ES2623213T3 - Transport box and method for transporting refrigerated products - Google Patents

Abstract

Combination of at least one transport box (1) and a cooling device (14), whereby the transport box, in an empty state, comprises a storage compartment (8) for products (20) and comprises at least one channel (9) that is suitable for air transport, which is separated from the storage compartment (8) by a partition wall (10), and which forms a connection between the upper part of the transport box (1) and its side bottom, whereby the cooling device is arranged to blow cold air from an outlet nozzle (17) and the outlet nozzle (17) and the channel (9) of the transport box (1) are arranged to connect one with another, whereby the transport box (1) is arranged so that when a stack of at least two such transport boxes (1) is formed, a channel (9) of a lower transport box (1) connects with a channel (9) of an upper transport case (1) above said lower transport case.

Description

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Transport box and method for transporting refrigerated products

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport box and method for transporting refrigerated products.

[0002] It is known that for many products, including fresh foods, medicines and flowers, it is desirable or even necessary to keep them refrigerated or even frozen until their use time.

This means that transport and storage before and after the transport of such products is not direct.

[0003] The use of refrigerated storage spaces to deposit such products and to use vehicles with a refrigerated compartment to transport such products is known.

[0004] A disadvantage of this is that it is expensive.

Consequently, such a method for storage and transport is suitable for mass transport and storage of large quantities, but in practice it is too expensive for the transport and distribution of smaller quantities for locations distributed in short-term extension, as for example with the distribution of typical quantities destined to final consumers for these final consumers.

[0005] This problem of a high cost price is subsequently exacerbated when the quantities to be transported can vary immensely on a regular basis, for example on a daily basis, since vehicles and storage facilities must then be equipped for larger anticipated quantities. that must be transported, regardless of the actual quantities, while these quantities actually only occur occasionally.

[0006] As a result, the existing technology does not meet or does not meet enough price and flexibility requirements for the transport of limited quantities of heat-sensitive products.

[0007] This problem can be partially reduced by using insulation packaging, if necessary with additional passive cold sources placed in the packaging, so that the products to be distributed can remain outside a cooled area for a certain time without break.

However, such insulation packaging is relatively expensive and relatively weak mechanically.

[0008] In addition, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, for example traffic problems, so that a vehicle cannot pick up or deliver a product in the desired time, the insulation capacity of the packaging may be insufficient to continuously maintain or guarantee a temperature Low for products for long enough.

[0009] It is also known from WO 97/30910 the use of boxes through which cold air is blown to keep the products cooled.

[0010] This document discloses a combination of at least one transport case and a cooling device, whereby the cooling device is arranged to blow cold air from an outlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle and a box channel Transport are arranged to connect with each other.

[0011] Other boxes with air channels are known, for example, from GB 1327641 and US 2011/068156.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages, among others, by a combination of at least one transport box and a cooling device, whereby the transport box, in an empty state, comprises a storage compartment for products and comprises at least one channel that is suitable for air transport, which is separated from the storage compartment by a separation wall and that forms a connection between the upper part of the storage box. transport and its lower side, whereby the cooling device is arranged to blow cold air from an outlet nozzle and whereby the outlet nozzle and a channel of the transport box are arranged to connect with each other, by which the transport box is arranged in such a way that when a stack of at least two such transport boxes is formed, a channel of a lower transport box ior connects with a hood of a transport box at the top of said lower transport box.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the combination, it comprises at least two such transport boxes.

[0014] The temperature of the cold air of course depends on the requirements of the products that are packaged in

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the transport boxes and will typically be a few degrees below the desired temperature for these products.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the combination, the outlet nozzle is arranged to connect with a channel of each of two transport boxes that are placed opposite each other with their respective channels turned towards each other.

[0016] As a result, two transport boxes or piles of transport boxes can be served with cold air by a single cooling device.

[0017] Preferably, the outlet nozzle has a closure that can partially close the outlet nozzle, so that when the cooling device is used with a transport box or a stack of transport boxes, the part of the nozzle output that does not connect to a channel can be closed.

