DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MICROWAVE TREATMENT OF WOODEN PACKAGING PALLETS

Abstract

TITLE: DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MICROWAVE TREATMENT OF WOODEN PACKAGING PALLETS The device (100) for microwave treatment of multi-part wooden packaging pallets comprises: - a conveyor (105) configured to transport a pallet (101) of wooden packaging, - at least two treatment modules (110, 115) arranged in series along the conveyor, each module comprising at least one microwave emitter (120), - a primary assembly (125) comprising: - a primary temperature sensor (130) and - a primary humidity sensor (135), - an initial means (140) for adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module, - at least one secondary assembly (145) comprising: - a secondary temperature sensor (150) and - a secondary humidity sensor (155) and - a secondary means (160) adaptation of an operating parameter of at least one processing module. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MICROWAVE TREATMENT OF WOODEN PACKAGING PALLETS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets and a method for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets. It applies, in particular, to the field of preparing pallets for transporting batches. State of the art

[0002] The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been conceived or pursued previously. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section constitute prior art solely because of its inclusion in this section.

[0003] Exporting goods via wooden pallets involves the use of wood treated within the framework of the international standard ISPM 15 published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This standard historically allows the implementation of two types of treatment of wood and / or wooden pallets: fumigation or heat treatment.

[0004] Fumigation has not been permitted in the European Union since 2010, for environmental reasons. The only method currently authorized in France remains heat treatment known as "HT". Conventional "HT" treatment requires a temperature of 56°C in the heart of the rooms for 30 minutes.

[0005] Since 2018, ISPM 15 has allowed the implementation of a so-called dielectric treatment "DH". The ISPM 15 dielectric treatment requires heating all of the treated elements throughout their entire volume to 60°C for 60 seconds. The "DH" treatment therefore potentially represents a significant time saving and is of major interest to manufacturers.

[0006] There is currently no satisfactory way of implementing a dielectric treatment within the meaning of the ISPM 15 standard with regard to dielectric treatments. In particular, the ISPM 15 standard with regard to dielectric treatments can lead to risks of degradation of the wood, or even its ignition, considering the rapid rise in temperature that it imposes.

[0007] Object of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0009] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets formed in several parts, which comprises: - a conveyor configured to transport a wooden packaging pallet, - at least two treatment modules arranged in series along the conveyor, each module comprising at least one microwave emitter directed towards the conveyor so as to heat a wooden packaging pallet transported by this conveyor, - a primary assembly comprising: - a primary temperature sensor, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules and - a primary humidity sensor, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - an initial means of adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by the first set, - at least one secondary assembly comprising: - a secondary temperature sensor, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and - a secondary humidity sensor, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and - a secondary means of adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module located downstream of a secondary assembly as a function of the representative value of temperature and humidity captured by the secondary temperature and humidity sensors.

[0010] Thanks to these provisions, the wooden packaging pallet is quickly heated to a temperature which makes it possible to destroy unwanted bacteria and microorganisms which may be present on, and in, the wood.

[0011] Furthermore, the initial adaptation of the system according to temperature and humidity criteria, then its subsequent adaptation, during operation, makes it possible to avoid damaging the wood or preventing it from catching fire.

[0012] In optional embodiments, a secondary means of adaptation is configured to adapt a determined operating parameter so as to reduce the heating intensity of a wooden packaging pallet when the pair of representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by a secondary temperature sensor and by a secondary humidity sensor is located within a range of predetermined limit values ​​for this pair.

[0013] These embodiments make it possible to regulate the temperature of the pallet during transport on the conveyor, to avoid damage to the wood.

[0014] In optional embodiments, at least one processing module comprises a plurality of microwave emitters configured to emit microwaves towards distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet conveyed by the conveyor.

[0015] These embodiments allow for fine regulation of the temperature within the different parts making up the pallet, so as to uniformize the temperature rise and maintenance during the duration of passage through the processing modules.

[0016] In optional embodiments, the device which is the subject of the present invention comprises a plurality of: - primary temperature sensors, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet conveyed by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the processing modules, - primary humidity sensors, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - secondary temperature sensors, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and / or - secondary humidity sensors, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module, at least the initial adaptation means and / or the secondary adaptation means being configured to control the adaptation of at least one microwave emitter as a function of the temperature and / or humidity sensed for at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor.

