Fresh cut flower storage and transportation integrated turnover box
By using a high-pressure argon cylinder to regulate oxygen concentration and an atomizing device to spray 1-MCP and preservatives in an integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers, the problem of maintaining the quality of cut flowers during storage and transportation has been solved, achieving efficient preservation and resource recycling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YCIH LOGISTICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing packaging for fresh-cut flowers lacks environmental control capabilities during storage and transportation, leading to browning of petal edges, rotting of flower stems, and mold growth. Furthermore, it has low resource utilization and cannot effectively inhibit the respiration of fresh flowers and the reproduction of microorganisms.
Design an integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers. Use a high-pressure argon cylinder to regulate oxygen concentration and spray 1-MCP and preservatives through an atomizing device to create a low-oxygen preservation environment, inhibiting microbial growth and flower respiration.
It effectively extends the shelf life of cut flowers, reduces losses, supports resource recycling, and improves the preservation effect and environmental adaptability during transportation.
Smart Images

Figure CN224211606U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fresh flower preservation technology, and in particular to an integrated turnover box for the storage and transportation of cut flowers. Background Technology
[0002] As a high-value-added agricultural product, the quality maintenance of cut flowers during post-harvest storage and transportation is crucial. Climax flowers, such as roses, are highly metabolically active and sensitive to ethylene, making them prone to problems like petal edge browning, stem rot, and mold growth during storage, transportation, and vase life, significantly shortening their shelf life and vase life. Statistics show that the rot rate of cut flowers in my country during post-harvest distribution (storage, transportation, etc.) reaches as high as 30%-40%, causing significant economic losses.
[0003] Currently, cardboard boxes are commonly used as the packaging material for fresh-cut flowers, but their technical drawbacks are as follows:
[0004] Limited functionality: Cardboard boxes can only provide basic mechanical cushioning and cannot regulate the internal environment of the packaging; moreover, most cardboard boxes are for single use and are discarded after transportation, which does not meet the requirements of green logistics and resource recycling; although existing plastic turnover boxes are recyclable, they lack environmental regulation functions and cannot solve the problems of oxygen concentration control and preservation pretreatment.
[0005] Poor environmental adaptability: Existing cardboard boxes with holes or plastic boxes rely on refrigerated trucks or ambient temperature transportation, which lacks control over oxygen concentration and cannot inhibit the respiration of flowers and the reproduction of microorganisms.
[0006] Lack of physiological and pathological regulation capabilities: Existing packaging cannot pre-treat cut flowers at the place of origin, such as 1-MCP ethylene inhibition treatment or preservative atomization treatment, resulting in flowers continuously suffering from physiological aging and pathological damage during transportation.
[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, there is an urgent need to provide an integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers, which can preserve the freshness of cut flowers and fundamentally solve the industry pain point of the single function of existing containers. Utility Model Content
[0008] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by developing an integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers. This container aims to preserve the freshness of cut flowers and recycle resources, fundamentally solving the industry pain point of the single function of existing containers.
[0009] The technical solution to the technical problem solved by this utility model is as follows:
[0010] This application provides an integrated turnover box for the storage and transportation of fresh cut flowers, including a box body and a box cover extending to the top of the box body;
[0011] The box cover has an air inlet and an atomization inlet. The box cover is equipped with a gas safety valve. The air inlet is detachably connected to a high-pressure argon cylinder via a gas pipeline. The gas pipeline is equipped with a gas switch and a regulating air inlet valve. The atomization inlet is detachably connected to an atomizing device via an atomization pipeline. The atomization pipeline is equipped with an atomization air inlet switch. The atomizing device stores a preservative.
[0012] The atomizing device is connected to a fan, and the fan is connected to the outlet end of the atomizing device;
[0013] The bottom surface of the box is provided with a stacking slot, and the top surface of the box cover is provided with a stacking strip that is compatible with the stacking slot. When stacking is required, multiple boxes can be stacked by embedding the stacking strip of the lower box cover into the stacking slot of the upper box.
[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, the atomizing device stores 1-MCP and / or a preservative.
[0015] As an improvement to the above solution, the box is made of polypropylene material.
[0016] As an improvement to the above solution, the gas pipeline is connected to the air inlet via a rubber tube.
[0017] As an improvement to the above solution, a pressure reducing valve is installed on the gas pipeline.
[0018] As an improvement to the above solution, a flow meter is also installed on the gas pipeline, and the flow meter is located on the output side of the pressure reducing valve.
[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the above solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:
[0020] This application provides an integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers. The container is recyclable and airtight. The oxygen concentration is controlled by replacing the oxygen in the container with argon gas through a high-pressure argon cylinder, and the container is treated with atomization device for preservation and anti-corrosion. This allows for physiological and pathological regulation of cut flowers during storage and transportation, effectively extending the shelf life, reducing losses, and supporting resource recycling. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers in this embodiment.
