Unit delivery box and cold chain system having the same

Abstract

The application provides a unit distribution box and a cold chain system with the same. The unit distribution box comprises a storage chamber, a cold storage assembly, the cold storage assembly comprising a cold storage tank and a cold storage agent in the cold storage tank, a cold supply assembly, the cold supply assembly comprising a cold supply pipe in communication with the cold storage tank and a cold supply pump for driving the cold storage agent to circulate in the cold storage tank and the cold supply pipe, part of the cold supply pipe being located at the top of the storage chamber, and an electric control unit in communication connection with the cold supply pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics and distribution, and in particular to a unit delivery box and a cold chain system having the same. Background Art

[0002] The transportation of fresh agricultural products accounts for an increasingly larger proportion in logistics distribution. Since they need to be refrigerated or frozen during transportation, they are generally called cold chain logistics.

[0003] In the prior art, CN204421452U discloses a one-stop cold storage cold storage for connecting farmers and supermarkets. The cold storage cold storage includes a movable steel frame base, casters, a cold storage box, an insulation partition, a return air terminal, an exhaust terminal, a main control box, a battery, a temperature controller, a cold charging interface, and a cold storage door. The present invention can realize refrigerated logistics by charging the cold storage medium with cold through the refrigeration main unit and cooling the cold storage medium during transportation. Specifically, a fan drives air through the exhaust terminal and the return air terminal to circulate between the cold storage box and the installation area, transferring the cold stored in the cold storage medium to the cold storage box.

[0004] However, the fan is subject to bumps during transportation in the cold storage box, resulting in poor reliability and unreliable temperature control, which may damage the transported products. During the entire transportation process, the fan consumes a lot of electricity, and the battery is slow to charge before departure from the agricultural product base, requiring a long wait. In addition, the fan is installed in the air duct, generating heat when working, consuming the cooling capacity of the cold storage medium.

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an improved unit delivery box and a cold chain system having the same to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a unit delivery box and a logistics delivery vehicle having the same.

[0007] In order to solve one of the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A unit delivery box comprises: a storage chamber; a cold storage assembly, the cold storage assembly comprising a cold storage box and a cold storage agent located in the cold storage box; a cold supply assembly, the cold supply assembly comprising a cold supply pipe connected to the cold storage box and a cold supply pump driving the cold storage agent to circulate in the cold storage box and the cold supply pipe; a portion of the cold supply pipe is located at the top of the storage chamber; and an electronic control unit, communicatively connected to the cold supply pump.

[0009] Furthermore, the storage chamber is formed by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, and part of the cooling pipes are located in the upper half of the top wall and / or the side walls.

[0010] Furthermore, the cooling component also includes a water receiving strip located below the cooling pipe at the top; or, the cooling component also includes a water receiving pan located at the top of the storage room, the water receiving pan includes a water receiving portion located below the cooling pipe, and a connecting portion connecting adjacent water receiving portions, preferably, a hole is provided on the connecting portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the first end of the water receiving bar in the length direction is lower than the second end which is arranged oppositely; or the first end of the water receiving portion in the length direction is lower than the second end which is arranged oppositely.

[0012] Furthermore, the cooling component also includes a water guide groove located at the first end of the water receiving bar and connected to all the water receiving bars, and the water guide groove is provided with a discharge port for discharging condensed water outward; or, the cooling component also includes a water guide groove located at the first end of the water receiving part and connected to all the water receiving parts, and the water guide groove is provided with a discharge port for discharging condensed water outward.

[0013] Furthermore, a thermal insulation plate is provided between the cold storage assembly and the storage chamber, and the cooling pipe passes through the thermal insulation plate and extends into the storage chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the cold storage assembly is located below the storage chamber, and the cooling pipe includes a liquid outlet pipe extending upward from the cold storage box, a heat dissipation pipe connected to the liquid outlet pipe, and a liquid return pipe connected to the heat dissipation pipe and extending downward to the cold storage box, and the heat dissipation pipe is located at the top of the storage chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, the storage chamber includes a box body that defines the storage chamber and a door body that opens or closes the storage chamber, and the liquid outlet pipe and the liquid return pipe are located at the side edges of the box body or on the side walls of the box body.

[0016] Furthermore, the storage chamber is formed by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, and the heat dissipation pipes are serpentine or evenly distributed on the top wall; and / or, the heat dissipation pipes are arranged on the upper half of the side walls.

[0017] Furthermore, the cooling assembly also includes an indoor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the storage room, and the indoor temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the cold storage component includes a cold storage tube penetrating the cold storage agent, and an inlet and an outlet of the cold storage tube are exposed outside the cold storage box.

[0019] Furthermore, the cold storage component also includes a temperature measuring component, which includes at least one temperature sensor arranged at intervals from the cold storage tube along the radial direction of the cold storage tube; or, the temperature measuring component includes at least two temperature sensors arranged around the cold storage tube, and the at least two temperature sensors have different distances from the cold storage tube along the radial direction of the cold storage tube; or, the temperature measuring component includes at least two temperature sensors arranged around the cold storage tube, and the at least two temperature sensors are spaced apart along the extension direction of the cold storage tube, and the distance between two adjacent temperature sensors is not less than a first distance threshold.

[0020] Furthermore, the unit delivery box includes a box body, the storage room and the cold storage assembly are located in the box body, a receiving cavity is provided on the outside of the box body, and the motor of the cold supply pump is located in the receiving cavity.

[0021] Furthermore, the unit delivery box also includes a battery assembly, and the battery assembly is electrically connected to the cooling assembly and the electronic control unit.

[0022] A logistics distribution vehicle or a cold chain system comprises the unit distribution box.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the unit distribution box of the present invention drives the liquid coolant to circulate through the cooling pump to provide cooling to the storage room. The cooling capacity carried by the liquid coolant is greater than that of the air. After the cooling pump stops running, the coolant in the cooling pipe in the storage room can still maintain a low temperature for a long time and continue to cool the storage room. Therefore, the cooling pump only needs to work for a very short time to keep the storage room at the set temperature for a long time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a cold storage assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cold storage assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cold storage assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of the cold storage device in FIG.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a section perpendicular to the axial direction of the inner tube 53;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the phase change sequence at each point in the cold storage device;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along AA direction;

[0031] Figure 8 A cold storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention is Figure 6 Schematic diagram of viewing angles;

[0032] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a cold storage assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of part B;

[0034] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the temperature sensor and the cold storage device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the temperature sensor and the cold storage device in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a cold storage assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a cold storage assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a cold charging machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Enlarged view of part C;

[0040] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a unit delivery box in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 In the figure, the schematic diagram of the internal cold storage pipe is indicated by a dotted line;

[0042] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Cross-sectional view along DD direction;

[0043] Figure 20 Flowchart of a cold storage method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] In the various drawings of the present invention, for the sake of convenience, some sizes of structures or parts are exaggerated relative to other structures or parts, and thus, only the basic structure of the subject matter of the present invention is illustrated.

[0046] For the convenience of description, below and above are defined according to the orientation of the cold storage component during actual use.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, the cold storage assembly 100 of the present invention includes a cold storage box 1 with a heat preservation function, a cold storage agent 11 located in the cold storage box 1, and a cold storage tube 3 passing through the cold storage agent 11. The inlet 31 and the outlet 32 ​​of the cold storage tube 3 are exposed outside the cold storage box 1. Specifically, the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 ​​are arranged on the cold storage box 1 or protrude outside the cold storage box 1, so as to facilitate docking with the cooling unit or the cooling unit from the outside.

[0048] When the cooling medium flows through the cold storage tube 3, the cooling medium, which is cooler than the cold storage medium 11, provides cold energy to the cold storage medium 11 and stores the cold energy in the cold storage medium 11. This process is called cold storage. The cooling medium can be the refrigerant of the refrigeration unit 22 or the cooling medium provided by another cold storage assembly 100 with a higher power.