[0017] These embodiments allow fine or global regulation of the temperature within the different parts making up the pallet, so as to standardize the rise and maintenance of temperature during the duration of passage of the treatment modules according to the temperature of the different parts of this pallet.

[0018] In optional embodiments, at least the initial adaptation means and / or the secondary adaptation means is configured to control a microwave emission power towards a determined part of a wooden packaging pallet as a function of the temperature and / or humidity sensed for said pallet part.

[0019] These embodiments allow local regulation of the temperature for a part making up the pallet, so as to standardize the rise and maintenance of temperature during the duration of passage of the treatment modules according to the temperature of a specific part of this pallet.

[0020] In optional embodiments, the device which is the subject of the present invention comprises a plurality of secondary adaptation means, each associated with a distinct processing module, which are configured to adapt a determined operating parameter as a function of a pair of values ​​captured by a secondary assembly associated with a processing module positioned upstream of the processing modules associated with the plurality of secondary adaptation means.

[0021] These embodiments allow fine regulation of the temperature of the pallet during transport on the conveyor.

[0022] In optional embodiments, at least one secondary adaptation means is associated with a position identifier in the succession of processing modules, at least one such secondary adaptation module being configured to adapt an operating parameter as a function of the position identifier associated with said secondary module.

[0023] These embodiments allow fine regulation of the temperature of the pallet during transport on the conveyor.

[0024] In optional embodiments, the device which is the subject of the present invention comprises a cooling module, positioned downstream of the treatment modules, configured to cool the wooden packaging pallet.

[0025] These embodiments make it possible to make the pallet more quickly grippable by a user, without risk of burning, when leaving the device.

[0026] In optional embodiments, the device which is the subject of the present invention comprises a secondary means for adapting an operating parameter of at least one cooling module located downstream of a secondary temperature sensor as a function of a pair of values ​​captured by a secondary assembly.

[0027] These embodiments allow fine regulation of the temperature of the pallet during transport on the conveyor.

[0028] In optional embodiments, a suitable operating parameter is a microwave transmission power or a cooling power.

[0029] In optional embodiments, at least one processing module comprises a plurality of microwave emitters configured to emit microwaves in distinct directions and toward a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor.

[0030] These embodiments make it possible to optimize the diffusion of heat in the pallet.

[0031] In optional embodiments, at least two processing modules each comprise a conveyor segment such that once placed end to end, the conveyor is formed from a succession of conveyor segments.

[0032] These embodiments make it possible to implement modules comprising all of the elements necessary for carrying out the processing.

[0033] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets formed in several parts, which comprises: - a step of transporting a wooden packaging pallet on a conveyor, - a primary temperature capture step, to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, - a primary moisture capture step, to capture a value representative of the moisture of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, - an initial step of adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by the first set, - at least two processing steps organized in series, each processing step comprising at least one step of emitting microwaves towards the conveyor so as to heat the wooden packaging pallet transported by this conveyor, - at least one secondary temperature capture step, for capturing a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing step located downstream of at least one other processing step, - at least one secondary humidity capture step, to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a treatment step located downstream of at least one other treatment step and - a secondary step of adapting an operating parameter of at least one processing step located downstream of a pair of secondary temperature and humidity capture steps as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured during said secondary capture steps.

[0034] The advantages of the method which is the subject of the present invention being similar to those of the device which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here. Brief description of the figures

[0035] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0036] [Fig.l] schematically represents a particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention,

[0037] [Fig.2] schematically represents a particular embodiment of a module processing of the device which is the subject of the present invention and

[0038] [Fig.3] represents, schematically and in the form of a flowchart, a succession of particular steps of the method which is the subject of the present invention.

[0039] Description of embodiments of the invention

[0040] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0041] It should be noted from now on that the figures are not to scale.

