WO2012069372A2 - Insert element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an insert element for receiving goods and storing and transporting goods in a temperature-controlled manner. Said goods are primarily food and drinks to be temperature-controlled, wherein said food and drinks must be kept warm or cold as the case may be. The aim the invention is to improve insert elements for storing and transporting objects in a temperature-controlled manner to the effect that the desired temperature range for the respective temperature control within the insert element can be maintained over an extended period of time. An insert element according to the invention has a housing that is open on one side. At least one hollow chamber that is open on at least one side is present in the housing, a module containing a phase-changing medium being insertable into said hollow chamber. Alone or in addition thereto, at least one hollow space that is filled or can be filled with a phase-changing medium can be formed in the housing, and/or at least one insert module containing a phase-changing medium can additionally be inserted into the housing, and/or a covering element containing a phase-changing medium can be placed on the housing.

Description

male member

The invention relates to an insertion element for receiving and a temperature-controlled storage and transport of goods. These are primarily food and drinks to be tempered, which should be kept warm or cold, depending on how hot they are. However, it is also possible to transport and store ice for cooling or cell cultures or organs for medical purposes.

The use of the insertion elements according to the invention in aviation is preferred. In this case, the insertion elements in suitable transport containers

 (Trolleys) or in a kitchen unit to be transported and stored. In this case, in the transport containers or in kitchen units longitudinal guides and on side walls of insertion elements complementary thereto formed guide elements, which are formed for example as a longitudinal groove, available. As a result, the insertion elements can be inserted into the longitudinal guides and thus transported and stored a plurality of superposed insertion elements. Usually, such insertion elements for the respective objects to be stored and transported are nonspecifically designed and represent simple on one side, usually open-top drawers dar. Inserted or inserted objects can not so in their or a particular

Position are held, which is particularly the case

Transport or removal of objects occurs. Even by the undefined arrangement of the respective objects within the insertion element, the desired temperature can not be optimally achieved, since the arrangement of the objects even with outwardly thermally well insulated plug-in elements

Influence on an increase or decrease in the temperature that can occur due to radiation, convection and heat conduction.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve insertion elements for the temperature-controlled storage and transport of objects to the effect that the desired temperature range for the respective temperature within the insertion element can be maintained over a longer period.

According to the invention this object is achieved with a push-in element having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments and embodiments of the invention can be realized with features contained in subordinate claims.

In the push-in element according to the invention, a housing open on one side is present, so that objects to be tempered and subsequently further elements can be inserted or inserted into the housing.

To achieve the object, several alternatives can be realized, which can be realized alone or in combination of at least two of the alternatives mentioned below to an insertion element according to the invention.

In this case, at least in the housing of the insertion element a hollow chamber which is open on at least one side and into which a module containing a phase change medium can be inserted may be present.

In a further alternative, at least one cavity filled or filled with a phase change medium can be formed in the housing.

A further alternative can be realized with at least one insertion module containing a phase change medium, which can be inserted into the housing.

In a further alternative, it is possible to use a cover element containing a phase change medium, which can be placed on the housing and with which the housing of the insertion element can then also be closed on all sides.

In this case, by the locally specific arrangement of phase change medium on a push-in element, the temperature control according to the arrangement of the objects to be tempered within the insertion element, taking into account the respective object to be tempered, what once the desired temperature range and on the other the size and shape of the different tempering Objects to be considered.

In this case, the exothermic and endothermic properties of phase change media can be exploited and the occurring in the desired temperature range phase change of the medium can be exploited to keep the temperature over a longer period in the desired range. To extend the period within which tempered storage is possible, it is particularly advantageous in the housing of a drawer element, a plug-in module and / or a cover element at least one heat-insulating element between the respective outer wall and the phase change medium is arranged and forms a thermal barrier. It may be a film or a plurality of films, which is / are made of a poorly thermally conductive and / or a reflective material.

A heat-insulating member may also be formed with a porous foam. This may preferably be a plastic foam because of the low density. For example, polyurethane foam, a microporous insulating material based on silicic acid or insulating materials based on highly porous solids (aerogels) can be used as porous materials. These can also be used vacuumized, which can increase their insulating effect. These materials can also be used for the housing wall and thereby be arranged inside the wall.

In this case, heat-insulating elements should as far as possible extend almost over the entire area to be insulated and, if possible, only a small edge area should not be covered with in order to be able to use the barrier effect as completely as possible.

