FR2716871A1 - Chilled food transport system - Google Patents

Abstract

The insulated enclosure (2), especially for perishable foodstuffs, has at least one sealed access opening (4). The enclosure (2) is at least partially semi-rigid, with an anchor point (5) for a support (6) such as a trolley.

Description

FLEXIBLE INSULATED CONTAINER,
INSTALLATION AND METHOD USING SUCH A CONTAINER
The present invention relates to a flexible insulated container, as well as to an installation and to a method using one or more of these containers.

In many industrial applications, and in particular for the production, processing and distribution of perishable goods such as fresh food, it is common to seek to maintain a controlled temperature. For example, a refrigeration chain with a substantially constant temperature called the "cold chain" is desirable or even imperative, between the production of a food product and its final distribution to a consumer. To this end, each operator in the chain provides its installations with production or restitution systems at an appropriate temperature to comply with the conditions for preserving the stored products. These facilities, which include cold rooms and refrigerated transport vehicles, are links in the cold chain.

But there are a number of breaks in the cold chain. Thus, during the transfer of products from one installation to another, and in particular between a cold room and a refrigerated display for sale in a distribution business. The products for which the cold chain must be respected there undergo temperature variations which are sometimes incompatible with the standards in force.

Also, rigid insulating and transportable boxes have been proposed in the prior art, mainly for the transfer of products from one installation to another. This type of box generally consists of a thermally insulating loading enclosure and with at least one closable access opening. These boxes make it possible to limit the heat exchanges between products and their atmosphere, when they are transferred. A popular application for these boxes is the insulating case commonly known as a cooler.

However, the use of such boxes is restricted. Indeed, the products transported can undergo considerable temperature variations there, in particular if the outside temperature is very different from the set temperature to be maintained, and / or when the transfer has a significant duration. With a difference of 30 to 400C between the temperature of the products and the ambient temperature, the maximum storage time of products inside such boxes must be less than a few tens of minutes.

To overcome this drawback, boxes equipped with production systems and / or restoring a controlled temperature have been proposed. There are in particular boxes provided with casters and a so-called "eutectic" accumulator. However, in addition to their complex and costly structure, refrigerated transfer boxes are heavy and bulky, mainly when they are not in use, while their use is limited to a single function, namely the transport of products between two links. a temperature-controlled chain.

In view of the above, the invention aims to allow compliance with a temperature-controlled chain, by overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art using an economical, modular and simple technique.

To this end, the invention firstly relates to an isothermal storage container for products such as perishable foodstuffs, and of the type comprising a thermally insulating loading enclosure with at least one closable access opening, characterized in that said enclosure is at least partially flexible - or semi-rigid - and provided with anchoring means on a support such as a transport trolley.

Advantageously, the above-mentioned anchoring means are removable, while said enclosure can be placed in a folded state where it occupies a volume substantially equal to that of its walls.

If the aforementioned support is of the type of transport trolley with side panels or "Roll" side uprights, the container anchoring means can cooperate at least with said side panels, for example so as to at least partially cover and confine them, in a state of use of the enclosure, the loading volume between the drop sides.

Advantageously, at least one of the walls of the enclosure defines a recess for insulation, inflation and / or circulation of a cooling fluid.
This container may include at least one instrument for measuring a parameter relating to its state, such as a temperature sensor in the enclosure, and / or a display of one or more of these parameters.

Preferably, a flexible surface, foldable and / or rollable on itself, is arranged so as to be able at least partially to close the abovementioned opening of the enclosure.

Then, at least one immobilizing member such as "Velcro", tension cable or the like, can cooperate with the aforementioned flexible surface in order to allow its blocking, in a position of partial or total closure of the enclosure.

Furthermore, one or more walls of the aforementioned enclosure are at least partially produced from a multilayer plasticized film such as "complex".

According to one embodiment, said enclosure comprises preferably closable means for connection to a refrigeration system.

For example, the connection means comprise at least one flexible sleeve, capable of being connected on the one hand to the enclosure and on the other hand to said system.

Another object of the invention is an installation of the type comprising at least one storage volume at a set temperature, of products such as for example perishable foodstuffs, characterized in that it comprises one or more containers as explained above, these containers constituting transfer and / or backup systems in the event of failure, of said products within the installation.

The invention also relates to a process for maintaining products such as perishable foodstuffs, at a substantially constant set temperature, characterized in that during at least one of the stages, in particular between the production and the final distribution of said products , one or more containers and / or installations as explained above, is used.

