A cold chain delivery device with temperature-controlled compartments

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of cold chain distribution, in particular to a cold chain distribution device with a temperature control interlayer, which comprises an outer box body, an inner box body and a temperature control interlayer. The temperature control interlayer is composed of a heat storage module, a flow guide plate group, an air flow adjusting mechanism and a temperature control unit. The heat storage module is filled with a phase change material, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved through a honeycomb design. The flow guide plate group optimizes the air flow path, and the air flow adjusting mechanism realizes accurate control. The temperature control unit dynamically adjusts the temperature. The elastic support frame connects the inner and outer box bodies, and enhances the stability. Through the synergistic effect of heat storage and air flow, the application can quickly restore the temperature in the box when the external temperature fluctuates, significantly improve the heat preservation effect, meet the requirements of long-distance transportation and frequent opening and closing of the box door, reduce the energy consumption, and realize efficient and flexible temperature control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cold chain logistics technology, specifically a cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition. Background Technology

[0002] Cold chain distribution equipment must ensure that goods remain within a specific temperature range during transportation to guarantee the quality and safety of perishable items such as food and medicine. Existing cold chain distribution equipment typically employs a single refrigeration or insulation structure, maintaining internal temperature through an internal cold source or external refrigeration equipment. These devices are generally equipped with a temperature control system that can monitor and record temperature changes inside the container in real time, while utilizing insulation materials to reduce heat exchange.

[0003] In practical use, when the external ambient temperature fluctuates significantly, the internal temperature of the enclosure may be affected to some extent. For example, in high-temperature environments, the heat absorbed by the enclosure surface can cause the internal temperature to rise, and traditional insulation materials have limited adaptability to such dynamic changes. To address this issue, some cold chain equipment adds additional cooling modules or thicker insulation layers, but this also leads to increased energy consumption and larger size.

[0004] Most cold chain delivery devices on the market currently use polyurethane foam as the main insulation material. Its low thermal conductivity helps slow down heat transfer to some extent. However, when the delivery distance is long or the external temperature difference is large, this material alone is insufficient to fully meet temperature control requirements. Furthermore, frequent opening and closing of the container doors accelerates cold loss, and the temperature recovery rate inside the container may not reach the ideal level. Therefore, designing a cold chain delivery device that can both efficiently insulate and flexibly adjust temperature has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention proposes a cold chain delivery device with a temperature-controlled partition, aiming to solve the problem that existing cold chain delivery devices struggle to maintain stable temperatures inside the container when external temperatures fluctuate significantly. By designing a temperature-controlled partition structure with dynamic adjustment capabilities, combined with a double-layer container structure and an independent circulation system, heat transfer is reduced and temperature recovery efficiency is improved, thereby meeting the temperature control requirements for long-distance transportation and frequent opening and closing of container doors.

[0006] This cold chain delivery device includes an outer casing, an inner casing, and a temperature-controlled partition between them. The temperature-controlled partition consists of multiple functional components, including a heat storage module, a baffle assembly, an airflow regulation mechanism, and a temperature control unit. The outer casing and the inner casing are connected by an elastic support frame, which is welded from multiple rectangular metal strips. Its two ends are fixed to the inner wall of the outer casing and the outer wall of the inner casing, respectively, forming a stable nested structure. The heat storage module is located in the middle of the temperature-controlled partition, with baffle assemblies symmetrically arranged on its upper and lower sides. The baffle assemblies are connected to the elastic support frame by clips, ensuring secure installation and easy disassembly and maintenance.

[0007] The thermal storage module consists of several honeycomb-shaped thermal storage units, each filled with phase change material to absorb and release heat to balance temperature differences. The honeycomb units are made of aluminum alloy with a graphene coating on their outer surface to improve heat transfer efficiency. Gaps of 8mm to 12mm are left between adjacent units to allow airflow. The baffle assembly includes two layers of staggered arc-shaped baffles, each bolted to a flexible support frame. The curvature of the arc-shaped baffles aligns with the airflow path, guiding the airflow evenly around the thermal storage module.

