Container for preserving products

Abstract

A container (10) for the delivery and preservation of products, comprises a containment body (20) defining a housing volume (21); a door; a heat exchanger (40) configured to generate a variation in heat energy inside said housing volume (21). Wherein the heat exchanger (40) comprises a Peltier cell (41), and a radiant body (42). The container further comprises a power supply means selectable at least from: a photovoltaic panel and / or a storage battery and / or an aerogenerator and / or a fuel-powered endothermic generator. Such power supply means being configured to supply an electric power to said container (10) to enable a use thereof also when it is not connected to an electricity grid. And wherein said containment body (20) comprises a plurality of panels, mechanically connected to each other in a reversible manner, so that each panel can be disassembled relative to a panel to which it is connected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for preserving products, in particular intended to accommodate products therein following their transport from a departure location to an arrival location.

[0002] In more detail, the container according to the invention is included in the field of the production and marketing of containment apparatuses and devices used in the logistics activities of various kinds of products, in particular in online commerce and without the need for the presence of a final recipient.

[0003] The container according to the invention finds specific and particular application for the preservation (i.e., storage) of products subject to rapid deterioration or at least requiring particular care in their handling and / or movement and / or storage and / or maintenance, for example food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the like.

[0004] In addition, the device according to the invention finds advantageous use both in the preservation of products in closed environments, as well as in external environments, i.e., in contact with atmospheric agents (e.g., rain, wind, sun, heat and / or cold), for example the containment and preservation of productsSTATE OF THE ART

[0005] The use of containers and more generally of apparatuses for the containment and preservation of goods transported from an initial location or environment, corresponding to a pick-up zone, to a destination location or environment, corresponding to a delivery zone, is known in the technical field of reference.

[0006] An example of known containers is commonly available on the market and sometimes identified with the term lockers.

[0007] To date, the aforesaid containers are commonly used in logistic and / or online commerce operations, and typically comprise a containment body internally defining a chamber adapted to accommodate and / or protect one or more products.

[0008] The chamber is accessible by means of a door rotatably mounted on the containment body and configured to close and / or allow access to the chamber itself, for example to introduce and / or remove the products contained therein.

[0009] To date, containment stations or assemblies are also known, each comprising a plurality of lockers such as those mentioned above, and arranged in an external environment, for example near a petrol station, as well as in a closed environment, such as a supermarket or the like.

[0010] The containers for preserving products of known type such as those briefly described above have in practice proved to include drawbacks.

[0011] The main drawback lies in the fact that the containers of known type are operatively inflexible. In more detail, such containers are designed to operate in a specific atmospheric condition of the environment in which they are located, for example a hot and / or sunny or cold and / or rainy environment. In addition, some types of containers available on the market are designed to generate a predefined temperature variation, in particular in heating or cooling the chamber, but not both of the aforesaid thermal conditions. That is, the known containers heat or cool but do not achieve both of the aforesaid thermal conditions in a single apparatus / device.

[0012] A further drawback lies in the fact that the containers of known type have a low, or at least unsatisfactory, thermal efficiency. In fact, such containers are equipped with heating means (for example electrical resistors) or cooling means (for example a cooling circuit) which requires considerable amounts of energy, in particular electrical, to power them. It follows that such containers have a low thermal efficiency.

