WO2021240360A1

WO2021240360A1 - Panel and module for a container for transporting food

Info

Publication number: WO2021240360A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/054528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Chies; Roberto COLLOT; Antonio DE MOLINER; Francesco GIUSTO; Roberto VEDOVATO; Federico ZOPPAS
Original assignee: I.R.C.A. S.P.A. Industria Resistenze Corazzate E Affini
Priority date: 2020-05-25
Filing date: 2021-05-25
Publication date: 2021-12-02
Also published as: IT202000012253A1; EP4157048A1

Abstract

A panel (1) for a container (100) for transporting food, the panel (1) comprising - heating means (4), in particular electric heating means; - ventilation means (2) adapted to draw air from outside the panel (1) and to direct the drawn air towards the heating means (4), whereby the heating means (4) are adapted to heat the air output from the ventilation means (2); - a first wall (14) provided with at least one inlet opening (11) through which the ventilation means (2) can draw air from outside the panel (1); - a second wall (13) provided with at least one outlet opening (12) through which the air heated by said heating means (4) can escape from the panel (1); wherein said first wall (14) and said second wall (13) are opposite to each other.

Description

PANEL AND MODULE FOR A CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of transporting food, cooked food in particular.

In particular, the invention relates to the components for containers for transporting food.

Background art The request for takeaway food is continuously increasing.

The food to be transported is often arranged in a container, also called delivery box, e.g. a duffel bag.

Although an attempt is made to maintain the organoleptic properties of the food as much as possible during transport, this goal is difficult to achieve in a satisfactory manner.

Containers for transporting takeaway food generally are designed to protect the contents thereof from the outside temperature, in particular to prevent the food from getting cold.

Moreover, certain containers provide heating means therein to improve maintaining the temperature of the food.

Moisture is an important factor that affects the quality of the food during transport. In particular, increased levels of moisture typically have a negative effect on the organoleptic properties.

There are currently no solutions which allow a moisture level in the container to be maintained which is adequate for preserving the organoleptic properties of the food. Maintaining an adequate moisture level is particularly complex, especially when a thermal container is used, and even more complex when the container is provided with heating means which generally induce an increase in the moisture.

Therefore, the need is felt for a solution which allows the level of moisture in containers for transporting food to be improved.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to make a component capable of reducing the moisture in a container for transporting food. The present invention achieves at least the aforesaid object, and other objects which will become apparent in the light of the present description, by means of a panel for a container for transporting food, the panel comprising

- heating means, in particular electric heating means;

- ventilation means adapted to draw air from outside the panel and to direct the drawn air towards the heating means, whereby the heating means are adapted to heat the air output from the ventilation means;

- a first wall provided with at least one inlet opening through which the ventilation means can draw air from outside the panel;

- a second wall provided with at least one outlet opening through which the air heated by said heating means can escape from the panel; wherein said first wall and said second wall are opposite to each other, in particular distinct from and opposite to each other.

The invention also relates to a module for a container for transporting food, according to claim 14.

The invention also relates to a container for transporting food, according to claim 17.

Advantageously, when the panel is connected to a container, for example arranged in a container for transporting food, the panel is capable of reducing the moisture in the container.

Thereby, the organoleptic properties of the transported food are preserved.

In particular, air advantageously is drawn from outside, in particular ambient air, which is heated by the heating means, and the heated air may be input into the container for transporting food. More in detail, the air may be drawn from outside the container. Advantageously, the air drawn from outside is heated and input into the container.

Advantageously - in particular when the panel is used in conjunction with a container or module - the arrangement of the input opening(s) and outlet openings(s) allows air to be drawn from the outside of a container for transporting food, and the air heated by the heating means to be input into the container.

Indeed, the air may be drawn from one side of the panel and output from the opposite side. Therefore, substantially there is no recirculation of the air in the container. According to the Inventors, a recirculation of the air would be disadvantageous because the moisture in the container tends to increase due to the presence of the food, in particular when it is hot.

"Ambient air" in particular means the air of any environment external to the panel and container provided with the panel.

Preferably, the heating means comprise at least one electric resistor (which may generate heat due to the Joule effect), preferably of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) type.