[0008] The airflow regulation mechanism is located at the top of the temperature-controlled partition and includes a miniature fan, a distribution duct, and a regulating valve. The miniature fan is fixed to the top of the inner wall of the outer casing and connected to the outer casing with screws. Its air outlet connects to one end of the distribution duct, and the other end of the distribution duct extends above the thermal storage module and is connected to the regulating valve via a flexible joint. The regulating valve is driven by a stepper motor, which is fixed to the side wall of the distribution duct by a bracket. Its output shaft is coaxially connected to the rotating blades of the regulating valve, enabling precise control of airflow direction and flow rate.

[0009] The temperature control unit includes a temperature sensor, a controller, and heating elements. The temperature sensor is embedded in the inner wall of the inner chamber, and its signal line passes through the elastic support frame and connects to the controller. The controller is fixed to the outside of the outer chamber and is electrically connected to the heating elements and a miniature fan via wires. The heating elements are arranged in a ring around the heat storage module, and their ends are fixed to the elastic support frame by insulating brackets to avoid direct contact with the heat storage module. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the inner chamber is lower than the set value, the controller activates the heating elements and uses the miniature fan to evenly transfer heat to the heat storage module; when the temperature is higher than the set value, the controller shuts off the heating elements and adjusts the regulating valve to allow cool air to enter the temperature control layer for cooling.

[0010] In addition, a return flow channel is located at the bottom of the inner chamber. The inlet of the return flow channel is located at the bottom corner of the inner chamber, and the outlet connects to the bottom of the temperature control partition. Insulation cotton is attached to the inner wall of the return flow channel to reduce heat loss. A filter screen is installed at the outlet of the return flow channel, and the filter screen is fixed to the end of the return flow channel by a slot to prevent impurities from entering the temperature control partition and affecting airflow circulation. The outer wall of the outer chamber is coated with a high-reflectivity heat insulation coating with a thickness of 0.5mm to 1mm, which effectively reduces the transfer of external heat to the inside.

[0011] This invention utilizes the synergistic effect of a thermal storage module and an airflow regulation mechanism to absorb or release heat using phase change materials when the external temperature fluctuates. Simultaneously, a micro-fan and baffle assembly ensure uniform airflow distribution, significantly improving temperature control. The honeycomb design of the thermal storage module not only increases the heat exchange area but also enhances structural strength, while the arrangement of the arc-shaped baffles further optimizes the airflow path and reduces energy loss. The use of a flexible support frame enhances the overall stability of the inner and outer casings and provides a reliable mounting foundation for each functional component. This design avoids the slow temperature recovery problem caused by traditional cold chain devices relying solely on insulation materials, and overcomes the increased energy consumption and size drawbacks of additional cooling modules, thus achieving the dual goals of efficient insulation and flexible temperature regulation. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention, showing the nested layout of the outer casing, inner casing and temperature control partition, as well as the connection method of the elastic support frame.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the temperature control layer, which shows in detail the arrangement of the thermal storage module, the baffle assembly, and the airflow regulation mechanism, especially the cooperative structure between the honeycomb thermal storage unit and the arc-shaped baffle.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the airflow regulation mechanism, highlighting the connection method of the miniature fan, the diversion pipe and the regulating valve, as well as their installation position on the top of the temperature control partition.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the return channel at the bottom of the inner chamber, indicating the connection between the return channel and the temperature control partition, as well as the installation position of the filter screen.

[0016] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Outer casing; 2. Inner casing; 3. Temperature control partition; 4. Elastic support frame; 5. Heat storage module; 6. Flow guide plate assembly; 7. Miniature fan; 8. Diversion pipe; 9. Regulating valve; 10. Return channel; 11. Filter screen. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This utility model relates to a cold chain delivery device with a temperature-controlled partition, the overall structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the enclosure includes an outer casing 1, an inner casing 2, and a temperature-controlled partition 3 located between them. The outer casing 1 and the inner casing 2 are connected by an elastic support frame 4, which is welded from multiple rectangular metal strips. Its two ends are fixed to the inner wall of the outer casing 1 and the outer wall of the inner casing 2, respectively, forming a nested structure. The elastic support frame 4 not only serves as a connection but also provides a mounting base for the functional components within the temperature-controlled partition 3. The temperature-controlled partition 3 houses a heat storage module 5, a baffle plate assembly 6, an airflow regulating mechanism, and a temperature control unit. These components work together to achieve temperature control.