[0042] As understood from reading this description, various concepts inventive methods may be implemented by one or more methods or devices described below, several examples of which are provided herein. The actions or steps performed in carrying out the method or device may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, it is possible to construct embodiments in which the actions or steps are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing certain acts simultaneously, even if they are shown as sequential acts in the illustrated embodiments.

[0043] The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in a embodiment, to A only (possibly including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (possibly including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to A and B (possibly including other elements); etc.

[0044] As used herein in the description and claims, "or" is to be understood inclusively.

[0045] As used in this specification and in the claims, the expression "at least one", with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the expression "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0046] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", and the like, are to be understood as being open, i.e., as meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0047] In the present description, the term “packaging wood” refers to any plant species used as packaging or cushioning material, in particular for food products.

[0048] In the present description, the term "wooden packaging pallet" refers to any wooden packaging structure for packaging or wedging a logistics batch. Such a pallet corresponds, for example, to a standardized support structure formed from wooden packaging. A pallet can correspond to any structure, without limit of size or shape.

[0049] By "pallet part" is meant any part assembled to form the pallet. Such a part means, for example, a top board, a bottom board or an intermediate board.

[0050] [Fig.l], which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This device 100 for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets formed in several parts comprises: - a conveyor 105 configured to transport a pallet 101 of packaging wood, - at least two treatment modules, 110 and 115, organized in series along the conveyor, each module comprising at least one microwave emitter 120 oriented towards the conveyor so as to heat a wooden packaging pallet transported by this conveyor, - a primary 125 assembly comprising: - a primary temperature sensor 130, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules and - a primary humidity sensor 135, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - an initial means 140 for adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by the first set, - at least one secondary set 145 comprising: - a secondary temperature sensor 150, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and - a secondary humidity sensor 155, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and - a secondary means 160 for adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module located downstream of a secondary assembly as a function of the representative value of temperature and humidity captured by the secondary temperature and humidity sensors.

[0051] The conveyor 105 may correspond to any type of conveyor suitable for the pallets to be transported. For example, this conveyor 105 may be: - a belt conveyor, - a roller conveyor or - a modular belt conveyor.

[0052] The dimensions of the conveyor 105 depend on the type of pallet 101 to be treated and the characteristics of these pallets. For example, if the pallet 101 is formed of thick structural elements, the conveyor 105 may have an increased length, allowing the microwaves to act for a longer time on the pallet 101. Similarly, the maximum width and / or height of the pallet 101 to be treated may impact the sizing of the conveyor 105. Similarly, the conveying speed may be adapted.

[0053] In embodiments, the conveyor 105 may have a length of ten meters with respect to the portion affected by the different processing modules, 110, 115 and 116.

[0054] The function of the conveyor 105 is to move the pallets 101 through the different modules, 110, 115, 116 and 165.

[0055] In variants, the conveyor 105 is external to the modules 110, 115, 116 and 165.

[0056] In optional embodiments, the conveyor 105 is formed at least partially from conveyor segments 106 belonging to modules, 110, 115, 116 and / or 165. In these embodiments, the pallet in modules, 110, 115, 116 and 165, causes the formation of the conveyor 105 in the more general sense, i.e. connecting the input and the output of the device 100.

[0057] In variants, the device 100 comprises a preparation zone upstream of the conveyor 105, allowing visual inspection of the pallets 101 or the carrying out of pre-treatments on the pallets 101.

[0058] In variants, the device 100 comprises a delivery zone at the outlet of the conveyor 105, allowing visual inspection of the pallets 101 processed or the carrying out of post-treatments on the pallets 101 processed by the modules 110, 115, 116 and 165.

[0059] Before treatment by the first treatment module 110, a pallet 101 is analyzed by the implementation of the primary set 125 of sensors, which comprises: - a primary temperature sensor 130, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least a part of a pallet 101 made of packaging wood transported by the conveyor 105, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, 110, 115 and / or 116, and - a primary humidity sensor 135, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet 101 transported by the conveyor 105, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, 110, 115 and / or 116.

[0060] The primary temperature sensor 130 is configured to measure the temperature or its variations of a pallet 101. The main categories of primary temperature sensor 130 Temperature sensors that can be implemented include thermocouples, platinum resistors, thermistors, infrared sensors, pyrometers, fiber optic sensors, and semiconductor sensors.

