Vacuum-insulated stackable container for the temperature-managed transport of food products

Abstract

The invention relates to a stacking container (1) for the temperature-controlled transport of food, comprising an outer container (3) with an outer container base (31) and an outer container wall (32) which are connected together so as to form a receiving area (33) which is open on one side. The stacking container (1) additionally comprises an inner container (2) with an inner container base (21) and an inner container wall (22) which are connected together so as to form a container area (23) which is open on one side. The inner container wall (22) comprises an upper edge section (221), and the outer container base (31) comprises a lower edge section (311), said upper edge section and lower edge section being designed in a complementary manner in order to engage into each other when stacking containers (1) are stacked one over the other such that the outer container base (31) of an upper stacking container (1) in the stack forms a cover for a stacking container (1) arranged therebelow, and a vacuum insulating element (5) is arranged between the inner container wall (22) and the outer container wall (32) and between the inner container base (21) and the outer container base (31).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum-insulated stackable container for the temperature-controlled (e.g. refrigerated) transport of food according to the independent claim.

[0002] Stacking containers of this type are widely used in practice and are used, for example, in bakeries for handling bread in the form of plastic boxes for transport, but also for storage. These plastic boxes are stackable, both filled and empty.

[0003] Such plastic boxes comprise a container wall that encloses a container base on four sides, creating a container space that is open at the top on one side and can be filled with bread or similar items.

[0004] The open edge of the container wall and the base are each designed with a circumferential edge that can interlock. This means that the edge on the container bottom of a plastic box on top can rest against the edge on the container wall of a plastic box below, preventing the stacked plastic boxes from slipping.

[0005] The problem with such plastic boxes is that their use is limited due to their lack of insulation. Especially because so-called chain bakeries increasingly deliver their goods at a controlled temperature, conventional plastic boxes without insulation are unsuitable for transport in delivery vehicles without refrigeration units. Even in vehicles with integrated refrigeration, temperatures are significantly increased during transfer to the branch. This poses the risk that the food stored or transported in them will experience excessive temperature fluctuations, rendering it unusable or even spoiling.

[0006] The problem of inadequate insulation in plastic crates used for food transport also arises in the transport of meat products. Here, the risk of inadequate cooling exists even during handling within the butcher shop. This problem can be applied to many other areas of food handling.

[0007] A thermally insulated stacking container is shown in DE 20 2016 001 097 U1. In principle, the transport container described therein can be used for temperature-sensitive foodstuffs (e.g. bread, meat products, fish, etc.). The transport container comprises a lower part consisting of an inner container and an outer container, between which an insulating material is arranged. A closable lid is arranged on the lower part, the upper side of which, when closed, is designed to complement the underside of the transport container to enable stacking. In contrast to the plastic boxes described above, the transport container is provided with a lid so that when stacked, the underside of the upper container is placed on the closed lid. This essentially creates redundant insulation in the vertical direction, which is not required for normal food transport applications.

[0008] The document DE19641124A1 discloses all technical features of the preamble of claim 1. Further prior art documents are FR2697809A1, US2007 / 087087A1 and US2005 / 205454A1.

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to provide a stacking container which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which is in particular simple in construction and can be handled practically for transport.

[0010] This object is achieved by a stackable container for the temperature-controlled transport of food according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments form the subject matter of the respective subclaims.

[0011] The invention comprises (vacuum-insulated) stackable containers for the temperature-controlled transport of food. The stackable container has an outer container with an outer container base and an outer container wall, which are interconnected to form a receiving space open on one side. The stackable container further has an inner container with an inner container base and an inner container wall, which are interconnected to form a container space open on one side. The inner container wall has an upper edge portion, and the outer container base has a lower edge portion, which are complementarily designed to interlock when the stackable containers are stacked one above the other. A vacuum insulation element is arranged between the inner container wall and the outer container wall, and between the inner container base and the outer container base.Due to the design of the upper edge section, the lower edge section of the stacking container located above can engage securely, so that a plurality of stacking containers can be securely stacked on top of one another. Due to the arrangement of the vacuum insulation element between the inner container base and the outer container base, an insulated lid is provided for stacked stacking containers in that the base of the upper container closes off the container space of the lower container. The vacuum insulation element is preferably a vacuum insulation panel (VIP), which is described, for example, in EP 2 700 891 A2 or DE 20 2014 004 515 U1. In this way, a stacking container system comprising at least two stacking containers arranged one above the other can be provided, wherein the outer base of an upper stacking container closes off the top of the container space of the lower stacking container.This results in highly insulated, stackable compartments that create a thermal system with good thermal conductivities of less than 0.5 W / K. This corresponds to a thermal transmittance (U-value) of approximately 0.61 W / (m²< K) (including all thermal bridges, including the lid area and based on the outer surface). Due to the excellent insulation provided by vacuum insulation elements, the temperature retention time achieved is generally sufficient to achieve transport times of approximately 6 hours. To achieve extended transport times, e.g. up to 24 hours, phase change materials (PCMs) can be incorporated, which extend the temperature retention time accordingly. To prevent mechanical stress on the goods, the PCM batteries (sides and / or lids) are secured in the liner by a holder and prevented from falling over. As a conclusion to a stack of boxes or if individual boxes are being delivered orIf you have a longer waiting time after delivery, an additional lid can be arranged which includes a vacuum insulation element.