[0018] The thermal storage module 5 is located in the middle of the temperature control partition 3, with symmetrically arranged guide plate assemblies 6 on its upper and lower sides. The guide plate assemblies 6 are fixed to the elastic support frame 4 with clips, ensuring stable installation and easy disassembly and maintenance. The thermal storage module 5 consists of several honeycomb-shaped thermal storage units, each filled with phase change material. The thermal storage units are made of aluminum alloy with a graphene coating on their outer surface. A gap of 8mm to 12mm is left between adjacent thermal storage units to allow airflow. The guide plate assembly 6 includes two layers of staggered arc-shaped guide plates, which are fixed to the elastic support frame 4 with bolts. The bending direction is consistent with the airflow path, guiding the airflow to be evenly distributed around the thermal storage module 5.

[0019] The airflow regulation mechanism is located at the top of the temperature control partition 3 and includes a miniature fan 7, a diversion duct 8, and a regulating valve 9. The miniature fan 7 is fixed to the top of the inner wall of the outer casing 1 with screws. Its outlet connects to one end of the diversion duct 8, and the other end of the diversion duct 8 extends above the heat storage module 5 and connects to the regulating valve 9 via a flexible joint. The regulating valve 9 is driven by a stepper motor, which is fixed to the side wall of the diversion duct 8 by a bracket. Its output shaft is coaxially connected to the rotating blades of the regulating valve 9, used to adjust the airflow direction and flow rate. The specific layout of the airflow regulation mechanism can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 The diagram shows the connection relationship and installation position of the micro fan 7, the diversion pipe 8, and the regulating valve 9.

[0020] The temperature control unit includes a temperature sensor, a controller, and a heating element. The temperature sensor is embedded in the inner wall of the inner casing 2, and a signal line passes through the elastic support frame 4 and connects to the controller. The controller is fixed to the outside of the outer casing 1 and is electrically connected to the heating element and the miniature fan 7 via wires. The heating element is arranged in a ring around the heat storage module 5, and its two ends are fixed to the elastic support frame 4 by insulating brackets to avoid direct contact with the heat storage unit. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the inner casing 2 is lower than the set value, the controller activates the heating element and transfers heat to the heat storage module 5 through the miniature fan 7; when the temperature is higher than the set value, the controller shuts off the heating element and adjusts the regulating valve 9 to allow cold air to enter the temperature control partition 3 for cooling.

[0021] The inner chamber 2 has a reflux channel 10 at its bottom. The inlet of the reflux channel 10 is located at the bottom corner of the inner chamber 2, and the outlet is connected to the bottom of the temperature control partition 3. Insulation cotton is attached to the inner wall of the reflux channel 10 to reduce heat loss. A filter screen 11 is installed at the outlet, and the filter screen 11 is fixed to the end of the reflux channel 10 by a slot to prevent impurities from entering the temperature control partition 3 and affecting airflow circulation. For the specific structure of the reflux channel 10, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 The diagram shows the connection between the return channel 10 and the temperature control partition 3, as well as the installation position of the filter screen 11.

[0022] The outer wall of the outer casing 1 is coated with a high-reflectivity thermal insulation coating with a thickness of 0.5mm to 1mm to reduce the transfer of external heat inward. The use of the elastic support frame 4 enhances the overall stability of the inner and outer casings and provides a reliable installation base for each functional component. The synergistic effect of the thermal storage module 5 and the airflow regulation mechanism is achieved through the following operation: when the external temperature rises, the phase change material in the thermal storage module 5 absorbs heat to prevent the temperature of the inner casing 2 from rising rapidly; when the external temperature drops, the phase change material releases heat to maintain the temperature stability of the inner casing 2. During this process, the micro fan 7 regulates the airflow direction and flow rate through the diversion pipe 8 and the regulating valve 9, and works with the guide plate assembly 6 to evenly distribute the airflow around the thermal storage module 5, optimizing heat transfer efficiency.

