es mas destacado cuando los envases (1) estan apilados en25 (1). The effect of the canvas (6) is more prominent when the containers (1) are stacked in

mas de una fila, respecto de la direction de circulation de la corriente de aire. El dispositivo puede incorporar adicionalmente rigidizadores (8) montados en la lona (6), preferentemente sobre la superficie exterior de la lona (6), en direction de la anchura, para mantener tensa la lona (6) y poder soportar una presion de suction que ejerce sobre 30 la lona (6) la circulation de aire. De manera preferente, los rigidizadores (8) estan equiespaciados. Los rigidizadores (8) pueden comprender vainas (9) fijadas, por ejemplo, soldadas, a la lona (6), y varillas (10) alojadas en las vainas. Por su parte, el recogedormore than one row, with respect to the direction of circulation of the air stream. The device can additionally incorporate stiffeners (8) mounted on the canvas (6), preferably on the outer surface of the canvas (6), in the direction of width, to keep the canvas (6) tense and be able to withstand suction pressure which exerts on the canvas (6) the air circulation. Preferably, the stiffeners (8) are equally spaced. The stiffeners (8) may comprise sheaths (9) fixed, for example, welded, to the canvas (6), and rods (10) housed in the sheaths. For its part, the picker

(7) puede ser tanto de tipo manual como automatizado. De manera preferente, el recogedor (7) comprende un enrollador, segun se muestra en las figuras.(7) It can be both manual and automated. Preferably, the collector (7) comprises a reel, as shown in the figures.

El dispositivo tambien comprende medios de control para controlar la velocidad de giro del extractor (3) o los extractores (3). Los medios de control comprenden: una pluralidad de sensores (11, 12, 13), para detectar temperatura y presion a lo largo del recorrido de la corriente de aire; una unidad de control (14), por ejemplo, un automata programable; y 5 un variador de velocidad (no mostrado), por ejemplo, un variador de frecuencia, para variar la velocidad de giro del extractor (3) o los extractores (3). Los sensores (11, 12, 13) pueden comprender, por ejemplo: un termometro (11) para medir la temperatura en la zona de los alimentos; un sensor de presion (12) para medir la presion de la corriente de aire entre los envases (1) y el extractor (3) o los extractores (3); y un sensor de 10 temperatura (13) para medir la temperatura de la corriente de aire a la salida de un extractor (3) o de alguno o cada uno de los extractores (3).The device also comprises control means for controlling the speed of rotation of the extractor (3) or the extractors (3). The control means comprise: a plurality of sensors (11, 12, 13), to detect temperature and pressure along the path of the air stream; a control unit (14), for example, a programmable automaton; and 5 a speed variator (not shown), for example, a frequency variator, to vary the speed of rotation of the extractor (3) or the extractors (3). The sensors (11, 12, 13) may comprise, for example: a thermometer (11) for measuring the temperature in the food zone; a pressure sensor (12) for measuring the pressure of the air flow between the containers (1) and the extractor (3) or the extractors (3); and a 10 temperature sensor (13) for measuring the temperature of the air flow at the outlet of an extractor (3) or of some or each of the extractors (3).

Los medios de control permiten por tanto controlar la evolution temporal de la temperatura, en funcion de condiciones como pueden ser: el tipo y la cantidad de 15 alimento (por ejemplo, del tipo y la cantidad de fruta u hortaliza), las condiciones de reception del alimento, de las caracterlsticas del recinto refrigerado al que el alimento va a ir destinado seguidamente, del tipo de envase utilizado, de la duration del atemperamiento, de la intensidad de la corriente de aire. El control referido puede proporcionar adicionalmente un equilibrio entre un consumo energetico optimizado y una 20 eficacia de atemperamiento satisfactoria (reflejada en un tiempo mlnimo para obtener una calda de temperatura deseada previamente establecida). Los medios de control pueden ser programables.The control means therefore allow to control the temporal evolution of the temperature, depending on conditions such as: the type and quantity of food (for example, the type and quantity of fruit or vegetable), the reception conditions of the food, of the characteristics of the refrigerated enclosure to which the food is to be destined next, of the type of container used, of the duration of the tempering, of the intensity of the air flow. The referred control can additionally provide a balance between an optimized energy consumption and a satisfactory tempering efficiency (reflected in a minimum time to obtain a previously established desired temperature broth). The control means can be programmable.

De manera preferente, cuando hay mas de un extractor (3), alguno(s) o todos los 25 extractores (3) pueden disponer de un interruptor individualizado de encendido / apagado (no representado), para limitar el numero de extractores (3) en funcionamiento, en caso de que no sea necesario tener todos los extractores (3) en funcionamiento. El interruptor puede ser manual o puede estar comandado por la unidad de control, incluso funcionando de manera programable. Seleccionando el apagado de algunos de los 30 extractores (3), se consigue una mejor gestion del consumo de energla. Un caso particular especialmente preferente es el caso en que se disponen dos extractores (3), situados uno encima del otro. En este caso, se puede seleccionar que, durante algunos perlodos de tiempo, solo funcione uno de los dos extractores (3).Preferably, when there is more than one extractor (3), some (s) or all 25 extractors (3) can have an individual on / off switch (not shown), to limit the number of extractors (3) in operation, in case it is not necessary to have all the extractors (3) in operation. The switch can be manual or it can be commanded by the control unit, even running programmably. By selecting the shutdown of some of the 30 extractors (3), a better management of energy consumption is achieved. A particularly preferred case is the case in which two extractors (3) are placed, located one above the other. In this case, it can be selected that, during some periods of time, only one of the two extractors (3) works.