However, other advantages and particularities of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description, given solely by way of example, which follows and refers to the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container in accordance with the invention and in working order, which constitutes an envelope or enclosure for thermal insulation of the loading volume of a conventional drop side cart; - Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the container, and a sleeve for connection to an external refrigeration system; - Figure 3 is a detail of another embodiment of container, provided with a foldable surface "accordion" for closing the enclosure; - Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of an installation according to one embodiment of the invention, and with independent refrigeration production group; - Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an installation according to one embodiment of the invention, with auxiliary fan on cold room; - Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of another installation according to the invention; - Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of an installation according to an embodiment of the invention, and cooperating with a container with a hollow enclosure; and - Figure 8 is a partial sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 7, illustrating the circulation of cooled air in a container as described in 7.

In the figures, the general reference numeral 1 designates a flexible insulated container. This container or storage device 1 comprises a thermally insulating enclosure 2, which delimits a loading volume 3. The enclosure 2 comprises at least one closable opening 4 for access to this loading space.

n emerges particularly clearly from Figures l and 2 that the enclosure 2 of each isothermal container according to the invention has an at least partially flexible, or semi-rigid structure. In addition, the enclosure 2 is provided with means 5 for anchoring to a support 6, such as the transport carriage visible in FIG. 1.

Although in FIG. 1, the reference 6 designates a carriage or "Roll", other types of supports can be coupled to the enclosure using the anchoring means 5, including in particular a pallet, a suspension system for a monorail , possibly palletizable tray, basket or frame, wall anchor and the like. The same enclosure 2 can be equipped with anchoring means 5 provided for different supports, alone or in combination.

As is clear from Figure 1, it is preferable that the anchoring means 5 are removable, while the enclosure 2 is arranged to be able to be placed in a folded state where it occupies a volume substantially equal to that of its walls . It is easy according to the invention to design and manufacture a flexible folding enclosure, especially when one or more of its walls are at least partially made from a multilayer plastic film such as "complex", or any other arrangement of woven and / or non-woven material.

The dashed lines 22 visible in Figure 1 indicate fold lines of the flexible enclosure 2, which is here shown in its unfolded state of use. These can be in accordance with the assembly lines of different sections of the enclosure 2, and / or be preformed, in particular in the case where the corresponding wall is made of plastic. By folding an enclosure 2 in particular along the lines 22, its volume can be reduced to the minimum, for example to that indicated at 23 in FIG. 1.

From its folded state, it suffices to act, for example, by pulling on the enclosure 2, so that the latter deploys as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1, until it is in the state of use. Optionally, it is conceivable that certain walls of the enclosure 2 include inflatable zones, as well as at least one valve for introducing / removing a pressurized fluid, such as liquid or gas. The following movement A can then be obtained by inflating these zones. In this state, the enclosure 2 has a parallelepiped shape, although other shapes such as cylindrical can be envisaged. It can be seen that the enclosure 2 has a shape corresponding to the loading space between two sides or rigid lateral uprights 62 of the carriage 6.

Then, by moving the enclosure 2 as indicated by the arrow B, it can be housed in the space between the side panels 62, and anchor at their top using its anchoring means 5. Here, the anchoring means 5 are pockets 56, provided on the side walls 24 of the enclosure 2. Each pocket 56 has a format such that the corresponding drop 62 can penetrate there, until its upper end comes in abutment against the bottom of this pocket, near a top wall 21 of the enclosure 2. The height dimension of such a pocket 56 may vary depending on the
needs, and correspond to the height of the drop sides 62. The means 5 can be
constituted differently, for example simple passers-by 55, able to be
crossed by a tensioner 65 secured to the support 6, and acting as a belt
elastic support.

 We have seen that the enclosure 2 has a top wall 21, and side walls 24.

The anchoring means 5 are here arranged at two of these side walls,
designed to extend parallel to the sides 62, when the enclosure 2 is mounted
on the support 6. One or more of the walls (21 or 24 in particular) of the enclosure 2
may be provided with gripping means such as the handle 25 in FIG. 1.

 With a handle 25 at the top 21, the manipulations following the arrows A and B can be facilitated. Likewise, the enclosure 2 is able to be thus displaced, independently of its support 6.