[0013] A further drawback lies in the fact that the containers of known type are not able to provide an effective barrier or thermal shielding against atmospheric agents present in an external environment in which the containers themselves are placed, with the risk of rapid degradation and deterioration of the properties of the products they contain.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a container for preserving products which makes it possible to overcome, at least in part, the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for preserving products which is operationally flexible, i.e., which allows to thermally control the temperature inside the chamber of the container itself, in particular both in heating and in cooling, with respect to a surrounding external environment so as to preserve and / or maintain the products contained therein in optimal thermal conditions for their prolonged preservation over time.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for preserving products which can be used in any atmospheric condition of the environment in which they are located.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for the delivery of products which is capable of receiving such products by aerial delivery means, for example drones or the like.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for the delivery of products which does not require the presence of an end user receiving the products themselves.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for the delivery of products which is thermally efficient, i.e., which allows to obtain a high overall thermal efficiency, or at least higher than the containers of the prior art cited above, i.e., which allows to thermoregulate a housing volume with the use of a reduced amount of energy, or at least lower than that required by the containers of the prior art.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for the delivery of products which is constructively simple and functionally completely reliable.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for the delivery of products which has an improved configuration, both in constructive and functional terms relative to the containers of the prior art. In particular, it must be easy to disassemble and substantially completely recyclable and / or disposable.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container for the delivery of products which allows a monitoring and / or traceability, as well as a verification of correct delivery of one or more products.SUMMARY

[0023] In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a container for preserving products which obviates the drawbacks of the prior art as mentioned above.

[0024] In particular, the aforesaid objects are achieved with a container in accordance with the features set forth in independent claim number 1. The dependent claims outline particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a container for preserving products, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows, according to a perspective view, a container for preserving products according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1B shows, according to a perspective view, the container illustrated in Figure 1A with some parts removed to better highlight others; Figure 2A shows, according to a perspective view, the container illustrated in Figure 1B with some parts removed to better highlight others; Figure 2B shows, according to an exploded perspective view, the container illustrated in Figure 1B; Figure 3 shows, according to a longitudinal sectional view, the container illustrated in Figure 1B; Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show, according to respective enlarged views, details of the container illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows, according to a perspective view, a component of the container illustrated in Figure 2B, Figure 6 shows, according to an exploded view, a component of the container illustrated in Figure 2B.

[0026] With reference to the drawings, they serve solely to illustrate embodiments of the invention for the purpose of better clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles at the basis of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] With reference to the accompanying figures, a container for preserving products, subject-matter of the present invention, has been indicated overall with the number 10, in particular intended to be used in a closed environment or in an open environment, for example in contact with atmospheric agents such as ambient air, wind, rain, sun, hail and still others. The container according to the invention finds particular and advantageous application for the delivery and subsequent preservation of perishable products, such as in particular foods, drugs, cosmetics and others, and intended to be delivered to areas with a low population density.

[0028] In other words, the container according to the invention is intended to be arranged for example in rural areas, or at least poorly served areas and at a distance from a residential centre (e.g., countryside and / or mountains). However, the container according to the invention can also be used in other types of environments, such as those briefly mentioned above.

[0029] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A, the container 10 for preserving products, in particular food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, comprises a containment body 20 defining a housing volume 21 accessible through an entrance opening 22. In more detail, the housing volume 21 defines a substantially compartmentalised chamber, and configured to receive at least one product to be preserved.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 1A, the container 10 is preferably mounted on a support structure 100 configured to be rested on the ground, for example a column or pillar.

[0031] Preferably, the support structure 100 is preferably made of sheet metal and configured to be positioned in an external environment in contact with atmospheric agents, as well as in an internal environment, and preferably made of sheet metal.

[0032] Advantageously, the support structure 100 allows to support the container 10 in the case of applications of the container itself in logistic operations without the need for the presence of a human operator to receive the delivered product.

[0033] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the containment body 20 has a preferably prismatic shape, for example completely similar to a box or crate, with the aforesaid entrance opening 22 accessible along a direction of insertion of a product substantially parallel to the ground, i.e., horizontal.

[0034] According to an aspect of the invention, the containment body 20 comprises a plurality of panels, preferably mechanically connected to each other in a reversible manner. In other words, the containment body 20 is made by mechanically connecting the aforesaid plurality of panels to each other, so that each panel can be disassembled relative to a panel to which it is connected. In still other words, the containment body 20 can be assembled and / or disassembled into individual panels independent of each other, and each defining a stand-alone element, and configured to be reversibly connected to each other so as to make, in use, the aforesaid prismatic containment body 20.