[0012] According to the invention, the inner container wall at the upper edge section and the outer container base at the lower edge section each comprise an L-shaped stop. The L-shaped design makes it easy to form the upper and lower edge sections complementary, ensuring they are securely locked in place.

[0013] Advantageously, the L-shaped stop has a first profile section and a second profile section (arranged at right angles thereto) at the upper edge section and at the lower edge section, each with a minimum length of 0.5 cm.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the inner container wall comprises an extension which runs completely around an upper edge section and has a size and shape such that the extension, when inserted, covers the outer container wall at least in sections.

[0015] Advantageously, the extension of the inner container is firmly connected to the outer container wall all around.

[0016] To achieve a secure connection, the extension of the inner container and the outer container wall is preferably made of a thermally bondable plastic material. The plastic can be, for example, polyurethane, polypropylene, or polyethylene. The extension of the inner container is welded to the outer container wall.

[0017] According to one alternative, the extension of the inner container is glued to the outer container wall. According to this alternative, both thermally bondable and non-thermally bondable materials can be bonded together.

[0018] It is further preferred that the inner wall be arranged so that it tapers vertically from the inner base or diverges conically. Particularly when the vacuum insulation element is a one-piece vacuum insulation panel that is folded according to the shape of the inner container base or the outer container base, it is advantageous for assembly if the distance between the inner container base and the outer container base is greater, while the distance between the inner container wall and the outer container wall is smaller.

[0019] According to a further advantageous aspect, the size of the inner container floor area is at least 70% of the size of the outer container floor area. Due to the excellent insulating properties of vacuum insulation panels, it is possible to keep the space between the inner container floor area and the outer container floor area small, thus providing an inner container floor area of ​​a similar size to the outer container floor area.

[0020] It is particularly preferred that the vacuum insulation element is a single (one-piece) vacuum insulation panel. The vacuum insulation panel comprises at least one folded edge.

[0021] Advantageously, the outer container base is sized and shaped to completely seal the upper edge of a stackable container located underneath. One advantageous example provides for the seal between the containers to be designed in such a way that convection is prevented.

[0022] A possible embodiment of this aspect provides that the outer container base has a sufficient height offset in the base construction to engage so deeply into the lower upper edge section when two stackable containers are stacked that the thermal path of the heat is sufficiently extended and convection is reduced.

[0023] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective detailed view of the outer container and the inner container of an embodiment of the stackable container according to the invention for the temperature-controlled transport of food; Fig. 2 shows a side sectional view of the stackable container; Fig. 3 shows a perspective detailed view of a corner of an inner container made of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4a a perspective side view of two stacked containers; Fig. 4b a perspective side view of two stacked containers with a lid; and Fig. 5 a plan view of a vacuum insulation element for a stacked container, as it is arranged between the outer container and the inner container. Fig. 1 can be arranged.

[0025] In Fig. 1 a detailed view of the outer container 3 and the inner container 2 of an embodiment of the stacking container 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0026] The outer container 3 comprises an outer container base 31 and an outer container wall 32 extending upwardly therefrom. The outer container wall 32 and the outer container base 31 are formed in one piece or molded from a plastic material in a single manufacturing step. The thus formed outer container 3 has a receiving space 33 that is open upwardly on one side, into which the inner container 2 can be almost completely inserted, so that a completely closed receiving space for a vacuum insulation element is formed between the inside of the outer container 3 and the outside of the inner container 2.

[0027] The inner container 2 has an inner container base 21 and an inner container wall 22, which are integrally formed from a single material and connected to one another. This forms a container space 23 open on one side, which is suitable for accommodating food intended for temperature-controlled transport.

[0028] In order to ensure stacking in a safe and stable manner, the inner container wall 22 has an upper edge section 221 with a completely circumferential L-shaped stop.

[0029] The outer container base 31 has a lower edge section (not visible in this perspective; cf. Fig. 2 ), which is designed in such a complementary manner that, when the stacking containers 1 are stacked one above the other, it rests against the L-shaped stop on the upper edge section 221 on the inner container wall 22 of the underlying stacking container 1.

[0030] The fully assembled stackable container for temperature-controlled transport of food is available in Fig. 2 shown in a lateral sectional view.

[0031] The sectional view of the stackable container 1 shows the outer container 3 with an outer container base 31 and an outer container wall 32, which are directly connected to each other. The inner container 2 is arranged in the upwardly open receiving space 33.

[0032] The inner container 2 has an inner container bottom 21 and an inner container wall 22, which are also directly connected.