Container 2 has a flexible, foldable and / or rollable surface 26 thereon
even, arranged so as to be able to at least partially close off the opening of the enclosure. Of course, several panels of enclosure 2 can include such a
opening / closing surface 26, and through which it is possible to access the space
or loading volume 3. In FIG. 1, the surface 26 constitutes almost a
entire side face of the container 1. Such a flexible surface 26 has either come from
material, or at least partially brought to enclosure 2. For example, a
shutter surface 26 is constituted by a simple curtain.

But it is advantageous that at least one immobilizing member 7 such as a press button, elastic link or clamp, electric or magnetic device, cooperates with the
flexible surface 26 on the one hand and with one or more other walls of the enclosure 2, in order to allow the immobilization of this access surface 26, in a partial or total sealing position of the enclosure 2.

Of course, we will ensure that the assembly lines of the different elements and the
anchoring means 5, member 7 or the like, do not reduce the thermal insulation of the enclosure 2. For this purpose, cover flaps, welds or taped seams prove to be applicable. In the same vein, the flexible partitions may include an internal layer of insulating foam, cleanable faces, for example plasticized, according to the requirements.

In FIG. 1, the flexible surface 26 is completely closed. The immobilizing members 7 are two vertical and parallel slide fasteners. In addition, a member 8 for locking the surface 26 has been designated. Such a member 8, for example constituted by a padlock, seals or a simple clamp, makes it possible to ensure that the immobilizing members 7 have not have not been operated and / or that enclosure 2 has not been opened unexpectedly.

The flexible surface 26 of the enclosure of FIG. 2 is wound on itself when it is opened. An immobilizing member 7 is provided on either side of the surface 26, so that as it is wound / unwound, the surface in question can remain in its intermediate open / close position. access 4. This makes it possible to isolate the products placed in space 3, as they are loaded, and therefore to reduce the temperature variations which they undergo. Here, the surface 26 being constituted by an insulating film or pan, and the members 7 are two attachment strips or "Velcro".

The surface 26 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises two series of loops such as eyelets each arranged along a line parallel to the other. In each of these lines is threaded a tension cable 7. A plurality of fold lines 22 extend perpendicular to the cables 7. The surface 26 can therefore bend or unfold along the lines 22, in the manner of an accordion . By acting in one direction or the other in the direction of arrow C, and therefore roughly parallel to the cables 7, the flexible surface 26 can be gradually raised or lowered, so as to respectively close or clear the access 4 to the loading space 3. This surface is therefore comparable to a blind.

In Figure 2 the flexible insulated enclosure comprises means 9 for connection to a refrigeration system or the like. More specifically, the means 9 comprise one or more inlet 91 and outlet 94 for cooling fluid.

Each inlet and / or outlet communicates on the one hand with the interior of the enclosure 2, and is to be connected on the other hand to a system making it possible to generate a circulation of fluid at controlled temperature, such as a refrigeration unit. The inlets and outlets 91, 94 are constituted by simple quick connection nozzles, for example cylindrical, preferably closable using a flexible or rigid cover, and on which a supply line for pressurized coolant. can be connected.

 I1 is advantageous that the connection means 9 comprise at least one flexible sleeve 90, that is to say a flexible, light and foldable pipe. The means 9 are either at least partially formed integrally with the enclosure 2, or added.

A flexible air vent 90 can be directly fixed to the enclosure 2, and its closure is effected by simple tightening using a link or a knot. In addition to or replacement of the means 9, the container 1 can be provided, preferably at the level of the support 6, with a refrigeration system 19, such as a Peltier effect cell or an eutectic accumulator. The energy supply is advantageously autonomous.

Unlike the previous example, at least one side wall 24 of the container of Figure 2 is rigid. This wall is mounted, by articulation, interlocking or fixing using any anchoring means 5, on a support 6 also not limited to a carriage. Although rigid, the wall 24 in question may comprise various articulated and / or removable flaps, and for example a lockable hinge, making it possible to fold this flap 24 along a line parallel to the top 21. The surface of the support 6 which forms the bottom of the loading space 3 then receives the folded shutter, when the container 1 is not in a state of use, as in FIG. 2. The flexible walls such as 21 or 26 can be detached and / or fold. Provision may be made for the container 1 to be foldable inside a box defined by the support 6, this box being itself closable by folding down the rigid flap 24. This gives a kind of flat case, easily movable by rolling. , can be stored and / or used for purposes other than confinement at the set temperature.