[0035] Advantageously, the containment body 20 can be easily disassembled into individual panels, and therefore easy to dispose of and / or recycle and / or reuse.

[0036] Preferably, the containment body 20, and in particular the aforesaid individual panels which compose it, are made of a metallic material, in particular steel.

[0037] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises an outer casing 24 configured to receive and wrap, at least partly, the containment body 20 so as to create a coating, i.e., a cover, of an outer surface of the containment body 20.

[0038] Preferably, the outer casing 24 has a substantially similar, i.e., prismatic, shape to that of the containment body 20 described above, and preferably made of a metallic material, for example steel.

[0039] According to an aspect of the invention, the outer casing 24 has a housing volume greater than the outer overall dimensions of the containment body 20, so as to define a gap between the outer casing 24 and the outer dimensions of the containment body 20 itself.

[0040] In particular, a plurality of thermal insulation elements 25 are arranged mounted at such a gap, each mechanically connected to respective inner walls of the outer casing 24 and suitably shaped so as to at least partly fill the gap.

[0041] Preferably, the gap is substantially filled with the aforesaid thermal insulation elements 25.

[0042] Preferably, the thermal insulation elements 25 are made of a polymer material, in particular expandable, for example of polystyrene.

[0043] Preferably, the container 10 comprises homogenising thermal elements arranged in the gap and configured to homogenise the temperature so as to eliminate any thermal bridges.

[0044] Advantageously, the container 10 is thermally insulated and capable of maintaining a predefined temperature therein relative to a temperature of an external environment in which the container 10 is placed.

[0045] The container 10 further comprises a door 30 rotatably connected to the outer casing 24 and movable between a closed configuration in which the door 30 occludes the entrance opening 22 (i.e., closes the housing volume 21) and an open configuration in which the entrance opening 22 is at least partly opened by the door 30 itself.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 1A and 3, the door 30 is rotatably constrained at an edge portion of the outer casing 24, so as to achieve a tilting-type opening movement towards the ground (i.e., downwards).

[0047] According to an aspect of the invention, in the open configuration the door 30 defines a rest surface configured to receive a product to be preserved. In other words, in the open configuration, the door 30 is oriented substantially parallel to the ground so as to define the aforesaid rest surface intended to accommodate a product.

[0048] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, the container 10 comprises a heat exchanger 40 connected to the containment body 20 and configured to generate a variation in heat energy inside the housing volume 21 so as to heat and / or cool the housing volume 21 itself.

[0049] In other words, the heat exchanger 40 is configured to dissipate a differential of heat energy generated by a thermal device (introduced and described below), in particular at a face opposite the face in contact with the containment body 20.

[0050] As illustrated in Figures 1B and 2B, the heat exchanger 40 is mounted on a wall of the containment body 20 (through a Peltier cell 41 introduced in the description below) in particular at a rear wall thereof, i.e., a wall facing the entrance opening 22.

[0051] According to an aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger 40 comprises a Peltier cell 41 configured to generate the aforesaid variation in heat energy, and a radiant body 42 operatively associated with the Peltier cell 41 and configured to accumulate heat energy and exchange it so as to heat and / or cool the housing volume 21.

[0052] In other words, the Peltier cell 41 substantially defines a heat pump configured to generate and / or remove heat energy from the housing volume 21 in which a product to be preserved is housed.

[0053] In still other words, the Peltier cell 41 performs the function of generating heat (i.e., heating) or cooling (i.e., removing heat) in a single component, in particular mounted on a surface of the radiant body 42.

[0054] Advantageously, the Peltier cell 41 allows both a positive and negative temperature variation to be achieved in a single device or component, i.e., it allows to both heat and cool the housing volume 21 of the container 10 without the aid of specific devices or elements specifically designed for heating or cooling.