[0018] Preferably, the refrigerant device is a low construction, so that a relatively large number of transport boxes can be placed in a refrigerant device and in another space with a limited height.

[0019] Preferably, the cooling device has small wheels and is of such weight and size that a person can move it.

[0020] Hereby, a stack of course means a straight stack where the transport boxes are on top of each other without projections.

[0021] The channel of a transport box can easily be connected to a cold air source, so that the contents of the storage compartment can be kept fresh or frozen for as long as necessary, and this on a small scale, at a cost Low and flexibly.

[0022] Another advantage is that the channels of a number of stacked transport boxes easily form a passage for cold air, so that a number of stacked transport boxes can be easily cooled by a source of cold air.

[0023] A transport box here is a box that is intended for transport and any product storage and that has a storage compartment that is surrounded by a wall at least on the sides and bottom side, and preferably also on the top.

[0024] A transport box in a full state can preferably be picked up and moved by a person.

[0025] This can also be formulated as an embodiment where an outlet of a channel in the upper part of the transport box is straight over an output of a channel in the lower side of the transport box.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the transport box has at least two such channels, whereby these channels are not connected directly together.

[0027] In this way, a transport box can be cooled on two or more sides, so that a better cooling is obtained.

A cold air circuit can also be created so that the return air, still at a lower temperature than the surrounding air, can be cooled again with a lower required cooling power.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the separation wall has one or more holes through which air can flow.

[0029] In this way, the cooled gas can flow properly into the storage compartment, so that better cooling is obtained.

When a transport box with two or more channels is used it is of course advantageous to provide the partitions between the storage compartment and each of the two channels with such holes.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the transport box has a vertical edge in its upper part and / or lower side that fits around the lower or upper side respectively of an identical transport box to stabilize the stack when stacked two or more identical transport boxes.

[0031] The transport box can be made at least partially of a multilayer material with two layers with

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a space or spaces between them, whereby a channel is formed through the space or spaces between the layers.

[0032] This could be a relatively thick corrugated cardboard or plastic equivalent, whereby the spaces defined by the corrugations make channels.

Of course, it must be ensured that these spaces are distributed from the beginning of the transport box to the bottom of the transport box without obstacles and that their size is sufficient to allow an effective air flow.

[0033] This has the advantage that the same material of the transport box forms the channel, so that the transport box can be manufactured at a lower cost and more easily, because a complex construction of the box is not required Of transport.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, there is a channel between a side wall of the transport box and the storage compartment and extends over the full dimension, that is, the width or length, of this side wall.

[0035] In this way, a relatively large heat exchange surface is obtained, that is the separation wall between the channel and the storage compartment, which also provides similar cooling over the entire storage compartment.

At the same time, the usable rectangular space of the storage compartment is kept as large as possible, with a flow surface of a channel imposed by preconditions.

[0036] Possibly, at least the side walls, but also possibly the upper and / or lower walls are thermally insulated.

[0037] In this way, the desired temperature can be reached and maintained more easily.

[0038] As a result, this prevents the condensation of the ambient air deposited on the walls, which could easily lead to mold formation, which is undesirable because it could contaminate the product in the transport box.

[0039] The invention also comprises a method for refrigerated or frozen transport products in a vehicle, whereby a combination described above is used, whereby the products are placed in the transport box and whereby the Chilled air is generated in the vehicle and guided through a channel of the transport box.

[0040] This method can be implemented more at a lower cost and more flexibly than known methods.

This is particularly so with respect to the investment costs required for the transport of relatively small amounts.

[0041] In a preferred variant, a combination described above is used, whereby the cooling device is placed in the vehicle and connected to an electric power source and whereby the transport box or transport boxes are placed in the cooling device or in another so that each transport box connects to the outlet nozzle or a channel of a lower transport box.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for refrigerated or frozen transport products and for temporary refrigerated or frozen storage, whereby the products are transported by a method as described above, whereby the products are temporarily stored refrigerated or frozen directly after transport or vice versa, whereby cold air is generated during temporary storage and is guided through a channel of the transport box and therefore during storage and during transport the products They are in one and in the same transport box.