In the alternative, in which one or more hollow chambers are provided on the housing, a module containing a phase change medium can be introduced into the latter. A hollow chamber can be designed as an insertion shaft, into which a previously appropriately tempered module is introduced and in which zugt positively locked can be fixed. This has over an embodiment of the invention in which one or more cavities in the housing are present and filled with phase change medium, the advantage that only a phase change medium containing modules must be heated or cooled to the desired temperature.

In a variant with filled cavity, however, the logistical effort is reduced in contrast.

Modules filled with phase change media may also be labeled so that the temperature range for which they are suitable is visually readily discernible. In the simplest case, this may be a coloring or the labeling with symbols, such as e.g. Snowflake and sun, his.

Modules that are filled with a phase change medium, or housing or a cover element with phase change medium may have an indicator element with which the operational readiness, ie compliance with the temperature desired in each case for the temperature, can be displayed. This can be achieved by simple color display, which changes with a suitable dye, which changes its color at a certain predetermined temperature or a certain color.

In the invention, it is possible to attach at least one insert module and / or a cover element positively in / on the housing. It can be attached or clipped to the housing, which can preferably be done at the end edges in the region of the opening of the housing. It is also possible to provide joints on an insert module or cover element.

With hinges on an insert module, it is possible to insert this form-fit into the housing. Through the joints parts of such an insert module can be folded so that they form quasi side walls, which can then rest against the inner wall of the housing and the insert module can be fixed inside the housing. If the parts are not folded over and such an insert element is outside a push-in element or its housing, it can form a flat planar element, which can be stored in a space-saving manner, transported and thus brought to the respective phase change medium contained at the desired temperature.

A lid member may preferably be divided into individually hinged segments. In this case, the joints can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically on the cover element. The individual segments can each be opened individually when the cover element is placed on a housing, so that the opening of the housing can be targeted. In this case, one or more segments can be opened, so that certain objects can be inserted or removed in the housing. It is then not necessary to make a complete opening by a complete lifting of a cover element, which would lead to a faster temperature compensation with the environment inside the housing. The division into segments can in each case equal segments but also in segments having a different size surface of the lid member, with which the opening of the housing can be closed, take place. It is advantageous if the cover element has the same outer edge dimensions as the housing. It can be used in a more variable way and also better close the housing and better hinder the temperature compensation with the environment. It is also possible to introduce a lid member alone in a transport container or similar unit. It can thus form a support base into which objects can be placed, stored, transported and even tempered while utilizing the phase change medium.

It is also possible on the outer edge of the lid member aprons for the closure and / or the cover of handle openings or recessed grips, which are provided on the housing to provide. These aprons may be made of a flexible material or may also be held by hinges on the cover element. The formed by GriffOffnungen or -mulden heat or cold bridges can at least significantly attenuated by the aprons in their effect and the thermal insulation can be improved there.

An insert module already mentioned as an alternative according to the invention may have contour elements and / or at least one receptacle for a positive fixing of objects or goods.

Contour elements or the region around a receptacle or a region of a receptacle can preferably be hollow inside and filled with a phase change medium. As a result, the goods or objects to be tempered can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the phase change medium and their effect can be so marked be better exploited.

In the invention, it is also possible in the housing and / or a cover element existing hollow chambers to fill with a thermally insulating material. As a result, the effect desired for a particular temperature control can also be better utilized. Thus, for example, an increased thermal insulation in the bottom region of the housing with the thermally insulating material can be achieved if cooling is intended and a phase change medium suitable for cooling is contained in the cover element. This is particularly favorable for the storage and transport of ice. In this case, an additional floor element provided with holes can also be used in the floor, so that melt water can drip off there and thus can exert no direct influence on the interior or goods or objects accommodated in the housing.

In order to keep warm, it is then possible to reverse and to introduce one or more sufficiently heated modules in the area of the bottom of the housing and to provide the additional thermal insulation on the cover. For thermal insulation, porous materials such as e.g. Foams or microporous silica are used.

It is also favorable if the surface of a cover element has contour elements which form a radially encircling outer web-shaped edge. As a result, improved stackability of insertion elements and improved use of the cover element as a tray can be achieved.

Contour elements can be alone or in addition be formed complementary to two opposite surfaces, so that a plurality of lid elements are positively fixed stackable. In a slide-in element according to the invention also differently shaped and / or dimensioned insert modules can be used in the housing to different goods or objects to be tempered individually and specifically to desired and possibly also best suited for the respective object or good place in the insert element during the Storage and transport. However, the insert modules should be dimensioned so that the usable space within the push-in element and possibly also the internal volume can be optimally utilized and free spaces can be largely avoided.