[0049] In order to increase the cold storage speed and shorten the cold storage time, a plurality of heat sinks are provided on the outside of the cold storage tube 3 to increase the contact area with the cold storage agent 11.

[0050] Furthermore, the cold storage assembly 100 includes at least one cold storage device 5 immersed in the cold storage agent 11. The cold storage tube 3 is disposed within the cold storage agent 11 but does not pass through the cold storage device 5. A cold storage material is sealed within the cold storage device 5. This cold storage material is different from the cold storage agent 11, and both can store cold. Preferably, the freezing point of the cold storage material can be higher or lower than that of the cold storage agent 11, thereby achieving two-stage cold storage.

[0051] Furthermore, the cold storage assembly 100 further includes at least one cold storage device 5 immersed in the cold storage agent 11 . Different from the above embodiment, the cold storage tube 3 is arranged in the cold storage agent 11 and passes through the cold storage device 5 .

[0052] In one embodiment, the cold storage device 5 includes a shell and a cold storage material sealed in the shell, and the cold storage tube 3 is disposed in the shell.

[0053] The housing defines a cold storage chamber 52, in which the cold storage material is stored. The cold storage material of the present invention is preferably a phase change material, capable of storing or releasing large amounts of energy during phase changes. The cold storage material is added in an amount such that, when in liquid form, its volume does not exceed 80% of the volume of the cold storage chamber 52. This ensures that the cold storage material's volume increase during phase changes does not cause deformation or rupture of the cold storage device 5.

[0054] The coolant flows into the coolant tube 3 through its inlet 31 and out through its outlet 32, exchanging heat with the coolant material and coolant 11 during its flow. Preferably, the inlet 31 of the coolant tube 3 is connected to the bottom of the coolant device 5, and the outlet 32 ​​of the coolant tube 3 is connected to the top of the coolant device 5. Cooling is supplied from the bottom up, allowing the coolant material at the bottom to receive cooling first and undergo a phase change. The liquid coolant material then resides above the solid coolant material, preventing deformation or rupture of the coolant device 5. More preferably, the coolant tube 3 is arranged in a spiral or serpentine shape from bottom to top, increasing its heat exchange area.

[0055] In another embodiment, the cold storage device 5 includes an outer shell 51, a cold storage cavity 52 formed by the outer shell 51, and an inner tube 53 passing through the outer shell 51 and the cold storage cavity 52, and the cold storage material is located in the cold storage cavity 52; the cold storage tube 3 is passed through the inner tube. At this time, the cold storage tube 3 is not in direct contact with the cold storage material, which can prevent corrosion by the cold storage material, thereby expanding the range of choices for cold storage materials.

[0056] Preferably, the cold storage tube 3 is in close contact with the inner tube 53, that is, there is no gap between the two within the error range of the production and assembly process, so that the coldness of the cold-carrying medium is directly transferred to the inner tube through the cold storage tube 3, and then transferred to the cold storage material by the inner tube. The heat transfer is through liquid-solid-solid-solid-liquid transfer, the thermal resistance is small, the heat loss is small, and the heat exchange speed is fast.

[0057] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the outer shell 51 includes an outer tube 511 and end caps 512 that seal both ends of the outer tube 511. The end caps 512 are any structure that seals both ends of the outer tube 511. The end caps 512 are provided with through-holes 5121 for the inner tube 53 to pass through. The through-holes 5121 of the end caps 512 are fitted over the inner tube 53, and the connection between the end caps 512 and the inner tube 53 is sealed by welding or other means. This process facilitates manufacturing. Furthermore, the end caps 512 and / or the outer tube 511 are provided with injection ports (not shown) for injecting cold storage material into the cold storage chamber 52. After the cold storage material is injected, the injection ports are sealed by sealing members 5122.

[0058] Furthermore, the cold storage device 5 further includes a heat conducting sheet 54 located in the cold storage chamber 52 , and the heat conducting sheet 54 is in contact with at least one of the outer shell 51 or the inner tube 53 .

[0059] The heat conducting sheet 54 includes a heat transfer sheet 541 in contact with both the inner tube 53 and the outer shell 51. The heat transfer sheet 541 not only supports and fixes the inner tube 53, but also enables rapid heat exchange between the inner tube 53 and the outer shell 51. As a result, the inner tube 53 and the outer shell 51 exchange heat with the cold storage material in the cold storage chamber 52 from the inner and outer sides, respectively, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0060] The thickness of the heat transfer sheet 541 is not less than 1.5 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The heat transfer sheet 541 has sufficient strength to support and fix the inner tube 53. At the same time, the heat transfer sheet 54 of this thickness has a low thermal resistance, which can effectively reduce the thermal attenuation of the heat transfer sheet 541.

[0061] The outer tube 511 has a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of its central axis. The heat conducting plate 54 includes two heat transfer plates 541 extending toward the first and second ends, respectively. These two heat transfer plates 541 divide the cold storage chamber 52 into two symmetrically arranged sub-cold storage chambers 521. The cold storage device 5 also includes a connecting channel 55 connecting at least two of the sub-cold storage chambers 521. This interconnects the sub-cold storage chambers 521. When the cold storage material undergoes a phase change and expands in volume upon absorbing cold energy, for example, from a liquid to a solid state, the liquid cold storage material can flow through the connecting channel 55 within adjacent sub-cold storage chambers 521, releasing pressure within each sub-cold storage chamber 521 and preventing deformation or rupture of the cold storage device 5. Preferably, the connecting channel 55 is disposed at an end of the heat transfer plate 541 along the axial direction of the outer tube 511.

[0062] Furthermore, the heat conducting sheet 54 also includes a heat sink 542 located in the sub-cold storage chamber 521, and the heat sink 542 is connected to the inner tube 53, but is spaced apart from the outer tube 511. In the direction from one heat conducting sheet 541 to another heat conducting sheet 541 adjacent thereto, the arrangement density of the heat sinks 542 decreases, and / or the length of the heat sink 542 decreases. Therefore, the sum of the heat transfer areas of the heat sinks 542 in the area with a high arrangement density or a long length is large, and the area with a large heat transfer area undergoes phase change first, while the area with a small heat transfer area undergoes phase change later; so that the cold storage material is arranged along the heat storage chamber 521. Figure 6Phase change gradually occurs in the direction of the arrow shown, preventing deformation or rupture of the cold storage device 5. Furthermore, the thickness of the heat conducting sheet 54 gradually decreases along the circumference of the inner tube 53. The thicker the heat conducting sheet, the smaller its thermal attenuation, the lower its thermal resistance, and the faster its heat transfer, thus achieving the aforementioned technical effects.

[0063] The above-mentioned “decrease” refers to a decreasing trend within a unit volume, which may be a continuous decrease, an arithmetic decrease, a step-by-step decrease or other discontinuous decrease.

[0064] Preferably, the heat dissipation fins 542 within the two cold storage sub-cavities 521 are symmetrically arranged relative to the heat transfer fins 541. Therefore, the phase change rate of the cold storage fluid in the two cold storage sub-cavities 52 is consistent from the first end to the second end. In other words, the phase change rate of the cold storage fluid on both sides of the two heat transfer fins 541 is substantially consistent, thereby preventing the heat transfer fins 541 from deforming or breaking.

[0065] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cold storage material at each point in the cold storage chamber 52 obtains cold or heat from the adjacent inner tube 53, the heat conducting plate 54, and the outer tube 511. Figure 6 The arrows in the middle indicate the order in which energy is captured at different points. During use, the cold storage device 5 should be installed with the side of the heat conducting sheet 54 with a higher density positioned at the bottom and the side of the heat conducting sheet 54 with a lower density positioned at the top, allowing the liquid or gaseous cold storage material to flow upward and preventing tube expansion.

