FR2723181A1 - Controlled temperature container in portable case - Google Patents

Abstract

The double-walled (4,5) vacuum flask (1), in a light alloy case (15), transportable by one person, carries the Peltier unit (10) on its polyethylene-coated polyurethane foam stopper (7). The upper (12) Peltier heat exchange surface is of finned aluminium alloy; the lower (11) is thermally connected to a finned alloy disk under the stopper. The flask is opened by raising a lockable knob (13) linked to the stopper. After releasing a catch (18), the opened flask is withdrawn on rails (17). The case also contains a battery and charger (21), vehicle battery and mains connectors (15,26), an electronic controller (19) operating from external (23) and internal (24) temperature sensors, and a key-pad and display (22) on the case top.

Description

PORTABLE DEVICE COMPRISING

  A TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED SPEAKER

  The present invention relates to the field of transport and storage of products, ob-

  jets, substances whose temperature must be controlled, and more particularly to devices and

  portable devices allowing the transport and the storage of these products, objects, substances.

  The Prior Art essentially teaches devices making it possible to transport and

  tuellcment to store products, objects or substances in temperature conditions

different from the ambient merat.

  We know for example portable thermally insulated enclosures autonomous and

  refrigerated by means of phase change materials, such as ice or carbon

  ice, wrapped or not, placed in the enclosure itself. These devices allow a-

  1 0 lower the temperature of the products present in the enclosure, sometimes below 0 C,

  for a period of time limited in particular by the quantity and the initial temperature of the materials

  phase change signals contained in the enclosure. However, these devices do not allow precise control of the temperature of the products present in the enclosure, and therefore do not allow the transport and storage of products to be cooled to temperatures

precise.

  Devices are also known which make it possible to maintain products during storage.

  kage or transport within a given range of temperatures below the am-

  biante, possibly less than 0 C, these devices operating with cold groups.

  However, these devices are relatively heavy due to the presence of a cold group,

  can hardly be worn by one person, and require strict working positions

  operation. On the other hand, these devices generally do not allow a selection of the time.

  storage or transport temperature, and require significant consumption

  energy making them unsuitable for autonomous operation. Finally, these devices generate

  drent vibrations due to the cold group which can be harmful to the products.

  The present invention makes it possible in particular to overcome these drawbacks and consists more

  precisely in an apparatus intended for the transport and the storage of products, objects, substances

  whose temperature must be controlled, characterized in that it comprises a thermal enclosure-

  insulated defining an interior volume to contain said products, objects, substances, having an opening in the upper part for introduction and extraction of said

  products, objects, substances, thermally insulated removable means for sealing the

  said opening, means for regulating the temperature of said interior volume comprising

  at least one Peltier effect thermoelement, a rigid envelope provided with a handle, containing

  at least said enclosure, said removable shutter means and said means of re-

  temperature control, for a transport of said device by a person.

  The temperature control means comprising at least one effect thermoelement

  Peltier make it possible to obtain, depending on the direction and intensity of the current applied across the therm

  loosely with a Peltier effect, lowering or raising the temperature, and advantageously

  maintain constant, of the interior volume defined by the thermally insulated enclosure, compared to

  bringing the atmosphere in which the apparatus is placed according to the invention to the ambient temperature

  tion. The use of a Petier effect TNT advantageously eliminates operating vibrations compared to a device using a cold group and contributes to better control of the temperature of the interior volume. The thermally insulated enclosure

  with its governor in the upper part, and the thermally insulated removable means of ob-

  i 0 turation of the opening ensures minimal heat transfer through the walls thereof thereby essentially optimizing the energy consumption of the device. The rigid envelope provided with a handle allows the grip and the protection of the device for the transport of this one. It will be noted that the production of cold or heat by the Pelticr effect thermoelement (s) gives the device a simplicity of design, and a weight compatible with its

transport by one person.

  According to an advantageous characteristic, the apparatus according to the invention comprises means of guided and limited movement of said enclosure relative to said rigid envelope, for a

  displacement of said enclosure out of said rigid envelope.

  This characteristic ensures good accessibility of the enclosure and in particular of its

  green for the introduction and extraction of products, objects, substances in the latter.