[0033] The sectional view shows the circumferential upper edge section 221 with the L-shaped shoulder and the lower L-shaped shoulder arranged on the lower edge section 311. The two L-shaped shoulders are designed to complement each other so that when two stackable containers 1 are stacked, they rest inside each other to secure the stackable containers 1 against slipping. The L-shaped stop shown on the lower edge section 311 has a first profile section 3111 with a length of 1.9 cm and a second profile section 3112 with a length of 0.8 cm.

[0034] In the upper area, the inner container wall 22 has an extension 222 that completely surrounds the upper edge section 221. The extension 222 is of a size and shape sufficient to completely cover the outer container wall 32 from above. In principle, the cover can also be made incomplete. This variant may result in disadvantages with regard to mechanical stability or thermal bridges.

[0035] The inner wall 22 is tapered from the inner base 21, i.e., extending toward the outer container wall 32. The degree of conicity can vary depending on the production technology and application. As a rule, a minimum of approximately 1° is considered appropriate.

[0036] The illustrated vacuum insulation element 5 is a one-piece vacuum insulation panel.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a perspective detail view of a corner of an inner container of the stacking container from Fig. 2 .

[0038] The inner container wall 22 has an upper edge section 221 with an L-shaped stop and an adjoining circumferential extension 222. The width of the extension 222 corresponds to the thickness of the outer container wall. The L-shaped stop shown on the upper edge section 221 has a first profile section 2211 with a length of 1.3 cm and a second profile section 2212 with a length of 0.8 cm.

[0039] In Fig. 4a A stack of two stacking containers is shown. In the upper stacking container 1, the outer container base (not shown) is designed to rest on the upper edge section of the lower stacking container. Fig. 4b the stack is shown with an insulated lid 6, wherein the lid 6 comprises a profile on the top side which is complementary to the underside of the outer container.

[0040] The Fig. 5The vacuum insulation panel 5 shown has four folded edges 51, each of which, when installed, is arranged along the outer circumference of the outer container base. The contour of the wings 52 is designed to adapt to the outer and inner container (e.g., conicity). If the geometry is negligible (e.g., conicity), the contour is simplified accordingly.

Claims

1. Stacking container (1) for the temperature-controlled transport of foodstuffs, comprising an outer container (3) with an outer container bottom (31) and an outer container wall (32) which are connected to each other in such a way as to form a receiving space (33) open on one side, and wherein the stacking container (1) further comprises an inner container (2) with an inner container bottom (21) and an inner container wall (22) connected to each other in such a way as to form a container space (23) open on one side, wherein the inner container wall (22) comprises an upper rim portion (221) and the outer container bottom (31) comprises a lower rim portion (311) which are designed to be complementary so as to engage with one another when stacking containers (1) are stacked one above the other, so that the outer container bottom (31) of a stacking container (1) located at the top of the stack (1) creates a lid for a stacking container (1) arranged thereunder, and wherein a vacuum insulation element (5) is arranged between the inner container wall (22) and the outer container wall (32) and between the inner container bottom (21) and the outer container bottom (31), wherein the outer container bottom (31) comprises an L-shaped stop (311) at the lower rim portion (311), characterized in that the inner container wall (22) also comprises an L-shaped stop at the upper rim portion (221).

2. Stacking container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the L-shaped stop at the upper rim portion (221) and at the lower rim portion (311) each comprise a first profile portion and a second profile portion, each with a minimum length of 0.5 cm.

3. Stacking container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the inner container wall (22) comprises a protrusion (222) extending along the upper rim portion (221) in a fully circumferential manner and having a size and shape such that the protrusion (222) covers the outer container wall (32) at least in portions when arranged in the inserted state.

4. Stacking container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion (222) of the inner container (2) is firmly connected to the outer container wall (32) in a circumferential manner.

5. Stacking container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion (222) of the inner container (2) and the outer container wall (32) are made of a thermally joinable plastic material, and wherein the protrusion (222) of the inner container (2) is welded to the outer container wall (32).

6. Stacking container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion (222) of the inner container (2) is bonded to the outer container wall (32).

7. Stacking container (1) according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion (222) of the inner container (2) is detachably connected to the outer container wall (32) in a circumferential manner.

8. Stacking container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (22) is arranged so as to run vertically or diverge conically from the inner bottom (21).

9. Stacking container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the size of the inner container bottom area (21) makes up at least 70% of the size of the outer container bottom area (31).

10. Stacking container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum insulation element (5) is a single vacuum insulation panel, and wherein the vacuum insulation panel comprises at least one folding edge (51).

11. Stacking container (1) according to claim 10, wherein the vacuum insulation panel comprises four folding edges (51), and wherein the four folding edges (51) are each arranged along the outer periphery of the outer container bottom (31) when arranged in the installed state.

12. Stacking container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container bottom (31) has a size and shape so as to finish with the upper rim portion (221) in a fully circumferential manner.

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