In an insert module for the fixation of bottles or objects with a spherical surface contour elements should be arranged at a distance to each other, so that such bottles and objects between. the contour elements can be arranged and fixed with them. At least two, preferably four surface regions can be concavely curved on the surface of the contour elements. Thus, a better adaptation to the spherical surface of bottles or such objects can be achieved, so that the positive connection and the heat conduction is increased.

Insert modules for bottles or similar articles can also have holders for bottles or such objects, in which they can be inserted or inserted through a lateral opening. You can do this in one or more gene next to each other and possibly also arranged in a staggered arrangement in one layer. Such an insert module can also have at least one cavity, for example by a double-walled design, which is filled with a phase change medium or can be filled with it.

In use modules with at least one receptacle, which may be formed as a depression or opening, and in which, for example, a vessel or a correspondingly geometrically formed object can be used, should be designed and / or dimensioned so that a placement of a vessel inserted into the receptacle or object is avoided on the bottom of the housing. So can one

Air gap between the vessel or object and the bottom of the housing are maintained, which increases the thermal insulation, since no direct heat conduction can occur. In addition, damage during, for example, shock loading of the insertion element can be avoided.

In one embodiment, at least one insert module can be inserted into an U-shaped frame open on one side from this open side and fixed to the frame. The insertion can be facilitated with parallel guide elements, such as guide grooves and guide webs, and thus a secure hold of the insert modules in such a frame can be achieved. The equipped with insert module (s) frame can then be in the housing or in a transport container, preferably on or between two cover elements, as they can be used in the invention, are introduced. On a frame but also recesses may be present in the container or insert modules used and at its upper Edge or edge area can be held with a border contour of the recess. A frame with such recesses does not have to be U-shaped. It can have a completely circumferential outer edge.

To reduce the contact surface, in particular at the bottom and the walls of the insertion element, the surface may be structured in the interior. In this case, surveys arranged at intervals with respect to one another may be formed in the shape of a knob and projecting into the interior. The surface of the surveys may be convex.

For all elements, ie the insertion element, cover element and plug-in modules antimicrobial plastics can be used with which preventively the growth of bacteria, yeasts, mold and fungi can be prevented or prevented. This can be achieved by adding suitable inorganic additives, preferably based on copper or silver. Particularly preferred are silver nanoparticles, which can be added to the plastic during processing and with which a long-term effect can be achieved. As a result of migration from the plastic, ions of an inorganic additive can successively reach the surface over time to develop their antimicrobial effect. Such a design is particularly desirable and advantageous in the transport and storage of food or in the medical field.

For a plug-in element, cover element or plug-in module, however, it is also possible to use bio-based plastics which are not produced on a mineral oil basis. You can proportionately but also completely from such a bioplastic, such as Bio-polyethylene, bio-polypropylene can be produced. In the production of fully or partially renewable raw materials can be used, which do not affect the C0 ₂ balance of the environment as adversely as petroleum-based plastics. Thus produced plastics have at least almost the same properties as those produced on the basis of petroleum.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example and with reference to drawings.

Showing:

FIG. 1 shows a housing of an insertion element in a sectional view;

Figure 2 shows a housing with attached cover element;

FIG. 3 shows a cover element inserted in a transport container;

Figure 4 shows a housing with attached segmented cover element;

Figure 5 shows a housing with attached segmented cover element and skirt;

FIG. 6 shows an insert module with contour elements;

FIG. 7 shows a frame with receiving insert modules;

FIG. 8 shows three examples of cover elements and FIG. 9 shows an insert element, on the bottom of which are formed in knob shape.

FIG. 1 shows a plug-in element in a sectional view. The housing 1 is open at the top, so that from there different modules, objects or goods can be inserted or used.

The wall of the housing 1 is double-walled, so that in the region of the side walls 1.4 and the bottom 1.3 is formed with a phase change medium filled or filled cavity 1.1. On two opposite end faces are GriffOffnungen 1.2 (here only one shown) in a side wall 1.4 available. On the two other side walls, without handle opening, web-shaped longitudinal guides 1.5 are provided, with which an insertion element can be introduced and held in correspondingly designed guides a transport container. 2 shows a mounted on a housing 1

Cover element 3. In this case, the lid member 3 is also double-walled and in the cavity 3.1 between a phase change medium is included. In this example, a simple housing 1, without

Phase change medium has been selected. However, such a cover element 3 can be used in combination with a housing 1, in accordance with the example of FIG. At the radially outer edge of the cover element 3, a radially encircling web-shaped edge 3.5 is provided in this example, which improves the stackability and the closure of the housing 1 with the cover element 3.