[0055] In addition, the use of a Peltier cell 41 as a heat exchange element allows - by means of a polarity inversion obtained at the ends of the Peltier cell 41 itself - a high heat efficiency, and this translates into a thermally efficient container 10. In fact, the energy consumption required for its operation is reduced to a minimum, or at least lower than the thermal heating or cooling means commonly used in containers of the prior art.

[0056] Preferably, the aforesaid polarity reversal at the ends of the Peltier cell 41 is obtained by means of an electronic circuit.

[0057] In other words, the power required for the operation of the aforesaid Peltier cell 41 is lower than the power required in the devices of the prior art.

[0058] According to an aspect of the invention, the radiant body 42 defines an accumulator of the solid type, or a thermal buffer (i.e., for collecting or storing heat energy) capable of accumulating heat energy, produced by the Peltier cell 41 and releasing it towards the housing volume 21 of the containment body 20.

[0059] Advantageously, the radiant body 42 has a tank or a heat reserve selectively usable in conditions in which a temperature of an external environment is substantially different from a heating and / or cooling inside the housing volume 21. Furthermore, the radiant body 42 allows to restore, in particular in a short time, an internal temperature of the housing volume 21 when the door 30 is opened.

[0060] According to an aspect of the invention, in particular illustrated in Figure 2B, the radiant body 42 at least partially defines at least one wall of the containment body 20.

[0061] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 2B, the radiant body 42 defines a wall of the containment body 20, preferably a rear wall, i.e., a wall opposite the entrance opening 22 and parallel to a rear wall of the containment body 20. In other words, the wall defined by the radiant body 42 is parallel to the wall on which the Peltier cell 41 is positioned.

[0062] According to an aspect of the invention, the radiant body 42 is substantially plate-shaped, i.e., has a substantially planar shape.

[0063] According to an aspect of the invention, a rear wall of the outer casing 24 and the insulation element 25 placed at such a rear wall, i.e., the wall opposite the opening 22 preferably (both) comprise a passage window 26 configured to allow the connection between the Peltier cell 41 and the wall of the containment body 20 on which the Peltier cell 41 is mounted (see Figure 2B).

[0064] Advantageously, the radiant body 42 allows to maintain a temperature inside the housing volume 21 substantially constant and / or uniform for a predefined interval prolonged over time. Thereby, the container 10 is capable of preserving easily perishable products in an environment having optimal thermal characteristics, even in conditions of discontinuity and / or absence of electricity, as well as it mitigates any thermal changes caused by an opening of the door or by atmospheric conditions of the external environment.

[0065] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises a thermal conductor element 43 interposed between the Peltier cell 41 and the radiant body 42 and configured to promote a heat exchange between the Peltier cell 41 and the radiant body 42.

[0066] In other words, the conductor element 43 comprises a spacer configured to allow an easy assembly of the Peltier cell 41 on the radiant body 42, as well as an optimal thermal transmission between the aforesaid objects.

[0067] Advantageously, the spacer allows to dimensionally compensate for a thickness of the insulation panels, present between a wall of the containment body 20 and the Peltier cell 41.

[0068] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 further comprises a dissipation means operatively connected to the Peltier cell 41 and configured to dissipate a quantity of heat energy towards an environment external to the containment body 20.

[0069] Preferably, the dissipation means 50 is of the type selectable from: a heat sink of the air / air type and / or a heat sink of the liquid / air type.

[0070] Preferably, the dissipation means 50 comprises a heatsink with heat pipes configured to cooperate with the Peltier cell 41. More specifically, the heatsink performs the function of balancing the heat energy (heating or cooling), produced by the Peltier cell 41 with a temperature present in an environment external to the container. Preferably, the dissipation means 50 is connected to the Peltier cell 41.

[0071] As previously anticipated, the dissipation means 50 performs the function of cooperating with the Peltier cell 41 so as to improve the thermal efficiency thereof as well as its duration over time. In other words, the connection between the dissipation means 50 and the Peltier cell 41 allows to increase the thermal performance of the Peltier cell 41 itself so as to promote an increase in an overall thermal efficiency of the container 10.