[0066] See also Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the central axis of the inner tube 53 coincides with the central axis of the outer tube 511, and the entire cold storage device 5 is relatively balanced, easy to manufacture and has a long service life. Figure 8 As shown, the central axis of the inner tube 53 deviates from the central axis of the outer tube 511 and shifts toward the first end, and the heat exchange rate between the cold storage material on the side of the first end and the inner tube 53 is faster than the heat exchange rate between the cold storage material on the side of the second end and the inner tube 53.

[0067] During use, the first end of the cold storage chamber 52 is positioned downward, while the second end is positioned upward, allowing the liquid or gaseous cold storage material to flow upward and preventing tube expansion. Furthermore, markings indicating the first and / or second ends are provided on the outer wall of the housing 51, serving as a reminder during installation of the cold storage device 5.

[0068] In addition, based on all the above embodiments, the inner tube 53, the heat conducting plate 54 and the outer tube 511 are integrally formed or arranged, and the heat transfer effect is far better than the post-assembly solution. Aluminum or aluminum alloy is preferably used because of its light weight and fast heat transfer speed.

[0069] The cooling medium flows into the cold storage pipe 3 from the inlet 31 and then flows out from the outlet 32 ​​of the cold storage pipe 3 , and exchanges heat with the cold storage devices 5 provided on the cold storage pipe 3 during the flow.

[0070] Preferably, the cold storage devices 5 are arranged in multiple layers in a vertical direction. The cold storage tubes 3 connect the cold storage devices 5 in each layer in series from bottom to top, and the inlet 31 of the cold storage tube 3 is connected to the inner tube of a cold storage device 5 in the bottommost row. The cooling medium passes through each row of cold storage devices 5 from bottom to top, exchanging heat with them. The cold storage devices 5 in the next row receive cooling energy before those in the previous row. Furthermore, the cold storage devices 5 in the next row can provide cooling energy to the cold storage devices 5 above them through thermal radiation or contact heat transfer. This ensures that the cold storage material in the lower portion of the cold storage devices 5 undergoes phase change before that in the upper portion, thus preventing deformation or rupture of the cold storage devices 5.

[0071] Furthermore, the cold storage assembly 100 further includes a cold storage temperature sensor that is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 7 to detect the temperature of the cold storage device 5. The cold storage temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 7. Specifically, the cold storage temperature sensor is used to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the cold storage material to facilitate determination of the status of the cold storage material.

[0072] The cold storage temperature sensor is fixed on the outside of the cold storage device 5, and indirectly determines the temperature of the internal cold storage material after temperature correction through the outside; or the cold storage temperature sensor is fixed on the inside of the cold storage device 5, and directly measures the temperature of the cold storage material, which is more accurate.

[0073] Furthermore, the cold storage component 100 also includes a temperature measuring component that is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 7 to detect the temperature of the cold storage agent 11, so as to judge the temperature and state of the cold storage agent 11. The temperature measuring component can be fixed on the cold storage tube 3, the cold storage device 5 or the cold storage box 1.

[0074] The cold storage method of the cold storage assembly 100 will be described in detail below, mainly including controlling the points at which cold storage starts and ends.

[0075] In the embodiment without the cold storage device 5, cold storage can be started at any time.

[0076] In the embodiment with the cold storage device 5, the inventors have found that when the cold storage material in the cold storage device 5 is in a solid-liquid mixed state, the solid cold storage material is usually located in the upper part of the cold storage chamber 52 due to its low density, or due to the arrangement of the structure in the cold storage chamber 52, the solid cold storage material may also be located in the middle position of the cold storage chamber 52. If the cold storage device 5 is charged with cold in this state, the solid cold storage material acts as a crystallization nucleus, and a phase change occurs first around it, which can easily cause the cold storage device 5 to deform or rupture.

[0077] See also Figure 20 As shown, the cold storage method of the present invention includes the following steps: before cold storage begins, first obtaining the temperature T of the cold storage material within the cold storage device 5; determining whether temperature T is higher than the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material; if so, initiating cold storage; if not, periodically obtaining the temperature T of the cold storage material. This method ensures that the cold storage material is entirely liquid before cold storage begins, allowing it to undergo phase transitions in a predetermined direction, thus preventing tube cracking and expansion.

[0078] Specifically, the temperature T1 of the cold storage device 5 is obtained by a cold storage temperature sensor fixed to the outside of the cold storage device 5. The temperature deviation ΔT of the cold storage material outside and inside the cold storage device 5 is corrected based on a large number of experimental statistics. The temperature T of the cold storage material = temperature T1 + temperature deviation ΔT. Generally speaking, the greater the thermal conductivity of the shell of the cold storage device 5, the smaller the temperature deviation ΔT. When the shell is made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the temperature deviation ΔT is relatively small. Under conditions of use where temperature requirements are not very strict, temperature T1 can be regarded as the temperature of the cold storage material inside the cold storage device 5. Alternatively, the temperature T of the cold storage material can be directly obtained using a cold storage temperature sensor fixed to the cold storage device 5, and the measurement value is more accurate.

[0079] Furthermore, to avoid inaccurate temperature measurement due to uneven temperature of the cold storage material, cold storage is activated only when the temperature T is higher than the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material by a first temperature threshold, ensuring that the cold storage material is completely liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the first temperature threshold is 0.5°C to 5°C, preferably 2°C to 3°C, for example 3°C.

[0080] Furthermore, if the temperature T is not higher than the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material, the step of releasing cold energy is started until the temperature T is higher than the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material, ensuring that all solid cold storage materials are converted into liquid cold storage materials.

[0081] The amount of cold storage is based on demand. Methods for determining when to stop cold storage include but are not limited to:

[0082] In the first embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined based on the cold storage time, which is applicable to situations with or without the cold storage device 5 .

[0083] like Figure 20 As shown, after cold storage begins, the cold storage time is accumulated, and cold storage ends when the time threshold t0 is reached. Preferably, the time threshold t0 is between 1 hour and 3 hours. When the cold storage assembly 100 is used in a unit delivery box 400 having a storage chamber 41, the cold storage assembly 100 can store enough cold to maintain the temperature of the storage chamber 41 within the set temperature range for between 6 hours and 100 hours.

[0084] In the second embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined based on the temperature of the cold storage material, which is suitable for the case where the cold storage device 5 is provided.

[0085] like Figure 20 As shown, after cold storage begins, the temperature T of the cold storage material is obtained and a determination is made as to whether temperature T is lower than the freezing point T0 of the cold storage material. If so, cold storage ends; otherwise, cold storage continues. This method ensures that the cold storage material completely changes from liquid to solid, accumulating a large amount of cold through the phase change process.

[0086] Preferably, the judgment temperature T is lower than the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material by a second temperature threshold. If so, cold storage ends; otherwise, cold storage continues. The second temperature threshold is 2°C to 5°C, which can avoid judgment errors caused by uneven temperature of the cold storage material, measurement errors, etc.

[0087] In the third embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined by the crystal thickness of the cold storage agent 11 on the surface of the cold storage tube 3 or the cold storage device 5 , which is applicable to the case with or without the cold storage device 5 .

[0088] In an embodiment without a cold storage device 5, during the cold storage process, the coolant 11 near the cold storage tube 3 receives cold energy before the coolant 11 farther from the cold storage tube 3. When the temperature of the coolant 11 drops to its freezing point, a phase change begins within the cold storage tube 3. When the thickness of the solid coolant 11 reaches a certain level, the transfer of cold energy from the cold storage tube 3 to the liquid coolant 11 outside is hindered, preventing the coolant 11 outside from rapidly solidifying. A stirring device can also be provided within the cold storage tank 1 to drive the coolant 11 to flow, enabling rapid heat exchange with the cold storage tube 3.