FIG. 3 shows a cover element 3 according to FIG. 2, which is inserted into a longitudinal guide 6.1 a transport container 6, can be placed on the again tempered objects or goods. In a non-illustrated form, a second cover element 3 can be inserted in a longitudinal guide 6.1 arranged above or below in the transport container 6, so that interposed objects or goods can be tempered and thereby also used the phase change can be.

FIG. 4 shows a cover element 3 placed on a housing 1, which is subdivided into three segments 3.2 of equal size here. The three segments 3.2 are connected to each other via two joints 3.3, which are here film hinges. In the segment 3.2 shown on the left, it is indicated how segments 3.2 can be unfolded and thus a region-wise opening of the housing 1 with corresponding access into the interior of the housing is possible.

The joints 3.3 are always aligned parallel to two side walls 1.4 of the housing 1, regardless of whether, as in this example, um

Film hinges act or another joint shape has been selected.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a segmented cover element 3 on a housing 1. Here, the three segments 3.2 are connected to one another by hinged joints 3.3, but their function is analogous to the film hinges.

In addition, a skirt 3.4 is present on the cover element 3. This covers a handle opening 1.2 in one Side wall and thus increases the thermal insulation effect in this critical area for heat exchange. The apron 3.4 may be made of a flexible material, for example, with a textile material or from a thermally well insulating

Material can be formed. The apron 3.4 may be materially connected by welding or gluing to the cover element 3 or thereto by means of a clamping connection. In the example shown, the connection skirt 3.4 and cover element 3 is also carried out with a joint 3.6, so that after opening the apron 3.4, the handle opening 1.2 or a recessed grip is accessible from the outside.

FIG. 6 is intended to illustrate a possible embodiment of an insert module 4, which is preferably designed for receiving bottles to be tempered, containers or objects of similar design. It can be used as in the perspective view from above in a housing 1. Since the contour elements 4.1 are arranged at intervals to each other, for example, bottles can be introduced into the interstices and fixed by means of the contour elements 4.1 and since a phase change medium is contained in the inner cavities, better and longer tempered.

In the example shown, the contour elements 4.1 each have the same dimensions and are arranged equidistant from one another. But this is not necessarily conducive he ^¬. Thus, the distances between contour elements 4.1 vary. As a result or as a result of differently dimensioned and / or geometrically formed contour elements 4.1, different sized free spaces for accommodating bottles or similar can be provided between contour elements 4.1 Be present objects or vessels.

Especially from the representation of a cross section through a contour element .1 shown on the left in FIG. 6, a particularly advantageous embodiment of contour elements 4.1 can be seen. In this example, the cross section is quadrangular and there are concave curved surface areas between the four corners. These are an adaptation to the spherical surface of a bottle or a similar object. This not only the support but also the tempering be improved because a larger surface of the bottle / article and the Kon ^¬ turelement 4.1, in which the phase change medium contained, is usable.

In a non-illustrated form but other polygonal cross-sectional geometries for contour elements 4.1, preferably a triangular, can be used in conjunction with concave surface areas.

FIG. 7 shows how an insert module 4 with a receptacle 4. 1 can be inserted into a frame 5. Such or similar trained insert modules 4 but can also be used alone in a housing 1, which is not shown here. The frame 5 with insert modules 4 can likewise be inserted into the housing 1 of a push-in element. With the formed on the outer side walls of the frame 5 contour, which is in the form of longitudinal guides, a frame 5 can also be inserted into a transport container, similar to the lid member 3 shown in Figure 3, and held therein. In the example shown, recesses 5.1 are present in the frame 5, are inserted into the insert modules 4 and held therein, which leads to an even better hold by the outer edge contour of the recesses.

The receptacle 4.1 is here again double-walled with filled with a phase change medium cavity. In addition, the receptacle 4.1 is formed with side walls tapering conically towards the bottom. As a result, a vessel formed with a complementarily formed side wall, which has been inserted into the receptacle 4.1, can lie against the side wall of the receptacle 4.1 at least over a large area and thus be in touching contact, which is for the

Heat exchange, in particular with the favorable for the phase change medium.

The recesses 5.1 may have different geometries and dimensions. There is also the possibility of a different orientation of recesses 5.1, if they preferably have a non-square or asymmetrical geometry.

FIG. 8 shows three examples of cover elements 3, which are each formed here with three segments 3.2 connected to one another in an articulated manner. However, it is also possible for a non-segmented cover element 3 to be designed analogously.