[0072] Otherwise, the thermal performance of the container 10 would be lower than what has just been described and therefore not satisfactory.

[0073] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises an electrical plug adapted to be inserted into a corresponding electrical outlet of an electricity grid, so as to power the container 10 itself and in particular the Peltier cell 41.

[0074] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises a power supply means selectable at least from: a photovoltaic panel and / or a storage battery (not illustrated in the accompanying figures). In more detail, the power supply means is configured to supply an electric power to the container 10 and in particular to the Peltier cell 41, to enable a use thereof also when it is not connected to an electricity grid.

[0075] In other words, the container 10 can be powered through the electricity grid, or by using energy sources of the autonomous type, for example renewable and / or non-renewable by means of the aforementioned photovoltaic panel or the storage battery.

[0076] Preferably, the container 10 can comprise an energy production means of the wind type. In other words, the container 10 can be energetically powered by wind means, preferably an aerogenerator. In addition, the container 10 can preferably be powered by a fuel-powered endothermic generator.

[0077] The aforesaid power supply means, i.e. a photovoltaic panel and / or a storage battery and / or an aerogenerator and / or a fuel-powered endothermic generator is optional and therefore alternative to a power supply of the container 10 through an electricity grid, for example a national grid. Advantageously, the container 10 is totally independent and energy self-sufficient, in fact it can also be used in places where an electricity source is not present and / or available, for example an electricity grid In other words, the container 10 according to the invention is substantially energy independent.

[0078] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 preferably comprises a power supply 80, connected to the electricity grid, i.e., a source of electricity, and configured to cooperate with the photovoltaic panel and / or the storage battery, if the aforesaid are not able to power the container 10 with a predefined electric power value, for example in the case of poor solar radiation when the photovoltaic panel or the battery does not allow to power the container 10 sufficiently and / or satisfactorily.

[0079] In addition, the container 10 preferably comprises a polarity inverter configured to receive an electrical power from the electricity grid or the photovoltaic panel or the battery and control the Peltier cell 41 in heating and / or cooling.

[0080] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 preferably comprises at least one temperature sensor, for example of the digital type, configured to detect a temperature of an external environment and modulate, consequently, an electric power to be supplied to the Peltier cell 41. More specifically, such modulation occurs, for example, by means of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control which allows to reduce the consumption of electrical power necessary for the heating / cooling of the housing volume 21 of the containment body 20.

[0081] According to an aspect of the invention, illustrated in particular in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the door 30 comprises a first panel 30a shaped so as to define a housing seat for a control unit 50, and a second panel 30b mechanically connected to the first panel 30a and configured to thermally insulate the housing volume 21 of the containment body 20 from an external environment.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 3, the first and second panels 30a, 30b are arranged superimposed and in contact with each other, i.e., coupled, in particular the first panel 30a is rotatably constrained to the outer casing 24, while the second panel 30b is resting on the first panel 30a. In the closed configuration, the second panel 30b substantially hermetically closes the housing volume 21 of the containment body 20, while the first panel 30a provides a further shielding of the containment body and substantially closes the outer casing 24.

[0083] The door 30 performs the function of protecting and insulating the housing volume 21, i.e., the thermal chamber, both from the temperature present in an external environment, as well as from atmospheric agents such as wind and rain.

[0084] More specifically, the first panel 30 represents a first shell preferably made of a metallic material, in particular a steel sheet suitably shaped so as to internally define a volume defining the aforesaid housing seat in which the control unit 50 is housed.

[0085] Preferably, the second panel 30b has a substantially planar shape and is shaped in a manner completely similar to a containment tray.

[0086] Preferably, the second panel 30b is shaped so as to make a rest surface, for example completely similar to a tray.

[0087] In particular, the second panel 30b is preferably made of a shaped metal sheet, for example steel, and its housing seat is configured to accommodate at least one thermally insulating element.