  According to another advantageous characteristic, the apparatus according to the invention comprises

  means for selecting said temperature of said interior volume.

  This characteristic allows a user to choose a temperature at which the products, objects and substances must be kept inside the enclosure. It is in particular made possible by means of a selection keyboard and the use of a Peltier effect thermoelement advantageously controlled by means of a proportional regulator.

Integral Derivative oPeI).

  According to an advantageous characteristic, the apparatus according to the invention comprises means

  rechargeable power supply for autonomous operation of said device.

  The device according to the invention can thus ensure the maintenance of a selected temperature in the interior volume of the enclosure by means of the electrical supply means.

  rechargeable autonomously, and therefore allows the transport of products, objects, sub-

  stances at a constant tenIpamu away from any external power source.

  According to another advantageous characteristic, the apparatus according to the invention comprises

  means for recording at least the temperature of said interior volume during the presentation

  that of said products, objects, substances in said interior volume The user obtains, by means of the temperature recording means, a means of checking whether the products, objects, substances have been transported or stored under the selected temperature conditions , in particular if the apparatus according to the invention is not

  supervised by a person during these periods.

  Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading the following description

  of an exemplary embodiment, accompanied by the appended drawings, of an apparatus according to the invention, example given by way of illustration and without any restrictive interpretation of

  the invention cannot be drawn from it.

  Figure 1 shows schematically in front view and in section an embodiment of

  tion of the portable device intended for the transport and the storage of products, objects, substances

  whose tCmpérat must be controlled, according to the invention.

  Figure 2 schematically shows a top view in partial section along the

line I-I in Figure 1.

  The apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 1 comprises an enclosure 1 ther-

  mically isolated defining an interior volume 2 to contain products, objects, and / or

  substances (not shown) and having an opening 3 in the upper part for an intro-

  duction and extraction of products, objects, and / or substances. Enclosure 1 is advantageous-

  cylindrical with circular cross-section, flat bottom (not shown) or hemispherical

  risk, or of parallelepiped shape (not shown), placed vertically, and advantageously comprises a first 4 and a second 5 metal walls, preferably of steel

  stainless steel, separated by a vacuum 6 to ensure good thermal insulation of the volume

  terecur 2 in relation to the ambient environment outside the device. The shape of the enclosure will be no-

  wich is preferably chosen according to manufacturing and optimum performance criteria.

  bet, specific needs, by any known means.

  The opening 3 of the enclosure 1 is closed by a removable plug 7 of complete section

  to the upper interior section of the enclosure 1. The plug 7 advantageously comprises

  polyurethane foam 8 surrounded by a layer of polyethylene foam 9, as shown in Figure 1, intended to ensure good thermal insulation of the interior volume 2 from the ambient environment outside the device, as well as sealingly correct to fluids. The layer of polyethylene foam 9 advantageously allows

  more protection of the polyurethane foam 8 and a reduction of the coefficient of friction

  ment of the plug against the inner wall 5 of the enclosure 1 so as to facilitate installation

  and removing the plug 7 in the opening 3.

  The plug 7 carries on its upper face at least one thermoelement 10 with Peltier effect, the upper and lower faces of which are respectively in contact with heat exchangers.

  upper 12 and lower 11 heat, each intended to optimize heat transfers from

  shot of the upper and lower faces of the Peltier effect thermoelement respectively towards the ex-

  interior of the apparatus and towards the interior volume 2 of the enclosure I. The upper exchanger 12 is advantageously made of heat conductive material,

  for example made of aluminum alloy, and includes a plate provided with fins as shown

  feel Figures 1 and 2. The lower exchanger 11 comprises a connecting element connecting the underside of the t 10 to the underside of the plug in contact with the volume

  interior 2. The connecting element is connected to a disc, possibly fitted with fins (not shown

  shown), the surface of which is slightly smaller than the interior section of the enclosure so

  homo heat transfer by radiation and by conduction in the internal volume

  laughing 2 on the cross section of the latter. The lower exchanger 11 is advantageously

  made of heat conductive material, for example aluminum alloy.

  The enclosure 1 as well as the plug 7 are in particular contained in a rigid envelope

  , for example a metal envelope advantageously made of light alloy, provided with a poi

  14 on its upper part for the gripping of the device by a user.