[0023] In practical applications, this cold chain delivery device is suitable for long-distance transportation and frequent door opening and closing scenarios. For example, when transporting frozen food, traditional cold chain devices struggle to quickly restore the internal temperature due to significant external temperature fluctuations. This device, however, utilizes the phase change material in the heat storage module 5 to absorb or release heat, combined with precise airflow control, enabling it to quickly restore the temperature of the inner container 2, ensuring food quality remains unaffected. Furthermore, the honeycomb heat storage unit design increases the heat exchange area and enhances structural strength, while the arrangement of the arc-shaped guide vanes further optimizes the airflow path and reduces energy loss. The use of the elastic support frame 4 not only enhances overall stability but also facilitates subsequent maintenance.

[0024] The entire device operates as follows: When the temperature of the inner chamber 2 is lower than the set value, the temperature sensor transmits a signal to the controller. The controller then activates the heating element. The heat generated by the heating element is transferred to the heat storage module 5 via the micro fan 7. The phase change material in the heat storage module 5 absorbs the heat and gradually heats up, thereby raising the temperature of the inner chamber 2. When the temperature of the inner chamber 2 is higher than the set value, the controller shuts off the heating element and adjusts the regulating valve 9 to allow cold air from the outside to enter the temperature-controlled partition 3. The cold air is evenly distributed around the heat storage module 5 via the guide plate assembly 6. The phase change material in the heat storage module 5 releases heat to balance the temperature difference. The return channel 10 introduces the airflow from the bottom of the inner chamber 2 into the temperature-controlled partition 3, forming a circulating airflow and further improving the temperature control effect.

[0025] The above embodiments describe in detail the connection relationships, positional relationships, and mutual cooperation relationships of the various components, ensuring that those skilled in the art can implement the technical solution according to the contents of the specification. The layout and connection methods of the outer casing 1, inner casing 2, temperature control partition 3, and various functional components have all been optimized to achieve the goals of efficient heat preservation and flexible temperature adjustment.

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement the technical solution of this utility model, the following detailed explanation of the operating principle and steps of the cold chain distribution device is provided in conjunction with a specific application scenario.

[0027] In practical applications, this cold chain delivery device is suitable for transporting frozen foods. Assuming high ambient temperatures and frequent opening and closing of the cabinet doors, traditional cold chain devices struggle to quickly restore the temperature inside the inner cabinet 2. However, this device, through the coordinated action of the heat storage module 5, airflow regulation mechanism, and temperature control unit, can restore the temperature of the inner cabinet 2 in a short time, ensuring that food quality remains unaffected.

[0028] First, when the cold chain delivery device is in a high-temperature environment, the high-reflectivity heat-insulating coating sprayed on the outer wall of the outer casing 1 effectively reduces the rate of heat transfer from the outside to the inside. At this time, if the temperature of the inner casing 2 begins to rise due to the increase in the outside temperature, the temperature sensor detects this change and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller activates the heating element in the temperature control unit according to the preset temperature range and uses a micro fan 7 to evenly transfer heat to the heat storage module 5. The phase change material in the heat storage module 5 absorbs heat and gradually heats up, thereby slowing down the further rise in the temperature of the inner casing 2. The honeycomb heat storage unit design increases the heat exchange area and improves heat absorption efficiency. Simultaneously, its aluminum alloy material and graphene coating further enhance thermal conductivity, ensuring that heat can be stored quickly.

[0029] Secondly, with frequent opening and closing of the cabinet door, cold air loss accelerates, and the temperature of the inner chamber 2 may drop rapidly. At this time, the temperature sensor detects the temperature change again and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller shuts off the heating element and simultaneously adjusts the regulating valve 9, allowing outside cold air to enter the temperature-controlled partition 3 through the diversion pipe 8. Under the action of the micro fan 7, the cold air is evenly distributed around the heat storage module 5 along the arc-shaped path of the guide plate assembly 6. The phase change material in the heat storage module 5 releases the previously stored heat to balance the temperature difference and maintain the stability of the temperature of the inner chamber 2. The arrangement of the arc-shaped guide plates optimizes the airflow path, reduces energy loss, and ensures that the cold air can efficiently exchange heat with the heat storage module 5.

[0030] Furthermore, the return channel 10 plays a crucial role in temperature regulation. Airflow from the bottom of the inner chamber 2 is introduced into the temperature-controlled partition 3 through the return channel 10, forming a circulating airflow. The insulation cotton attached to the inner wall of the return channel 10 effectively reduces heat loss, while the filter screen 11 at the outlet prevents impurities from entering the temperature-controlled partition 3, thus avoiding any impact on the smoothness of airflow circulation. This circulating airflow design not only improves temperature control but also further optimizes the overall thermal management capabilities of the device.