[0088] Preferably, the thermally insulating element is completely similar to a thermally insulating panel 25 arranged in the gap between the casing 24 and the containment body 20.

[0089] Preferably, the door 30 comprises a third panel 30c preferably in the shape of a shell and configured to connect to the second panel 30b so as to define a housing compartment adapted to accommodate the aforesaid insulation element 25.

[0090] Preferably, the third panel 30c is made of a thermally insulating material, for example of a polymeric material, in particular thermoformed PVC.

[0091] According to an aspect of the invention, the door 30, and in particular the first panel 30a, is closable against a first perimeter gasket 40a (see Figure 4C) arranged mounted on said outer casing 24 at said entrance opening 22, and configured to prevent the entry of atmospheric agents, pollutants (e.g., dust and the like) and insects into the housing volume 21.

[0092] Preferably, the first perimeter gasket 40a is made of a polymeric material, in particular an elastomer, for example a synthetic rubber of the M group commercially known with the term "EPDM - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer".

[0093] According to an aspect of the invention, the door 30 comprises a second perimeter gasket 40b (see Figure 4B) arranged around a third panel 30c and configured to provide a sealed closure of the door 30 with the entrance opening 22 of the containment body 20 (housing volume 21).

[0094] In other words, the third panel 30c, i.e., the panel in contact with the housing volume 21 in the closed configuration, comprises the second perimeter gasket 40b which closes frontally against a perimeter edge portion of the outer casing 24, corresponding to the entrance opening 22, to insulate it from an external environment.

[0095] Preferably, the second perimeter gasket 40b is made of a polymeric material, for example similar to the material with which the first perimeter gasket 40a is made.

[0096] As anticipated, the second perimeter gasket 40b is configured to define a substantially hermetic (i.e., sealed) closure between an edge portion of the outer casing 24, and the third panel 30c.

[0097] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises a locking device 60 arranged housed in the housing seat of the first panel 30a, and configured to selectively activate and / or deactivate the opening and / or closing of the door 30 so as to enable a locking of the door 30 itself.

[0098] In more detail, the locking device 60 is movable between the closed configuration and the open configuration to allow an opening and / or a closing of the door 30.

[0099] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking device 60 comprises at least one rod reversibly insertable into a corresponding seat 70 obtained on a wall of the outer casing 24 in order to lock the door 30 in a closed position. The locking device 60 further comprises an actuating means, preferably an electric motor 65, connected to the at least one rod, in particular to the crank 62, and configured to move it reversibly relative to the seat.

[0100] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the locking device 60 preferably comprises two rods, i.e., a first rod 60a and a second rod 60b, movable along an insertion axis S-S and in particular along directions opposite each other to reversibly engage in corresponding seats 70 obtained on side walls of the outer casing 24.

[0101] Preferably, the first and second rods 60a, 60b are connected to a crank 62 configured to rotate around a rotation axis orthogonal to the insertion axis S-S.

[0102] Operationally, the crank 62 is configured to rotate alternately, i.e., in an alternating direction - clockwise and / or counter-clockwise - so as to activate the extension movement of the first and second rods 60a, 60b towards the respective seats 70 to allow an opening or locking of the door 30. According to an aspect of the invention, the locking device 60 preferably comprises a servo control 65 connected to the control unit 50, and a first sensor 66 mounted on the first or second rod 60a, 60b and configured to verify that the aforesaid rods are in a position corresponding to a closure of the door 30 (i.e., engaged in the corresponding seats 70), if such a signal is combined with the signal deriving from the sensor 120.

[0103] In particular, if the final position of the door is not open or closed, the first sensor 66 sends a signal to the control unit 50, which in turn will send a release / lock signal to the servo control 65 of the door 30.

[0104] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the container 10 preferably comprises a GPS or GNSS unit arranged housed in the seat defined by the first panel 30a or the second panel 30b, and configured to allow the reception and / or sending of signals deriving from online commerce activities.