  The rigid envelope 15 and its handle 14 define the minimum external dimensions of the device.

  the same according to the invention. The device shown in Figure 1 can be carried by a single person

  rings, however the handle 14 will be able to advantageously allow a portage of the device

by two people simultaneously.

  The opening or closing of the enclosure 1 by means of the plug 7 is effected by a substantially vertical movement of the latter, controlled by the user by means of an operating button 13 advantageously placed on the handle 14 of the rigid casing 15. The operating button 13 acts mechanically on the plug 7 by means of articulated rods, advantageously as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, so that the plug 7 is guided and maintained during its displacements. Any rod or parallelogram system (not shown) allowing slightly curvilinear vertical movement or rectilinear vertical movement may be suitable. The button 13 is advantageously placed on a lateral arm of the handle 14 and has all the locking means making it possible to block the plug 7

  respectively in the open and closed position of the enclosure 1, for example a system

  me of releasable lug penetrating into the lateral arm of the handle 14. In the open position the position of the plug 7 must be such that the displacement in translation of the enclosure 1 out of the envelope 15 will be made possible, as explained below. The operation button 13

  may include any security means, for example by key or secret code (not shown

  tees), in particular to avoid any untimely opening of enclosure 1 by a third party.

  The enclosure 1 is advantageously held in the casing 15 by means of a slide-out drawer 16, for example with two lateral ball runners, as shown in FIGS. 1

  and 2, to allow the guided and limited translational movement of the enclosure outside the enclosure.

  loppe, this so that the user can freely access the opening 3 for the introduction and extraction of products, objects, and / or substances. The slide-out drawer 16 is advantageously

  provided with all means (not shown) for locking and operating safety in order to pal-

  link any attempt to open it inappropriately, as well as a handle, for example a retractable handle 18, for maneuvering by a user. Limitation of drawer movement is

  advance is effected by means of stops (not shown).

  Figure 1 shows in dashed line the drawer 16 in the pulled position, the enclosure then being

out of the rigid casing 15.

  The user accesses the opening 3 of the enclosure 1 in two stages.

  after having deactivated the safety devices if necessary: moving the control button

  noecuvrc 13 veas the top to extract the plug 7 from the enclosure 1, and pull on the drawer 16

  to remove the enclosure 1 from the envelope 15. Once the products, objects, and / or substances are

  translated into or removed from enclosure 1, the reverse operations should be performed.

  The apparatus according to the invention comprises, inside the rigid envelope 15, an electro-

  control and power supply 19, a fan 20 intended to improve the heat exchange

  mique at the level of the upper heat exchanger 12, a rechargeable electric energy accumulator 21, a charger 29 for charging the accumulator 21, a temperature probe 23 for measuring the temperature of the ambient air at the inlet of the upper exchanger 12, at least one temperature probe 24 placed in the interior volume 2 of the enclosure 1 to measure the

  temperature thereof, a keyboard screen 22 allowing the user-machine interface to access

  visible to the user on the outside surface of the rigid envelope 15.

  The control and power electronics 19 receives the information from the temperature probes.

  temperatures 23 and 24 to supply thrmoelement 10 with the electric current necessary to maintain

  of the interior volume temperature 2 selected by the user through the

  keypad 22. The electronics 19 advantageously includes a proportional integral derivative (PID) type regulator (not shown) for regulating this

  The electronics 19 have a memory in order to record at least the temperatures

  erasures of the interior volume 2, during the presence of the products, objects, and / or substances in

  enclosure 1, at regular time intervals, and advantageously record events

  special features, such as opening / closing drawer 16 or plug 7,

  malfunction of temperature sensor 23, 24, accumulator 21 of electric energy

  charging stick, regulating stop for accumulator 21 out of service.

  The fan 20 is connected to the control and power electronics 19 so that the latter manages its operation advantageously relative to the information received from the temperature probes 23 and 24 and at the temperature selected by the user.

  note that the casing 15 will have all ventilation openings and ducts (not shown

  necessary) for the evacuation of calories out of the envelope and necessary for an air intake for the establishment of an air flow on the upper exchanger 12, for example as the

  schematically represents Figure 2.