[0043] This has the advantage that the products should not be repackaged, but the same transport boxes, both during storage and during transport can be kept frozen or frozen in a similar manner, so that the entire distribution chain proceed more easily.

[0044] With the intention of better showing the features of the invention, a few preferred embodiments of a combination of a transport case and a refrigerant device and a method according to the invention are described hereinafter by means of an example , without any limitation nature, with reference to the attached drawings, where:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a transport box for use in a

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combination according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross section of the transport box of Figure 1 according to line II-II;

Figure 3 shows a cross section of the transport box of Figure 1 according to line III-III;

Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a component of a combination according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a combination according to the invention during its use;

Figure 6 shows a top view of a component of a combination according to the invention as well as the anticipated use thereof; and Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective view of an alternative transport box for use in a combination according to the invention.

[0045] The transport box 1 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 with a width B of 40 cm and a length L of 60 cm has four side walls 2 and a bottom wall 3.

At the top, the transport box 1 has four cover tabs 4, which can be folded inwards via a fold line 5 to close the transport box 1 in this way and to form an upper wall 6.

[0046] Figures 1 to 3 show the transport box 1 in an open state.

[0047] In the side walls 2 equidistant along the total height H there is a step-shaped transition 7, so that the lower half of the transport box 1 has external dimensions somehow smaller than the upper half of the transport box 1.

[0048] Inside, the transport box comprises a storage compartment 8 and two channels 9.

These channels 9 are separated from the storage compartment 8 by a separation wall 10 with holes 11, in this case formed by a perforated cardboard sheet.

These partitions 9 are parallel to two side walls 2, whereby the channels 8 are between these side walls 2 and the storage compartment 8.

[0049] The channels 9 have one end 12 on the transport box and one end 13 on the lower side of the transport box 1.

The two ends 12, 13 of a channel 9 are exactly one above the other so that when two transport boxes 1 are stacked, the two channels 9 are connected to each other.

[0050] The cooling device 14 shown in Figure 4 consists of a housing 15 where traditional electric cooling is adhered, which blows cold air via a fan, for example, at a temperature of 5 ° C.

The housing 15 is placed on small wheels 16.

[0051] The housing 15 has two slots, that is, an outlet nozzle 17, to which the fan outlet is connected and an inlet slot 18 to which the fan inlet is connected.

[0052] The cooling device 14 is subsequently provided with a vertical edge under 19.

The size of the space formed by the vertical edge 19 and the size and position of the outlet nozzle 17 and the inlet slot 18 are such that they are complementary to the transport box 1 described above, because the box of transport 1 and the cooling device 14 is intended to be used in combination.

[0053] The use of the transport box 1 and the refrigerant device 14 in the distribution of products 20 to be transported and stored refrigerated is simple and as follows and is shown in Figure 5.

[0054] A supplier of the products 20 positions the ordered products 20 to a certain delivery direction in one or more transport boxes 1.

This is done to all desired delivery addresses, whereby products 20 at a different delivery direction are not placed in the same transport box 1.

It is understood that transport boxes 1 are provided with delivery information.

[0055] The quantity of filled transport boxes 1 is taken to a distribution point in a cooled truck for example, where transport boxes 1 are stacked in one or more cooling devices 14 available at a distribution point, which are in the operation or placed in the operation.

[0056] Hereby, the stack is organized so that the transport boxes 1 that are placed in a particular refrigerant device 14 are intended to be delivered later to the delivery direction by the same delivery vehicle, that is, in the same delivery cycle.

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[0057] A cross section of such a stack is shown in Figure 5.

[0058] The piles of transport boxes 1 are formed as follows.

The lower transport case 1 of a battery is placed in a refrigerant device 14 in an open state with the cover tongues 4 facing up.

The lower half of the transport box 1 fits into the vertical edge 19 of the refrigeration device 14 and the channels 9 on the lower side of the transport box 1 here connect to the outlet nozzle 17 and the inlet slot 18.

[0059] A second transport box 1, also in an open state, is placed in the transport box 1 already in position.