A PTC resistor, or PTC thermistor, has a positive temperature coefficient, i.e. the resistance thereof increases as the temperature increases. Therefore, a PTC resistor allows a self-regulation of the temperature to be obtained. For example, a PTC resistor may be used which may reach a maximum temperature of about 120 °C.

In any case, electric heaters of other type maybe used alternatively to the PTC resistor, for example one or more sheathed resistors, or one or more thin electric heaters, for example of the etched foil type, i.e. comprising a metal foil fixed to a support, preferably a polymeric, e.g. elastomeric, support.

Preferably, moisture absorption means are also provided.

Preferably, the moisture absorption means comprise silica gel, in particular of the type adapted to be arranged in the vicinity of food products.

The silica gel is particularly advantageous because in addition to absorbing a lot of moisture (i.e. a lot of water), it may also be easily regenerated. "Regeneration" in particular means the removal, in particular the desorption, of water (i.e. moisture) from the silica gel. The regeneration of the silica gel may be obtained, for example, by heating to a temperature between about 120 and about 250°C, or between about 120 and about 150°C. Also other materials, e.g. zeolites, may in any case be used alternatively to the silica gel.

Preferably, the moisture absorption means comprise or consist of at least one cartridge or casing containing a material adapted to absorb moisture, preferably silica gel.

Preferably, the cartridge can be disassembled, i.e. it is removable, from the panel. "Can be disassembled" in particular means that it is designed to be removed from the panel without damage.

A cartridge which can be disassembled is particularly advantageous because it may be easily regenerated, for example by means of an oven, e.g. a microwave oven. An openable door which closes the seat of the cartridge in the panel preferably is provided to facilitate the removal and insertion of the cartridge. Said door preferably defines part of a wall, in particular an outer wall, of the panel.

Preferably, the heating means are also adapted to heat the moisture absorption means so as to regenerate the material which absorbed moisture, i.e. so as to cause the water that said material absorbed to evaporate.

Advantageously, the panel may be used to obtain a module to be arranged in a container for transporting food. The module in particular comprises a tray restrained to the panel. For example, one or more vessels containing the food may be put on the tray. Optionally, the tray is provided with a support surface which may be heated by heating means of the tray, in particular which are distinct from the panel heating means.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of non-exclusive embodiments.

The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

In the description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container for transporting food comprising a module according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a module according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a panel according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a part of the panel in Figure 3.

The same elements, or functionally equivalent elements, have the same reference numeral.

With reference to the drawings, it is described, in particular, a panel 1 for a container 100 for transporting food. Panel 1 comprises heating means 4, in particular electric heating means; and ventilation means 2, or suction means, adapted to draw air from outside panel 1 and in particular, to direct the drawn air towards the heating means 4; whereby the heating means 4 are adapted to heat the air output from the ventilation means 2. In other words, the heating means 4 are arranged so as to heat the air drawn by the ventilation means 2.

Panel 1 comprises a wall 14, or first wall 14, provided with at least one inlet opening

11 through which the ventilation means 2 may draw air, in particular ambient air, from outside panel 1 ; and a wall 13, or second wall 13, provided with at least one outlet opening 12 through which the air heated by said heating means 4 can escape from panel 1 ; in particular, so that the air may be drawn from one side of panel 1 and output from the opposite side of panel 1 .

Wall 14 and wall 13 are opposite to each other. In particular, wall 14 and wall 13 face each other, i.e. they are directed towards each other. In particular, wall 14 and wall 13 are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other along an axis orthogonal to said first wall 14 and said second wall 13.

Advantageously, the arrangement of the inlet opening(s) 11 and outlet openings(s)

12 allows air to be drawn from the outside of a container 100 for transporting food, and the air heated by the heating means 2 to be input into container 100.

In particular, air may be drawn from the environment external to panel 1 and to container 100, i.e. ambient air may be drawn.

Therefore, there substantially is no recirculation of the air in container 100. The Inventors have observed that a recirculation of the air would be disadvantageous because the moisture in container 100 tends to increase due to the presence of the food, in particular when it is hot.

Preferably, wall 13 can be disassembled from wall 14.

Preferably, the ventilation means 2 and/or the heating means 4 and/or moisture absorption means 3 face wall 14 and/or wall 13.