[0089] The cold storage method includes the following steps: storing cold in the cold storage medium 11 via a cold storage tube 3 inserted through the cold storage medium 11; obtaining a thickness d1 of the solid cold storage medium 11 crystallized on the surface of the cold storage tube 3; determining whether the thickness d1 of the solid cold storage medium 11 reaches a thickness threshold d0; if so, stopping cold storage; if not, periodically obtaining the thickness d1 of the solid cold storage medium 11.

[0090] The setting of the thickness threshold d0 is determined by at least the following factors: the amount of the remaining liquid refrigerant 11, the partial crystallization of the refrigerant 11, which accumulates sufficient cold, but still leaves a portion of the refrigerant 11 in liquid form, making it easier to transfer the cold to the unit requiring cooling; and the influence of the solid refrigerant 11 on the heat transfer of the refrigerant 11 on the outside.

[0091] In one embodiment, the thickness threshold is 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably 2 cm. The solid refrigerant 11 of this thickness affects the cold transfer of the refrigerant tube 3 to the outside, and the speed at which the external refrigerant 11 continues to acquire cold has a significant decreasing trend.

[0092] In another embodiment, when the cold storage tubes 3 are arranged in a zigzag, serpentine, or spiral shape, the thickness threshold d0 is no greater than half the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube sections along the radial direction of the cold storage tubes 3. If the thickness exceeds half, the crystallization of the coolant 11 is affected by the other adjacent cold storage tube section. Preferably, the thickness threshold d0 is between 0.2 and 0.4 of the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube sections. Once the thickness of the coolant 11 reaches the thickness threshold d0, cold storage is discontinued to maintain a sufficient amount of liquid coolant 11.

[0093] In the embodiment with the cold storage device 5 , the cold energy of the cold storage tube 3 is first transferred to the cold storage device 5 and then transferred to the cold storage agent 11 outside through the cold storage device 5 . At this time, the cold storage agent 11 crystallizes on the surface of the cold storage device 5 .

[0094] The cold storage method includes the following steps: storing cold in the cold storage device 5 and the coolant 11 soaking in the cold storage device 5 via the coolant tube 3 provided within the cold storage device 5; obtaining the thickness d1 of the solid coolant 11 crystallized on the surface of the cold storage device 5, and determining whether the thickness d1 of the solid coolant 11 reaches a thickness threshold d0. If so, cold storage is stopped; if not, the thickness d1 of the solid coolant 11 is periodically obtained. At this point, the coolant 11 has also accumulated some cold, but a portion is still in liquid form and can circulate to charge the cold charging box with cold.

[0095] The setting of the thickness threshold d0 is the same as that in the above embodiment. Specifically, the thickness threshold d0 is not greater than half of the distance between two radially adjacent cold storage devices 5, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4. Alternatively, the thickness threshold is 2 cm.

[0096] In the above method, the thickness d1 of the solid coolant 11 is obtained by a thickness sensor located in the cool storage tank 1. The thickness sensor is fixed to the cool storage tank 1 and the cool storage tube 3. In embodiments having a cool storage device 5, the thickness sensor may also be provided on the cool storage device 5. The thickness sensor includes, but is not limited to, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined based on the crystallization amount of the cold storage agent 11 , which is applicable to the case where the cold storage device 5 is provided or not.

[0098] The cold storage method includes the following steps: storing cold in the cold storage agent 11 through the cold storage tube 3 passing through the cold storage agent 11, or storing cold in the cold storage device 5 and the cold storage agent 11 immersed in the cold storage device 5 through the cold storage tube 3 passing through the cold storage device 5; obtaining the amount n1 of the solid cold storage agent 11 formed by crystallization; determining whether the amount n1 of the solid cold storage agent 11 reaches the crystallization amount threshold n0, and if so, stopping cold storage; if not, periodically obtaining the amount n1 of the solid cold storage agent 11.

[0099] Setting the crystallization threshold n0: While the refrigerant 11 partially crystallizes, sufficient cold is stored. However, some refrigerant 11 remains liquid, facilitating transfer of cold to the cooling unit. For example, the crystallization threshold n0 should be no greater than 30-50% of the total refrigerant 11. Alternatively, the crystallization threshold n0 can be calculated based on the surface area of ​​the refrigerant tube 3 and the refrigerant device 5, as described in the third embodiment.

[0100] In a specific embodiment, the volume V0 of the coolant 11 before cold storage begins is obtained; the volume V1 of the coolant 11 during the cold storage process is obtained in real time; and the amount n1 of the solid coolant 11 is calculated based on the volume difference V1-V0.

[0101] Specifically, the cold storage device also includes a liquid level gauge connected to the cold storage tank 1. On the one hand, the liquid level gauge can be used to detect the loss of the cold storage agent 11 and replenish the cold storage agent 11 in time; on the other hand, the liquid level H0 before cold storage and the liquid level H1 during cold storage are obtained through the liquid level gauge; the volume difference V1-V0 is calculated through the liquid level difference H1-H0.

[0102] To simplify the judgment, cold storage is terminated when the liquid level difference H1 - H0 reaches the liquid level difference threshold. Alternatively, before cold storage begins, the cold storage tank 1 is filled with coolant 11 until it reaches a first predetermined liquid level, i.e., the coolant 11 is replenished. During cold storage, the coolant 11 liquid level H1 is measured. When the liquid level H1 reaches a second predetermined liquid level, the coolant 11 has reached the maximum allowable crystallization amount, and cold storage is terminated.

[0103] When a multi-component composite refrigerant 11 is used, it forms an ice slurry after crystallization. There is no clear boundary between the solid refrigerant 11 and the liquid refrigerant 11. Therefore, it is more appropriate to determine the end point of cold storage by determining the amount of crystallization. Of course, this method is also applicable to single-component refrigerants 11.

[0104] In the fifth embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined based on the temperature of the cold storage medium 11 , which is applicable to situations with or without the cold storage device 5 .

[0105] In the embodiment without the cold storage device 5, as Figures 1-2 As shown, the temperature measuring component includes at least one temperature sensor arranged at intervals from the cold storage tube 3 along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3 and communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 7; at least one temperature threshold To corresponding to each temperature sensor is set in the electronic control unit 7.

[0106] "The temperature sensor is spaced apart from the cold storage tube 3" means that the temperature sensor's temperature sensing element is spaced apart from the cold storage tube 3 to measure the temperature of the coolant 11 at a distance from the cold storage tube 3. This allows the user to determine the crystallization state and post-crystallization temperature of the coolant 11, thereby determining the amount of cold stored in the cold storage assembly 100 and precisely controlling the cold storage process. The temperature sensor is fixed to the cold storage tube 3 or to the cold storage tank 1.

[0107] Preferably, the cold storage tube 3 is arranged in a zigzag, serpentine or spiral shape, and the distance between the temperature sensor and the cold storage tube 3 is no more than one-half of the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube 3 sections along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3. If it exceeds one-half, the cold storage agent 11 is affected by another adjacent cold storage tube 3 section. Preferably, the distance between the temperature sensor and the cold storage tube 3 is between 0.2 and 0.4 of the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube 3 sections along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3. After the cold storage agent 11 at the position of the temperature sensor is crystallized, cold storage is no longer continued to be carried out, so as to retain a sufficient amount of liquid cold storage agent 11 to provide cooling to the cold storage box or storage chamber 41. Preferably, the distance between the temperature sensor and the cold storage tube 3 is no more than one-fifth of the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube 3 sections along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3.