The reference numeral 27 designates in Figure 2 a table. This table can include various elements, including a transparent pocket for the introduction of a logistic identification sheet for container 1. A digital display, for example of a value measured by a detector such as a thermometer, or any alarm can also be arranged on this table 27. A control keyboard for one of these elements, or for the system 19 can also be located there. Other accessories can be provided, such as thermograph, display screen, etc. It goes without saying that the location of these elements is not limited to table 27, but that their position is determined according to their function. Similarly, one or more transparent zones making it possible to visualize the interior of the space 3, and / or display for example advertising, can be arranged on the container 1. This can be particularly advantageous when the container 1 is intended to be placed or transported in contact with the public.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, it is understood that the space left free between the container 1 and the loading volume allows air circulation necessary to maintain the temperature of the loading disposed in the space 3.

Advantageously, in FIG. 7, and according to another embodiment, it is understood that at least one wall of the enclosure 24 can define a recess 29. It is clear that such a recess 29 defined by at least two surfaces of enclosure 2 can be used to enclose an insulating layer of fluid, such as air, or even allow inflation and therefore the stiffening of enclosure 2. But such recesses 29 are also capable of allowing circulation of coolant inside the container 1. In general, the circulation of coolant, or rather of maintaining the set temperature, is represented in the figures by the arrows D. Preferably, the inlet (s) d 'air 91 will be arranged near the top of the enclosure 2, while it is preferable to arrange the air outlets 94 as low as possible. Of course, the communication between the mouths 91 and 94 then takes place at least partially through the recesses 29.

To best limit the temperature transfers between the exterior and the container 1, it is desirable for the enclosure 2 in its state of use to be substantially hermetic. In FIGS. 7 and 8, internal circulation orifices are provided in the internal partitions of the enclosure 2 - those which define the interior of the recesses 29 - to allow certain flows D in the loading space 3, in addition to external circulation in the recesses 29. Similarly, a permeability (micro-fibers) of these internal partitions is capable of generating a flow D between 29 and 3. A recess 29 or even a circulation zone provided in the support 6, (not shown) can be arranged to literally "coat" the loading space 3 with a layer of temperature-maintaining fluid.

 It goes without saying that this loading space 3 can be divided, for example using shelves or partitions inside the enclosure 2. These partitions can be rigid, attached, coming from material or others. Obviously, the connection of these internal partitions to one or more recesses 29 can be envisaged, it being understood that these partitions can also be provided with passage orifices facilitating the circulation of air D towards space 3.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate installations of the type comprising at least one refrigerated volume for storing products at a set temperature.

In Figure 4, this refrigerated volume is the enclosure 1, that is to say a container. Said container is also connected to an autonomous refrigeration production unit
F allowing the cooling and the circulation of the air necessary for cooling the enclosure 1.

In FIG. 5, this refrigerated volume is constituted by the enclosure 100, that is to say a cold room, and the enclosure 1, that is to say a container. The latter being cooled by the circulation of cold air contained in the enclosure 100 by the intervention of an auxiliary fan G. The overall cooling capacity installed in the enclosure 100 must be sufficient for good cooling of the enclosure 100 and / or one or more containers.

In FIG. 6, the installation does not include any other loading volume of products than the containers 1. The advantage of providing a cooling system F for the containers 1, separate from the other systems of the installation, is that 'in the event of a failure of one of the systems, and for example that of cooling a cold room, the content of the latter can be quickly loaded into containers 1, during the entire breakdown of this cold room. In addition, the release of the interior volume of such a faulty cold room, facilitates the repair of this, or even makes its maintenance easier.

Various types of cooling system F can be used, such as for example those provided with a fan G for circulating the cooling fluid (here air), in combination with any heat exchanger such as that which is designated in H.

Referring to FIG. 6, an installation is seen in which the cooling is carried out by a cold battery F, the power of which is chosen to allow the cooling of several containers 1. The fan G causes a displacement of air according to arrows D, which then passes through the battery F before being distributed by conduits. The arrangement of these conduits is provided so that the ventilation of the containers 1 is carried out in a homogeneous manner, whatever their number and position. Such a balance is obtained by placing the containers upside down in order to balance the pressure losses, and by regulating the pressure upstream and downstream of the containers 1, for example using a damper such as that designated in 30. This register is provided for closing the pipe inside which it is arranged, when the number of containers 1 connected to the installation is maximum. Conversely, if only one container 1 is connected, the register 30 is in the maximum open position. In such a structure, it is advantageous for the pipes to be mostly fixed and / or rigid, with the exception of the connection sleeves 90.