Tanto en el caso de dos como de varios extractores (3), el dispositivo de la invention puede incorporar adicionalmente medios de cierre (15) localizados en los extractores (3), para impedir selectivamente el paso de aire a traves de ellos cuando estan apagados. De este modo, el aire frlo que esta actuando en los alimentos bajo la lona, no se pierde a 5 traves de un extractor (3) inactivo. En el caso de que solo alguno de los extractores (3) disponga de interruptor individualizado, es preferente que solo dichos extractores (3) con interruptor individualizado dispongan de medios de cierre (15). Como ejemplo preferente de medios de cierre (15), la invention contempla persianas de laminas, que se mantienen cerradas por efecto Venturi cuando el extractor (3) se encuentra apagado.Both in the case of two and several extractors (3), the device of the invention can additionally incorporate closing means (15) located in the extractors (3), to selectively prevent the passage of air through them when they are turned off. . In this way, the cold air that is acting in the food under the tarp is not lost through an inactive extractor (3). In the event that only one of the extractors (3) has an individualized switch, it is preferred that only said extractors (3) with individualized switch have closing means (15). As a preferred example of closing means (15), the invention contemplates sheet blinds, which are kept closed by Venturi effect when the extractor (3) is turned off.

1010

Dado que el dispositivo de la invention es de aplicacion a alimentos, asl como se emplea en condiciones de humedad, conviene que este fabricado en un material apropiado para uso alimentario en ambientes de cierta humedad, y que adicionalmente pueda soportar satisfactoriamente las cargas implicadas en su funcionamiento. En consecuencia, seSince the device of the invention is for food application, as it is used in humid conditions, it should be manufactured in a material suitable for food use in environments of certain humidity, and that additionally it can satisfactorily withstand the loads involved in its functioning. Consequently, it

15 emplea preferentemente acero inoxidable para la construction de determinados componentes, tales como por ejemplo el bastidor (2) y el distanciador (5) o los distanciadores (5).15 preferably uses stainless steel for the construction of certain components, such as for example the frame (2) and the spacer (5) or the spacers (5).

Claims

10

fifteen

twenty

25

1. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), characterized in that it comprises:

- a frame (2);

- one or more extractors (3) mounted on the frame (2), to circulate atmospheric air through and between the containers (1) towards said extractors (3);

- spacer means (5), mounted on the frame (2), to keep the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) at least a suitable predetermined distance (D) from the packages (1);

- a canvas (6), mounted in a deployable manner on a reel (7), which in turn is mounted on the frame (2), the canvas (6) being intended to cover the containers (1); Y

- control means for controlling the speed of rotation of the extractor (3) or the extractors (3), which in turn comprise:

- a plurality of sensors, to detect temperature and pressure along the air flow path;

- a control unit; Y

- a speed variator to vary the speed of rotation of the extractor (3) or the extractors (3).

2. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined distance (D) is at least 10 cm.

3. - Device for tempering food stacked in containers (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally incorporates stiffeners (8) mounted on the canvas (6) to keep the canvas tense (6) and withstand a pressure of suction that exerts air circulation on the canvas (6).

4. - Device for tempering food stacked in containers (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that the stiffeners (8) are mounted on the outer surface of the canvas (6).

5. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), in accordance with a

any of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the stiffeners (8) comprise sheaths (9) fixed to the canvas (6), and rods (10) housed in the sheaths.

6. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the reel (7) is of the manual type.

7. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the reel (7) is of the automated type.

10 8.- Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), in accordance with the

claim 1, characterized in that the spacer means (5) comprise one or more stops to establish contact with the containers (1) when the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) have approached the containers (1) up to the distance default

15 9.- Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), in accordance with the

claim 8, characterized in that the spacer means (5) of the stop type comprise a frame, located in front of the extractor (3) or the extractors (5), and intended to make contact with a more anterior part of the containers (1).

20 10.- Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), in accordance with the

claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of extractors (3).

11. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises two extractors (3), located one

25 on top of the other.

12. - Device for tempering food stacked in containers (1), according to any one of claims 10-11, characterized in that at least one of the extractors (3) incorporates an individual on / off switch.

30

13. - Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), according to claim 12, characterized in that the switch is commanded by the control unit.

14. Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that the switch is programmable by the control unit.

5 15.- Device for tempering stacked food in containers (1), in accordance with

any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that it additionally incorporates closing means located in the extractor (3) or the extractors (3) provided with individual switches, to selectively prevent the passage of air through the extractor (3) or extractors (3) when turned off.

10

16. - Device for tempering food stacked in containers (1), according to claim 15, characterized in that the closing means comprise sheet blinds, configured to remain closed by Venturi effect when the extractor (3) is turned off.

fifteen

17. - Device for tempering food stacked in containers (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that at least the frame (2) and the spacer (5) or the spacers (5) are made of stainless steel.