[0061] This primary temperature sensor 130 can be mobile and operated by a user. This primary temperature sensor 130 can be associated, via a data network, with a control center of the device 100.

[0062] The primary humidity sensor 135 is configured to measure the humidity or its variations of a pallet 101. The main categories of primary humidity sensor 135 that can be implemented include resistance hygrometers, capacitance hygrometers, absorption hygrometers, optical hygrometers, dew point hygrometers, pulse hygrometers and gravimetric hygrometers.

[0063] This primary humidity sensor 135 can be mobile and operated by a user. This primary humidity sensor 135 can be associated, via a data network, with a control center of the device 100.

[0064] The initial adaptation means 140 is implemented as a function of the temperature-humidity value pair captured by the primary set 125 of sensors.

[0065] This initial adaptation means 140 can be associated with a module 110 or with a set of processing modules, 110, 115 and / or 116, so as to configure these processing modules, 110, 115 and / or 116, for the processing to be carried out on the pallet 101.

[0066] The configuration of a processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, is carried out, for example, by adapting the microwave frequency, the microwave emission power, the microwave emission duration of at least one microwave emitter 120 associated with a processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116. When a processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, comprises a plurality of microwave emitters, 120, 121 and / or 122, this adaptation can be carried out by selectively activating all or part of the emitters, 120, 121 and / or 122.

[0067] In variants, the default microwave frequency is 2.45 GHz.

[0068] In variants, the cumulative nominal power of the microphone transmitters 120 waves of a module is between 4 and 8 kW. In variants, the cumulative nominal power of the microwave emitters 120 of a module is between 5 and 7 kW. In variants, the cumulative nominal power of the microwave emitters 120 of a module is approximately 6 kW.

[0069] In variants, at least one processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, comprises a pallet presence sensor 101 configured to, in the absence of a pallet, inhibit the activation of each microwave emitter 120 of said processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116.

[0070] In variants, at least one waveguide may be implemented to increase the efficiency of a microwave transmitter 120.

[0071] The configuration of a processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, may depend on calculation rules or algorithms.

[0072] For example, if the pallet 101 reaches a predetermined limit temperature for a determined sensed humidity value, corresponding to a risk of damage to the pallet 101, the microwave emitter 120 of the processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, can be deactivated.

[0073] If this palette 101 reaches a temperature between a high value and the predetermined limit value previously defined, for a sensed humidity value, the microwave emitter 120 of the processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, may see the microwave emission power reduced.

[0074] Conversely, if this pallet 101 reaches a temperature lower than a predetermined limit value, considered too low, for a captured humidity value, the microwave emitter 120 of the processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, may see the microwave emission power increase.

[0075] The initial adaptation means 140 may correspond to a control center (not shown) of the device 100, performing the functions of said initial adaptation means 140 and of all or part of the secondary adaptation means 160.

[0076] Each processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, as shown in [Fig.2], comprises a microwave transmitter 120 operating according to the configuration ordered by the initial adaptation means 140 and / or the secondary adaptation means 160 where appropriate.

[0077] Functionally, a treatment module, 110, 115 and / or 116, corresponds to a unit for heating a pallet 101 according to a certain intensity and for a certain duration, which depends on the speed of movement of the conveyor 105.

[0078] It is therefore understood that the processing modules, 110, 115 and / or 116, can be organized into distinct structures or belong to a single mechanically integral structure.

[0079] The number of processing modules, 110, 115 and / or 116, is not limited and the device 100 comprises at least two. Each processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, comprises an input and an output.

[0080] Upstream of the input of a processing module 115, a secondary set 145 of sensors is implemented. This secondary set 145 comprises: - a secondary temperature sensor 150, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and - a secondary humidity sensor 155, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module.

[0081] The secondary temperature sensor 150 is similar to the primary temperature sensor 130.

[0082] The secondary humidity sensor 155 is similar to the primary humidity sensor 155.

[0083] The function of the secondary set 145 of sensors is to determine, at the output of a processing module, 110 and / or 115, the state of the pallet 101 in terms of temperature and humidity. This allows, for the processing module, 115 and / or 116, following in succession, to adapt, via a secondary adaptation means 160, the operating conditions of the microwave emitter 120 of said processing module, 115 and / or 116, following.