[0031] When the ambient temperature drops, the phase change material in the thermal storage module 5 releases heat to prevent the inner casing 2 from becoming too cold. At this time, the micro fan 7 adjusts the airflow direction and flow rate through the regulating valve 9, distributing the heat released by the thermal storage module 5 evenly around the inner casing 2, ensuring that the temperature is always maintained within the set range. The use of the elastic support frame 4 not only enhances the overall stability of the inner and outer casings but also provides a reliable installation foundation for each functional component, facilitating subsequent maintenance and component replacement.

[0032] As can be seen from the above steps, this device absorbs or releases heat through the phase change material in the heat storage module 5, combined with the precise control of the airflow regulation mechanism, to achieve dynamic temperature regulation. The honeycomb heat storage unit design increases the heat exchange area and improves structural strength, while the arrangement of the arc-shaped guide plate further optimizes the airflow path and reduces energy loss. The use of the elastic support frame 4 not only enhances overall stability but also facilitates subsequent maintenance. The entire operation of the device ensures that the temperature of the inner box 2 can quickly recover and remain stable under long-distance transportation and frequent opening and closing of the box door, thereby effectively guaranteeing the quality and safety of food.

[0033] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cold chain delivery device with a temperature-controlled partition, comprising an outer casing (1), an inner casing (2), and a temperature-controlled partition (3) located between the outer casing (1) and the inner casing (2), characterized in that, The outer casing (1) and the inner casing (2) are connected by an elastic support frame (4). The temperature control partition (3) is equipped with a heat storage module (5), a flow guide plate group (6), an airflow adjustment mechanism and a temperature control unit. The heat storage module (5) is composed of several honeycomb heat storage units with gaps between adjacent heat storage units. The flow guide plate group (6) includes two layers of staggered arc-shaped flow guide plates. The airflow adjustment mechanism includes a micro fan (7), a diversion pipe (8) and a regulating valve (9). The temperature control unit includes a temperature sensor, a controller and a heating element.

2. A cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic support frame (4) is welded from multiple rectangular metal strips. Its two ends are fixed to the inner wall of the outer box (1) and the outer wall of the inner box (2) respectively, forming a nested structure. The heat storage module (5) is located in the middle of the temperature control partition (3), and the guide plate group (6) is symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides. The guide plate group (6) is connected to the elastic support frame (4) by buckles.

3. A cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The honeycomb thermal storage unit in the thermal storage module (5) is made of aluminum alloy and its outer surface is coated with graphene. Each honeycomb thermal storage unit is filled with phase change material and the gap width between adjacent thermal storage units is 8mm to 12mm.

4. A cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow regulating mechanism is located on the top of the temperature control partition (3). The micro fan (7) is fixed to the top of the inner wall of the outer casing (1) by screws. Its air outlet is connected to one end of the diversion pipe (8). The other end of the diversion pipe (8) extends to the top of the heat storage module (5) and is connected to the regulating valve (9) through a flexible joint. The regulating valve (9) is driven by a stepper motor. The stepper motor is fixed to the side wall of the diversion pipe (8) by a bracket.

5. A cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor of the temperature control unit is embedded in the inner wall of the inner box (2), and the signal line passes through the elastic support frame (4) and is connected to the controller. The controller is fixed on the outside of the outer box (1) and is electrically connected to the heating element and the micro fan (7) through the wire. The heating element is distributed in a ring around the heat storage module (5), and both ends are fixed to the elastic support frame (4) through the insulating bracket.

6. A cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner box (2) is provided with a reflux channel (10) at the bottom. The inlet of the reflux channel (10) is located at the bottom corner of the inner box (2), and the outlet is connected to the bottom of the temperature control partition (3). The inner wall of the reflux channel (10) is attached with heat insulation cotton, and a filter screen (11) is provided at the outlet. The filter screen (11) is fixed to the end of the reflux channel (10) by a slot.

7. A cold chain distribution device with a temperature-controlled partition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer casing (1) is coated with a high reflectivity heat insulation coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

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