Optionally, panel 1 further comprises moisture absorption means 3; and the ventilation means 2 are adapted to direct the drawn air towards the moisture absorption means 3. Therefore, the ventilation means 2, or suction means, generate a flow of air. In particular, the air may be drawn inside panel 1 and may be heated by the heating means 4 and optionally dehumidified by the moisture absorption means 3. The air thus treated may then escape from panel 1 .

The heating means 4 and/or the ventilation means 2 and/or moisture absorption means 3 (when provided) are at least partially arranged inside panel 1 , for example completely or only partially inside panel 1 . In other words, it is preferable for the panel to define a housing where the heating means 4 and/or the ventilation means 2 and/or the moisture absorption means 3 (when provided) are arranged.

In particular, in all embodiments, it is preferable for the heating means 4 and/or the ventilation means 2 and/or the moisture absorption means 3 (when provided) to be arranged between wall 14 and wall 13.

Preferably, in all embodiments, panel 1 defines therein a path or channel, preferably a sole or single path or channel, for the air output from the ventilation means 2. The path or channel conducts the air output from the ventilation means 2 towards the heating means 4 and towards the moisture absorption means 3, when provided.

In particular, the moisture absorption means 3 are arranged in said channel.

By providing a single path or channel, in particular without branches, substantially the entire flow of air heated by the heating means 4 passes through the moisture absorption means 3.

As mentioned above, panel 1 comprises at least one inlet opening 11 through which the ventilation means 2 can draw air from outside panel 1 . Preferably, a plurality of inlet openings 11 is provided. In particular, the inlet openings 11 here are close to one another. For example, holes may be provided arranged according to a grid, for example a substantially circular grid.

As mentioned above, panel 1 further comprises at least one outlet opening 12 through which the air heated by said heating means 4 (and optionally dehumidified by the moisture absorption means 3, when provided) can escape from panel 1 . Preferably, a plurality of outlet openings 12 is provided. In particular, the outlet openings 12 here are close to one another. For example, holes may be provided arranged according to a grid, for example a substantially circular grid.

Each outlet opening 12 is distinct from each inlet opening 11 .

As mentioned above, the one or more inlet openings 11 and the one or more outlet openings 12 preferably are made in different or distinct walls 14, 13 or zones, in particular in two opposite zones or walls 14, 13. Said walls 14, 13 in particular are outer walls of panel 1 .

In other words, preferably the one or more inlet openings 11 are obtained in said first wall 14, in particular outer wall, of panel 1 , and the one or more outlet openings 12 are obtained in said second wall 13, in particular outer wall, of panel 1 ; and the second wall 13 is opposite to, in particular distinct from and opposite to, the first wall 14 (in Fig. 3, the one or more openings 11 cannot be seen as they are concealed by the ventilation means 2).

More in detail, in all the embodiments, the outer face of the first wall 14 preferably lies on a first plane; the inner face, which is opposite to the outer face, of the first wall 14 lies on a second plane; the outer face of the second wall 13 lies on a third plane; the inner face, which is opposite to the outer face, of the second wall 13 lies on a fourth plane; and said first plane, second plane, third plane and fourth plane are distinct from one another, in particular distinct from and parallel to one another, and are spaced apart from one another, in particular along an axis orthogonal thereto.

The moisture absorption means 3 comprise a material adapted to absorb moisture, preferably silica gel. For example, the silica gel may be in the form of particles, for example substantially spherical particles.

Preferably, the moisture absorption means 3 comprise at least one cartridge 30 or casing comprising therein the material adapted to absorb moisture which, as mentioned above, preferably is silica gel.

For example, the moisture absorption means 3 may consist of only one cartridge 30 containing the material adapted to absorb moisture, although a higher number of cartridges containing the material adapted to absorb moisture may also be provided. Cartridge 30 is configured, in particular configured and arranged, so that the air escaping from the ventilation means 2 may enter cartridge 30 and escape therefrom, in particular so as to be directed towards the one or more outlet openings 12 of panel 1 . Entering cartridge 30, the air comes into contact with the silica gel, which absorbs at least part of the moisture thereof.