[0084] Another way of conceiving the function of this secondary assembly 145 consists in that this function is to determine, at the input of a processing module, 115 and / or 116, the state of the pallet 101 in terms of temperature and humidity. This allows, for the processing module, 115 and / or 116, to adapt, via a secondary adaptation means 160, the operating conditions of the microwave emitter 120 of said processing module, 115 and / or 116.

[0085] Thus, each secondary assembly 145 can be placed at the level of a processing module, 110 and / or 115, upstream of a module associated with a determined secondary adaptation means 160 or at the input of a processing module, 115 and / or 116, of a module associated with a secondary adaptation means 160.

[0086] Thus, as can be understood, from the state (temperature and humidity) of a pallet 101 at the outlet of a module numbered n, the operating parameters of the module numbered n+1 can be adapted.

[0087] Each secondary adaptation means 160 is similar to the initial adaptation means 140.

[0088] In particular embodiments, at least one processing module, 110 and / or 115, comprises a plurality of microwave emitters, 120, 121 and / or 122, configured to emit microwaves towards distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor 105.

[0089] In particular embodiments, the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a plurality of: - primary temperature sensors 130, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - primary humidity sensors 135, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - secondary temperature sensors 150, configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and / or - secondary humidity sensors 155, configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of separate parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module, at least the initial adaptation means 140 and / or the secondary adaptation means 160 being configured to control the adaptation of at least one microwave emitter, 120, 121 and / or 122, as a function of the temperature and / or humidity captured for at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor.

[0090] In these embodiments, at least the initial adaptation means 140 and / or the secondary adaptation means 160 operate as mentioned elsewhere in this description, but can be limited to a determined part of a pallet to be treated or by globally adapting the temperature obtained in a subsequent module as a function of values ​​of a pair of temperature and humidity values ​​for one or more parts of a pallet leaving a previous module.

[0091] In particular embodiments, at least the initial adaptation means 140 and / or the secondary adaptation means 160 is configured to control a microwave emission power towards a determined part of a wooden packaging pallet as a function of the temperature and / or humidity captured for said part of the pallet.

[0092] In these embodiments, at least the initial adaptation means 140 and / or the secondary adaptation means 160 operates as mentioned elsewhere in this description, but is limited to a determined part of a pallet to be treated. Thus, for example, a pair of temperature and humidity values ​​is captured for a determined part and, as a function, a microwave emission power in the following module is adapted according to a target setpoint value.

[0093] In particular embodiments, at least one secondary adaptation means 160 is configured to adapt a determined operating parameter so as to reduce the heating intensity of at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet 101 when the pair of representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by a secondary temperature sensor 150 and by a secondary humidity sensor 155 is located within a range of predetermined limit values ​​for this couple.

[0094] In particular embodiments, the device 100 comprises a plurality of secondary adaptation means, 160 and 161, each associated with a separate processing module, 115 and 116, which are configured to adapt a determined operating parameter as a function of a pair of values ​​captured by a secondary assembly 145 associated with a processing module positioned upstream of the processing modules associated with the plurality of secondary adaptation means.

[0095] In these embodiments, a plurality of processing modules, 115 and 116, are affected by the temperature-humidity state of a pallet 101 at the output of a processing module 105.

[0096] These embodiments make it possible to program a heating curve of the pallet 101 as this pallet 101 passes through the processing modules, 105, 115 and 116.

[0097] For example, it may be desirable to heat a pallet 101 to a temperature too high to be maintained in a processing module 115 before reducing the heating temperature of this pallet 101 in a downstream processing module 116.

[0098] In these embodiments, at least one secondary adaptation means, 160 and 161, is associated with a position identifier in the succession of processing modules, at least one such secondary adaptation module being configured to adapt an operating parameter as a function of the position identifier associated with said secondary module.

[0099] Such a position identifier may be absolute, such as a number in the succession of modules, or relative, such as a number of modules separating a determined module from a module associated with a secondary set 140 of sensors.