[0108] The temperature sensor is positioned near the outlet 32. For example, the distance between the temperature sensor and the outlet 32 ​​along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3 is no greater than a spacing threshold, preferably no greater than 20 cm. As the cooling medium flows from the inlet 31 to the outlet 32, the temperature of the cooling medium increases as it approaches the outlet 32. Therefore, when the temperature of the cooling medium 11 near the outlet 32 ​​drops to a target value, the temperature of the cooling medium 11 at other locations also drops to the target value.

[0109] In the embodiment with the cold storage device 5, as Figures 3 to 12 As shown, the only difference from the configuration without the cold storage device 5 is that the temperature measurement assembly includes at least one temperature sensor disposed around and spaced apart from any of the cold storage devices 5. Furthermore, the temperature sensor is fixed to the cold storage device 5 or to the cold storage tank 1.

[0110] Preferably, the temperature sensor is located around the cold storage device 5 closest to the outlet 32 ​​along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3, and measures the temperature of the cold storage medium 11 in the area where the temperature drops the slowest.

[0111] See also Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the distance between the temperature sensor and the cold storage device 5 is not greater than half of the distance between the cold storage device 5 and its adjacent cold storage device 5, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4.

[0112] For these two embodiments, the cold storage method includes the following steps: storing cold in the cold storage agent 11 through the cold storage tube 3 passed through the cold storage agent 11, and obtaining the temperature Ta of the cold storage agent 11 through a temperature sensor radially spaced apart from the cold storage tube 3; or storing cold in the cold storage device 5 and the cold storage agent 11 immersed in the cold storage device 5 through the cold storage tube 3 passed through the cold storage device 5, and obtaining the temperature Ta of the cold storage agent 11 through a temperature sensor spaced apart from the cold storage device 5; judging whether the temperature Ta reaches at least one of a plurality of temperature thresholds To corresponding to the temperature sensor, and if so, stopping cold storage; if not, periodically obtaining the temperature Ta.

[0113] During the cold storage process, the temperature of the coolant 11 gradually drops to its freezing point. After the coolant 11 crystallizes, the temperature of the solid coolant 11 continues to drop. Therefore, different degrees of temperature drop in the coolant 11 represent different amounts of stored cold. The lower the temperature, the greater the amount of stored cold.

[0114] Preferably, the multiple temperature thresholds To are different, and at least one temperature threshold To is lower than the freezing point of the refrigerant 11. When the temperature of the refrigerant 11 drops to the temperature threshold, the refrigerant 11 has completely crystallized and accumulated a large amount of cold through the phase change process.

[0115] In the sixth embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined by the temperature of the cold storage agent 11. The only difference from the fifth embodiment is that the cold storage amount of the cold storage agent 11 is determined by at least two temperature sensors at different distances from the cold storage tube 3. The sixth embodiment is applicable to situations with or without the cold storage device 5.

[0116] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in the embodiment without the cold storage device 5 , the temperature measuring component includes at least two temperature sensors, and the at least two temperature sensors are at different distances from the cold storage tube 3 along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3 .

[0117] During cold storage, the coolant 11 gradually crystallizes outward from the coolant tube 3. The temperature of the coolant 11 at locations closer to the coolant tube 3 drops faster than at locations farther away. Therefore, when the coolant 11 temperature at different locations drops to the corresponding temperature threshold To, the amount of stored cold varies.

[0118] Along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3, the distance between two adjacent temperature sensors is not greater than the first spacing threshold; this can slow down or avoid the impact of the different order and speed of the cold storage agent 11 obtaining cold along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3 on the temperature detection of the cold storage agent 11.

[0119] Preferably, the first spacing threshold is not greater than 15 cm, and most preferably, Figure 1 As shown, the at least two temperature sensors are located at the same position point in the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3.

[0120] The distance difference between the at least two temperature sensors and the cold storage tube 3 along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3 can be an arithmetic progression or a non-arithmetic progression, and can be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs and the gap between the two cold storage capacity levels.

[0121] The positional relationship between the temperature sensor and the cold storage tube 3 along the radial and axial directions of the cold storage tube 3 is the same as in the fifth embodiment and will not be further described here. In the embodiment with a cold storage device 5, the temperature measurement assembly includes at least two temperature sensors positioned around any of the cold storage devices 5, with the at least two temperature sensors positioned at different distances from the cold storage device 5. This differs from the previous embodiment in that the temperature sensors are located on the outer periphery of the cold storage device 5.

[0122] The distance between the temperature sensor and the cold storage device is no greater than half of the distance between the cold storage device 5 and its adjacent cold storage device 5 , preferably between 0.2 and 0.4, and more preferably no greater than one-fifth.

[0123] The temperature sensor is located around the cold storage device 5 closest to the outlet 32 ​​.

[0124] The distance difference between the at least two temperature sensors and the cold storage tube 3 or the cold storage device 5 may be an arithmetic progression or a non-arithmetic progression.

[0125] like Figure 10 At least two temperature sensors are spaced apart along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3. Specifically, with the axis of the cold storage tube 3 as the center, the temperature sensors are located at multiple points, such as A, B, and C, at varying distances from the center. Point C is located at a distance L from each of the two adjacent cold storage devices 5. In terms of crystallization speed, point A is faster than point B, which is faster than point C.

[0126] Furthermore, the cold storage tube 3 and the cold storage device 5 are coaxial. Three circumscribed circles, each centered at the axis of three adjacent cold storage devices 5 and having a radius equal to half the distance between the axis centers of two adjacent cold storage devices 5, form a central region similar to a triangle. At least one temperature sensor can be positioned within this central region, for example, at the central point D of this central region. When the cold storage agent 11 at point D crystallizes, the crystallization amount of the cold storage agent 11 reaches its maximum value.

[0127] Of course, you can also Figure 11 As shown, at least two temperature sensors are set along different radial directions of the cold storage pipe 3, such as at multiple points A', B', C', etc. in the figure. Among them, the distance between point C' and the cold storage device 5 is the same as Figure 10 The distance between point D and the cold storage device 5 is the same. From the perspective of crystallization speed, point A' is faster than point B' and point C'.

[0128] Viewed along the axial direction of the cold storage device 5, at least two temperature sensors may be located at the same position, or may be located at the same position. Figure 12 They are also distributed at different positions A", B", C" and so on along the axial direction. These points are located on the same cold storage device 5 and are less affected by the temperature change of the cold medium along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3.

[0129] Based on the two embodiments, the cold storage method includes the following steps:

[0130] The cold storage agent 11 is stored in cold storage via a cold storage tube 3 passed through the cold storage agent 11, and the temperature Ta of the cold storage agent 11 is obtained by any one of at least two temperature sensors at different radial distances from the cold storage tube 3 to the cold storage tube 3; or, the cold storage device 5 and the cold storage agent 11 immersed in the cold storage device 5 are stored in cold storage via a cold storage tube 3 passed through the cold storage device 5, and the temperature Ta of the cold storage agent 11 is obtained by any one of at least two temperature sensors at different radial distances from the cold storage device 5 passed through the cold storage tube 3; it is determined whether the temperature Ta reaches the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensor; if so, cold storage is stopped; if not, the temperature Ta is periodically obtained.

[0131] The temperature of the coolant 11 is obtained by using at least two temperature sensors at different radial distances from the coolant tube 3. On the one hand, the cool storage gears of the cool storage component 100 are diversified, so that a suitable temperature sensor is selected for temperature measurement according to the amount of coolness required, and the crystallization state of the coolant 11 and the temperature after crystallization are judged by the temperature, thereby judging the amount of coolness stored in the cool storage component 100 to accurately control the cool storage process. On the other hand, at least two temperature sensors are provided. When one temperature sensor has an error, other sensors can be used to assist in judgment and stop the loss in time.