Hereby, the lower half of this second transport box 1 fits into the vertical cover tabs 4 of the lower transport box 1 and the channels 9 of the transport boxes connect with each other.

[0060] This is repeated until there are no more transport boxes 1 to be placed in the stack in question or until the stack has reached a certain maximum height.

[0061] The upper transport box 1 in a battery is closed.

[0062] As can be seen in Figure 5, the channels 9 located one above the other of the transport boxes 1 in the attached battery form an air passage originating from the cooling device 14.

[0063] As indicated by the arrows in Figure 5, this air flows upwards from the outlet nozzle 17 through a channel 9 of each transport box 1, then to the other channel 9 via the holes 11 in the partitions 10 and via the storage compartment 8, after this air is drawn back through the inlet slot 18 to cool again and is blown again out of the outlet nozzle 17.

[0064] As a result, this air flow keeps the products 20 in the transport boxes 1 sufficiently cooled.

[0065] The vertical cover tongues 4 act as a vertical edge in the transport box 1.

These and the vertical edge 19 in the refrigerant device 14 ensure that the transport boxes 1 and the refrigerant device 14 are optimally positioned relative to each other.

These also ensure that the connection of the channels 9 to each other and with the inlet slot 18 and the outlet nozzle 17 cannot be easily filtered and also stabilizes the battery.

[0066] As a result, the products 20 in the transport box holder 1 cool to a storage location, even if there is no cold deposit.

[0067] When the products 20 have to be delivered, the refrigerant device 14 in question is disconnected from the electrical source to which it is connected and with the transport boxes 1 stacked therein, placed in a delivery vehicle and again connected to a electric source, after which the delivery of the transport boxes 1 with products 20 can take place at the desired delivery addresses.

[0068] The refrigerant device 14 also works during transport in the delivery vehicle and the products 20 are consequently kept fresh.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a top view of a variant of the cooling device 14.

This variant differs from the embodiment described above in that the outlet nozzle 17 is wider and that there are two inlet slots 18.

[0070] This makes such a refrigerant device 14 suitable for the placement of two transport boxes 1 or piles of transport boxes 1 together from one another in the refrigeration device, by the present manufacturing use of the same outlet nozzle 17 and the same cooling device 14.

[0071] The intended positions of the transport boxes are shown in broken lines in Figure 6.

However, these dashed lines do not show any characteristic of the same refrigerant device 14.

[0072] Such an embodiment of the cooling device 14 can be equipped with a closure, for example a valve, which can close half of the outlet nozzle 17, so that this embodiment can also

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be used with only a transport box 1 or a battery thereof.

[0073] The alternative embodiment of a transport box 1 shown in Figure 7 differs essentially from the transport box 1 described above in the following characteristics:

- the transport box 1 of figure 7 has only one channel 9 in a side wall 2.

- the separation wall 10 between the channel 9 and the storage compartment 8 is not provided with holes, but is solid.

- the cover tabs 4 can cover only the storage compartment 8 and not the channel 9.

- the side walls 2 of the transport box 1 are straight.

[0074] As a result of these modifications, the recirculation of cold air during use is not possible and also the level of cooling of the product 20 in the storage compartment 8 is lower than with the transport box 1 described above.

[0075] A stack of such transport boxes 1 is less stable and there is a greater possibility of leakage in a battery in the positions where a channel 9 of a transport box 1 connects with a channel 9 of an upper or lower transport box one.

[0076] However, against this, this alternative embodiment of the transport box 1 is easier to build and produce, whereby the complementary cooling device 14 is also simpler and cheaper because there is no need for a vertical edge 19, and it is not necessary that there be an intake slot 18 but only an outlet nozzle 18.

[0077] When the transport box 1 is made of corrugated cardboard comprising two layers with a corrugated layer between them, whereby a relatively large corrugation and a relatively large distance between the layers is used, the spaces defined by the corrugations act united as a channel 9.

[0078] The transport box can be built for single use, but also reused.

In the latter case, a robust construction is preferred, for example, of PVC or other plastic.