More in detail, cartridge 30 is provided with at least one first opening 31 for the air to enter into cartridge 30. Preferably, a plurality of openings 31 for the air to enter into cartridge 30 is provided, said openings 31 preferably being close to one another. For example, the openings 31 may be arranged according to a grid.

Cartridge 30 is also provided with at least one second opening 32, which is distinct from each first opening 31 , for air to escape, in particular for dehumidified air to escape, from cartridge 30. Preferably, a plurality of openings 32 for air to escape from cartridge 30 is provided, said openings 32 preferably being close to one another. For example, the openings 32 may be arranged according to a grid.

Each opening 31 is arranged so as to be crossed by the air output from the ventilation means 2; and each outlet opening 32 is arranged so as to direct the dehumidified air escaping from cartridge 30 towards the one or more outlet openings 12 of panel 1 .

Preferably, the one or more openings 31 are proximal to the ventilation means 2, for example directed towards output 22 of the ventilation means 2. Preferably, the one or more openings 31 of cartridge 30 are distal from the one or more outlet openings 12 of panel 1 .

Preferably, the one or more openings 32 of cartridge 30 are proximal to the one or more outlet openings 12.

Preferably, the one or more openings 32 of cartridge 30 are distal from the one or more ventilation means 2.

Preferably, the one or more openings 31 are obtained in a first wall 33 of cartridge 30, and the one or more openings 32 are obtained in a second wall 34 of cartridge 30, distinct from the first wall 33. For example, said first wall 33 of cartridge 30 is transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the second wall 34. Preferably, the first wall 33 and the second wall 34 are contiguous to each other.

By way of example, cartridge 30 may substantially have the shape of a parallelepiped.

Preferably, the cartridge 30 can be disassembled from the panel 1 . For this purpose, a door 35 is preferably provided, an openable door in particular, which closes an opening of the wall 13 (or of the wall 14) of panel 1 , through which cartridge 30 may be removed and inserted.

Said door 35 preferably defines part of wall 13. Preferably, the heating means 4, in particular electric heating means, are also adapted to heat said moisture absorption means 3 (when provided), in particular to remove moisture therefrom. For example, the heating means 4 are adapted to regenerate the silica gel, heating it to cause the absorbed water to evaporate.

In all embodiments, the heating means 4 preferably are arranged inside panel 1 , in particular between the walls 13, 14.

The heating means 4 may, for example, comprise or consist of one or more electric heaters, e.g. one electric heater.

Preferably, the one or more electric heaters are of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) type, i.e. each one comprises a PTC resistor. Electric heaters of other type may in any case be provided, for example one or more sheathed resistors, or one or more heaters, each comprising at least one metal foil (adapted to generate heat due to the Joule effect) fixed to a substrate, preferably a polymeric, e.g. elastomeric, substrate. The foil may, for example, be of the etched foil type. Preferably, but not exclusively, the heating means 4 are arranged between the ventilation means 2 and the moisture absorption means 3 (when provided), in particular between outlet 22 of the ventilation means 2 and the one or more inlet openings 31 of cartridge 30. Therefore, the flow of air leaving from the ventilation means 2 is first heated by the heating means 4 and then dehumidified by the moisture absorption means 3.

In one variant (not shown), the heating means are fixed to said moisture absorption means 3, for example to a wall of cartridge 30. For example, an electric heater comprising a metal foil fixed to a support, thus forming, for example a heating pad, which is fixed to a wall of the cartridge, may be provided.

Preferably, in all embodiments, the panel 1 comprises at least one UV lamp 7, preferably of the UV-C type, at an outer surface of panel 1. The UV lamp 7 serves in particular to carry out a sanitization because it has a germicidal effect. The UV lamp 7 may, for example be a tubular lamp.

The UV lamp 7 may, for example, be restrained to wall 13, in particular to the face or outer surface of wall 13. In addition or alternatively, one or more UV lamps restrained to another wall of the panel, in particular to the wall opposite to wall 13 (i.e. wall 14), may also be provided. The ventilation means 2 preferably comprise or consist of a fan 2. Preferably, fan 2 is provided with an inlet and an outlet 22 which are transversal to each other, for example orthogonal to each other. In other words, the flow of suction air is transverse, for example substantially orthogonal, to the flow of air output from fan 2. The ventilation means 2 and the heating means 4 may, for example be fed by the battery of a means of transport, e.g. a scooter, or panel 1 may be provided with its own battery. For example, the ventilation means 2 and the heating means 4 may be fed by a battery at about 12V, which may be the battery of a scooter.