[0132] The temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensors at different distances from the cold storage pipe 3 is the same, and the amount of cold stored when the cold storage agent 11 at different positions at different distances from the cold storage pipe 3 reaches the temperature threshold To is different. For example, point A is closer to the cold storage pipe 3 than point B. When the temperatures of points A and B reach the same temperature threshold To, the cold stored in the cold storage agent 11 is the first cold amount and the second cold amount, respectively; then the first cold amount is less than the second cold amount. The user can select a temperature sensor at a suitable position according to the cold amount required to obtain the temperature of the corresponding position point. Of course, the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensors at different distances from the cold storage pipe 3 may also be different. When the cold storage agent 11 at the position where each temperature sensor is located reaches its corresponding temperature threshold To, it represents a cold storage gear.

[0133] Alternatively, the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensor far from the cold storage pipe 3 is higher than the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensor close to the cold storage pipe 3 , which is set in accordance with the cooling rule of the cold storage agent 11 .

[0134] Preferably, after a certain period of cold storage, the temperature Ta of the coolant 11 is acquired by at least two of at least two temperature sensors located at different radial distances from the cool storage tube 3. A determination is made as to whether the temperature Ta acquired by each temperature sensor reaches the temperature threshold To corresponding to that temperature sensor. If so, cold storage is stopped. If not, the temperature Ta is periodically acquired by at least two temperature sensors. Simultaneous evaluation by multiple temperature sensors can prevent excessive or insufficient cold storage due to malfunctioning of a single temperature sensor, provided that the temperatures acquired by the at least two temperature sensors located at different distances from the cool storage tube 3 reach their respective temperature thresholds To.

[0135] Preferably, as in the fifth embodiment, each temperature sensor can have multiple temperature thresholds To. When the temperature detected by one temperature sensor reaches its corresponding temperature threshold To, the temperature detected by another temperature sensor also reaches its corresponding temperature threshold To. That is, when a preset cooling demand is reached after a period of cold storage, the temperatures detected by at least two temperature sensors will exactly reach their corresponding temperature thresholds To. Multiple levels and multiple judgments can be made to avoid errors. For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at point A reaches its temperature threshold To, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at point B will also exactly reach its temperature threshold To.

[0136] In the seventh embodiment, whether to stop cold storage is determined by the temperature of the cold storage agent 11. The difference from the fifth embodiment is that the cold storage amount of the cold storage agent 11 is determined by at least two temperature sensors spaced apart along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3. The seventh embodiment is applicable to situations with or without the cold storage device 5.

[0137] like Figure 13 and 14 As shown, the temperature measuring component includes at least two temperature sensors, and the at least two temperature sensors are respectively arranged around different cold storage tube 3 sections spaced apart along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3; and the distance between two adjacent temperature sensors is not less than the first distance threshold.

[0138] The set value of the first distance threshold is determined by the rate at which the coolant 11 at the locations of two adjacent temperature sensors accumulates cold energy, and the state and / or temperature of the coolant 11 at the two locations are significantly different. The coolant 11 at the location of the temperature sensor near the inlet 31 along the length of the coolant tube 3 is lower in temperature than the coolant 11 at the location of the other temperature sensor by a first temperature difference threshold, which is no less than 5°C. Alternatively, when the coolant 11 at the location of the temperature sensor near the inlet 31 along the length of the coolant tube 3 enters the crystallization process, the coolant 11 at the location of the other temperature sensor is higher than the freezing point of the coolant 11 by a second temperature difference threshold, which is no less than 1°C, preferably no less than 3°C. Alternatively, when the temperature of the coolant 11 at the location of the temperature sensor near the inlet 31 along the length of the coolant tube 3 is lower than the freezing point of the coolant 11, the temperature of the coolant 11 at the location of the other temperature sensor is at the freezing point of the coolant 11.

[0139] The cold storage device 5 comprehensively considers the influence of the temperature change of the cold-carrying medium flowing through the cold storage tube 3 on the cold storage agent 11 obtaining cold, so that the cold storage gears of the cold storage component 100 are diversified, so that the appropriate temperature sensor is selected for temperature measurement according to the required amount of cold, so as to accurately control the cold storage process; at least two temperature sensors are set at the same time. When one temperature sensor has an error, the other sensors can assist in judgment and stop the loss in time.

[0140] Specifically, the first distance threshold is not less than 30% of the length of the cold storage tube 3 passing through the cold storage agent 11, preferably not less than 50%; preferably, the first distance threshold is not less than 150 cm.

[0141] The cold storage tubes 3 are arranged in a zigzag, serpentine or spiral shape, and there are cold storage tube sections 3 without temperature sensors between the cold storage tube sections 3 with temperature sensors around them. Therefore, from a spatial perspective, there is a certain distance between the two temperature sensors, and the temperature and / or state of the coolant 11 are quite different, which can represent two gears with different cooling requirements.

[0142] The cooling medium flows from the inlet 31 to the outlet 32. The refrigerant 11 near the inlet 31 acquires cooling energy at the slowest rate. Therefore, when the temperature of the refrigerant 11 near the outlet 32 ​​drops to the target value, the temperature of the refrigerant 11 at other locations also drops to the target value. Therefore, if the distance between a temperature sensor and the outlet 32 ​​along the extension direction of the refrigerant tube 3 is no greater than a second spacing threshold, it can be used to determine whether the maximum cooling capacity required by the refrigerant 11 has been reached. Preferably, the second spacing threshold is no greater than 150 cm, more preferably no greater than 100 cm, more preferably no greater than 50 cm, and even more preferably no greater than 20 cm.

[0143] The at least two temperature sensors may be located at equal or different distances from the cold storage tube 3 along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3, and both can be used to determine the cold storage status. The cold storage tube 3 is arranged in a zigzag, serpentine, or spiral shape, and the distance between the temperature sensor and the cold storage tube 3 is no greater than half the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube 3 sections along the radial direction of the cold storage tube 3, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 of the distance between two adjacent cold storage tube 3 sections.

[0144] In the embodiment with the cold storage device 5, the difference from the above embodiment is that the temperature sensor is arranged around the cold storage device 5. The temperature measurement component includes at least two temperature sensors, and the at least two temperature sensors are respectively arranged around different cold storage devices 5.

[0145] Specifically, along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3, two cold storage devices 5 with temperature sensors disposed around them are spaced apart, and the spacing is no less than a third spacing threshold. Preferably, the third spacing threshold is no less than 50% of the length of the cold storage tube 3 extending through the cold storage medium 11, or the third spacing threshold is no less than 150 cm. Alternatively, along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3, there is at least one cold storage device 5 without a temperature sensor between two cold storage devices 5 with temperature sensors disposed around them. This allows for a larger spacing between adjacent temperature sensors, enabling the acquisition of the temperature of the cold storage medium 11 at different locations.

[0146] The distances between the at least two temperature sensors and the nearest cold storage device 5 are the same or different. The positional relationship between the temperature sensor and the nearest cold storage device 5 can be referred to the fifth embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0147] Preferably, one of the temperature sensors is located around the cold storage device 5 closest to the outlet 32 ​​.

[0148] The cold storage method includes the following steps: supplying cold to the cold storage agent 11 through a cold storage tube 3 passing through the cold storage agent 11, and obtaining the temperature Ta of the cold storage agent 11 through any one of the temperature sensors around at least two cold storage tube 3 sections spaced apart along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3; or supplying cold to the cold storage device 5 and the cold storage agent 11 immersed in the cold storage device 5 through the cold storage tube 3 passing through the cold storage device 5, and obtaining the temperature Ta of the cold storage agent 11 through any one of the temperature sensors around at least two cold storage devices 5 spaced apart along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3; judging whether the temperature Ta reaches the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensor, and if so, stopping cold storage; if not, periodically obtaining the temperature Ta.