[0105] In other words, the GPS (or GNSS) unit sends and / or receives a signal to allow autonomous delivery, for example through aerial devices (e.g., drones) or otherwise.

[0106] Advantageously, the container 10 allows the reception and / or shipment of products autonomously and automatically, i.e., without a direct intervention by an operator.

[0107] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises at least one gas spring 90 extending between a first end connected to the outer casing 24 and a second end connected to the door 30, in particular to the first panel 30a.

[0108] In particular, the gas spring 90 is configured to enable the door 30 to carry out a controlled movement between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

[0109] In other words, the gas spring 90 allows a gentle, i.e., substantially damped, descent of the door 30 during its tilting opening movement towards the ground.

[0110] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the outer casing 24 comprises two gas springs 90 arranged opposite each other at the side walls of the outer casing 24.

[0111] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 comprises at least one tray 110 housed inside the housing volume 21 and configured to support one or more products during their storage and / or preservation and / or protection.

[0112] In more detail, the tray 110 is preferably fixed in a predefined position thereof inside the aforesaid housing volume 21 and has a substantially planar shape parallel to the ground.

[0113] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 1, the container 10 comprises two trays 110 arranged superimposed on each other and spaced along an axis orthogonal to the ground, so as to make respective rest surfaces for corresponding one or more products to be preserved.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the accompanying figures, the tray 110 can be of the movable type, i.e., preferably movable along sliding guides mounted on walls inside the housing volume 21 of the containment body 20 and arranged parallel to a direction of extraction / insertion of a product in the container 10, i.e., substantially parallel to the ground.

[0115] Preferably, the container 10 comprises an actuating means connected to the tray 110 and configured to move it along the aforesaid sliding guides so as to allow the tray 110 to exit from the housing volume 21. Advantageously, the actuating means and the sliding guides allow a movement of the tray 110 automatically, i.e., autonomously, i.e., without the presence of an operator near the container 10.

[0116] Preferably, the tray 110 in a configuration extracted from the housing volume 21 rests on the door 30 (in an open configuration thereof). In other words, the door 30 (in particular the third panel 30c) supports the tray 110 when the latter is in a position external to the housing volume 21. Preferably, the tray 110 comprises at least one load cell configured to detect the weight of an object resting on the tray itself.

[0117] According to an aspect of the invention not illustrated in the accompanying figures, the container 10 preferably comprises at least one actuation device, for example, an alternative to the aforementioned gas springs 90, mounted on a wall of the outer casing 24 and configured to automatically move the door 30 between the open configuration and the closed configuration. Preferably, the actuation device comprises at least one electric motor and at least one mechanism, for example articulated, actuated by the electric motor, known per se to a person skilled in the art and therefore not further described.

[0118] Advantageously, the door 30 can be moved completely autonomously and automatically without the presence of an operator.

[0119] According to an aspect of the invention, the outer casing 24 has an outer surface which is at least partly coated with a heat-reflective and / or thermal insulation paint so as to enable a thermal insulation of the outer casing 24 with respect to a surrounding external environment.

[0120] Preferably, the heat-reflective and / or thermal insulation paint is of the nanotechnological type.

[0121] Advantageously, the container 10 is impermeable to water and resistant to atmospheric agents, in particular to solar radiation, when installed outdoors. According to an aspect of the invention not illustrated in the accompanying figures, the container 10 preferably comprises a detection means, in particular one or more sensors 120.

[0122] More specifically, the sensor 120 is of the proximity type, mounted on the gap between the containment body 20 and the outer casing 24 and configured to detect a closing / opening of the door 30.

[0123] Operationally, an example of use by an operator / user of the container 10 according to the invention is as follows.

[0124] The electronic control unit 50 can preferably comprise a numeric keypad or a touch screen configured to allow an interaction between the container 10 and an operator / user.

[0125] In particular, an operator / user can set and store a predefined identification code in the control unit 50, so that the latter is able to recognise the aforesaid identification code when inserted into the control unit 50.