[0023] In the diagram, 1. Box body; 2. Box cover; 21. Air inlet; 22. Atomization inlet; 23. Gas safety valve; 3. Atomization device; 4. Atomization pipeline; 41. Atomization air inlet switch; 5. High-pressure argon cylinder; 6. Gas pipeline; 61. Pressure reducing valve; 62. Gas switch; 63. Flow meter; 64. Regulating air inlet valve; 7. Fan. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To clearly illustrate the technical features of this solution, the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described below. Furthermore, the present invention may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. It should be noted that the components illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The present invention omits descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques and processes to avoid unnecessarily limiting the present invention. The terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0025] Example 1
[0026] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides an integrated turnover box for the storage and transportation of fresh cut flowers, including a box body 1 and a box cover 2.
[0027] The aforementioned box 1 has a rectangular structure with dimensions (length, width, and height) of approximately 2-3m × 1-2m × 1m, and is made of polypropylene. Polypropylene has good chemical resistance, high strength, and light weight, ensuring that box 1 is not easily damaged during transportation and use, and is easy to handle.
[0028] The aforementioned lid 2 is an airtight lid. After being placed on the box body 1, the lid 2 fits tightly with the box body 1 through a sealing ring and buckles, forming a sealed space to prevent gas leakage and ensure the stability of the gas environment inside the turnover box. An air inlet 21 and an atomizing inlet 22 are respectively provided on the lid 2. The air inlet 21 and the atomizing inlet 22 are used to connect to the external high-pressure argon cylinder 5 and the atomizing device 3. When neither the air inlet 21 nor the atomizing inlet 22 is connected to any external equipment, both are in a sealed state.
[0029] The aforementioned box cover 2 is also equipped with a gas safety valve 23. When the gas pressure inside the box 1 is too high, the gas inside the box 1 will flow out through the gas safety valve 23. Specifically, when the gas inside the turnover box is replaced by the high-pressure argon cylinder 5, the gas pressure inside the box 1 will increase, and some of the gas will flow out through the gas safety valve 23.
[0030] In the embodiments of this utility model, the connection of the air inlet 21 is made of rubber tubing. Rubber tubing has good flexibility and sealing properties, and can adapt to connection requirements at different angles and positions, ensuring that gas can smoothly enter the box.
[0031] In the embodiments of this utility model, the polypropylene material used for the box body 1 is a non-insulating material with good thermal conductivity, that is, it has good cold conduction performance. In a cold storage environment, the box body 1 can quickly conduct external cold air, so that the temperature inside the turnover box can quickly reach and maintain the required constant temperature environment, which is beneficial to the preservation and storage of fresh cut flowers.
[0032] In an embodiment of this utility model, the bottom surface of the box 1 is provided with a stacking slot (not shown in the figure), and the top surface of the box cover 2 is provided with a stacking strip (not shown in the figure) that is adapted to the stacking slot. By embedding the stacking strip of the lower box cover 2 into the stacking slot of the upper box 1, multiple boxes 1 can be stacked, which greatly improves the space utilization rate, facilitates the neat arrangement of boxes 1 during transportation and storage, and reduces transportation costs and storage space waste.
[0033] The aforementioned atomizing device 3 stores 1-MCP and / or preservatives, used for atomizing the cut flowers inside the box 1. The atomizing device 3 is connected to the interior of the box 1 through the atomizing inlet 22, and can atomize the 1-MCP and / or preservatives into fine particles, which are evenly sprayed onto the surface of the cut flowers, thereby achieving the functions of preservation and anti-corrosion.
[0034] The aforementioned high-pressure argon cylinder 5 stores high-pressure argon gas and is connected to the inlet 21 via gas pipeline 6. During the post-harvest processing of cut flowers, the gas switch 62 of the high-pressure argon cylinder 5 is opened, and high-pressure argon gas enters the box 1 through the inlet 21, expelling the air inside the box 1. Argon gas has a higher density than air, which can form a protective layer on the surface of the cut flowers, reducing damage to the cut flowers from external physical factors during transportation. At the same time, argon gas can reduce the oxygen concentration inside the packaging, inhibit the reproduction of aerobic microorganisms, and suppress the respiration of the flowers, slowing down the metabolism of fresh cut flowers and extending their shelf life.
[0035] In an embodiment of this utility model, the atomizing device 3 is connected to the atomizing inlet 22 via the atomizing pipeline 4, and the atomizing pipeline 4 is provided with an atomizing air inlet switch 41 to control the start and stop of the atomizing process.