The upper illustration shows how in each case a heat-insulating element 7, which forms a barrier, can be arranged in the form of a foil made of a thermally insulating material. The

Barrier effect should thereby between the interior of the Insertion element 1 can be achieved with attached cover element 3 and the environment.

However, a heat-insulating element 7 may also be a porous foam, for example a polyurethane foam or a microporous insulating material based on silica or an airgel (highly porous solid), which completely or partially fills the interior of the cover element 3. It should extend over the entire surface of the lid member 3, except for an outer free edge to achieve a good thermal insulation effect. It can also be created a vacuum.

In the middle illustration, a segmented cover element 3 is shown in which a phase change medium is contained in the interior.

The lower diagram shows an example of a combination of phase change medium with heat-insulating elements 7. The heat-insulating elements 7 should be arranged between the environment and the phase change medium.

For the middle and lower illustration, the statements for the example according to the upper diagram of FIG. 8 apply mutatis mutandis.

In Figure 9, a slide-in element 1 is shown formed at the bottom in the interior elevations 8 in knob shape and are each angeord net at intervals. This allows the contact surface, with the Ge objects or even temperature-sensitive things in the inner wall of the insertion element 1 directly touch, and thus the heat conduction can be reduced.

Claims

claims Insertion element for receiving and tempered storage and transport of goods, with a housing open at one side, in which in the housing (1) of the insertion element at least one open on at least one side hollow chamber into which a phase change medium-containing module can be inserted; and or at least one with a phase change medium filled or filled cavity (1.1) in the Ge housing (1) is formed and / or at least one insertion module (4) containing a phase change medium can be inserted into the housing (1) and / or a phase change medium containing a cover element (3) on the housing (1) can be placed. Insertion element according to claim 1, characterized in that in the housing of the insertion element (1), a plug-in module (4) and / or a cover element (3) at least one heat-insulating element (7) between the respective outer wall and the phase change medium is arranged and a thermal Barrier forms. Insertion element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an insert module (4) and / or a cover element (3) can be fastened in / on the housing (1) in a form-fitting manner and / or on the insert module (4) and / or cover element (3 ) Joints (3.3) are present, with which the A sentence module (4) positively in the housing (1) insertable and thus fixable therein or the cover element (3) is divided into individually hinged segments (3.2). Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (3) has the same outer edge dimensions as the housing (1). Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the outer edge of the cover element (3) skirts (3.4) for the closure and / or the cover of handle openings (1.2) or recessed grips, which are present on the housing (1) are attached , Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insert module (4) contour elements (4.1) and / or at least one receptacle (4.2), for a positive fixation of objects or goods. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that contour elements (4.1) or the area around a receptacle (4.2) or a region of a receptacle (4.2) is hollow inside and filled with a phase change medium / are. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the housing (1) and / or a cover element (3) existing hollow chambers can be filled with a thermally insulating material. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Surface of a cover element (3) has contour elements which form a radially encircling outer web-shaped edge (3.5) and / or contour elements are formed complementary on two opposite surfaces, so that a plurality Cover elements (3) fixed in a form-fitting manner  are stackable. 10. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that differently shaped and / or dimensioned Insert modules (4) in the housing (1) can be used. 11. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims that an insert module (4) contour elements (4.1) are arranged for fixing bottles or objects with a spherical surface at a distance to each other and on the surface of the contour elements (4.1) at least two, preferably four surface areas are concavely arched. 12. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receptacle (4.2) of an insert module (4) is designed and / or dimensioned such that a placement of a receptacle (4.2) used in the vessel (1.3) of the Housing (1) is avoided. 13. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one insert module (4) in an U-shaped on one side open frame (5) from this open side insertable and on the frame (5) can be fixed. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (5) with the insert module (s) (4) can be inserted into the housing (1). Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insert module has receptacles for bottles or such objects, in which a plurality of bottles or such objects can be inserted or inserted lying through a lateral opening. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on a housing (1), a cover element (3), a phase change medium-containing module and / or an insert module (4) an indicator element for indicating the operational readiness for a temperature control is present. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on an insert module joints, for a positive insertion into the housing (1) are present, so that by means of the joints parts of such insert module are folded down, so that with the parts after folding side walls are formed. Slide-in element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inner wall of a slide-in element (1) is structured with elevations (8) arranged at intervals relative to one another. Insertion element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that push element (1), cover element (3) and / or an insert module (4) made of or with antimicrobial plastic, bio-plastic and / or a foamed ^¬ ge or porous material is / are formed.