[0079] If products with different temperature requirements must be transported, it may be useful to provide the transport boxes with indications and also to provide the cooling device with a similar indication.

[0080] Such an indication may be a color, for example, both outside the transport case and adhered to the refrigerant, for example, blue for products to be kept frozen, red for products that must be kept between 0 and 4 ° C, and green for products that should be kept at around 10 ° C.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described as an example and shown in the drawings, but the combination of a transport box and a cooling device, and the method according to the invention can be carried out in all types in shapes, dimensions and variants, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 1. Combination of at least one transport box (1) and a cooling device (14), whereby the transport box, in an empty state, comprises a storage compartment (8) for products (20) and comprises the less a channel (9) that is suitable for air transport, which is separated from the storage compartment (8) by a separation wall (10), and that forms a connection between the upper part of the transport box (1) and its lower side, whereby the cooling device is arranged to blow cold air from an outlet nozzle (17) and the outlet nozzle (17) and the channel (9) of the transport case (1) are arranged to connect with each other, whereby the transport box (1) is arranged so that when a stack of at least two such transport boxes (1) is formed, a channel (9) of a lower transport box (1) connects to a channel (9) of an upper transport box (1) above said lower transport box. 2. Combination, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom of the transport box (1) and the top of the cooling device (14) are such that the transport box (1) can be placed stably in the cooling device (14), whereby, in this position, the outlet nozzle (17) and one end (13) of the channel (9) are oriented towards each other so that the outlet nozzle (17) download on the channel (9). 3. Combination, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (17) is arranged to connect with a channel (9) of each of two transport boxes (1) that are placed against each other. another with their respective channels (9) turned towards each other. 4. Combination, according to claim 3, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (17) has a closure that can partially close the outlet nozzle (17), so that when the cooling device (14) is used With a transport box (1) or a stack of transport boxes (1), the part of the outlet nozzle (17) that does not connect to a channel (9) can be closed. 5. Combination, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage compartment (8) is accessible from the top of the transport box (1). 6. Combination box, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with at least two such channels (9), whereby these channels (9) are not directly open towards each other. 7. Combination according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation wall (10) has one or more holes (11) through which air can flow. 8. Combination, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a vertical edge in its upper part and / or lower side that fits around the lower or upper side respectively of an identical transport box (1) to stabilize the battery when two or more identical transport boxes are stacked (1). 9. Combination, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a channel (9) between a side wall (2) of the transport box (1) and the storage compartment (8) and extending on the entire dimension (L, B) of this side wall (2), whereby the channel is defined by three side walls (2) and the separation wall (10). 10. Method for cooling or freezing of products (20) or for keeping them fresh or frozen, characterized in that a combination is used, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, whereby the products (20) they are placed in the transport box (1) and therefore cold air is generated and guided through a channel (9) of the transport box (1). 11. Method for transporting refrigerated or frozen products (20) in a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a method, according to claim 10, whereby cold air is generated in the vehicle and guided through of the channel (9) of the transport box (1). 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that use is made of a combination according to any one of claims 1 to 9, whereby the cooling device (14) is placed in the vehicle and connected to a source of electrical power and whereby the transport box (1) or transport boxes (1) are placed in the cooling device (14) or one in another, so that a channel (9) of each transport box (14 ) connects to the outlet nozzle (17) or to a channel (9) of a lower transport box (1). 13. Method for transporting refrigerated or frozen products (20) and for temporary storage while being refrigerated or frozen, whereby products (20) are transported by a method, according to claim 11 or 12, whereby products (20) they are stored temporarily refrigerated or frozen directly after transport or vice versa, whereby cold air is generated during the time of 5 storage and is guided through a channel (9) of the transport box (1) and therefore during storage and during transport the products (20) are in the same transport box (1). 14. Method, according to claim 13, whereby the products (20) are transported by a method, according to claim 12, whereby the combination is also used during storage and whereby the 10 combination, during the transfer from a use during transport to a use during storage or vice versa, moves from a storage location to the vehicle or vice versa, whereby the transport box (1) or transport boxes ( 1) that are in the cooling device (14) remain in this position during the transfer.