[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the high-pressure argon cylinder 5 is connected to a rubber tube at the inlet 21 via a gas pipeline 6. Along the gas flow direction, the gas pipeline 6 is sequentially equipped with a pressure reducing valve 61, a gas switch 62, a flow meter 63, and an adjusting inlet valve 64. The pressure reducing valve 61 stabilizes the gas supply pressure and protects the structure of the housing 1; the gas switch 62 controls the argon gas flow, ensuring accurate and safe replacement; the flow meter 63 monitors the flow rate to ensure the concentration meets standards; and the adjusting inlet valve 64 adjusts the flow rate to adapt to different housing volumes and optimize the formation of the argon protective layer. These components work together to significantly improve the argon replacement efficiency, minimize the risks caused by improper gas use, and build a solid barrier for the stable operation of the entire equipment and the safety of personnel.
[0037] In an embodiment of this utility model, a fan 7 is connected to the atomizing device 3. The fan 7 is connected to the outlet end of the atomizing chamber in the atomizing device 3 through a pipe, and is used to accelerate the diffusion of atomized particles and push them evenly into the housing 1.
[0038] Application Examples
[0039] This embodiment provides a method for using the integrated storage and transportation container for fresh-cut flowers in Embodiment 1 above. The method includes:
[0040] Flower loading and transportation: Immediately after harvesting, the flowers are placed in container 1, which is then open. A refrigerated truck transports the container filled with flowers to the processing center at the production site, a process that takes approximately 1-2 hours. During transportation, the open design allows for ventilation, while the low temperature of the refrigerated truck provides initial preservation.
[0041] Argon gas replacement treatment: Upon arrival at the treatment center, the airtight lid 2 is closed, creating a sealed space within the chamber 1. The high-pressure argon cylinder 5 is immediately opened, allowing high-pressure argon gas to enter the chamber 1 through the inlet 21, gradually purging the air inside. The argon flow rate is controlled by adjusting the regulating valve 64 of the high-pressure argon cylinder 5, ultimately adjusting the argon concentration inside the chamber to 92%-95%. This process takes approximately 2-3 minutes. Concentration measurement can be performed using a handheld argon gas analyzer, which can quickly and accurately detect the argon concentration inside the chamber, ensuring the required concentration is met. Argon gas replacement treatment effectively reduces the oxygen concentration inside the chamber, inhibiting the growth of aerobic microorganisms and the respiration of flowers, creating a low-oxygen preservation environment for the flowers.
[0042] Simultaneous biological and preservative treatment: After modified atmosphere packaging is completed, the atomizing device 3 is activated, simultaneously spraying 3-4 PPM of 1-MCP and 1000 mg / L of ε-polylysine antibacterial agent into the chamber through the atomizing inlet 22. 1-MCP can inhibit ethylene synthesis in fresh flowers, delaying the aging process; the ε-polylysine antibacterial agent has a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, effectively inhibiting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms in the chamber. The simultaneous atomization treatment lasts for 30 minutes to ensure that the atomized particles are evenly distributed on the surface of the flowers, fully exerting the effects of preservation and anti-corrosion. After the treatment is completed, the atomizing air inlet switch 41 is turned off to stop the atomization treatment.
[0043] Subsequent processing and recycling: After pre-processing, the entire crate of cut flowers is moved to a cold storage facility or transported by refrigerated truck. Upon arrival at the sales location, the flowers are unloaded. At this point, the crate can be recycled and reused. On the return trip, it can be returned empty or loaded with fruits and vegetables, improving the utilization rate of the crate and reducing costs.
[0044] Although the specific embodiments of the utility model have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the utility model. Based on the technical solution of the utility model, various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort are still within the scope of protection of the utility model.
Claims
1. An integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers, characterized in that: Includes the housing and the lid extending to the top of the housing; The box cover has an air inlet and an atomization inlet. The box cover is equipped with a gas safety valve. The air inlet is detachably connected to a high-pressure argon cylinder via a gas pipeline. The gas pipeline is equipped with a gas switch and a regulating air inlet valve. The atomization inlet is detachably connected to an atomizing device via an atomization pipeline. The atomization pipeline is equipped with an atomization air inlet switch. The atomizing device stores a preservative. The atomizing device is connected to a fan, and the fan is connected to the outlet end of the atomizing device; The bottom surface of the box is provided with a stacking slot, and the top surface of the box cover is provided with a stacking strip that is compatible with the stacking slot. When stacking is required, multiple boxes can be stacked by embedding the stacking strip of the lower box cover into the stacking slot of the upper box.
2. The integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizing device contains 1-MCP and / or a preservative.
3. The integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The enclosure is made of polypropylene.
4. The integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas pipeline is connected to the air inlet via a rubber tube.
5. The integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure reducing valve is installed on the gas pipeline.
6. The integrated storage and transportation container for cut flowers according to claim 5, characterized in that: A flow meter is also installed on the gas pipeline, and the flow meter is located on the output side of the pressure reducing valve.