[0100] In such embodiments, a gradual change in parameter values ​​of microwave emitters 120 may be associated with a processing module number. For example, the first processing module downstream of a processing module for which a temperature-humidity pair has been sensed increases the temperature of the pallet to a first determined value, while the second processing module reduces the temperature of the pallet to a second determined value.

[0101] In particular embodiments, the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a cooling module 165, positioned downstream of the treatment modules 110, 115 and / or 116, configured to cool the wooden packaging pallet 101.

[0102] The cooling module 165 implements any type of known cooling means. Such a cooling means may be air, water, oil or cryogenic liquid for example.

[0103] In particular embodiments, the device 100 which is the subject of the present The invention comprises a secondary means 170 for adapting an operating parameter of at least one cooling module located downstream of a secondary temperature sensor as a function of a pair of values ​​captured by a secondary assembly 145.

[0104] The secondary adaptation means 170 is similar to the secondary adaptation means 140.

[0105] This secondary adaptation means 170 is configured to regulate the intensity of the cooling of the pallet 101 as a function of the temperature and humidity of the pallet 101 upstream of the cooling module 165.

[0106] In variants, the device 100 comprises a plurality of cooling modules. These modules can be interposed between processing modules.

[0107] In particular embodiments, a suitable operating parameter is a microwave emission power or a cooling power.

[0108] In particular embodiments, at least one processing module, 110, 115 and / or 116, comprises a plurality of microwave emitters, 120, 121 and / or 122, configured to emit microwaves in distinct directions and towards a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor 105.

[0109] In variants, at least one transmitter 120 is positioned above the pallet 101 during the passage of this pallet 101 in the module.

[0110] In variants, at least one transmitter 121 is positioned below the pallet 101 during the passage of this pallet 101 in the module.

[0111] In variants, at least one transmitter 122 is positioned on the side of the pallet 101 during the passage of this pallet 101 in the module.

[0112] In particular embodiments, at least two processing modules, 110 and 115, each comprise a conveyor segment 106 such that once placed end to end, the conveyor is formed from a succession of conveyor segments.

[0113] In variants, the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a means (not shown) for marking the pallet 101. Such a marking means corresponds, for example, to a laser marker configured to engrave, on the pallet 101, a date of completion of the treatment by the device 100 and / or indicators representative of operating conditions of the device 100 for example.

[0114] In variants, the internal dimensions of the modules, forming a tunnel around the conveyor 105, are selected to correspond to the shapes of a typical pallet 101. By corresponding to the shapes, it is meant that the dimensions of a cross-section of the tunnel, along a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of movement of the conveyor 105, are greater than and close to the dimensions of a cross-section of a typical pallet 101 along the same plane. This proximity may be absolute, that is to say, for example, be made from a predetermined section in adding a predetermined safety margin on each side (a few centimeters, for example). Such a safety margin may correspond, for example, to a margin of less than 15 centimeters, 10 centimeters or less than 5 centimeters, for example. This proximity may be relative, that is, for example, be achieved from a predetermined section by adding a relative safety margin on each side (5% of the value of the dimension, for example). A reduced section of the tunnel makes it possible to optimize the temperature reached by the pallet 101 and reduces the electrical consumption of the device 100 to reach this temperature.

[0115] [Fig. 3] shows schematically a particular succession of steps of the method 300 which is the subject of the present invention. This method 300 for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets formed in several parts comprises: - a step 305 of transporting a wooden packaging pallet on a conveyor, - a primary temperature capture step 310, to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, - a step 315 of primary humidity capture, to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, - an initial step 320 of adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by the first set, - at least two processing steps 325, 330 organized in series, each processing step comprising at least one step of emitting microwaves towards the conveyor so as to heat the wooden packaging pallet transported by this conveyor, - at least one secondary temperature capture step 335, for capturing a value representative of the temperature of at least one part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing step located downstream of at least one other processing step, - at least one secondary humidity capture step 340, for capturing a value representative of the humidity of at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a treatment step located downstream of at least one other treatment step and - a secondary step 345 of adapting an operating parameter of at least one processing step located downstream of a pair of secondary temperature and humidity capture steps as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured during said secondary capture steps.