[0149] The temperature thresholds To corresponding to the temperature sensors located around at least two sections of the cold storage tube 3 may be the same or different. By combining different temperature thresholds T0, a variety of gears representing different cold storage capacities can be configured. Along the extension direction of the cold storage tube 3, the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensor closer to the outlet 32 ​​is higher than the temperature threshold To corresponding to the temperature sensor farther from the outlet 32. This conforms to the temperature distribution of the coolant 11 within the cold storage tank 1, and the two temperature sensors can be calibrated against each other.

[0150] Preferably, the temperature Ta of the coolant 11 is acquired by at least two temperature sensors disposed around at least two sections of the coolant tube 3 at intervals along the extension direction of the coolant tube 3. A determination is made as to whether the temperature Ta acquired by each temperature sensor reaches a temperature threshold To corresponding to that temperature sensor. If so, cool storage is discontinued. If not, the temperature Ta is periodically acquired by the at least two temperature sensors. By ensuring that the temperatures acquired by at least two temperature sensors each reach their respective temperature thresholds To, and by using multiple temperature sensors for simultaneous determination, excessive or insufficient coolant storage due to malfunctioning of a single temperature sensor can be avoided.

[0151] Each temperature sensor can have multiple temperature thresholds To, and when the temperature detected by one temperature sensor reaches a corresponding temperature threshold To, the temperature detected by another temperature sensor also reaches a corresponding temperature threshold To. That is, when a preset cooling amount is reached after a period of cold storage, the temperatures obtained by at least two temperature sensors just reach their corresponding temperature thresholds To; multiple gears and multiple judgments can be made to avoid errors.

[0152] The unit delivery box 400 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a box body 40 and a door (not shown), which is equipped with a door lock (not shown). Both the box body 40 and the door are made of insulating materials such as vacuum insulation panels or foam insulation boards, and the joints between the two are sealed with sealing structures such as sealing strips.

[0153] The box body 40 is provided with a storage chamber 41, a cold storage component 100, a cold supply component 42 and an electric control unit 7. The electric control unit 7 is connected to other components for controlling their working status.

[0154] The cold storage assembly 100 is any of the above-mentioned types, and preferably further includes a first connector 33 and a second connector 34 connected to the inlet 31 and outlet 32 ​​of the cold storage tube 3, respectively, to facilitate docking with the cold charging machine 200. For example, the first connector 33 is quickly docked with the liquid outlet connector 2311; the second connector 34 is quickly docked with the liquid return connector 2321.

[0155] Furthermore, the coolant 11 is typically selected based on the set temperature of the unit delivery box 400. The freezing point of the coolant 11 is typically no higher than the required temperature of the unit delivery box 400. For example, if the unit delivery box 400 is a refrigerator and the required temperature is approximately 8°C, any coolant 11 with a freezing point no higher than 0°C, such as water, can be used. If the unit delivery box 400 is a freezer and the required temperature is -18°C, an antifreeze liquid with a freezing point no higher than -25°C can be used as the coolant 11.

[0156] The cooling assembly 42 is used to transfer the energy stored in the cold storage assembly 100 to the storage chamber 41, thereby preserving the freshness of the products therein. Specifically, the cooling assembly 42 includes a cooling pipe 421 connected to the cold storage tank 1 and a cooling pump 422 that drives the coolant 11 to circulate within the cold storage tank 1 and the cooling pipe 421. Part of the cooling pipe is located within the storage chamber.

[0157] Compared to conventional solutions that use circulating air to cool the storage chamber 41, the present invention uses a cooling pump 422 to drive a liquid refrigerant 11 to circulate and cool the storage chamber 41. The liquid refrigerant 11 carries a greater amount of cold than air. Even after the cooling pump 422 stops operating, the refrigerant 11 in the cooling pipe 421 within the storage chamber 41 can maintain a low temperature for a longer period of time and continue to cool the storage chamber 41. Therefore, the cooling pump 422 only needs to operate for a short period of time to maintain the storage chamber 41 at the set temperature for a long period of time. For example, within a cycle of 0.5 to 3 hours, the cooling pump 422 only needs to operate for 1 to 3 minutes, generating less heat. The cooling pump 422 also requires less power, requiring only a conventional battery to operate, significantly reducing the battery's capacity and shortening the charging time.

[0158] Preferably, part of the cooling pipe 421 is located at the top of the storage chamber 41, and the coolant 11 is drained from the cold storage box 1 to the top of the storage chamber 41, which complies with the principle of cold air sinking. When there are fewer products that need to be refrigerated / frozen, the top of the storage chamber 41 is idle to avoid local freezing of products.

[0159] Specifically, the storage chamber 41 is formed by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, and part of the cooling pipe is located in the upper half of the top wall and / or the side wall.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, a thermal insulation plate 43 is provided between the cold storage assembly 100 and the storage chamber 41. Specifically, the unit delivery box 400 further includes a cold storage chamber for accommodating the cold storage assembly 100. The storage chamber 41 and the cold storage chamber are independently provided and separated by the thermal insulation plate 43. On the one hand, loading goods into the storage chamber 41, pre-cooling the goods, and storing cold in the cold storage assembly can be performed simultaneously, saving time. Furthermore, since the two chambers are independent, an open storage chamber 41 does not cause cold leakage from the cold storage assembly 100. On the other hand, during the cold storage process, the cold storage assembly 100 has a minimal impact on the temperature within the storage chamber 41, preventing freezing of the goods. Furthermore, during the cooling process, the temperature within the storage chamber 41 is highly controllable, with minimal temperature fluctuations.

[0161] In the present invention, the cold storage chamber is located below the storage chamber 41, the cold storage assembly is located in the cold storage chamber, and the center of gravity of the unit delivery box 400 is low. During the lifting process, especially when it is empty, it is not easy to tip over, and a forklift can be used to operate on any side of the unit delivery box 400.

[0162] The cooling pipe 421 passes through the insulation board 43 and extends into the storage chamber 41. Specifically, the cooling pipe 421 includes a first cooling pipe 423 extending upward from the cold storage tank 1, a heat dissipation pipe 424 connected to the first cooling pipe 423, and a second cooling pipe 425 connected to the heat dissipation pipe 424 and extending downward to the cold storage tank 1. The heat dissipation pipe 424 is located at the top of the storage chamber 41. Specifically, the heat dissipation pipe 424 is distributed as evenly as possible on the top wall, for example, in a serpentine, corrugated, or mosquito coil shape, or the heat dissipation pipe 424 includes a liquid distribution pipe, a liquid collection pipe, and several connecting pipes connected between the liquid distribution pipe and the liquid collection pipe, wherein the liquid distribution pipe and the liquid collection pipe are all located on the same side of the several connecting pipes or are arranged on both sides of the several connecting pipes; and / or, the heat dissipation pipe 424 is arranged in the upper half of the side wall, for example, in the upper third or upper quarter of the side wall.

[0163] The first cooling pipe 423 and the second cooling pipe 425 are located at the side edges of the heat-insulating box 40 or on the side walls of the heat-insulating box 40, without occupying the storage space of the storage chamber 41, and facilitating the stacking of goods. In one embodiment, the box 40 includes four side surfaces, the door is located on one of the side surfaces, and the first cooling pipe 423 and the second cooling pipe 425 are located at one or both side edges of a side surface opposite the door, or both the first cooling pipe 423 and the second cooling pipe 425 are located on a side surface opposite the door.

[0164] Preferably, the cooling assembly also includes a water collection bar located below the cooling pipe at the top to prevent condensed water from dripping onto the cargo. Furthermore, the first end of the water collection bar is lower than the second end, which is located opposite the water collection bar. In other words, the water collection bar is arranged in an inclined or stepped manner, allowing condensed water to flow to one side and fall along the wall.