  The rechargeable electric energy accumulator 21 and the charger 29 are connected to the control and power electronics in order in particular to deliver to the thermoelement 10 the energy necessary for its operation. The accumulator preferably will be an accumulator.

  lead with gelled electrolyte to prevent any electrolyte leakage when the device is tilted.

  The electric energy regulator 21 advantageously allows autonomous operation of the apparatus according to the invention. In a specific use case, the device shown in FIG. 1 can advantageously include a transport case (not shown), for example made of wood or other similar materials, in which the device can be placed in operation and maintained, for transporting it without a guide. The transport case will have any ventilation opening necessary for the operation of the device.

as described above.

  The device shown in Figure 1 advantageously comprises a first connector

  12/24 volt electrical connection for electrical connection of the device to an electrical supply

  light and / or heavy vehicle body, for example on the vehicle's cigarette lighter, via

  diary of a suitable electrical target for connection (not shown). The connector 25 is connected to the control and supply electronics 19 which makes it possible to detect a 12 volt (light vehicle) or 24 volt (heavy vehicle) supply and to adapt to the effective supply voltage by means of '' a 12/24 volt transformer automatically activated according to

the latter.

  The device shown in Figure 1 advantageously comprises a second electrical connector 26 1 10Q220 volts for electrical connection of the device to a power supply

  mains power supply via a suitable electrical connection cable (not shown

  you). A manual selector allows the user to choose the type of 110 or 220 volt supply, in particular depending on the power supply standard of the country in which he is located. The mains supply makes it possible to charge the accumulator 21, if necessary,

  automatically thanks to the control and power electronics 19 and the charger 29.

  It should be noted that the charger 29 can include any fan means (not shown

  felt) to ensure its cooling.

  The electronic control and power supply 19 allows the device to manage the electrical power sources and to choose the most important energy source. In addition, in the event

  power supply from a vehicle or power supply from accumulator 21, the electro-

  control and power supply 19 automatically disconnects from the power supply to the

  vehicle or accumulator 21 from a determined voltage value, for example approx.

  ron 10 volts, in order to avoid completely discharging the vehicle battery or the accumulator 21.

  The temperature probes 23 and 24 are advantageously platinum probes present

  both good sensitivity. It should be noted that the probe 24 located inside the enclosure 1 can be doubled, one probe being used in this case for temperature measurement for display on the keyboard screen 22 for example, and the other to regulate the temperature of the interior volume

  This preferred configuration makes it possible to have a safety probe in the event of

  failure of one of the probes, the probe in operation assuming in this case the function of the faulty probe. In order to obtain a temperature measurement that best represents that of the

  products, objects, substances being in enclosure 1, it is preferable to place these

  nicrs in contact with the probe 24. For this purpose, we prefer the introduction of products, objects,

  substances in a basket (not shown) ensuring contact with the probe 24.

  The ocean keyboard 22 is connected to the control and power supply electronics 19 and allows the user to give orders to the device via the keyboard in ii, and to access

  information relating to the configuration of the device by means of the screen.

  The keypad allows in particular to select the desired temperature of the interior volume 2,

  and clearing the memory. The apparatus according to the invention advantageously comprises a se-

  access to the keyboard at least for the above functions, for example by means of a

  key code known to the authorized user (s).

  The screen advantageously automatically displays, at regular time intervals, at least the temperature of the interior volume 2 and the selected temperature, from an operation of the device. The screen can display, for example according to the request of the user using the keyboard, in particular the ambient temperature given by the probe 23, the minimum and maximum npratures recorded, the charge rate of the accumulator 21. The device represented in FIG. 1 advantageously comprises a third connector