A particularly advantageous installation has rigid pipes fixed to the ceiling, from which hang the flexible sleeves 90. Shut-off valves (for example automated) sections of unnecessary pipe, depending on the number of connected containers 1, are provided at suitable locations.

The invention is not without influence on the storage processes at controlled temperature of various products. The contribution of the invention to these methods is essentially due to the use of a container 1 and / or of an installation as they have just been described.

 It is clear that the use of a container 1, for example in place of a drop-side trolley such as that which is visible in FIG. 1, makes it possible to reduce, or even erase breaks in the temperature chain , especially when loading and unloading vehicles, handling journeys, etc.

Also, all the processes comprising at least one step of keeping any product at temperature, are included in the scope of the invention, if they use such a container 1 or installation comprising this type of container, and mainly during stages of production, transfer, storage, safeguarding, maintenance of installations, loading of sales spaces, making available to the public and the like.

The description of the conventional phases of these stages is known to those skilled in the art and will not be made here, while the manner in which the invention intervenes is clear from the above.

The invention is absolutely not limited to the embodiments and applications described above, and includes all the combinations and equivalents of the technical means illustrated. Thus, the enclosure 2 can constitute a flexible reservoir for liquid. Similarly, products other than food can be stored there.

An advantageous presentation includes one or more vertical panels able to be connected to their base, with a corresponding number of immobilizing members 7 linear and continuous (such as zipper), to make possible a corolla closure of the enclosure 2. One of the sections, if it is provided with an appropriate extension as well as a peripheral closure, may constitute the top wall 21 of this enclosure. This type of arrangement makes it possible to obtain a "tank effect" which limits the heat exchanges between the products and the atmosphere. Similarly, during unloading, the enclosure 2 can be opened gradually.

In many cases, it will be preferable for the bottom wall (resting on the support 6) to be at least partially rigid. But of course, such a background can also be flexible. In addition, the anchoring means 5 can be of any type, and in particular comprise hooks, straps, elastic tensioners, elastic clamps or "clips", etc.

Preference will be given to means allowing the fastest possible setting up and dismantling.

Claims (12)

1 - Isothermal storage container for products such as perishable foodstuffs, of the type comprising a thermally insulated loading enclosure (2) and with at least one closable access opening (4), characterized in that said enclosure is at least partially flexible and provided with anchoring means (5) on a support (6) such as a transport trolley. 2 - Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned anchoring means (5) are removable, while said enclosure (2) can be placed in a folded state (23) where it occupies a volume substantially equal to that of its walls. 3 - container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (6) being of the type of transport trolley with sides (62), the container anchoring means (1) cooperate with at least said side walls, for example so as to at least partially cover and confine, in a state of use of the enclosure (2), the loading volume between the drop sides. 4 - Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one space (29) left free between the container (1) and the loading volume (3) allows air circulation. 5 - Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the walls of the enclosure (2) defines a recess (29) for insulation, inflation and / or circulation (D) coolant. 6 - container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one instrument for measuring a parameter relating to its state, such as a temperature sensor in the enclosure (2), and / or a display (27) of one or more of these parameters. 7 - Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a flexible surface (26), foldable and / or rollable on itself, is arranged so as to be able to at least partially close the opening (4 ) above of the enclosure (2). 8 - Container according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one immobilizing member (7) such as "Velcro", tension cable or the like, cooperates with the flexible surface (26) mentioned above in order to allow its blocking, in a partial or total closure position of the enclosure (2). 9 - Container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that one or more walls of the enclosure (2) above are at least partially made from a multilayer plastic film such as "complex". 10 - Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said enclosure (2) comprises means (9) preferably closable for connection to a refrigeration system.  1 1 - Container according to claim 10, characterized in that the connection means (9) comprise at least one flexible sleeve (90), capable of being connected on the one hand to the loading space (3) of the enclosure (2) and on the other hand to said system. 12 - Installation of the type comprising at least one storage volume at a set temperature, of products such as perishable foodstuffs, characterized in that it comprises one or more containers (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, these containers (1) constituting transfer, storage and / or backup systems in the event of failure, of said products within the installation. 13 - Process for maintaining products such as perishable foodstuffs, at a substantially constant set temperature, characterized in that during at least one of the stages, in particular between the production and the final distribution of said products, one or more containers ( 1) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1 and / or installations according to claim 12, are used.