[0116] A particular embodiment of the method 300 which is the subject of the present invention is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, above.

Claims

1. Claims Device (100) for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets formed in several parts, characterized in that it comprises: - a conveyor (105) configured to transport a pallet (101) of packaging wood, - at least two treatment modules (110, 115) organized in series along the conveyor, each module comprising at least one microwave emitter (120) oriented towards the conveyor so as to heat a pallet of packaging wood transported by this conveyor, - a primary assembly (125) comprising: - a primary temperature sensor (130), configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules and - a primary humidity sensor (135), configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - an initial means (140) for adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module as a function of the representative values ​​of temperature and humidity captured by the first assembly, - at least one secondary assembly (145) comprising: - a secondary temperature sensor (150), configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module and - a secondary humidity sensor (155), configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least a portion of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module And - a secondary means (160) for adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module located downstream of a secondary assembly as a function of the representative value of temperature and humidity captured by the secondary temperature sensors and of humidity.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one processing module (110, 115) comprises a plurality of microwave emitters (120, 121, 122) configured to emit microwaves towards distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor (105).

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, which comprises a plurality of: - primary temperature sensors (130), configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - primary humidity sensors (135), configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, positioned upstream of the treatment modules, - secondary temperature sensors (150), configured to capture a value representative of the temperature of distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a treatment module located upstream of at least one other treatment module and / or - secondary humidity sensors (155),configured to capture a value representative of the humidity of distinct parts of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing module located upstream of at least one other processing module, at least the initial adaptation means (140) and / or the secondary adaptation means (160) being configured to control the adaptation of at least one microwave emitter (120, 121, 122) as a function of the temperature and / or the humidity captured for at least one part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor.,

4. Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least the initial adaptation means (140) and / or the secondary adaptation means (160) is configured to control a microwave emission power towards a determined part of a wooden packaging pallet as a function of the temperature and / or humidity sensed for said part of the pallet.

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which a secondary adaptation means (160) is configured to adapt a determined operating parameter so as to reduce the intensity of heating a wooden packaging pallet when the pair of representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured by a secondary temperature sensor (150) and by a secondary humidity sensor (155) is located within a range of predetermined limit values ​​for this pair.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a plurality of secondary adaptation means (160, 161), each associated with a separate processing module (115, 116), which are configured to adapt a determined operating parameter as a function of a pair of values ​​captured by a secondary assembly (145) associated with a processing module positioned upstream of the processing modules associated with the plurality of secondary adaptation means.

7. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which at least one secondary adaptation means (160, 161) is associated with a position identifier in the succession of processing modules, at least one such secondary adaptation module being configured to adapt an operating parameter as a function of the position identifier associated with said secondary module.

8. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which a suitable operating parameter is a microwave emission power.

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which at least two treatment modules (110, 115) each comprise a conveyor segment (106) such that once placed end to end, the conveyor is formed from a succession of conveyor segments.

10. Method (300) for microwave treatment of wooden packaging pallets formed in several parts, characterized in that it comprises: - a step (305) of transporting a wooden packaging pallet on a conveyor, - a step (310) of primary temperature capture, to capture a value representative of the temperature of at least one part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, - a step (315) of primary humidity capture, to capture a value representative of the humidity of at least one part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, - an initial step (320) of adapting an operating parameter of at least one treatment module as a function of the representative values temperature and humidity captured by the first set, - at least two processing steps (325, 330) organized in series, each processing step comprising at least one step of emitting microwaves towards the conveyor so as to heat the wooden packaging pallet transported by this conveyor, - at least one secondary temperature capture step (335), for capturing a value representative of the temperature of at least one part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a processing step located downstream of at least one other processing step, - at least one secondary humidity capture step (340), for capturing a value representative of the humidity of at least part of a wooden packaging pallet transported by the conveyor, associated with a treatment step located downstream of at least one other treatment step and - a secondary step (345) of adapting an operating parameter of at least one processing step located downstream of a pair of secondary temperature and humidity capture steps as a function of the representative temperature and humidity values ​​captured during said secondary capture steps.

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