Preferably, panel 1 is provided with one or more holes 16 which allow the passage of power feeder cables.

Preferably, panel 1 defines at least one handle 15, for example one handle 15. Handle 15 in particular allows panel 1 to be grasped with one hand.

Preferably, panel 1 is designed so as to be restrained to one or more further panels, as described below.

Panel 1 may advantageously be used to make a module 10 for a container 100 for transporting food.

Module 10 (Figures 1 , 2), in particular, comprises at least one panel 1 and at least one tray 8, which are restrained to each other. Tray 8 defines a support surface 81 on which one or more vessels (not shown) containing the food may be arranged. Preferably, tray 8 is heated. In particular, tray 8 preferably comprises at least one electric heater (not shown) adapted to heat the support surface 81 of tray 8. Said electric heater of tray 8 in particular is distinct from said heating means 2. Said at least one electric heater of tray 8 preferably is arranged inside the tray 8. Preferably, the support surface 81 is made of metal, preferably of aluminum or aluminum alloy, for an improved diffusion of the heat.

Panel 1 and tray 8 preferably are orthogonal to each other. Panel 1 substantially is a side panel of module 10, and tray 8 preferably substantially is a lower panel of module 10.

Module 10 preferably further comprises another side panel 1 ' and preferably also an upper panel 9.

The side panel 1 ' may be identical or substantially identical to panel 1 , or may be different with respect to panel 1 . For example, the side panel 1 ' may serve the sole function of structural support for module 10. In any case, it is preferable for the side panel 1 ' to define at least one handle, for example one handle, in similar manner to panel 1. The handle in particular allows the side panel 1 ' to be grasped with one hand.

The side panel 1 ’ is spaced apart from and faces said panel 1 . In particular, the side panel 1 ' is also restrained to tray 8, and preferably is parallel to panel 1 .

Preferably, panel 1 is arranged so that the one or more inlet openings 11 are directed towards the outside of module 10, and the one or more outlet openings 12 are directed towards the inside of module 10. It is preferable that the one or more outlet openings 12 are made in a wall 13 of panel 1 facing the side panel 1 '.

In other words, the one or more inlet openings 11 and the one or more outlet openings 12 are made in walls 14, 13 which are opposite to each other (as mentioned above).

The upper panel 9 is spaced apart from and faces the tray 8. In particular, the upper panel 9 is parallel to tray 8. The upper panel 9 is arranged above panel 1 and panel 1 ', and is restrained thereto. Preferably, the upper panel 9 is provided with grooves or recesses, for example two grooves or recesses. Part of a respective panel 1 , 1' is arranged in each groove. Preferably, the upper contour of each of the two panels 1 , 1 ' comprises two curved stretches, and each groove comprises two curved stretches in contact with the curved stretches of the respective panel 1 , 1 '.

The upper surface of the upper panel 9 may be used as support surface. Optionally, two further panels 1 , 1 ' and optionally a further upper panel may be restrained to the upper panel 9. For this purpose, the upper panel 9 may be provided with recesses, for example two recesses 91 , 92, where (optional) projections of the panels 1 , 1 ' are engaged. Also tray 8 may be provided with two or more recesses for fixing to respective projections of the respective panels 1 , 1 '.

The invention also relates to a container 100 for transporting food, comprising at least one panel 1 or one module 10.

In particular, container 100 is provided with one or more openings 102 through which said ventilation means 2 may draw air from the outside of container 100. The one or more openings 102 are made in a wall 101 , in particular an outer wall, of container 100. When panel 1 is arranged in container 100, the one or more inlet openings 11 preferably are substantially at the one or more openings 102.

In a variant (not shown), a container may be made in which two opposite walls of the container are two walls of panel 1 (analogous to the walls 13, 14). Preferably, the wall where the inlet openings 11 of the panel are made is an innermost wall of the container.

Preferably, the ventilation means 2 and/or said heating means 4 and/or said moisture absorption means 3 (when provided) are at least partially arranged inside panel 1 , in particular between said two walls. The outermost wall of the two walls preferably is provided with said one or more openings 102.