[0126] In addition, a plurality of predefined identification codes can be set, in each of the containers 10 located, for example, at desired delivery zones of one or more products.

[0127] For example, an operator / user can enter a predefined identification code in the control unit 50 by means of a keypad, the latter will verify the correspondence between the predefined identification code just entered with the identification codes stored therein, and in the case of correspondence, the control unit 50 will send an unlocking (and therefore opening) signal to the locking device 60, which will actuate the movement of the first and second rods 60a, 60b.

[0128] The predefined identification code can for example be stored in a memory module of the control unit 50 as confirmation of the use of the container 10 (and therefore of the delivery / picking of a product contained therein). In the event of an attempt to open the door with an identification code which has not been stored, the control unit 50 will not open the door 30 and will store the operation.

[0129] Preferably, the identification codes can be replaced and / or integrated by systems of the biometric or RFID type.

[0130] According to an aspect of the invention, the container 10 can preferably be connected to a data network, for example by means of an Ethernet cable, or by means of a router 80 (modem).

[0131] For example, the container 10 can be controlled and / or monitored by means of an app or web app, for example by means of a smartphone.

[0132] In particular, connecting by means of an app or web app allows to carry out one or more of the following: check an operating status; display any alarm signals and / or diagnostic messages; program the Peltier cell 41 over time; check the delivery / deliveries / picking of one or more products from corresponding containers 10; generate and / or manage opening codes of the door 30 of the container 10.

[0133] It is clear from the description above how the container for preserving products which is the subject matter of the present invention allows the intended objects to be achieved.

[0134] The present invention has been illustrated and described in a preferred embodiment thereof, but it is understood that embodiment variations can be made thereto in practice, without however going beyond the scope of protection of the present patent for an industrial invention.

Claims

1. A container (10) for the delivery and preservation of products, in particular foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, comprising: - a containment body (20) defining a housing volume (21) accessible through an entrance opening (22); said housing volume (20) being configured to accommodate at least one product to be delivered and / or preserved; - a door (30) rotatably connected to an outer casing (24) of the containment body (20), and movable between a closed configuration, in which said door occludes said entrance opening (22), and an open configuration, in which said entrance opening (22) is at least partly opened by said door (30); - a heat exchanger (40) connected to said containment body (20) and configured to generate a variation in heat energy inside said housing volume (21) so as to heat and / or cool said housing volume (21); characterised in that said heat exchanger (40) comprises: - a Peltier cell (41) configured to generate said variation in heat energy, and - a radiant body (42) operatively associated with said Peltier cell (41) and configured to accumulate heat energy and exchange it so as to heat and / or cool said housing volume (21); and in that it comprises a power supply means selectable at least from: a photovoltaic panel and / or a storage battery and / or an aerogenerator and / or a fuel-powered endothermic generator; said power supply means being configured to supply an electric power to said container (10) to enable a use thereof also when it is not connected to an electricity grid; and wherein said containment body (20) comprises a plurality of panels, mechanically connected to each other in a reversible manner, so that each panel can be disassembled relative to a panel to which it is connected.

2. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein said radiant body (42) at least partly defines at least one wall of said containment body (20).

3. The container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a thermal conductor element (43) interposed between said Peltier cell (41) and said radiant body (42) and configured to promote a heat exchange between said Peltier cell (41) and said radiant body (42).

4. The container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a dissipation means (50) operatively connected to said Peltier cell (41) and configured to dissipate a quantity of heat energy towards an environment external to said containment body (20).

5. The container (10) according to claim 4, wherein said dissipation means (50) is of the type selectable from: a heat sink of the air / air type and / or a heat sink of the liquid / air type.

6. The container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer casing (24) has an outer surface that is at least partly coated with a heat-reflective and / or thermal insulation paint so as to enable a thermal insulation of said outer casing (24) with respect to a surrounding external environment.

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