  27 electrical for electrical connection of the device to a microcomputer (not shown

  tee) via suitable connecting cable (not shown). The connector 27 is connected to

  the control and power electronics 19 which allows the transfer of the recorded information

  stored in the latter's memory on the microcomputer screen or on a printer

  mantle, so that a user can visualize at least the temperature of the interior volume 2

  throughout transport, storage, or more generally from start-up

  operation of the device The device shown in Figure 1 advantageously includes an indicator light

  alarm (not shown) which can indicate to the user a particular event or an ano-

  malfunction, for example opening the enclosure 1 by operating the plug 7,

  discharge of the accumulator 21, malfunction of a probe 23, 24, malfunction

  electronic control and power supply 19. The warning light comes on

  advantageously accompanied by a display on the screen of the event device or ano-

  malie at its origin. The alarm light is additionally doubled or replaced by an alarm

  sound that the user will advantageously have the possibility of disconnecting via

  diary of the keyboard It should be noted that the specific external electrical cables (not shown), namely in particular connection cable to connector 25, connection cable to connector 26 and connection cable to connector 27 may advantageously be accommodated in the device according to the invention

  and accessible to the user via a door (not shown) located on the envelope

rigid frame 15.

  The device according to the invention can additionally include any connection means

  (not shown) for an external test device (not shown) so as to allow cf-

  perform diagnostics of malfunctions of the device, especially electronics

  control and power supply 19, without disassembly.

  All the connectors are advantageously grouped on a lateral face of the rigid casing 15 and protected by an access door, possibly lockable, in order to avoid any

  runoff of liquid on them, and possibly inappropriate use of connectors

by a third party.

  The apparatus according to the invention may advantageously include an additional module for ac-

  cumulative electrical energy (not shown) with or without a charger in order to increase

  ment the operating autonomy of the device for specific uses. This mo-

  dule can have its own envelope and in particular be attached to the rigid envelope 15 on its lower part by being fixed to the latter by any releasable attachment means, and be connected to the electronic control and power supply 19 by the connector connector

additional (not shown).

  As an indication and not limiting, the device according to the invention can comprise an enclosure 1

  of a useful volume of 3 or 6 liters, and allow to maintain products, objects, and / or sub-

  stances at a temperature between 4 C and 37 C, with a selection every 0.1 C, in an environment whose temperature is above -15 C and below +50 C. The energy accumulator 21 can have for example a voltage of about 12 volts and a capacity of 6.5 or 10 or 13 ampere-hours depending on the desired autonomy which can range from

  a few knocks to a few tens of hours depending on the type of accumulator, the temperature

  biante exterior, and the selected temperature. The additional accumulator module

  electric energy (not shown) can advantageously double at least this autonomy.

Claims (10)

  1. Apparatus intended for the transport and storage of products, objects, substances including the   tem ture must be controlled, characterized in that it includes an enclosure (1)   mically isolated defining an interior volume (2) to contain said products, objects,   substances, having an opening (3) in the upper part for introduction and cx-   traction of said products, objects, substances, thermally insulated removable means (7)   for closing said opening, means for regulating the temperature of said volume   inside comprising at least one thermoelement (10) with Pelticr effect, a rigid envelope (15)   provided with a handle (14), containing at least said enclosure, said removable means for   temperature and said temperature regulation means, for transporting said device by a person   2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means   guided and limited movement of said enclosure (1) relative to said rigid envelope (15),   for a guided and limited movement of said enclosure out of said rigid envelope.   3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterize in that said means of de-   guided and limited placement includes a slide drawer (16).   4. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that   that said thermally insulated enclosure (1) comprises a first (4) and a second (5)   metal walls separated by a vacuum (6).   5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that   that said Peltier effect thbermoelement (10) is carried by said removable means (7) for obtaining ration.   6. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that   that it comprises means for selecting (19, 22) said temperature of said interior volume   7. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that   that it comprises rechargeable electrical supply means (21) for establishing a function   autonomous operation of said apparatus 8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises first electrical connection means (25) for an electrical connection to an electrical supply   light and / or heavy vehicle to establish an operation of said device from said vehicle cule light and / or heavy.   9. Apparatus according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises second electrical connection means (26) for an electrical connection to a mains power supply to establish operation of said apparatus from said sector and a   charging of said rechargeable electrical supply means.   1 0. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 4 9, characterized in that   that it comprises recording means (19, 24) at least of the temperature of said volume   interior during the presence of said products, objects, substances in said internal volume laughing   11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that it comprises three   ines electrical connection means (27) for an electrical connection to a microcomputer to visualize at least said tepatue recorded said intricuc volume   12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that   that it includes visual and / or audible alarm means at least in the event of an operating anomaly.