Claims

1. A panel (1 ) for a container (100) for transporting food, the panel (1 ) comprising

- heating means (4), in particular electric heating means;

- ventilation means (2) adapted to draw air from outside the panel (1 ) and to direct the drawn air towards the heating means (4), whereby the heating means (4) are adapted to heat the air output from the ventilation means (2);

- a first wall (14) provided with at least one inlet opening (11 ) through which the ventilation means (2) can draw air from outside the panel (1 );

- a second wall (13) provided with at least one outlet opening (12) through which the air heated by said heating means (4) can escape from the panel (1 ); wherein said first wall (14) and said second wall (13) are opposite to each other.

2. A panel (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said first wall (14) and said second wall (13) face each other.

3. A panel (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first wall (14) and said second wall (13) are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other along an axis orthogonal to said first wall (14) and said second wall (13).

4. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means (4) comprise a resistor of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) type.

5. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means (4) are arranged inside the panel (1 ); in particular between said first wall (14) and said second wall (13).

6. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising moisture absorption means (3), and wherein said ventilation means (2) are adapted to direct the drawn air towards the moisture absorption means (3); preferably, wherein said moisture absorption means (3) are arranged inside the panel (1 ), in particular between said first wall (14) and said second wall (13).

7. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said moisture absorption means (3) comprise silica gel.

8. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said moisture absorption means (3) comprise at least one cartridge (30) comprising a material adapted to absorb moisture therein; preferably, wherein said cartridge (30) can be disassembled from the panel (1 ); preferably, wherein said material adapted to absorb moisture is silica gel.

9. A panel (1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said cartridge (30) contains said material adapted to absorb moisture therein, and is configured so that the air escaping from the ventilation means (30) can enter the cartridge (2) and escape therefrom; in particular, wherein said cartridge (30) is provided with at least one first opening (31 ) for the air to enter into the cartridge (30), and with at least one second opening (32), distinct from said at least one first opening (31 ), for the air, in particular dehumidified air, to escape from the cartridge (30); preferably, wherein each first opening (31 ) is arranged so as to be crossed by the air output from the ventilation means (2), and each second opening (32) is arranged so as to direct the dehumidified air escaping from the cartridge (30) towards said at least one outlet opening (12) of the panel (1 ).

10. A panel (1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein there is provided a door (35) which closes an opening of the second wall (13) or of the first wall (14), through which the cartridge (30) may be removed and inserted.

11. A panel (1 ) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said heating means (4) are arranged between the ventilation means (2) and the moisture absorption means (3), and/or optionally wherein said heating means are fixed to said moisture absorption means (3).

12. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one UV lamp (7), preferably of the UV-C type, in particular at an outer surface of the panel (1 ).

13. A panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, defining therein a single path or channel for the air output from the ventilation means (2); wherein said path or channel is configured to conduct the air output from the ventilation means (2) towards the heating means (4) and, when provided, towards the moisture absorption means (3).

14. A module (10) for a container (100) for transporting food, the module (10) comprising at least one panel (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one tray (8); preferably, wherein said at least one panel (1 ) and said tray (8) are restrained to each other.

15. A module (10) according to claim 14, wherein said tray (8) comprises at least one electric heater adapted to heat a support surface (81 ) of the tray (8); preferably, wherein said support surface (81) is made of metal, preferably of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

16. A module (10) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a side panel (V) spaced apart from and facing said panel (1); and an upper panel (9) spaced apart from and facing said tray (8).

17. A container (100) for transporting food, comprising at least one panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a module (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 16; in particular, wherein said ventilation means (2) can draw air from outside the container (100) through said at least one inlet opening (11) and input air heated by said heating means (4), and optionally dehumidified by said moisture absorption means (3), into the container (100) through said at least one outlet opening (12).

18. A container according to claim 17, wherein at least one wall (101) of the container is provided with at least one opening (102), through which said ventilation means (2) can draw air from outside the container; and/or wherein two opposite walls of the container are two walls of said at least one panel (1 ), preferably wherein said ventilation means (2) and/or said heating means (4) are arranged at least partially inside the panel (1 ), in particular between said two walls.