[0165] The cooling assembly further comprises a water guide groove provided at the first end of all the water-saving strips, wherein the water guide groove is provided with a discharge port for discharging condensed water outward; the condensed water of all the water-saving strips is collected in the water guide groove and discharged outward.

[0166] Alternatively, the cooling component further includes a water receiving pan located at the top of the storage chamber 41, the water receiving pan including a water receiving portion located below the cooling pipe for receiving condensed water, and a connecting portion connecting adjacent water receiving portions. Preferably, a hole is provided on the connecting portion to transfer cold downward.

[0167] Preferably, the first end of the water receiving portion in the longitudinal direction is lower than the second end opposite thereto. That is, the water receiving tray is arranged obliquely or in a stepped manner, and the condensed water flows to one side and falls along the wall.

[0168] The cooling assembly further comprises a water guide groove provided at the first end of all the water receiving parts, wherein the water guide groove is provided with a discharge port for discharging condensed water outward; the condensed water of all the water receiving parts is collected in the water guide groove and discharged outward.

[0169] Furthermore, the cooling assembly includes an indoor temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature within the storage chamber 41. The indoor temperature sensor and the cooling pump 422 are both communicatively connected to the electronic control unit 7. Based on the temperature within the storage chamber 41, the cooling pump 422 is controlled to provide cooling to the storage chamber 41, maintaining the temperature within a narrow range.

[0170] Preferably, the unit delivery box further comprises a fan located at the heat dissipation pipe 424 , and during shutdown, the fan can be started when necessary to enhance air circulation.

[0171] In addition, the cold storage assembly 100, the refrigerant 200, and the unit delivery box 400 all include a rechargeable battery assembly 9 for supplying power to power-requiring components. Alternatively, the power-requiring components are all equipped with batteries.

[0172] Preferably, a receiving cavity 401 is provided on the outside of the box body of the cold charging machine 200 and the unit delivery box 400. The motor part of the cold supply pump 422, the electronic control unit 7 and the battery assembly 9 are arranged in the receiving cavity 401 to facilitate charging, control and maintenance. The heat generated by these components when working is directly diffused outward without consuming the cold energy stored in the energy storage assembly.

[0173] Furthermore, the charging assembly 9 in the recharger 200 includes a power input and a power output for powering various power-demanding units. The power input is connected to a 220V or 380V AC mains supply, while the power output provides DC power to components of the recharger 200 or the unit delivery box 400. Output voltages include, but are not limited to, 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V, and 72V.

[0174] Furthermore, the electronic control unit also includes a signal connection terminal for transmitting signals to the unit delivery box 400. For example, during cold charging, the unit delivery box transmits cold charging information, cold charging progress, cold charging end signals, etc. to the electronic control unit through the signal connection terminal.

[0175] In addition, the sensors and the like mentioned in this article may also be considered as part of the electronic control unit.

[0176] The present invention also provides a cold chain system, comprising any one of the above-mentioned cold charging machines 200 and a unit delivery box 400. The size of the unit delivery box 400 is determined according to the usage, and the unit delivery box 400 can be used alone or in combination.

[0177] It should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation method can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0178] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A unit delivery box, comprising: storage room; A cold storage assembly, the cold storage assembly comprising a cold storage tank, a cold storage agent located within the cold storage tank, at least one cold storage device immersed in the cold storage agent, a cold storage tube disposed within the cold storage agent and passing through the cold storage device, and a temperature measuring assembly for detecting the temperature of the cold storage agent, wherein the cold storage devices are arranged in a plurality of layers in an up-down direction, the cold storage tubes are sequentially connected in series with the cold storage devices in each layer from bottom to top, and the inlet and outlet of the cold storage tubes are exposed to the outside of the cold storage tank, the temperature measuring assembly comprising at least one temperature sensor disposed around and spaced apart from any of the cold storage devices, and a central area formed by three circumscribed circles having axes of three adjacent cold storage devices as centers and a radius of half the distance between the axes of two adjacent cold storage devices, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is disposed within the central area; Characterized in that, the unit delivery box also includes: a cooling assembly comprising a cooling pipe communicating with the cold storage tank and a cooling pump driving the coolant to circulate within the cold storage tank and the cooling pipe; a portion of the cooling pipe being located at the top of the storage compartment; The electronic control unit is communicatively connected to the cooling pump.

2. The unit delivery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage chamber is formed by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, and part of the cooling pipes is located in the upper half of the top wall and / or the side walls.

3. The unit delivery box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cooling assembly further includes a water receiving strip located below the cooling pipe at the top; Alternatively, the cooling assembly further comprises a water receiving tray located at the top of the storage chamber, the water receiving tray comprising a water receiving portion located below the cooling pipe and a connecting portion connecting adjacent water receiving portions; Alternatively, the cooling assembly further comprises a water receiving tray located at the top of the storage chamber, the water receiving tray comprising a water receiving portion located below the cooling pipe, a connecting portion connecting adjacent water receiving portions, and a hole being provided on the connecting portion.

4. The unit delivery box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first end of the water receiving bar in the length direction is lower than the second end which is opposite to it; or the first end of the water receiving portion in the length direction is lower than the second end which is opposite to it.

5. The unit delivery box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cooling component also includes a water guide groove located at the first end of the water receiving bar and connected to all the water receiving bars, and the water guide groove is provided with a discharge port for discharging condensed water outward; or, the cooling component also includes a water guide groove located at the first end of the water receiving part and connected to all the water receiving parts, and the water guide groove is provided with a discharge port for discharging condensed water outward.

6. The unit delivery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A thermal insulation plate is provided between the cold storage assembly and the storage chamber, and the cooling pipe passes through the thermal insulation plate and extends into the storage chamber.

7. The unit delivery box according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cold storage assembly is located below the storage chamber, and the cooling pipe includes a liquid outlet pipe extending upward from the cold storage box, a heat dissipation pipe connected to the liquid outlet pipe, and a liquid return pipe connected to the heat dissipation pipe and extending downward to the cold storage box. The heat dissipation pipe is located at the top of the storage chamber.

8. The unit delivery box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The storage chamber includes a box body defining the storage chamber and a door body for opening or closing the storage chamber. The liquid outlet pipe and the liquid return pipe are located at the side edge of the box body or on the side wall of the box body.

9. The unit delivery box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The storage chamber is formed by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, and the heat dissipation pipes are serpentine or evenly distributed on the top wall; and / or, the heat dissipation pipes are arranged on the upper half of the side walls.

10. The unit delivery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling assembly further includes an indoor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the storage room, and the indoor temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit.

11. The unit delivery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cold storage device includes a shell, a cold storage cavity formed by the shell, a cold storage material located in the cold storage cavity, an inner tube arranged in the shell and passing through the cold storage cavity, the cold storage tube being arranged in the inner tube, and the cold storage tube and the inner tube being in close contact; The shell comprises an outer tube and end covers for sealing both ends of the outer tube, and the cold storage tube and the cold storage device are coaxial.

12. The unit delivery box according to claim 11, characterized in that: The temperature measuring component also includes at least two temperature sensors arranged around the cold storage device, and the at least two temperature sensors are at different distances from the cold storage tube along the radial direction of the cold storage tube, or the at least two temperature sensors are spaced apart along the extension direction of the cold storage tube, and the distance between two adjacent temperature sensors is not less than a first distance threshold.

13. The unit delivery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unit delivery box includes a box body, the storage chamber and the cold storage assembly are located in the box body, a receiving cavity is provided on the outside of the box body, and the motor of the cold supply pump is located in the receiving cavity.

14. The unit delivery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unit delivery box further includes a battery assembly, and the battery assembly is electrically connected to the cooling assembly and the electronic control unit.

15. A cold chain system, characterized in that: A unit delivery box comprising the unit delivery box according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images